Teenagers Take Charge
The spotlight was well and truly on twelve young local ice hockey players as they attended a Level One Ice Hockey Referees course at Billingham Forum Ice Arena. The course was arranged by Billingham Ice Hockey Club in a bid to increase the number of match officials available to officiate in junior ice hockey games.
The twelve budding officials aged between 13 and 18 had to complete a 6 hour theory session followed by a written exam. The candidates had their skating ability examined and to finished off a grueling day as they each had a stint of officiating the Under 10 game between Billingham and Sutton whilst being scrutinised by course tutor Alan Batchelor.
Adrian Smith the Billingham under 18 coach said “We have been able to organise this course due to the financial support we have received from the Ropner Trust. We now have twelve youngsters qualified to be linesmen for our junior games. This will assist the club financially as the amount of money we pay for officials travelling expenses certainly mounts up over a full season.”
Ben Davison who plays for Billingham under 16’s and Under 18’s successfully completed the course said “The course was very intensive and is a lot different from playing. I definitely have changed my attitude towards match officials and the problems they encounter during a game.”
Alan Batchelor, the course tutor added” All the candidates have passed the course today and I am really pleased with they way they have taken on board what we have been telling them today.”
Who knows maybe one of these youngsters will be officiating at the highest level of Ice Hockey in a few years time.
If you require any further information on Ice Hockey contact Billingham Forum on (01642) 551381.