Message from the NOHA President regarding Parent Behaviour
- Northern Ontario Hockey Association
- 5 hours ago
- 2 min read
I am writing to you today with profound disappointment and serious concern regarding reports of parent behaviour from this past weekend that have absolutely no place in our game.
The incidents reported include:
A parent making a throat slash gesture toward an On-Ice Official
Parents yelling inappropriate and abusive comments directed at opposing Players
A hockey dad appearing on video instructing Players to intentionally injure another Player
Let me be unequivocally clear: THIS MUST STOP IMMEDIATELY.
These are not isolated lapses in judgment. These are deliberate actions that undermine everything we stand for in minor hockey. They create unsafe environments for our children, drive away Officials we desperately need, and poison the culture of respect and sportsmanship that should define our game.
Further to these in-arena incidents, the NOHA continues to receive complaints from hotels regarding lack of supervision of children and non-compliance with both NOHA rules and hotel policies. When Teams travel to represent their communities, they are ambassadors for their Associations and for Northern Ontario hockey. Unsupervised children causing damage, disturbing other guests, and violating hotel policies reflect poorly on all of us and jeopardise our ability to host Tournaments and events across our region.
Our Referees deserve respect and protection. Our Players deserve to compete in a safe, positive environment. Our volunteers deserve support, not abuse. Our host hotels deserve guests who respect their facilities and policies. When parents cross these lines, they are not just embarrassing themselves; they are damaging the experience for every child in that arena and threatening the future of hockey in Northern Ontario.
This behaviour is not acceptable in society, and it is definitely not acceptable in our arenas. The NOHA will take appropriate steps to address these serious matters, which can and will include permanent removal from arenas. Make no mistake, those who choose to engage in threatening behaviour, verbal abuse, or actions that endanger participants will face significant consequences, up to and including lifetime bans from NOHA facilities and events.
While not all Associations are currently participating in the Parent Behaviour project, the NOHA will take immediate and proactive steps to address any complaints received regarding negative parent behaviour. We will not wait for programs to be implemented before we act. We will not tolerate behaviour that severely impacts our game, our participants, or our Officials. The NOHA will be taking a stronger and swifter response to these situations, both on and off the ice.
To our Member Associations: you have our full support in addressing these matters locally, and we expect you to take swift action when incidents occur. To parents: we need you all to be part of the solution to ensure a positive experience for all participants.
The time for tolerance of this behaviour is over.
Steve Lawrence
NOHA President
