Recently, a lot of the comments I have been reading (and hearing) during post game discussions has been focused on the standard of officiating at many EPIHL games. Whilst fans criticising the on ice officials is nothing new, in recent times, it seems to have become much more common, even from fans of teams who have been victorious and gained the benefit of the on ice decisions. So I got to wondering why this is so? Is there really an easy solution to the fans (and often it seems players) frustrations? Or are we just becoming a more impatient crowd?
Well, from my perspective, I do feel that there is a problem with the standard of officiating in the EPIHL currently, and I do certainly feel it is something that the EIHA can and should address with the intention of improving the situation.
Put simply, I would argue that the officiating has not kept up with the standards of the game. The Phoenix have been a member club of the EPIHL for almost 5 seasons now, and the game we see on the ice now is significantly different to that which we saw in the beginning. As each of the previous seasons has progressed, the standard of play has improved, with the quality of the import players rising, and in turn the skill and fitness of many of the British players improving as a result. Games are played at a higher tempo, with bigger hits, and more impressive displays of skill on show. The officials however often seem to be stuck in the past. I’ve lost track of how many times the refs in particular are left behind by the play, and just float on down the ice, as if the game is being played at their pace, not the pace it actually is. Quite obviously this can lead to missed calls for penalties (if the ref is so far out of position a lot of the time, players can and will take advantage).
The solution to this, at least to my eyes, is simple: more, higher intensity training. It is clear that some officials are just not quite fit enough to keep pace. Enforcing minimum standards of fitness would be a massive step in the right direction.
Another issue, more so from a players perspective, is the seeming lack of willingness by certain officials to actually explain the calls they make when approached. The ‘C’ and both ‘A’s are entitled to approach the ref/s and ask for decisions to be explained. Some officials will happily do this, yet others (and we all know who I mean) just won’t, leaving a lot of angry confused guys on the ice. And is it really that hard to do? Hell, explain why you made the call you did, and players might just learn not to do certain things. Keep schtum, and players will get angry, which could lead to an escalation of the foul play going on.
Solution? Again, training. Teach the officials how best to communicate with the players on the ice. It is in the best interests of everyone to do this.
And finally, after the, shall we say interesting, game on Thursday, Mr Liptrott has apparently been suspended forthwith. Maybe, just maybe, someone out there is listening….
Sadly, as I see it, the officiating has remained stagnant. Many of the on ice officials seem to be either unwilling or unable to adapt to the changes in the game.
Whilst I agree the Standerd of officiating is ” poor” ( to say the least) what would the E.P.I.H.L aspire to ? The Elite League ? ( during the brief spell we where in there I seem to remember it being just as inconsistent) , The N.H.L ? I watch games on tv and if those standards were the same we would soon get to 3 on 3 hockey for 3 periods. I agree our playing standards have increased but for the stripeys to do the same the league would have to admit there’s a problem and I very much doubt that will be happening anytime soon.The solution ?? Maybe a training camp of season for stripeys and coaches, but that would take money something English ice hockey is sadly short of.
1: English Ice Hockey (by which I infer you mean the EIHA) is not short of money. It is a matter of record that the EIHA has liquidity sitting in the high 6-figure range. They could afford to spend more, but for whatever reasons choose not to.
2: The EPL should aspire to a level of officiating that is consistent, and complimentary to the level the game is played at. Currently, it is years behind the players in terms of application and professionalism. Developing the game isn’t just about improving the skills of the players.
Unfortunately you under the same wrong impression as most fans and it seems players
Rule 201 states “that they may discuss with the ref questions over the interpretation of the rules”. The rule then goes on to say
” A complaint concerning a penalty is NOT a matter relating to an interpretation and so should be penalized”
Misconduct 10 mins
So no-one is entitled to approach a ref and ask them to explain their decision re the penalty.
But surely a question over the interpretation of a rule can apply to asking about a penalty which has, or indeed has not, been called. There is some room for contradiction in how this rule is structured.
Not only that, some refs (one in particular) seem to take the approach that this means that they are beyond reproach, even when it is apparent to a blind man that they have made a howler.
Irrespective of this, an improvement in the communication between the officials and the players is sorely . Many incidents expand to a point far beyond what is appropriate simply due to the officials being so bloody obtuse.
Clarity, Communication, Consistency. These 3 things will improve the game no end.