1. Dealing with Harassment
Presentation for the Concordia University Intramural Hockey Referees 2004 Season
By Lior Doron M.Sc.

2. Agenda Introduction Conflict Avoidance = Better Communication
When things go wrong
Ideal Responses
Mental
Physical (Poses)
Getting Mentally Tough
Q & A

3. Sports Psychology Create, recreate and maintain peak performance
Good performances and make better
Optimize thinking so that performance is enhanced

4. Communication
One of the best way to avoid conflict in to work on your COMMUNICATION skills.
When can you work on this?
Use your judgment

5. Communicating – Prior to the Game
Upon Arriving to the Rink
1) Be professional in your dialogue
2) Look (somewhat) professional
3) Be on time (ideally 15 min before)
Pre-game warm - up
a) Meeting with captain?
b) Dropping the puck

6. Communicating – During the Game
1) Use your voice
2) Verbal Cues – Listen to them
3) Penalty Procedures – Avoid path of
player

7. Hockey Rink Diagram

8. Communicating – During the Game
Dealing with “the FAN”
Avoid YOU and replace with I
I noticed that…
I hear your frustration but…
I realize that…

9. Communicating – After the Game
Talk with players near referee circle
Allows exchange of ideas rather than
us vs. them notion
Talk with your partner
Communicate with myself, other referees, other tools

10. Communicating Your Image
Realize that you are constantly being watched  (sounds scary)
The image you portray has an impact on the way players talk to you
Then, it affects the way players may talk to other referees

11. Friendly or Foe? Receptive? Listening? Good Communication?
Say “that’s enough”… afterwards onus on player

12. Friendly or Foe? In control (emotions) Calm, cool collective
Use of hands (open vs. closed palm, pointing)

13. Friendly or Foe Eye contact, lacks confidence
One person at a time (especially with many penalties)
Sure of explanation, clear, concise, receptive

14. Friendly or LAZY?!?
What does this communicate?

15. In Adversity Communicate in a calm, cool collective way
Think carefully of your words (I vs. You)
Be sensitive to your expressions, gestures and your poses 
Use your judgment

16. Mental Toughness Reaction after 1, 2 or 3 abusive games
Interpreting stress (yell at Jersey)
Not taking things personally
Focus on things that are in your control

17. Gaining Mental Toughness

18. Abusive Games Procedure
Question yourself & your abilities
Referee world (we do not win)
Evaluate your own performance
Positioning on goals
Enjoyment of game (notice a good pass, break-out etc.)
Etc.
What do you do?

19. Comebacks – Responding to Abuse
Ignoring, penalizing and responding
You missed a call Ref!
I didn’t see it but I’ll try and look for the next one
There are two teams out there!
- Yes, but your team is playing more aggressive
Is the player suspended?
- I do not know – speak to Mike
Other?!?

20. Questions?
Questions related to dealing with harassment or other sports psychology issues?
Contact information
Lior Doron
Your Mental Skills Coach