Think You’re In Shape?

So the season is over and you think you can relax right, – wrong! For the most part we should be in decent shape; given the fact we probably did at least 5 or 6 games a week.

Most officials were on the ice for at least three hours a night, times an average four nights, so it’s a least 12 hours a week. So based on this fact, one should be in top notch shape and do it without even contemplating the notion or idea conditioning.

To be perfectly honest, most officials are out of shape and need to tone up, but some officials tend to think it’s only the players that need to stay in shape, but ask any qualified trainer and they’ll tell you different.

Conditioning plays a major part in today’s game and like it or not, it’s a way of life. I have seen and continue to see out of shape officials fight their way through the season, and then wonder why they get questioned when they are out of position to make call.

In conversation with Denis Morel, supervisor in the NHL and for the first two Canuck series he had strong word to say about officials that fail to maintain proper conditioning techniques.

He states: “officials must understand the game has changed, given the speed of the players and the intense level they play we witness game in and game out. Our (NHL) officials continue to work out on a daily basis, regardless of where they are”.

Truer words were never spoken, because skating for full 60 minutes takes stamina – both mental and physical.  

So how does one get in shape and stay in shape? First – find yourself a conditioning coach who you feel comfortable with and one you can afford.

After the testing is completed, they will put you on a vigorous program for you to follow, and one that is focused on your needs. It is important for them to know at the start the nature of your request and what you actually want out of the program.

If you fail to let them know, you could be on a program to tone some areas of your body and you might just miss the one’s you should work on. It is not necessarily important to develop mass and size, but rather to tone and shape.

One of the best conditioning coaches I know is Peter Twist, and yes he is the one that worked with the Canucks for the last number of seasons. There are others, but I personally know of his capabilities and what he can achieve, but the decision is yours. 

When starting out don’t try to over achieve, but rather work at a pace you are comfortable at. Striving to achieve too much at the start will see you develop a sprain, a tear or worse yet – a break. Start in sets and get it to a specific number of reps. One day work your upper body, the next work your lower body.

If you want to perfect a way to work both on the same day, ask you conditioning coach. One must remember it is important to have a day of rest, so as not to over do the training.

If you haven’t been on a program before, you will feel a soreness for the first couple of weeks or until the muscles get toned up. This is a normal part of conditioning for all athletes.

If you can accomplish any of the above prior to the start of next season you will no longer feel fatigued or stressed but actually feel relaxed and healthy.

All leagues require the officials take their game to the next level, and this is only one part of what any official must do. 

In order to excel in the world of officiating you must understand what the game is actually about and who it is for! 

Like it or not – it’s not about watching the officials, it’s about playing the game. You do however play an important part in the game and those that understand this – will surpass those who don’t!

Let’s sign up and strive for better conditioned officials next season – for the sake of the game. I strongly recommend all officials to have a complete physical prior to the start of next season.

Be fit – not a misfit!