OFFICIATING ZOOMCASTS
USA Hockey ZoomCasts are weekly online video webinars dedicated to continuing education of officials, coaches, players and parents. Some topics will focus on officiating performance and effectively managing a hockey game. Other broader topics will focus on USA Hockey policies and initiatives relevant to all members.
Each ZoomCast will feature a host and guest panel to discus the topic of the week. After the initial presentation, the panel will take questions from the virtual audience. Guest panelists include officials from professional and collegiate levels, USA Hockey National and District administrators, Head Coaches, Officiating Coaches and more.
The participant list is limited to 100 people. However, each ZoomCast will be posted for on-demand viewing at this website (see below) after the broadcast and at the USA Hockey YouTube Channel.
UPCOMING EPISODES (schedule is subject to change)
E.46 | Grassroots Fitness
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2021 @ 8:00p ET
MODERATOR
BJ Ringrose - Manager, Officiating Education Program
PANELIST
Amanda Tassoni - NCAA Referee & Personal Training Consultant
Whether working a top-level assignment or just grinding out a series of games through the weekend, fitness is critical. What are the best habits for an official with limited time for the gym? How can you build good habits? What to do if your routine doesn't produce results? Watch this episode for tips and tricks for a healthier season!
E.47 | Setting Goals
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2021 @ 8:00p ET
MODERATOR
Scott Zelkin - Manager, Jr. Officiating Development Program
PANELIST
Jestina Vichorek - Referee, IIHF & NCAA
Riley Yerkovich - Referee, AHL & ECHL
As someone wisely said, "If you have a dream, write it down. Then it becomes a goal". Whether striving to work certain leagues or levels, or to earn a playoff game, all officials have career goals. Watch this episode featuring two officials who look back on how they achieved their current success, and share strategy for how they plan to reach their next steps.
REGISTRATION WILL OPEN WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2021
E.48 | You Make the Call
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2021 @ 8:00p ET
MODERATOR
BJ Ringrose - Manager, Officiating Education Program
PANELIST
Jason Lortie - Referee, SPHL & ECHL
Melissa Szkola - Officiating Coach, IIHF
The cult favorite is back! Join our panel and host as they present several game clips for audience poll feedback. After the poll, the panel will break down the clip, share interpretations and playing rules during this highly educational episode.
REGISTRATION WILL OPEN WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2021
ZOOMCAST ON-DEMAND
E.45 | Officiating Education Program
VIDEO COMING SOON
Whether preparing officials for grassroots 10U games or Tier I Junior games, the USA Hockey Officiating Education Program is unrivaled throughout the world. However, the District Referees-in-Chief constantly look for ways to improve the experience. Watch this episode to learn more about this year's updates.
MODERATOR
Matt Leaf
Director, Officiating Education Program
PANELISTS
David LaBuda
USA Hockey, National Referee-in-Chief
Kevin Donovan
Massachusetts District, Referee-in-Chief
Bryan Harrington
Massachusetts District, Seminar Coordinator
E.44 | Abuse & Communication
Abuse from team benches is among the many reasons why officials "burn out" and don't have long careers. Are the coaches always to blame? Do officials occasionally make themselves targets? How can officials turn yelling into productive communication? Watch this episode to learn more.
MODERATOR
Scott Zelkin
Manager, Jr. Officiating Development Program
PANELISTS
Pat Mikesch
Head Coach/GM, Green Bay Gamblers
Stephen Reneau
Referee, IIHF & AHL
E.43 | 2021-25 Playing Rule Changes
During the 2021 USA Hockey Annual Congress, the Board of Directors voted the new playing rules into place that will effect the 2021-22 through 2024-25 seasons. Some rule changes were simple housekeeping updates, and others work to enforce greater player accountability for safety and encourage skill development in all athletes. Watch this episode to learn more about the "spirit and intent" of these rule changes, and how officials must play their role in supporting them.
MODERATOR
Matt Leaf
Director, USA Hockey Officiating Program
PANELISTS
Scott Paluch
USA Hockey, ADM Manager
Doug Plocki
Executive Director, Washington Little Caps
E.42 | You Make the Call - LIVE
Back by popular demand! Join our host and panel as they review video clips covering a wide range of playing rules. All participants will share their "calls" via online interactive polling during this fun and educational episode to wrap up Season 1!
MODERATOR
BJ Ringrose
Manager, Officiating Education Program
GUEST PANELISTS
Jenna Janshen
Referee, IIHF & Tier-III Junior
Dennis Larue
Referee, National Hockey League (Retired)
Ken Radolinski
Linesman, ECHL & AHL
E.41 | Junior ODP
The USA Hockey Officiating Junior Development Program (JODP) has been providing advancement pathways for referees for over two decades! This program serves the most dedicated officials in the country as they evolve into top-level professional officials working the highest levels of hockey. How does an official get into this program? What are the expectations? What are the benefits? Watch this episode to learn more!
MODERATOR
Scott Zelkin
Manager, Jr. Officiating Development Program
GUEST PANELISTS
Kilian McNamara
Linesman, AHL & ECHL
Peter Schlittenhardt
Referee, IIHF & NCAA
E.40 | Competitive Contact
Whether full body-checking or body-contact, competitive contact is a critical skill all players must develop and all USA Hockey officials must keep in check. What are the elements of clean competitive contact? Who is ultimately responsible for player safety during games? How can successful management of teams make the game more positive and safe for everyone? Watch and find out!
MODERATOR
Matt Leaf
Director, Officiating Education Program
GUEST PANELISTS
Roger Gillo
USA Hockey ADM Manager
Heather Mannix
USA Hockey ADM Manager
E.39 | Officiating Hockey IQ
The USA Hockey Officiating Manuals, video modules and classroom seminar curriculum provide a baseline of standard mechanics and judgment for 25,000 USA Hockey officials across the country (no small task). However, Hockey IQ (i.e. understanding the game, team strategy, player roles & other elements) helps an official stay mentally aware and prepared to deal with incidents. Watch this episode to learn more!
MODERATOR
Scott Zelkin
Manager, Jr. Officiating Development Program
GUEST PANELISTS
Kelly Cooke
Referee, IIHF & NCAA
J.B. Olson
Officiating Coach, Jr. Officiating Development Program
E.38 | Altercations
Despite our effort to de-escalate and manage teams, sometimes emotions boil over and altercations occur. Whether small pushing matches or thrown punches, it's the officials' job to clean up the mess. What skills exist to keep emotions in check? How do officials separate opponents? And how are penalties used to manage situations, and sometimes "send a message"? Watch this episode to learn more.
MODERATOR
BJ Ringrose
Manager, Officiating Education Program
GUEST PANELISTS
Steven Sailor
Referee, IIHF & ECHL
Billy Hancock
Linesman, IIHF & AHL
ZOOMCAST ON-DEMAND PLAYLIST
Head to the USA Hockey YouTube Channel to watch archived ZoomCast episodes.