Last month’s column on officiating etiquette generated an outpouring of responses to the issue of tardy referees. Naturally, most of the communications missed the mark. So as a public service to the hockey community in general, and the officiating community in particular, OS is going to answer these inquiries for educational purposes.

Illinois Referee: I hate when I have to officiate solo. It’s totally unfair and the late referee should have the book thrown at him.

OS: I disagree. I love officiating solo, especially in your part of the country. See, when my partner doesn’t show, I get the extra fee. That’s double pay. Agreed that the scheduled partner should suffer consequences, but especially in a butcher league game, double pay is sweet.

Florida Official: Not sure why you would ever start a game solo. USA Hockey prohibits it. You looking to go uninsured?

OS: Wrong. Check out USA Hockey Rule 501, Appointment of Officials. Specifically, Casebook Situation 6 on page 161. “The game could be played ... provided there is one registered official present and both coaches agree to play the game under these circumstances.” In fact, I have officiated probably three dozen games solo in my career, including a high school varsity game, and have never had a coach refuse to start or complete a game with a single official. I mean, a coach’s time has value, too. No?

Minnesota Zebra: No referee should have to ask another official for money. The proper procedure is to contact the scheduler and apprise him of the circumstances.

OS: The article was about etiquette, not proper procedure. 

Illinois Referee: It’s tough officiating solo. Worst thing that can happen to us officials.

OS: What’s tough? Truth is, solo officiating is pie. First, the double-pay motivates a guy to skate harder. But the sweet spot is that the solo ref can do no wrong. Missed an offsides? “Sorry, I’m solo and the play transitioned.” Puck retrieval after icings – “Hey goalie, shoot it down.” Yeah solo officiating is easy.

Missouri Official: I like the article about etiquette. Posted it in our referees’ room. It should be a no-brainer.

OS: Should be, but this being amateur hockey, it isn’t.

Illinois Coach: Why can’t you guys just wait 15 or 20 minutes for the late ref to show? I mean, my kids pay big money to play.

OS: And the next game’s kids’ parents also pay big money. And the rink has a schedule. And us officials have other games to travel to. And Get Smart re-runs start at 10 p.m., regardless of any of these circumstances. That’s why we have schedules. 

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