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Officiating

GREEN ARMBAND POLICY EFFECTIVE 8/1/25

BACKGROUND

Abuse and harassment of Officials remains an issue within CAHA. While the vast majority of Team Officials and Spectators treat Officials with respect, this is not always the case. To raise awareness of the age of many of our Officials, as well as to clearly identify these minors for all involved in the game, all Officials under the age of 18 will be required to wear a green armband. It is hoped that this action will cause those who abuse and harass officials, particularly minor officials to refrain from doing so.

THE POLICY

The Green Arm Band Initiative aims to enhance the safety and development of young ice hockey officials by clearly identifying them on the ice. Effective August 1, 2025, they will be required to wear one green armband during officiating assignments in the 2025-26 season. The Green Arm Band Initiative will serve to enhance respect for, and retention of, young referees within CAHA. By implementing a structured rollout plan with clear education, accountability, and monitoring, CAHA aims to create a more supportive environment for developing officials.

  • Increase awareness that certain officials are minors.
  • Encourage respect and appropriate behavior from players, coaches, and spectators.
  • Reduce verbal abuse and intimidation of young officials.
  • Create a safer and more supportive officiating environment to improve retention.
  • Provide a visual cue for coaches, players, and spectators to exercise greater patience and understanding.

Andy Lindley

North Carolina Supervisor of Officials

Ben Shiley

South Carolina Supervisor of Officials

Mobile Rulebook

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2021-2025 Playing Rules

(Updated: June 18, 2021)

The 2021-25 USA Hockey Playing Rule change process was concluded on June 12, 2021 during the Board of Directors Meeting at Annual Congress. You will find a summary of all accepted rule changes below, in addition to updates to the USA Hockey Points of Emphasis and Standard of Play, and an explanation of the new Standardization of Discipline regarding Match Penalties.

The 2021-25 USA Hockey Playing Rules will take effect starting September 1, 2021.

Frequently Asked Questions About New Rules For 2021-2022 Season

2021-25 Playing Rule Change Summary

2021-25 Playing Rules Points of Emphasis and Standard of Play

2021-25 Standardization of Discipline with Match Penalties

2016 Chet Stewart Award Winner

A tireless promoter of USA Hockey’s Officiating
 Program, Pat Bush has been instrumental in the
 growth of grassroots officiating development,
particularly in North Carolina and the Southeastern District. When Bush started his service with USA Hockey in 1990, there were only a handful of officials in Raleigh, North Carolina, and he quickly became involved in strengthening the base of local officials. He was a catalyst in forming the local officials association in Raleigh, providing a vehicle for growth and development. He served as president of the organization for many years, and still maintains a strong presence within the association. The Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, native started attending instructors’ camps in 1996, but was involved in the seminar process long before that. When the idea to hold a district officiating seminar in Raleigh came up, there were concerns about whether the North Carolina market could fill an entire weekend seminar. Bush worked to ensure the seminar was filled, handled logistical elements of the event, and even personally drove around to pick up younger officials so they could attend. Bush continues to work with young officials to ensure they have proper instruction and evaluation as well as opportunities for continued growth. He has set up a mentoring program, and also started a mini seminar series about officiating education. The presentations, which last from one to three hours, take place throughout the season and exemplify Bush’s dedication to mentoring young officials in the North Carolina community.

The Chet Stewart Award recognizes an individual who has made outstanding contributions to the USA Hockey Officiating Education Program during many years of service to the hockey community as an official and/or volunteer.