In what is clearly a desperate search for innovation from the EIHL powers-that-be, the referees and linesmen will be sporting a new look this year. Instead of the classic tried-and-tested black and white stripes, they will now be wearing JD Sports finest blacksuits. The pictures in this article come from Iain Dilley who was present at the recent Coventry vs GB U-20’s game in which they were debuted.
Christ on a bike, look at them! It’s small wonder they don’t have ‘Lacoste’ emblazeoned on the back!
Now, i’m all for change if it’s warranted and if it’s necessary. However, this doesn’t strike me as anything other than change for changes sake. The referee kits are a part of hockey, they’re synonimous with the game! Why change it? It’s like starting playing with a ball.
The biggest problem for me though is that looking at the picture, they aren’t immediately detectable. The last thing you want is referees whos kits clash with the playing side. If a forward is hammering down the wing and he sees a figure in his colours in the corner of the ice, he’s gonna pass to him. You don’t always get the opportunity to look up properly.
Let’s hope these are firmly on a trial basis and that they see sense and revert to the ‘classic’ style, and soon. There is simply no point to this.
