The Officials Role

The basic Role of the official can be broken down into two simple words -"safe" and "fair". By viewing and officiating the game with these two words in mind, an official should be able to call a game that is acceptable to all of the participants.

There is no good excuse for an official not to penalize any infraction that threatens the safety of another participant and Hockey Canada calls upon all officials to strictly enforce these types of infractions.

The word "fair" does allow some flexibility in determining which infractions will and will not be penalized. Any infraction that takes away a good scoring chance should be penalized. However, some infractions, although obvious infractions by the wording in the rulebook, can be overlooked if no advantage is gained. Remember that it is the "spirit" or "intent" of the rule that determines an infraction, not the literal wording. This will be interpreted differently in each game, depending on the official, the level of play and the style of play. As officials develop their officiating skills, their "feel for the game" and "judgement" will help them determine the officiating style needed in each game.

Infractions after the whistle should also be penalized accordingly, with emphasis placed on penalizing the instigator of such activity.

The Officials Code of Conduct

The Hockey Canada Officiating Program "Official's Code of Ethics" provides guidance to registered officials across Canada. The Hockey Canada Branches and their members should expect from Hockey Canada Officiating Program officials the highest possible standards of personal integrity, competence, sound judgement and discretion. Developed by the former Hockey Canada Referees Committee, the Official's Code of Ethics is its public declaration of an official's obligation to himself, his peers and the game.

I will—

· do the best job I can in each game, no matter what the category of hockey.

· always show respect for my fellow officials, the players, coaches and fans.

· treat all other participants and spectators of the game with respect at all times. Use of abusive language or gestures (reverse abuse) is completely unacceptable under any circumstances.

· study and continue to improve my knowledge of the Hockey Canada playing rules, the Hockey Canada Officiating Program policies and procedures.

· represent myself and the rules of the game as fairly and as accurately as possible at all times.

· when required, I will promptly report all penalties involving potential disciplinary action to the appropriate authorities.

· always be unquestionably impartial, keeping a professional and appropriate distance from teams

· understand that the use of alcohol is not encouraged and is totally unacceptable on game days. The use of illicit drugs is against the law.

· uphold the philosophy and right of all hockey participants to "Fair Play" and penalize accordingly all violent acts.

· raise the standard of play in each game that I officiate.

· be supportive of my fellow on-ice and off-ice officials at all times, even when I am a spectator.

· accept the fact that I will make mistakes, but I will not get frustrated or let this learning process affect my performance or my professionalism.

· contribute to the continuing growth of the Hockey Canada Officiating Program and its officials within my Branch through support, encouragement and positive attitude.

· respect and accept constructive feedback from supervisors and the assignments I receive from my administrators.

By registering with your Branch in the Hockey Canada Officiating Program implies that you understand and will comply with the Official's Code of Ethics. Officials not complying will be subject to disciplinary action.

This disciplinary action is to be administered by the Branch Referee-in-Chief or designate. All disciplinary action and investigations leading up to any disciplinary action shall remain confidential and shall not be disclosed to individuals not party to any disciplinary proceedings, except as may be necessary for the purpose of enforcing any disciplinary action or as otherwise required by law.