2018 High School Playoffs Get Underway in February

High school playoffs for Mississippi Valley and Mid States varsity begin the weekend of February 2. Here are some important notes and reminders for all officials who may be considered for high school playoff assignments. 
 
ADMINISTRATIVE NOTES

• All playoff assignments will be scheduled via availability and will not be posted on the “Search for Games” tab. Make sure to login to OSWEB and go to Schedule > Date Requests and update your availability for February.

• Please update your February date requests calendar daily to ensure that you are maximizing your availability. 

• Allow yourself plenty of time to arrive to your assignments. Plan on arriving 45 minutes prior to start time. Call me immediately if your partner(s) has not arrived by 30 minutes prior.

• File game reports and incident reports immediately following your game. There are many games being played in a short period of time. The leagues must be alerted of any suspensions or discipline issues effectively, as the next game for that player could be as early as the next day.

 
GAME MANAGEMENT

• As tensions are already high coming down the regular-season stretch and into the playoffs, make sure to review the rule book. We have seen some calls involving misapplied rules lately and it is important to get the calls correct. Take extra time to confer with your partners to make sure you are applying the rules accurately.

• Please continue to call penalties. Do not go light on aggressive penalties, especially Head Contact, Checking from Behind, Charging and Boarding. “It was not that bad” means that it is likely deserving of a minor and misconduct. There is no such thing as a playoff standard. 

• Referees should hustle at all times and get to the net, especially on goal-scoring opportunities. Practice solid positioning to ensure a maximum field of view. Use verbalization and proactive officiating, keep yourself calm & cool, and apply the rules consistently. Consult with your partners, as necessary, especially on multiple penalty situations, major penalties and injury potential plays. Keep your conversations with captains and coaches professional and brief.

• Linesman should also hustle and get to their blue line before the play. Work together to ensure faceoffs are conducted fairly and efficiently. Assist the referee by covering for him on any breakaways or odd-man rushes. Diffuse situations with your physical presence and voice. Amp up your awareness, especially clock awareness, near the end of periods. 

RESOURCES 
2017-18 Mid States Playoff Rules (Varsity & JV)

2017-18 Mississippi Valley Playoff Rules (Varsity)

2017-18 Mississippi Valley Playoff Rules (JV)

Playoff hockey involves high energy, emotional players, coaches & spectators, and lots of excitement. Make sure you are physically and mentally prepared for all of your assignments and come to the rink ready to work hard.
 
Thank you and best of luck to everyone this playoff season!
 
Teppei Sakuma
VP Scholastic