Paul Stewart: Before restart, Officials will need training time, too

Would it make sense to start an organized effort to recruit former players (NHL or high minor leagues like AHL) to officiate? You would probably be able to check off the proper-conditioning boxes for them, and they obviously would have an in-depth knowledge of the game.

Would it make sense to start an organized effort to recruit former players (NHL or high minor leagues like AHL) to officiate? You would probably be able to check off the proper-conditioning boxes for them, and they obviously would have an in-depth knowledge of the game.
- copelal

You’d be very surprised how much the majority of players don’t know. More important for officials to know & enforce the rules. Conditioning is secondary but necessary.

You’d be very surprised how much the majority of players don’t know. More important for officials to know & enforce the rules. Conditioning is secondary but necessary.
- Nighthawk

I hear what you are saying. However, I was thinking of more than just rules of the game, and more into the mindset. When you've been a player at a certain level, you know how the average player thinks, expectations of play, etc. I'm thinking that it would enable an official to relate to the players better and anticipate events in the game based on its flow.