Western Quebec youth hockey league issues warning to respect refs
Posted Jan 26, 2024 03:54:19 PM.
Last Updated Jan 26, 2024 03:54:47 PM.
The chairman of a youth hockey league in western Quebec is warning sanctions could be imposed against teams if referees are not shown respect.
A message posted to the Hockey Outaouais website says some teams could be expelled if they demonstrate inappropriate behaviour towards referees – including players, coaches and parents.
“Let’s remember that the referee must also have fun like the other young players, coaches, and parents,” the letter from Pierre Montreuil reads, in French.
It warns bad behaviour will not be tolerated, and sanctions will be severe.
The league says its been made aware of several cases of lack of respect towards referees in the region.
Referees under the age of 18 in the Northern Ontario Hockey Association (NOHA) have been wearing green armbands since 2022 in an initiative to try and prevent verbal abuse and harassment.
