How much does an NHL referee make per year?
The average NHL referee salary figure is between $165,000 and $360,000 per year. Referees officiating non-professional hockey typically earn less than $50 per game. NHL linesman earn slightly less than NHL referees, with the average NHL linesman earning between $110,000 and $235,000 per year.
What are face off circles used for?
This is the 15-foot circle in the center of the rink that is used for faceoffs to start the game, each period and after a goal is scored. Only the two players participating in the faceoff are allowed inside the circle until the referee drops the puck.
What do hockey referees wear?
The on-ice officials who oversee a hockey game are divided into two groups—referees and linesmen. Both wear the standard black helmet, striped shirt, and black pants, but referees add an orange or red armband to denote their status.
How do hockey referees call penalties?
There are several officiating systems: In the NHL and NCAA men’s hockey, each game features two referees and two linesmen. The referees call all penalties, although a linesman can advise a referee about an infraction—especially “too many men on the ice” or a major penalty—leading to the referee assessing a penalty.
What happens if the referee is caught behind the play?
When there is a fast break in which the referee is caught well behind the play, a linesman may cover for the referee by skating to the goal line. Once the referee arrives, the linesman returns to his position.
What is the difference between a referee and a linesman in hockey?
Depending on how many officials are on the ice—which differs among the various levels of hockey—the roles of the referee and linesman change somewhat, but in general the referee is responsible for enforcing the rules of the game and calling penalties, while the linesman is in charge of line violations, such as offside and icing.
