7 – REFEREE-IN-CHIEF™ – EDDIE – 5 Positive Lessons Players Learn From Respecting Referees

Referee-in-Chief Eddie™ · 

Who this lesson helps: Youth Players and the adults guiding them.

Players who respect referees learn to manage frustration without sacrificing competitive effort. A disputed call can feel unfair, but arguing with an official may take attention away from the next responsibility. Coaches can teach a specific response.

A Situation You May Recognize

A Player spends a shift discussing a previous call instead of helping the Team. The complaint may be understandable, but it is now affecting the current play. A simple reset routine offers an alternative.

Players respecting referees: Practical Steps

Teach Players to stop prohibited comments, follow directions, and return to their next task. Let the authorized Team representative handle necessary questions. Discuss concerns afterward using the actual rule and facts rather than the loudest opinion.

Avoid This Common Trap

Do not tell a child that every official is always right. That weakens credibility. Explain that mistakes and disagreements can happen, while respect and proper procedures still govern how concerns are handled.

Your Next Development Step

Use a practice discussion: a close call goes against your Team; what do you do next? Look for an answer that names a controllable action. Rehearse the response so it is available when emotion rises.

A Short Video Script for Eddie

Proposed spoken script for this lesson; the matching video has not yet been recorded.

A disputed call can be frustrating. Respect the official, follow directions, and return to your job. Let your Coach handle the proper questions. Your next play still needs your full attention.

Use the Right Rules for Your Assignment

This is original development guidance from The Hockey Resource™. Confirm requirements with your Referee-in-Chief or assignor. Game rules, certification, reporting, and permitted procedures depend on the governing body and competition; the age of an official is separate from the age division of the Players.

For Canadian assignments, use the Hockey Canada officiating resources and your Member’s instructions. For USA Hockey assignments, consult the official rules and casebook. These resources support verification; THR lessons do not replace required training.

Continue with Eddie’s advice for new Hockey referees. Bring one question from this lesson to a qualified mentor and agree on one action for your next assignment.

DISAGREE WITH THE CALL. RESPECT THE PERSON.

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