Pre-game supervision is an essential part of today’s game – especially in Junior Hockey.
It shows character and a commitment from the officials that they truly take the game serious and should a situation arise – they can take charge and make the proper assessment of penalties.
The first part is the arrival time of the official at the rink.
Far too many officials at the minor level arrive about 5 – 10 minutes to the game and this is unacceptable from all standards of the game.
I for one find it difficult to get into game mode when I am the only one at the rink in such a short period of time. How does one get motivated or focused to go out and do a professional job when you show you don’t care.
If players, coaches and team officials can arrive early so should the officials. This based on the fact they do it for free and the officials get paid.
Maybe late officials should be penalized a portion of the game fee, then see how long it would take them to start being on time. My guess is – ONCE
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