What is the Role of the Penalty Timekeeper in Ice Hockey?

In order for an ice hockey game to run smoothly, it is important that there enough game officials in place. One role that is a very important part of the game is the role of penalty timekeeper. The penalty timekeeper is responsible for communicating with the on ice referee and keeping track of all the penalty records that occur throughout the game. His or her role is very important as he or she is responsible for making sure that the players in the penalty box serve the proper amount of time depending on the penalty that they receive.

The most important job that a penalty timekeeper has in ice hockey is that he or she is responsible for making sure that a player remains in the penalty box for the proper amount of time. If he or she realizes that the time remaining on the penalty clock is incorrect, it is his or her job to inform the referee of he mistake so the player is not penalized for either too long or too short. Additionally, he is responsible for answering the questions of the penalized players so that they know when they are allowed to return back to the game.

Another important job that the penalty timekeeper has is to keep track of all the penalties that occur throughout the game on the official score sheet. It is important that he or she keeps track of the number of penalties each player has, because if a player receives five penalties throughout the course of the game, then he or she will be responsible for informing the referee so that he or she can assess a game misconduct penalty. Additionally, if the team as a whole receives fifteen penalties, then the head coach of that team will receive a game misconduct and will not be allowed to coach for the next game.

The penalty timekeeper must play very close attention to the game as his or her role as an off ice official is very important. Without a proper, unbiased penalty timekeeper, the game would not be conducted properly and the teams could potentially be at a disadvantage through no fault of their own.

Sources:

USA Hockey Rules
Composite Hockey Sticks