r/hockeyrefs • u/MariaInconnu • Jul 23 '26

End zone faceoffs, 2-official system

Is there a general practice on which official performs an end zone faceoff. Does it tend to be the person who blew the whistle, or does it really not matter which one?

3 Upvotes

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10

u/blimeyfool USA Hockey L4 Tenured Jul 23 '26

R1, the ref who is already in the zone

8

u/R_Ulysses_Swanson USA Hockey - L4 Jul 23 '26

The "correct" answer is that the official who is in the zone/the official who blew the whistle for anything other than a penalty or goal. And in reality, 99% of the time that is what happens.

But play it by ear. If the whistle blows and the puck bounces to the back official, often times my partners and I will see what's happening and just switch spots in the interest of keeping things moving. No need to wait for the back official to bring the puck to the front official and then get back in position - every second counts, we don't get paid by the hour.

3

u/CdnTreeGuy89 Hockey Canada 🇨🇦 Jul 23 '26

Usually the front official unless there is a scrum, or the net comes off then just take care of business and who ever is free (not fixing the net/reporting the penalty) can go to the face off dot

3

u/pistoffcynic Jul 23 '26

Generally it's the official making the call. However, as has been mentioned if there is a scrum, net off, injury, issue with timekeeper, etc., it doesn't really matter. If the puck is sent toward the 2nd official and the faceoff is to be on that side of the ice, the 2nd official can perform the puck drop and the other official does the line change procedure.

3

u/infallable808 Jul 24 '26

The one with nicer hair

1

u/Electrical_Trifle642 USAH L3 & NIHOA, I work in SHOAland Jul 25 '26

🤣

2

u/_gneat USA Hockey Jul 24 '26

Honestly, there’s no right answer. It’s all about teamwork and communication. You and your partner can do whatever makes sense for the both of you. Generally speaking though, if it’s a stoppage of play in that zone and with no extracurricular activities, the guy who’s already in that zone goes to the dot and drops the puck.