Inside the rink things go down differently than on the streets, even with the strict set of rules in both rules. On both sides of the street there are things that are acceptable and things frowned upon. In cities people don’t engage in abuses of each other as they do inside the arena of sport. The challenge of competitors waging battles on each other, for supremacy. This view of athletes assaulting each other causes regular citizens to participate in actions unfamiliar to their regular lives.

The issue at hand is the constant abuse of one ice officials at hockey games, minor and adult. In all amateur divisions, participants are paying to play hockey for fun and in a safe environment. Except in divisions in which participants are being payed and all injuries are cleared under insurance. If an injury occurs in a recreational hockey game the injured party isn’t covered if they have to miss out on work. In professional hockey they are completely covered and rehabilitated. There is also a collective respect in pro leagues because everyone is essentially just working for a paycheck. These two comparisons are often mistaken by minor league hockey participants in lower tiers.

These players and coaches often let the power of the games passion take control of their emotions. The outlet for stress and disappointment go toward the competition and the officials. If the players cannot control themselves they let vengeance take over their emotions. There is a conflict of minds which becomes physical. Whether a hack, a slash, hook, hold or a punch. This emotion is good ole Canadian hockey mentality, do onto them as they did to you. When someone gets you or outshines you. You get them back.

But when these actions turn dirty or someone receives an unsuspecting cheap shot things turn fierce fast. The excitement of the game can turn a bump into a brawl because someone doesn’t like the way they were bumped. Why does this happen when we go from relaxed to aggressive so quickly.

I myself have been victim of this powerful emotional roller coaster. As I skated down the slot to split two players another came from behind laying an elbow to my head leaving me dazed and confused. Taking a mental note I retired to the bench to fix my broken helmet then proceeded next shift to clothesline the same guy behind the net. Which started a brawl that included my sixteen year old brother holding his own against a twenty three year old, but he’s another story. After the fighting it was calm minus some chirping and trash talking. How was this experience for the referees all because I wanted my retribution.

Why do officials put on the stripes? To be called a zebra and to be hung as the official scapegoat. Or hold out a hand and participate in a game not a circus. Many games get rough and tough but when its not about the game, it’s enough. If you feel there is ever a reason to blame a referee for having a game get out of control then you must look at the actions of the participants not the rule upholders. Because an official never throws a punch, dirty elbow, kicks an opponent or floods the bench to start a brawl. They are there to uphold the rules to the best of their ability and see as much of the game as they can.

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