$1,000 fine for unruly fans?!?!?!
Keep your stick on the ice...
$1,000 fine for unruly fans?!?!?!
I see zero arguments against this.
There is a difference between yelling something from the stands during a play and screaming non-stop/throwing objects/following officials.
I was given the finger from a fan this year in a game they were winning by a decent margin because her husband was swearing at my partner (late game and he was clearly drunk) I had warned him twice and finally tossed him. Got the bird from the wife and tossed her too. The coach was tossed that game along with another parents.
The entire team of parents and coaching staff had to have a meeting with the tournament director that next morning before anyone was allowed back in the arena.
$1,000 fine for unruly fans?!?!?!
I see zero arguments against this.
There is a difference between yelling something from the stands during a play and screaming non-stop/throwing objects/following officials.
I was given the finger from a fan this year in a game they were winning by a decent margin because her husband was swearing at my partner (late game and he was clearly drunk) I had warned him twice and finally tossed him. Got the bird from the wife and tossed her too. The coach was tossed that game along with another parents.
The entire team of parents and coaching staff had to have a meeting with the tournament director that next morning before anyone was allowed back in the arena.
With 3 boys playing hockey and baseball (all are done playing), I have seen my share of out of control parents, and near fist fights. I say suspend the players for conduct or their parents. Maybe the parents will grow up.
I am most definitely not in favor of punishing a kid for the actions of their parents.
I am most definitely not in favor of punishing a kid for the actions of their parents.
Reminds me of when teachers would punish the entire class because of one rock head. It’s a dumb way to deal with the problem.
I am most definitely not in favor of punishing a kid for the actions of their parents.
It's a shitty deal for the kid, but it would most likely be the quickest way to fix the problem.
I am most definitely not in favor of punishing a kid for the actions of their parents.
Reminds me of when teachers would punish the entire class because of one rock head. It’s a dumb way to deal with the problem.
I have no problem with parent shaming.
I am most definitely not in favor of punishing a kid for the actions of their parents.
Reminds me of when teachers would punish the entire class because of one rock head. It’s a dumb way to deal with the problem.
I have no problem with parent shaming.
I have no problem with "parent shaming either" but I would suggest a bench minor for unruly parent behavior. That will get the coach more involved and likely the association barring some of these idiots. I actually asked the ref to toss a parent this year because I was sick of listening to them.
Any refs here know when USA Hockey starts offering the officiating seminars? April is one of the few slow(er) months when I have more free time than usual. I was hoping to get this done before things start getting busy again.
I would check USAhockey.com. You can look at the schedule of trainings without having to login.
Any refs here know when USA Hockey starts offering the officiating seminars? April is one of the few slow(er) months when I have more free time than usual. I was hoping to get this done before things start getting busy again.
Because registration to good through November 1st of the following year, officiating seminars, in the past at least, really didn't start until Mid August with most of them occurring Mid- September through Mid October. I really don't think you'll see much of anything until then. In fact I don't think you'll even see a schedule until roughly June.
Any refs here know when USA Hockey starts offering the officiating seminars? April is one of the few slow(er) months when I have more free time than usual. I was hoping to get this done before things start getting busy again.
Because registration to good through November 1st of the following year, officiating seminars, in the past at least, really didn't start until Mid August with most of them occurring Mid- September through Mid October. I really don't think you'll see much of anything until then. In fact I don't think you'll even see a schedule until roughly June.
Yeah we had some questions about kids getting certified for spring/summer hockey and this is what our State Director said as well.
Any refs here know when USA Hockey starts offering the officiating seminars? April is one of the few slow(er) months when I have more free time than usual. I was hoping to get this done before things start getting busy again.
Because registration to good through November 1st of the following year, officiating seminars, in the past at least, really didn't start until Mid August with most of them occurring Mid- September through Mid October. I really don't think you'll see much of anything until then. In fact I don't think you'll even see a schedule until roughly June.
Yeah we had some questions about kids getting certified for spring/summer hockey and this is what our State Director said as well.
Very few leagues are USA Hockey sanctioned. So not only is it not a requirement, you can get in (a very small amount of) trouble for wearing your USA Hockey Crest at a non-sanctioned event... Almost all summer hockey (aka Checkbook hockey) is on an island and unsanctioned.
If they're interested, see if the scheduler is okay with sticking a mentor with them or something. But if they have never done it before, then I do suggest the seminar first.
Any refs here know when USA Hockey starts offering the officiating seminars? April is one of the few slow(er) months when I have more free time than usual. I was hoping to get this done before things start getting busy again.
Because registration to good through November 1st of the following year, officiating seminars, in the past at least, really didn't start until Mid August with most of them occurring Mid- September through Mid October. I really don't think you'll see much of anything until then. In fact I don't think you'll even see a schedule until roughly June.
Yeah we had some questions about kids getting certified for spring/summer hockey and this is what our State Director said as well.
Very few leagues are USA Hockey sanctioned. So not only is it not a requirement, you can get in (a very small amount of) trouble for wearing your USA Hockey Crest at a non-sanctioned event... Almost all summer hockey (aka Checkbook hockey) is on an island and unsanctioned.
If they're interested, see if the scheduler is okay with sticking a mentor with them or something. But if they have never done it before, then I do suggest the seminar first.
No I get that, but it was parents who were asking for their kids and wanted the seminars before allowing their kids to officiate.
Took my Level 1 officiating seminar today. I kind of expected it, but I was still pretty self conscious since I'm in my 40's and probably 75% of the people there were under 18. I felt like the creepy old guy at a high school party. Other than that, it went well. The seminar was the last thing I had left to do. Sent in an application to my local district. We'll see where it goes from here.
Took my Level 1 officiating seminar today. I kind of expected it, but I was still pretty self conscious since I'm in my 40's and probably 75% of the people there were under 18. I felt like the creepy old guy at a high school party. Other than that, it went well. The seminar was the last thing I had left to do. Sent in an application to my local district. We'll see where it goes from here.
Where were you at? A friend of mine was at a level 1 and 2 in SSP. Said it was packed. What district are you hoping to ref in?
SSP, and yes it was packed. Hoping to ref in District 8 since that is where I live.
@hockeybum Awesome! Welcome to the club! Hopefully I get to see you at the rink! I will mostly do 8 and high school this year. Maybe a little in 6.
Dumb question, but do any current refs here have advice on what kind of ref gear/clothing to buy (particularly pants)? Are padded pants better, or is it better to buy just shell pants and wear a separate girdle underneath? Can I use my hockey shin pads and elbow pads under ref clothing, it will it be too bulky?
I looked at the "starter kit" stuff on a few websites, but all those seem kind of cheap. I like saving money as much as the next guy, but I'm also not an unemployed 15 year old. Not looking for top of the line, but I'd rather spend a little more to get something comfortable and quality so I won't need to replace it.
Dumb question, but do any current refs here have advice on what kind of ref gear/clothing to buy (particularly pants)? Are padded pants better, or is it better to buy just shell pants and wear a separate girdle underneath? Can I use my hockey shin pads and elbow pads under ref clothing, it will it be too bulky?
I looked at the "starter kit" stuff on a few websites, but all those seem kind of cheap. I like saving money as much as the next guy, but I'm also not an unemployed 15 year old. Not looking for top of the line, but I'd rather spend a little more to get something comfortable and quality so I won't need to replace it.
At higher levels, the "Stevens" pants are the most common ones you'll see. Some guys do CCM shells with a padded girdle underneath. All personal preference. I have tailored Stevens, and they've served me well for 10+ seasons now. I have had several rips and tears repaired and from 6 feet away you could never tell.
Most player elbow pads, with the big plastic caps end up sticking out awkwardly when you raise your arms. A lot of guys go with youth elbow pads, or lacrosse or broom ball elbow pads. They look much better when you aren't wearing huge shoulder pads too.
The "Pro-Weight" sweaters are worth the extra cash, the cheap ones snag, rip, and stain way too easily. Get 2, one with arm bands and one without. The snap on "floaties" look ridiculous. Don't get a reversible one, just don't. Don't bother with the mesh underarms or anything like that. The only places where that is required, provide the sweater for you.
For shin pads, that is all about personal preference. I used the hard-plastic ones when I started because it is what I had. I bought a pair of the softer, low-profile ones several years ago and prefer them much more. In either case, buy a set of shin-tights. Works great to keep your laces tucked away and prevent your pant leg from catching on the ankle guard of the skate.
EDIT: What size are you? I got extra pants and sweaters from years gone by laying around that are still in useable to almost new condition. I'd be more than happy to give them to anyone on this site how is looking to start officiating. I can make a list of what I have and the sizes when I get home tonight.
Fightclub30... I'll PM you. Thanks!
Fightclub30... I'll PM you. Thanks!
I also agree with fightclub in the gear. I went through https://www.officialsequipment.com
I went with the low profile shin pads, found lacrosse elbow pads at Play It Again. Pro pants and jersey. I don’t plan to be a Referee, just a linesman for now so I only have the 1 sweater. As for a girdle or padded pants, I don’t wear either. I don’t wear breezers for men’s league and it hasn’t been an issue yet maybe if I end up doing Junior Gold I would get them but not until I get hit and it hurts I have pretty thick thighs, been hit by pucks before and no kids are going to cause more harm to me than I would them.
One tip I was given was to have 2 whistles and keep one in your pocket in case yours gets smashed or hit by a puck.
Did my first game today. It was a girls 12UB game, so a nice easy one to start off with. Had a few minor errors (missed an icing that my partner thankfully caught, and let a penalty go that I probably should have called). I didn't hear any screaming parents or angry coaches, so I must have done OK.
Did my first game today. It was a girls 12UB game, so a nice easy one to start off with. Had a few minor errors (missed an icing that my partner thankfully caught, and let a penalty go that I probably should have called). I didn't hear any screaming parents or angry coaches, so I must have done OK.
Congrats! I had 7 games this weekend. It was a fun weekend and lots of good hockey.
A few thoughts...
I expected things to be a little slow the first year. I understand you need to start at the bottom and pay your dues, and I'm willing to do that. That being said, I haven't worked a game since my first one in early November. I have 4 more assigned between Dec 2-15, but nothing currently on the schedule after that. About 3 weeks ago, I reached out to all association assignors within a 15 mile radius. All wrote back and seemed receptive, but I'm still having a really hard time getting games.
At least 10 times I have responded to e-mails looking for last-minute replacements to cover for sick refs (sometimes within a minute of getting the e-mail), only to not get chosen.
I'm starting to see why attrition for new officials is supposedly high. If I don't do this next year, it won't be because of the conventional reasons (low pay, or getting berated by coaches or spectators). It'll be because I can't get enough games to make it worthwhile.
I'm starting to see why attrition for new officials is supposedly high. If I don't do this next year, it won't be because of the conventional reasons (low pay, or getting berated by coaches or spectators). It'll be because I can't get enough games to make it worthwhile.
While I know there is a lot of hockey going on already, my association's district squirt games are just starting this week. I think most of the games so far are either tournaments or 'exhibition' games at least for squirts. Maybe now is when there are so many games to assign, that you'll get more games?
A few thoughts...
I expected things to be a little slow the first year. I understand you need to start at the bottom and pay your dues, and I'm willing to do that. That being said, I haven't worked a game since my first one in early November. I have 4 more assigned between Dec 2-15, but nothing currently on the schedule after that. About 3 weeks ago, I reached out to all association assignors within a 15 mile radius. All wrote back and seemed receptive, but I'm still having a really hard time getting games.
At least 10 times I have responded to e-mails looking for last-minute replacements to cover for sick refs (sometimes within a minute of getting the e-mail), only to not get chosen.
I'm starting to see why attrition for new officials is supposedly high. If I don't do this next year, it won't be because of the conventional reasons (low pay, or getting berated by coaches or spectators). It'll be because I can't get enough games to make it worthwhile.
Can you ref for multiple districts? In District 10 we have referee blackouts for all weekend scrimmages because the refs are all tied up with district game or tournaments. During the week we can't get solo ice for scrimmages because there are so many games going on.
I am a scrimmage coordinator for my kid's peewee team and we've only had one refereed scrimmage because there are too few refs.
I ref both D8 and D2. The game I worked 3+ weeks ago was D8, as are my next 3 scheduled games. Then I have my first one with D2 in mid-December.
I'm not buying the referee shortage narrative. Or at least not in the two districts where I work. Any last-minute openings are immediately snatched up. Last I checked, there were 216 officials in D8, and 150+ in D2.
Vegoe... 12U/10U/PW/SQ have been playing scrimmages and games for at least 3 weeks now in my districts, so I don't think that's the reason. We'll see. Maybe it will get better in January, but it sure is frustrating right now.
Well… maybe some games opened up in Rogers.
I think you were right Vegoe. The floodgates opened since I posted a week ago. I have about 20 games in the calendar now.I'm starting to see why attrition for new officials is supposedly high. If I don't do this next year, it won't be because of the conventional reasons (low pay, or getting berated by coaches or spectators). It'll be because I can't get enough games to make it worthwhile.
While I know there is a lot of hockey going on already, my association's district squirt games are just starting this week. I think most of the games so far are either tournaments or 'exhibition' games at least for squirts. Maybe now is when there are so many games to assign, that you'll get more games?
I'm 50% factual and 50% sarcastic. When you get to know me, you will know which is which.
After a very good start, I've now had 2 games in the last 3 days where I've left the rink thinking "fuck this, it's not worth it". Out of control dickhead coaches are making things miserable. One was a Squirt C game for crying out loud. I'm sorry your kid can barely skate sir. That doesn't mean it's a penalty every time someone bumps him and he falls.
After a very good start, I've now had 2 games in the last 3 days where I've left the rink thinking "fuck this, it's not worth it". Out of control dickhead coaches are making things miserable. One was a Squirt C game for crying out loud. I'm sorry your kid can barely skate sir. That doesn't mean it's a penalty every time someone bumps him and he falls.
Glad to hear you had a good start and are finally getting some games. Try to hang on a bit, if you can.
Having worked Squirt Cs to a cup of coffee in the ECHL (3 games counts for something, right? haha), I can tell you that the lowest level coaches are collectively some of the worst. These Squirt C and PeeWee C games where coaches are acting like it's game 7 of the Stanley Cup finals and their careers are on the line, its just crazy.
I remember an argument with a PeeWee coach, where he told me (emphasis his, not mine) "Kids at THIS LEVEL just don't fall on their own anymore!!" Okay guy, thanks for your input.
If you can get past the first year or so, and start getting into other games, it will improve. There will still be donkeys, but they start to reduce in numbers. Sadly, at the levels where I was compensated more and willing to take more abuse and deal with it, I generally received the least amount of it. Everyone generally has to "put in their time" at this level to move on, otherwise nobody would willingly work those games... other than the guys who skate 1,200+ games per season and will go to the rink for anything just to skate and make a few bucks.
Here is a little food for thought if you want it. You are not required to go to a bench every stoppage, regardless of what anyone says. I see lots of young officials go talk to a coach every time they motion them over. Pick your points, and know when it is getting excessive. You don't need a discussion about every 2:00 penalty (or any really...).
Know when a conversation has reached its point and skate away. Don't engage with a coach, once the conversation has reached a point where nothing good can come from it. Skate away. If someone makes a big deal about, just say you didn't want to bench them and skated away to give them an out because they were getting very close.
Know where your line is, when a coach crosses it, penalize them. I am lucky enough to have never had a scheduler/supervisor/etc. not back me up on a bench minor/ejection. I've been sold out on penalty calls/non-calls, but never when it has come towards abuse of officials. If I am getting paid, for example, $40 Squirt C game, I am going to take $40 worth of abuse. But I get to decide what $40 worth of abuse is. If the attacks become threatening, personal, etc. bench them.
Another thing, if a Coach is standing on the bench/dasher and screaming. Do not go over there, if they want to stand up there and scream down at you, it isn't worth anyone's time for their public display of "power." If they insist on have me come over, I will go to the other end of the bench and make them step down and walk to me. If they won't it must not be that important. Any decent coach will step down to the level of the players and talk to you face to face. If they won't, don't engage.
You don't want to be known as the guy who hands out bench minors like candy, but know you have it, and use it if you need to. Don't be afraid to bring up situations with your supervisor/scheduler and ask them how they'd like it handled. Tell them you felt it warranted a bench minor/ejection/whatever but weren't sure so you didn't do it. Every supervisor I've ever had has had zero issues with those calls once a coach has earned them, I've even had a few upset that I didn't give one out in a few situations.
After a very good start, I've now had 2 games in the last 3 days where I've left the rink thinking "fuck this, it's not worth it". Out of control dickhead coaches are making things miserable. One was a Squirt C game for crying out loud. I'm sorry your kid can barely skate sir. That doesn't mean it's a penalty every time someone bumps him and he falls.
Hmm... HockeyBum reffed my game on January 10... so if he means 2 games in the last 3 days and this post is on January 16... I'm in the clear right?
Knowing @fightclub30 he is good source to go to for the rules of the game and questions. The guy officiates or did officiate 3-4 different levels of hockey. So he had to have 3-4 rule books in his equipment. He's well spoken and mannered when it comes to officiating and rules. In the past I've msg'ed him or spoke in him in person, something a saw at high school game, Gophers or even Wild and asked him why this was called or how the stripes handled it. And I always get an answer for me to understand.
Keep your stick on the ice...
I agree with @fightclub30. Squirt B and C and Peewee B and C coaches have some of the most crazy coaches of all. I have really enjoyed moving into high school reffing, especially the girls side. all the coaches for the most part are friendly and just want explanations. You have to have some thick skin for sure.
I doubt many coaches give you much lip. You're taller and more solid than 95% of them... 😉
Probably cause you lug around 96 beers vending much easier then me at 72 vending at US Bank Stadium... LoL!!!
Keep your stick on the ice...
Going through some old photos and found these of @fightclub30 when he was a linesman for a Gopher game in October of 2012. (Click for larger versions)
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Found a few more!
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Thanks @Jupiter ! Those are great, I have added them to my collection.
Man I miss those days. Working the old WCHA was the coolest side job I could've ever had. I had a lot of fun doing it! Was fun to see you and CPHockeyMan at the games.
EDIT: Updated my Avatar, because why not, haha.
One thing I've always wondered and never gotten a straight answer to: when do you go 4x4 vs. 5x5 for plays where there are penalties on both teams? What are the criteria? Any refs in here know the answer? I've never been able to suss it out just by paying attention.
One thing I've always wondered and never gotten a straight answer to: when do you go 4x4 vs. 5x5 for plays where there are penalties on both teams? What are the criteria? Any refs in here know the answer? I've never been able to suss it out just by paying attention.
In USA Hockey (and high school, and every junior and minor pro league I worked) coincidental penalties always offset, and the penalized players may be substituted on the ice and serve time until the next stoppage after their penalty has expired.
In NCAA Hockey it is different;
If there are no penalties being served or visible on the clock, and coincidental penalties are the ONLY penalties called. You go 4-on-4 (penalties severed with no substitution)
If there are no penalties being served or visible on the clock, and you have coincidental penalties and any additional penalties called, the coincidental players can be substituted.
If there ARE penalties being served AND visible on the clock, then same as above, the coincidental penalized players may be substituted.
Worked my last 2 games today, and Season 1 of officiating is over. I'm a numbers guy, so I kept a spreadsheet of all my games. In "GPL Stats" style, here are the numbers:
Games Worked: 44 (34 in District 8, and 10 in District 2)
Levels Worked: 10UB2, 10UB1, 10UA, SQC, SQB2, SQB1, SQA, 12UB1, PWC, PWB2, PWB1, PWA
Irate Coaches: 4
Embarrassing Mistakes: 2. Called a penalty, then got distracted and forgot to get the number of the offender. Called a goal when the puck only hit the post and never crossed the line. Was able to ask my partner and wave off the "goal" after the fact. Felt like a guy in one of those old "Wanna Get Away?" Snickers ads.
Least-Favorite Level To Officiate: Squirt C. Bad skaters, so sometimes hard to tell what's a penalty and what's not. Also, the worst coaches who harass you about every little detail. Many SQC coaches don't understand the rules very well (not you, Vegoe!).
Favorite Level To Officiate: Girls 10UA, 10UB1, 12UB1. Honestly, I'd be happy just working girls games. Far less chippy. Nicer coaches. Nicer players. Same pay for less bullshit.
Stray Observations: I don't think I'll come back to District 2 next year. I only got 10 games there, and none after January 26. Small sample size, but some of my ref partners in D2 didn't seem to like working with newbies. They also only have 1 assignor for the whole district, which I don't really like. D8 has local assignors, and I've gotten to know several close to my home, which probably helped me get more games. Also, more D8 rinks are closer to where I live, and I felt far more welcomed in D8.
Overall... it was a pretty good experience. It really took me about 20 games to get a good feel for things and build some confidence. I worked a few games early in the season that I probably wasn't ready for (I did a Pee Wee A game as my 5th ever game, which was way faster paced then I could confidently handle at that point). At this time, I'm not really interested in reffing summer hockey. I need a break, and I also like to be outside in the summers. I'll take my Level 2 courses in the fall and come back next year.
@hockeybum If that's the worst you did in your first year, you must've done pretty well. Mistakes are a valuable tool, I made it as far as I did by making numerous mistakes and learning from them.
Confidence is huge, knowing where you're supposed to be and when, as well as what to call and when. Always sell your call and look confident even if you aren't... If you don't look confident, you'll get questioned every time.
You'll find as you get to higher levels of girls hockey the gap on the "less BS" closes. In girls HS hockey I have seen a girl take off her glove to pull another girl down from behind by her Ponytail and more use of the C word than I'd ever care to hear again. However, I have Boys HS games that more resemble football games where players are more concerned about making a big hit than actually playing hockey. Taking that element out of the girls games, if you have 2 good girls teams in a track meet of a game, that can be more enjoyable than a mid to lower tier boys game.
Glad to hear you'll be making it back for another season, welcome to the brotherhood.
I remember reffing a HS game in WI and I screwed up my positioning and accidentally got hit by the puck/players a couple times on the same shift. Crowd started booing me ?.
There will always be some moments where you make mistakes you just try and learn from them and bounce back/improve.
Least-Favorite Level To Officiate: Squirt C. Bad skaters, so sometimes hard to tell what's a penalty and what's not. Also, the worst coaches who harass you about every little detail.
Right. You can't call a penalty because bad skaters run into each other and fall down.
@fightclub30 Thanks for your advice and encouragement this year, and also for helping me get started by selling me some of your old gear. I learned a lot from you about positioning, selling your calls, and when to engage/not engage with coaches.
To anyone thinking about getting into it, I encourage you to do what I did and commit to trying it for 1 year. If you like it, stay with it. If you don't, at least you come away from it with a different perspective and appreciation. I've been around hockey for 40 years as both a player and coach. You think you know it all and it will be an easy transition. Let me tell you... refereeing is COMPLETELY different. It's a humbling experience. I almost think it should be a requirement for youth coaches to take a referee course and work about 10 Squirt games. I would guarantee the level of chirping and disrespect in youth hockey would drop by about 90%.
Due to life and circumstances I was not able to ref as much as I wanted to this year. But i will say this, squirt c, B1 and 2 are the hardest level to ref as far as coaches and fans. Noit ever time johnny falls is it a penalty. @hockeybum I highly encourage you to try high school. Whether it is with Suburban or Minneapolis, its great hockey and I love doing the girls games. You will come to love the 2 ref one linesman system and see that the 1 ref 2 linesman system is full of flaws. Good luck next year and hope to see you around the rink.
@fightclub30 Thanks for your advice and encouragement this year, and also for helping me get started by selling me some of your old gear. I learned a lot from you about positioning, selling your calls, and when to engage/not engage with coaches.
To anyone thinking about getting into it, I encourage you to do what I did and commit to trying it for 1 year. If you like it, stay with it. If you don't, at least you come away from it with a different perspective and appreciation. I've been around hockey for 40 years as both a player and coach. You think you know it all and it will be an easy transition. Let me tell you... refereeing is COMPLETELY different. It's a humbling experience. I almost think it should be a requirement for youth coaches to take a referee course and work about 10 Squirt games. I would guarantee the level of chirping and disrespect in youth hockey would drop by about 90%.
Is it a problem if I can't skate?
@HockeyBum Happy to help! Glad I didn't scare you away, haha!
@skiier32 I have the opposite opinion, of all the systems I have worked, I like the 2-Referee 1-Linesman system the least. The single linesman is not asked to do much, other than drop pucks honestly. The referees are asked to handle many of the linesman duties - blue line calls on zone entries, finalizing delayed icings, breaking up players on a scrum, etc. I'd much rather have the 1-R and 2-L system. However I understand why it is in place, and helps keep more older referees able to referee longer. Not many can skate the 1R-2L system, let along at the Boys HS Level.
High School hockey is fun, I have reduced my game count due to life circumstances as well, but also- partially due to the way the MSHSL is running things...
Getting from Plymouth to Farmington/Lakeville/etc. for a 5:00 JV game on a regular basis without putting my main job at risk became too much to juggle. So I had to limit myself to Varsity only, which puts a dent in the schedule already.
Secondly, the MSHSL technically does not oversee the JV Level, and has let them do whatever they want. You have schools like, Prior Lake for example, play 15:00 periods with a single resurface and a 5:00 OT. Then you have schools like, oh... Wayzata, Edina, EP, Minnetonka... that run their JV games with 17:00 periods, 2 resurfaces, and 8:00 OT, time-outs... the whole deal. Lake Conference varsity games are regularly starting at 7:20 or even later with a scheduled 7:00 start time.
Why is this a problem? A) It's annoying trying to figure out what each school/conference is doing and having the visiting out-of-conference teams confused as well. B) It creates late Varsity games which equal more time at the rink for everyone.
I have had arena manages knocking on the officials dressing room door saying they have a Jr. Gold game after this and we need to "get the game moving", like it is up to us...
HS also needs to adjust the pay. Many youth districts are increasing pay and you can make more going to work a Bantam B, PeeWee B pair of games and be home earlier than working a JV/Varsity 2 game set.
EDIT: I removed a bunch of rambling...