MHC Dish From the Pitch 2013 MHC Dish From the Pitch 4
WEEK 4- June 16, 2013
REF-COM ONE:
On-Field Technology Improves Reffing Consistency
by Aislinn Leonard
With the 20th
Anniversary of the
MHC just two
seasons away, the
club is doing
everything possible
to make
sure we
have all things
necessary
to
celebrate
the
landmark year fully
equipped.
O n - f i e l d
officials have been
given new Midland
Two-Way Radios to
communicate and
raise the bar for
reffing standards.
R e f e r e e
Coordinator Caroline
Vanevenhoven and
Master Ref Jerry
Miksch agree the radios are a great tool for
cooperation between refs, goal judges,
sideline judges, and scoreboard.
For example, Caroline said, “Last week
we were able to communicate with goal
judges for an aggressive foul on a goalie that
would have otherwise been missed.” With
immediate and personal on-field
communication the refs don’t have to shout
across the field or disrupt the game to
discuss fouls, points, or controversial calls.
Dave Olson, Nick “Tater” Ruetz, and
Matt Ebert have all worn the referee headsets
on the sidelines to provide extra sets of eyes
on the field. Caroline further explained, “We
are watching 30 people. It’s nice to know
what to watch out for behind the play.”
Another potential benefit of the radios could
be in referee training, and while Jerry says,
“nothing compares to shadowing on-field,”
the radios could give insight to the new
referees as to how the pros are seeing the
field and discussing issues.
Adding the radios is a big step for the
MHC, as it will hopefully make the difficult
job of reffing a little bit easier for our
awesome, hardworking, volunteer on-field
officials.
**Jerry says, “I sing in the mics just for fun.”
Next time he’s reffing your game be sure to
listen closely!**