Communication Skills for Hockey Officials

Courtesy of: HockeyRefs.Com

By Dave Jackson NHL Referee #8

The key to being a successful official is to have superior communication skills. An official who is aloof or who treats others with disrespect will never achieve the measure of success that comes to an official who communicates well.

Our boss at the NHL level has a motto that says,"Treat disrespect with respect" this has served him well. Remember, we as officials are the only ones on the ice without a vested interest in the final outcome. We are charged with upholding the integrity of the game. We cannot do this if we are constantly arguing and yelling at people.

When going to work a game, especially at the amateur level, don't go out of your way to avoid coaches before the game. Some of the best bridge building occurs over a cup of coffee in the lobby of the rink. The coach will see you as a person and not just an anonymous face with stripes. You might even get the opportunity to discuss officiating philosophies. Don't go seeking out team personnel but don't shy away from an opportunity if it presents itself. This type of interaction leads to a mutual respect between both parties.

Read the line-up cards, learn the names of players and coaches. People are much more receptive when addressed by name.

If a situation arises on the ice calling for multiple penalties or something out of the ordinary, take the opportunity to go to the bench and explain it directly to the coach or coaches. This will eliminate the chance of a misunderstanding by having the captain relay the message second-hand. Try to be brief and avoid long-winded conversations. Explain what is being assessed and why, then leave. Don't get sucked into allowing him to challenge your ruling.
Only go to the bench if you believe that the coach is in control of his emotions. If he isn't, then wait until the next stoppage when he's had a chance to cool down. When you are at the bench don't allow him to gesture wildly and/or yell. Be firm! Tell him that unless he stops acting abusively you'll be leaving and won't be coming back. Explain that you are there to talk with him. If he doesn't want to talk, then he's missed a valuable opportunity. More often than not, they will settle down and respond to your request.

Don't talk with coaches at the bench at the end of a period. Tell the captain that you'll be glad to speak with the coach before the beginning of the next period. It not only looks bad, but this gives the coach 10-15 minutes to cool down and regain his composure.

When having a discussion with a captain or alternate who's been sent by his coach, try to get him to agree with something you've said. He might disagree with your call but everyone in the building will see him nodding his head in agreement.

When a player comes to you swearing profusely, don't swear back at him. Instead, disarm him by asking why he feels the need to swear. Tell him that you don't swear at him and you'd appreciate the same respect. This will usually reduce his abuse and put you in control of the conversation.

If the Linesmen are ready to drop the puck and a player insists on coming over and talking, skate slowly over to where that player should be lined up. He'll follow you because he wants to be heard. When you get him where he should be, make a quick pivot and back away, raising your palm to let him know that the conversation is over. He'll usually stay put for the face-off. If he doesn't, then you've given him enough rope to hang himself.

When talking to a player, never allow him to be demonstrative or wave his arms. It looks like he's showing you up. Tell him to stop what he's doing or else you'll skate away.

Learn the players' names and use them during the play. Yell at a player and warn him that his stick is too high or he can't be grabbing at anyone. This will put him on notice that his play is on the edge. He'll realize that he's running the chance of being penalized and he'll appreciate the warning.

Learn the players' names and use them during the play. Yell at a player and warn him that his stick is too high or he can't be grabbing at anyone. This will put him on notice that his play is on the edge. He'll realize that he's running the chance of being penalized and he'll appreciate the warning.

If a player is fouled or receives a cheap shot and you signal a delayed penalty, yell at the non-offending player to make him aware that you are about to penalize the infraction. This may avoid a needless retaliation and it saves you potential scrums/fights etc.

It is important to communicate with your fellow officials as well. When you have multiple penalties in a scrum situation, call the linesmen by name and advise them as to who you are penalizing. This enables them to do their job more effectively and reduces the confusion.

If the need arises to discuss an infraction at the penalty bench with the other referee or linesman, be careful to avoid making any gestures or motions which may be interpreted incorrectly by players or coaches.

When assessing a penalty at the box, time your arrival so that it does not coincide with that of the penalized player. If he's slow going to the box then you can go directly there, make your signal and leave. If he goes directly to the box, then you can hesitate a few seconds then skate the long route to the box, arriving as the door is closed behind him. This will avoid unnecessary confrontations.

Finally, there needs to be good communication with your supervisors and superiors if you are to improve and succeed.

Don't argue with a supervisor. Don't agree with a supervisor just because you feel you have to.

Attempt at all times to cultivate an atmosphere of discussion where you can explain why you did something and the supervisor can explain why he feels it is a concern.

Be open-minded. Be able to admit to mistakes and take constructive criticism.

Avoid making excuses, be honest with yourself. If you disagree with an assessment, ask how to approach that situation in the future. Find out what is required of you to avoid making the same mistake twice. Always probe for a solution.

Ask questions. Hear what is being told to you. Use senior officials as a sounding board. Ask for advice.

Don't criticize other officials. Worry only about yourself otherwise you end up looking petty.

Talk about potential situations before the game, that way it will come naturally on the ice.

Set small attainable goals for yourself. You should be able to reach them easily and remain motivated to keep improving. If the goals you set for yourself are too lofty, then you begin to feel discouraged and angry.

Dave Jackson was born in Montreal, Quebec in 1964, he was hired by the NHL in 1989. Jackson also officiated in the all three CHL leagues along with the AHL, IHL, and CCHA. In his spare time he enjoys playing golf, and traveling along with instructing at two referee schools.

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