Communicating With Referees

Brock University Head Coach TJ Manastersky gives coaches at all levels suggestions on how to communicate with referees. His tips are listed below and can be applied to all age levels.

Tips For Communicating With Referees

1. Remember that refs are humans, and be respectful
2. Find out their first name
3. Speak eye to eye with them
4. Be curious, not judgmental
5. Realize that being a ref is hard

As time goes on, refs will respect how you treat them, and be more willing to engage in conversations with you and your team.

This video was part of a full 30 minute interview with TJ Manastersky. The other topics we discussed with TJ are shown below.

TJ and Brock University just announced the 2nd Annual Brock Badgers High Performance Hockey Seminar June 8th, 2024.

Game Preparation

1. How do you prepare your team for a game?
2. What is your process to pre-scout your opponent?
3. Pre-game speeches: what works and what doesn't?

Bench Management

1. Do you give your team time to themselves before a game?
2. What are the most important components of bench management?
3. How much of an emphasis do you put on matching lines?
4. What do you keep with you on the bench?
5. What makes a good dynamic between a head coach and their assistant coaches?
6. How do you keep your team focused during a game?
7. What are some of the things you do to try to spark a team or individual?
8. How often do you address individual players during a game vs the team as a whole?
9. How do you handle talking to refs?

Post Game Reflection

1. How do you reflect after a game?
2. How often does your play in the game dictate practice the following week?