What is the Role of the Official Scorer in Ice Hockey?

The game of ice hockey requires a number of people to act as off ice officials in order to ensure that the game runs smoothly. One such off ice official is the official scorer. The official scorer is responsible for keeping track of the goals and assists assessed to players throughout the game by the referee. Additionally, this job requires the scorer to keep track of all the rostered players, including the designated captain and alternate captains.

Before the ice hockey game even begins, it is important that the official scorer talks to both teams' coaches and receive a list of all players that will be placed on the roster. This information should be recorded on the score sheet, including the names and numbers of all the players. It is important that the list reflects all of the eligible players that will be allowed to participate in the game.

Another job that the official scorer has takes place during the game. When a goal is scored in ice hockey, the referee will take note of the number of the player who scored the goal and up to two other players who may receive assists. The referee will then go over to the official scorer and report the goal information to him or her. It is the officials scorers job to record all of this information of the score sheet, so that a proper record is kept of all of the goals and assists that were credited throughout the game. Occasionally, the official scorer may announce the goals and assists over a PA system, which is allowed but is not necessary.

Finally, at the end of the game, it is the official scorers responsibility to look over the score sheet and prepare it for the referees. The referees will read over the score sheet to ensure that it is correct and will then sign it to prove that they saw it before it was returned to the coaches. After doing so, the official scorer will take the score sheet and give the proper copies to the people who are supposed to receive them.

Sources:

USA Hockey Rules
Composite Hockey Sticks