The NZIHF run the officials courses around the country but they do need a ‘local’ to organise the course, ie ice time and room. I heard that there was one run earlier this year in Dunedin and over a Nat Leag weekend.

Canty refs have travelled all season with the Nat Leag, guess whoever assigned the games is aware of that and it should not have that much of a surprise.

kelf, you’d be the first to throw up the bias flag if the games don’t go the home teams way then??

Ryan, you’re out there doing it and both Mike and Kyle have shown that the southern guys aren’t too far behind. I think if you asked them, they would say that they have learnt a lot this year. You are an intelligent man, I have to agree with you that some players are morons, or do the helmets restrict blood flow to the brain. We have seen the same players doing the same stuff year in year out.

I have heard plenty of people talking up their playing ability so far this season and there aren’t too many who have backed up these comments. most have fallen well short of their stated ability and produce substandard performances, only person who has manned up is Vince.

Vince also stated a while ago that during his very short refereeing experience, that he found it a lot harder than expected.

There is a restricted number of officials around so if you can think that you can do a better job, put your hand up and attend a course or two! I think that all regions are going to struggle for officials in the next year or two.

Guess the ref has to understand which way the abuse is flowing, but there are penalties to cover most circumstances. Putting JVL on a pedestal for giving an obscene gesture is not the smartest thing to because it now condones that behaviour, if it was seen by the ref, then an appropriate penalty would be assessed. I saw a Canterbury played get chucked out of a game for a similar incident at Nationals in Dunedin  a couple of years ago.

Devils are up 4-0 with about 5 left in the first period, 5 minors to Botany, none to Devils

Blake has been in the U18/20 development program for the last couple of years with trips to China, Mexico and not too sure about Serbia (where the U20 won gold) plus expanded IB squad this year.

Is this your selection as it doesn’t appear anywhere else. I haven’t seen enough from KC to warrant his selection and think that there will only be two goalies selected. Findlay let in some easy goals over the weekend. I would possibly pick the goalie everyone hates over Justin but would think that he would have to get an ITC/passport to play.

Most players are obvious choices.

The Canty games were tough but not physically tough like the Botany games they had in Q/town. Stampede will take both.

Even the Aussie National League use home referees!!

For all the referee knockers out there, if you want to make a change to the current status quo, get out there and give it a go. You might find harder than you think! First, some of you would need to learn to skate.