REFEREE GUIDEU7 & U9 · 2026–27

12/14 Practise

Game Scenarios

Tap a situation to see exactly what to do.

Rules come first. Current PCAHA and Hockey Canada rules always take priority over this guide. If in doubt, follow your mentor.
1Blue lineOffside
  1. Get to a clear view along the attacking blue line.
  2. Watch the puck and the attacking players as the puck enters the zone.
  3. Apply the offside rule in effect, including delayed offside.
  4. Signal and whistle if play must stop.
  5. Send players to the correct faceoff spot.
Coaching tipA player ahead of the puck does not always mean an immediate whistle. Learn delayed offside and faceoff placement from the current rule book.
2Long puckIcing
  1. Spot a possible icing as the puck is shot.
  2. Communicate with your partner and follow the puck to the far goal line.
  3. Decide if icing is completed or waved off.
  4. Signal clearly, whistle if called, and set up the faceoff.
Coaching tipIcing at U9 follows the normal rules.
3GoalA goal is scored
  1. See the whole puck cross the goal line legally.
  2. Whistle and point decisively at the net.
  3. Check with your partner if either of you is unsure.
  4. Make sure the goal is recorded.
  5. Restart with a faceoff at centre ice.
Coaching tipAt U9, goals are recorded in Spordle because PCAHA is tracking data this season, but the score is not shown on the clock. Do not announce the score.
4StoppageGoalie covers the puck
  1. Confirm the goalie has covered or controlled the puck.
  2. Whistle promptly.
  3. Watch for late jabs at the goalie after the whistle.
  4. Set up at the correct end-zone dot.
Coaching tipProtect the goalie. A quick whistle prevents most scrums.
5InfractionA minor penalty
  1. Identify the infraction and the player.
  2. Use delayed-penalty mechanics when needed and stop play at the right time.
  3. Signal and clearly communicate the call.
  4. Send the player to their bench for a 2-minute time out.
  5. A teammate replaces them on the ice, then restart.
Coaching tipU9 uses Time-Out Penalties this season, so the team is never short-handed. At the end of the game, review the goals and penalties on the game sheet before you sign.
6SafetyA player is injured
  1. Decide if play must stop right away.
  2. Stop play promptly when needed.
  3. Keep other players clear and call for team or medical help.
  4. Do not move the player unless they are in immediate danger.
  5. Restart only when the ice is safe.
Coaching tipFor a possible head or neck injury, wait for qualified help. Do not try to diagnose.
7RestartFaceoff violation
  1. Check spacing and positions before dropping the puck.
  2. If a player moves early, stop and reset.
  3. Give a short, clear instruction.
  4. Follow the replacement process only if violations keep happening.
  5. Drop when both sides are set.
Coaching tipAt U9, teaching beats penalizing. Do not invent penalties for inexperienced players.
8CommunicationCoach disputes a call
  1. Stay calm. Game management comes first.
  2. At a stoppage, listen briefly to a reasonable question.
  3. Explain the call simply and respectfully.
  4. End the conversation and get back to the game.
  5. If it becomes abusive, follow bench-conduct and reporting procedures.
Coaching tipNever argue or trade insults. Ask your partner for support and report abuse through the Jets and PCAHA process.
9Game managementA coach asks you not to call offsides
  1. Stay friendly and calm.
  2. Explain that PCAHA wants U9 to follow a normal game structure this season, so offsides and icings are called in every game.
  3. Apply the rules the same way for both teams.
  4. If the coach keeps pushing, involve your mentor or email Jeff after the game.
Coaching tipIt is not up to the coaches this season. A normal structure teaches the real rules of hockey.
10U7U7: puck goes over the divider
  1. Whistle to stop play.
  2. Wait for the puck to come back, or use a spare puck if your mentor has one.
  3. Drop the puck at a spot closer to the net where play stopped.
  4. Keep an eye on the other mini game so players do not chase into it.
Coaching tipAt U7, quick restarts keep kids playing. Do not let a stoppage drag on.
11AdminYou can’t make your game
  1. Tell Ryan as soon as you know.
  2. Do it by email so there is a record.
  3. Never just not show up.
Coaching tipThe earlier Ryan knows, the easier it is to find a replacement.
12StoppagePuck goes out of play
  1. Whistle when the puck leaves the playing area.
  2. Note where it was last played and whether a special rule applies.
  3. Pick the correct faceoff spot.
  4. Communicate the restart and get in position.
Coaching tipThe faceoff spot depends on where and how the puck left play, not just who touched it last.