What I think we all have to keep in mind is that referees have to make a
quick decision about whether or not to make a call. Everything around them
is happening at a "bang-bang" pace. This is not to excuse any bad calls,
but this is what's facing them. This is especially the case when there's a
lot of scrapping and clawing right in front of the net -- not to mention
that it's difficult to see EXACTLY where the puck is!
 
Ref-bashing has been a part of any sport since the beginning of time. I don't
think we should hang someone if they make a bad call or, in some cases,
a non-call. They may realize that they make a call when they shouldn't have
or didn't make a call when they should have right after the incident that
caused the ref's decision.
 
For example, player A decks player B into the boards right as player B is
about to play the puck. Boarding? Interference? Cross-checking? Say it WAS
a cross-check, but the ref didn't quite think so. He may have been thinking
whether or not it was a cross-check, but didn't immediately call it. He then
realizes that it should have been called, but this is about 3-4 seconds
after the hit occurred. Too late to call anything. Even if he does, he'll
get crucified for delaying his call -- e.g., he was influenced by the home
crowd or whatever.
 
My point is that refs must make a quick decision since the flow of the game
is fast-paced as it is. We can only see their perspective if we were wearing
the zebra shirts.
 
Just my .02....
 
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+  Andy Weise                 Let's Go Tech!!     [log in to unmask]  +
=  SUNY Potsdam '93                                                       =
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