Referee-in-Chief Eddie™ · Lesson 27 of 50
Who this lesson helps: Parents of young officials.
Referee Parents can support a young official without taking over the job. Your child may need help with travel, scheduling, equipment, and processing a difficult experience. They also need appropriate mentors who understand officiating.
A Situation You May Recognize
After a hard game, a Parent immediately criticizes the assignor and offers to confront a Coach. The young official feels more anxious. First ask what happened, whether they feel safe, and what support they want.
Referee Parents: Practical Steps
Confirm appropriate supervision and transport arrangements. Encourage contact with the Referee-in-Chief for development questions. If your child describes abuse or a safety concern, help them follow the reporting process and obtain support.
Avoid This Common Trap
Do not dismiss distress as weakness or insist that every teenager must tolerate adult intimidation. Equally, avoid promising that every uncomfortable assignment should disappear. Distinguish normal learning nerves from conduct or conditions requiring action.
Your Next Development Step
Ask three questions after an assignment: what went well, what was difficult, and who can help? Listen before advising. Agree on the next step with your child and the appropriate program contact.
A Short Video Script for Eddie
Proposed spoken script for this lesson; the matching video has not yet been recorded.
If your child referees, listen before you lecture. Help with practical preparation and connect them with good mentors. Take safety concerns seriously. Support their learning without making every decision for them.
Use the Right Rules for Your Assignment
This is original development guidance from The Hockey Resource™. Confirm requirements with your Referee-in-Chief or assignor. Game rules, certification, reporting, and permitted procedures depend on the governing body and competition; the age of an official is separate from the age division of the Players.
For Canadian assignments, use the Hockey Canada officiating resources and your Member’s instructions. For USA Hockey assignments, consult the official rules and casebook. These resources support verification; THR lessons do not replace required training.
Continue with Eddie’s advice for new Hockey referees. Bring one question from this lesson to a qualified mentor and agree on one action for your next assignment.
DISAGREE WITH THE CALL. RESPECT THE PERSON.
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