Learning from Eachother...

Situation-Error

During a recent game the coach opened the gate to change players while the puck was near their bench. The official (two-official system) was standing directly in front of the bench. No player came on the ice. A fan from the other team yelled "too many men". The official stopped play and called a too-many-players penalty. His partner calmly skated over to him, they discussed, and decided not to call a too many players penalty.

What we Learned

There are two learning opportunities and two "kudos" in this situation. First, too many player penalties are different from other penalties because the official is not going to put up the arm for a delayed penalty. Therefore, you do not have the pressure of having to make a fast call. Instead, take an extra half-second to count the players and ensure there is an extra skater on the ice. A slightly late too many player call is better than an incorrect call. Second, the fan who yelled "too many men" can be ignored...block out those opinions...count the players...make (or do not make) the call.

Finally, a kudos to both officials. The official who made the call was open to feedback and the right too many players call was made. The other official did a good job of calmly engaging his partner to discuss without make a scene. *Note: Too Many Players is the only call that can be discussed and changed like this...for all other calls, once your hand goes up for a delayed penalty you need to assess a penalty.

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