UHL on-ice officials

[Chestersdog]

Let's kick-start some conversation on this moribund board -

To those of you who have watched both UHL and ECHL games:

I find the level of play in both leagues comparable (executing the fundamentals, etc). ECHL too much like the NHL with the trap. UHL more wide open (i.e., entertaining). There's no doubt current top echelon UHL teams would do well in the ECHL. But, what's with the referees and linesmen in the "U"? They're horrible! Where does the league get these guys from?

[SpeedFan87]

I'm not sure, but it may have something to do with the fact that the ECHL is affiliated with the NHL moreso than the UHL. Therefore, the top officials may go to the ECHL since they're viewed more often there than in the UHL.

Also, I was under the impression that the Richmond RiverDogs occasionally got ECHL officials who were in the area, and off for the night, to officiate their games sometimes, to save costs on transportation, etc.

[zeukeeper]

There generally a shortage of quality on-ice officials. Like SpeedFan87 mentioned costs of transportation effect the quality of officials available.

To make the problem even worse we are probably going to get more competition for officials with the addition of new leagues.

If there is anyone out there who played and loves hockey. Please consider putting on the stripes to better what you love.

[Friendlyref]

Ok,

I know the officiating at UHL & CHL level is not the best. But I can say As a Level 4 USA Hockey Referee who has worked a pretty high level of game. Until you have put the stripes on and worked games at a high level, you should keep your criticism to a minimum. It is a very tough job and 99% of the time at that level those guys drive for hours and arrive only 1-2 hours prior to the game or they have worked all day then will work the game that night. As a coach I have had my share of disagreements with officials. If the official is lazy then by all means give it to him, because that is a disservice to the players coaches and fans. Now if the guy is hustling and working hard then unless you can do a better job you should be thankful they could find 3 guys to go out and work the games. The officiating in ECHL is better because almost half of those guys are employed full time by the league. The UHL and CHL don't have near as many full time officials. Like I said it is a thankless job Keep that in mind the next time an official makes a mistake. That is the human element of Hockey

[REVVED]

Officials, much like the players, must adhere to certain basics. My major beefs have been such things being out of position, overlooking obvious infractions that happen in front of them, letting games get out of control or overcontrolling the game, etc.

In leagues that only have one referee, you can't expect them to see everything that goes on on the ice. Two-ref systems or annoting linesmen to call penalties are viable solutions to improve the game. A recent game I attended between Reading, PA, and Wheeling, WV, in the ECHL there was a spearing-slashing incident that the ref missed because he was breaking up another skirmish. A linesman saw the spear, but could only alert the ref. If linesmen were enpowered, the offender would have gotten the major penalty and game misconduct he deserved!