Is
it the hockey program or just some kid’s parents that make the system so
bad? We keep hearing from so many sources that Canada’s Hockey Program
needs so much work and we need to change this, and get rid of that. I
agree it needs some tweaking but first of
all let me tell you about some solutions I’ve heard of or read.
For example one that I have discussed with a few parents is Robert
Kirwan’s article on bringing fighting back to eliminate the cowards and
cheap-shot artist and to instill some respect. I agree totally. If a
player gets in his first fight in the game he receives a Major penalty and
back in the game, second fight same game Major + Game Misconduct. I bet
you’ll see a lot less stick work and chirping at one another. Also
starting in minor hockey, why not wear half visors? I guarantee you that
you’ll see less stick work and players would have more respect for one
another. Extreme concepts perhaps, but I don’t see too many others
besides the Kirwan family making suggestions or solutions. I just see
finger pointing and unfortunately most of the time it is the same people
being pointed at, the officials. Larry Robinson said it perfectly several
weeks ago on Hockey Night in Canada when he said “Players have lost
total respect for each other on the ice… We’ve put so much equipment
of the kids they feel they can swing the sticks anywhere…” I bet if
the players had less equipment on like when we were kids playing street
hockey they would be more respectful towards each other and be careful
with the sticks. When we did played street hockey with no refs, parents,
coaches etc we had a few fights now and then, some bruises from getting
the frozen ball in the eye but nothing serious and we walked away still
friends and had fun.
I
said it before extreme measures perhaps but the coach or parent does not
have a lot to do with the big decisions at Hockey Canada, but there is
something you can do. Now it’s your turn to help.
Some
officials go to the rink to watch a hockey game and distant themselves
like they have a disease. Not I, I like to get in a spot and listen while
I watch. Sometimes I am not sure which is more entertaining, the game or
the crazy off the wall things people say in the stands. Unless the
comments are very bad I’d normally chuckle to myself and walk away, but
why? Is it doing anyone any good? I think it’s about time people in the
stands that know what they are talking about start saying something. A few
weeks ago I was at the rink watching a Peewee B Rep game and a mother
several feet away from me was yelling at the linesmen saying “That’s
checking from behind, Ref” and I kind of laughed under my breath, but
I’m thinking to myself lady you don’t have a clue who calls the
penalties and who calls icings, as long as she was yelling at someone she
was happy. FYI - It wasn’t checking from behind but if it was and a
linesman cannot report a Minor +Game Misconduct only a Major +Game
Misconduct for CFB can be brought to the attention of the referee at the
next stoppage of play. I was glad a gentleman was kind enough to point
this out to her and she didn’t say much for the remainder of the game.
Good for him.
A
while back I was speaking with a lady about officiating and she was kind
enough to point out to me that she really didn’t understanding the icing
rule but she just yelled at the linesmen because everyone else was. Were
you going to join them when they jumped off the bridge as well? This
reminds me of something else I seen. A few weeks ago as a linesmen for a
Jr “A” game during a stoppage of play one guy stood out in the crowd
as he stood up and yelled “You’re a jerk Ref, open your eyes” as
soon as he sat down the young boy next to him about 10 years old stood up
and yelled the same thing. Monkey see, monkey do.
These
are just some of the idiotic things I hear people say, but do parents and
coaches just not want to educate themselves so they can continue to use
lack of rule knowledge etc as an excuse? Perhaps my most favorite
complainer is the Mother or Father that is the loudest in the stands
however they cannot skate.
The
ball is in your court, I challenge you when you are at the rink next time
and someone yells something that is totally out to lunch to say something
to that person. I personally think if more people stood up and said
something the revolution would stop. I think if more parents were
embarrassed in front of one another about their lack of rule knowledge
they would take it upon themselves to get educated on the rules. There are
so many great web sites like After The Whistle to get information and
knowledge about the game of hockey or read someone’s opinion.
The
above comments are that of the writer and not that of any association.
Comments or suggestions greatly appreciated.
