Vancouver to Beroun. The Olympics were amazing, says Zuzana Arazimova

One of the members of World Inline Championship in Beroun has taken part in 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver. It is not a player, yet she finds herself on the rink sometimes even twice a day. We are talking about Zuzana Arazimova, Czech ice hockey referee.

The 24-year old smiling official has reached the peak of her refereeing career in February, when she took part in a woman Olympic ice hockey tournament in Vancouver. During ice hockey season she participates in Czech 1.liga, the second highest men competition in the country.

What about you and inline hockey? How often do you whistle games and when did you start?
I started back in 2005 in France, that was my first World In-Line Championship. I have been to every championship since then.

Why do you choose to give up some of your summer free time and go whistle in-line games?
For me it is fun. It is different compared to ice hockey. In-line is slightly different in rules, there are no offsides or icings, just penalties and goals.

What is the movement on in-line skates like?
It is certainly a bit worse, when you are used to ice hockey skates. Players have their sticks to support them, but it is more difficult for referees. (smiles)

Which sport is more difficult for a referee? Is it in-line or ice hockey?
I think you cannot compare it in this way. Each sport is different.

Let´s move to ice hockey. When and how did you start your refereeing career?
I started doing little boy´s games in 2002 when I was 17. My father used to whistle ice hockey, as well, so that was the main reason. I also did figure skating before, so my skating ability was pretty good.

It is a bit unusual, you know. Hockey is still mainly male sport, yet you are in these surroundings year after year. How do you feel about that?
Well, it is a male surroundings. Of course, when you make mistakes, it is not good...

Do you have your favorite stadiums, where you really like to whistle games?
I don´t think about it in this way. You have some places where it is more comfortable to come, but I don´t really care about it that much. It simply is like that.

You were chosen for the Olympics in Vancouver this year. What was your impression from this event?
It was a good experience and I have some great memories, that´s for sure. You go so far from home to whistle games and it is a top level action.

How did you like Canada as a country?
Canada is a truly beautiful country and I liked Vancouver most. People are very friendly and helpful, as well. It was amazing.

Do you recall any particular moment from the Olympics?
I like to remember my first game. Canada played Slovakia – well, the score was 18-0 – but it was the opening game of the tournament in a new arena with 17 000 people in the stands. When you go onto the ice and hear the applause, it is the best experience you can get.

What are your goals for next seasons? You have been at the Olympics, which is the most prestigious event. Is it Czech Extraliga (top male ice hockey competition in Czech Republic)?
(smiles) Well, I don´t think it is a question I could answer.

Ok then, what kind of games would you like to skate in the future?
I would like to come to the Olympics again, because I liked it so much. The people were great, you could meet NHL officials and some of the best players in the world, which was superb. I definitely want to continue my career, I think I am still too young to retire. I really enjoy it, it is fun... (laughs)