Hey Ref

Hey Ref – Know the rules

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Last Updated on Sunday, 27 May 2012 23:31

By Duncan Ryhorchuk

Hockey coaches teach their players to “go until the whistle blows.” Coaches want their players to play as hard as they can for every second the player is on the ice. This philosophy needs to be changed, because there are exceptions that coaches and players tend to overlook with this theory.

One exception would be classified under USA Hockey rule #633 (d). It states: “Slashing; A minor penalty shall be imposed on any player that makes stick contact with an opposing goalkeeper while he is in his goal crease, who has covered or caught the puck, regardless of whether or not the Referee has stopped play.”

How many times has an official heard from a player the statement, “the whistle hasn’t gone yet” or “the puck was loose”? Ask an official and they will say they hear this all the time, even after warning a player not to touch the goalie when he makes a save or covers the puck, and then explaining the situation to the coach. The coach usually then says, “I coach my players to play until the whistle” or “blow the whistle sooner.”

This action of slashing, knocking into, falling on the goalie and spraying the goalie with snow because the player is going hard to the net, are also sometimes used as a tactics to rattle good goalies. What usually happens next, is retaliation by the goalie’s teammates. Then the officials will hear, “I am just protecting my goalie.”

I am yet to find a rule, in any rulebook, that lets you retaliate. I presume that coaches also teach that when the official’s whistle blows to stop play, the players should stop! (In defense of some youth coaches, I believe that kids see this act of pushing after the whistle in pro hockey, so they may think it an acceptable action.)

Officials, there is no excuse for not knowing the rules. Yes, situations do arise which may call for a conference of on-ice officials or even an official referencing their rulebook to get the correct ruling. Coaches, we officials need your help. Teach your players to play within the rules. Teach them all the rules, not just what “offsides” or icing is, but what is or is not a penalty.

A while back I was officiating a senior men’s hockey game where one team’s players were ribbing my officiating partner about a call he made. The official turned to the bench and asked the players, “Can you even tell me the color of the USA Hockey rulebook”? The players laughed and started guessing blue, red, white, etc. Yes, sarcasm is not always warranted, but in certain situations it is acceptable. The point being, if you are going participate or teach the game, and comment on or argue the rules, you must first know the rules.

Knowing the two rules I have referenced is just a small part of helping the game go smoothly. If as a team member you do not know the rules, ask your league supervisor of officials to come and address your players, your league or association’s coaching staff.

If you have any comments, questions or an officiating subject that you would like expanded on, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .