what a game

[hockeybabe2710]

For those of you involved inthe controversial debate over checking in roller hockey:
Tonight i finished off my summer season with a playoff game that would decide who had first place. The game had been postponed many times due to rain etc but tonite everyone was there and pysched to be playing. I started on the A line playing d, and it was obvious that neither team was playing well and everyone was getting frustrated. The refs were blind, and all the parents were screaming at the players for not hitting hard enough or not doing a good enough job. These are 10-13 year olds! All the while the game is getting rougher and rougher, and peple are getting hurt. Eventually, the game got called because the refs couldnt handle the parents,players, or even the coaches. The players almost all got into a huge fight, not being able to get over injuries that had happened in the rink. So now several players and parents are banned, and the league is losing all it's refs. Would checking in inline hockey make this problem worse or better?

Peace
*manda*

[morrisville75]

i would say better refs

checking in roller hockey may not of helped

[Titan55]

Checking in roller hockey is such a two way street. On one hand we have the kids leagues. When everyone is at different skill levels, and what not. Checking in this type of environment could be very detremental. But on the other side of the coin once we get some pro leagues in place, I think it could be beneficial there.

It is such a contraversial issue. I say right now, leave the game the way it is. Maybe sometime introduce hitting to a low population of Elite players, and take it from there!

Phil Christie, Ontario Hyper Titans #24
One Love!

[morrisville75]

do you think better refs could of helped

[Benny_Gulakiw]

Based on the information provided, it's hard to say that if checking was allowed things might have turned out differently. I personally think the 10 & under division is too young to introduce checking. It sounds like there was a lot of factors involved. The referees could have done more to get control over the situation earlier in the game, but it sounds like there was a lot pressure to get the game off and that might have tied their hands to a certain degree.

I would be very interested in hearing from Rebecca or John Hopkins with a referee's point of view.

Benny Gulakiw
Vice President of Operations
Buffalo Wings Roller Hockey

[SpeedDemon]

I'll tell you what they'd say. From a referees point of view, the moment a game starts to get out of hand, you find the first possible instance to issue major and/or misconduct penalties, and you do it. This sets the tone and reaffirms your authority over the game.

If parents become a serious problem as in raunchy or dangerous, you either eject them or ask a league official to remove them from the premises. Most local or state law supports such action.

As for the checking aspect, checking at the youth level isn't a good idea because there is more of a beginner base of players in roller hockey due to its accessability. If you bring checking, you bring in the cocky ice hockey players who have one goal in mind; take out the beginners. End of story.

SD

[sniper12]

Who cares what john hopkins has to say, he is probably the worst ref i have ever seen! It seems like everytime he refs a physical game it ends up getting out of control. I know from personal experience.

[Benny_Gulakiw]

Sorry to hear that. I only bring up John's name because he's been a ref for a long time, he frequents this message board and he's a personal friend of mind. You definitely have a right to your opinion. I think, overall, John is a good ref and knows the rules, but he's not perfect (what ref is?). I'm sure he'll even admit to that.

Benny Gulakiw
Vice President of Operations
Buffalo Wings Roller Hockey

[KenFas]

Checking in Roller Hockey is something in the future that I believe should become part of the sport, but not at the 10u level and not in recreation league hockey. Checking should only be part of the elite travel hockey in the age groups of 13 and older. Rec hockey is for fun. AS far as your game went, First it sounds like the parents are in fact a bunch of IDIOTS living vicarously through there 10 year old. Adults(parents) need to learn to watch and enjoy the talent displayed by there kids and not become part of the game. You know the age old saying the only thing that can ruin youth sports are the adults that don't play youth sports, ask Danny Amonte(little league world series). For the refs it sounds like they were not either qualified or ready to handle this game. A very good ref at a clinic once told me the first whistle is the most important it sets the tone for control. A well officiated game has great flow and a line drawn for how far a player can go. When its over no one gets hurt. Out of control parents should be dealt with the same way. Its sounds like a real shame that a 10u game got out of control, but parents will be parents.