1. Four Men Referee System
Hockey Canada

2. This resource is provided to illustrate and demonstrate the Two Referee (4 Man System) policies and procedures of Hockey Canada. Hockey Canada would like to thank the following for their assistance;
National Hockey League
Ontario Hockey Federation
Note: In an effort to make this document easy to understand and follow, it has been divided into the following headings: 1. Referee Positioning 2. Calling of Penalties 3. Face-Offs & Positioning for the National Anthem 4. Areas of Responsibility/Coverage of the Ice Surface/Philosophies of calling 5. Consultations 6. Penalty Shots KEYS TO SUCCESS OF THIS SYSTEM 1. Communication 2. Teamwork 3. Respect for Fellow Officials 4. Integrity of the Game

3. Contents Start of the Game Face-Offs End Zone Face-Off
End Zone Positioning – Sight Lines
Neutral Zone Face-Offs
End Zone Responsibilities
Calling Penalties

4. Start of the Game Face-Offs
FACE-OFFS AT THE START OF GAME AND PERIODS: The Referee who will conduct the face-off at the start of each period shall be determined prior to each period. It is suggested that the more ‘veteran’ Referee drop the puck to start the game and the other Referee will start subsequent periods of play. This Referee will drop the puck facing the Penalty Bench, while the other Referee will be on the Penalty Bench side.The Referee not conducting the face-off will go in the direction of the puck and assume that end of the ice. (see next slide)

5. End Zone Face-Off
POSITIONING FOR END ZONE FACE-OFFS: The Deep Referee shall position himself near the goal line (Home Base or Half Piston location) opposite the face-off location. The Back Referee shall position himself just outside the blue-line in the neutral zone on the same side of the ice as the face-off location. Getting good sight lines is the key to good positioning in the Two Referee System. At times it will be necessary to the Deep Referee to move to the opposite side of the ice to get a good view of the play and to avoid traffic. (this is not normal in amateur hockey, but would be accepted if deemed absolutely necessary). When this happens and when it is safe to do so, the Back Referee can shift sides of the ice in the neutral zone in order to maintain good sight lines from his location.

6. End Zone Positioning – Sight Lines
REFEREES’ POSITIONING AS PLAY PROCEEDS UP THE ICE: The lead Referee will prepare to move into the end zone, skating backwards, ahead of the play and not obstructing the view of the Linesman. The trailing Referee will follow the flow of the play, staying behind, keeping the last attacking player in clear view. NOTE: This positioning, going into the end zone may change, based on the movement of players when in pursuit of the puck. The Referee will use good judgment and anticipation with respect to movement of the puck to move to the opposite side of the ice. (In the OHA this is discouraged, but will be accepted only when no other recourse is available). The trailing Referee does not have to immediately adjust his position, but may do so, only when player position allows this and to ensure good sight lines into his partner’s end. If the note above becomes applicable (flowing as needed and even behind the net) it is important that the Trailing/Back Referee to wait a moment to see if it is ‘ok’ to switch sides. If the play remains in the end zone it is ‘ok’ to have both Referees on the same side, until they are sure that they will not get ‘caught’ by switching sides.

7. Positioning on Icings
 The Referees shall change ends following icing infractions. 
The Back Referee shall remain in the neutral zone facing the benches and shall conduct the line change procedure. 
The  Lead Referee shall skate down the ice (change of ends) into the zone where the ensuing face-off shall occur

8. Neutral Zone Face-Offs
POSITIONING FOR NEUTRAL ZONE FACE-OFS: The Referee responsible for the end that the face-off is being conducted will assume his normal position (as in the One Referee system in past years). After conducting the line change procedure, the Referee in the neutral zone will position himself on the same side as the face-off, seeking ice that is not anticipated being used and in favour of moving towards his designated end. For face-offs in the neutral zone, the trailing Referee who may or may not be positioned on the players’ bench side will control the player changes. He is encouraged to be visible – moving to the centre-ice face-off spot to make himself more visible to the Coaches. Changes will be done in accordance with Rule 2.5 – Change of Players.

9. End Zone Responsibilities
END ZONE RESPONSIBILITIES AND POSITIONING FOR THE BACK/TRAILING REFEREE: Following a stoppage in play the Trailing/Back Referee should move into the area between centre ice face-off circle and the blue line in order to observe and/or go deeper into the end zone to observe (if necessary) and assist in penalty calls. Referees, at no time, should become physically involved in an effort to prevent an altercation, unless absolutely necessary for safety reasons.

10. Calling Penalties
CALLING OF PENALTIES: When one Referee calls a penalty, he shall report the penalty following which he shall take his position in the zone of the attacking team. The other Referee shall conduct the line change procedure – then take his position in the neutral zone.
Both Referees with their arm up in preparation for the calling of a penalty, whether to the same player or different penalties (same or different teams), must communicate with one another to ensure that the appropriate call(s) have been made. Referees should never assume that the Referee is calling the same penalty. When there are multiple penalties to be called on any given play, the Two Referees will consult to ensure all appropriate penalties are assessed. Either Referee may relay this information to the Penalty Timekeeper. Linesmen should only gather at the penalty bench when there is a need. (I.e. When assessing penalties within their area of responsibility or when escorting penalized players to the Penalty Bench).