As a frequent flyer and friend of Troubh Ice Arena here in Portland, I plead with members of the hockey community to allow officials to call games without abuse and harassment. Both USA Hockey and the Maine Principals’ Association, the governing body for high school hockey in Maine, have a zero tolerance policy for abuse of officials.
In a recent game, one parent yelled, “How much are they paying you, ref?”
The answer? Not enough.
The number of hockey officials across New England continues to decline due to abuse of this kind. The result is games being canceled or only one official calling games when there should be two.
Understand that being an official is hard work and show empathy for officials calling games as best you can. Leave discussion with referees to coaches and captains, who, by rule, may discuss interpretation of rules with officials.
Cameron Hackett
South Portland
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