Important Reminder about Officiating
AN IMPORTANT REMINDER FOR EVERYONE
Officiating in youth sports across the country is being confronted with similar fates: a decline in officials due to a lack of respect from adults. Many young officials put their stripes on for the first time, excited and eager to pursue a hockey dream. Just like our kids on the ice playing, they are learning and perfecting their craft. But the dream, too many times, is met with yelling or arguing from adults at rinks.
There is a human element to officiating. Every person that walks into a rink is accountable for his or her actions. As adults, we can set positive examples to our children about how to handle conflict and disagreements, with respect. And at its core, hockey is built on respect.
That handshake line we all love at the end of the hockey games? The stick salute to our opponents? It's all to show respect.
Read more about how we can enact the change we wish to see when it comes to respect, and how we can build a better future for our young officials.