OFFICIATING
&
GAME OPERATIONS MANUAL
2014-15
Welcome to The United State Premier Junior Hockey League and U18 and U16 Hockey
Divisions.
The information in this manual contains the necessary information for Leagues policies,
procedures, game night operations, officiating directives, and points of emphasis of the
2014-15 Season.
The United State Premier Junior Hockey League and the, USPHL Elite
U18 and U16 Hockey Divisions use the USA Hockey 20103-17 Junior and
Youth Rulebooks with the following exceptions:
There is No Fighting all players involved in fisticuffs will be removed
from the game.
Everyone is required to have a legal helmet and full cage mask and must be
worn properly
Overtime procedure USPHL Junior leagues
5 minute OT 4 v 4, and then a 3 man shootout after the 3 man it is sudden death
I there is a penalty at the end of regulation the overtime will start 4-3, if the is
another penalty to the team shorthanded; the on ice strength will be 5-3. At no
time there shall be less than 3 players on each team on the ice at all times.
All youth rules apply to the USPHL Midgets ALL game misconducts and
match penalties must be reported to me in writing and Local District
Supervisor.
It is up to all parties, officials, coaches, players, and managers to be
familiar with and comprehend the material
Contact Information
Eugene M. Binda
Referee in Chief
(H) 781- 337-1914
(C) 781- 534-2558
(E) ebinda@comcast.net
Mike Schubert
Supervisor NY-NJ-Penn
(C) 267-259-5329
(E) mschubert07@me.com
Warren Ernst
Supervisor NY
(C) 781-578-2558
(E) eddirector82@aol.com
Eugene Binda Jr.
Development New England
(C) 781-968-1885
(E) geno1477@yahoo.com
Jim Doyle
League Supervisor
(C) 267-294-8577
(E) atlref57@aol.com
Marty Demers
League Supervisor
(C) 860-490-4652
(E) MJD1497@gmail.com
Jack Sweeney
Director of Hockey Operations
(E) usphl.jack@gmail.com
POINTS OF EMPHASIS
Checking is an important part of the game; its purpose is to separate a player from
the puck. It is not the USPHL’s intent to eliminate Good Clean Checking!
However, we want officials to penalize the “Cheap Shot”, Aggressive Injury
Potential Checks.
 Contact to the Head
This is an important safety issue and the committee is concerned about some
violent contact that has occurred in the game and caused injury. To make this rule
clear, any time a player targets the head or neck area of an opponent, it must be a
major penalty and a game misconduct penalty at a minimum.
This rule is not intended to cover incidental contact or contact with the head that
occurs that should be a minor penalty (e.g., unintentional high stick, body check
where the contact is initiated at the shoulder or torso, but the follow through makes
some contact with the head). Clear direction is being provided here to assist
officials, coaches and players with this rule.
There shall be heightened awareness to direct contact to head, but it should be
noted that many contact to the head fouls in previous seasons that were minor
penalties should remain minor penalties (for example, an incidental high sticking
foul would remain a minor for high sticking).

Proper Equipment
The safety of the players is the officials’ main responsibility, the game itself
is secondary. In order for you as the official to do you job you must ensure
every player is using their equipment as required by the manufacture and by
league rule. A Major Problem is the enforcement of the “J” Clip the
following guideline “WILL” be enforced. All officials will remind the
coaches at the start of the game that all equipment is in proper working
condition.
Pants: No Shoe Laces
All players wear their pants as required by the manufacture. The pants
MUST Be Completely ZIPED UP. No worn out pants or tape is to be
used.
 Unnecessary Roughness
Driving opponents into the boards or open ice well after the puck has been
released. Blind Side Hits or Blow up Hits USA Jr. Book Rule 639 C Pg. 77
CHECKING FROM BEHIND
There is never an excuse for a player to run another player from behind. Officials are
instructed to call every infraction that occurs. The onus of a check being delivered is still
with the player delivering the check.
The following are the ONLY PENALTY OPTIONS for Juniors Hitting From
Behind:
 2 min penalty in open ice.
 5 min major penalty + Game Misc. into end, sideboard’s, or goal cage.
 5 minute major penalty + Game Disqualification into end or side board’s
goal cage referees discretion severity of the hit. Guideline: severity of hit,
Injury, intent.
FISTICUFFS
A major Game Misconduct penalty shall be imposed on any player who engages in
fisticuffs. An additional double minor penalty shall be imposed on any player who
start or instigates fisticuffs.
INSTIGATOR GUIDELINE
An instigator of an altercation shall be a player who by his actions or
demeanor demonstrates any/some of the following criteria:
 Distance traveled
example (Charging)
 Gloves off first
 First punch
 Menacing attitude or posture
 Verbal instigation or threats
 Conduct in relation of a prior game incident
A player, who attacks or jumps his opponent and proceeds to punch, giving his
opponent no chance to defend himself, shall bee deemed the aggressor. A player
who attacks or jumps his opponent who is unwilling to defend himself (“turtles”)
and if this attacking player continues to throw punches in an attempt to inflict
punishment on his opponent who is in a defenseless position, shall be deemed the
aggressor. A player must be deemed the aggressor when he has clearly won the
fight but continues throwing and landing punches in a further attempt to inflict
punishment and/or injury on his opponent who is no longer in a position to defend
himself.
ALL OFFICIALS
A. RULES AND REGULATIONS -It is every official's duty and responsibility to
understand and know the rules. Lack of rule knowledge is unacceptable and dealt with
game loss for the whole crew!
REMEMBER: You are a “TEAM” if something unusual happens in a game
communicate with your partners. Everyone looks bad when the correct rule
interpretation is not made get the infraction of the rule!
B. MEDIA - Silence can't be misquoted. No official shall be permitted to talk to the
press about the game, teams, towns, franchises, league or other officials, without the
permission of the commissioner or RIC. Be polite and courteous to reporters, but
never give your opinion of any "plays" or situations. Coaches and Players can't make
comments about us, therefore neither can we.
C. ARRIVAL AT GAME TIMEAll officials are to arrive at the rink one hour (1) before game time. If you are
running late you must call the rink or myself at least one (1 1/2) hour before
game time. The lead official shall check in with home team coach no later
than 45 minutes before game time.
NOTE: Should I get a phone call from the rink that you are not there, a
replacement will be sent and you will forfeit the game. Coaches have enough
on their minds, without having to worry about officials being on time. There
is no excuse for not calling.
UPHL PROTOCOLS
Game Protocol, Publish Puck drop times not warm up time. Officials shall be
ready to go on the ice for warm-ups 25 minutes prior to the drop of the puck start
time.
Game Protocol
Warm-Ups
Juniors – 10 minutes on dirty ice
Midget – 5 minute warm up dirty ice
Start of Game Process
Announce Starting Lineups – Like a College Game. Teams on Goal Line,
Players come to blue line.
Play/Sing National Anthem
Game Commences
D. MANDATORY ATTIRE  A Collard shirt with tie is mandatory NO JEANS-SWEAT PANTS
 No tobacco/alcohol consumption in the building
 No earrings/nose rings, etc.
 All officials shall be properly dressed on and off the ice. NO JEANS.
E. GAME REPORTSA game report will be attached to every game sheet it is up to the senior referee to
fill out a report regardless of any of the items listed below.
Post-game reports are one of your most important duties. They provide communication
to three different people and fines and suspensions are enforced from your written
report. Please fill out all information clearly and correctly. Also make yourself available
that evening. (Leave a phone number where you can be contacted.)
The Referee shall call Gene Binda or immediate supervisor in your area
following the game involving:
 All majors
 All game disqualifications
 Extraordinary incidents
Do not respond to length of suspension, have coach contact the league office.
F. DRESSING ROOM- This is your room. No Coach or GM is allowed in the
room without your permission. If there is a problem in the game and they need to
talk to you lend them an ear. If they get unruly ask them to leave and report the
incident to me first and the USPHL office second.
Under NO Circumstances are you to review video with the coaches before, during
or after the game. Refer the request be sent to the league office for review.
The room should not be used as a hang out for friends or family. If anyone should
drop by make it brief. There could be a lot of things going on in the game and you
may need the time to go over some situations during the resurface.
Any Team Personal blocking the way of the officials to the dressing room shall
result in a minor penalty during game misconduct after games. All incidents shall
be reported immediately to Gene Binda or immediate supervisor.
G. INJURY/.ILLNESS/ACCIDENT
In the event you are injured or become ill and are unable to perform your duties,
contact Gene Binda or any supervisor immediately.
H. INSURANCE
All officials must be properly registered with USA Hockey. Failure to meet any
datelines/ payments will result in your suspension from officiating in our league.
I. OFFICIAL'S UNIFORM
 Clean uniform, look sharp, feel sharp, be sharp!
 USPHL patch to be worn for Premier, Elite and Empire
 USA Patch for All Midget Games NO EXCEPTIONS!
J. ABSENCE OF OFFICIALS
Every effort should be made to have Three officials on the ice for all leaguesgames. Should for any
unforeseen reason, any one of the assigned officials be prevented from officiating, the following shall
take place.
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The game will start at the scheduled time, with the existing officials
Attempt to contact a league official that may be available to work.
In all cases, the two-referee system will be used.
Attempt to contact a registered USA Hockey Official. (There maybe
some non-playing players may be a registered official)
 If no referee, the senior linesman shall lead referee
REFEREE DUTIES
A. RULE BOOK KNOWLEDGE
Players and coaches don't care about the CHA, ECHL, CCHA, etc. rules and
procedures. You are expected to know our rulebook and procedures in the league
you are working.
B. START OF GAME/PERIOD
The Referee and Linesmen shall be on the ice for Warm-ups NO
EXCEPTIONS
C. TALKING TO PLAYERS/COACHES
1) Be brief and to the point
2) Give your explanation, tell him what you called, if the Captain wants to question
or comment, then end the conversation. If a captain begins too question every call,
explain to him that his privileges may be revoked.
3) Coaches-We want to explain multiple situations or answer any intelligent
questions. At no time is the coach to stand on the boards or in the doorway with the door
open while your talking to him. If he does not want to listen, end the conversation. Be
courteous. If you talk with one bench, be prepared to talk with the other bench.
4) Don't overdo it these are not debates.
5) Always have a partner when speaking to a coach
D. FISTICUFFS
1) Your duty is the noncombatants. Order all players of both teams to their benches.
Follow the procedure early in the season and you won't have any problems later.
Blow the whistle and point to the benches.
2) Get in position to watch the benches and try and keep the fight in front of you.
3) Assess the penalties and get the play going.
4) If a fight breaks out in the crease area, order the goaltender into a neutral
corner
5) Multiple Fight(s)
 First to Worst
 Talk to the players involved in the second and/or third fights.
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Check with the linesmen for any other penalties
Don't panic. Be calm
Get the aggressor/instigators.
Watch the Bench!
Be sure to get the aggressor/instigator out of the game. Remember not every
fight is going to have an instigator.
Game Review:
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Reminder, you are a representative of USPHL and USA Hockey
Know the rulebook
Stay alert, hustle, keep game moving prevent stalling
Give your best judgment and uniform interpretation of the rule
Penalize rough play
You have the final decision in all disputes
Report all disqualification penalties in detail on official game reports
Report all physical contact or abuses to the league office in writing
Do not comment on length of suspension
Check game sheet before signing- And Sign IT!
Housekeeping
It is the duty of the referee to see that:
 All games should start promptly on time
 All minor officials are prepared to carry out their duties
 Goal nets are in proper condition
 Keep dressing room clear of unauthorized personal
 Report poor rink conditions to league office
LINESMAN DUTIES
Pre-game Review
COMMUNICATION
1.
2.
3.
4.
What does this game mean for both teams?
What happened last time these teams played
What players to watch?
Discuss what your duties will be with the referee (each referee is
different)
5. Senior linesman determines which end he wants to start
Warm-ups
AWARENESS
6.
7.
8.
9.
Check timing devices location/working order
Check both goal nets
Where players enter and exit
Face players at all times never turn your back while standing at
referee crease
10. Keep players on their side of the ice (minor penalty JR. Hockey)
11. End of warm-ups get captains for pre-game
12. Team closest to the common exit leaves first (beware of players
crossing) hold team if necessary
13. Holes in the ice, boards sticking out etc.
14. How high is the glass
15. Check nets again
16. Face offs should be a last priority, DO NOT be in a hurry to retrieve
the puck. Remember People, Puck, Position
17. Anticipate potential situations
18. Keep your eyes on a player or players who may retaliate over a nonpenalty call when whistle is blown, regardless of any penalty
violations. Hustle to the players this will prevent any altercations.
19. Beware of line changes especially if teams have to cross each other.
20. Start of period check for penalized players on penalty bench
21. Broken sticks should be placed at the players bench after a stoppage
in play not the penalty box make sure stick it goes to right bench.
22. Beware of dislodged goals blow whistle on if you are sure referee
does not see goal dislodged.
23. When asked by the referee give your version on a disputed goal
(away from players at referee crease) other linesman should be
facing players. At no time should all officials be discussing dispute.
24. Goalkeeper penalty- it is up to the back linesman to keep all
numbers of the penalized team and report them to the referee.
25. Beware of the 18 second rule
26. Do not be afraid to call illegal substitution of the goalkeeper
During the warm up make sure that both teams stay on their side of
the center ice line.
27. Check the nets at the end of warm ups and at the end of each period
the last thing we need is a puck going thru a hole in the net.
28. At the end of each period each linesman will take a bench to hold so
that there are no problems*.
Altercations
 Communication with partner is very important
 Hustle is the name of the game. Anticipate potential situations When the
whistle blows hustle to the stoppage, your presences may avert a
confrontation.
 Use good judgment when entering a fight “never” enter a altercation alone.
 DO NOT bark, swear or sound threatening to the players
 Talk to players before entering the altercation
 Talk to players while breaking up the altercation
 DO NOT enter an altercation and grab a player from behind up and over
method to break up the players.
 Use the up and over method when breaking up altercation.
 Stay with the players who have received penalties in the scrum in case you
have to assist the referee with original penalties.
 Stay with the original altercation until you have escorted the player to the
penalty bench.
 NEVER, leave the original altercation.
 Remember All the little things done right will make your crew a better
crew
If any of the following happen, get in quick:
a) Obvious size differential
b) Skilled player vs. less skilled player
c) Player(s) hit the ice
d) Injury
e) Along the boards be ready to step in
f) Lopsided fight
Multiple Fights
a) Stay with the original altercation
b) Get players off the ice with the door closed
c) Go to most aggressive fight or injury potential
d) Communicate with each other
e) Don't panic, stay calm.
f) Never over-handle a player or embarrass them. If a player resists,
assess the proper penalties.
A. START OF GAME/PERIOD Mandatory
Be on the ice before either team or about the three-minute mark. If teams are not on their
way to the ice with one minute it is your responsibility to inform the absent team(s).
Linesmen are not on the ice for warm-ups.
B. END OF PERIOD-PLAY IN ATTACKING ZONE
With eight seconds remaining in the period/game the front linesman will
skate down to the goal line. His responsibilities are:
 Watch the puck
 Watch the goal light for the red/green indication.
 Assist the referee in any disputes
 Don't signal, confer with the referee 1'.
The back Linesman will:
 Watch the clock
 When clock strikes 0:00, blow your whistle
 Hold the home bench while the visiting team exits
USPHL GAME FEES Premier
REFEREE
$175.00
LINESMAN
$80.00
USPHL GAME FEES Elite
REFEREE
$150.00
LINESMAN
$80.00
USPHL GAME FEES Empire
REFEREE
$125.00
LINESMAN
$75.00
USPHL GAME FEES Midgets
REFEREE
$90.00
LINESMAN
$60.00
METHOD OF PAYMENT
Horizonwebref.com is your game receipt. If you do the game and your name is not
on the web you will not be paid!
If there is a change let me know and I will make the adjustment on the web. It is
your responsibility to make sure the web is correct. Kick back ANY GAME you do
not do!
GAME FEES will be sent monthly after the game sheet has been received and all
of the crewmembers have signed the score sheet.
TRAVEL EXPENSE Authorized Travel Only!
All Hotels and travel will be made through Referees Crease –
you must confirm all travel.
SPECIAL INCIDENT REPORT ALL LEAGUES
Email/Fax complete report and support materials to
Hockey Office Fax: 781 337 1914
Email ebinda@comcast.net
Within 24 hours of incident.
This form is to be used for the reporting of any unusual circumstance affecting
any Hockey game, on or off the ice. This includes but is not limited to incidents
involving players, coaches, fans, facilities, and/or game administration.
TO BE COMPLETED BY REFEREE ONLY:
Game Date ___________Visiting Team ___________Home Team_________
League___________
Reason for Report: _________________________________________________________
Reporting Referee: __________________________________________________
Time of Incident: ______________________________ Period:______________________
Score at Time of Incident: (V)______(H)______ Final Score: (V)________ (H)_________
List Penalties and Rule (if applicable)
Penalized Individual (s)
No.
Team Infraction/Penalty
Rule
__________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
TO BE COMPLETED BY REFEREE
Describe the incident or condition. Provide as much detail as you can confirm.
_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
Did you speak with the Supervisor of Officials? Yes____ No____ When: ___________
Did you speak with the USPHL Commissioner? Yes____ No____ When: ___________
Referee/Observer Signature:_________________________________Date:_______________