Dec 20, 2022 | Nicole Chubaty | 581 views
ALLIANCE announcement re Abuse of Officials
The following announcement has been sent out from Alliance hockey in regards to abuse of our ice hockey officials. As many saw from our cancellation of games this weekend in U15, the referee shortage is a VERY REAL danger to our game - and it is absolutely something we can avoid because it is bad-behaviour related.
Alliance Hockey Bulletin 22-020
Abuse of Officials will not be tolerated.
An unacceptable number of complaints related to the abuse of officials have been received this season and it needs
to STOP.
The abuse of officials has been occurring at all age groups and levels of the game and directed towards
officials, regardless of age.
There is NO place in hockey for abuse.
We demand that our players be provided with a safe place to play and the same is expected for Officials.
Decline in Game Officials
Over the last few seasons, minor hockey has experienced a continuous decline of game Officials.
New Officials are not registering, and we have been forced to fast-track existing Officials through certification levels
to ensure games are covered.
Scheduled games are now being cancelled due to the official shortage and lack of official availability.
Unruly and abusive spectators only add to the already strained system.
Continued abuse of Officials will lead to an even greater shortage of game Officials and has a direct impact on
recruitment.
Officials should not have to manage the behaviour of spectators – imagine being an Official and having to control
not only what is happening on the ice but off the ice as well. Now take it one step further and imagine this from a
minor’s perspective.
How can you help?
If you witness the abuse of an Official, report it.
All offenders will be suspended indefinitely pending an investigation.
Coaches are responsible to lead by example.
As reviewed in the Coaches Maltreatment Sessions, there should only
be ONE voice from a bench to limit player distraction and maximize player experience.
ALLIANCE HOCKEY
55 Lorne Ave, Unit #4
Stratford, Ontario
N5A 6S4