Overlawyered letters

Hockey ref's injury

I am an ice hockey referee and was officiating at a high-school game a while back when a player shot a puck which hit me in a not entirely dignified portion of my anatomy. Both team medics were out on the ice immediately, the player and his coach apologized for hurting me, and after taking a quick break I completed the game. I told them their apologies were completely unnecessary and that I would neither call a penalty nor hold a grudge; I can tell when an injury was unintentional, as this was. Besides, I was completely out of position and it was my own fault that I got hit.

Two days later, I received an e-mail from someone describing himself as a spectator who said that I should sue the player, the player's parents, the coach, the team, the rink, the state and regional hockey league, and the manufacturers of the equipment that I was wearing at the time of the so-called injury. The letter listed complete contact information for a lawyer that would take my case.

Getting struck with a puck is just a part of being a referee. I've been hit with pucks, sticks, and players more times than I care to count, and I've never been injured to the point where I've had to seek medical treatment. As far as I'm concerned, sports officials MUST be willing to take personal responsibility when they step out onto the playing area. Should my good luck run out, it is standard policy in USA Hockey that referees be given supplemental insurance to ensure proper medical coverage.

I was so disgusted with the letter that I contacted the bar association and called its attention to the possibility that the lawyer was involved in improper solicitation of business. I also sent letters to all of the people and organizations named in the letter. I did not ask for anything; I simply wanted to warn them. I received many letters of thanks, and one company sent me a coupon for a free pair of very fine skates in thanks for my efforts! I told them I was reluctant to use the coupon because they did not owe me anything but the president of the company wrote back and said that lawsuits have been costing them huge amounts of money, and that it was his privilege to support the people who wear the stripes.

Please continue your incredibly important work. Something needs to be done, and our lawmakers are not going to take the lead. -- Name withheld by request, New Jersey

Posted by Walter Olson at January 17, 2005 11:06 PM