I've read most of the NCAA rule book over a few years.  Although I've never
officiated an ice hockey game, I used to officiate UVa floor hockey, both
intramural and club.  Being low on the school's priority list, sometimes I was
the only official, having to enforce all the rules as well as keep game time
and penalty times. (no scoreboard)  I can definitely empathize with the refs;
hockey, with the many judgement calls, is a tough sport to ref. As to it being
easier to spot fouls in the stands, I wholeheartedly agree!
 
The refs are only human.  Of course, when I'm a fan, I expect them to be
superhuman. ;-) I've never really claimed to be an unbiased fan, although I
try to keep an open mind and will admit when my team should be penalized.  (I
just don't scream when the ref makes a bad call on the opposing team or misses
a call on my team)
 
Pete
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*  Peter Kester  ([log in to unmask])
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