“When you pull on that jersey, the name on the front is a hell of a lot
more important than the name on the back,” said some hockey coach.  I think
this could apply to officials as well.

-- Erik

On Sun, Feb 23, 2020 at 7:43 PM Gary Thomas <[log in to unmask]> wrote:

> Interesting observation Carol.  I haven't been watching much action in the
> other conferences to notice the difference.  I don't have any definitive
> answers for you...only my own personal observations as a sports fan and a
> USA hockey official.
>
> USA Hockey does not make any requirement/recommendation on the matter.
> Personally, I have my name on the back of my shirt.  But when I order a new
> shirt, I will probably leave it off.  Just not that comfortable with all
> those hockey parents knowing my name, I guess.  Not that I've had any
> issues in 12 years...
>
> I can't picture officials from other collegiate and pro sports with names
> on their shirts.  Football...nope.  Roundball...nope.  Baseball...nope.
> Nor do I think NHL officials have names (but I could be wrong).
>
> With all the crazies out there these days, I get why they want to make it
> just a little harder to personally identify officials.
>
> Gary Thomas
>