The shortage of officials is accentuated in minor hockey


There was already a shortage of officials in minor hockey before the last wave of the pandemic, but with the long break imposed because of the Omicron variant, the situation has only worsened. With the resumption of matches, associations find that many officials have not returned.

• Read also: #OnVeutPlay: a growing movement

“Many of our referees and scorers are young students. Some have found other weekend jobs and have not returned,” said the president of the Drummondville Minor Hockey Association, Luc Camirand.

This is an additional challenge, already that the lack of officials was felt since the beginning of the season.

“We have 40% fewer officials than the season before the pandemic, confirms the general manager of Minor Hockey in Victoriaville, Stéphane Houle. It takes great effort to be able to present all the matches. Games that are normally played by three officials are played by two and the officials play a lot of games.

Minor hockey officials in Victoriaville and Drummondville believe that the new tax constraints imposed on officials have hurt, but they also point the finger at the behavior of some coaches and parents.

“When 14- and 15-year-olds are insulted, I understand why they prefer to work elsewhere,” says Luc Camirand.

The new general manager of Hockey Quebec, Jocelyn Thibault, recognizes the problem and wants to change the culture. He talks about a major project whose objective is to restore respect between all players in hockey. And for him, the key is pleasure.

“Is winning so important at a young age? Is it important to have the best players play more often than the others at a young age? I am not convinced. I think we’ll have to look at valuation differently. It will be a big project and it is clear that we will not eliminate bad behavior in a few weeks, but I am confident that with education and awareness, we will get there.

SEE ALSO




Reference-www.journaldequebec.com

Leave a Comment