The West Ferris Minor Hockey Association is calling the behaviour of a group of local minor hockey parents embarrassing.
The comment comes after police were called to a minor hockey game at the Wallace Rd arena last weekend.“Our officers were called to the Pete Palangio arena in North Bay shortly after 12:30 p.m. on January 26th, 2019 in response to a complaint of a fight,” said North Bay Police Service Special Constable John Schultz in a statement.
“The investigation revealed that the dispute had been in the stands between attendees at a game and was verbal in nature. The situation was defused and no assault had occurred.”
West Ferris Minor Hockey revealed that the incident was involving two Atom House League teams (players age 9 and 10) that are part of the local hockey association.
“WFMHA is strongly committed to taking the appropriate measures to avoid incidents such as these going forward in order to provide a safe environment for players and spectators to enjoy the great game of hockey,” stated the release.
“The incident was an embarrassing display of emotion from parents of both teams, the impact of which was felt by the volunteer Coaches, the 10-year-old children playing a hockey game, the children refereeing the game, the children who were timekeeping and scorekeeping, and other spectators which also included other children.”
The association was also disappointed that the near physical confrontation made its way onto social media as well.
“The comments that followed this on social media has also impacted other children on these platforms,” the WFMHA release continued.
“Simply put – the incident is far reaching to the children we are all trying to protect. We have investigated this incident and have met with all involved parties.”
The association is investigating the matter but it feels the outcome of that investigation is and will stay confidential.
“As part of our commitment to take appropriate measures going forward, we have created a Zero Tolerance submission tool for anyone who witnesses an incident that may violate the Respect in Sport Program.”
Back in 2016, the Northern Ontario Hockey Association adopted a new policy where at least one parent/guardian would be required to take a one-hour online course. The program was aimed at empowering participants to recognize the signs of bullying, abuse, harassment, and discrimination.
See related: Hockey Parent? You will have to pass an online course
It’s the same program minor hockey coaches, trainers and managers in the NOHA were required to take since 2011.
