The Roller Hockey Alliance is here!
January 8th, 2009 by Vio
Rink owners, coaches, refs, listen up! Communication is the key.
One thing that the members of RHA feel very strongly about is the fact that everyone in the sport can benefit greatly from better communication. One example is the communication between the rink owner, referees, and coaches. Let us explain.
In each league or major tournament there should be a head referee, often referred to as the RIC (referee in chief). In many cases we’ve found that there’s not a head referee, which is a huge mistake. The head referee is the glue between the rink owner, fellow referees, and even coaches.
Step 1) Before each season the head referee is to meet with the rink owner or hockey director and review things that went well and not so well in previous leagues in an effort to make the next league experience better for all involved.
Step 2) The head referee is to meet with the other referees individually to discuss their strengths and weaknesses. Just like any job, there should be review periods in an effort to stay sharp as well as encouragement to stay eager to constantly strive to improve.
Step 3) All of the referees meet together to have an open forum to discuss things as a group in an effort to make sure that they are consistent in their calls and actions on the rink.
Step 4) The head referee and rink owner or hockey director meet with the coaches in a coaches meeting. It is not a complaint session. Coaches are typically not more knowledgeable than the referees as they often think they are and usually have biased opinions, since they are often related to players in the game. Egos need to be checked at the door and everyone involved in the meeting is there for one reason, to improve the experience. Coaches and referees need to get past the “Us vs Them” mentality that some have, and this meeting is a great starting point.
Once coaches have a better understanding of how the rules will be called and realize that referees are doing the best that they can to give them the best experience on the rink, they will appreciate them more and usually treat them with a higher level of respect. If referees feel appreciated, they often work even harder to do a good job. With proper communication it can become a very positive cycle, and create a better hockey experience for all.
RHA will be assisting rinks that are interested implement this plan, as well as many other exciting things.
- Posted in Roller Hockey
