Making hockey parents accountable

KAMLOOPS – You've probably heard the hockey mom/dad stereotypes, maybe even been to a minor hockey game where the fans lived up to the stereotype of being overbearing, with rude parents continuously yelling at the referees, coaches, players and even other fans.

Kamloops Minor Hockey Association is hoping to put a stop to that stereotype, at least in local arenas, by requiring all parents who plan on attending any practices or games to take the Respect in Sport Parent Program.

Often coaches, managers and officials of all ages leave the sport because of unacceptable parent behaviours. As a result, the decision to implement the parental requirement was made last season.

The one hour online certification program highlights the role a parent plays in encouraging positive behaviours, ensuring the safety of their children, effective communication and in enhancing the fun children have while playing.

The association points out every other person involved in the development of kids in sport have been required to complete a respect in sport program. As of Sept. 1 players can only be registered if there is proof their parents have completed the program.

While only one certification is recorded on the registration the association is expecting anyone who will be attending the games — parents, grandparents and guardians — to take the course.

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To contact a reporter for this story, email jstahn@infotelnews.ca, call (250)819-3723 or tweet @JennStahn.