The Abuse Continues!!!

Having officiated for 58 years in various areas of Canada and around the world, it frustrates me to mention that the abuse that pertains to officials – still continue!

I posted this story up and now a story was done by Global News on the Abuse and is posted on YouTube.

Feel free to visit http://globalnews.ca/video/992981/verbal-abuse-causes-hockey-refs-to-quit

Regardless of where you officiate or what sport, some parents simply can let the “kids play” and enjoy them playing Canada’s National Winter Sport.

Some have been spit upon, cross-checked, elbowed, tripped, punched and had much profanity directed toward them; and some wonder why they quit?

They have suffered sexual remarks and some players have even shot pucks at them, including having Parents wait outside to attack a 13 year old.

These are a few things that have been listed or told  by hockey referees, most coming from Ontario amateur leagues.

These took part in a recent survey and the findings were published in the Clinical Journal of Sports Medicine which is titled “Violence in Canadian Amateur Hockey.

The Experience of Referees in Ontario”. It was headed by author Dr. Alun D. Ackery, an emergency medicine resident at the U of Toronto.

He says he wanted to “shine a light” on the officiating experience in hockey after having seen it first hand while playing in his adult recreational league.
The study was co-authored by Dr. Charles Tator, a Toronto neurosurgeon a Toronto’s Western Hospital who is founder of the group ThinkFirst Canada — a charitable organization dedicated to the prevention of brain and spinal cord injuries — and Dr. Carolyn Snider.

Its objective was “to determine the perception and roles of referees about violence and injury in hockey games.”

We found that hockey referees in Canada perceived a lack of discipline and obeying of hockey rules leading to an increased aggression and injury,” the study concluded.

“Referees suggest that they are both physically and verbally abused from players to parents. Referees feel that coaches are the most important individuals for determining player safety.

The lack of respect and abuse for referees from coaches, parents, and fans creates an environment that may put all on-ice participants at high risk for injury.

The authors used a web-based study, contacting 21 referees-in-chief from all provincial and territorial Hockey Canada organizations as well as several private adult hockey leagues from April 1 to May 18, 2010.

Nine agreed to distribute the survey link to their referees.

A total of 632 referees responded anonymously to the survey, with 92% living in Ontario.

Officials ranged from children’s recreational leagues to junior/semi-pro.

There were pluses and minuses. More than 80 per cent of the ref respondents said they enjoyed the exercise or contributing to the game. Some 62 per cent enjoyed the “fellowship and friendship” of refereeing.

The story (in part) is from the Canadian Press.

Have a look at the link below and it might help us think (doubt it) how Coaches, Parents and/or Players think?

Chill out – As Adults we are to be the role models, but some Parents fail to remember this!!