The primary role of Referee In-Chief is to develop the ranks of qualified referees using USA Hockey training and guidelines. From time to time this position will be asked to provide rule interpretations to the executive or board. A successful Referee In-Chief will insure that development opportunities are provided to less experienced referees. These opportunities usually match experienced officials with the less experienced in actual game opportunities. Activities of the Referee In-Chief include:

• Working closely with the Scheduler to develop game assignments while ensuring compliance with any league requirements.
• Seek continuous improvement of officials by providing feedback through appraisals.
• Balance game opportunities with all referees qualified to officiate recognizing higher level games necessitate official selection based on experience.
• The Referee In-Chief is responsible for communications with the Treasurer to ensure officials are properly compensated (per Board of Directors compensation scale for each age division) for the games they officiated.
• The Referee In-Chief works with the State Referee In-Chief to train and mentor officials from other organizations.
• It is desired that the Referee In-Chief be a minimum Level 3 Official with training from USA Hockey as an Instructor of Officials.
• Referee In-Chief represents officials in the organization during board and/or executive meetings.

The Referee In-Chief reports directly to the President of the organization. There is a dotted line relationship to the State and District Referee’s In-Chief. The Referee In-Chief is not required to attend regular executive or board meetings.

2/23/05