Writing the officiating column for the finest hockey publication in the United States has its privileges.

Like an indirect line to the suits at USA Hockey.

Look, this is the 99th OS column appearing in Let’s Play Hockey. And of those 99 pieces, the topic that totally resonates with every veteran Level 3 zebra is the annual referee registration process. 

Yup, nearly 10 percent of OS columns reported on the disgruntled state of officials nationwide over the lengthy and redundant certification requirements. 

For those readers who are new to OS, let me summarize: It takes me less time to register and complete continuing education requirements AS AN ATTORNEY than it takes to register and complete my annual USA Hockey referee registration seminar and online modules. 

But there’s good news this holiday season. See, last week, the USA Hockey national office announced that next year’s registration will be streamlined, and will “take membership’s time into consideration.”

Now listen here fellow beer league zebras, what do you think precipitated the aforementioned quote? Answer: OS.

Obviously, no one is going to admit this. But for those of you in high school, remember, this is the power of the press. This is what helped start the Revolutionary War. 

This is America.

Cut with the self-aggrandizement, Mr. OS, and get to the nitty.

OK, according to sources, the national office is proposing to reduce the number of questions on the open-book rules exam at all levels. And to offset the reduction in questions, USA Hockey is proposing “level-specific” open-book testing.

Further, for next season, USA Hockey is planning to implement the ability for certain Level 3 and 4 officials to be able to test out of certain video modules. And there is a proposal for a new concept called “tenured status.” This is solely for Level 3 and 4 referees who have been officiating for a set period of time, and some of the proposed benefits include reduced online module requirements, reduced rule-testing and the elimination of in-person seminar attendance.  

Yes, there is a Santa Claus.

Naturally, OS has no issue with any of these proposals. And the opt-out challenge is particularly exciting. Yeah, when offered the ability to test out of modules and expedite registration, you’ll see certain officials explode with internal motivation that’s normally reserved for 11 p.m., lumberjack icing washouts. 

You vets know exactly what this means.

Still, there’s a drawback to these proposed registration upgrades. OS may soon need to replenish 10 percent of the column’s content.

Questions and comments can be sent to editor@letsplayhockey.com, via Twitter @OSpeaking or through the Let’s Play Hockey Facebook page.

Photo: Mike Thill/Let's Play Hockey