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    • Member Evaluations
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mihoa blog

Appreciation Event to be Held June 8 at Kirkwood Ice Arena

2/16/2019

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All MIHOA officials, youth-aged members, parents, siblings and friends are invited to attend MIHOA's 2019 Appreciation Event at Kirkwood Ice Arena. Event will include a fun pickup hockey game, food & drink, a special guest speaker, raffle for officiating gear/merchandise, and a presentation of certificates and awards for our young officials and other members.

SCHEDULE - JUNE 8, 2019
2:45 PM -- Arrivals & check-in
3:15 PM -- No-check pickup hockey game**
4:30 PM -- Catered meal
5:00 PM – Special guest speaker, presentation of certificates & awards

**The following minimum equipment is required to skate during the pickup game: skates, shin guards, elbow pads, gloves, helmet with facemask.  Full facemask required for all players under 18.  Half-visor required for all other players.

AWARDS
All youth aged officials in attendance will be honored and recognized. Additionally, we will announce the Outstanding Young Official award winners, a special recognition for our young members who demonstrate commitment, positive character, work ethic and dedication. Additional MIHOA awards to be presented include the Making a Difference Mentor Award, Dedication Award and Achievement Award. 

RAFFLE
All attendees of the Appreciation Event will be entered to win variety of merchandise, officiating gear and other prizes.
 
HONORED GUESTS
Representatives from the Blues Special Hockey Program will be in attendance as our honored guests and speakers. Players and coaches from the Blues Special Hockey Program will skate during the pickup game, speak to event attendees, and help with the awards presentation. 
 
REGISTRATION
There is no fee for MIHOA members who are 18 & Under, but registration is required. Tickets for guests (parents, siblings, friends) and adult MIHOA members are $10 per person.

​REGISTER NOW
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MIHOA Partners with St. Louis Blues and St. Louis Lady Cyclones for Officiating Seminar

11/10/2018

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The Missouri Ice Hockey Officials Association, the St. Louis Blues and the St. Louis Lady Cyclones are teaming up to conduct a mid-season seminar for ice hockey officials. The clinic, which will take place on January 6, 2019, will provide first-year Level 1 officials and returning Level 2 officials the opportunity to complete their USA Hockey seminar requirement at the Enterprise Center. Members of the St. Louis Lady Cyclones will be eligible for a discounted seminar registration fee.
 
“The growth of hockey in St. Louis, particularly girls hockey, has resulted in the need to recruit and educate more qualified referees,” said Chris Johnson, St. Louis Lady Cyclones President. “We are excited to partner with MIHOA and to help them achieve their goal of increasing the pool of qualified officials in the St. Louis region.”  
 
This event is ideal for hockey players, coaches, parents and others who are interested in giving back to the game by becoming a USA Hockey certified official. To be eligible, applicants must be at least 13 years old on or before December 31, 2018. NOTE: this seminar is open to male and female participants. 

​Date
Sunday, January 6, 2019
 
Location
Enterprise Center
1401 Clark Ave
St. Louis, MO 63103
 
Schedule
9:00 AM – Doors open (check-in at Kiel Parking Garage entrance, gate 1)
9:30 AM – Morning classroom session
12:00 PM – Lunch (provided)
12:30 PM – Afternoon classroom session
4:00 PM – Ice session
5:00 PM – Departures
 
Parking
Attendees should self-park at meters or streets surrounding Enterprise Center. Download the Parkmobile app for a convenient way to pay for on-street parking. Learn more.
 
Dress Code
As guests of Enterprise Center and the Blues, we ask all attendees to dress appropriately. Business casual or nice jeans and collared shirt requested.
 
What to Bring
Pen and paper. Participants should also bring warmups, skates (no goalkeeper skates), helmet with half-visor or full cage, and a finger whistle. A limited number of helmet/visor combos will be available to borrow on the day of the seminar.
 
Waiver
Enterprise Center and the Blues require a waiver to be signed by all attendees. Download the waiver form by clicking here, fill it out and bring it with you. FOR ATTENDEES WHO ARE UNDER 18: WAIVER MUST BE SIGNED BY A PARENT.  
 
USA Hockey Registration
In order to become a certified official and to be eligible to officiate games for MIHOA, all members must also register with USA Hockey. Click here to view a complete list of USA Hockey's officiating requirements.
 
Seminar Registration
Registration fee for the seminar is $20. Members of the St. Louis Lady Cyclones are eligible for a discounted seminar registration fee of $10. Attendees must be at least 13 years old as of December 31, 2018. Deadline to register is January 4, 2019.
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Registration will be limited to a maximum of 30 total attendees.
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Officials Announced for 2018-19 Advanced Development Program

10/6/2018

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​Congratulations to the following officials, who have been select to the 2018-19 MIHOA Advanced Development Program: Ryan Bingham, Tyler Cloutier, Chris Givens, Josh Horowitz, Gerard Lamoureux, Clayton Liefeld, Tyler Overmann, Phoenix Pickler, Vaughn Upton, and Ian Veizer.
 
As part of MIHOA’s Development and Education efforts, the program features exposure to advanced officiating concepts, regular supervisions/evaluations, classroom sessions, participation in membership & board meetings and giving back to the association.
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Josh Horowitz is entering his second season in MIHOA's Advanced Development Program
Busy hockey weekends during the season will be earmarked for ADP participants to officiate several games at the AA, Central States and AAA levels alongside Development & Education staff and other veteran officials. These games will also be viewed as chance to challenge the officials at some of the highest levels of amateur hockey in the St. Louis area.
 
ADP members will also have the opportunity to be considered for local, regional and national tournaments, post-season assignments at the youth and high school levels, Missouri Hockey national qualifier games, Central District Championships, USA Hockey National Championships and the America’s Showcase High School event hosted by Mid States.
 
In addition to on-ice opportunities, ADP members will also be asked to attend MIHOA membership and board meetings. This will help them understand and appreciate the business and operation of the association. They will also be asked to give back to the game of hockey by volunteering their time for various hockey-related charities and causes. 
 
Congratulations to each of the officials selected for our Advanced Development Program!
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Returning Officials Lace 'Em Up at Level 4 Seminar

8/26/2018

 

Andy Hudson

MIHOA Development & Education Coordinator

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Late summer and early fall marks the beginning of another hockey season. Hockey zebras from Minnesota to Massachusetts, Ohio to Oregon, and Connecticut to Colorado are in the process of renewing their USA Hockey officiating membership or taking the plunge for the first time. Things are no different in Missouri. The Missouri Ice Hockey Officials Association has a jam-packed schedule of certification seminars that includes 13 sessions in nine weeks from mid-August to mid-October.

The first MIHOA seminar on August 19 involved officials striving for USA Hockey’s highest officiating certification, Level 4. The day began with the officials lacing up their skates at Brentwood Ice Arena for USA Hockey’s Level 4 skating exam. The exam, which is graded by veteran USA Hockey officials, features a variety of skating drills designed to gauge an official’s acceleration, stopping, balance, control turns, speed, agility and more. The “total package” drill, as executed below by 16-year-old Clayton Liefeld, combines all the elements.
​The final element of the on-ice session is a fitness drill where officials must demonstrate their acceleration, speed and agility in a timed exercise. Completing the drill within the allotted time results in bonus points toward the participant’s overall grade. Veteran MIHOA member and former junior and minor pro official, John Fitzgerald, successfully completes the drill.
After a short break, attendees participated in an interactive classroom session featuring higher-level discussions about judgement, the 4-official system, communication with coaches & players, and more. Next, a special guest speaker, John Burroughs School Athletic Director Peter Tasker, delivered a powerful message about injuries in high school sports, and what officials can do to ensure that hockey games are played in a safe and fair environment.

​The conclusion of the Level 4 seminar featured a 50-question USA Hockey Officiating closed book exam. Officials must demonstrate their rule knowledge in order to receive their certification by answering questions like this one. Do you think you know the correct answer?

A penalized player sustains an injury requiring him/her to leave the ice and get treatment. He/She is replaced on the penalty bench by another player. The injured player returns to play with time still left on his/her penalty and scores a goal. The referee should: 

a. Allow the goal, assess no additional penalty and have the player serve the remainder of his/her own penalty. 
b. Allow the goal and assess a bench minor. 
c. Disallow the goal, assess no additional penalty and have the player serve the remainder of his/her own penalty. 
d. Disallow the goal and assess a minor penalty to the player. 
e. Disallow the goal and assess a bench minor penalty.

As MIHOA’s seminar season continues, 400+ returning and new officials will participate in the USA Hockey curriculum and on-ice sessions in order to prepare for the busy hockey season ahead. MIHOA assigns officials to more than 7,000 youth, high school, AAA, college and adult games each season, and its officials are excited for the season ahead. 

Interested in becoming a hockey official? Learn about the certification process and register for an upcoming seminar now.

St. Louis Lady Cyclones and MIHOA Partner for Girls Officiating Event

5/10/2018

 
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​MIHOA is excited to announce that it is partnering with the St. Louis Lady Cyclones to host a GIRLS TRY REFFING FOR FREE session. This event, which will be exclusively open to girls and women, is for players, coaches, parents and others who may be interested in becoming a hockey official. The event will include presentations covering basic officiating information followed by an on-ice clinic and a chance to skate as an official in a controlled scrimmage.
 
Who Should Attend:
The event is open to female-only players, coaches, parents and other individuals who may be interested in becoming an ice hockey official.
 
NOTE: MIHOA requires officials to be at least 13 years old by August 1 of the registration season (i.e. 13 years old by August 1, 2018 for the 2018-19 season).

Date:
Saturday, June 2, 2018

Location:
St. Louis iceZone
5555 St. Louis Mills Blvd.
Hazelwood, MO 63042

Schedule:
9:45 AM – Arrival & Check-in
10:00 AM – Welcome & Presentations
11:20 AM – On-ice Clinic
11:50 AM – On-ice Game Situations (controlled scrimmage)
12:50 PM – Close

Topics:
  • Learn what it is like to be a referee
  • Benefits of officiating
  • Understanding the registration & certification process to become a USA Hockey on-ice official
  • General info about 2018-19 USA Hockey Seminars
  • MIHOA Equipment Loan Program
  • Opportunities in officiating
  • McKenna Scholarship Foundation
  • Socialize with MIHOA members
  • Q & A

Registration:
There is no fee to attend the event. However, we request that you RSVP by CLICKING HERE no later than June 1, 2018. The event will be limited to a maximum of 30 attendees. 

Equipment:
All participants taking part in the on-ice session are required to have their own skates, warm-up pants & jacket, and a helmet with either a half-visor or full shield attached. A limited number of helmet/visor sets will be available to borrow on the day of the event. Full officiating equipment is not required. Bring a whistle if you have one.

Questions:
For questions, contact MIHOA Development & Education Coordinator Andy Hudson at ahudson@mihoa..com or 314-803-3141.

2018 MIHOA Try Reffing for Free Session - May 6 at Webster Groves Ice Arena

3/24/2018

 
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MIHOA will be hosting a TRY REFFING FOR FREE session for people who may be interested in becoming a hockey official. The event will include three short classroom sessions covering basic officiating information followed by an on-ice session and a chance to skate as an official in a controlled game-situation setting. This event is held in cooperation with the Winterland Ice Hockey. 

Who Should Attend:
The event is open to coaches, players, parents and other individuals who may be interested in becoming an ice hockey official. Note: MIHOA requires officials to be at least 13 years old by August 1 of the registration season (i.e. 13 years old by August 1, 2018 for the 2018-19 season).

Date:
Sunday, May 6, 2018

Location:
Webster Groves Ice Arena
33 E Glendale Rd
Webster Groves, MO 63119

Schedule:
1:45 PM – Arrival & Check-in
2:00 PM – Welcome & Classroom Sessions
3:15 PM – On-ice Officiating Drills
3:45 PM – On-ice Game Situations (controlled scrimmage)
5:00 PM – Close

Topics:
- Learn what it is like to be a referee
- Benefits of officiating
- Understanding the registration & certification process to become a USA Hockey on-ice official
- General info about 2018-19 USA Hockey Seminars
- MIHOA Equipment Loan Program
- Opportunities in officiating
- McKenna Scholarship Foundation
- Socialize with MIHOA members
- Q & A

Registration:
There is no fee to attend the event. However, we request that you RSVP by CLICKING HERE no later than May 2, 2018 at Noon. The event will be limited to a maximum of 30 attendees. 

Equipment:
All participants taking part in the on-ice session are required to have their own skates, warm-up pants & jacket and a helmet with either a half-visor or full shield attached. A limited number of helmet/visor sets will be available to borrow on the day of the event. Full officiating equipment is not required. Bring a whistle if you have one.

​Questions:
For questions, contact MIHOA Development & Education Coordinator Andy Hudson at ahudson@mihoa.com or 314-803-3141.

2018 MIHOA Summer Development Program

3/4/2018

 
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The fifth annual MIHOA Summer Development Program will take place July 9-15 at various St. Louis rinks. This program, held in partnership with the Winterland Ice Hockey Friendship Games, is a weekend of structured development, education and coaching of our newer and younger officials.

This program is an excellent opportunity to officiate several games in a short period of time, to receive feedback and coaching from experienced MIHOA supervisors, and to get prepared for the 2018-19 ice hockey season. 

What:
In partnership with the Winterland Ice Hockey friendship games, a weekend of structured development, education and coaching of USA Hockey officials who officiate games with MIHOA. 
 
Who:
Officials – Young MIHOA officials who are certified as level 1, level 2 and level 3 during the 2017-18 season. Program is open to teenage and young-adult officials, in the target age group (but not exclusive of), ages 13-30.    

Supervisors– experienced MIHOA supervisors and veteran officials who will provide pre-game tips, shadow officials on the ice, provide in-game coaching during stoppages and intermissions, and postgame feedback.
 
When:
July 9-15, 2018. Majority of the games held on Friday evening, all day Saturday, and all day Sunday. Additional games scheduled earlier in the week.
 
Where:
Main location - Webster Groves Ice Arena. Additional games to be held and Kirkwood, Brentwood and Creve Coeur rinks. 
 
Notes:
  • Officials will receive a normal game fee for workings these games.
  • Participants are strongly encouraged to commit to the entire weekend, allowing you to receive 2-4 supervision opportunities.
  • A pre-event conference call may be scheduled to review the expectations and guidelines for the weekend.  
  • Participants must be willing to accept performance feedback and work on those areas where improvement is needed throughout the course of the event and into the future.
 
Application Details:
  • MIHOA officials who would like to be considered for these games must submit a short online application. The application deadline is June 8, 2018.
  • Applicants must also update their Date Requests availability on the MIHOA Scheduling Site. Date requests must be submitted by June 15 as follows. You are encouraged to submit requests for ALL of the time slots listed to ensure you are available for the entire weekend.
    • July 9, 10, 11, 12, 13 (games stating after 6 PM)
    • July 14 (morning, afternoon, evening)
    • July 15 (morning, afternoon)
 
To submit an application, CLICK HERE.
 
PLEASE NOTE: preference will be given to officials who are able to commit to the entire weekend. Preference will also be given to officials who have not yet participated in our Summer Development Program.

If you have any questions, please contact Andy Hudson.

Thank you for your dedication to officiating and we look forward to receiving your application!
 
Jefferson City Friendship Games
NEW IN 2018, the Winterland Ice Hockey Program will be conducting friendship game weekends at the Washington Park Ice Arena in Jefferson City.
 
Dates:
  • June 15-17 – Squirts & Pee Wees (application deadline, May 25)
  • July 27-29 – Bantam & High School/Midget (application deadline, June 30)
 
During these games, a similar officiating development program will be conducted by MIHOA, focusing on the continued training and education of local Jefferson City officials, select officials from the St. Louis Metro, and officials who travel in town with their teams.
 
If you are interested in being considered as an official for these games in Jefferson City, please submit an application by CLICKING HERE.

Summer Officiating Development Camps and Programs

3/1/2018

 
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There are a variety of opportunities each summer to improve your skating, rule knowledge, on-ice presence, and officiating abilities. Here are some popular summer camps and programs, with links to learn more information. 

MIHOA Summer Development Program
The fifth annual MIHOA Summer Development Program will take place July 9-15 at various St. Louis rinks. This program, held in partnership with the Winterland Ice Hockey Friendship Games, is a weekend of structured development, education and coaching of our newer and younger officials. It is an excellent opportunity to officiate several games in a short period of time, to receive feedback and coaching from experienced MIHOA supervisors, and to get prepared for the 2018-19 ice hockey season. NEW IN 2018, the Winterland Ice Hockey Program will also be conducting friendship game weekends at the Washington Park Ice Arena in Jefferson City. Click here for more information on how to apply for consideration for this local development program.
 
Central District Officiating Camp
Held at Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa, from June 17-22, 2018, the Central District Officiating Camp is the first step in the ladder for officials from the Central District who are interested in pursuing the USA Hockey Officiating Development program. This invitation-only camp is limited to ages 17-30 and includes classroom sessions, on-ice instruction, fitness assessment, and live-game officiating. Participants are selected based on their officiating ability, personal character, conduct, school record, and ambitions. Eligible officials will receive application information by email, or contact Bob Cunningham for details.

USA Hockey Summer Development Camps
Each summer, the development of young officials continues at the USA Hockey Officiating Development Camps. These camps are used to identify and prepare officials for junior, collegiate, and professional competition, and provide all participants with the fundamental skills needed to return home to their grassroots hockey community and be the best amateur hockey officials they can become. Many of the top officials in the United States have progressed through the various summer development camps, and USA Hockey recruits the top instructors available from professional and collegiate leagues to educate and evaluate the participants in all aspects of officiating. Learn more.
 
Don Koharski’s Officiating and Development Camps
The development of officials is taken very seriously at Don Koharski’s camps and for that reason they are committed to continually improve their on-ice and classroom sessions.  Staff consists of the very best of amateur and professional officials who share their experiences both on and off the ice and work hard to provide campers with the very best of on-ice instruction.  Don Koharski takes great pride in providing students interactive classroom sessions which can be put into practice on the ice. A new Elite Showcase Camp has been scheduled for June 11-14, 2018, in Nashville. Learn more.
 
Pittsburgh Elite Officiating Camps
Since 2012, The Pittsburgh Elite Officiating Camps have assisted in the development of aspiring ice hockey officials from throughout the United States and Canada. The Pittsburgh Elite Officiating Camps instruct a wide-range of ice hockey officiating skills from the most basic foundations to the most advanced techniques. The skills and topics presented in all of our programs are necessary for all officials to establish a foundation that will allow them to achieve success at any level of ice hockey officiating. Learn more.
 
California Referee School
Since 1987, Michel Voyer has directed the best and most well-known annual instructional camp for ice hockey officials in North America. The camp has sent over 300 graduates on to officiating careers in minor and professional hockey. The camp is open for all officials, from beginners who want to break into the game amateur level to experienced officials who want to keep their game at the highest possible level. This is the school of opportunities, attracting junior and professional supervisors looking to hire new recruits, it will give you the best exposure that you deserve. Learn more.

Officials should research camps thoroughly before registering, and should attend camps that will help them reach their goals. If you have questions about which camp is right for you, email education@mihoa.com. 

2018 MIHOA Appreciation Event: April 28 at Kirkwood Ice Arena

2/24/2018

 
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Appreciation Event Scheduled for Saturday, April 28 at Kirkwood Ice Arena

​All MIHOA officials, youth-aged members, parents, siblings and friends are invited to attend. Event will include a fun pickup hockey game, food & drink, a special guest speaker, raffle for officiating gear/merchandise, and a presentation of certificates and awards for our young officials.  

SCHEDULE - APRIL 28, 2018
3:15 PM -- Arrivals & check-in
3:45 PM -- No-check pickup hockey game**
5:00 PM -- Catered meal
5:30 PM – Special guest speaker, presentation of certificates & awards
**The following minimum equipment is required to skate during the pickup game: skates, shin guards, elbow pads, gloves, helmet with facemask.  Full facemask required for all players under 18.  Half-visor required for all other players.

AWARDS
All youth aged officials in attendance will be honored and recognized. Additionally, we will announce the Outstanding Young Official award winners, a special recognition for our young members who demonstrate commitment, positive character, work ethic and dedication. 

RAFFLE
All attendees of the Appreciation Event will be entered to win variety of items.
 
SPECIAL GUESTS
Members of the St. Louis Blues Alumni will be in attendance to skate in the pickup game and to share stories about their careers as professional hockey players. 
 
REGISTRATION
There is no fee for MIHOA members who are 18 & Under, but registration is required. Tickets for guests (parents, siblings, friends) and adult MIHOA members are $10 per person. To RSVP and purchase tickets, CLICK HERE. The deadline to purchase is April 25.

2018 Blue Note Cup Missouri Youth Hockey Championships

2/11/2018

 
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The Blue Note Cup Missouri Youth Hockey Championships get underway on February 22. Playoff games will be held at the Squirt, Pee Wee, Bantam and Midget levels, with games taking place throughout the Greater St. Louis Metro.  Here are some important notes and reminders for all officials who may be considered for these youth division playoff assignments.

  • All playoff assignments will be scheduled via officials’ availability, in addition to the “Search for Games” tab. Make sure to login to OSWEB and go to Schedule > Date Requests and update your availability for February. And, submit requests for games for which you are available. 
  • Allow yourself plenty of time to arrive to your assignments. Please arrive at least 30 minutes prior to all playoff assignments. Call me immediately if your partner(s) has not arrived by 30 minutes prior.
  • Dress code for all playoff games is business casual attire. No warmups or track suits, please.
  • File game reports and incident reports immediately following your game.
  • Maintain a professional and positive attitude on the ice and utilize good communication with players, coaches and your partners.
  • Hustle at all times and give 110%. These are the most important games for these young players, and they deserve your best effort.
  • Review the Youth Division playoff rules (link below). A Missouri Hockey Youth Division Rules Officials will be onsite for all games and can answer any playoff questions you may have.
 
These players and coaches have worked hard all year to get to this point. Please make sure that we raise our effort, hustle and communication to provide the best officiating that these games deserve.
 
Thank you and best of luck to all of you during the upcoming Youth Division playoffs!
 
Don Arias
VP Youth
 
RESOURCES
2018 Blue Note Cup home
2018 Blue Note Cup rules
2018 Blue Note Cup championship game schedule

2018 High School Playoffs Get Underway in February

1/25/2018

 
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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

2017-18 Blues for Kids Seminar Reimbursement

1/13/2018

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The St. Louis Blues for Kids Foundation has generously awarded MIHOA a grant to be used to offset the initial expense of becoming an ice hockey official. Based on the terms of the grant, this opportunity is only available for Level 1 and Level 2 youth-aged (13-18 years old) ice hockey officials who are members of MIHOA.

Reimbursement Guidelines
Officials who would like to have their seminar registration reimbursed, must meet ALL of the following guidelines:
  1. Between the age of 13-18 as of March 31, 2018.
  2. Register for and attend a 2017-18 USA Hockey Seminar conducted by MIHOA.
  3. Complete all USA Hockey and MIHOA registration & certification requirements by November 30, 2017.
  4. Must be a Level 1 or Level 2 certified USA Hockey official during the 2017-18 season.
  5. Must officiate a minimum of 10 games from September 1, 2017 until March 31, 2018.
  6. Must be a member in good standing and have not violated any bylaws or policies & procedures during the 2017-18 season.
  7. Must fill out a short online form to request funds reimbursement once the official has officiated 10 or more games.
Funds Disbursement
Provided an official meets all of the above guidelines, his/her 2017-18 seminar registration fee will be reimbursed during the next available payroll.

CLICK HERE TO COMPLETE FORM TO REQUEST REIMBURSEMENT

NOTE: a limited number of officials will be issued seminar reimbursement during the 2017-18 season. Reimbursements will be issued on a first-come, first-served basis until the pool of funds is depleted. 
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MIHOA Coaches Panel

12/19/2017

 
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As part of MIHOA’s efforts to continue to improve member education, the Development & Education team will be conducting a Coaches Panel during MIHOA’s January membership meeting. The panel will take place at 7:00 PM on January 3, 2018, at Creve Coeur Ice Arena. Hockey coaches from various levels of youth, high school, AAA, collegiate and pro levels have been invited to serve as panelist.
 
The panel discussion will provide MIHOA members with observations on officiating from the perspective of coaches. Topics that will be discussed include:
 
  • The importance of first impressions
  • Communication between officials and coaches
  • Coaching trends
  • Challenges in coaching
  • Q&A
  • More
 
Please join us for this special program. Thank you!

MIHOA Offers Mid-Season Level 1 Seminar

11/25/2017

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The Missouri Ice Hockey Officials Association will be hosting a mid-season seminar for new Level 1 officials and returning officials who would like to remain at Level 1. The seminar will take place on Saturday, January 6 at the McKendree Metro RecPlex in O'Fallon, IL. This will be the last MIHOA seminar of the season and, as such, the last opportunity to become certified as an official for the 2017-18 season. To be eligible to attend this seminar, you must be at least 12 years old by September 1, 2017. 

​For details and registration information, click here.
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MIHOA Scheduling Site Session

10/13/2017

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The next MIHOA membership meeting is October 24 at 7:00 PM at Creve Coeur Ice Arena. Membership meetings include important association news, updates from the MIHOA board of directors, information from Vice Presidents/assigners and more.
 
Immediately after the membership meeting, the Development & Education team will be leading a special 30-minute session on how to get the most out of our OSWEB scheduling site. Topics will include: Rink Selections, Date Requests, Search for Games, Email/Text Alerts and more. Learn how to maximize your availability, allowing MIHOA assigners the best opportunity to schedule you for games. Please arrive no later than 7:45 PM, however you are strongly encouraged to attend the membership meeting immediately prior to the session. 
 
If you will be attending this session, please submit this short form to RSVP.  

    ​MIHOA Scheduling Site Session RSVP form

SUBMIT
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Members Selected for Advanced Development Program

10/3/2017

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MIHOA would like to recognize the officials selected for its Advanced Development Program for the 2017-2018 season: Caden Broadhead, Matthias Chernitsky, Logan Drolet, Josh Horowitz, Kollin Knapp, Patrick Koenig, Nick Sadorf, Vaughn Upton and Ian Veizer. 
 
The program, which is part of MIHOA’s Development & Education efforts, includes exposure to advanced officiating opportunities, regular game supervisions/evaluations, on-ice clinics, classroom sessions, participation in association meetings and giving back to the association. 
 
Two ADP Futures Events will be held during the season where participants will officiate several games at the AA, Central States and AAA levels along with Development & Education staff and other veteran officials. These games will also be opportunities to challenge the officials at some of the highest levels of amateur hockey in the St. Louis area. 
 
Participants will also be considered for local, regional and national tournaments, post-season assignments at the youth and high school levels, Missouri Hockey national qualifier games, Central District Championships, USA Hockey National Championships and the America’s Showcase High School event hosted by Mid States. 
 
Congratulations to the officials selected for this program!
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Re-emphasis of the USA Hockey Zero Tolerance Policy

9/26/2017

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During the 2017-18 season, the MIHOA Board of Directors, with full support from Missouri Hockey, is taking a strict stance on unsportsmanlike behavior and is reemphasizing USA Hockey's Zero Tolerance Policy for all games officiated by its members. According to MIHOA President Bob Howenstein:

"Hockey is a passionate and emotional sport for players, coaches and spectators. However, when actions become argumentative, abusive and disruptive, this has a negative impact on the entire atmosphere in the rink. During our officiating seminars, our members have been instructed to take a strict stance on unsportsmanlike conduct and to apply the zero tolerance policy right away. Penalties to players and coaches will be assessed immediately, according to the rules. The minor or bench minor penalty will serve as the warning, and an additional misconduct and/or game misconduct will be issued should behavior continue. Parents and spectators displaying inappropriate and disruptive behavior will be removed from the playing area and may be subject to further disciplinary action by Missouri Hockey. Together, we can create a cooperative and positive environment for everyone involved."

To view the USA Hockey Zero Tolerance policy, click here. 
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2017-18 Membership Meetings

9/26/2017

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MIHOA Members should plan on attending our monthly membership meetings. Membership meetings include important association announcements, updates and special programs (presentations, speakers, special guests, etc.). All meetings take place at Creve Coeur Ice Arena. 

  • 9/27/2017 @ 7:00 PM
  • 10/24/2017 @ 7:00 PM
  • 11/28/2017 @ 7:00 PM
  • 1/3/2018 @ 7:00 PM
  • 2/7/2018 @ 7:00 PM
  • 4/29/2018 @ 7:00 PM**

**Annual meeting and elections.
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Hockey Ref Shop Offers Discounts for MIHOA Members

9/25/2017

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The Hockey Ref Shop is offering special discounts for MIHOA members. To view the special, download this flyer.  Hockey Ref Shop carries officiating sweaters, pants, protective equipment, accessories and more. 

HockeyRefShop.com was founded to give referees a better experience with their equipment. We pride ourselves on having the best prices on the internet and taking great care of our customers. All orders are shipped fast and with care.
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MIHOA Members Officiate Tier 1 Elite Hockey League Showcase in Iowa

9/17/2017

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Josh Horowitz, Blake Kochner, Nick Sadorf and Robert Babcock.
The MIHOA Development & Education Program recently created its Advanced Development Program. The program is used to identify MIHOA officials who are ready to be challenged and to promote our members to higher-level officiating opportunities. Four MIHOA members are in Des Moines, Iowa this weekend officiating the Tier 1 Elite Hockey League U16 & U18 AAA Showcase involving some of the top-ranked teams in the country. It is very fulfilling to see MIHOA's efforts paying off at the local, regional and national level and we are excited to watch these young men continue to grow in their careers as hockey officials.
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Mike Colombo Mouse Race Benefit

8/29/2017

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A benefit will be held for coach Mike Colombo to help with medical bills and his fight to beat cancer. Download this flyer for information.

We have received a few responses for volunteering and attending the mouse race event on Friday, September 22 and could certainly use more!  Please check your calendars and come support a few of our younger officials and their father, Officer Mike Colombo.  Please contact fellow official, Nick Sadorf. at (314) 401-0444 to register yourself that night as a volunteer.
 
Below is an image for T-shirts that they are making to commemorate Mike.  They are $20 and the funds go directly to helping with Mike’s medical expenses. 
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To order a T-shirt, please e-mail your name, telephone number, and T-shirt size to Nick Sadorf. 
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The Four-Official System

8/28/2017

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​The Four-official system is gaining more popularity at the higher levels of amateur, collegiate and professional hockey.  Here are some resources to help MIHOA officials learn about the 4-official system. 

USA Hockey Four-Official System Positioning & Mechanics Manual

Includes basic information, diagrams, descriptions and notes. To download the manual, click here. 

NHL 4-Official System video

Produce by the NHL, an excellent review of positioning, mechanics, field of view during live NHL game clips. 

NCAA 4-Official Guidelines

The NCAA rule book includes diagrams and descriptions of the 4-official system beginning on page 128. To download the NCAA rule book, click here. 
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2017-21 Playing Rule Interpretations Memo

8/24/2017

 
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Over the past few weeks, there have been some questions asked pertaining to some of the new rules.  In an effort to answer those questions consistently and to provide our membership with the most current rules information we have assembled a FAQ memo.
 
Please review this information and distribute it immediately to all of your seminar instructional staffs so they are able to correctly answer these questions.  Also, if you have other ways to distribute this information (i.e. newsletters, websites, etc.) please feel free to do so.
 
If you have any other related questions, don’t hesitate to contact us.
 
Dave LaBuda
USA Hockey
​National Referee-in-Chief

MIHOA Members Attend USA Hockey Futures Camp

6/28/2017

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Two of our  members, CJ Luetkemeyer and Kollin Knapp, recently attended the USA Hockey Officiating Program Futures Camp in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. It's great to see our young members' commitment to their education and development. MIHOA continues its tradition of producing quality ice hockey officials at the local, regional and national level.
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Notes from USA Hockey Annual Congress

6/14/2017

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Dear MIHOA Members:

MIHOA attended the USA Hockey Annual Congress this past week alongside Missouri Hockey and the Missouri Amateur Ice Hockey Youth division representatives. Being a rule change year, the various group discussions centered on the many proposals that were put in front of the membership for ratification. While I do not have the entire summary available, here are three prominent rules that the USA Hockey Board of Directors approved for implementation:
 
  • At the Bantam (14U) and below age categories, a shorthanded team is no longer permitted to ice the puck without a consequence. The consequence is that such a situation will now result in an icing call by the officials and the resulting faceoff will occur in the offending team’s defensive zone similar to when both teams are at equal on-ice strength.
 
The key reasons discussed to approve this change focused on puck possession and the development aspect of making plays. Also, many felt that allowing a team to ice the puck rewarded a team that was just penalized for an infraction.
 
  • All faceoffs will occur at one of the nine dots on the ice.
 
This rule received almost unanimous approval due to the simplicity of managing the game.
 
  • Rule 601 now includes language for racial/ethnic slur to include any language that is “offensive, hateful or discriminatory in nature”.
 
This language change allows for a wider variety of poor behavior to be penalized with a game misconduct where racial/ethnic slur was more specific.
 
MIHOA seminar instructors will be working with USA Hockey to incorporate these and any other rule changes into the fall seminar curriculum. We will also be reaching out to the coaches to schedule time in their seminars to discuss our Zero Tolerance Initiative along with information regarding these new rules.
 
Lastly, due to the loss of Hardee’s Iceplex, we have been working diligently to establish our seminar dates and locations. Please visit the MIHOA website as this information has been posted and you are now able to plan ahead.
 
I sincerely hope your summer is an enjoyable one.
 
Sincerely,
 
Bob Howenstein
MIHOA President
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