Official recognized for job well done

Marlin Haugen, left, received his Peace Zone Referee’s Association long-service award Dec. 30, 2008, from High Prairie Minor Hockey Association president George Blackhurst. Haugen has officiated since 1981.

Chris Clegg
South Peace News

He’s probably been called every name in the book, but when it comes to helping officiate a game, the first person people call is Marlin Haugen. Haugen, 56, was recently honoured with a 20-year long-service pin from the Peace Zone Referee’s Association for refereeing. He deserves the award more than any other, for his dedication and service to the community. Haugen starting officiating in 1981. He started at the minor hockey level and quickly advanced to work some North Peace Hockey League from 1982-98, both as referee and linesman. He has also officiated Junior B hockey and the old recreation league in High Prairie. “The old rec league was very good, “says Haugen. “Those guys played for keeps.” For decades, Haugen is the one person in High Prairie people can count on when they need officiating. “I probably do about 100 games a year,” says Haugen. So, considering the number to be accurate, Haugen has officiated 2,700 games during his career. It’s safe to say the number is higher, as Haugen can be found at the rink constantly. Haugen recalls being raised in Rose Valley, Sask. near Humboldt. “I used to help the coach of the midget team but I ended up becoming an official instead of a coach,” he says. “They were always short of refs.” Haugen played minor hockey until he was 13 and preferred playing school sports such as volleyball, basketball, track and field and softball. But it turns out officiating was his natural calling. In 2002, when a High Prairie team entered the Grande Prairie Men’s Soccer League, Haugen joined the team. Although he wanted to play, he officiated many games. Between the coaxing and the natural love of the job, he didn’t resist. “Reffing, I guess, is just my natural way of watching the games,” he says. Haugen considered it an honour to officiate the Montreal Canadiens Oldtimers game in town many years ago. “I was doing the game and I met Rocket Richard,” says Haugen. “He said, ‘This is my game, you just have to get the puck’ and that was it. Classic sportsmanship. That was awesome.” Still, Haugen takes great satisfaction from helping the children and youth. “The little kids are probably more important and I get greater satisfaction,” he says. “They always say, ‘We have a real ref on the ice.” But part of being a real ref is the abuse heaped upon them by angry fans and players. Haugen never denies the fact but has the perfect demeanor to deal with it. “Ninety-eight per cent of the people are for the kids and two per cent spoil it,” he says. “Everybody knows I have way too much patience. Sometimes you’re better off letting them have their say.” And, the secret of dealing with it is, Haugen never takes it personally. “What happens at the rink stays at the rink,” says Haugen. ”What happens on the ice stays on the ice.” At 56, Haugen still has many good years left, but there will come a time he’ll have to quit what he loves doing best. “One lady asked me if I ever get tired coming to the rink. I’ll do it until it’s not fun any more.” And despite what many think, Haugen’s work is appreciated and recognized. “The kids come and talk to you at the rink,” says Haugen, adding it’s a built-in friendship between player and official. “I’ve got to know every kid in town!” Some will tease him about the missed call – as they perceived it – but most retain the friendship. Haugen appreciates the recognition given to him by his peers at the Peace Zone Referee’s Association. “It goes good with the gold watch I got from High Prairie Minor Hockey,” he says. Fact is, no one deserves it more.

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