Follow Paul on Twitter: @paulstewart22
I am equally proud of every member of my officiating teams. Age is not a significant aspect as I did not start to ref until I was 30. You have the knack and then you work on it from there.
Unlike players, referees and linesman do not get practice time. We need to hone our skills every game and then self-critique honestly after every game. You need the courage of a spitfire pilot and the honor of a judge. Your only order in life is to make the right call and to keep it fair and consistent.
As you rise through the ranks, you find out that this sport can be a cutthroat business. The team that caused the most trouble isn't the red team or the white team. It's the green team; people who are consumed with envy and will do anything to cut you down. This is hardly unique to hockey or sports, but the game isn't immune to pettiness and back stabbing. My advice is to just keep going about your business.
Have fun and whistle while you work!
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Today, Stewart serves as director of hockey officiating for the Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) at both the Division 1 and Division 3 levels.
The longtime referee heads Officiating by Stewart, a consulting, training and evaluation service for officials. Stewart also maintains a busy schedule as a public speaker, fund raiser and master-of-ceremonies for a host of private, corporate and public events. As a non-hockey venture, he is the owner of Lest We Forget.