Paul Stewart: Would Regular Four-Man Crews Work in Hockey?

So maybe four-man crews are too small. Maybe the crews need to be six or seven large. This would allow refs and linesmen to sit and watch games from the stands or off-ice to learn the tendencies of their ref team. It would also create space to address fatigue and/ or injuries that could occur that could affect decision-making.

I haven’t reffed a single game in my life, so I can’t speak from experience like you do. I just wonder if, by having consistent crews the NHL might be able to find more consistency in refereeing.

Aside from the plate umpire (Who honestly can just make up balls and strikes as he goes with zero accountability) an umpire is just about the easiest officiating job in the history of sports

Provided you can handle the Kayfabe WWE style rant from managers as they predictably get heat and then get tossed by the Ump in embarrassing 3rd party showmanship over a missed call

Aside from the plate umpire (Who honestly can just make up balls and strikes as he goes with zero accountability) an umpire is just about the easiest officiating job in the history of sports

Provided you can handle the Kayfabe WWE style rant from managers as they predictably get heat and then get tossed by the Ump in embarrassing 3rd party showmanship over a missed call
- RoloTahmasee

Over simplified. There is no arguing a judgement call period. Can only argue interpretation of the rules. Video replay is only used on the field in a live play situation. The fact pros can pout & huff & puff & hissy fit & tantrum all the time is a joke. It’s not allowed in Little League & the rules of conduct are no different for the pros. All the peacocks & showboating is simply let go cuz millionaire baby’s egos are too large. The crew chief is top dog on rulings.

In the NHL 1 too many refs in the ice so give more authority to linesman & the 2nd ref is off ice for calling down missed plays or for video.

In the NHL 1 too many refs in the ice so give more authority to linesman & the 2nd ref is off ice for calling down missed plays or for video.
- Nighthawk

I actually really like this. I’m going to make a statement that will make many groan. Why not give a single, center-ice referee a “watch” like in soccer, where off-ice officials can provide a “buzz” to the ref to stop play for missed infractions. The buzz would be limited to certain penalties (high sticks, checks to the head, etc.)

I actually really like this. I’m going to make a statement that will make many groan. Why not give a single, center-ice referee a “watch” like in soccer, where off-ice officials can provide a “buzz” to the ref to stop play for missed infractions. The buzz would be limited to certain penalties (high sticks, checks to the head, etc.)
- eggsegan

I ref men's games and I used to ref kids games (below 14 year olds). I am on board with something of that nature. I don't like the idea of a buzzer for stopping the game however. For example, a behind the play coincidental minor could stop the play when a game changing goal is in the process of being scored. I.E. Steven Walkom was the back referee in the neutral zone, game 7 conference finals, 2013, Hawks -Wings; Hjalmarsson upper corner slap shot goal that was called back with a few minutes to go in a tied game with basically everything on the line.

Anyways, as a player and ref I had many concussions and even before them I had a difficult time officiating men's league and kids ice hockey games (I only reffed kids games for my first year, until I got turned off by having to pay three different organizations' fees to start the next year).

Point being... simple, and seemingly obvious calls were missed by myself and other refs and everyone gets frustrated. However when I would watch a game from the stands I can see the infractions with ease and the off sides, etc. Because I am not distracted by having to skate around and avoid everything. I love skating and being on the ice and being in the action and talking to the players, but realistically it hinders my vision and concentration. One official in the stands or a box with a live communication down to the ice seems like a smart move. Of course there are many issues that go with the concept but overall I think they could be worked out if everyone sees that the games are reffed better. I know this an NHL site, and I'm talking about men's league and kids games, but overall I like the idea.

Aside from the plate umpire (Who honestly can just make up balls and strikes as he goes with zero accountability) an umpire is just about the easiest officiating job in the history of sports

If that's how you really feel, then if you care at all about the game of baseball, maybe you should give it a try?

The biggest issue most have with NHL officiating is lack of consistency. If a consistent four man crew can alleviate even a little bit of that, it's worth trying.

Honestly, NHL officiating is awful in its current state. I don't know why any and all ideas wouldn't be on the table at this point.

The biggest issue most have with NHL officiating is lack of consistency. If a consistent four man crew can alleviate even a little bit of that, it's worth trying.

Honestly, NHL officiating is awful in its current state. I don't know why any and all ideas wouldn't be on the table at this point.
- bcallaway

To protect the egos of the referees


I like the second off ice official with a buzzer and increased responsibility of linesmen idea a lot.

Why have two officials clogging up the ice with their only responsibilities being calling offsides and breaking up fights.

Call all three referees and have a fourth on video to get the calls right