Stop Yelling at Young Hockey Officials!

A young kid, just 12 or 13, trying their best as a hockey referee. They're learning, growing, and making mistakes, just like anyone else. Now, picture the scene: parents and coaches screaming at them from the sidelines. This isn't fair, is it? Dave Kadun, an experienced official from Alberta, wants everyone to know it's time to stop this behavior. These young officials are often left in tears after games. They're not getting better because they're being yelled at and disrespected. And guess what? Without referees, there's no hockey game at all. Parents and coaches need to set a good example. Show patience and encouragement instead of anger. This will teach kids how to handle adversity, both on and off the ice. It's not easy to get young people into officiating. The abuse they face makes it even harder. We need to change this culture of disrespect. It's happening everywhere, not just in Canada. In places like Vancouver Island, Quebec, and even the United States, there are reports of referees being insulted and assaulted. Some parents and coaches are amazing and do a lot for their kids. But there are still those who are ruining it for everyone. They're hurting their own kids and other kids too. They're also damaging the sports they love. It's crucial to remember that these young referees are just kids trying to learn and do their best. Let's be clear: yelling at them isn't going to help. It's time to do better. We owe it to the kids, the sports, and the future of hockey.