Since its inception in rinks across North America in the 1800s, ice hockey has been a source of entertainment and inspiration for fans around the world.
The most iconic figures in the history of the sport have been the hockey referees who oversaw every moment of play throughout the 19th century. Today, hockey referees follow a similar pattern to the ones from that era, wearing long-sleeve shirts, knitted ski jackets, and knee-high socks.
Many hockey fans can still vividly recall the sight of their heroes in action on TV or in person at the local rink. This, however, is no longer the case as live hockey matches have become largely nonexistent due to the spread of professional sports franchises and the subsequent rise of the indoor sport.
The good news for hockey enthusiasts is that the equipment used by today’s referees has more or less remained unchanged since the 1800s. This means that, with a little bit of know-how and some resources available online, fans can still get a good look at the officials who oversee their favorite sport.
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The Materials Of Referee Equipment
Hockey equipment has undergone several design changes over the years, but the basics remain the same. For example, the modern day referee is still required to wear a long-sleeve shirt, knitted ski jacket, and knee-high socks. Additionally, they must protect themselves from the elements by wearing a helmet, shoulder pads, and a chest protector.
The materials used in these products have also changed, however, meaning that the equipment is not entirely carbon copies of the older models. The main materials used in today’s gear include synthetic materials, Neoprene, and plastic, all of which are more or less indestructible. This being said, these items are prone to mild wear and tear and must be replaced from time to time.
The Construction Of Modern Day Referee Gear
The design and construction of the modern day referee’s uniform is based on the overall design of the late 1800s and early 1900s. This means that the shirt and coat comprise several layers, with the body of the shirt being a padded inner layer, a cotton outer layer, and a collar and cuffs made of a similar material. The coat also has an inner layer, a fur collar, a hood, and a lapel made of the same materials.
The padding used in the construction of these items helps to cushion the impact of athletic wear and tear as well as provide a little more breathing room for the officials during a game. Padding is also used to separate the layers of the uniform, preventing the wearer from becoming overheated during a game. This being said, more and more hockey outfits are using less and less padding as the sport has transitioned from a working class sport to one that is more suited to the upper classes.
The Evolution Of Referee Equipment Design
The design of most of today’s referee gear follows a similar pattern to the one used for working in the mines or as a railroad conductor. The primary difference between the two is in the length of the shirt collar. As the sport has evolved and become more specialized, so has the design of the referee’s uniform. This means that the shirt collar has gotten longer and longer and now extends nearly to the base of the neck. This design prevents the shirt from riding up and exposing the official’s chest, thus keeping with the spirit of the sport.
Accessorizing
Along with the evolution of the shirt, so too has the overall design of the referee’s uniform. This is largely due to the fact that the sport has become less utilitarian as it has evolved. The knee-high socks, for example, were originally designed to keep the officials’ feet warm as they stood in front of the fireplace during the winter months. This way, they could keep their bearings as they worked their way through the game. Today, however, the primary use of the socks is for decorative purposes.
The same goes for the helmet, which was originally designed to keep the eyes of the official protected as they worked their way through a game. Although the design of the helmet has not changed much over the years (with the exception of a few minor adjustments), its primary function has evolved from a plain protective headgear to that of an attractive display piece. This change has been driven by an increasing number of people choosing to wear their helmets as an accessory rather than as a protective head gear. Additionally, today’s referees tend to prefer a smaller number of accessories due to concerns with bulkiness and the overall effect that too much wear and tear will have on the gear.
With the exception of the pants, which have gotten baggier and baggier over the years, most of the sports equipment used by referees has remained the same since its inception. This, however, is likely to change as the need for greater warmth and safety becomes a priority for officials working on the ice. With that said, the materials and designs used for the overalls and socks of today’s referees have remained largely unchanged, providing fans with an opportunity to follow the evolution of the sport from its inception all the way to the present.