Forty-two countries were represented at the IIHF referees summit ©IIHF

A total of 42 countries were represented at this year's International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) National Association Referee-in-chief Summit which took place in German city Frankfurt.

In all 49 delegates made the trip - consisting of referee-in-chiefs and directors of officiating from around the world.

The summit included discussions on officiating development, the licensing process and the career path of referees.

IIHF officiating manager Konstantin Komissarov said the gathering had been a success.

The Summit covered all aspects of ice hockey officiating ©Getty Images
The Summit covered all aspects of ice hockey officiating ©Getty Images

“The participants exchanged their opinions regarding a modern vision of officiating development at different levels," he said. 

"From member national associations, who are in the process of building or modernising their officiating programs, to pro leagues including their relations and co-operation with the national associations’ offices regarding the developing of top on-ice officials."

The Summit was operated under the slogan “Together For Future”.

It completed a four-year cycle implemented by the IIHF Officiating Committee and its strategic plan “IIHF Officiating Tree of Success” which was set up in February 2013.