Giants Host Referee Appreciation Night

PHOTOS BY DIANA HONG

Giving support for the officials in all sports is clearly something that has been missing for several years but the abuse from some “so-called Adults” who know nothing of the rules of the game which only shows their ignorance.

Like it or not we continue to ask what all governing bodies have done to curb the abuse which in many cases is directed at young kids who are doing their best in a sport they love.

We have to ask how we can rid the abuse in all sports coming from individuals who want nothing less than trying to put their young player on a pedestal when the only one they are hurting is themself.

I have attended more games that I can remember and yet the ignorance continues with no hard and fast rules put in place to stop the abuse and you have to ask  why?

If you have a young Son or Daughter who is wanting to becoming an official is this something that you would want them to take up and be subjected to the verbal abuse from “so-called” Adults? 

In conversation with some parents they have openly told me they have done their best to discourage them from getting involved in officiating various sports only due to the abuse factor and no other reason.

We watch sports such as Rugby, Soccer, Baseball, Basketball and Track and Field that are without issues of abuse directed by parents in the stands or on the sideline and if there is any abuse it’s quickly stopped by the Association.

Will the abuse change; simply put NO – not unless the governing body takes a hard line approach at it and not just by “lip service” but rather a hard pressed stand.

Locally I give credit to the Vancouver Giants for their upcoming initiative for their first ever Referee Appreciation Night Sunday October 22nd in a game against the Spokane Chiefs.

The Giants have just released the following press release and I for one continue that this will be in the books for years to come.

Enjoy the read: 

The Giants will be wearing black and white striped jerseys for the game in an effort to acknowledge and show support for the thousands of ice hockey officials in British Columbia and across Canada. 

There has been a Canada-wide shortage of referees in many sports, including ice hockey, since the COVID-19 pandemic. 

“Our goal with this game is twofold: first, to acknowledge the hard work that on-ice officials do to ensure the game is safe and fair, and second, to shine a spotlight on officiating at the grassroots level here in B.C.,” said Pete Toigo, Giants VP, Operations. “Hockey can’t be played without officials. By hosting this game, we want to encourage youth to get involved in officiating and also show support for officials at all levels, who deserve more respect.”

With the Giants wearing black and white, the on-ice officials for the game will wear special jerseys as well, which will be revealed at a later date. 

Prior to the game on Oct. 22, a referee hotstove will take place in the banquet hall of the Langley Events Centre. Participants on this panel will also be announced at a later date. 

All player jerseys will be auctioned off online in the days leading up to the game. 

The auction will start on Sunday, Oct. 8 at 8:30 a.m. PT and end on Tuesday, Oct. 24 at 12 p.m. PT Once the auction is live, you can bid at https://elevateauctions.com/refappreciationnight. For tickets to this special game on Sunday, Oct. 22 at 4 p.m., head to vancouvergiants.com/tickets

For more details, please contact Giants Director of Broadcasting and Media Relations Nathan Kanter (nkanter@vancouvergiants.com | 250-463-5548).