The source of my knee problems is likely my stance, which is slightly knock-kneed and makes my kneecaps turn inward, rendering the inside knee muscles useless. I have to keep exercising them at home to keep them strong or my kneecaps will continue turning in, from what the PT tells me.

There are too many skaters who have adopted this mindset when being a player doesn’t work out for one reason or another.

If you are not physically able to play, you probably will not be able to referee. Refs have to skate continuously for two half hour periods, not selected jams like players do. Refs also have to dodge players and jump over them when they’re down, avoid colliding with other refs and NSOs, etc.

And on top of all this there’s mental discipline required that is not easy to master. They have to observe game play, call penalties accordingly, report them, and suffer the slings and arrows of angry players, bench coaches, and fans.

I would look into your gear as a possible source of your knee problems. You might have plastic plates that flex, or they could be improperly mounted, or your wheels might be too sticky. The right pair of skates may set you back a few hundred dollars but it’s cheaper than endless PT.

This is the best thing I’ve read all week.