Hockey players will be hockey players

[chippa13 1844]

I was reffing a game last season and wasn't quite quick enough on my feet to hop on the ledge, so I let it hit me. Player says "get out of the way you fucking fatass." Now I know I could have jumped to the ice to get out of the way, but it was a fast clearing shot from the corner. I just yell back "then don't shoot it right at the big guy standing on the boards!"

Now I take offense to being called a fatass, not because I'm not just because it's mean, but if I had called him for unsportsmanlike over that I would have the whole team taking shots at me.

Reffing and playing in general leads to conflict. I had a team that was mostly refs and they wanted me to call every time someone lifted their stick, and the captain wrote on the gamesheet that we were calling the game one-sided.

Another time I was playing and I took a stick to the helmet. I was on my knees, but I still got cracked pretty good in the side of the head. I went up to the ref who is a buddy of mine and tell him he's gotta call that. Not 5 minutes later I get cracked in the head again to where it knocks me over. Refs blows the whistle and comes up to me and asks what penalty to call. I shook my head and said "2 minute high sticking at least." That made the other team really happy... yeesh.

Isn't college rec league real fun? :D

Reffing 101: When you see a guy about to clear a puck at you, a quick "Take a look" helps.

[Rustpot 1]

I wasn't exactly watching the play 100%, once I noticed the only thing I could have done is jump out of the way, and I wasn't going to do that. Hit me in the hip and kept going toward center ice just not along the boards.

Lots of fun times reffing though. A few rookie mistakes, a good learning experience seeing things from the other side of the whistle, especially having to deal with the dickheads that think a crosscheck to the back isn't a penalty. Only had to call campus police once :P

They don't exactly get NHL quality refs when they tell the refs for the Jan/Feb campus games to read the rule book and be loud, leave it up to the "veterans" to get the rookies calling things right and getting positioning down.

[chippa13 1844]

Reffing 101A: If you are anywhere near the puck then pay attention to the puck.

[mack 44]

I'm surprised someone would let that weak of a chirp set them off. What a spaz.

[Gwyren 0]

I concur with the sentiment here. As a ref you are supposed to be the person representing fair play and responsibility. To abuse that by getting into fights and lying underminds that, somewhat like cops parking in red zones to eat dinner.

[Chadd 916]

I was reffing a game last season and wasn't quite quick enough on my feet to hop on the ledge, so I let it hit me. Player says "get out of the way you fucking fatass." Now I know I could have jumped to the ice to get out of the way, but it was a fast clearing shot from the corner. I just yell back "then don't shoot it right at the big guy standing on the boards!"

Now I take offense to being called a fatass, not because I'm not just because it's mean, but if I had called him for unsportsmanlike over that I would have the whole team taking shots at me.

Reffing and playing in general leads to conflict. I had a team that was mostly refs and they wanted me to call every time someone lifted their stick, and the captain wrote on the gamesheet that we were calling the game one-sided.

Another time I was playing and I took a stick to the helmet. I was on my knees, but I still got cracked pretty good in the side of the head. I went up to the ref who is a buddy of mine and tell him he's gotta call that. Not 5 minutes later I get cracked in the head again to where it knocks me over. Refs blows the whistle and comes up to me and asks what penalty to call. I shook my head and said "2 minute high sticking at least." That made the other team really happy... yeesh.

Isn't college rec league real fun? :D

#1 Yell at me and call me a "fucking" anything and it's two minutes. Call me a fatass and it's not a penalty, call me a fucking fatass and it's two minutes. That's where I've always drawn my line. I'm more than happy to let a guy blow off steam as long as he isn't overly abusive about it. Know where your line is and handle every player/game the same way.

#2 Know where the puck is at all times. It's harder than it sounds to people who don't ref. #2A Know who has the puck and what his options are. I always give a little room along the boards so I can dodge the puck or players if needed.

#3 Other players will always assume that you're getting breaks because you're a ref. I actualy yelled at a guy after he blew the play down for an alleged hand pass. He apologized and the faceoff was on the dot in the zone, instead of outside where it should have been. #3A Always stick to your call unless your partner is the one who says you're wrong.

[Nutella 0]

I don't think I'm lacking entegrity. I answered all of the questions they asked, and I'm not keeping any information. If they feel like asking the 'right' questions later, then they'll find out. I'm not going to go out of my way for the express purpose of getting the other ref (who does a damn good job, except for the fight at the end of that game) in trouble.

On Wednesday night when I was reffing a player did not agree with one of my calls and told me to "go back to ref school". I simply told him that I would eject him if he kept up with the banter. His response was, "well, go to hell, buddy." He was ejected.

Also, it does create problems to play with the same guys you ref for, but the league can't afford to lose any more refs (because guys just keep quitting due to how undesireable it is). Wednesday I was reffing from 7 P.M. until 2 A.M., and that's a pretty standard schedule.

So, I don't know how it is for you 'official' refs that are telling me I have no place doing so, but I don't imagine you're doing this at 2 A.M.

It is my opinion, and that of my superiors, that I make a great ref. In that position I will remain. But thanks for your input.

Mack: Yeah, I also thought it was a bit much to get into a fight with a player for something like that. He could have just waited about 10 minutes to meet him outside if it was that much of an issue. I don't agree with him, or condone his behavior, but I also thought it was a bit amusing.

[chippa13 1844]

I don't think I'm lacking entegrity. I answered all of the questions they asked, and I'm not keeping any information. If they feel like asking the 'right' questions later, then they'll find out. I'm not going to go out of my way for the express purpose of getting the other ref (who does a damn good job, except for the fight at the end of that game) in trouble.

On Wednesday night when I was reffing a player did not agree with one of my calls and told me to "go back to ref school". I simply told him that I would eject him if he kept up with the banter. His response was, "well, go to hell, buddy." He was ejected. Also, it does create problems to play with the same guys you ref for, but the league can't afford to lose any more refs (because guys just keep quitting due to how undesireable it is). Wednesday I was reffing from 7 P.M. until 2 A.M., and that's a pretty standard schedule.

So, I don't know how it is for you 'official' refs that are telling me I have no place doing so, but I don't imagine you're doing this at 2 A.M.

It is my opinion, and that of my superiors, that I make a great ref. In that position I will remain. But thanks for your input.

Mack: Yeah, I also thought it was a bit much to get into a fight with a player for something like that. He could have just waited about 10 minutes to meet him outside if it was that much of an issue. I don't agree with him, or condone his behavior, but I also thought it was a bit amusing.

Talk about a quick trigger finger. If you didn't like his comment then the first warning should have been an offer of 2 minutes for unsportsmanlike conduct. If he keeps it up then you give him the 2. If he continues then you tack on a 10. If that doesn't work then you send him to the showers.

[Nutella 0]

I don't think I'm lacking entegrity. I answered all of the questions they asked, and I'm not keeping any information. If they feel like asking the 'right' questions later, then they'll find out. I'm not going to go out of my way for the express purpose of getting the other ref (who does a damn good job, except for the fight at the end of that game) in trouble.

On Wednesday night when I was reffing a player did not agree with one of my calls and told me to "go back to ref school". I simply told him that I would eject him if he kept up with the banter. His response was, "well, go to hell, buddy." He was ejected. Also, it does create problems to play with the same guys you ref for, but the league can't afford to lose any more refs (because guys just keep quitting due to how undesireable it is). Wednesday I was reffing from 7 P.M. until 2 A.M., and that's a pretty standard schedule.

So, I don't know how it is for you 'official' refs that are telling me I have no place doing so, but I don't imagine you're doing this at 2 A.M.

It is my opinion, and that of my superiors, that I make a great ref. In that position I will remain. But thanks for your input.

Mack: Yeah, I also thought it was a bit much to get into a fight with a player for something like that. He could have just waited about 10 minutes to meet him outside if it was that much of an issue. I don't agree with him, or condone his behavior, but I also thought it was a bit amusing.

Talk about a quick trigger finger. If you didn't like his comment then the first warning should have been an offer of 2 minutes for unsportsmanlike conduct. If he keeps it up then you give him the 2. If he continues then you tack on a 10. If that doesn't work then you send him to the showers.

Oh no. This entire team is blacklisted with our league for being terrible, terrible players overall. Not in the sense that they suck, but they are cheap, rude, etc. I don't know how many warnings we've given their captain. They often come to games drunk, etc.

Quick trigger? In this case I think I was a little too patient. Their team name is "Get Pucked." They're a classy lot.

P.S.

I don't think you guys realize I ref intramurals. The guys that ref it are pretty much told to be heartless at the clinic and eject anyone at the first hint of disrespect or anything of the sort. Intramural hockey has been pretty close to being cut here (St. Cloud State) because idiots will keep having brawls (bench clearers) and coming to games drunk. The director is tired of it and I can't count how many times I've had to go to his office to help ban some player from playing. It's tiresome, annoying, etc.

I'm additionally not reffing for the money (I work for a finance company, which is twice the pay). I reff because I love the sport and because I want the program to be around (for the guy that suggested other "part time work").

So, before you start banning me from reffing because of my "quick trigger finger", I'd just like to make that clear.

Our intramurals get pretty serious, since all of the guys that aspired for the D1 team, and a lot of our club guys, play. It's pathetic though, that we have fights at intramurals. The big prize at the end is a T-shirt.

[Rustpot 1]

Ah, yes the coveted "IM champs" t-shirt that doesn't even say the sport or league (A,B,C). I'm over at Michigan Tech. Can't say we get bench-clearers, but the drunk asshole or way-too-rough for the league teams are definitely there.

My buddy was playing in C (no check, no slapshot) and there was a guy playing dirty. When the goon lined up my buddy he raised an elbow in defense and the guy's chin cup broke his nose. A decent gift for trying to flatten everyone in the lowest of the IM leagues.

I also ref broomball. Basically hockey with no skates so the whole campus can play. Boy is that some interesting and fun stuff, both playing and reffing.

[Nutella 0]

Ah, yes the coveted "IM champs" t-shirt that doesn't even say the sport or league (A,B,C). I'm over at Michigan Tech. Can't say we get bench-clearers, but the drunk asshole or way-too-rough for the league teams are definitely there.

My buddy was playing in C (no check, no slapshot) and there was a guy playing dirty. When the goon lined up my buddy he raised an elbow in defense and the guy's chin cup broke his nose. A decent gift for trying to flatten everyone in the lowest of the IM leagues.

I also ref broomball. Basically hockey with no skates so the whole campus can play. Boy is that some interesting and fun stuff, both playing and reffing.

That's interesting that you guys have a C league. We only have A and B, and even then they play against each other. A and B only applies at playoffs, really. The huge demand on ice time here (hockey school/town) creates a lot of issues, and that's where the 2 A.M. games come into play.

[Rustpot 1]

We have C (no contact, no slapshot), B (no contact), and A (no contact). Since A gets so few teams, A and B play each other while everyone tries to sandbag C. I played in B last year and while I suck horribly, the rest of the teams weren't exactly pro in comparison.

Games are played every day of the week, but get the lowest priority. During hockey season it's not too hectic for time, surprisingly. 4 hours a week for open skates and drop-ins, women's team, club team, D1 team, and figure skating and IM and adult rec. get leftovers. Also 10:30-11:30 rental slots.

[Chadd 916]

Thank god I don't play in the league you ref. Regardless of the level, the players deserve the same level of respect you expect them to show you. I would quit talking about it here if I were you because you aren't going to find anyone on your side. Even guys like me who have been a ref for close to a decade.

[bobovski 1]

Since A gets so few teams, A and B play each other while everyone tries to sandbag C.

That sounds horrible. Exactly the kind of environment to persuade people *not* to play hockey. It's too bad.

[chippa13 1844]

Thank god I don't play in the league you ref. Regardless of the level, the players deserve the same level of respect you expect them to show you. I would quit talking about it here if I were you because you aren't going to find anyone on your side. Even guys like me who have been a ref for close to a decade.

That's the part of reffing that a lot of folks just don't get. If you want to get respect then you have to give it.

[Nutella 0]

Thank god I don't play in the league you ref. Regardless of the level, the players deserve the same level of respect you expect them to show you. I would quit talking about it here if I were you because you aren't going to find anyone on your side. Even guys like me who have been a ref for close to a decade.

Well, this would be relevant if I were trying to get people "on my side".

As it stands, you guys simply jump to conclusions based on a few bad incidents that have occured. You instantly think that I am disrespectful to the players because I didn't put up with "Get Pucked". You also think I'm a bad ref because I didn't want to get the other in trouble. There were plenty of other witnesses and they can ask them. I know in my position as ref I'm a good 'source' but there are others, in higher administrative positions than myself, at all games as well.

Chadd, I'm sorry you feel that way. I really do try to be fair to everyone.

This is also my first time reffing, ever, so I don't think you can expect me to be great instantly. I work hard, and I know the rules pretty well (as far as I know), but just knowledge of the rules does not a ref make. It's true I'm lacking experience, but having a few people here telling me I'm not 'cut out' for it seems to be really uncalled for.

That's all.

As a seasoned ref you could actually probably give me advice (and better my life and that of many others) rather than tell me not to ref (crippling intramural hockey at St. Cloud State). Something like, "Don't be such an @#$! and eject people that fast" might be good.

Also, this is a strange amount of hate considering one thread, in which I thought something was 'awkward' and decided to post about it. Input in the situation was what I was looking for, but not anything as abrasive as this.

[Chadd 916]

Thank god I don't play in the league you ref. Regardless of the level, the players deserve the same level of respect you expect them to show you. I would quit talking about it here if I were you because you aren't going to find anyone on your side. Even guys like me who have been a ref for close to a decade.

Well, this would be relevant if I were trying to get people "on my side".

As it stands, you guys simply jump to conclusions based on a few bad incidents that have occured. You instantly think that I am disrespectful to the players because I didn't put up with "Get Pucked". You also think I'm a bad ref because I didn't want to get the other in trouble. There were plenty of other witnesses and they can ask them. I know in my position as ref I'm a good 'source' but there are others, in higher administrative positions than myself, at all games as well.

Chadd, I'm sorry you feel that way. I really do try to be fair to everyone.

This is also my first time reffing, ever, so I don't think you can expect me to be great instantly. I work hard, and I know the rules pretty well (as far as I know), but just knowledge of the rules does not a ref make. It's true I'm lacking experience, but having a few people here telling me I'm not 'cut out' for it seems to be really uncalled for.

That's all.

As a seasoned ref you could actually probably give me advice (and better my life and that of many others) rather than tell me not to ref (crippling intramural hockey at St. Cloud State). Something like, "Don't be such an @#$! and eject people that fast" might be good.

Also, this is a strange amount of hate considering one thread, in which I thought something was 'awkward' and decided to post about it. Input in the situation was what I was looking for, but not anything as abrasive as this.

1. Nobody expects you to be great instantly.

2. We can only judge you based on the information that you gave us. What you have told us makes you look very bad.

3. You have no problem tossing a player for improper conduct yet you refuse to tell the truth about the conduct of another official. That crap about "not asking the right questions", shows that you believe he was in the wrong and you're covering for him. Just about every other witness is going to have an agenda, you should be telling the whole truth. If you can't see this as problematic, there's nothing we can do to help you. You're abusing your position as an official, change your attitude or quit.

4. I gave you advice and you chose not to follow it.

5. As for the hate, you brought that on yourself. There's nothing we can do about that.

[Nutella 0]

It is rather obvious I feel remorse for not properly reporting the other official.

However, it seems a little late to try and fix it.

I don't want people having a bad image of me though, and I will ask this:

If you have an entire team of troublemakers (which have been warned several times) and you warn a player from said team for sassing and he does it again, what would be the appropriate call? With anyone else, I would let that slide.

[chippa13 1844]

It is rather obvious I feel remorse for not properly reporting the other official.

However, it seems a little late to try and fix it.

I don't want people having a bad image of me though, and I will ask this:

If you have an entire team of troublemakers (which have been warned several times) and you warn a player from said team for sassing and he does it again, what would be the appropriate call? With anyone else, I would let that slide.

Yeah, you're obviously feeling tons of remorse. No better way to show that than to create a topic bragging about the whole situation and then spend the better part of the thread defending your less than respectable position.

I already told you the progression for a guy who overly mouths off.

First comment: "Any more and you're sitting."

Second comment: Minor for unsportsmanlike

If he keeps going: 10 minute misconduct

Next is the gate.

[Monty22 832]

It is rather obvious I feel remorse for not properly reporting the other official.

However, it seems a little late to try and fix it.

I don't want people having a bad image of me though, and I will ask this:

If you have an entire team of troublemakers (which have been warned several times) and you warn a player from said team for sassing and he does it again, what would be the appropriate call? With anyone else, I would let that slide.

Yeah, you're obviously feeling tons of remorse. No better way to show that than to create a topic bragging about the whole situation and then spend the better part of the thread defending your less than respectable position.

I already told you the progression for a guy who overly mouths off.

First comment: "Any more and you're sitting."

Second comment: Minor for unsportsmanlike

If he keeps going: 10 minute misconduct

Next is the gate.

Chippa is spot on-If you do this consistantly, you should cease to have an issue with said "problem" team.

[Nutella 0]

OK. Will do. I'll offer them a seat first and see how it goes.

Chippa, I was not bragging. This would be a strange thing to boast about.

Thanks!

[habsmaniac 0]

sweet i havent really seen that before