Quote:
Originally Posted by COGENT
I ref beer league and my philosophy is that I will never call what I didn't see, it's not fare otherwise. Once a ref starts listening to the teams or "thinks" they saw something, the game is in trouble.
I must admit though, I hate knowing something happened but not seeing it.
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I've ref'd minor hockey for 7 years and basically you can't call a penalty if you didn't see it, even if the missed play resulted in an injury. Because "nobody knew what happened" the ref's should have a little discussion among themselves to make sure someone is always watching the whole rink, then talk to the captins (or for peewee and under use the coaches). If you're sure it was the "guy trailing the play" I'd have a little chat with him too and let him know that you're watching him.
In Calgary Minor Hockey the rule about injury is that if a player commits a foul that results in an injury he/she should be assesed a 5min major and a game misconduct, depending on what foul was committed. Some rules have the major and GM, some don't but for a for an infraction where you have the option of 2min minor or Major and GM the rule is that you are to call the Major and GM. If there is an intent to injure or the player's conduct is "making a travesty of the game" the ref should give a Match Penalty or Gross Misconduct. These penalties give a longer suspension.
There's usually atleast one assistant coach who saw something, so make sure you get their perspective through the captins (or for young kinds just talk to the coaches) but you can't call a penalty if you didn't see it. Coaches are usually helpful if they know you're looking out for their kids and you want to make the rink as safe as possible. Also, don't be afraid to talk with the timekeepers because they usually have a good view.