Thank You for the Opportunity,
Two questions I would like addressed at the parent meeting are: (1) how will the CBHL ensure the pattern behavior of specific players and teams that I consider reckless, won’t occur in another game or during the championship games? (2) What is the difficulty of removing players that fail to demonstrate respectful play, and have already been punished and given opportunities to change? I don’t want to hear it is referee discretion.
I understand hockey is a physical sport. It is not a reckless sport. USA Hockey has laid very good foundation rules to manage abusive players, problem behavior, problem parents, and reckless hitting. The CBHL is not enforcing these rules in any responsible manner. Until this is addressed, all players both risk harm and miss opportunities to change their behavior.
This is not about issues with volunteer coaches, parents, missed calls by the referees, or other historical hockey barrier rhetoric that prevents safety changes. This is about maximizing the safety standards of youth ice hockey by using and enforcing written policies and in this case, using and enforcing them within the CBHL.
We are fortunate to have a responsive club but they can not reduce the risk of injuries alone. As parents we must vocally express our concerns. One club making changes does little to change a league.
I have studied the issue and my approach is to address weakness. I, along with other parents have identified problems and at this point I want to offer my solution that removes the arsonist. Currently clubs and parent are left to deal with and put out fires. This is unfair. Let a player determine their path to being expelled. Stop enabling them.
1. Issue the USA Hockey Zero Tolerance Rules to all. Address with the rules, a letter stating this policy will be followed to the T.
2. Purchase banners that state the USA Hockey Zero Tolerance Rules. Have expectations and consequences on the banner for all to see. These should be hung at all events on both benches. Referees should point the banners out to the coaches and players before every game. This will also remind and focus the referees on their responsibilities.
3. Direct and EDUCATE all current on ice referees to meet with each bench prior to the start of game. Both referees should gather the players and state the ZT rules will be enforced 100% and that they will lean toward the ZT rules for marginal hits. Also let the player know that cursing, banging the stick, and behavior fits will merit further penalties. This, as stated, focuses the referees on their responsibilities. Create structures that reinforce and maintain safety habits.
4. Implement a new position immediately that is called the Zero Tolerance Referee. That referee has one function and that is to manage player behavior under the USA Hockey Zero Tolerance Policy. They should be positioned between the penalty boxes. They are responsible for watching ice behavior, player behavior after the whistle, player behavior after a penalty is called, player behavior in the penalty box, and parent behavior. Any violations will merit additional penalties as clearly stated under the ZT rules. Standard referees mange game play.
5. Use volunteers from the Boards to fill the ZT Referee positions for this season. Establish a paid position next year. The cost per game if directed solely to the parents should be an additional $3 per game. This is well worth our children’s safety.
6. Review evidence of problematic players, coaches, and clubs and make a point to fully discipline them this season. If you fail to punish the 2%, you continue to harm the 98%. Focus on the positive players within the clubs and league. Make a statement about what is not tolerated in youth ice hockey.
These six changes will establish an attitude change in the CBHL and it will lead to behavior change and it will develop safety habits. Players, coaches, and parents will have to adapt. Keep in mind 98% of players and parents already manage themselves respectfully. Stop giving the 2% opportunities to continually hurt players and ruin the games. You are allowing the arsonists to build fires you have to put out. Allow them the opportunity to fall in line or fail. It is that simple. Stop making excuses for them to continue to participate in a sport that is not a right, but a privilege.
A final method that would further improve safety standards is the use of yellow and red cards, just like in soccer. Please consider this for next year. This would be the tool of the ZT referee. They would give players, parents, and coaches a yellow warning card that goes along with an additional penalty. You must establish a structure the guides all participants toward understanding Zero Tolerance of bad behavior will be enforced 99% of the time.
My concern is the old ways to discipline behavior don’t work for the 2% that do the most damage to our children. That needs to be addressed immediately.
Please, do not put this off until next year. By addressing this now, you will reduce harm to children and will set the tone for next season. Change is easy and people adapt. The hardest part is just implementing it.
Thanks again,
Gary
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