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.
Ok... I said I wasn't going to ref summer hockey, but technically it's not summer. 
I decided to dip my toe into AAA hockey and picked up 6 games in a Tommy Chicago tourney in a few weeks. There are a few rule changes I'll have to adjust to (tag-up offsides, and icing is allowed on penalty kills). I've heard off-season hockey can be a little like the wild west, so I guess we'll see. It'll be 5 weeks since my last game, so I'm sure I'll be rusty.
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.Ok... I said I wasn't going to ref summer hockey, but technically it's not summer.
I decided to dip my toe into AAA hockey and picked up 6 games in a Tommy Chicago tourney in a few weeks. There are a few rule changes I'll have to adjust to (tag-up offsides, and icing is allowed on penalty kills). I've heard off-season hockey can be a little like the wild west, so I guess we'll see. It'll be 5 weeks since my last game, so I'm sure I'll be rusty.
Nearing the end of my 2nd year of officiating. Did about 75% of my games this year with my son since he can’t drive yet. Those are the most difficult games, I struggle separating Dad from Ref partner on the ice. I am MUCH more confident and comfortable doing games with others, but we work really well together in terms of positioning, etc.
As far as AAA hockey, did my first games 2 weekends ago and there was less barking than association games. It also helps my games were late morning/early afternoon (before the parents got to far into the booze) and we called some good games so that all helps.
I think I did about 100 games this year. A couple more than last season, but I did a lot of higher level games this year, mostly Bantam and JRG so I made a lot more money and enjoyed those games much more.
Looking forward to my 3rd year. Kid can drive so we won’t have as many games together.
It also helps my games were late morning/early afternoon (before the parents got to far into the booze) and we called some good games so that all helps.
That is just a really sad statement? I hate drunks. I hated them when I worked bar, I hate them at events like the old Final Five (which was a booze fest). I’m not talking alcoholics which I get is a disease. I’m talking people who can’t seem to do anything social without a drink. And in front of their kids.
Note: Due to inflation dirty deeds will no longer be done dirt cheap.
Wow, never once dawned on me drop YE at the rink (if I wasn't coaching) then quickly run a grab a couple drinks in the 30-40 minutes for his game. If he played at Ken Yackel Westside arena I would run down to the Taco House for a couple of deep fried tacos.......they are proof god loves us! If I wasn't coaching I was often the dad often standing by himself in the corner. This helped me keep (what little I have left of) my sanity.
“When your best friend is the son of God, you get tired of losing every argument.”
― Christopher Moore, Lamb: The Gospel According to Biff, Christ's Childhood Pal
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@greyeagle I've never been on a team where some parents DIDN'T pre-game (either at a bar, or in the parking lot). x10 for out-of-town tournaments. One mom at my daughter's tournament a few months ago was so hung over she missed a game the next morning.
@hockeybum Away tourneys were definitely different. I was coaching for all but one year so I probably missed a lot of the parent pregame shenanigans.
“When your best friend is the son of God, you get tired of losing every argument.”
― Christopher Moore, Lamb: The Gospel According to Biff, Christ's Childhood Pal
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I need to learn more about those deep fried tacos.
But yeah, the constant drunk and/or belligerent parents is what I miss the least about my kids playing hockey.
I need to learn more about those deep fried tacos.
They are the best!
http://www.tacohouse.net/home-section-1
“When your best friend is the son of God, you get tired of losing every argument.”
― Christopher Moore, Lamb: The Gospel According to Biff, Christ's Childhood Pal
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Boca Chica opened ('75) when I was at Brady High School in West St. Paul. We did a LOT of the 2 mile run down Oakdale Ave to Concord St (now Cesar Chavez St) to the Taco House after school. Also, a quick stop at Hawkeye Liquors to buy a bit of beer in our school uniforms; the only ID they needed to see was Washington, Lincoln or Hamilton!!! ? ? ?I need to learn more about those deep fried tacos.
They are the best!
http://www.tacohouse.net/home-section-1
If any officials are looking to move up, the NAHL is open for applications for next season: NAHL Next Shift
For four seasons I worked as a "Regional Official" in the NAHL (and other leagues). Some of that time while managing a full time job, but with bosses who understood and were very accommodating. There are several teams in MN, WI, IA, ND and SD that are not bad drives. And I got to go to Washington, Alaska, New Mexico, Texas, and Mass paid for by the NAHL while I worked there.
If anyone has questions, feel free to PM me. I spent 5 seasons in the Officials Development Program, from 2007-2012. While some things have changed, a lot has stayed the same. And I still know some guys who are working in it, so if I don't know the answer, I can ask someone who might.
Don't think you might be too old, or not have enough experience. They take guys who played, who have zero experience officiating, and after a training camp have them working games. There is a wide gamut of people working the program, including a few women.
You aren't going to make a ton of money, but you will make some, and get fantastic experience if you want to move into higher levels of hockey.
I don't see a specific thread for other types of officiating so I'll leave this here.
I've always wanted to get involved in youth baseball and a little part time income is nice so I signed up to be an umpire through MYSA this week. From what I'm hearing, the need for umps is great and $70-75 a game is a nice incentive. Now I'm just hoping I can find umpire gear that will be affordable. I made an offer to a guy on FB marketplace for his gear so hopefully that works out.
Any other youth umpires out there? Any advice to offer me?
I don't see a specific thread for other types of officiating so I'll leave this here.
I've always wanted to get involved in youth baseball and a little part time income is nice so I signed up to be an umpire through MYSA this week. From what I'm hearing, the need for umps is great and $70-75 a game is a nice incentive. Now I'm just hoping I can find umpire gear that will be affordable. I made an offer to a guy on FB marketplace for his gear so hopefully that works out.
Any other youth umpires out there? Any advice to offer me?
I'm coaching my kid's 10U baseball team -- we had at least five games where we didn't have umpires last year so a coach had to step onto the field to call the game, which is less than ideal. So thanks for stepping up and hope that you get a variety of ages to work as the 10U is the first year kids pitch and it can be a grind to get through a game sometimes.
I don't see a specific thread for other types of officiating so I'll leave this here.
I've always wanted to get involved in youth baseball and a little part time income is nice so I signed up to be an umpire through MYSA this week. From what I'm hearing, the need for umps is great and $70-75 a game is a nice incentive. Now I'm just hoping I can find umpire gear that will be affordable. I made an offer to a guy on FB marketplace for his gear so hopefully that works out.
Any other youth umpires out there? Any advice to offer me?
I used to umpire for a couple years after college. Anywhere from 9-10 through high school. Steel toed shoes will be your friend. I had a pair of Red Wing steel toed shoes that saved me from pain more times than I can count. As far as gear - I always wore a hockey goalie mask (like most catchers do these days at the youth level), then some catcher's shin guards that I could wear under my umpiring pants and a chest protector with shoulder protection on both shoulders that I wore under my umpire shirts. My parents may still have some of that stuff in their basement if you need anything still. I'm not sure if they threw it all out or not, but I'll be out there on Sunday so send me a DM if you need anything in particular and I can take a look for it.
The easiest advice I can give is to know the rulebook inside and out. Especially if you're doing the traveling leagues. Coaches will question every rulebook decision you make. If you can point to the rule in the rulebook coaches will get off your back pretty quickly about most things.
Otherwise, you'll take a lot of heat off of yourself for hustling out from behind the plate to make the calls at the bases. If you are running solo (I did that 99% of the time) you have to be cognizant to not get out of position (or in the way) with potential plays at multiple bases because you may have to make a call at any of them. When I went out to Cooperstown for the Cooperstown Dreams Park tournament I got a piece of advise that stuck with me - when you make a call on a close play, no matter which base, make the call and take another couple steps into better position as you're calling it. If a coach barks at you for missing it you can say "Look where I am, I saw the play clearly" even if you were out of position a little when the play actually happened. 😉
I always told coaches in the pregame meeting that I was very willing to meet with them about a question and talk about it like adults. If they thought I missed one they could ask for time and come discuss what I saw or didn't see and they'd have a much better result than screaming at me from the dugout. As umpires we can only call what we see. If the ball beats the runner to the plate but I don't see a tag, I can't call the runner out. If I don't see a runner missing a base I can't call him out, etc. That being said, on hits to the outfield - as soon as the ball touched the ground, I always turned my eyes to the bases to make sure the runners are touching the bases. Nothing that happens in the outfield after the ball touches the ground matters to you as an umpire. You don't need to watch the relay throws etc. If the ball rolls out of play (under a fence or whatever) you can always call time and send the runners back when you see the outfielder with their hands up.
Most important - you're going to miss some calls. It's inevitable. Leave it behind you, don't go into the "make up call" game. And have fun with it. Chat with the catchers, compliment the kids for good hits or nice pitches or whatever. When I was umpiring I was doing it because I loved baseball and wanted to stay involved in the game when my playing days were winding down. If you're out there because you're passionate for the game and want to help the kids have fun and learn and grow as players, coaches will appreciate it and so will the kids.
I picked up my umpire gear tonight from a guy I met through Facebook marketplace. I asked him why he's selling his equipment and without hesitation he said it's because of parents. His advice to me was to avoid the metro area and new money suburbs. I live near Zimmerman and there are plenty of games out here to umpire so that shouldn't be an issue for me.
My first games will be later this week. I'm equally excited and nervous.
I picked up my umpire gear tonight from a guy I met through Facebook marketplace. I asked him why he's selling his equipment and without hesitation he said it's because of parents. His advice to me was to avoid the metro area and new money suburbs. I live near Zimmerman and there are plenty of games out here to umpire so that shouldn't be an issue for me.
My first games will be later this week. I'm equally excited and nervous.
For the most part, parents were the worst aspect of it for me. Joe and Karen sitting 100 feet away down the first base line had a better view of the strikezone than me standing right behind the plate.
I eventually started telling coaches that if a parent got thrown out then the coaches would go with them. Put the onus on them to get their parents under control.
It never got to that point for me (I ejected one coach in the probably 300 games I did over 3 years and he earned it).
Got my first 7 games under my belt now and I must say, it's been a pretty positive experience. My first ever game behind the plate was a last minute substitution for a 14AA game. I told both coaches during the meeting that it was my first one and they were both just happy that an ump showed up.
Fortunately for me, my brother-in-law has officiated baseball and basketball in Northern California for 20 year and he's been a great resource. I had a 10AA game last weekend where the final play of the game was a dropped third strike on a 3-2 count with the bases loaded in a tie game. I mistakenly said "strike 3, batter is out" when I should have only said "strike 3" and let the play go on. The hitter and catcher both scrambled immediately so the play was not affected. It was a bang bang play at first on the throw so I yelled "SAFE!!!" loud enough so the passing cars could hear me. It's pandemonium on the field and the players mobbed their teammate at first. The losing coach starts yelling at me for calling both out and safe on the same play. I explained to him that I made the correct call but I made it poorly. I felt bad afterward because I kinda butchered the play and felt like I decided the game so I called my brother in law. His response was, did the losing team make any errors? Did you load the bases? Did you drop strike 3? Of course I said no and he reminded me that umpires don't decide games. That made me feel better and the next set of games has gone smoothly.
Got my first 7 games under my belt now and I must say, it's been a pretty positive experience. My first ever game behind the plate was a last minute substitution for a 14AA game. I told both coaches during the meeting that it was my first one and they were both just happy that an ump showed up.
Fortunately for me, my brother-in-law has officiated baseball and basketball in Northern California for 20 year and he's been a great resource. I had a 10AA game last weekend where the final play of the game was a dropped third strike on a 3-2 count with the bases loaded in a tie game. I mistakenly said "strike 3, batter is out" when I should have only said "strike 3" and let the play go on. The hitter and catcher both scrambled immediately so the play was not affected. It was a bang bang play at first on the throw so I yelled "SAFE!!!" loud enough so the passing cars could hear me. It's pandemonium on the field and the players mobbed their teammate at first. The losing coach starts yelling at me for calling both out and safe on the same play. I explained to him that I made the correct call but I made it poorly. I felt bad afterward because I kinda butchered the play and felt like I decided the game so I called my brother in law. His response was, did the losing team make any errors? Did you load the bases? Did you drop strike 3? Of course I said no and he reminded me that umpires don't decide games. That made me feel better and the next set of games has gone smoothly.
I'm surprised they changed that dropped third strike rule. Back when I played and umpired, strike 3 was an out, dropped or not, until 12 year old ball IIRC
Got my first 7 games under my belt now and I must say, it's been a pretty positive experience. My first ever game behind the plate was a last minute substitution for a 14AA game. I told both coaches during the meeting that it was my first one and they were both just happy that an ump showed up.
Fortunately for me, my brother-in-law has officiated baseball and basketball in Northern California for 20 year and he's been a great resource. I had a 10AA game last weekend where the final play of the game was a dropped third strike on a 3-2 count with the bases loaded in a tie game. I mistakenly said "strike 3, batter is out" when I should have only said "strike 3" and let the play go on. The hitter and catcher both scrambled immediately so the play was not affected. It was a bang bang play at first on the throw so I yelled "SAFE!!!" loud enough so the passing cars could hear me. It's pandemonium on the field and the players mobbed their teammate at first. The losing coach starts yelling at me for calling both out and safe on the same play. I explained to him that I made the correct call but I made it poorly. I felt bad afterward because I kinda butchered the play and felt like I decided the game so I called my brother in law. His response was, did the losing team make any errors? Did you load the bases? Did you drop strike 3? Of course I said no and he reminded me that umpires don't decide games. That made me feel better and the next set of games has gone smoothly.
I'm surprised they changed that dropped third strike rule. Back when I played and umpired, strike 3 was an out, dropped or not, until 12 year old ball IIRC
What league was this? For Metro Baseball League, dropped 3rd strike is still an out until 12u.
Back in my 20’s playing in a slow pitch softball league we had to supply our own umps for whatever reason and I had first baseline for my first time. Routine groundball play at first and I called the runner safe 10 feet from the bag and he was actually out by a couple steps. I felt like an idiot. It was a meaningless game but still I panicked and got some deserved ribbing from everyone. Since then I have a lot of respect for umpires so thank you for doing it. I coached my son’s baseball years from 8 through 12. Best years of our lives! There’s nothing more rewarding than taking a kid at 9 who struggled at the plate and had a rough summer and wanting to quit baseball to turning it all around to hit everything and win a state title in 10u. Wish I could do it all over again! On the flip side the parents made it easier to be done. What umps and coaches put up with at that level is really sad to be honest. Never was a coach to yell at a player if he messed up. Those teaching moments I did in the dug out after the inning, the kid feels bad enough, there’s no need to embarrass him anymore than he already is. Coaches who came unglued on players and the team looked like absolute idiots from our dugout and I just didn’t understand that coaching method. Anyway, thank you umpires, and coaches enjoy everyday with it, it goes by too fast.
I played in an old fart slow pitch, wood bat, church league for 20+ years and it never ceased to amaze me how some guys would argue with the umps during games. This is literally on step up from tee ball and the main goal for every game was to leave the game without any injuries. And, I guess, to complain the ump should have seen a ball along the left field line (with no chalk) was a ½ inch foul......for the love of....
“When your best friend is the son of God, you get tired of losing every argument.”
― Christopher Moore, Lamb: The Gospel According to Biff, Christ's Childhood Pal
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I played in an old fart slow pitch, wood bat, church league for 20+ years and it never ceased to amaze me how some guys would argue with the umps during games. This is literally on step up from tee ball and the main goal for every game was to leave the game without any injuries. And, I guess, to complain the ump should have seen a ball along the left field line (with no chalk) was a ½ inch foul......for the love of....
I played in a church league many years ago (played softball for 25 years) and it was one of the worst in terms of guys arguing/swearing.
I played in an old fart slow pitch, wood bat, church league for 20+ years and it never ceased to amaze me how some guys would argue with the umps during games. This is literally on step up from tee ball and the main goal for every game was to leave the game without any injuries. And, I guess, to complain the ump should have seen a ball along the left field line (with no chalk) was a ½ inch foul......for the love of....
I have had some moments coaching high school football that maybe I wasn't at my best and once or twice when coaching high school hockey... but I've been pretty patient with every JV, bantam, peewee, squirt, 10U person who shows up to help us keep these kids involved with the sport.
When I've called scrimmages for football, I probably lean too much into warning/teaching kids on calls that don't impact the play rather than calling it by the book. When it comes to hockey scrimmages I'm also more of only calling stuff that impacts scoring chances or intent to hurt.
I know officials want to get it right, the only time I lose it is when they don't have the rule right (I only get invested if I'm sure or hear an explanation that's not right), don't even care to be right or as @beauner hinted at earlier as being important -- they're nowhere near the position they need to be in to make an accurate call.
I played in an old fart slow pitch, wood bat, church league for 20+ years and it never ceased to amaze me how some guys would argue with the umps during games. This is literally on step up from tee ball and the main goal for every game was to leave the game without any injuries. And, I guess, to complain the ump should have seen a ball along the left field line (with no chalk) was a ½ inch foul......for the love of....
I think the most vocal I've ever been towards an umpire was at nationals last year. They had 2 umps/field and we were late in the day Sunday trying to get into the top 4. There was a play at 1B where the first baseman was a solid 6" off the base up the line. From the plate umpire's view it was probably hard to see that he came off the base whe he stretched for the throw. I yelled to ask for help a couple times. Finally our manager went to talk to him and got him to ask for help. Base ump said "yep he was way off the base" and they got the call right. After the inning was over I went up and apologized for yelling at him cuz it's not my style. He basically said "don't worry about it, it happens".
Umpires in slowpitch get wayyyyyy too much abuse for a ball that comes in underhand.
When I've called scrimmages for football, I probably lean too much into warning/teaching kids on calls that don't impact the play rather than calling it by the book. When it comes to hockey scrimmages I'm also more of only calling stuff that impacts scoring chances or intent to hurt.
I know officials want to get it right, the only time I lose it is when they don't have the rule right (I only get invested if I'm sure or hear an explanation that's not right), don't even care to be right or as @beauner hinted at earlier as being important -- they're nowhere near the position they need to be in to make an accurate call.
Have coached soccer for many years and I'm kind of the same as you. The only times I am vocal with the refs is 1) if the game is getting out of control and I'm worried about the safety of my players or 2) they flat-out have a rule wrong. Judgement calls on out-of bounds or fouls I can live with, even if I think they got it wrong. Those are not always easy to call and depending on the angle you're at, your view may not be the best.
I got booted out of a U14 game for arguing balls and strikes on pitches that were swung at by the batter but called balls by the umpire.
That was a real proud walk to the parking lot.
One of the most interesting officiating moments I've witnessed occurred in a squirt C game when I was coaching YE's team.
We were in a tourney and playing the host team - we always got the host team, they figured playing a St. Paul team as an easy path to the 2nd round. Middle of the 2nd period and we are already up big when there is a scrum in front of the other team's net and their goalie goes ballistic and starts throwing some (pretty lame) punches. Refs jump in right away to get him separated and our guys do a great job and don't go ape**** on him.
One of the refs skates over to me and asks what do you think? I glance at the other bench and just reply, "I don't see another goalie."
"Yep" and he skates over to talk to the other coach. Coach brings the goalie over, gives him a stern talking to and the ref gives the goalie gets two for roughing and we play on.
Other coach caught me after the game and thanked me and indicated the goalie and his family will be meeting with the association & district about this. I replied it was not my call and the ref did a hell of a job reading the room and determined, as I did, giving the goalie the boot was not in anyone's best interest right then. It was most definitely the right call for the moment.
“When your best friend is the son of God, you get tired of losing every argument.”
― Christopher Moore, Lamb: The Gospel According to Biff, Christ's Childhood Pal
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My son played in a large 14U baseball tournament in Woodbury this past weekend. First game was supposed to start at 6 on Friday. Both teams are there ready to play, and no umpire. We finally track down the tourney coordinator 20 minutes later. Finally one shows up about 6:40. There was another game on our field after ours too.
Never got the story on why the ump was a no-show or who it was that eventually came to fill in. I know from my hockey refereeing, we get fined $50 for a first-offense no-show. If it happens again you are dismissed.
Not necessarily an ump issue. It could be poop job by the scheduling coordinator, miscommunication, Maybe the refs prior game ran late, etc. This is why they tourneys usually schedule extra refs to sit somewhere on stand by. The ref that showed at 6:40 may have been one of those stand by refs.My son played in a large 14U baseball tournament in Woodbury this past weekend. First game was supposed to start at 6 on Friday. Both teams are there ready to play, and no umpire. We finally track down the tourney coordinator 20 minutes later. Finally one shows up about 6:40. There was another game on our field after ours too.
Never got the story on why the ump was a no-show or who it was that eventually came to fill in. I know from my hockey refereeing, we get fined $50 for a first-offense no-show. If it happens again you are dismissed.
I got booted out of a U14 game for arguing balls and strikes on pitches that were swung at by the batter but called balls by the umpire.
That was a real proud walk to the parking lot.
It's surprisingly easy to miss the obvious when you're a brand new umpire ? . I'm just now to the point where the game is slowing down for me. Mostly because I can now click balls and strikes without needing to constantly look down at my indicator.
It's been fun working with the catchers. The best so far was a kid named Henry who introduced himself and shook my hand before saying, "don't worry blue, I'll protect you". It shows he's a smart kid with a good coach.
I have seen more than a few umps miss a pick off play because they were staring at their clicker.I got booted out of a U14 game for arguing balls and strikes on pitches that were swung at by the batter but called balls by the umpire.
That was a real proud walk to the parking lot.
It's surprisingly easy to miss the obvious when you're a brand new umpire ? . I'm just now to the point where the game is slowing down for me. Mostly because I can now click balls and strikes without needing to constantly look down at my indicator.
It's been fun working with the catchers. The best so far was a kid named Henry who introduced himself and shook my hand before saying, "don't worry blue, I'll protect you". It shows he's a smart kid with a good coach.
Anyone know when classroom seminars will be posted? I'd like to take my Level 2 seminar this fall. I keep checking the USA Hockey website every day, but there's nothing in Minnesota. It's strange, because there are hundreds of seminars listed for everywhere else in the country, but only 2 "Level 1" seminars for MN, and nothing higher than that. I feel like by mid-July last year, I had already signed up for one. Just seems weird.
Moved up to Level 2 this year and got my first game assignment next week. I haven't done a game since April. I think next summer I might try to find some league to ref in occasionally, just to stay fresh. With the long layoff, I've got the newbie nerves all over again.
@hockeybum I got nerves last year for the same reason when I was Level 2. My first 2 games were PWAA/BA. It went well.
This year I did some novice men’s league games on Sunday night where I was the best skater on the ice. That helped. Lo and behold, my first 2 assignments are the same PWAA/BA teams as last year next weekend.
I was doing a game a couple of evenings ago and I called a tripping penalty with about 3 mins to go in the game, when I hear a mom in the stands yelling down to us that "If we lose its all your fault ref". I really wish I was facing the parents so I could have seen who said it, because that would have earn her an early exit. Oh and it was a Peewee B2 level game. They did not lose and actually won 4-2.
I was doing a game a couple of evenings ago and I called a tripping penalty with about 3 mins to go in the game, when I hear a mom in the stands yelling down to us that "If we lose its all your fault ref".
What a stupid comment by that mom. Even if it were true, why would I care? I don't GAF who wins or loses.
Worked game #24 of the season last night, and it was the first time I really got yelled at by a coach this year. Squirt A, #1 vs #2 in state rankings (both teams undefeated going in). Chippy as hell. Pretty sure that 1-minute minor penalty wasn't the reason your team blew a 3-1 lead coach.
The problem is... parents think you do. Of course, both side's parents are convinced you want the other team to win, so... yeah.Even if it were true, why would I care? I don't GAF who wins or loses.
B1G refs... corrupt, or just incompetent?
I'll be reffing my 100th game this weekend (44 last season, 6 last Spring, and 50 so far this season). A milestone, I guess. Unlike last season though, this year I'm starting to get a little burned out. I didn't block enough days this month and ended up with 25 games in February, which is way more than I want to do.
There's something else that has recently taken the joy out of it. The place I worked at for my day job (of 22 years) closed for business in December, so I'm currently unemployed and looking for work. I filed for unemployment in January, and discovered that I have to report any income I earn reffing in a given week, and that money gets deducted from my unemployment check. So if I work, say, 4 games a week at $50.00/game, my weekly unemployment check gets reduced by $200. So essentially all of my referee games I'm working for free. I've always considered the relatively small amount I earn from officiating to be extra "bonus" money for my family... something that can pay for family vacations, going out to eat, etc... It was never intended to be my main income. Having the small income from this side job deducted from unemployment means I have no incentive to keep doing it. I'm trying hard not to let it affect my attitude on the ice, but I'd be lying if I said I wasn't a little checked out.
That sounds terrible. I am sorry to hear that. I can't blame you for not wanting to work those shift since your income won't change. Can you work with the referee coordinator to see if other refs would like to take those for you?I'll be reffing my 100th game this weekend (44 last season, 6 last Spring, and 50 so far this season). A milestone, I guess. Unlike last season though, this year I'm starting to get a little burned out. I didn't block enough days this month and ended up with 25 games in February, which is way more than I want to do.
There's something else that has recently taken the joy out of it. The place I worked at for my day job (of 22 years) closed for business in December, so I'm currently unemployed and looking for work. I filed for unemployment in January, and discovered that I have to report any income I earn reffing in a given week, and that money gets deducted from my unemployment check. So if I work, say, 4 games a week at $50.00/game, my weekly unemployment check gets reduced by $200. So essentially all of my referee games I'm working for free. I've always considered the relatively small amount I earn from officiating to be extra "bonus" money for my family... something that can pay for family vacations, going out to eat, etc... It was never intended to be my main income. Having the small income from this side job deducted from unemployment means I have no incentive to keep doing it. I'm trying hard not to let it affect my attitude on the ice, but I'd be lying if I said I wasn't a little checked out.
I was doing a game a couple of evenings ago and I called a tripping penalty with about 3 mins to go in the game, when I hear a mom in the stands yelling down to us that "If we lose its all your fault ref".
What a stupid comment by that mom. Even if it were true, why would I care? I don't GAF who wins or loses.
Worked game #24 of the season last night, and it was the first time I really got yelled at by a coach this year. Squirt A, #1 vs #2 in state rankings (both teams undefeated going in). Chippy as hell. Pretty sure that 1-minute minor penalty wasn't the reason your team blew a 3-1 lead coach.
My son reffed a lot of games during and after high school. He told me the worst abuse he's ever taken was girls' hockey games, both from the parents and the coaches.
I am sorry to hear that. Most girls games that I do the coaches are friendly and great to work with. The worst coaches I have had have been Squirt B2 coaches. I actually wont do them any more. Bantam B1 you actually get coaches who mostly get it and they tend to be decent hockey and not a lot of stupid.I was doing a game a couple of evenings ago and I called a tripping penalty with about 3 mins to go in the game, when I hear a mom in the stands yelling down to us that "If we lose its all your fault ref".
What a stupid comment by that mom. Even if it were true, why would I care? I don't GAF who wins or loses.
Worked game #24 of the season last night, and it was the first time I really got yelled at by a coach this year. Squirt A, #1 vs #2 in state rankings (both teams undefeated going in). Chippy as hell. Pretty sure that 1-minute minor penalty wasn't the reason your team blew a 3-1 lead coach.
My son reffed a lot of games during and after high school. He told me the worst abuse he's ever taken was girls' hockey games, both from the parents and the coaches.
I'll be reffing my 100th game this weekend (44 last season, 6 last Spring, and 50 so far this season). A milestone, I guess. Unlike last season though, this year I'm starting to get a little burned out. I didn't block enough days this month and ended up with 25 games in February, which is way more than I want to do.
There's something else that has recently taken the joy out of it. The place I worked at for my day job (of 22 years) closed for business in December, so I'm currently unemployed and looking for work. I filed for unemployment in January, and discovered that I have to report any income I earn reffing in a given week, and that money gets deducted from my unemployment check. So if I work, say, 4 games a week at $50.00/game, my weekly unemployment check gets reduced by $200. So essentially all of my referee games I'm working for free. I've always considered the relatively small amount I earn from officiating to be extra "bonus" money for my family... something that can pay for family vacations, going out to eat, etc... It was never intended to be my main income. Having the small income from this side job deducted from unemployment means I have no incentive to keep doing it. I'm trying hard not to let it affect my attitude on the ice, but I'd be lying if I said I wasn't a little checked out.
I can sympathize with both things. I got laid off from my 9-5 in 2010. I was working in the NAHL and USHL at the time (plus some youth and HS during the week). Had the same situation, what I was earning basically cancelled out my unemployment. I was still trying to advance in officiating, so quitting wasn't really a great option or look at the time. But I completely understand why you'd consider it. I hated the way they did that. It was part of my income before, why is it treated as "new" income now? And offsetting the unemployment that is supposed to help cover income that was lost. But government programs/regulations and common sense rarely go hand in hand.
I also learned that enough is enough with reffing. Right now I work about 20 games in a season at a single level of hockey. It is perfect for me and my family right now, which includes a 6 year old and 3 year old. I work out of a single rulebook (makes it so much more simple), I am generally excited to go to every game, make enough for a small 'slush fund,' when the season is over - I am usually ready for it to be over, and when next season is about to begin I cannot wait to get back on the ice. I like where I am at. Try to find your happy medium. Some months will be better than others.
It is a tricky line to walk, and much earlier I would've never been able to "pick my dates" and things like that. But you don't want to be the guy who is not enjoying being at the rink. Take some time off. Schedulers don't like guys who are rarely available, but also won't schedule guys who are miserable to work with or are doing a poor job from burnout. After about 4 or 5 seasons I stopped doing summer hockey, you couldn't pay me anywhere near enough to be on the ice during the summer. I'd rather be playing golf or playing with my kids. Just know when to say no.
On the flip side, that many games, that late in the season usually means you're doing a good job and that people enjoy working with you. Word travels fast about guys who are good and easy to work with and those that are not. So take that as a compliment. Especially if you work with veterans. In a lot of associations, not all, but most, those guys get to pick their schedules and their partners. So there is a decent chance they picking you to work with.
Good luck with playoff assignments! That is always one of the most fun and exciting times of the year for players and officials.
Your situation is slightly different but is part of why I stopped reffing, getting absolutely shafted at tax time the one year I actually included in my taxes was the final straw. Not trying to discourage anyone from reffing but it’s kind of amazing that people still do it.I'll be reffing my 100th game this weekend (44 last season, 6 last Spring, and 50 so far this season). A milestone, I guess. Unlike last season though, this year I'm starting to get a little burned out. I didn't block enough days this month and ended up with 25 games in February, which is way more than I want to do.
There's something else that has recently taken the joy out of it. The place I worked at for my day job (of 22 years) closed for business in December, so I'm currently unemployed and looking for work. I filed for unemployment in January, and discovered that I have to report any income I earn reffing in a given week, and that money gets deducted from my unemployment check. So if I work, say, 4 games a week at $50.00/game, my weekly unemployment check gets reduced by $200. So essentially all of my referee games I'm working for free. I've always considered the relatively small amount I earn from officiating to be extra "bonus" money for my family... something that can pay for family vacations, going out to eat, etc... It was never intended to be my main income. Having the small income from this side job deducted from unemployment means I have no incentive to keep doing it. I'm trying hard not to let it affect my attitude on the ice, but I'd be lying if I said I wasn't a little checked out.
I can sympathize with both things. I got laid off from my 9-5 in 2010. I was working in the NAHL and USHL at the time (plus some youth and HS during the week). Had the same situation, what I was earning basically cancelled out my unemployment. I was still trying to advance in officiating, so quitting wasn't really a great option or look at the time.
I'm not trying to advance in officiating like you were at the time, but what you described is pretty much the reason I'll keep working all of these games essentially for free. I'm hopeful I'll find another 9-to-5 job soon. When I do, this reffing side job will go back to being extra money again. I don't want to burn bridges with my assignors because of a temporary situation.
I actually have so many interviews lined up next week that that my dance card is getting full. I decided to stop applying for any new jobs until I get through these. A few of them are 2nd and 3rd interviews, so I'm optimistic one of them will pan out.
I can sympathize with both things. I got laid off from my 9-5 in 2010. I was working in the NAHL and USHL at the time (plus some youth and HS during the week). Had the same situation, what I was earning basically cancelled out my unemployment. I was still trying to advance in officiating, so quitting wasn't really a great option or look at the time.I'm not trying to advance in officiating like you were at the time, but what you described is pretty much the reason I'll keep working all of these games essentially for free. I'm hopeful I'll find another 9-to-5 job soon. When I do, this reffing side job will go back to being extra money again. I don't want to burn bridges with my assignors because of a temporary situation.
I actually have so many interviews lined up next week that that my dance card is getting full. I decided to stop applying for any new jobs until I get through these. A few of them are 2nd and 3rd interviews, so I'm optimistic one of them will pan out.
Best of luck and I hope you find something! Applying and interviewing gets old quickly.
'29, '40, '74, '76, '79, '02, & '03
GPL's Resident Cabin Enthusiast & Cadets Hockey Fan
The threads I am posting in about calls/officiating keep getting locked... Am I the problem? @greyeagle or someone please let me know, not trying to cause a problem and don't feel like I've been offensive in anyway... Do you not want me discussing this?
I can keep the discussion here if thats okay. I just don't want to get more threads locked.
I think it is normal for the series threads to get locked a few days after the series is over.
Yeah that’s just usual protocol to lock threads after a series is over. I’m sure it’d be fine to discuss here or the season thread.
The threads I am posting in about calls/officiating keep getting locked... Am I the problem? @greyeagle or someone please let me know, not trying to cause a problem and don't feel like I've been offensive in anyway... Do you not want me discussing this?
I can keep the discussion here if thats okay. I just don't want to get more threads locked.
Yep, standard operating procedure to lock a few days after a series.
Wasn’t anything you did….this time. 😂🤭
“When your best friend is the son of God, you get tired of losing every argument.”
― Christopher Moore, Lamb: The Gospel According to Biff, Christ's Childhood Pal
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