Next year we should
just let the kids play hockey, no practices, no coaches.
Can you imagine the uproar. Yet that's what we do to referees. They are
not going to improve if they are not coached on how to improve.
One idea that I've thought about presenting to the local association is as
follows. If you have time your comments would be appreciated.
It is similar to the mentoring program with one exception. Why not put the
individual in the penalty box. That way the flow of the game is not
compromised but it still gives the referees an opportunity to speak with
the individual during the games and in between periods. This individual
must be compensated, which would add $20-$30 per child per year. I don't
think many parents would complain about paying the extra when tangible
results will be seen very soon.
I think having the mentor in the penalty box will do a couple of things.
One it should calm some parents, and coaches, down when a poor call is
made, or not made, and they can see that the referee is then being coached
on their mistake soon after, if possible. Two, the mentor should have the
power to impose penalties on the coaching staff for intollerable behavior,
to the referees and the players.
The mentor can also serve as an outlet for the coaches on the bench. For
example if a bad call is made, or missed, one thing that will likely
happen is the coaching staff will look to the mentor who can signal, yes
I'm aware and will talk to the referee.
Having the mentor in the penalty box also opens up the position to
individuals that have refereed in the past, or played hockey at decent
level that are not interested in putting the blades on any more. In
addition to calling the rules of the game the mentor would be able to work
on positioning. One problem I see is that almost every young ref is always
against the boards and make no attempt to get out of the way. I was always
taught to stay away from the boards while inside the bluelines.
Obviously there is a lot of organizing that needs to be done, even if
referees are coached in half of the games they do, it will be a great
improvement over what they are getting now.
Again your thoughts would be appreciated, if possible
