Watch above: As certain jurisdictions consider tossing abusive hockey parents from the rink, Saskatoon groups say the number of incidents is on the decline. Aaron Streck says it’s believed to be contributing to an increase in the number of referees getting into the game.
SASKATOON – It happens all too often across the country, parents verbally abusing referees, players and coaches. It’s at the point that the amateur hockey association on Vancouver Island is not only contemplating a ban on parents but it may empty the stands.
“Seems like it’s a bit over the top,” said Kelly Boes, the executive director of the Saskatoon Minor Hockey Association (SMHA).
The thought of playing games in an empty arena hasn’t crossed the mind 0f the association. Boes says referees have the ability to toss a spectator.
“It’s hard on a younger ref to do that, it takes a lot of courage to do that, I’ve seen lots of older refs do it, so obviously you want the parents of the younger kids that have younger refs to really toe the line,” said Boes.
“I couldn’t imagine having my kid play and not being able to watch. What if they get hurt? What if the refs bad?” said John Lagimodiere, a hockey parent and former assistant coach.
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He can joke about it now but John Lagimodiere couldn’t watch the end of one of his son’s games last March after being booted from the game he was coaching.
“He had absolutely every right to kick me out and the rules are there to help corral the game and out of control people and if they use them properly, it’s effective because I really learned my lesson, no doubt about that,” said Lagimodiere.
It’s a moment he regrets and still reflects on. Lagimodiere says he’s apologized to the ref and has moved on. He doesn’t believe any stricter parental penalties need to be introduced.
“I regret the day that it has come to the fact that we have to think about having kids play the game without their parents watching and supporting them and I don’t think it has to go that far,” said Lagimodiere.
And the atmosphere may be changing. After years of declining referee numbers, the SMHA is attracting more to the game.
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There were about 150 referees last season. That number is up to about 250 this year with 66 of those new to the referee stripes.
“Every time you’re working with referees you’ve got to make sure they have a safe working environment,” said Boes.
Vancouver Island Amateur Hockey Association hasn’t had to ban any parents since sending out the warning last week.
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