Zero Tolerance and Code of Conduct

Officials are required to conduct themselves in a businesslike, sportsmanlike, impartial, and constructive manner at all times. The actions of an official must always be above reproach.

Game Official’s Code of Conduct
• Act in a professional and businesslike manner at all times and take your role seriously.
• Strive to provide a safe and sportsmanlike environment in which players can properly display their hockey skills.
• Know all playing rules, their interpretations, and their proper application.
• Remember that officials are teachers. Set a good example.
• Make your calls with quiet confidence; never with arrogance.
• Manage and help to control games in cooperation with the coaches to provide a positive and safe experience for all participants.
• Violence must never be tolerated.
• Be fair and impartial at all times.
• Answer all reasonable questions and requests.
• Adopt a “zero tolerance” attitude toward verbal or physical abuse.
• Never use foul or vulgar language when speaking with a player, coach or parent.
• Use honesty and integrity when answering questions.
• Admit your mistakes when you make them.
• Never openly criticize a coach, player or fellow official.
• Keep your emotions under control.
• Use only USA Hockey-approved officiating techniques and policies.
• Maintain your health through a physical conditioning program.
• Dedicate yourself to personal improvement and maintenance of officiating skills.
• Respect your supervisor and their critique of your performance.

Rule 201 - Composition of Teams

During the course of the game, a team no longer has a properly registered coach available to them on the bench. Can the game continue?

Yes. Rule Reference 201(b).

The game shall be allowed to continue provided that team has adult supervision on the players’ bench. This person may come from the stands and should be a registered member of USA Hockey in some capacity. If no such person is available, the game should be suspended and a report provided to the proper authorities.

 Rule 614 - Falling On Puck

A goalkeeper skates out of the goal crease to cut down the angle on a shooter. Following the shot, the goalkeeper catches the puck in the air and drops it to the ice. They then decide to hold it against the boards, net, ice, or their body to obtain a stoppage of play. Should the Referee assess a minor penalty for delaying the game?

Yes. Rule Reference 614(c) and Glossary.

This action by the goalkeeper is not considered to be done in the “act of playing goal” and should be penalized. If the goalkeeper had sufficient time to drop the puck to the ice, they must be forced to play it.