Let me start by agreeing that the most effective way of refereeing is the
current CCHA method. And I will explain why.
 
Being a previous player in the CCHA, the one referee system offers many
benefits.
 
1. The players will know when they see the ONE referee what type of game its
going to be.  Each referee has his owen style. Some will allow more stick work,
others will allow harder hitting and some call everything. But when a player
knows that only ONE referee is going to call the majority (99%) of the
penalties, and they know what he calls, the game is more enjoyable for everyone.
 
2. Linesman in the CCHA have the authority to call penalties behind the play.
Normally these are two guys giving it to one another up the ice. The linesman
can also call major penalties. They do not have a huge impact on the game and
they should be allowed to make these calls.
 
This is just my opinion, and having played in various conferences during
tournaments, two referees can simply cause too much confusion. Referees will
tend to try and cover for the other and usually more questionable calls are
made.
 
By no means am I bashing the referees, but a three man (one ref and two
linesman) is the way the players would rather have it.
 
Craig
 
Ferris State University
1990-1994
 
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