April 21, 1999
Effective the 1999 playoffs and the 1999-2000 season, the NHL will implement a 2-referee system. After resounding success in a trial run during this year's regular season, the league's Presidents and GMs have decided that this is the future of officiating in hockey. Here's a look at how it works:
The 2-Referee System
Each referee will have the authority to call infractions on any part of the ice. Either referee will have the responsibility of making non-penalty calls such as hand pass or high-sticking of the puck. Both referees will assist in making the call with respect to a possible crease violation.
One referee will cover deep into each end-zone, as in the past. The back referee will remain outside the zone, watching the peripheral areas, while the deep referee will watch the "action area". The back referee will control the line changes and return to play following a commercial stoppage.
Two linesmen will be used in all games. Their duties and authority will not change, except that the task of conducting center ice face-offs to start a period and following a goal will be returned to the referee.
Comparison Between the One- and Two-Referee Systems
One-Referee Two-Referee Distance Skated Per NHL Game 9.00 Miles 5.67 Miles % of Time Skating Forward 82% 71% % of Time Skating Backward 10.7% 25.0% % of Time Skating Crosscuts 7.3% 4.0%
Source: Sheridan College Study, Oakville, Ontario, 1998.
This page is dedicated to the memory of my Dad, H. JOHN MILLS, who taught me the qualities of being a good Official; Professionalism, Integrity, Dedication and Humour. I owe my Officiating success to him. - Rob Mills
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