Dear Editor,
In response to last week’s Respect at the Rink letter, I agree and support many points made.
Yes, respect is one of the most valuable lessons to teach in all sports.
Yes, players, coaches, managers and parents may sometimes see things differently than the refs. Right or wrong on either side of the “call”.
Yes, it is just a game, one which parents spend countless hours dedicated to. From 7 a.m. Saturday TimBit ice time, to getting off the bus at 2 a.m. after the 8:30 p.m. Friday night game, to community volunteering; all so our children can play the game we are passionate about.
Mutual respect is what needs to be addressed.
Most parents and coaches, most of the time, will stay “on-side” when the officiating stays fair. Granted there are times when other emotions bring on “off-sides” by parents, players and coaches. However, more often than not, the negative reactions occur when there are inconsistencies and unjust officiating.
I don’t know what the root cause of deficient officiating is. Is it lack of training; lack of skilled officials at appropriate levels (can they keep up with the game); lack in the pool of resources (is there enough refs); or the few that like the power?
There are always going to be differences of opinions and everyone sees the game a bit different. Rarely do parents or coaches become upset if there is mutual respect and fair structure provided by good officiating. Unfortunately, too often, officiating affects the outcome of the game more than the players playing. Who holds the officials accountable to treat those that are playing and coaching justly and with respect?
Officiating is a job and has a level of accountability to perform tasks at certain levels. I speak only as a parent/manager that has thanked refs for a well officiated game to the one that has yelled “come on Stripes open your eyes.” I have never taken courses to be an official. I’m not saying I’d do a better job; I could never remember all the rules or have the ability to skate well enough.
However, whatever is lacking in the system, to have accountability and demonstration of mutual respect should be discovered and developed. No one should be verbally attacked. And it’s not the NHL. But everyone should be respectful while playing or officiating the game we love.
Tania Haberlack-Dolan
Okotoks
