Female Super League

FSL Appoints Shelley Knowlton as Referee-In-Chief

Thursday, March 26, 2026

Female Super League Appoints Shelley Knowlton as Referee in Chief

[Edmonton, AB]- The Female Super League (FSL) is proud to announce the appointment of Shelley Knowlton as Referee in Chief (RIC).

Knowlton brings nearly 30 years of officiating experience into the role, along with a reputation for consistency, professionalism, and a strong understanding of the demands of high-level competition. A current High Performance-certified official, her experience spans national championships across U SPORTS and the Esso Cup, as well as time in the Canadian Women’s Hockey League (CWHL), junior hockey, and minor hockey systems.

Knowlton’s experience aligns directly with the direction of the FSL, where officiating plays a critical role in maintaining the pace, structure, and overall standard of the game. In her role as RIC, she will lead the development and oversight of officiating across the league, with a focus on building consistency, supporting performance, and strengthening the group at all levels.

A valued member of the Silent Ice Referee Academy, Knowlton has been actively involved in developing officials within the program. Alongside her experience working in high-performance environments, and her background as an instructor, assignor, and former Development Director for the Referee Advanced Technical Training Program in St. Albert, AB, she brings proven experience in mentoring officials and supporting their progression; an approach that will directly shape officiating development within the FSL. “Shelley, like the rest of our team, is someone who is deeply passionate about supporting the growth of the female game,” said Hayley Runnalls, Commissioner of the FSL. “She brings a strong commitment to developing officials, and a clear vision for elevating our officiating across the league.” A key priority in her role will be leading the education and consistent application of the Advanced Body Checking rule, while strengthening the officiating group through targeted development and recruitment. This includes a focused effort on attracting and retaining female officials, supported by a clear and credible pathway for advancement.

“Shelley brings a clear vision for how officiating should evolve alongside the game,” said Tyrel Spitzer, Vice President of Silent Ice Sports & Entertainment. “Her leadership will help ensure we stay consistent, organized, and continue raising the standard as the league grows, while supporting the development of both our athletes and officials.”

With Knowlton stepping into the role, the FSL continues to invest in building a structured, accountable, and progressive officiating program that supports both the present and future of the game. Welcome, Shelley!

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Female Super League

FSL Appoints Shelley Knowlton as Referee-In-Chief