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SEPTEMBER 2019 USAHOCKEYMAGAZINE.COM // 41 >Inaugural Officiating Symposium Inspires Those In Stripes To Get Better And Give Back THERE'S A REASON Kevin Collins is considered the dean of American officials and only the second man to wear stripes inducted into the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame. Fourteen years after hanging up his whistle, his passion for the game still burns bright as he speaks with the voice of experience that carried him to the pinnacle of the profession. "Every day you don't try to get better you lose the opportunity to be the best," Collins said during his keynote speech at the inaugural USA Hockey Advanced Officiating Symposium. And judging from the turnout inside the packed ballroom, that thought was not lost on the 250 experienced grassroots officials who came to town to improve their own skills and understanding of the game. The three-day celebration of all things in stripes was an opportunity for USA Hockey to thank those grassroots officials for the dedication they've shown to the game while helping them achieve "tenured" status, which brings with it reduced registration requirements and fees. The weekend featured a stable of some of the most notable American whistleblowers in the game, including former NHL officials such as Collins, Dennis LaRue, Andy McElman along with current NHL peacekeepers Chris Rooney, Brian Murphy and Bryan Pancich. Presenters touched on a variety of topics ranging from establishing rapport with coaches to proper positioning to knowing the difference between hope and courage when it comes to making the right call on the ice. They shared their own experiences about reaching the top, sprinkling in humorous stories about life in the NHL while leaving the room with a message of humility and integrity and paving the way for the next generation to achieve their goals. It was a message that seemed to resonate with each ref in the room. "We have to give back to the game and help to inspire up-and-coming officials, just as we were inspired this week," said Jacqueline Zee Howard, a college official in Washington, D.C. It wasn't just the participants who walked away with a renewed sense of purpose. National Referee-in-Chief Dave LaBuda said the weekend far exceeded his expectations and gave him hope in the face of some disturbing trends in the game. "I was encouraged by the number of officials who were interested enough to take the time away from their families during the summer to come here," LaBuda said. "Their continued interest in officiating and in USA Hockey has re-energized me and proven to me that in spite of the growing hostility in the hockey world, officials are very much committed to trying to become better and make the game better." –Harry Thompson REFS IN A ROOM According to USA Hockey registration data, 33 percent of all registered officials leave the game each year, and almost 50 percent of first- year officials don't return for their second season. The main reasons they cite are local politics that keep them from getting enough games, and the constant berating from coach- es and parents. "We really have to step back and recognize that young referees out there are learning the game just like the players are learning the game," said Andy McElman, another retired NHL linesman who is still active in the game in his hometown of Chicago. "We have to step back and appreciate that when these referees step on the ice, that is their practice. That's the only time they get to get better at the craft of officiating whereas the players may have one or two practices through- out the week and play games on the weekend." As was mentioned many times during sympo- sium, USA Hockey has long prided itself as the gold standard among youth sports organiza- tions. And now is the time for the organization and those in it to help reign in the insanity that is impacting the entire sporting community. "This is not a hockey problem. This is a youth sports and societal problem," Collins said. "So, let's be the first to be a leader in youth sports and show soccer, baseball and basketball that we are determined to take a stand against the bullying of young officials." P Bad behavior at NHL games has spilled over into the youth hockey arenas, and is driving young officials out of the game. SEPTEMBER 2019 USAHOCKEYMAGAZINE.COM // 41 A wide variety of top speakers, including Joy Johnston, top, Dennis LaRue, left and Dave LaBuda made the inaugural USA Hockey Advanced Officiating Symposium a worthwhile event.