Writing a game report that holds up

Craft note: practice advice, not a rule.

A report is read by people who were not at the rink. Write it so they can see what you saw: the time on the clock, the period, the player numbers, what each person did in order, and the exact words if language is the issue.

Leave out opinions and adjectives. "Number 7 swung his stick and struck number 12 on the arm" is a report; "a vicious slash" is not. Write it the same day, while it is fresh, and keep a copy.

Some incidents have a deadline. A report of hateful or discriminatory language, heard or only reported to you, is due within 24 hours (601(e)(3), p. 178). Check what your league and governing body require.

Rules mentioned: 601(e)(3), USA Hockey 2025-29 Official Rules and Casebook of Ice Hockey. The rulebook (PDF)