It's Been One Week

If you have been reading my blog then you are aware that I am hockey official. I ref and lines a lot of hockey. One thing that really grinds my gears is when people tell at the officials to "get outta the way!". If you don't know what I mean here is quick little description. When a player doesn't pay attention to where he/she is shooting the puck and hits the ref. Most people think the ref is always in the wrong.

Here is something to think about. Players have a lot more equipment on than refs. The average player will be wearing the following for protection.

-Skates

-Shin Pads

-Pants

-Cup

-Gloves

-Shoulder Pads

-Elbow Pads

-Neck Guard

-Helmet

-Full Cage/Half Visor

While the average ref will only wear a few things.

-Skates

-Shin Pads

-Cup

-Elbow Pads

-Helmet

-Half Visor

Some refs don't wear shin pads, a cup, or elbow pads. So when people think we get in the way on purpose I pose this question, Why do we want to get hit with a piece or frozen vulcanized rubber?

To prove my point I have been documenting what happens to a ref when they get hit.

  Sunday Feb. 28. The night I was hit by a puck.

Tuesday March 1.

Wednesday March 2.

Thursday March 3.

Friday March 4.

Sunday March 6.

No ref WANTS to get hit by a puck. Remember when you see a ref fall down, get hit by a puck, body checked into the boards it hurts. We are wearing less protective equipment than the players.