5 - Team Competition & Officials

Referee Information

Current officials must do a refresher course every 3 years to be eligible to officially referee games, however it is compulsory for officials to complete an officials course every time a new IIHF Rule Book is presented, usually every four years. Officials should be encouraged to do refresher courses whenever possible.

A minimum of two game officials are required for a game to commence.

It is the responsibility of the Game Referee to ensure that the original Game Report is signed by Team Managers or Coaches before the game. The original Game Report and Referees Incident Report must be returned to the IHNSW Executive Officer on the first working day of the following week, so that any reports can be acted upon and for payments of officials. Only original copies will be accepted for these purposes. The MVP number is to be recorded by the Referee on the original Game Report form.

So that the Executive Officer can notify players of any automatic suspension / Tribunal that may be applicable to a penalty/offence received, referees must note on the IHNSW Incident Report the relevant offence as listed on the IHNSW Schedule of Offences.

If a club official draws the referee's attention to an unauthorised person on the bench or a spectator in an unprotected area of the rink, the referee has the power to stop the game until the unregistered official or spectator has been moved, with the clock still running until the person has moved. Failure to move can result in citing him/her or the family member playing, for disciplinary purposes.

If the Referee inadvertently allows a player to play whilst failing to meet the uniform & equipment rules (such as face & neck guards), the opposing team captain must advise the referee and the referee will enforce the appropriate IIHF Rules. If the player does not comply then the referee will suspend play until such time that either the player leaves the ice or abides by the ruling.

In order for Bantam or Midget age players to be eligible to play in ANY playoffs, they must have completed the IHA Officials Course. (Once only).

Abuse of Officials will not be tolerated by IHNSW. Members are expected to support the decisions of officials at all times. If any member receives a second Abuse of Official penalty in the same season, they will be sent a letter from IHNSW. Any member that receives a third Abuse of Official penalty in the same season will be automatically called to an IHNSW Disciplinary Tribunal.

Officials are not permitted to Officiate above their age group. No minor age Officials may Referee or Line open grade games (ECSL/Senior B Division/Womens).