Risk ManagementRisk Management

Section 9, HCOP Officiating Manual

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• A proactive approach aimed at preventing accidents and injuries before they happen

• Program Elements:– Identification – of potential risks– Assessment – of risk significance– Elimination or Minimization– Insurance

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• Identifying and Minimizing begins long before, during, and after any game

• Before arriving at arena– Road/Weather conditions– Fitness– Fatigue levels– Alcohol consumption (NONE!!!)– Nutrition– Equipment– Any others?

Risk ManagementRisk Management• Before the Game

– Arena layout– Security– Dressing Room Guidelines

• Males and females in dressing room at the same time = DOOR OPEN

• Never change at the same time. One gender changes to an appropriate level, then leaves and the other does the same

• Only officials and supervisors are allowed in the officials’ room

• If minors are in the room with adults, its acceptable for a parent of the minor to be in the room as well

• Cameras or camera phones are forbidden

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• Pre-Game On the Ice– Ice conditions

• Ruts, bare sports, debris

– Arena conditions• Boards• Lighting• Glass

– Equipment• Yours• Players

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• During the Game– Penalty Calls

• Areas of Emphasis

– “Turn, Face and Brace”• Never turn your back to puck or player contact• Turn – towards impact to maximize your protection (i.e.

equipment, arms)• Face – the shooter, use your voice to discourage the shot• Brace – for impact. Use arms to deflect blows. Be in an

“athletic” stance (knees bent, feet shoulder-width apart)

– NEVER climb boards

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• During the Game– Injury protocol

• STOP play if you suspect player is severely injured• Don’t move or try to assist injured player.• Let the trainer do their job.

– Your job is to control the rest of the players– Send them to the benches– Remain in the area to offer assistance if requested

Risk ManagementRisk Management• During the Game

– Blood Procedures• Although the risk of transmission of blood-borne disease

(HIV, Hepatitis) is small during a hockey game, it still exists• Players/officials with open wounds should not return to a

game until the bleeding is stopped, and the wound is clean and dressed

• Bloody equipment/clothing should be removed prior to re-entering the game. Wash soiled clothes in hot water before using again.

• If contact with bodily fluids occurs, wash hands thoroughly with soap and water. Seek medical advise/testing to rule out the possibility of disease transmission

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• Post-Game– Security– Building Exits– Equipment Maintenance– Replenishing fluids/post-game meals– Travel

• Road conditions• Fatigue

– Alcohol consumption

QUESTIONS?QUESTIONS?QUESTIONS?QUESTIONS?

Remember, Risk Management is for the safety Remember, Risk Management is for the safety of all participants; players, team officials,of all participants; players, team officials,

and game officials.and game officials.

Remember, Risk Management is for the safety Remember, Risk Management is for the safety of all participants; players, team officials,of all participants; players, team officials,

and game officials.and game officials.

Risk ManagementRisk Management