A Message from the RIC

Dear Officials and Administrators,

I would like to take this opportunity to welcome both new and experienced officiating members back for another exciting season. The Hockey Nova Scotia Officiating Program continues to moves forward and this is thanks to all the hardworking volunteers. It is the dedication of the volunteer base that drives the program.

The 2009 –10 season will soon begin and we have been tasked to help maintain the safety and fairness for all its participants. This is a big job that involves lots of hard work and dedication. Your efforts in the arena’s and on the ice do not go unnoticed. We are all constantly being monitored by all the stakeholders in the game. It is because of this that we must provide an excellent service.

This season brings forth some changes in the game. Hockey Canada has approved the “four official system”. This poses lots of challenges and hurdles for all the partners of the game. The new officiating system will not be in full effect this season within Nova Scotia. Teams and leagues wishing to use it must make application to the Hockey Nova Scotia Board to gain approval. Your instructors will cover the procedures and implications involved in working within this system of officiating in case any special applications are submitted and approved. 

The 2009-10 rules emphasis has been released by Hockey Canada and it focuses on one specific area. Checking to the Head (contact physically or with a stick to another player’s head area) is something that must be eliminated from the game. ALL CONTACT to the head area MUST be penalized. Concussions not only deprive players of playing time, they end players' careers and can have long term effects. There must be a zero tolerance on the part of the official at all times. We ALL play a role in supporting the improvement of our game. 

I would ask that every official and officiating manager take some time this year to dig deeper into the rulebook. We are tasked to enforce the rules of the game and are expected to be the “experts”. There is no excuse in not knowing the rules. Hockey Nova Scotia cannot help officials who get into problems due to lack of rule knowledge. This is one area that HNS cannot and will not defend the official. 

In closing, I would like to thank everyone for your continued involvement in the game. Officiating, though sometime criticized, is an important aspect of the game. We must always remain professional and treat all of the game partners with respect. You as an official will be respected more by treating everyone in a positive manner. Have a great season, enjoy the game and most of all have FUN!!!

Regards, 

Randy Pulsifer

Referee in Chief

Hockey Nova Scotia