Oct 04, 2024 | Referee in Chief | 232 views
"No Ref. No Game." - Green Band Initiative
OMHA Introduces New ‘Green Arm Band’ to Support Young Officials
The largest hockey association in the world with almost 90,000 participants, the Ontario Minor Hockey Association (OMHA), is introducing a new initiative to combat Referee and Official abuse. Abuse of officials has been a common concern in many sports, and several have been losing officials at alarming rates.
A recent survey from the United States shows that 70% ranked “love of the sport” as their primary reason for officiating, but 55% ranked verbal abuse as the number one reason for quitting.
That’s why for the first time in its history, the OMHA will have all on-ice officials under the age of 18 wear a Green Arm Band as part of their officiating uniform. It is meant to be a reminder for everyone from parents in the stands to any participants on the bench to respect and protect the young officials without whom there would be no game.