Congratulations to the 11 MA Officials that have been selected to work National Tournaments this week! Officials Why does USA Hockey endorse only one system for three Officials? From an education perspective, it is most effective to select one system and establish a training program for one system. Rule Reference 501(a). It is widely recognized, world-wide, that the one referee two linesman system is the best three-official system for total on-ice coverage and for the development of officials. USA Hockey’s officiating program closely monitors all officiating systems that are used by the various governing bodies for practical inclusion in our programs. At this time, the approved systems recognized in this rule are the only officiating systems allowed for use in USA Hockey sanctioned full-ice games. Referee Does the Referee have the authority to prohibit teams from proceeding through the “hand shake” line following an unusually rough or chippy game? Yes. Rule Reference 502(a). The Referee is charged with the general supervision of the game. It is well within his authority to prohibit this common practice of a “hand shake” line in the event that he feels a problem may arise if the teams are allowed to shake hands. The safety of the players and preventative measures should be the priority. Referee / Linesman A goal is scored; however, before the play resumes the Linesman notifies the Referee that the play should have been called for icing. What should the Referee do? The Referee must disallow the goal and the face-off would take place at the normal icing face-off spot. Rule Reference 502(a). Although procedurally, the icing situation was not handled correctly, the obligation of the officials is to do their best to make the right call. | 
