Discussions between Coaches and Referees - On Ice
Discussions between Coaches and a Referees normally occur during a game. The following lists provides some information on how to conduct yourself as a coach:
- The Coach should signal that he wants to talk OR have his/her Captain or Assistant ask the referee to come to the bench.
- The Coach should step down from behind the bench and either step in front of the bench or go to the door. They should be at the same level as the referee. NEVER speak down to the referee from above or behind the bench.
- When addressing the referee be respectful and objective in your discussion. Do not let your emotions rule the conversation, you should be trying to understand objectively why the infraction or incident was called the way it was.
- If the referee chooses not to speak to the Coach (and they do) they will refuse to come to the bench and indicate that play is to be resumed. Failure to continue the game at this point by the Coach and his/her team will result in a Delay of Game penalty. As a Coach your only recourse is to submit a Referee Complaint Form in order to gain an understanding of the infraction or incident and why the referee would not talk to you.
Discussions with Referees - Off Ice
Prior to a game or immediately after the game, no one including Coaches, Assistant Coaches, Players or Parents should try to talk to the referees as they leave their dressing room to enter the rink or are leaving the ice and returning to their dressing room. Referees are specifically instructed not to respond to anyone, but to go directly to the ice surface or directly back to their dressing room.
No one, except the President of the League, is allowed to enter into the referees' room and only after knocking and receiving acknowledgement. Anyone else attempting to enter the referee's dressing room will be subject to disciplinary action.