Take 5 with… Breanna Nembhard

Take 5 minutes to get to know our officials supervisors, on-ice officials, shot clock operators, and more.

Our next installment of 2025 features Breanna Nembhard, who does both shot clock and on-ice officiating. At this year’s CRC, she will be a Shot Clock Operator. 

 

Where did your officiating journey begin?

I began my journey as an official at the age of 17. My athletic background started at the age of 2 when I began skating, and I started playing ringette at 5 years old. At 13, I took on my first job as a timekeeper and shot clock operator. During my time playing for the Ajax Pickering U19 team, I was approached by Emma Bragg-Smith, the assignor at the time, who asked if I would be interested in becoming an on-ice official. Initially, I was hesitant, joking that no one likes the referees! However, Emma persuaded me, providing me with my first pair of referee pants. I completed the course later that year, and my officiating career began.

 

What does a game day look like for you?

On game day at the CRCs this year, my routine typically begins with an early start, ensuring I have all my warm layers on, including my heated vest, to prepare for a full day at the rink. I grab my heated blanket and a hot chocolate before heading to the arena. Upon arrival, my first priority is to check that the shot clock is in place and functioning properly, with spare batteries on standby. I then take a moment to assess my surroundings on the rink. It is crucial for both myself and the on-ice officials to ensure I have a clear view of the entire ice surface from my position. If there are any potential blind spots, I make sure to communicate them with the on-ice officials before the game begins, so they are aware of any limitations and can assist me in those areas.

 

What would you say is the most rewarding part of being an official?

I take great pride in being both an on- and off-ice official. One of my favorite aspects of attending the CRCs is the opportunity to reconnect with fellow officials from across Canada. I especially enjoy supporting my on-ice colleagues during their high-stakes games, as well as spending time with my shot clock mentor, Nancy Desfonds, and my on-ice mentor, Karen Meek. The week is filled with high pressure and intense emotions for both players and officials, making it all the more rewarding to be surrounded by friends I haven’t seen throughout the year. It’s also incredible to witness how ringette unites individuals from all over Canada, demonstrating the far-reaching impact of this sport across the country.

 

What advice do you have for officials who are just starting, and don’t know where they can go?

To begin your journey as a timekeeper or shot clock operator, I recommend starting by contacting your local RIC (Referee-in-Chief) to inquire about training opportunities. Once you’ve received instruction on operating the shot clock, obtaining a rulebook is a valuable next step. A strong understanding of the rules will not only enhance your shot clocking skills but also improve your ability to anticipate gameplay and align with the decisions made by on-ice officials. Additionally, I suggest attending games to observe both the shot clock operator and on-ice officials in action. Often, when watching a game, we focus primarily on the play itself, but observing the officials’ actions and when they request a reset offers a new perspective on the game. The key is to watch, learn, and ask questions to continuously improve your knowledge and skills.

 

What are you most looking forward to at the 2025 CRCs?

This year, the CRCs are being held in my home province, and I’m excited to return for a few days before the busy week begins. While in Ottawa, I’m looking forward to skating on the Rideau Canal, enjoying a hot chocolate, and indulging in a Beaver Tail. I’m also eager to reconnect with my fellow shot clock operators and officials, as well as to contribute to the game in a meaningful way, even without being on the ice.

 

What was your most memorable officiating experience?

One of my most memorable officiating experiences occurred when I was around 18 years old. I was shot clocking a U16AA game when a shot on net occurred on the side of the ice where I was positioned. Although the shot was on the boards side, not the bench side, I had a clear view of the play. I saw the on-ice official raise his arm, signaling a potential reset. Since I had already reset the clock, he lowered his arm. At that moment, I heard a fan from the stands loudly yell, “THAT WASN’T A RESET, WHAT ARE YOU DOING?! OPEN YOUR EYES!”

Fortunately, a natural stoppage in play followed. The on-ice official approached the man and calmly explained that it was indeed a reset, and that I was performing my duties excellently. He informed the fan that any further disruptive comments would result in his removal from the arena.

This experience reinforced my understanding that the on-ice officials truly have my back and that we are all part of a unified team working together to ensure the integrity of the game.

 

What’s something you wish more people knew about officiating?

There are many aspects of officiating that I wish people understood. One of the most important things to recognize is that the game is constantly evolving, and so are the officials. We are continually developing, learning, and striving to master the sport. Officials are human, and while we are not perfect and cannot see everything, we show up to ensure the players can play and bring our best to every game. We are always seeking more officials each year—if you’re interested, I encourage you to sign up, put on the stripes, and give it a try. Officiating is incredibly beneficial to both coaches and players. The more knowledge you gain, the better equipped you’ll be to contribute to the game.

 

Thank you for joining us for this installment of Take 5! Catch all the #CRC2025 action in Ottawa, ON, March 30 – April 5, 2025 live or on the Ringette Canada YouTube channel.