Paul Stewart: Officials Are an Endangered Species

Paul Stewart: Officials Are an Endangered Species
- Paul Stewart

The plight of the ref maybe needs to be brought into the spotlight to help others appreciate.
What about an HBO 24/7 type show with refs.

Other than the NHL, most major sporting leagues have pretty old referees (in general). Hard for most fans to relate

I agree, the lack of talented officials is alarming. I myself have been an official for the last 15 years and recently returned after two years away from it. The main thing I've noticed in being back is the lack of guys willing to work. Working in Southern California we have a few talented referees but we are split few and far between. I think right now is a great opportunity for more senior officials to step and teach the younger ones the correct way to officiate. The other issue I've seen out here is the cliques established. Certain schedulers will not schedule officials due to their "allegiance" with another referee. We are all in this together and need to continue to work for the betterment of the game.

In addition if I may say Mr. Stewart I grew up watching you referee and you were definitely one of the best. I enjoy reading your column as well because your insight is second to none.

A lot of it is trial by fire...USA hockey doesn't do a good enough job in my opinion getting the better officials more training to make them good or great officials.

A lot of it has to do with the "Referee in Chief" of the area. The person in charge plays their favorites and gives these officials a chance to shine (kind of like how you Stewy have pointed out how the NHL played favorites). I was a late start to officiating I was 23. I wasn't given a chance to succeed even though it was made aware by local assignors that I was more advanced. I wasn't invited to a Regional Camp or anything like that because of my age. The beginning of my 3rd season officiating I was invited by a fellow official who worked Division 1 to a tryout. I went just to get my name out there. If it wasn't for a fellow official seeing potential in me I wouldn't have made it to the college ranks. The supervisor took a chance on me.

Without proper training my first 2 seasons in college were a mess. I was in over my head and it showed. However if it wasn't for other officials seeing my effort and drive to learn I probably would have been dropped. So to all of those senior officials for taking the time to mentor me I say thank you, and I make sure I do the same when I see a kid eager to learn.

Good officials quit because they don't have the proper channels to go to get the knowledge to take that next step. It's a shame really

While certainly more of an issue for people who have been around for a while and are trying to move up than for newer officials, politics plays a HUGE rule in things. In many cases, how talented you are or what potential you have is irrelevant if you're not willing to "play the game" and endear yourself to whatever referee association you're under.

I agree, the lack of talented officials is alarming. I myself have been an official for the last 15 years and recently returned after two years away from it. The main thing I've noticed in being back is the lack of guys willing to work. Working in Southern California we have a few talented referees but we are split few and far between. I think right now is a great opportunity for more senior officials to step and teach the younger ones the correct way to officiate. The other issue I've seen out here is the cliques established. Certain schedulers will not schedule officials due to their "allegiance" with another referee. We are all in this together and need to continue to work for the betterment of the game.

In addition if I may say Mr. Stewart I grew up watching you referee and you were definitely one of the best. I enjoy reading your column as well because your insight is second to none.
- uknowho48

You referee hockey in South California? Wow. that's my dream. I've always envisioned moving to California and doing my part to develop the sport of hockey(which I love), whether that be through coaching or refereeing. Your very lucky!

Paul Stewart: Officials Are an Endangered Species
- Paul Stewart

Hey Paul, quick question for you, hopefully you read this. I'm curious as to what kind of career a 5'7 man can have as a referee? That might seem a little strange to ask, but I never see small refs on the ice at the Pro level. For me, having size be a road block in my playing career, I'm wondering how big of a road block size is for having a successful referee career? Having recently retired from my playing career, I want to stay involved in the sport and truly believe refereeing is my path. Thanks a lot.

Hey Paul, quick question for you, hopefully you read this. I'm curious as to what kind of career a 5'7 man can have as a referee? That might seem a little strange to ask, but I never see small refs on the ice at the Pro level. For me, having size be a road block in my playing career, I'm wondering how big of a road block size is for having a successful referee career? Having recently retired from my playing career, I want to stay involved in the sport and truly believe refereeing is my path. Thanks a lot.
- mrgilmour18

For NHL examples, look at Fraser and Scampy. Sutherland is one of the top refs now.

It can be done.

You referee hockey in South California? Wow. that's my dream. I've always envisioned moving to California and doing my part to develop the sport of hockey(which I love), whether that be through coaching or refereeing. Your very lucky!
- mrgilmour18

Yes, the hockey out here is actually not as bad as the perception is around the country. We actually do have some really qualified officials whom are moving up the ranks into ECHL, AHL and NHL. The problem is those guys are few and far between out here. Also another problem is as another posted commented USA Hockey does not do a good enough job to educate officials and entice them to move up in ranks. The mandatory seminars are a joke. A referee has no incentive to apply for a higher level. The only thing they see is that with applying for a higher level the fee goes up.

For NHL examples, look at Fraser and Scampy. Sutherland is one of the top refs now.

It can be done.
- Paul Stewart

I had the pleasure of meeting Sutherland at a referee camp in Los Angeles a few years back, really nice guy.

I totally agree that new refs need support from the established ones.
My first time refereeing a youth soccer game I was all alone. I introduced myself to both coaches and told them I'll do my best. The first coach just grunted, the other was telling me to relax, it was a casual, low key league... lots of instruction etc.
First call was a throw in after the ball was tipped out of bounds. "Casual Coach" came screaming across the field! I got the call right, it happened right in front of me but there was no convincing him. How I wished to have had another ref there for support. I can only imagine how it must be for a hockey ref...100x worse.

For NHL examples, look at Fraser and Scampy. Sutherland is one of the top refs now.

It can be done.
- Paul Stewart

Thank you for the reply.