Enforcing Zero Tolerance

As I sat down to write this article, I was struck by the fact of how unfortunate it is that issues concerning Zero Tolerance continue to plague our game. Every call that an official makes, whether it be off-sides or a penalty infraction, will be viewed favorably by one team and unfavorably by the other. There's no getting around this fact. However, it's how coaches and players deal with an "unfavorable" call that creates a Zero Tolerance situation. One of the biggest reasons for officials leaving the sport is the verbal abuse that they take during the season. Now, while it is easy to lay the blame at the feet of the coaches and players, let's make sure that we, as officials, are not contributing to the problem. How so, you ask? Well, are you familiar with the rules regarding Zero Tolerance and more importantly, are you effectively using them during the course of a game? We are seeing a rash of Game and Incident Reports in Dane County over the past several months. Without a doubt, a number of these have arisen due to the improper use of Zero Tolerance. Simply put, we as officials are not dealing with Zero Tolerance correctly.

Fortunately, we have an excellent resource at our disposal. The USA Hockey rulebook does an outstanding job of setting up the legal guidelines for fair play before, during, and after a game. Let's dig into the rulebook and see what it says regarding Zero Tolerance.

With regard to players, Rule 601(a) spells it out clearly: "any player who challenges or disputes the rulings of any official … shall be assessed a minor penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct. If the player persists in such challenge or dispute (i.e., continues to argue) he shall be assessed a misconduct penalty, and any further dispute by the same player will result in a game misconduct penalty being assessed". A complaint about a penalty is NOT a matter "relating to the interpretation of the rules" and a minor penalty shall be imposed against any Captain or other player making such a complaint (see Rule 202(d)). Remember, only the Captain or designated Alternate Captain has the privilege of discussing with the Referee any questions relating to interpretation of rules that should arise during a game. In essence, a Captain is able to ask WHAT is being called, not HOW or WHY it was called. Coaches are held to the same standard as the players and are not entitled to any extra consideration with regard to disputing a call by an official. Rule 601(h) lists five separate incidences that will result in the assessment of a bench minor penalty: (1) banging the boards; (2) using obscene, profane or abusive language or abusive gestures (including taunting); (3) throwing anything into the playing surface; (4) inciting an opponent into incurring a penalty; and (5) interfering in any nonphysical manner with a Game Official. If a Coach persists in any course of conduct for which he received a bench minor penalty, then a game misconduct penalty shall be assessed (see Rule 601(i)(2)).

Should coaches and players receive a warning prior to assessing a penalty? The answer is "no". You will need to use your judgment to determine whether a coach or player has "crossed the line" with his or her questioning and therefore, deserves a penalty. There are a number of different scenarios that we could discuss. In the interest of space, simply use your good common sense when these situations arise. Avoid being "high and mighty" when dealing with coaches and players. Rule 502(a) states "the referee shall have general supervision of the game, and shall have full control of all game officials, team officials and players, before, during and after the game, including stoppages; and in the case of any dispute, his decision shall be final." While it is important to recognize that you are in charge per Rule 502(a), you must also recognize that you are a participant in the game as well.

In general, DCHOA officials have not made an excessive number of calls under the Zero Tolerance rules. In reality, we have not made enough calls. This is especially true of the older, more-experienced officials. We have a tendency to get a "thick skin" and ignore many of the comments, especially from the bench. The result has been a very significant increase in poor behavior by the coaches and a significant rise in the abuse of young officials. The only way to correct this situation is to make the proper calls under the Zero Tolerance rules and return the game to a proper atmosphere.

Similarly, officials need to use the Zero Tolerance rules in regards to the spectators. Under the Wisconsin Amateur Hockey Association By-Laws, the on-ice officials have an obligation to remove any spectator that is displaying inappropriate behavior and interfering with players, coaches, officials, or other spectators. Any time that there is a problem with spectators, a Wisconsin Hockey Officials Association Incident Report should be filed; this is true whether or not any spectators have been removed. This applies to the behavior of spectators before, during, and after the game. There is no place for unruly spectator behavior in our game, and it is our responsibility to help eliminate it. Once again, we are experiencing a significant rise in the abuse of officials by spectators, especially towards younger officials.

Just a few thoughts in closing. First, start each game with a fresh mindset. Don't carry over "baggage" from a previous game. Second, read the rulebook so that you are familiar with all rules and regulations contained therein. This is a simple and effective way to increase your on-ice confidence level. Third, when situations arise, ask yourself whether the coach, player, or spectator is being "reasonable". If not, use the rulebook to properly deal with the situation at hand.