Officiating systems: 2, 3 and 4 officials

Positions shown here are illustrative. Rulebooks do not fix exact positions; your league, assignor and supervisor set the mechanics you use.

Last verified October 5, 2026

Two-official system

Two officials share every duty: each calls penalties and also handles offside and icing on their half of the ice. It is common in youth and adult recreational hockey.

Three-official system

One referee calls penalties and goals; two linespersons handle offside, icing and most face-offs and help the referee with game management.

Illustrative starting positions, taken from our Icing waved off: the defender could have played it situation (3-official (1 referee, 2 linespersons)).

Four-official system

Two referees share penalty calls, one usually deep in the attacking zone and one trailing the play; two linespersons handle offside, icing and face-offs.

Illustrative starting positions, taken from our Delayed off-side: tag up and re-enter situation (4-official (2 referees, 2 linespersons)).

The ACHA publishes the referee systems approved for each of its divisions on its officials page. Source: ACHA Officials page (checked Oct 5, 2026)