Consolidated Off-Ice Officials Manual

For Off-Ice Officials

Version 1.0 — Consolidated and organized by Steve Robinson

This consolidated manual is based on the Hockey Canada Off-Ice Officials Manual in an attempt to make it easier to consume and understand the duties, procedures, and rules relevant to off-ice officiating. All source content remains the property of Hockey Canada and we take no credit for the original material — only for the consolidation, reorganization, and supplementation of these documents into a single reference tool.

• Off-Ice Officials Manual (Canadian Hockey Association, revised October 2001) — responsibilities, procedures, penalty timing rules, and game report guidance for off-ice officials
• Hockey Canada Rulebook 2024-2026 — official playing rules referenced where applicable to supplement the manual

SECTION 1: INTRODUCTION

1.1 Role of Off-Ice Officials

The duties of off-ice officials as well as instructions to these people appear in the Canadian Hockey Rule Book. This manual is intended to complement the information already available and provide additional information when necessary.

Off-ice officials should know their duties for each game, but should also become familiar with the actual playing rules and regulations. This knowledge will prove very beneficial in the performance of their roles.

The off-ice officials are made up of the following:

• Game Timekeeper
• Penalty Timekeeper
• Official Scorer
• Goal Judges

The responsibilities and functions performed by the off-ice officials are not minor but rather very important. Each individual is an integral member of the team.

Remember, you are an official and you must act accordingly, remaining neutral just as the officials on the ice.

1.2 Key Rules for Official Scorers

Official scorers should be familiar with most rules, but should have a thorough working knowledge of the following:

• Rule 16 — Players in Uniform
• Rule 17 — Team Roster
• Rule 18 — Captain of the Team
• Rule 28 — Minor Penalties (including Coincident Minor Penalties)
• Rule 29 — Bench Minor Penalties
• Rule 30 — Major Penalties (including Coincident Major/Match Penalties)
• Rule 31 — Misconduct Penalties
• Rule 32 — Game Misconduct Penalties
• Rule 32 — Game Ejection
• Rule 33 — Gross Misconduct Penalties
• Rule 34 — Match Penalties
• Rule 38 — Delayed Penalties

SECTION 2: RESPONSIBILITIES

2.1 General Information

• Off-ice officials are under the supervision of the Referee. As per Rule 40(d), the Referee shall have full authority and the final decision in all matters under dispute.
• Off-ice officials should refrain from criticizing the work of any other official at any time.
• Off-ice officials should report to the Referee's room before the game and be at their respective positions promptly at the start of the game and at the beginning of the second, third and any overtime period.
• Appearance is important as you are part of the team.
• Concentrate on your job and avoid any unnecessary conversation.
• If mistakes are made, report them to the Referee. It is important to correct these mistakes as soon as possible.
• Referees, Linesmen and Off-Ice officials shall be treated with courtesy at all times by players and team officials.
• Possess a sound knowledge of the playing rules, especially those pertaining to the responsibilities of off-ice officials — Canadian Hockey Rulebook Rules 43, 44, 45, 46.

2.2 Official Scorer — Rule 45

• Obtain the line-up of each team including the name and number of the captain and alternate captain(s). This information must be supplied by the team official in charge of each team and the Referee should be given this information prior to the start of each game. The line-up information must be verified and signed by the respective team officials. The visiting team is required to list their line-ups first.
• Report to the Referee any difficulty in obtaining the line-ups of any team.
• Submit the complete line-up of the competing teams to the Referee in the officials' dressing room prior to the start of the game. Draw to the Referee's attention any case which does not comply with the rules — including any time a team lists more than the maximum number of players or more than five (5) team officials (Rule 9(c), 16(a,b)).
• Enter on the official game report a correct record of the goals scored, by whom they were scored, and to whom assists, if any, are to be credited.
• Where a public address system is used, announce or have announced, immediately following the scoring of each goal, the name of the player who scored the goal and the name of each player who received an assist.
• Record all penalties assessed, stating the numbers of all penalized players, the duration of each penalty, the infraction, and the time at which the penalty was assessed.
• Multiple penalties during the same stoppage of play shall be recorded in their order of occurrence, as reported by the Referee.
• Record the numbers of the players on the ice when a goaltender is assessed any penalty, when a team is assessed a Bench Minor penalty, when a player on the ice must serve a time penalty for a teammate, and when an injured player is to be penalized (Rule 20(e)).
• Advise the Referee when the same player has received a second Major penalty or second Misconduct penalty during the game.
• Advise the Referee when a player has received a third stick infraction (Rule 28(f)).
• If a bench clearing incident occurs, assist the Referee by noting the numbers of the players involved and give that information to the Referee only if there is a request. Be familiar with Rule 70 — Leaving the Players' or Penalty Bench.
• Check the official game report for date of game, category, league, names of teams, length of periods and convenors' name and address.
• At the completion of the game, ensure the official game report is signed by each official, as well as yourself, and send the report to the secretary of the branch or league without delay (follow the procedures of the branch or the league).
• Hand deliver one (1) copy of the official game report to each team and forward one (1) copy to the league at the conclusion of the game (or following the procedures of the branch or the league).

2.3 Game Timekeeper — Rule 46

• Record the time of the start and finish of each game, and all actual playing time during the game.
• Signal to the Referee the end of each period, each overtime period and the end of the game.
• Stop the clock only on the officials' whistle and at the end of the period.
• Announce or have announced when ONE MINUTE of actual playing time remains in each regulation or overtime period.
• In any dispute regarding time, refer the matter to the Referee for a final decision.
• Be familiar with the type of clock and public address system used in the arena.
• Ensure the public address system is used only by the responsible people. Speak slowly and clearly. Check the correct pronunciation of unfamiliar names.
• Advise the Referee of any problem pertaining to the required duties.
• Timekeepers should be familiar with "house" rules. For example, some leagues play running time and therefore penalty times are modified. The most common length of Minor penalties for running time games is three minutes and for Major penalties, seven minutes. Misconduct penalties remain unchanged. Please become familiar with any League / Association modifications.
• When running time is utilized, penalties start from the time the puck is dropped to resume play.

NOTE — Clock Stoppage on Goals

Referees have been instructed to blow the whistle to stop play when a goal has been scored. The clock should not be stopped on a goal judge's signal. The time on the clock shall start when the puck is dropped by the official. If the goalie is changed, record the time of that change on the game sheet.

2.4 Penalty Timekeeper — Rule 44

• Keep the time served by each penalized player during the game and, upon request, inform the penalized player as to the unfinished time of the penalty.
• Open the door when a time penalty expires, to avoid players returning early.
• If a player leaves the penalty bench before the time has expired, note the time and signify that to the Referee, who will stop play as soon as possible.
• Where a public address system is used, announce or have announced the name of each penalized player, the nature of the offense, the penalty assessed, and the time at which the penalty was assessed.
• Be able to recognize the different situations and the order in which penalized players return to the ice.
• Understand the coincidental Minor penalty rule and examples contained in this manual and in various Canadian Hockey publications.
• Understand the coincident Major/Match penalty rule and examples contained in the various Canadian Hockey publications.
• Understand the order of occurrence procedures as stated in all sections of Rule 38 — Delayed Penalties.
• Keep the penalty bench free of spectators. Should there be any trouble, advise the Referee immediately.
• Be familiar with security and emergency procedures. Know how to contact the arena manager, security personnel and emergency medical care.
• Be familiar with risk management practices.
• Advise the Referee of any problems pertaining to their duties.

2.5 Goal Judge — Rule 43

• Each goal judge shall be stationed in the designated area behind the goal for the duration of the game and shall not change ends at any time after the game begins. Jurisdiction is limited to that game only.
• Turn the goal light on if the entire puck has crossed the goal line between the goal posts and below the cross bar, regardless of the situation, and leave the light on for at least 5 seconds, or until acknowledged by the Referee.
• Be familiar with Rule 60 — Goals and Assists.
• If the goal light has been turned on in error, do not hesitate to notify the Referee.
• When the goal light has been turned on inadvertently and it is obvious that the Referee is aware of that fact and allows the play to continue, turn off the light immediately.
• When there has been a difference in decision between the Referee and the goal judge as to whether or not a goal was scored — if the light is turned on and the Referee gives a "wash out" signal to indicate no goal, the goal judge should turn the light off.
• It is the responsibility of the Referee to ask the question to the goal judge and of the goal judge to respond as to how the play was viewed. In any dispute regarding a goal, the Referee's decision is final.
• The Goal Judge shall not be a member of either competing club.
• The Goal Judge shall not get into the habit of giving hand or head signals to the officials on the ice.
• The Goal Judge shall not react or make any gestures in relation to the on-ice officials' rulings.
• The Goal Judge shall refrain from talking to the spectators during the course of the game while carrying out their duties.
• The Goal Judge shall not be replaced during the game unless they are guilty of giving unjust decisions. The Referee may then appoint another goal judge to act as a substitute.

SECTION 3: PROCEDURES

3.1 Pre-Game Duties

General Preparation

• Be at the arena 30 minutes to 1 hour before game time.
• Have the following equipment: 2 ball point pens, 1 pencil, 1 small pad or note paper, 1 stop watch (in case of clock failure), 1 whistle (in case of buzzer failure).

Step-by-Step Pre-Game

1. Turn on clock and test. If you are not familiar with the clock, spend some time learning the system.
2. Test P.A. system.
3. Give the game sheet to the visiting team official and then to the home team official for them to fill in their line-ups. Check to ensure that a responsible official has signed and that all team officials' names appear on the game sheet. Ensure the Captain (C), Alternate Captains (A), and Affiliated Players (AP) have been appropriately annotated.
4. Have goal judges sign the Game Report (if applicable).
5. Check to ensure that all pertinent information has been properly recorded on the official Game Report (date, league, category, length of periods, etc.).
6. Deliver the Game Report to the Referee for approval before the game and report any difficulty in obtaining pertinent information.

3.2 Post-Game Duties

1. After the game and all players and officials have left the ice, ensure that the game sheet has been completed in its entirety — especially the correct recording of all goals and penalties. Correct or explain any errors to the Referee.
2. Deliver the official Game Report (all copies) to the on-ice officials for their signatures. Do not cross out any blank spaces as the Referee may have further information to add. Do not write on the game sheet after the on-ice officials have signed it.
3. Distribute copies as instructed by the association or league.

3.3 Game Report Language

• Clarity and brevity are important.
• Print clearly and firmly — you are making multiple copies.
• Develop a standard code so that all information can be recorded consistently.

Goals and Assists

Do not record the player's name — use only the number. Common codes:

• S.H.G. = Short-handed goal
• P.P.G. = Power play goal
• E.N.G. = Empty net goal

Penalty Abbreviations

Record numbers only. Follow your branch guidelines when using codes or abbreviations. Suggested standard abbreviations:

Stick Infractions — Circle the Number

Stick infractions (cross-checking, high sticking, slashing, butt-ending and spearing) should be indicated with a circle around the offending player's number in the penalties section of the Official Game Report (e.g. (10) Slashing). This allows you to easily notify the Referee once a player has received their third stick infraction in the same game. Double Minor penalties for butt-ending and spearing only count as one stick infraction.

SECTION 4: PENALTY TIMING RULES

4.1 Minor Penalties — Rule 28(b)

Calling a Minor penalty and sending the player to the box for two minutes is straightforward. Problems arise in the following situations:

• A player receives a double Minor and a goal is scored
• Players from the same team are penalized during the same stoppage of play
• A team has more than two players in the penalty box serving time penalties
• A team is shorthanded by reason of a Minor penalty and the Referee has signaled a delayed Minor penalty to the same team and a goal is scored

When a goal is scored and penalties are being served, the Referee should ask:

1. "Is the team scored on playing shorthanded?"
2. "Are they serving a Minor penalty?"

If YES to both questions, the Minor penalty with the least amount of time remaining is terminated. The only exception is if the goal was scored during a Penalty Shot — in which case no player returns.

Minor Penalty Examples (35 scenarios)

All times are descending. The table below covers common situations. Note: GM = Game Misconduct.

4.2 Coincidental Minor Penalties — Rule 28(e)

When canceling penalties, use the MOTO guidelines in order:

1. M — Cancel as Many penalties as possible
2. O — Cancel in a way to make the team only One player short
3. T — Cancel in a way to avoid Taking an extra player off the ice
4. O — Cancel using the Order of penalty occurrence, or in the order reported by the Referee

Coincidental Minor Examples

4.3 Coincidental Major / Match Penalties — Rule 30(c)

Step 1 — Qualifying Condition

There must be at least one Major and/or Match penalty assessed to each team during the same stoppage of play.

Step 2 — Cancellation Order (MOTO)

• Cancel as many Major/Match penalties on each team as possible
• Cancel as many Minor penalties on each team as possible
• Cancel in a way to make the team only one player short
• Cancel in a way to avoid taking another player off the ice
• Cancel using the order of penalty occurrence, or as reported by the Referee

Note — Dressing Room Option

At the discretion of the Referee, a player involved in the coincident Major/Match penalty rule may proceed to the dressing room and not be replaced by a substitute on the penalty bench. This may apply where a player is injured or where their presence in the penalty box may cause further trouble. The only case where a substitute is required on the penalty bench is where a player must serve a time penalty with the team playing short-handed.

Goaltender Note

If a goaltender is assessed a Major penalty under the coincident Major/Match penalty rule, another player on the team is required to go to the penalty bench to serve it — since the goaltender remains in the game. If the goaltender was assessed a Major and a Game Misconduct, the team would not be required to send a player to the penalty bench.

SECTION 5: REFEREE SIGNALS

Off-ice officials must recognize referee signals to accurately record penalties and game events. The following signals are used by referees and linesmen.

5.1 Penalty Signals

5.2 Play Signals

SECTION 6: RULES REFERENCE

6.1 Key Rules for Off-Ice Officials

The following rules in the Canadian Hockey Rule Book are particularly relevant to off-ice officials:

SECTION 7: OFFICIAL GAME REPORT

7.1 Game Report Legend

The Canadian Hockey Association endorses the use of its Official Game Report for all games played under its jurisdiction. The following legend assists off-ice officials in correctly completing the Official Game Report.

SECTION 8: SUPPLEMENTARY REFERENCES

The following content is drawn from three additional Hockey Canada source documents that contain references relevant to off-ice officials. This supplements the base Off-Ice Officials Manual with updated rule language, on-ice official procedures that involve off-ice officials, and formal definitions.

8.1 HC Rulebook — Official Definitions and Authority

Glossary definition — Off-Ice Officials: Officials appointed to assist the on-ice officials in the conduct of the game. They are under the control of the Referee during the game and include the Official Scorer, Game Timekeeper, Penalty Timekeeper, and Goal Judges.

Rule 5.1(b): Referees, Linespersons and Off-Ice Officials will be treated with courtesy at all times by players and team officials. Any infraction of this rule will be reported to the appropriate Member or league, who may levy discipline, as the infraction warrants, as per Section 11 – Maltreatment.

Rule 5.1(c): A Referee will have full authority and the final decision in all matters under dispute. Their decision will be final on all questions of judgement and not subject to appeal.

8.2 HC Rulebook — Referee Coordination with Off-Ice Officials

• Rule 5.2(e): The Referee(s) will give the final decision in the matter of disputed goals. If they deem it necessary, the Referee(s) may consult with the Linespersons and the Goal Judge involved.
• Rule 5.2(f): Before starting the game, the Referee(s) will see that the individuals appointed to act as Game Timekeeper, Penalty Timekeeper, Official Scorer, and Goal Judges are in their respective positions.
• Rule 5.2(g): The Referee(s) will announce to the Official Scorer the duration of the penalties and the rule infractions, and also to whom the goals and assists are credited.

8.3 HC Rulebook — Goal Judges (Rule 5.4)

• 5.4(a): There will be one Goal Judge behind each goal. The Goal Judges will not be members of either competing team, nor will they be replaced during the progress of the game, unless it becomes apparent that either Goal Judge is guilty of giving unjust decisions. In such cases, the Referee may appoint another Goal Judge to act in their place.
• 5.4(b): Each Goal Judge will be stationed in the designated area behind each goal for the duration of the game, and they will not change ends at any time after the game begins. Their jurisdiction is limited to that game only.
• 5.4(c): In the event of a goal being claimed, the Goal Judge will decide whether or not the puck has passed between the goal posts and entirely over the goal line. The decision will simply be goal or no goal.
• 5.4(d): The Referee is not required to consult with the Goal Judge in the event of a disputed goal, if they are sure of their call.

8.4 HC Rulebook — Penalty Timekeeper (Rule 5.5)

• 5.5(a): The Penalty Timekeeper will keep the time served by each penalized player during the game and, upon request, inform the penalized player as to the unfinished time of their penalty.
• 5.5(b): If a player leaves the Penalty Bench before their time has expired, the Penalty Timekeeper will note the time and signal that to the Referee at the next stoppage of play.
• 5.5(c): Where public address systems are used, the Penalty Timekeeper will announce or have announced the name of each penalized player, the nature of the offence and the time the penalty was assessed.

For on-ice officials: Be aware of signals from the Penalty Timekeeper at stoppages. If the Timekeeper is signaling, check with them before beginning the face-off procedure. When the Referee receives the signal for early exit from the penalty bench, a Bench Minor penalty for premature exit is assessed under Rule 10.7 (Too Many Players).

8.5 HC Rulebook — Official Scorer (Rule 5.6)

• 5.6(a): Prior to the start of the game, the Official Scorer will obtain from the Manager or Coach of each team their complete line-ups, verified and signed by the team official in charge. The Captain and Alternate Captains of each team will be duly noted on the Official Game Report. The Official Scorer will request that all affiliated players dressed for the game are designated on the Official Game Report by the use of the symbols "AP" after their name.
• 5.6(b): The Official Scorer will submit the complete line-up of the competing teams to the Referee, in their dressing room prior to the start of the game and will draw attention to any case which they feel does not comply with the rules.
• 5.6(c): The Official Scorer will enter on the Official Game Report a correct record of the goals scored, by whom they were scored and to whom assists, if any, are to be credited. They will also keep a correct record of all penalties assessed, stating the names and numbers of the penalized players, the duration of the penalty, the infraction, and the time when the penalties were assessed.
• 5.6(d): Where a public address system is in use, the Official Scorer will announce, or have announced, immediately following the scoring of each goal, the name of the player who scored the goal and the name of each player who received an assist.
• 5.6(e): The Official Scorer will advise the Referee when the same player has received their second Misconduct penalty, third stick infraction penalty, or third Head Contact penalty during the same game (Rule 4.7 – Misconduct Penalties; Rule 4.8 – Game Ejection & Game Misconduct Penalties).
• 5.6(f): At the completion of each game, the Official Scorer will sign the Official Game Report, and then have the Referee sign it. They will then forward the Game Report to the Secretary of the Member or league involved.

Ejection Thresholds — Official Scorer Notification Required: When any of the following thresholds are reached, the Official Scorer must notify the Referee and the Referee must assess a Game Ejection at the next stoppage:

• Player's 2nd Misconduct penalty in the same game → Automatic Game Ejection [Rule 4.8(a)]
• Player's 3rd stick infraction in the same game → Automatic Game Ejection
• Player's 3rd Head Contact penalty in the same game → Automatic Game Ejection

8.6 HC Rulebook — Game Timekeeper (Rule 5.7)

• 5.7(a): The Game Timekeeper will record the start and finish time of each game and all actual playing time during the game.
• 5.7(b): The Game Timekeeper will signal the Referee for the commencement of the game, the start of the second and third period and for each overtime period. If the rink is not equipped with an automatic sound device, or if this equipment should fail to operate, the Game Timekeeper will, by means of a siren or whistle, signal the end of each period, each overtime period and the end of the game.
• 5.7(c): The Game Timekeeper will announce or have announced when ONE MINUTE of actual playing time remains in each regulation or overtime period.
• 5.7(d): In the event of any dispute regarding time, the matter will be referred to the Referee and their decision will be final.

8.7 HC Rulebook — Signal and Timing Devices

In a suitable location behind each goal, a red light will be provided for the use of each Goal Judge in signaling the scoring of a goal. Wherever possible, Hockey Canada recommends that an electronic buzzer or bell and a green light be installed in the same location as the red light and that this buzzer or bell and green light be synchronized with the time clock, to provide the Referee with an audible and visual signal for the end of a playing period or game.

8.8 HC Rulebook — Physical Harassment of Officials (Rule 11.5)

For the purpose of Rule 11.5, "officials" refers to referees, linespersons, and off-ice officials.

• 11.5(c): A Match penalty will be assessed to any player or team official who deliberately applies physical force to an official, physically threatens or intimidates an official, or causes injury to an official.
• 11.5(e): A Game Misconduct penalty will be assessed to any player or team official who accidentally applies physical force to an official while participating in a gathering or altercation.

Interpretation — Rule 11.5(c): A player on the Penalty Bench grabs a Timekeeper or any Off-Ice Official. A Match penalty must be assessed.

8.9 Officiating Duties — Referee Coordination with Off-Ice Officials

The following are Referee duties that directly involve off-ice officials:

• Pre-game: Ensure that all off-ice officials are in position and ready to start the game and each subsequent period.
• Pre-game: Check with the off-ice officials to ensure that timing devices and buzzers are working.
• Post-game: Check and print your name on the official game report and return it to the Official Scorer.
• In-game — Goals: Stop play after a goal is scored. Advise the Official Scorer of the number of the player who scored the goal and the number(s) of the players assisting.
• In-game — Penalties: Stop play and assess penalties for any infraction. Report to the Official Scorer the player's number, the infraction, and the length of the penalty (minor, bench minor, major, etc.).
• In-game — Penalty box: Inform the Timekeeper to keep one player in the penalty box after a set of coincidental penalties has expired — this may prevent problems if neither player has cooled off yet.

8.10 Officiating Procedures — Penalty Reporting to Off-Ice Officials

At the penalty bench the Referee shall report the penalized player's number, team colour, the penalty being assessed and the duration of the penalty. The Referee should complete this process by giving the appropriate signal for the infraction. The Referee must ensure that the off-ice official has the information regarding the penalized player before departing the penalty box area.

Referees are encouraged to stop and report the penalty. However, there should not be any undue delay which could lead to confrontation between the penalized player and the Referee.

The Referee should not discuss the infractions with the players until they have reported the penalties to the Timekeeper.

8.11 Officiating Procedures — Goal Judge Consultation

• In every situation where the Referee is in position to see and make the call, the Referee's decision shall be final without any further consultation or discussion with the Linesperson or Goal Judge.
• If the Linespersons were not in position to see and make the call, the Referee shall consult with the Goal Judge and the discussion shall be either "Goal" or "No goal."
• There will be situations where the Goal Judge disagrees with the decision of the Referee. It is important that the Referee not permit the Goal Judge to argue or show disrespect for the decision of the Referee. It may become necessary to have the Goal Judge removed or replaced if they are showing partisanship or making unjust decisions.
• The Referee shall also have the scorekeeper announce over the public address system the reason why a goal was disallowed.

8.12 Officiating Procedures — Time-Out Coordination with Timekeeper

When a time-out is requested, the Referee shall proceed to the penalty bench to report the time-out. The time-out does not start until the Referee reports it to the Timekeeper. The Referee may employ a "time-out signal."

Once the Timekeeper has signaled to the Referee that the thirty-second timeout has expired, the Referee shall blow the whistle to resume play. After the signal announcing the end of the time-out, if the teams are slow to resume play, the Referee should intervene with the visitors' bench first.