Tips for Hard Calls

The Panda Referee

David Benmocha

REFEREE DEVELOPMENT

Tips for Hard Calls

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Every referee faces challenging calls during a game. Whether it's a borderline offside, a questionable penalty, or a disputed goal, these moments define how well an official manages the game.

Positioning & Instincts

Stay positioned correctly. Good positioning gives you the best angle to see plays develop. When you're in the right spot, tough calls become clearer.

Trust your instincts. You've trained for this. When you see something, make the call with confidence. Hesitation leads to doubt from players and coaches.

Communication & Composure

Communicate with your partners. In multi-official games, work as a team. If your partner has a better view, defer to their judgment. Two sets of eyes are better than one.

Stay calm under pressure. Players, coaches, and fans may disagree loudly with your calls. Maintain your composure and focus on the next play.

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Continuous Improvement

Learn from every game. Review your difficult calls after the game. What could you have done differently? Each experience makes you a better official.

No referee is perfect. What matters is making the best call you can with the information available to you at that moment. The willingness to learn and grow is what separates good officials from great ones.

Key Takeaway

Hard calls are inevitable in hockey officiating, but they don't have to be intimidating. By focusing on proper positioning, trusting your training, communicating with your team, and maintaining composure, you can handle even the toughest situations with confidence. Every challenging call is an opportunity to grow as an official.