Communicating 1 COMMUNICATION PRINCIPLES Communicating 2 o Officials

Communicating 1 COMMUNICATION

PRINCIPLES Communicating 2 o Officials must be approachable. o Brief, precise explanations minimize confusion and gain credibility for the official. o Good communication can mean the difference between cooperation and confrontation. o Clear, accurate signals often make verbal communication unnecessary.

WHO TO TALK WITH Communicating 3 Talk to the Coach when… o o . . . younger players are involved. . the situation is so complicated that it would be difficult for the captain to explain. . the coach is calm and has a reasonable question or genuine concern. . . the captain is unreasonable or does not understand the explanation.

WHO TO TALK WITH Communicating 4 Talk to the Captain or an Alternate when… o o o Older players are involved The situation can easily be explained by the Captain to the Coach The Coach is unruly or unreasonable

Before and After the Game Communicating 5 o Be pleasant and courteous. o Avoid long conversations with home team coaches or team officials. o Acknowledge visiting team coaches or team officials, if present. o Do not discuss game officials, coaches, or teams outside the dressing room. o Refer complaints and matters not related to the game to the local Supervisor of Officials.

During Play Communicating 6 o Timely verbal communication lets players know you’re “in the game. ” o Encourage players to “play through” tense or potentially confrontational situations. • A moving puck is a referee’s best friend. o Be especially verbal at stoppages. o Compliment good plays. o Avoid coaching the players.

Style Tips Communicating 7 o Sharp, clear signals suggest confidence. o Answer reasonable questions. o A sense of humor can be helpful • o . . . but don’t overdo it. Abusive or threatening language is never acceptable. Zero Tolerance cuts both ways.

Communicating 8 QUESTIONS