Paul Stewart: D.O.G.: Good Intentions, Bad Rules

Well written! Couldn't agree more.

I hate that officials have no leeway when it comes to calls these days. In the late 80s through the 90s, you used to be able to watch a game and see that the officials were 'calling' it a certain way. If one team got away with fringe plays, so to would the other. If one team had cheap calls on them, so too would the other team.

Today, it's a crapshoot. It's hard to really know what is going to be called and what isn't. An entire game could be called tightly, then in the 3rd period, they let everything go. Or vice versa. I've seen games where they let the majority of things go, then suddenly, in the 3rd period, everything is called.

I honestly feel as though that having the extra man (2nd head ref) has screwed everything up. If you can in the future, can you do a blog about working with another official and how it changes your game?

Also, I have to say that taking the names off the back of the refs jerseys is such a cowardly move by the NHL. Officials at the NHL level are paid well. They live a pretty good life. Surely, they can take the heat when they have a bad game.

I understand in the developmental leagues to not put names on the back (it's developmental for refs too, afterall), but in the best league in the world refs should be held accountable for their mistakes.

If you can in the future, can you do a blog about working with another official and how it changes your game?
- Charliebox

You got it.

Also, I have to say that taking the names off the back of the refs jerseys is such a cowardly move by the NHL. Officials at the NHL level are paid well. They live a pretty good life. Surely, they can take the heat when they have a bad game.
- Charliebox

Agreed. Why not just take the names/numbers off of players' jerseys as well so the fans don't get mad when a player does something they don't like?

Paul Stewart for NHL commissioner.

You got it.
- Paul Stewart

Thanks!

I've had a theory that if the league kept two man units together through the entire season, there wouldn't be such inconsistency.

Maybe, if you have time and space, tell us your thoughts on that idea.

It seems to me that if you get used to your partner, the two refs will gel after awhile. As a team, they can almost officiate a game the same way a single ref was able to in the past. They can 'call it' a certain way and fans/coaches/players will get used to the tandems and expect the game to be called a certain way (the same way that they were able to in the past with a single ref).

Obviously, once the playoffs roll around, the league will take the best, and most senior refs and will have to split up some of the teams. They could make new teams starting round 1, though.

The game always adjusts and changes, and the players find new ways to get around the rules.

Paul mentions that goalies started to learn how to shoot the puck over the glass to relieve pressure, so they introduced a rule to stop them. Over the past few years I have seen a substantial increase in the number of times a goalie purposefully directs/deflects a shot over the glass. They have gotten quite adept at it. I have nothing against this play, but don't see it as being that much different from purposefully shooting the puck out. The intent and results are the same. I can also see the likelihood of the forwards and defense men starting to practice this skill as well.

I've had a theory that if the league kept two man units together through the entire season, there wouldn't be such inconsistency.


- Charliebox

Doesn't MLB have umpire crews? You might as well keep the same linesmen in the crew as well.