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Why
Can't We All Just Get Along?
By: Chris Jankosky
Chris is the National Sports
Programming Director for the Bladium Sports Clubs, an indoor multi
sport facility comprised of inline hockey rinks, indoor soccer
courts, a fitness center, and restaurant. Chris is responsible
for all hockey and soccer, youth and adult sports programming.
At every level of hockey, officials
have earned there stripes…
The more hockey I play and watch, the more I
see the officials being abused, battered, harassed, and ridiculed.
At every level, officials have earned their stripes through clinics,
camps, classes, and most importantly, on the rink officiating. They
have a job they get paid for and are responsible for. Just like you
and me, if you do not perform, you do not have a job. But what the
majority of you do not understand, is that it is not easy being an
official. Trust me, I've tried it and hated it!! I have been involved
in the hockey industry as a player, tournament director, and league
administrator for 17 years, and to be honest, I do not know all the
rules. This leads me to believe that neither do you all. For example:
What is the goaltenders privileged area? Or when is a hand pass legal?
Officials don't only have to deal with players, they get it from
the coaches, parents, and fans, too!
Now, I am going to give it all right back to all of you.
PLAYERS
You probably have a lot more things to worry about during a game
than the officials. Try the GAME!!! Work on your skills and let the
refs ref. The more you open your mouth the more calls your going
to receive. They never forget a number, or a jerk!
COACHES
There is a reason you are a coach - to promote the great game of
hockey to our youth. Your attitude on the rink is passed on to the
player who looks up to you as a role model and a coach. If you get
out of hand on the bench, you can expect the same from your players
on the rink, which in turn may cost your team the game.
PARENTS
Along the same line as the coach, you are also looked up to as a
role model. You should enjoy watching your kids play and growing
up in the sport. You should watch the game and cheer your child on,
instead of acting like you know it all and spoiling the fun for all.
The last thing you child wants to see is you causing a scene in the
stands.
FANS
Well, we've all been here, and I, for one, have ridiculed a few refs
in my day for missing a critical call in an important game. So I
can't say much here, other then to cut the officials some slack.
We all know they can't see everything and that they are trying there
best and you criticizing them is not helping.
Imagine for a second a game without officials. I guarantee you, it
would be a nightmare! Would it even be considered a sport? No calls,
no organization, no one to drop the puck, no one to call the goals.
If that's what you want, there's a lot of people that play hockey
in the street or maybe a pick-up session is the place for you.
Just like the well known Nike "street corner" commercial,
where the goalie says "Hey, I don't want to come to your office
and stare at you!" well learn a lesson. These officials don't
come to where you work and criticize you or tell you how to do your
job. So don't do it to them, and then maybe we can all just get along.
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