Kitchener Waterloo Hockey Referee Association

The Kitchener-Waterloo Hockey Referee Association (KWHRA) was formed in 1967 to referee men's and lady's recreational hockey. We are a non-profit organization that referees adult hockey in the Kitchener/Waterloo and surrounding areas. Our association consists of approximately 65 members and annually elected executive officers that operate under a comprehensive constitution. All of the members are insured through the Canadian Adult Recreational Hockey Association (CARHA) and are required to attend regular meetings to discuss any rule, league or tournament situations. Most of our members are nationally certified under the Hockey Canada Officiating Program (HCOP) and enforce the rules according to Hockey Canada and CARHA.

Rule Emphasis/Clarification

See the Hockey Canada Rule Book by following the link above

Maltreatment Rule, Section 11 Hockey Canada 

This is not a new offense but the rule has been enhanced and emphasized to help reduce occurrences related to disrespect, abuse, harassment as relates to ethnicity, race, color, creed, sexual orientation, appearance, language, genetics, persuasion, mental capacity, disability, etc.

Enforcement provides the official some discretion based upon severity and degree of abuse. This may include a minor penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct, and may escalate through Misconduct, Game Misconduct and ultimately Gross Misconduct penalties. 

High Sticking 8.3 and Head Contact 6.5

High Sticking: Checking or intimidating an opponent while carrying the stick above the shoulder of an opponent or contacting an opponent above the normal height of the opponent’s shoulder but below the head and neck. Assess 2 minutes or at the referee’s discretion, 5 minutes and a GM. Major and GM is automatic for injury. The MP may be assessed for intent to injure.

Head Contact: Any initial contact to an opponent’s head, face, or neck, with the stick or any part of the body or equipment. For accidental contact, the minor penalty shall be assessed. For intentional contact, the penalty assessed shall be a double minor, or the major penalty and GM shall be assessed based upon the degree of violence of impact. For injury, the major and GM is automatic, and a MP shall be considered for intent to injure.