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The National Hockey League general managers have gathered in Florida for their annual meetings. They reportedly
spent an entire day coming to zero consensus on how to move forward with something we can all readily agree is an area where we can all do much better in this sport: the lack of clarity, intuitiveness and occasional self-contradictions of NHL Rule Book directions that pertain to goaltender interference (Rule 69), the spotty coaching that pertains to its enforcement by on-ice officials, the throw-a-dart-and-maybe-it'll-stick coaches' challenges that are rampant and the general sense of confusion and frustration it creates.
Guess what? 31 different GMs have 31 different views on what's wrong with goalie interference issues and how they'd go about improving the situation. As Gomer Pyle would say, "Surprise, surprise, surprise!"
I have written a few dozen blogs on the subject in my years here at Hockey Buzz. It is clearly a problematic issue, because goal/no goal calls are even more important than penalty calls in the grand scheme of things.
Once again, though, I fear that the NHL general managers, whose opinions carry a lot of weight in what gets in front of the Board of Governors, are once again showing a widespread lack of understanding of just how complicated the problem is. There is also a lack of understanding among some that when it comes to changing or adding rules -- whether between seasons or in-season but especially the latter because the implementation issues become even more pronounced -- it MUST be asked "why NOT" to alter the rules or procedures rather than just "Why do it?"
Otherwise, there are inevitable unintended consequences. Thank goodness, Lou Lamoriello has been there to be a voice of reason in saying that if there are changes, the details need to be considered very, very carefully.
It frustrates me to no end that NHL referees, whether current or past, are given no seat at the table and not even an advisory role in matters that pertain to the clarity and enforcement of the Rule Book. Neither the League powers that be nor the GMs have the slightest inclination to do so, and those who are theoretically supposed to serve as leaders on the officiating side do not advocate for the guys on the ice -- the ones who inevitably take the heat and who are insufficiently coached on key issues such as proper positioning around the net.
I do not intend to stop banging this drum. However, I am also realistic enough to know that I don't expect any significant chances. So here's an idea of something else that I think should be implemented.
I've said in past blogs that I think coaches would find great benefit to themselves if they took an officiating course and a Rule Book test if only to know the Rule Book better. They don't have to become a latter-day Roger Neilson or Fred Shero, taking the Rule Book to the bathroom or studying every nuance of it late at night. At minimum, however, they should actually know what Rule applies to a specific situation and what the book says about it. You'd be surprised how many coaches fall short of this, even at the NHL level.
The same thing goes for NHL GMs, since they get a say in matters of rules. Other industries require their members to undergo some sort of continuing education or ongoing training of some sorts. After the NHL Draft and the initial free agent frenzy, wouldn't it behoove NHL general managers to brush up on other aspects of their job? I would think matters that pertain to Rules, which have a trickle down effect to the crafting and coaching of their teams as well as a broader league-wide impact, would be an area that would beneficial to understand a little more thoroughly.
Call me crazy (many have) but I would think that if you can't pass a Rule Book Test, perhaps you shouldn't be carrying pull in the potential alteration of said Book.
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Paul Stewart holds the distinction of being the first U.S.-born citizen to make it to the NHL as both a player and referee. On March 15, 2003, he became the first American-born referee to officiate in 1,000 NHL games.
Blogger •Former NHL Referee • 
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