Central Mass Hockey Officials Association

National Ice Hockey Officials Association

Officials Code of Ethics 2009 -2010 Season

Officials at an interscholastic athletic event are participants in the development of high school students. As such, officials must exercise a high level of self-discipline, independence and responsibility. The purpose of this Code is to establish standards of conduct for all officials.

            All Officials:    Shall master both the rules of the game and the proper mechanics necessary to enforce the rules, and shall exercise authority in an
                                                 impartial, firm and controlled manner.

            All Officials:    Shall work with each other and their state associations (MIAA) in a constructive and cooperative manner.

            All Officials:    Shall uphold the honor and dignity of the profession in all interaction with the student athletes, coaches, athletic directors, school
                                                  administrators, colleagues and the public.

            All Officials:    Must prepare themselves physically and mentally, shall dress neatly and appropriately and shall handle themselves in a manner
                                                  consistent with the high standards of the profession.
 

            All Officials:    Shall be punctual and professional in the fulfillment of all contractual obligations.

            All Officials:    Shall remain mindful that their conduct influences the respect that student athletes, coaches. and the public hold for the profession.

            All Officials    Shall, while enforcing the rules of the play, remain aware of the inherent risk of injury that competition poses to the student-athletes.
                                                Where appropriate, they shall inform event management of conditions or situations that appear unreasonably hazardous.

            All Officials:    Shall take reasonable steps to educate themselves in the recognition of emergency conditions that might arise during the course of
                                                 competition.

            Officials Requirements:           

§         Know the rules and incorporate good game management.

§         Work with your partner, communicate you are a “Team” on the ice.

§         Work professionally with all players, coaches and administrators.

§         Do not make any negative comments to the public or talk to the media.

§         Be physically and mentally in shape. If you can not keep up with the play you do not belong there.

§         Be on time; be properly dressed on and off the ice. Business casual          (no jeans) if your equipment is old, out dated, does not fit, please replace it accordingly. Clean uniform, look sharp, feel sharp and be sharp!

§         The safety of the student-athletes is you first concern.

§         No tobacco/alcohol consumption in the building.

§         No earrings/nose rings, etc.

§         Commenting on other officials work will not be tolerated.

                        Officials Game Procedures:

§         All Officials must arrive minimum of (45) minutes prior to game time.

§         Upon arrival locate your partner, as teams introduce yourself to the coaches and game administrator.

§         Locate the doctor, licensed trainer or certified EMT. They must be present for all “varsity” ice hockey games. The EMT can not be a coach or assistant.

§         Both Officials will meet with both teams (30) minutes prior to the start of the game for the Official’s Pre-Game meeting in the respective locker rooms.

§         All Officials shall be on the ice for Warm-Ups NO EXCEPTIONS!!!

§         All ice hockey games are played under National Federation Rules as modified by the MIAA.

§         The MIAA score sheet must be used. All officials must print their name before the game, review the game sheet for accuracy and initial the game sheet after the game

§         At the end off the game all Officials are required to be present for and participate in the end of game handshake with coaches and student-athletes.

§         All Officials must fill out the necessary paper work for any disqualifications immediately after the game. Each official should have the necessary paper work do not rely on the game administrator’s. Any significant problems call me before the coaches and athletic directors call me!!!

§         Once the paper work is completed properly give the documentation to the Athletic Director or game administrator of the home team.

                        Availability Calendar:

§         All Officials must be current with their availability calendar.

§         All Officials must block out all important dates in your families life, kid’s birthdays, anniversaries and required date nights with significant others

§         All Officials must block out all travel, meetings and work schedules.

§         Availabilities MUST be updated daily.

§         For the Officials working other leagues you must keep current your availability so I have the opportunity to work around your schedule.

§         ALL TURNBACKS are to be sent to me directly, you are not the assignor, so do not switch with anyone without my approval.

§         You need to open the days you want to work. I can not give you games unless the day is open. The Horizon Web Ref allows you to be very specific to the times you are available.

§         The Horizon Web Ref allows you to add specific notes to each day allowing the assignor’s the ability to schedule more than one game in a day.

§         Once you commit to your schedule unless there is an extreme emergency there will be no changes in your schedule.

§         I will not tolerate locker room nonsense about your assignments.

§         If your schedule does not meet your expectations then you should review the requirements on how to obtain games and re-evaluate yourself and take an honest look in the mirror.

§         Based upon your Constitution if you accept a game and you miss that game assignment you will be fined one game fee payable to the chapter within one week. If the fee is not paid your schedule will be revoked.

§         Each Official will be allowed (3) turn backs, each additional turn back will be subject to a $ 5.00 fee for each additional game turned back. If the fee is not paid to the assignor within two weeks from you turn back your schedule will be revoked. If the turn back happens at the end of the season you will not receive any potential playoff schedule, if a playoff schedule was not going to be assigned you will not receive a schedule the following season until all fees are paid.

                        Assignor’s Fees:

§         Due to the overwhelming increase of turn backs over the last (3) years and the rising cost of the scheduling program I find it necessary to incorporate a maintenance fee of $10.00 per official.

§         The maintenance fee will only be assessed to those officials in our chapter that have received assignments.

§         Any referee from an outside chapter will be charged the same fees.

§         The maintenance fee is tax deductible.

§         The maintenance fee will be due (30) days after your schedule was publicized. Any fee not paid will result in forfeiture of your remaining schedule.

          If you meet the above requirements and follow the guidelines there should be no reason for not working a complete schedule. As part of the assigning program I have incorporated an evaluation program. At the end of each game you will be automatically asked to evaluate the officials you worked with as well as have the ability to make comments on their performance. This tool will be used as a guideline only, allowing me the ability to see if you were prepared for the game and if you both worked as a team to provide the best performance possible.

          Thank you for your continued efforts, dedication and support.

          BOB COLLINS