Developing Officials Through Real-Time Experience at the PA Elite Midget PPHL Showcase

This past weekend at Lovell Arena, officials working the PA Elite Midget PPHL Showcase were given an outstanding opportunity to grow and develop in a high-level environment. Many of the referees assigned to the showcase are still relatively new to the three-person officiating system, making this event an ideal setting to focus on mechanics, communication, and working as a cohesive team.

The three-person system demands that officials rely on one another more than ever — trusting positioning, reading situations together, and understanding where to be and when on the ice. Games like these provide invaluable repetitions that help officials become more confident, efficient, and prepared as they continue advancing on their path toward college-level hockey.

A major highlight of the weekend was the presence of Gene Binda, who was on site supervising and providing feedback throughout the showcase. Officials received immediate, between-period feedback, often straight off the ice and into the locker room. This real-time evaluation allowed referees to make adjustments on the fly and reinforced the importance of feedback as a critical tool for development. Seeing this process firsthand gave officials a clear example of how constructive input directly translates into improved performance.

During the second intermission, Gene addressed a key situational concept: the 10-second drill. This is a standard officiating practice used in the final moments of a period or game, particularly when emotions are running high. Rather than focusing on puck play, officials come together and position themselves strategically, typically in the neutral zone, placing themselves between players and their paths to the benches. The goal is to prevent post-whistle altercations, manage player flow, and ensure both teams exit the ice safely. Proper execution of the 10-second drill requires awareness, communication, and trust among the officiating crew.

​By the end of the third period, those lessons paid off. In the final 10 seconds of the game, tensions rose and players attempted to fight as the horn approached. Drawing directly from the feedback and instruction on the 10-second drill, the officiating crew came together, positioned themselves effectively, and managed the situation as players exited the ice. Applying what they had learned earlier allowed the officials to remain composed, work as a team, and handle the moment correctly.

Events like the PA Elite Midget PPHL Showcase highlight the value of live instruction, teamwork, and situational awareness. With strong mentorship and meaningful feedback, officials continue to build the skills needed to succeed at the next level — one game, one period, and sometimes, one final 10 seconds at a time.