CASST - Consistency

The Problem
Each referee calls the game in his own way.  Each referee is granted, by the NHL, to interpret each rule withing specific guidelines, including when in the game the infraction occurs.

The Rant
Strict adherence to whatever standards are in place on an ongoing basis is a MUST.  This will require a tremendous amount of oversight.  No longer can the NHL change "Interpretations" of rules that are already in the rulebook.  If the rulebook requires clarification, clarify it.  If not, the referees must make the calls.  Hooking in the first period is the same penalty as hooking in the third period.  A referee who "Interprets" leaves his imprint on the game.  Make every call and let the players decide who wins.

How to Implement
Quality Assurance.  Plain and simple.  Have the NHL Refereeing system implement ISO 9000-type standards.  Why not?  ISO audits are used to judge the consistency of a product.  Isn't the refereeing of the most prestigious Hockey league worth implementing a system to make sure it is done the same way every game?

People earning minimum wage at a call-centre (call-center for my American friends) have their work audited to ensure they match the company's standards.  Have you ever heard "This call may be monitored for quality assurance"?  Surely, the "best referees in the world" can pass the same test that many of us are subjected to by our employer.

This includes written instructions that the referees must follow, escalation procedures, quality audits, notification of deficiencies, and corrective actions.