RESPECT THE GAME - RESPECT THE OFFICIALS
ALLIANCE Hockey is pleased to announce the continued implementation of the Green Armband Policy for the 2025-2026 season.
The Green Armband Policy is designed to support on-ice officials by having entry level and/or minor-aged officials sporting green armbands signaling a reminder to participants and spectators to modify and control negative emotions and behaviour before, during and after games.
ALLIANCE Hockey introduced the Green Armband Policy in the 2024-2025 season following a successful pilot program within the Tri City Hockey League in the 2023-2024 season. The green armband has also proven to be a successful initiative in other hockey branches across the country and in other provincial sports organizations.
The green armband designates that those officials who are wearing them are new to the officiating world and/or are of minor age and are learning and developing. Ultimately, the goal is to highlight that these are officials providing a service to the game of hockey in a public space and should be respected in that role.
OBJECTIVES
.1 To provide an effective deterrent and support mechanism for entry level and/or minor-aged on-ice officials.
.2 Using green armbands is proposed to reduce the incidence(s) of Hockey Canada Section 11, Maltreatment towards entry level and/or minor-aged on-ice officials. Furthermore, it is intended to provide a safe and respectful hockey experience, encourage officiating growth and development, and reduce the current rate of officiating attrition.
.3 Entry level and/or minor-aged officials are considered 'in training' and will sometimes make mistakes throughout their development. Through the green armband initiative, participants and spectators are reminded to be patient, show respect, and avoid any form of Maltreatment directed towards the on-ice officials.
This initiative will help support officials at the grassroots level, who, like the players on the ice, are learning their roles and developing a passion. Young officials should have the opportunity to work in a safe environment.
This initiative also aims to eliminate abuse of officials from players, coaches, and fans. This will be achieved by educating everyone involved in the game that it is just that—a game—and that officials are young, learning, and doing their best. Verbal abuse and negative experiences for officials must stop, and the focus should be on fun in the game for all involved.
SCOPE
.1 All participating officials are registered for the current season, Hockey Canada certified and working in sanctioned Representative and/or Recreational programming.
.2 Applicable to any suspendable Hockey Canada Section 11 Maltreatment offence towards any on-ice entry level and/or minor-aged official.
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