magine that you’re refereeing a men’s competitive league game and things are going smoothly. It’s a close game, and both teams are playing hockey. There have been no complaints about your calls, and there’s been no chippiness. You have no reason to expect anything unusual or disastrous will happen.

Suddenly, Jones from Team A checks Smith from Team B into the boards from behind. It may have been an accident, but it was dangerous. Everyone from Team B makes a beeline for Jones. Jones’ teammates, seeing that, move to intercept the Team B players. Everyone grabs a partner.

What you’ve just seen is the beginning of a good, old-fashioned line brawl. There’s rarely any warning, and it can start at any time, no matter what the score, what’s at stake, or how peaceful the game has been.

If you think that will never happen in one of your games, then either you don’t officiate competitive hockey or you’re wearing a rose-colored visor. Line brawls happen; and, sooner or later, one is going to happen to you.

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