Paul Stewart: A Challenge to Announcers and Hockey Print Media

It's all about ratings, views or hits. It's sad really...take the time to know the rules and you will sound better on air, in print and online.

Nice write up Stewy!!!

Yes, there are in a few in the media who could use a refresher on rules. At the same time, there is no point in them knowing the letter of the law when that isn't what gets called. If the game was called consistently, there would be a lot less need for people to read up on the rules. Refs can say whatever they want, but every fan knows the exact same actions might be a penalty in the first five minutes, but not in the last five. If one team is up 5, they will get called for something when the losing team won't for the exact same actions. If one team has had 5 straight penalties against them, they aren't getting called for something the team with 5 straight powerplays will. If one team is already killing a penalty, they aren't going to get called for the same stuff they might 5 on 5.

Refs don't call the letter of the law so don't whine about media not knowing it.

It's all about ratings, views or hits. It's sad really...take the time to know the rules and you will sound better on air, in print and online.

Nice write up Stewy!!!
- phi1671

I used to officiate HS Football in GA and the high schools had a hard time getting coaches for their teams because Atlanta was growing so fast. This meant that you had a ton of coaches out there that didnt know the game much less the rules at the high school level. The one thing that we used to say to the coaches when they complained about the rules (which they clearly did not know) was "What color is the rule book this year coach?" They didnt have much to say after that.

It certainly makes for better color during a game if they could pass along their understanding of the finer points of the rules... It allows a better understanding of the game for those of us that dont understand the finer points.

Side note: I can't even watch games on NESN. The commentary is so one-sided it's impossible to watch if you aren't a fan of the spoked B.

I used to officiate HS Football in GA and the high schools had a hard time getting coaches for their teams because Atlanta was growing so fast. This meant that you had a ton of coaches out there that didnt know the game much less the rules at the high school level. The one thing that we used to say to the coaches when they complained about the rules (which they clearly did not know) was "What color is the rule book this year coach?" They didnt have much to say after that.

It certainly makes for better color during a game if they could pass along their understanding of the finer points of the rules... It allows a better understanding of the game for those of us that dont understand the finer points.
- atlsabsfan

I used to do the same in regards to leaving my rule book in the car or at home when I umpired Little League. If the coach wanted to argue, he would have to bring forth the rule he is arguing. As you stated, it allowed for a better understanding of the game and better communication.

The media have been pretty absurd this year with regards to the Bufffalo Sabres and not just the usual blowhards Cherry and Mike "the shoe" Milbury. Also the Refs and the League seem to be making up things as they go sometimes and that adds to the general confusion.

That's why NESN let you go? Really?

Is there a link to the playoff rulebook? The one that is used and called in the regular season is not followed in the playoffs IMO.

Is there a link to the playoff rulebook? The one that is used and called in the regular season is not followed in the playoffs IMO.
- Puckers

Yes, but it's encrypted so you and I can't see it.

Yes, but it's encrypted so you and I can't see it.
- buffalofan19

great read Paul. Good stuff.

Yes, there are in a few in the media who could use a refresher on rules. At the same time, there is no point in them knowing the letter of the law when that isn't what gets called. If the game was called consistently, there would be a lot less need for people to read up on the rules. Refs can say whatever they want, but every fan knows the exact same actions might be a penalty in the first five minutes, but not in the last five. If one team is up 5, they will get called for something when the losing team won't for the exact same actions. If one team has had 5 straight penalties against them, they aren't getting called for something the team with 5 straight powerplays will. If one team is already killing a penalty, they aren't going to get called for the same stuff they might 5 on 5.

Refs don't call the letter of the law so don't whine about media not knowing it.
- Antilles

The rule book isn't exactly a letter of the law. There is a lot of judgment needed in order to enforce the rule book. There is no such thing as a hockey rule book that is black and white. If it was, any little "tap" on a shin guards would be called a slash.

The fact is many media members don't know some of the rules they should know. IE the criteria for a penalty shot. In fact if you ask many fans they wouldn't know the criteria either. Especially the part of being in possession past the red line, a lot of media members think its past the blue line. But will be one of the first people to dog the official in an article or on the air

Good points, Stewy, and I am all for broadcasters having access to retired refs or supervisors -- in real time hopefully -- to explain calls they may not understand. This may be logistically difficult for local telecasts, but for national feeds such as HNIC or NBCSN it might be a good idea for the league to make such a person available as the is the case now in many NFL telelcasts.

I am in the fortunate position of knowing all the supervisors and frequently ask them between periods if I have a question about a call at a game they are attending although I have not seen one at a game yet this year which is unusual. When I do (I'll be going to three games in the next five days) one question I will be asking is if there has been any change in the way penalty shots are being called this year as it seems to me that there have been many more such calls this season than in past campaigns. (I think there have already been more then twenty league wide.) Are you aware of any such changes Stewy?

NOTE: Ironically there was a penalty shot called in the Ottawa@Flyers game I attended after writing the above comment on a play that in the past I would not have expected one to be awarded. Unfortunately there was not a supervisor at the game for me to ask about this.

Good points, Stewy, and I am all for broadcasters having access to retired refs or supervisors -- in real time hopefully -- to explain calls they may not understand. This may be logistically difficult for local telecasts, but for national feeds such as HNIC or NBCSN it might be a good idea for the league to make such a person available as the is the case now in many NFL telelcasts.

I am in the fortunate position of knowing all the supervisors and frequently ask them between periods if I have a question about a call at a game they are attending although I have not seen one at a game yet this year which is unusual. When I do (I'll be going to three games in the next five days) one question I will be asking is if there has been any change in the way penalty shots are being called this year as it seems to me that there have been many more such calls this season than in past campaigns. (I think there have already been more then twenty league wide.) Are you aware of any such changes Stewy?



- iScoop

It would be better than that bombastic buffoon Cherry talking out his ass

Side note: I can't even watch games on NESN. The commentary is so one-sided it's impossible to watch if you aren't a fan of the spoked B.
- FinAddict

Yeah - not surprised that would occur on NEsN

Side question - why make a big deal about the jersey tuck rule for a week or so and then let it go altogether? Guys are tucking again and there's no call. I'm glad about that but it's curious .

Side question - why make a big deal about the jersey tuck rule for a week or so and then let it go altogether? Guys are tucking again and there's no call. I'm glad about that but it's curious .
- wilsonecho91

See tomorrow's blog. I will address this and related issues.

HE HIT HIM FROM BEHIND!

THAT'S A PENALTY!

C'MON, REF!

See tomorrow's blog. I will address this and related issues.
- Paul Stewart

thanks