New Program Targets Hockey Parents Behaviour, News, Oakridge B8, 2013-2014, U14-U15 Teams (Oakridge Aeros Minor Hockey)

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Feb 10, 2014 | Chris Veillon | 776 views
New Program Targets Hockey Parents Behaviour
The topic of parent discipline (or the lack thereof) in hockey has been on the radar for years. A few years ago, Belle River, ON near Windsor implemented a program to have all parents take a "Speak Out" type course after poor behaviour by parents in the stands resulted in fights and confrontations with officials and opposing teams.

An article was published in The London Free Press on February 10th talking about this program and how all parents who have players registered in the OMHA next season, will be required to take a new online course "Respect In Hockey".

AM980 News here in London posted an article to their website:

"Some off ice changes are being implemented in London by the Minor Hockey Alliance in hopes of teaching parents what should be common sense.

The organization, which oversees hockey associations in the London area, will now require one parent of every child involved in the sport to take part in the program.

The online course titled ‘Respect in Hockey’ covers a number of subjects including appropriate rink-side behaviour, parental expectations of their child, bullying and concussion issues.

Parents will be required to pay a $12 fee to take the course.

The course is mandatory in Alberta, all Atlantic provinces and parts of Saskatchewan and B.C.

The Ontario Women’s Hockey Association has yet to adopt the program."

(Source: http://www.am980.ca/2014/02/10/new-program-targets-hockey-parents-behaviour/ )

Given recent behaviour at some of our games by opposing teams, we need to remember to not engage in confrontation with opposing parents or officials as they are exiting the ice. The league & referees are getting more strict with regards to confrontation, disrespect, and taunting and are issuing game misconducts to coaches who step over the line that result in severe consequences.

Remember, kids play for the love of the game.