Respect in the Game is essential at every level, and it is our collective responsibility as stakeholders in creating a safe space in which everyone can enjoy the game. A significant element of this is our responsibility to raise awareness and draw attention to the importance and need for respect. This awareness and education is particularly important in our Officiating Program. As with all participants, the importance of the retention of Officials is critical, as maltreatment is often cited as the primary reason Officials are leaving our game. The future of our game depends on Officials having a positive experience, as they continue their journey in hockey.
With this in mind, the OMHA Board, upon recommendation of the OMHA Development Committee, is implementing the Green Armband Initiative for all OMHA on-ice HCOP Officials under the age of 18 effective the 2024-2025 season.
The goals of this initiative include raising awareness and to draw attention to respect. This is particularly important for those Officials that are minors and generally less experienced and newer to their role in Officiating. By extension, this should apply to all the Officials in our game. Although the Green Armband is primarily reflective of Age, it is also can serve as a reminder that these are generally less experienced Officials.
Key Elements of the Program:
- Required for all OMHA HCOP Officials under the age of 18 with the commencement of the 2024-2025 playing season.
- Armbands will be provided at no cost to the Official at all clinics and will be worn in all OMHA sanctioned hockey, regardless of Age Division and Category.
- As of their 18th birthday, the official has the option to stop wearing the Armband.
Please join us in embracing the program and bringing about culture change and respect in our game.
No Ref
No Game