On Mon, 6 Feb 1995, Aiello, Dave wrote:
 
> Dear Fellow Readers:
>
> Is anyone else becoming fed up with the attitude of some on our list
> regarding our game's officials?  Many of those that have spoken out publicly
> have shown a contemptable level of disrespect.  As an official who does over
> 100 games per year (in youth, high school, junior college, and ACHA-type
> games), I am approaching the point where I will be outraged.
>
> I salute those fair-minded people who have suggested that it is difficult to
> put yourself in the skates of an on-ice official, when you yourself are
> firmly planted in a seat in the stands.  Over time, I have come to the
> conculsion that I should bite my tongue rather than criticize an official.
> But, maybe that's because I have been on the receiving end of so much of
> criticism myself.
>
> I encourage everyone who has crticized an offcial publicly in this forum, to
> attend a PeeWee or Bantam level hockey game at your local rink.  The example
> you are setting for young hockey players jeopardizes the very future of our
> sport.
>
> We do not need any more 10, 11, and 12-year old children playing our sport
> that cannot control their temper when the game is not playing out as they had
> hoped.   We do not need any more 15, 16, and 17-year old children that shoot
> the puck at, or otherwise attack, game officials.  Yet, there is an obvious,
> long-term trend in place that few are willing to acknowledge.
>
> I wonder what your children think when they hear you yell from the stands
> about the terrible quality of the last call.  Or, do you not take them with
> you to games?  Or, are you complete gentlemen and ladies in the stands,
> saving your flames for your friends in the on-line community?
>
> There is only one fair way to address this issue.  Netiquette should dictate
> that the same respect be shown for officials as we require when discussing
> our opponents.  Just as I cannot flame against Clarkson, St. Lawrence, BGSU,
> or Lake Superior, I should not be able to flame about Harry Ammian or Bill
> Jones.
>
> Finally, every game official deserves the courtesy of being referred to by
> his full name, or "Mr." and his last name.  If you, as a fan, cannot take the
> time to find out an official's first name and include it in your article, how
> can we be sure that you were paying close attention to the play you are
> questioning?
>
> Respectfully,
>
> Dave Aiello, RPI '89
> Consultant
> J.P. Morgan & Company, Inc.
>
> Former Rensselaer Mens' Hockey Manager
> USA Hockey Level 4 Official
> Member, USA Hockey Atlantic District Officiating Training Staff
> Member, Metropolitan New York - New Jersey Chapter, NIHOA
>
I think reasonable criticism of officials is an appropriate topic of
discussion in this list.
 
James