“The wrong change was not seen in the final”

The harsh criticism received by the referees, even sniffing, became a topic of conversation after last Saturday’s Tappara–HIFK match, when the Tampere team’s head coach Rikard Grönborg snarled low-key to the League’s head of referees For Jyri Rönni.

– After all, it has always been that when spring comes and we start playing about big things, at some point things spill out quite badly, Jari Levonen tells.

It’s not only a question of emotions heating up as the stakes increase, but also of attempts to manipulate the judges.

– Of course we want to influence various things.

However, according to Levonen, this is pointless.

– The refereeing of the league really does not favor anyone, “Japa” assures.

– Situations are sometimes missed, but all teams miss them and not just certain ones.

Different views

Levonen hopes that the judges would be included even more as part of the puck family.

– Jyri has done a really good job of getting it closer and closer over the years, but it’s still not quite where it could be.

– That is, that the conversation would be good-natured – as the majority has been.

Levonen emphasizes that it is of course permissible to criticize the work of judges.

– But there’s no need to shout and yell, but just factual questions and factual answers, he hopes.

– We are always ready to talk. The referees communicate in the games and we trainers plus chief Rönn try to listen to everyone and give our own views. There are always different views, but things can be discussed intelligently.

Accurate analysis

Rönn and the referee trainers try to be comprehensively present at all matches. They cooperate with the game’s jury.

– During breaks, we even go over things and after the game we see if we missed something, what were the good things and so on.

– After that, we try to meet the coaches or sports directors, so that we can discuss those things, if someone bothers in that game. Even before the press conference, it’s good to see and exchange a few words.

– Quite often we have also participated in press conferences.

The referee trainers’ work continues even after the games are over.

– Let’s look at the good things, and if we’ve missed any catches, hooks or tricks, we’ll make video clips of them. They are reviewed, and the next day match feedback is made and sent to the judges.

– Yes, we have a good model for analyzing judges, Levonen assures.

Apologies

However, the timing of communication is a double-edged sword.

Sometimes it would be good to let the emotions subside before talking with, for example, the coaches.

– If someone thinks they have experienced a bigger injustice, then it is quite emotional in the hall. It can be good not to exchange words immediately 5-10 minutes after the game. The most sensible thing to do would be to discuss only when the emotions have subsided after the game.

Rönn is available by phone just for this purpose.

– I’ve also talked to a few sports directors when I’ve driven home from the game, Levonen says.

– And the next day it can be completely different. You also have to remember that when watching video clips, the situation can look completely different from one angle than from another.

An apology often helps.

– They have come both ways, says Levonen.

– I myself have taken phone calls with some players or coaches over the years. If you feel you’ve made a mistake, that’s smart.

A favorite among gamers

Levonen knows what he is talking about, because he has enough experience. He played in the League for 12 seasons and collected not only 190 power points, but also nearly 700 minutes on the ice.

Levonen ended his refereeing career after more than 900 matches in the spring of 2020. He won the Golden Whistle voted by the players 15 times in a row.

– Yes, there has been feedback, but I haven’t remembered any bigger case, he recalls the criticism he received.

– Sometimes I had to say that it’s better to end the discussion now or it won’t go well. Let’s both be quiet and take care of our own business.

According to Levonen, admitting mistakes – up to a certain limit – helps the judge gain respect.

– You have to be honest and brave on the ice, he says.

– If Kamppi or a hook is not given and there is a bit of a ruckus in the shed, I will coolly say that I am sorry we did not see the situation. Both plots are reviewed and it is said that this was the case.

– If you look at it while the set is still in the break and realize that the ice was not given, then it is smart to go and tell the coach to raise your hand as a sign of a mistake. Then you get credit.

– But of course you can’t go game by game every time and say, sorry, I didn’t see it. In the long run, of course, it would turn against the refereeing.

That wrong exchange

Levonen mentions an unfortunate incident from his own career.

– The wrong change was not seen in the final.

Levonen’s mistake was not the only issue. There were a total of four pairs of judges’ eyes in Kaukalo and six Tappara field players, when Jere Karjalainen ran through and completed the winning goal of the fifth final for HIFK’s backpack.

– It has been busy. There will be bad ones, but it was reviewed and discussed. It was a big mistake on my part, and I could admit it.

– We judges can admit our mistakes. That’s why it would be great if there was appreciation for our activities as well.

“Tough guys”

Even though the teams and the public don’t always agree with Levonen’s opinion, he thinks the League’s refereeing is good.

– I think it is very calm and professional. For example, there have been big steps forward in communication.

– We have seven professional judges and guys who work alongside their own work. Yes, they put so much effort and practice into things that our whole group is like professional sports, with all the days of traveling, Levonen stresses.

– Of course, the head must be fine. If you try to manipulate it or get in there by shouting, then it requires tough guys. Judges make tough decisions quickly and then live with them.