Olympics: American and Canadian refs when USA/CAN are playing

[Past Considerations]

E.g.

http://www.sochi2014.com/en/ice-hockey-men-s-prelim-round-group-b-02
http://www.sochi2014.com/en/ice-hockey-men-s-prelim-round-group-b-06
http://www.sochi2014.com/en/ice-hockey-men-s-prelim-round-group-a-04
http://www.sochi2014.com/en/ice-hockey-men-s-prelim-round-group-a-06

I'm not making any claims of bias and I actually trust the NHL refs more than average amateur (really, technically) ref from Europe, but why even leave the possiblity?

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[Daishi]

I agree. Your countrymen reffing you doesn't belong to the Olympic Games, which should all be about transparency and good sportsmanship.

 

[Past Considerations]

And not limited to preliminary rounds; Vancouver gold game famously had both of the refs from Canada: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ice_h...r_Olympics_–_Men's_tournament#Gold_medal_game

 

[toewsintangibles]

They call it Canada cup for a reason

 

[FlashyG]

I'm pretty sure a Canadian or American Referee calls every game of these Olympics regardless of who is playing.

 

[Past Considerations]

I'm pretty sure a Canadian or American Referee calls every game of these Olympics regardless of who is playing.

It's the same for all... except when USA and Canada are playing.

 

[Corto]

I don't think bias is the issue, but the style and criteria of reffing is.

NA players won't be used to some calls EU refs make, and vice-versa.

 

[redcard]

As an American, I have no problem with 4 Canadian NHL officials in a USA-Canada match. Even if its a gold medal game.

If I didn't trust NHL officials to be able to put their biases aside and ref a fair game I wouldn't watch hockey. I complain about bad calls all the time, but I've never believed it to be deliberate.

 

[Murky]

I seem to recall a long time ago, that NHL refs were a requirement by the NHL or NHLPA or even both for NHL to participate in the tournament. Did I dream it up?

Anyway, I have no problem with this arrangement. Best refs, please.

 

[Canucks5551]

I don't think bias is the issue, but the style and criteria of reffing is.

NA players won't be used to some calls EU refs make, and vice-versa.

Most of the European players on the good teams are very used to North American reffing

I'd rather have two American refs when playing against the US than two of what I've seen the IIHF provide in the past

 

[FlashyG]

Its pretty hard to not have a North American Referee on every crew in these games when they make up 60 % of the officiating crew.

 

[EmeticDonut]

Not bothered. Refs are professional and it didn't matter last Olympics either. No reason it should this time.

 

[Corto]

Not bothered. Refs are professional and it didn't matter last Olympics either. No reason it should this time.

Last, no.

There were however some games that were called questionably over the years. It happens, unfortunately.
From the top of my head, USA-Russia semi in Salt Lake was one.

 

[premadonna]

We don't even have professional referees in Finland and I guess this is the case in most European countries. As much as people whine about the level of officiating in the NHL, those guys are the best in the business; they are experienced professionals and used to dealing with top players and the pressure. There's a good chance European amateurs would be overwhelmed by the occasion.

 

[Frederick Stanley]

It's not ideal, but I'd rather have two NHL refs that happen to be from the same country as the teams than two European refs who have no experience in big games.

 

[1Gold Standard]

I trust their professionalism and experience. I'd gladly take 2 American NHL officials to ref a medal game between the U.S. and Canada over anything else the IIHF can dig up.

 

[Past Considerations]

I seem to recall a long time ago, that NHL refs were a requirement by the NHL or NHLPA or even both for NHL to participate in the tournament. Did I dream it up?

Quickly browsing couldn't find a game that did not have a single Canadian or American ref. Seems like almost like a requirement.

What I don't get that is why don't they use refs from USA if Canada plays and the other way around? It's like there is not even an attempt to be theoretically unbiased. And if both plays, 50/50 split the nationalities.

 

[Paxon]

Quickly browsing couldn't find a game that did not have a single Canadian or American ref. Seems like almost like a requirement.

What I don't get that is why don't they use refs from USA if Canada plays and the other way around? It's like there is not even an attempt to be theoretically unbiased. And if both plays, 50/50 split the nationalities.

This is what I would like to see them make an effort to do. It's more about perception than anything. I certainly am not worried about any officials being intentionally biased, though there exists in all people a subconscious bias which from time to time finds ways to bubble out.

 

[Jussi]

We don't even have professional referees in Finland and I guess this is the case in most European countries. As much as people whine about the level of officiating in the NHL, those guys are the best in the business; they are experienced professionals and used to dealing with top players and the pressure. There's a good chance European amateurs would be overwhelmed by the occasion.

The refs in KHL are professional but that doesn't make them automatically better. We've seen the quality of Russian refs in international games over the years and they manage to make Finnish league refs look good. Not really surprised they were stupid enough to pay Jyri Rönn to officiate in Russia. He's a perfect fit there considering how inconsistent he was back here.

 

[Bures Elbow]

And not limited to preliminary rounds; Vancouver gold game famously had both of the refs from Canada: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ice_h...r_Olympics_–_Men's_tournament#Gold_medal_game

Are you serious?

That was an amazingly officiated game.

I trust NHL officials, if they aren't biased for teams they cheer for they should be fine in international play.

And remember refs have pride in wanting to be good enough all tournament to ref the final.

 

[Past Considerations]

Are you serious?

That was an amazingly officiated game.

Did I say it wasn't? The problem is perception and potential for a controversy.

 

[QnebO]

It's plain wrong, there is no other arguments. If I insist team Finland games should have referee from Finland, do you think it is right?

Why to favour Canadians in tomorrows game.. If Canada wins, it will be shadowed by home referee very likely, unless he doesn't call anything. And you cant blame people for blaming referees.. They should just make that home-ref madness impossible to happen.

If I was the ref in Finland - Sweden Final, I would be biased.. I would play against the possibility to prove it, which would make it pretty even for both teams. Borderline calls would go in Favor of my team. I get some Canadian refs might actually not do anything like that on purpose, but I'm 100% certain it will happen unconscious in some fast borderline situations..

 

[Noutaja]

Are you serious?

That was an amazingly officiated game.

I trust NHL officials, if they aren't biased for teams they cheer for they should be fine in international play.

And remember refs have pride in wanting to be good enough all tournament to ref the final.

Well, I don´t trust them. At the very least there should be only US refs in Canada games and vice versa.

 

[Oppa]

This isn't the NBA, I'm fine with it

 

[Gh24]

I pretty much trust their professionalism and try to see plays and calls unbiased, but I can't help myself doubting them.

I mean, should they make mistakes that benefits canadians more than us, questions of bias will rise.

Even tho I prefer canadian NHL ref over any finnish ref, I'd much rather have american refs against CAN