“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
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