1 Pre-Game 30 minutes before game Both officials enter field together 20 minutes before game Walk the field No players behind nets if others shooting 15 minutes before game Both officials meet with both coaches Meet with Home team first Ask “Are all of your players legally equipped by rule?” Does the Goalie know what to do if his equipment breaks? Get numbers of captains and In-home 10 minutes before game Coin Toss – No whistles until face-off Talk with face-off players 9 minutes before game Talk with table personnel Go to far side midfield and do stick and equipment checks. 3 minutes before game Check the goal nets for holes Balls (4) on end-line or a ball-boy (with equipment)
2 Reminders Hustle to get into the correct position and make the right calls. If a coach asks a question and you cannot stop to talk, let him know that you’ll be back and will speak with him when you have the chance. When you do engage the coach, listen first and then explain your call. If a coach is just commenting out loud, you may not need to respond. Use the 5-step ladder with coaches: Provide a verbal warning. Conduct, a technical foul, to take the ball away. Conduct, a 30 sec. technical foul, time serving. Unsportsmanlike Conduct (USC), 1 min., non-releasable. Second USC, 1+ min., non-releasable, coach ejected. Skip steps only when justified should flagrant misconduct occur. Remember SAO: Safety, Advantage/Disadvantage, and the Obvious. Do not create trouble for yourself or be too good of a referee; you are there to officiate the game, not to “find” penalties. Grant the timeout if the player had possession when timeout was called, even if it quickly comes loose. Count the field so neither team starts a man up or down by accident. If you point the wrong way or call the wrong color for possession, notify all of the correct call and give them time to get the right personnel on the field. Get the call right by talking with your partner. It may look sloppy to change an improper call, but it is always better to get it right. As always... review the rule book, scan the officiating forums, and consult with peers and mentors on any questions
3-Man Pre-Game Faceoff Lead Has whistle on restart for a violation Discuss Leapfrog or not Single Side Head to goal immediately and cover goal for Lead Has 20-second and 10-second counts Watch Restraining line violations Bench Head to goal immediately Watch Restraining line violations General: Address who counts which team Decide when to do stick checks, who gets whom Decide how to communicate on stalling Who has whistle on Single Side out of bounds. Communicate penalties to partners. Know the time on the game clock: Before a quarter starts – should read 12:00 Once a quarter starts – it should start on the whistle On time-outs – it should stop when whistle blows On penalties – announce what time penalty will release Single Side Positioning Break to midfield on a transition. Stay at midfield about 2 seconds after ball crosses. Position 5 yards in front of GLE. Move in and out as Lead gets pushed out Move to GLE if Lead has to move off Responsibilities Watches the shooter and passer for late hits. Has all 20-second and 10-second counts Is primary for offsides. Watch feet of shooter for crease violation if moving towards you, Watch shooter’s back for push if moving away. Trail Positioning Sweep substitution box. Keep it clean. Is secondary for offsides. Count players forward. Position at top of box about 31 yard line. Get to midfield on a slow roller towards center Responsibilities Has 4 second Goalie count on turnover Has whistle on alley restart if ball is above GLE Watch subs Lead Positioning GLE, move in and out with ball Move off of GLE if contested near endline Chase shots to endline Responsibilities Has whistle on alley restart if ball is below GLE Has whistle for entire endline Watch feet of shooter for crease violation if moving towards you, Watch shooter’s back for push if moving away.
4 NCAA Pregame