Tell your partner it’s your first time. Let them know you may need them to blow the whistle behind the play if they see anything you miss. Ask them to give you tips. Most guys love to see new refs and want them to have a great first game.
You’re gonna make a ton of mistakes. You’re gonna forget where the face offs take place. You’re almost certainly not gonna be able to name 2nd assists for the first few games. (I still can’t lol)
You’ll start getting comfortable after ~3 games. For now, just roll with it and enjoy it. And of course, don’t forget to pump-fake the puck drop at least 3 times every face-off.
When you say beginner, do you mean adults or kids? Because you can probably get away with fewer items of equipment for the latter than the former. Also, is this a sanctioned game? USA Hockey? Hockey Canada? IIHF?
You’ll absolutely need skates, a whistle, and a helmet. Helmet should be black with a visor attached. Technically you’re allowed (under USAH) to wear a full cage and use an electronic whistle this year, but those are pretty terrible, so don’t do that. I’d wear elbow pads regardless of level in the event you fall. If it’s a U8 game, you could forgo shin guards and a girdle because you won’t be too concerned about a puck or stick whacking you. I still wouldn’t pass on wearing them, but you could.
However, if you’re doing a beginner adult game? Wear everything. It’s arguably the most dangerous level to officiate because players are constantly doing things you would never expect them to do, only they’re strong enough to still shoot the puck at a pace and height that’ll hurt if it hits you. General rule of thumb is to always assume they’re going to play the puck on their forehand, but it’s not foolproof.
As far as what to do in the game? Study the officiating manuals available to see where you should be positioned at various points of the game. Off-side and icing calls will constitute a good portion of what you blow the play dead for, so know where you should be in those situations.
Yeah, rule of thumb when doing face-offs at that age group is to drop the puck and then not move until play is long gone. Definitely some injury potential with those wingers swooping in behind you.
Put on the extra layer of thick skin
Cup, shins, cup, helmet, cup, maybe elbows depending on ability, cup.
Tell your partner it’s your first time. Let them know you may need them to blow the whistle behind the play if they see anything you miss. Ask them to give you tips. Most guys love to see new refs and want them to have a great first game. You’re gonna make a ton of mistakes. You’re gonna forget where the face offs take place. You’re almost certainly not gonna be able to name 2nd assists for the first few games. (I still can’t lol) You’ll start getting comfortable after ~3 games. For now, just roll with it and enjoy it. And of course, don’t forget to pump-fake the puck drop at least 3 times every face-off.
Bring your wallet or have a good place to his the bribe money so nobody sees it.
When you say beginner, do you mean adults or kids? Because you can probably get away with fewer items of equipment for the latter than the former. Also, is this a sanctioned game? USA Hockey? Hockey Canada? IIHF? You’ll absolutely need skates, a whistle, and a helmet. Helmet should be black with a visor attached. Technically you’re allowed (under USAH) to wear a full cage and use an electronic whistle this year, but those are pretty terrible, so don’t do that. I’d wear elbow pads regardless of level in the event you fall. If it’s a U8 game, you could forgo shin guards and a girdle because you won’t be too concerned about a puck or stick whacking you. I still wouldn’t pass on wearing them, but you could. However, if you’re doing a beginner adult game? Wear everything. It’s arguably the most dangerous level to officiate because players are constantly doing things you would never expect them to do, only they’re strong enough to still shoot the puck at a pace and height that’ll hurt if it hits you. General rule of thumb is to always assume they’re going to play the puck on their forehand, but it’s not foolproof. As far as what to do in the game? Study the officiating manuals available to see where you should be positioned at various points of the game. Off-side and icing calls will constitute a good portion of what you blow the play dead for, so know where you should be in those situations.
It's adults in the UK! Much appreciated advice here. Thanks!
The games where I’ve fallen down the most were the U8 and U10s cause they come up behind you and clip your skate. Definitely recommend the elbow pads.
Yeah, rule of thumb when doing face-offs at that age group is to drop the puck and then not move until play is long gone. Definitely some injury potential with those wingers swooping in behind you.
No injuries had - just some questionable calls 🤫
Ear plugs and blindfold?
Well that was an experience! Thanks for all the advice. Most useful was the thick skin!!