nce readmitted to the IIHF, we were determined to make the most of the courses offered by them. After watching our first IIHF world championship event, we realized that our officials were somewhat lacking in skills and asked for a referee’s course.

Seeing that South Africa was an "exotic destination" at that stage, I can imagine the fighting that went on at the IIHF to see who would get to come to the Country. In the end we were fortunate to get Josef Kompalla (yes, he of the Canada - Russia series infamy!) and Nico Toeman, who at the time was the Referee-in-Chief for Great Britain.

A small group of (mainly) players went through the five-evening course and obviously learned a lot. Not so much in the rules (anyone can read a rule book!) but in the interpretation and application thereof.

Continued...