First I would like to say great job to the BTHL folks that made that the Tournament a fun one.
But if I could I would like to toss a couple of thoughts I have.
No young refs in the tournament. I understand everyone needs to learn and everyone makes mistakes. But the year end tournament isnt the place for learning. And there was clearly some problems in this area in our first game. I am not going to address them unless someone wants to P.M. me. Because I dont want to "pick" on anyone in a open forum.
We (as parents) had no idea at times depending on what rink we were at who we were playing next. Some rinks had brackets and some didnt.
Our first game on Sunday was at 8:30 a.m. And our next was at 6:30 p.m. To far apart.
The 2 rinks were 40 miles apart
And lastly. I know it doesnt mean much to some. But a little something for the consolation bracket kids that made it to the finals would have made a world of difference to them.
But once again great job overall. I am sure alot of effort went into the tournament and I just wanted to share some thoughts that may help.
Y.H.F. Commissioner
Posts: 1142 | Location: Ohio | Registered: January 28, 2004
As A player in this tournament I only had a few issues with it.
1. We played all season against teams in our division for standings race, then all of a sudden we're flying blind in the playoffs against a team in the other decision. Unable to prepare or to focus before the game on what needed to be done. 2. Referees, I know its always a players pet peeve but it was very hit and miss for our team. A few times calls wouldn't go our way, and the other team would have the same infraction and it just wasn't consistent in the way things were called. It's frustrating when one of your guys gets a 2 minute slashing for reaching for the puck, and the next shift he goes out and gets his wrist sprained on a good wack by the defenseman.
Other than that, I found it to be well run this year.
Its funny to hear about 'young refs', you know, I've seen many young refs and hate to say it but they do do a better job at times than some of these level 2 and level 3 refs!
Dont get me wrong. I have seen some young refs do a great job. I am glad people have a interest in doing it. But if they are still at the level in their training that they dont have the know how to ref a checking pee wee game and let it get out of hand. I think that maybe they should stay at squirt or lower level for tournament play.
Y.H.F. Commissioner
Posts: 1142 | Location: Ohio | Registered: January 28, 2004
That should be said for league play as well. Look around the whole buckeye league, you tell me where the refs are done all their training. I have yet to see a ref who has complete control of a game. As for the refs in the tournament play at the peewee level, I thought this year was by far the better officiating in tournament play.
I prepared the schedule for the 2004 Buckeye League Tournament. In scheduling 163 games in ten rinks over three cities involving 119 teams, I am confident that some teams were given inconvenient times and locations. You mentioned that your team played on Sunday at 8:30 am and 6:30 pm. I agree that this was very poor scheduling. Which division were you in? I would like to take a look and see where I could have improved the schedule and not have a repeat situation next year.
