BUTCHER
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Q: What do you enjoy most and least about officiating?
A: Just being out there. You meet a great bunch of people that you share a common interest. Obviously, as a referee, you get an awful lot of negative feedback ,but I try not to take it personal. People get caught up in the moment. They vent, but the majority of the time, they apologize if they got out of hand. There are two things that I really enjoy, before the game starts and players (or spectators) tell you that they are glad you are there, and when they tell you “thanks” after the game.

Q: Do you have any long term goals in your work as an official?
A: I just started doing high school games this year. I wanted to wait until my kids were done. I work the summer elite league that has some college and professional guys playing. I had considered working Junior games this past year but time wise I didn’t think it would work out. Not to mention that I’m sure I would be the oldest guy working!

Q: You have a family of athletes. Tell us a little bit about your household?
A: Again, being the youngest of five, I was always at the some sporting event growing up. Fortunately, my wife, Becky, was raised in a similar family.
   My oldest son, Cory, is in college. He played a year of club hockey at the University of Idaho before transferring to Portland State. His new sporting pursuit is the Ultimate Fighting scene.
   My middle child, Cody, is finishing up his Junior hockey career in Sioux City in the USHL. He has committed to play for the University of Alaska Fairbanks in the fall of 2008.
   My daughter, Carly, will be heading to the University of Southern California to join the defending Nat’l Champion women’s Soccer team this fall.

Q: What do you do for fun off the ice?
A: Watching my kids sporting events. Getting outdoors in the summer. Playing golf.

Q: Anything else you'd like to say?
A: To the newer referees, try not to get discouraged. There are times that you feel that you get yelled at too much or you’re not getting the “good” games. This is a great way to stay involved in the sport. Remember, a real game cannot be played without referees!

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