What does the officials' evaluation form contain and how is it scored?

The Hockey Canada supervisor's handbook describes an Official's Evaluation Form, used for each official evaluated, with five parts:

1. General information on the official and the game.
2. Evaluation scale.
3. Strengths.
4. Weaknesses.
5. Comments.

Scale: Outstanding 4, Good 3, Satisfactory 2, Fair 1, Unsatisfactory 0. A rating of Fair or Unsatisfactory requires a written explanation.

Items scored on the sample form: rule knowledge, fitness, appearance and presence, skating ability, positioning, signals, procedures, attitude, reaction to pressure, and rapport and communication. Referees are also scored on feel for the game (penalty selection) and judgement, consistency and standard. Linespersons are also scored on teamwork and awareness, judgement and face-offs.

Parts 3 to 5 are the most important: they are where the supervisor details specific observations, notes suggestions discussed with the official, and makes recommendations or comments to the office. The key is to give officials as much written feedback as possible to refer to later.

Sign the form once it is completed, and have the official evaluated sign it too. The handbook notes the sample is one type of form, that it may not be ideal for younger officials, and that associations may use other forms.

Source: Hockey Canada supervisor's handbook (Canadian Hockey Association, revised June 2001), Assessment of Officials.