Lesson 1Penalties taxonomy: minor, double-minor, major, match, misconduct, game misconductClarifies the taxonomy of penalties, distinguishing minor, double-minor, major, match, misconduct, and game misconduct penalties, with emphasis on criteria, reporting, and game management implications for each category.
Definition of minor penaltiesDouble-minor and injury criteriaMajor and match penalty standardsMisconduct and game misconduct useReporting and game sheet notationLesson 2Sources for confirming rules: how to cite specific sections, interpreting rule language vs. practical applicationShows how to confirm rules by citing exact rule numbers, reading definitions and casebook notes, and reconciling formal language with accepted officiating practice when communicating with coaches and supervisors.
Locating exact rule and subsectionUsing definitions and casebook notesReconciling rule text with guidanceExplaining rulings to coachesDocumenting unusual situationsLesson 3Specific infractions: high-sticking (with and without injury), hooking, tripping, interference, goalie interferenceBreaks down specific common infractions, including high-sticking with and without injury, hooking, tripping, interference, and goalkeeper interference, emphasizing criteria, signals, and typical game situations.
High-sticking without injuryHigh-sticking resulting in injuryHooking and stick parallel to iceTripping versus legal body contactGoalkeeper interference criteriaLesson 4Icing: touch icing, no-touch/automatic icing, exceptions and hybrid systemsExplains icing concepts, including touch, no-touch, and hybrid icing, plus key exceptions such as penalty killing, potential icing waved off, and safety considerations for vulnerable players.
Basic icing definition and requirementsTouch icing procedures and risksNo-touch or automatic icing rulesHybrid icing and race to the dotIcing exceptions and wave-offsLesson 5Rule updates and amendments: how to track seasonal changes and interpret clarificationsDescribes how rule updates and seasonal bulletins are issued, how to interpret clarifications and points of emphasis, and how officials should adjust mechanics and communication to remain aligned with current standards.
Sources of annual rule changesReading bulletins and memosUnderstanding points of emphasisAdjusting mechanics to changesCommunicating updates to teamsLesson 6Standard referee and linesperson signals: visual descriptions and purposes for offside, icing, minor/major penalties, misconducts, goal/no-goalDetails standard referee and linesperson signals, describing mechanics, timing, and communication goals for offside, icing, penalties, goals, and waved-off goals so officials project confidence and avoid confusion.
Signal mechanics and body positioningOffside and delayed offside signalsIcing and waved-off icing signalsMinor, major, and misconduct signalsGoal and no-goal washout signalsLesson 7Penalty timing and notation: starting/stopping the clock, bench minors, coincidental penalties, and power-play bookkeepingCovers how penalty time is started, paused, and expired, including bench minors, coincidental penalties, stacked penalties, and accurate power-play notation on the scoresheet and penalty clock.
Starting and stopping penalty clocksBench minor assessment and timingCoincidental penalty proceduresMultiple and stacked penaltiesRecording power plays and plus/minusLesson 8Offside: definition, delayed vs. immediate, intent and common interpretationsDefines offside in detail, explaining player and puck position, delayed versus immediate offside procedures, tag-up requirements, and common judgment situations that frequently challenge newer linespersons.
Puck and skate position at blue lineImmediate versus delayed offsideTag-up procedures and timingIntent and gaining an advantageTypical offside judgment scenariosLesson 9Goal/no-goal criteria: puck crossing the line, net dislodgement, crease violations, video review basicsExplains when a goal is allowed or disallowed, focusing on puck position, net status, crease violations, goalkeeper interference, and the basic use and limits of video review so officials can rule consistently under pressure.
Puck completely crossing goal lineNet dislodged before or during shotAttacking player in goal creaseGoalkeeper interference situationsWhen video review may be usedLesson 10Official rulebook sources: locating and navigating USA Hockey and Hockey Canada manualsGuides officials in finding, navigating, and cross-referencing USA Hockey and Hockey Canada rulebooks, including digital tools, casebooks, and supplemental materials needed for accurate, up-to-date rule knowledge.
Structure of USA Hockey rulebookStructure of Hockey Canada rulebookUsing indexes and rule numberingFinding casebook and situation examplesUsing digital and mobile rule tools
