Ice hockey is considered the fastest team sport in the world – and this speed demands the utmost concentration from referees. In fractions of a second, they have to assess difficult situations and make decisions. This is what the referees at the German Ice Hockey Federation (DEB) do.DEBProfessionally trained referees will officiate to the best of their knowledge and conscience. Video evidence may be used to support the refereeing team. However, if video evidence is unavailable or does not provide clear evidence, the following applies: The decision made on the ice stands.
Oberliga Süd-Game Deggendorf vs. Selb from January 30, 2026, the facts:
At 13:35 (clock running backwards) in the first period, a Selb player fired a shot at the Deggendorf goal. The referee, who was positioned directly next to the goal, did not award a goal and immediately signaled this with the washout signal. There were no celebrations or similar actions from the Selb Wolves after the shot.
During the next stoppage of play at 12:09 (icing), the two referees conferred on the ice. They considered whether the previously mentioned play could have been a valid goal (puck over the goal line – IIHF Rule 37.3 (I)). Based on this, they decided to review the play using video evidence.
A Selb player inquired with the referees whether the aforementioned goal-scoring play would be reviewed. One of the head referees then signaled that the on-ice decision was "no goal" and simultaneously announced a video review. Both referees then went to the clock. The stadium announcer informed the spectators about the video review and confirmed that the on-ice decision was "no goal." After reviewing the video footage, both head referees returned to the ice and announced the video review result. They confirmed the "no goal" decision with a hand signal. However, it was not known at that time that the on-ice review had failed to show the referees the shot on goal at 13:35 due to technical difficulties. Therefore, the on-ice decision of "no goal" stood.
Rule note regarding video evidence
Video review is generally not carried out at the request or demand of a team, but solely at the decision of the referees.
Manuela Gröger Schneider, Head DEB-Arbitration"Video review is now an integral part of the Oberliga, and the procedure is clearly regulated. The cooperation between referees and the video review personnel is well-established and functions reliably. In the cases of Deggendorf and Selb, the necessary footage could not be provided due to technical problems, meaning the on-ice decision stood."