BOSTON, MA -- The sounding of the final buzzer does not necessarily mean the officials’ duties are done. For all leagues, the officials are required to review the game sheet for accuracy, making sure all player or coach penalties are correctly listed and then following-up with a written game report for those penalties in which the culprit was removed from the game. That report must be submitted to the governing body so proper disciplinary actions can be taken. The report also helps track players who, over a period of time, prove to be reckless. In those situations, discipline becomes more severe for repeat offenders and it is the responsibility of the officials to make sure that information is known and reported.

Why are game reports so important?

First, it gives you a voice in the process and preserves the essential facts of what happened in the game. It provides a basis for investigations and hearings by League Officials, Tournament Directors, Supervisors, and Disciplinary Boards. It evaluates how well an incident was handled and refreshes the official’s memory later if the incident becomes a legal matter.

Reports must be reader-friendly with clean handwriting and plain, simple words. It is written as it should be comprehended, and considers its audience.

So what goes into the report and what needs to be included? Who, What, Where, When, Why & How!

You must include accurate, concise facts. It needs to be mechanically correct with rule references, and make sure to be specific since many rules have subsections. Finally, the official needs to list what actions were taken. Note that you should not include your personal thoughts and feeling or anything vulgar.

Lastly, the report must done right after the game if possible. If not, before the end of the day, since most teams will more likely play the next day.  Reports are an essential part of your duties and a very important way to maintain a safe environment for players.

For those officials who are currently USA Hockey Registered or Members of National Ice Hockey Officials (NIHOA) Association who are interested in advancing to the junior and collegiate levels, we have several tournaments starting in November and at midget and junior level the tournaments that will include secondary training on player safety, game management, and on ice mechanics for all officiating systems.

After successful completion of the classes you will added to the staffs at the junior level to The United States Premier Hockey League and The Eastern Hockey League, which are the training leagues for Atlantic Hockey League.

All the training is free of charge and if you are capable of meeting the requirements I will also add you to the staffs of College Hockey America a Division 1 Women’s League and the following men’s leagues; the Division 2 Northeast 10 and at the Division 3 Northeast Conference and the Massachusetts College Athletic Conference (MASCAC).

For those interested please contact me at gene@refcrease.com. Trainings will start with classroom training in May at the Foxboro Arena and the Atlantic Hockey Office in Winthrop, Mass.