After the first half of the 24/25 season, I have to say that, overall we’ve got some pretty good numbers to report.
Thank-you to all those that did their part to support the league in this capacity. As good as the numbers are, however, there is definitely room to get better.
We have 362 players on the active list for the league. Goaltenders, executive, “C” players over 80 years of age, injured players and those that simply did not play are all exempt, although many, many of these guys did step up and officiate anyway.
We had 211 different officials over 320 games ( 640 slots ). This number blows our previous best half out of the water.
There were 103 guys that did more than the required 1 game. Of this total, 18 did 5 games or more and 6 did 10 or more. These numbers represent a 79.2% participation rate. Fantastic number but we’re striving for 100%.
We did have 1 game with no official and 83 games with only official, so you can see if everybody gets their game in, we’d just about be fully covered.
At the beginning of November it was announced that any player who did not officiate at least one game each half, would be assessed a fine, to be collected at the beginning of next season.
As this was introduced at the midway point of the half we have decided on a level of clemency. Any player who did not officiate a game in the first half, and is not exempt, can avoid that fine by doing a game in the second half.
Officiating at least 1 game is a requirement of all non-exempt players, whether they play full time, a partial half, or are on the spare list.
Based on expected games, there will be approximately 675 chances to get that game in, so as I mentioned before, no excuses. The officials’ clinics will also continue in the second half, although less frequently.
There were 103 attendees this fall and I hope each of you gained some benefit from these clinics. To those that haven’t been to one, you are always welcome. The agenda is generally a mix of rules and the manner with which we’d like to see the game played.
SAFETY FIRST.
The unique aspect of the clinics is that I’m speaking to you as both an official and as a player and this gives perspective to each roll.
So many of you have been fantastic in your support of this league. Let’s keep it up and take it to the final level.
With the Christmas break and most of you having not been to the rink, we haven’t been able to get the ball rolling on the ref sign up sheets for next week.
Anybodywho wants to get their name in to officiate, particularly the games on Monday and Tuesday, send me an email at cdhains0@gmail.com and I’ll pencil you in.
Please indicate, day and time you prefer. I’ll take the sheet to the rink at the end of the week.
Again thanks to all those that have participated as a official. It helps to keep the game under control and creates more fun for all and I encourage each of you, when you do officiate, to enjoy yourself in that effort as well.
Take care everybody and I wish each of you the happiest and healthiest New Year.
Chuck