Verbal abuse of hockey referees called 'a disgrace'

Hockey New Brunswick needs to send a strong message that abusive behaviour at rinks won't be tolerated, according to the president of the group that operates Canada'sschool of hockey officiating.

John Gardiner's comments stem from anincident last Fridaywhen police were called to a Quispamsis rink after a 13 year-old referee ejected a hockey mom, peewee coach and player for what witnesses say was verbal abuse against the referee for missing calls.

Officers were called to the Qplex arena in case anyone tried to confront the young official outside.

"We're talking recreational hockey here. We're not talking highly competitive hockey and I think it's sort of a disgrace," said Gardiner, who is alsothe president of the Greater Toronto Hockey League.

His league loses between 15 and 20 referees every year because of bad behaviour from the stands, he said.

Hockey Canada has a zero-tolerance policy regarding verbal abuse of on-ice officials, which was implemented in Saint John last August.

That rule allows referees even 13 year olds to eject coaches, and to stop the game until abusive spectators leave the stands.

Gardiner said New Brunswick's zero tolerance position could go even further.

"If parents get out of hand, for example, we have a rule here in the Greater Toronto Hockey League that I can ban that parent from entering the arena," hesaid.

Parents and players would face a very stiff penalty if they did not follow the rules.

"And if they don't adhere to the ban, then we have a right to void the players certificate and stop them from playing altogether," he said.

"If necessary, you can demand they take an anger management course in front of a professional and if they don't come back with a certificate saying they attended the hearing, paid their money, whatnot, then you just leave the ban in place."

Hockey New Brunswick has said the matter is under investigation.

The coach of the Saint John Ice Cats peewee teamhas declined to comment.

The game involved house league players who are 11 and 12 years old.

According to Hockey Canada, there has been an increasing number of verbal and physical assaults against on-ice officials, which is leading to a decrease in the number of people wishing to become referees.