In partnership with the Tri-Cities Hockey League, ALLIANCE
Hockey is proud to pilot a program initiative aimed at addressing the
maltreatment of minor-aged on-ice Officials entitled the
green armband
program.
The green armband pilot
program currently focuses on Officials ages 14-16 officiating in the Tri-Cites
Hockey League, a local league/house league program coordinated by the
Cambridge, Kitchener and Waterloo Minor Hockey Associations.
How it works:
Subject officials will wear the green armband on their upper left arm while
officiating to identify that they are minor-aged and are learning to officiate
ice hockey.
These Officials, just like all Officials are HCOP certified but being human(!),
will make mistakes. The green armband is a reminder that they deserve respect
and patience as they become more experienced Officials.
Seasonal data will be tracked to analyze the pilot program along with feedback
from all stakeholders including players, bench staff and families.
As governing bodies, ALLIANCE Hockey along with the participating MHA's have a
zero tolerance stance when it comes to maltreatment of any kind towards
officials. The green arm band initiative is a pro-active approach to assisting
those new to the game and/or learning the game from a multitude of
perspectives.
The resources and expenses required to manage the increasingly high reported
incidents of maltreatment is detrimental to the game and the people involved.
There is no place for maltreatment at any level and action is required to
ensure that we have a safe and fun environment to officiate, play, coach and
administer the game.
"If these armbands can deter people from yelling at
these young officials, then it may help us retain them", noted Marshall Copp, ALLIANCE Hockey TD of Officials. "Official registration is declining annually and without Officials, there are no games."