http://www.nllinsider.com/2009/11/18/natio...t-negotiations/
In the above story on NLL Insider, it looks like the league and its refs are having contract issues which may see a lot of new refs in the NLL this year. Right now the league has stopped negotiations while the refs are still willing to talk. Sounds like October 2007 to me. The refs worked under a verbal agreement in 2009 with the league but it looks like the league is offering less than what the refs were getting in 2009. The one big issue is that the league wants to pay less money to the tech ref (who watches the benches to call too many men penalties and does the faceoffs amongst other duties) than the other two refs. Supposedly, the less pay will save each team in the league up to $2,000 this year. I didn't know that teams were hurting that bad.
The league also gives off the appearance of trying to break the NLLOA, the union for the refs by doing individual contacts for current refs and any other qualified referees. I wonder what Jeff Dolan plans to do. Dolan, who has been a tech ref and asst ref in the league since 2005 is from Minnesota and wears number 17 at games. He was one of three refs that reffed the 2008 Champions Cup game between Portland and Buffalo. Also, Jeff can be seen at all the big high school games in the state including the state finals, does UMLL games and club games. He is the best lacrosse ref in Minnesota. Does Jeff stick with the union or does he sign a contract on his own with the NLL?
All I know is that it just makes this season even more controversial and intriguing along with Zack Greer coming to Minnesota, Brock Boyle returning to Minnesota, Mike Lines starting his head coaching career and Richard Morgan filling the biggest shoes literally in Swarm history.
Full Version: NLL and Refs are at a standoff in contract talks
It's taken another step. looks like the NLL says they're going to move to a 2 man reffing crew, completely eliminating the Tech Ref:
http://www.nllinsider.com/2009/11/19/natio...with-nlloa-off/
Oh, and is anyone else not surprised there are problems while Sutton is the one running the NLLOA?
Because Sutton has done so well he's hated by most fans?
http://www.nllinsider.com/2009/11/19/natio...with-nlloa-off/
QUOTE
€œThe league will be using a two man system for the 2010 season.€
Daniel also stated that the league moving to a two man system was first recommended by the NLL€™s Competition Committee in the spring, the league€™s Board of Governors later approving the implementation, and the league then presenting that change to the NLLOA during the negotiating process earlier this off-season.
After the NLLOA overwhelmingly rejected scrapping the third referee on gamedays, Daniel says the league then looked at the option of offering a reduced rate for the technical official, which was included in their absolute final offer to the NLLOA earlier this week.
Daniel also stated that the league moving to a two man system was first recommended by the NLL€™s Competition Committee in the spring, the league€™s Board of Governors later approving the implementation, and the league then presenting that change to the NLLOA during the negotiating process earlier this off-season.
After the NLLOA overwhelmingly rejected scrapping the third referee on gamedays, Daniel says the league then looked at the option of offering a reduced rate for the technical official, which was included in their absolute final offer to the NLLOA earlier this week.
Oh, and is anyone else not surprised there are problems while Sutton is the one running the NLLOA?
QUOTE
“We know some of these referees are currently officiating at much lower levels, some are youth referees. We believe it is irresponsible for the league to contact replacement officials. It is reckless that some may not currently have the experience to work at the professional level. We trust that the NLL players and team management would find this to be unacceptable as well. The NLLOA has worked endlessly to better ensure the safety of the players. Not using NLLOA referees for this season would be a huge step in the wrong direction.”
Because Sutton has done so well he's hated by most fans?
QUOTE (niknak @ Nov 19 2009, 10:10 AM) 
Because Sutton has done so well he's hated by most fans?
If you're reffing, you should be equally hated by all players and fans. That comes with the territory. Thus, he must have done his job exceptionally well. ;-)
2 man reffing sounds okay. Reduces official costs by 33%. The only time that they'd be missing that third ref is when they start pulling fighting guys apart. The third is always watching the rest of the players and mostly defusing stuff.
The summer Canadian leagues all run with 2 refs, so I'm sure it will be fine. As for Sutton, considering the number of threads he has devoted to how many calls he's screwed up, clearly he goes above and beyond in his profession!
This could mean no more Mario?
QUOTE (bigbeano @ Nov 25 2009, 08:15 PM)
This could mean no more Mario?
"Mario" is already gone. He's an assistant coach with one of the teams now... Edmonton maybe?
QUOTE (MrsMcSwarmFan @ Nov 26 2009, 04:27 AM)
"Mario" is already gone. He's an assistant coach with one of the teams now... Edmonton maybe?
That is fabulous news. I'm so out of the loop right now.
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