Armband Referee Liason

It is mandatory for every team to provide a referee liaison for every league game.  The liaison can be a different person each game and can be anyone with the exception of the coach or assistant coach.  The name of the referee liaison MUST be marked in the area provided on the game sheet.  The liaison must sit in the stands with the spectators.

The team has a 15 minute grace period in which to provide a liaison or they will default the game.  Please ensure the ref liaison name is marked on the game sheet.

Background:

Referee abuse and harassment by spectators and coaches is the main reason why referees, particularly those in their early teens, drop out of the development program resulting in severe shortages of officials at all levels. This unacceptable behavior must be addressed as a priority particularly if Minor Hockey is to have an adequate supply of referees.

All teams participating in Minor Hockey must designate an individual (does not have to be the same person for each game) at each game (home and away) to act as a referee liaison.  The referee liaison of each team shall be a person who is not the coach or assistant coach and their main role will be to act as a deterrent to possible acts of misbehaviour by spectators or team officials.  This person is to sit in the stands with the spectators.  The referee liaison will also be available to the referee should a request to do so be made or if a potential problem exists.

Description of duties:

   Please wear the identifying “Arm Band” provided by your team.  This “Arm Band” will be given to the person who has been designated for that game (schedule).  If the referee requires your assistance he will identify you by the Arm Band.

     Place yourself in the middle of the spectator stands at the area.

     Monitor the behaviour of your teams’ parents and spectators.

     Quickly diffuse potential problems before they arise by either being visible or calmly speaking with the individual(s) involved.

     Deal with, and act on, inappropriate comments, gestures and/or general unsporting behaviour directed at referees, players or any other individual by your teams’ spectators or coaches but please avoid getting into a confrontation.

     Submit a brief report in writing to your teams Manager of any incident that you feel RMH should be aware of involving inappropriate behaviour by ANY individual.  Based on any official report, RMH will conduct an investigation into the incident and act accordingly.