Referee Skates

[hockeyref18 0]

Hello all,

I am looking for some referee skates. The skates I have now are beat up and I'm looking for some new ones. I do about 500 games a year on average. I am looking for a comfortable pair of skates that are durable. I have been looking at Graf skates and I am wondering if anyone knows which ones would be best. Any feedback is appreciated!

Thanks,

Robert

[althoma1 575]

I don't have any experience with Graf, but if you decide to go that route then you want to chose the model that best fits for your foot type. This chart should help you narrow it down and then you can try on a few pairs in various sizes in store:

Before deciding to go with Grafs I'd also recommend trying on as many brands and models as you can - the best fit will be the most comfortable. I'd especially recommend trying on the Easton Mako line - they're more responsive to heat than most skates and really take the shape of your feet after a proper bake. Another option would be to get custom VH skates that are built based on the tracings of your feet. I use the Makos to both play and ref myself and have been quite happy with them (although the first version isn't known for being durable the Mako 2 were made to be more durable). Easton should have a new model of skates out in the spring so you'll start to see the Mako 2 getting cleared out - I know I saw them marked down at a few places already (one place has them down to $499 from $799 if you're in the GTA). Those who have purchased VH skates rave about their comfort.

[flip12 717]

I'll second althoma1's recommendations. I'm a former Graf user and am looking forward to the day I can get VH customs to replace my MLX. After swapping the stock MLX tongue with my old Graf 703 tongues because the stock MLX ones were too stiff and lace-bite inducing, my feel for the ice has been better than any other skate I've tried other than a perfectly broken in Graf boot. Brand new, the thermoplastic-cup speed skate style boots are insanely comfortable, due to their high degree of thermoformability--although the molding process can be tricky if you've got problem areas: for instance, I baked my MLX 3-times before I got decent heel lock in them due to my low volume foot and ankle. There are still a few points of construction that may be a bit awkward about both the Makos and VH, but if you're a Graf guy, it might be worth it to roll with those punches in exchange for the range of motion that you're likely to be used to (depending on the model of Graf you were last in). Otherwise, Graf's latest materials changes have gotten some good reviews, although I haven't tried them personally.

[MThockeydad 469]

Just like player skates--get the skates that best fit your feet. What fits me best won't fit you best.

If your previous Graf skates fit you great, get the new model. What model Grafs?

You may not need top-tier skates as you're not frequently blocking shots...but then again, you could always take a pass along the boards into your foot and be glad you did go for great skates.

...then put white laces in. :)

[Chadd 916]

Not sure what level or country you are in but too many people doing evaluations around here are obsessed with skates being black. If you are trying to move up, and its like that in your area, it should be the second consideration. Fit is obviously the most important thing. I would suggest picking up something at the top end as you will need the durability those skates offer. On the plus side, you should at least be able to write off the expense on your taxes.

[BenderHockey 127]

500 games a year? When do you sleep?

[jarret_g 5]

#1 is fit. Supervisors like to rip on guys that don't have "black" skates but over the last number of years they're hard to find. I find the supervisors that say "get black skates" are either assholes or they're just ribbing you and don't have anything else bad to say. If you're qualified to work a league then as long as you don't have black holders or yellow laces you should be fine. Obviously appearance is a big part to how we're perceived on the ice but if a supervisor is just ripping on you for your skates then you're probably doing a terrible job or an awesome job.

It's gotten better with all of CCM's main skates primarily black as well as Bauer Nexus/Supreme. I've been in VH skates for about 3 weeks now and love them, but wouldn't recommend it if you're the type of referee that spends weekends at the rink doing minor hockey. I'm typically on friday-saturday-sunday and maybe 1-2 games during the week for a total of 4-5/week on non-tournament weekends doing mostly high school and higher. The clarino liner takes a while to dry out.

Graf's used to be the go-to option due to their fit characteristics and understated graphics but like I said before you can get any of CCM's products in 3 different fits and features and still have the "black" look. Graf 9035's by comparison are pretty flashy compared to an Mx3 or Jetspeed. Their fit chart is also pretty bullshit lately "medium, moderate, medium" what does that even mean? The 7XX series has a little more defined "fit" characteristics but I found the 9035's fit similar to mx3's with more padding on the Achilles that would seem to wear out rather quickly instead of just shaping the boot properly, but what do I know. Your mileage may vary.

[Chadd 916]

#1 is fit. Supervisors like to rip on guys that don't have "black" skates but over the last number of years they're hard to find. I find the supervisors that say "get black skates" are either assholes or they're just ribbing you and don't have anything else bad to say. If you're qualified to work a league then as long as you don't have black holders or yellow laces you should be fine. Obviously appearance is a big part to how we're perceived on the ice but if a supervisor is just ripping on you for your skates then you're probably doing a terrible job or an awesome job.

I've seen guys get low grades on evaluations and the only negatives were that their helmets had the brand logos and their skates weren't black. We do have guys like that in this area, and I know a few guys that have run into it in other areas. It's a disgrace, but there is no use in fighting with them over it. As those guys move out of the system, it should improve.

[BenderHockey 127]

The problem is how many officials they run out of the system before they get out. I'm about THIS close to shutting it down because of nonsense assignors and their games they play.

[bugscoe 2]

Play and ref in the Graf 8035...very comfortable if boot if it's right for your foot!

[jarret_g 5]

I've seen guys get low grades on evaluations and the only negatives were that their helmets had the brand logos and their skates weren't black. We do have guys like that in this area, and I know a few guys that have run into it in other areas. It's a disgrace, but there is no use in fighting with them over it. As those guys move out of the system, it should improve.

That's ridiculous. I've been supervising lower minor hockey for years and while it's nice to have crisp white laces, bauer HDO visors and no logoes it's really one of the last things I look at. It's too easy to just tell a guy to "get new laces" and take marks off than it is to actually watch them. We don't have a lot of officials to pick from, however, so my goal is more of a coach/advisor to make them better and put them in a position to succeed rather than supervise and report to the assignor. I think now we see a lot of officials that were "bumped out" when the new obstruction rules came into play but they still wanted to "rock and roll" when you really just couldn't. They got less assignments and moved into a supervisors roll but really have no intention on making officials better or learning/studying the changes in the game (like 4-man positioning). I once reffed a pretty easy Jr B game where the supervisor said "Easy game. Could have done it by myself if I was still doing the league".

The problem is how many officials they run out of the system before they get out. I'm about THIS close to shutting it down because of nonsense assignors and their games they play.

I was there a few years ago. Sick of the politics and bullshit and guys getting assignment over me and whatever else. Eventually I just said "fuck it". I work a lot with minor hockey as a supervisor/advisor. Not the typical super that reports to the assignor but more of a coach. It's great working with younger guys that actually want to be on the ice. It's hard doing supervisions and kids just want to get out of the rink or aren't receptive but it's easy to weed them out, I just won't go back to supervise them again.

[BenderHockey 127]

Yeah, it's more along the lines of an assignor emailing the other assignors in my area and telling them what a "problem official" I am. Apparently I'm a primadonna because I declined a 6:30am mite game on a Saturday morning. Sorry, I work 50+ hours a week. I'm not a level 1 beginner. I referee for two reasons: it's enjoyable, and I want to work with good officials and improve my game. Doing a mite accomplishes neither of that.

I understand I have to pay my dues and all that, but that's what Level 1 is for. I had assignors give me Bantam, Midget Tier 1 games as a level 1 based upon word of mouth and watching me skate. There's always one asshole in every group I guess.

[ktang 34]

There's politics everywhere...

About the referee skates - if you do a lot of lines and need to slide more, and if you have skates for reffing only, you could put on a shallower hollow. If you ref more and need to transition forwards to backwards to forwards a lot, you could get a neutral pitch.

[hockeyref18 0]

Not sure what level or country you are in but too many people doing evaluations around here are obsessed with skates being black. If you are trying to move up, and its like that in your area, it should be the second consideration. Fit is obviously the most important thing. I would suggest picking up something at the top end as you will need the durability those skates offer. On the plus side, you should at least be able to write off the expense on your taxes.

I live in Michigan, the USA Hockey referee capital of the word...lol. We have a ton of hockey here where I live in southeastern Michigan. I am looking for a new pair because like you said taxes. My old pair is getting beat and decided to look at new pairs. Thanks for your input. I will be looking at all the brands.

500 games a year? When do you sleep?

I don't, it called being young...lol

I've seen guys get low grades on evaluations and the only negatives were that their helmets had the brand logos and their skates weren't black. We do have guys like that in this area, and I know a few guys that have run into it in other areas. It's a disgrace, but there is no use in fighting with them over it. As those guys move out of the system, it should improve.

They don't care about that much here in Michigan. They are more concerned about your ability to referee a hockey game. I love all the supervisors here at both the district and state level.

Yeah, it's more along the lines of an assignor emailing the other assignors in my area and telling them what a "problem official" I am. Apparently I'm a primadonna because I declined a 6:30am mite game on a Saturday morning. Sorry, I work 50+ hours a week. I'm not a level 1 beginner. I referee for two reasons: it's enjoyable, and I want to work with good officials and improve my game. Doing a mite accomplishes neither of that.

I understand I have to pay my dues and all that, but that's what Level 1 is for. I had assignors give me Bantam, Midget Tier 1 games as a level 1 based upon word of mouth and watching me skate. There's always one asshole in every group I guess.

I was in your situation once, the best advice I can give is to do all the games you can and then you will be rewarded :)

[Chadd 916]

They don't care about that much here in Michigan. They are more concerned about your ability to referee a hockey game. I love all the supervisors here at both the district and state level.

Glad to hear it. Around here the supervisors also don't want to elevate anyone as they don't want the competition for the high level (and paying) games.

As it has been mentioned, once you find the right fit, you should be fine. Just make sure you take the time to walk around them and wear them for a while before you buy them. I was amazed at how many people would make a decision on skates after lacing them up and standing up for ten seconds. Be picky and get the perfect fit.