EIHA to Abolish Zero-tolerance Refereeing
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At the start of the 2006/07 English Ice hockey season, the governing association, the EIHA, has changed the interpretation of penalty offences so they are now strictly enforced. This change has meant that games are now suffering with frequent stoppages for minor penalties that in many previous years wouldn't have been called.
The reason for the change is given: "The new standard of rule enforcement, will give players the opportunity to improve their skill development and provide a safer hockey environment." A Quote from the EHIA's In House Rules & Referee Rule Interpretations.
This sounds like a reasonable statement, but for the fans at the rink and on internet forums, this subtle change has incredibly managed to remove much of the appeal of the game. Until now, ice hockey has existed as a game for the spirited, full of passion and energy. It seems the EIHA are missing the whole point - it is so much more than a contest in skating, stick handling and scoring. An ice hockey player represents and displays the attributes of speed, control, aggression, caution, anticipation, teamwork, skill, respect, endurance, strength and passion, each to varying degrees. Coaches, players and fans have been forced into accepting the new interpretation in exchange for a very weak justification. For some players, the changes mean having to suppress how they have been playing for years.
To witness a game with no animosity or ill-feeling, that is littered with 100 minutes in penalties is a comical spectacle to a long term fan. Penalised players were leaving the ice either hysterical with disbelief or hitting the boards in frustration.
Let the players play and no more games be ruined.
Please support this petition to revoke the 'zero tolerance' guidance given to officials.
The reason for the change is given: "The new standard of rule enforcement, will give players the opportunity to improve their skill development and provide a safer hockey environment." A Quote from the EHIA's In House Rules & Referee Rule Interpretations.
This sounds like a reasonable statement, but for the fans at the rink and on internet forums, this subtle change has incredibly managed to remove much of the appeal of the game. Until now, ice hockey has existed as a game for the spirited, full of passion and energy. It seems the EIHA are missing the whole point - it is so much more than a contest in skating, stick handling and scoring. An ice hockey player represents and displays the attributes of speed, control, aggression, caution, anticipation, teamwork, skill, respect, endurance, strength and passion, each to varying degrees. Coaches, players and fans have been forced into accepting the new interpretation in exchange for a very weak justification. For some players, the changes mean having to suppress how they have been playing for years.
To witness a game with no animosity or ill-feeling, that is littered with 100 minutes in penalties is a comical spectacle to a long term fan. Penalised players were leaving the ice either hysterical with disbelief or hitting the boards in frustration.
Let the players play and no more games be ruined.
Please support this petition to revoke the 'zero tolerance' guidance given to officials.
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Shoutbox
Goal
100 signatures
Goal: 1,000
Latest Signatures
95.
Rachel H
|
damn right we should have them abolished they are the making of the fast and physical sport hockey being killed!!
93.
Andrew Jimenez
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relax the rules!too many stoppages in the gaem through silly penaties due to the new zero tolerance
91.
Jr Santiago
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Each player has a specific job to do for the team. Coaches match players against players, lines against lines. Some players score goals, some create goals, some work the corners for the puck, some bump and grind, some create space and others enforce! Thes
89.
Norman P
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Get rid of these new rules fast! Match nights are not the same with all the pims. stop/start is just plain boring and will not encourage new fans to this sport. Old fans will also think twice about the sport.
87.
Sarah H
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The new rules are slowing the game down far too much and making fans who have appreciated the ice hockey for many years are being driven away by these rules!!
81.
Melvin K
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Going down the same lines as football with all the rule changes.Leave it alone after all it is a mans game.No wonder people stay away
79.
Mel Beck
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The games are going to go on for a lot longer than they used to due to all the stoppages in play and penalties!! Not very keen on the new rules, the game just isnt the same!!
78.
Joseph T
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i think that the new rules have to go i play under 19 and it makes the games feel as if its not a physical contact sport you cant do anything without the refree whistling,its as if all the refree's have swallowed their whistles and everytime they breathe
76.
Bob B
|
If the game continues like this it is with great regret but I will no longer watch the sport.
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