Referees

[JewInNet]

I know we all have had our problems with refs here and there but I have a serious question about refs. I am really hoping to get some good responses from other players around the country and even some admins about this issue.

So I play in the SECRHL. As far as refs we typically have a staff for northern events and southern events. Based on talking to people that work for or run NARCH and ECHO tournaments, the refs used in the southern events are blacklisted(not allowed to be hired) for NARCH and ECHO events. Also, the southern staff of refs usually includes a high schooler as one of the three refs used.

Maybe I am wrong, but in my opinion but I feel that we cannot make our sport better and more respected unless we use the best personel available especially refs. If these refs are not good enough for the "top" roller hockey tournaments then why are they good enough for college roller hockey. Also, I know this happens in the south a lot and I sure everywhere else. Our games tend to get heated and even chippy and a high schooler does not have the command needed to keep the game uncontrol and to continue play in a timely manner. Before I brought this up with the region directly I want to make sure I was not completely off base.

So what do yall think?

[wednthavddr]

I totally agree with you, but in their defense that high schooler is 21. I thought he wasn't older then middle school. He just looks young I guess. I exactly saw him at Hooters gettin a beer with that chubbier ref that always smiles. I think it is the head ref.

[Leaferguy]

Just wondering if the refs are bad or you're concerned about the blacklisted aspect.

[ssuhockey]

I can understand your concern, but until you have repeated run ins or justified problems with the officials I wouldn't sweat it too bad.

For instance, I think if a ref has one bad/sub par game which they are allowed to have if we as players are allowed to have them, then everyone in attendance gives them a horrible rep. Refs take more heat than either team combined so until they are out their pullin a Tim Donaghy I wouldn't worry too awful much but thats my opinion.

Good Luck

[ECHOHockey]

Our name was mentioned so I wanted to add this VERY important detail.

ECHO Hockey has not "black listed" these officials. They were "black listed" by the USA Hockey Inline officials that used to work the SECRHL games, who happen to be the people in power for the Southeast and the state of Florida (from the USA Hockey Inline side). Long story / lots of politics (between the SECRHL and USA Hockey Inline officials...nothing to do with ECHO) that I don't want to get into on a public forum.

Essentially it was felt that the officials that do work the college games "crossed a picket line". Like I said, politics. So this became a political issue between the SECRHL and USA Hockey Inline officials.

While it is true that the SECRHL officials rarely work our events, I want to make it clear that ECHO Hockey did not "black list" these people.

On a side note..."the high schooler" that was referenced is actually in his late 20's (I believe) and his younger brother actually looks older.

[JLambertUMSL]

On a side note..."the high schooler" that was referenced is actually in his late 20's (I believe) and his younger brother actually looks older.

Imagine that.


Just a random tidbit of information regarding refs...take it for what it's worth...I'm just pointing out a fact, not making a judgment. When UMSL beat Lindenwood on March 2, both referees (and the linesman as well) were Lindenwood students/ex-students/alumni.

(You can probably imagine some of the stuff that gets yelled from benches in that kind of situation.)

[TourFLA98]

lol lambert is happy he found a reason to talk about that game again

[JLambertUMSL]

lol lambert is happy he found a reason to talk about that game again

I really was pissed about the reffing when you guys beat us 11-2. At one point I was yelling to the rest of the bench when a ref (who'd just ignored a blatant rub-out into the boards) was skating by, "hey guys, boarding's legal now! Looks like you can board now!"

And during the national championship game, after the call on Schulz with about 3:00 left, it was: "Charity! As if they need it! Three minutes left in the national championship and you call THAT?!"

(One reason I like doing video from the bench is picking up stuff like that...and yes, usually I'm wrong...maybe someday I'll put together a reel of all my ref whining.)

[RichardGraham]

A Prayer to the Hockey Gods:

May our referees always be human
And occasionally bumbling
Making the odd bad call
Ticking us all off
But never being dirty
Like some of the current NBA refs
And killing the integrity of our game

[NYR1199]

The refs in the southern division of the secrhl are not the best or brightest. Theres a reason USA hockey doesnt use them why should the SECRHL or NCHRA? I've personally played games in both the northern divison and southern and there is a big difference in the quality of referees.
* This issue really needs to be looked at by the secrhl. Just because people are qualified doesnt mean they can actually officiate a game. Theres a reason he (roy and crew) are blacklisted.

[CUDangled]

Just because people are qualified doesnt mean they can actually officiate a game.

"Certified" vs "Qualified"

Big difference.

You read a book, attend a class, take a test and send in your registration money and you are certified. Only through experience (and ability) do you become qualified to officiate.

An 80 year old half blind woman may have a valid driver's license which legally "certifies" her legal ability to operate a vehicle...care to ride in the car with her?

[JewInNet]

Exactly, there is a big difference between certified and qualified

further reason we should make sure we hire the most qualified refs we can
maybe I'm missing something and the qualified refs dont want to work college roller and we are forced to hire the certified refs

[PGHhockey]

Personally, I think the ref "certification" for both AAU/USARS and USAHIL is a joke as a process. Granted, the classes are great for a new ref that's just getting started - if you have a good instructor, he can give you a pretty solid base to get out there and not screw things up TOO bad.

I'd like to see something set up closer to Canada's system. They really have their stuff straight.

I also think that it should be mandatory for every referee (inline and ice) to referee some high-level men's dekhockey games. That is, by far, the most brutal punishment that a referee can endure. If you can walk out of the arena after an A-league dek tournament, and still want to continue officiating - you'll do fine.

[CUDangled]

Why is dek hockey any more brutal for an official than ice or inline? Or is it just the particular people that are in the league?

[PGHhockey]

The tournaments are, by and large, Goon Central. Tournament Directors don't stand up for the officials. The sport has evolved to let way too much stickwork (and body play) let go. Total deterioration.

I thought inline/ice players whined a lot...but dek players...might as well keep a box of tissues in the timekeeper's box.

Also seen plenty of instances of serious, malicious attacks. Even attacks on officials.