The Green Armband Initiative for youth officials will continue for the 2022-2023 season.
HEO has provided a recap of the success for this program:
Green Armband Program Update
What is the green armband initiative?
The green armband initiative was introduced in Montreal in January 2020. All officials below the
age of 18 years old are required to wear a green armband as a means to identify them as a
minor. The wearing of the armband is to highlight the age of the official regardless of the level of
hockey that they are working. As part of this initiative, there will also be increased sanctions
against team officials and spectators that are penalized for abuse or harassment of minor
(below the age of 18) officials. Education will also be provided to players, parents, officials, and
team officials about abuse and harassment of officials.
Why are we implementing the green armband initiative in the branch?
First and foremost, this initiative is being implemented across the branch because it is the right
thing to do. Abuse and harassment of officials continues to be an issue for officials working in
HEO. While the vast majority of coaches, team officials, and parents treat officials with respect,
there are still issues that need to be addressed. In recent years, Hockey Canada along with
HEO has attempted to raise awareness about this issue. However, it is clear that more work
needs to be done in this area. It is anticipated that introducing the green armband to minor
officials will highlight for participants that abuse and harassment of officials continues to be a
problem in our games, especially for minor officials.
Over 40% of all officials in HEO are under the age of 18. They represent the lifeblood of our
minor hockey officiating program. It is important that the hockey community works together to
protect the physical and psychological well-being of these minors.
Requiring minor officials to wear a green armband will identify to all participants that the official
working the game is under the age of 18. It is important that these individuals who wish to
harass and abuse officials know that some of these officials are minors under the law and be
reminded that this behaviour is unacceptable. It needs to be highlighted that the wearing of a
green armband is a reflection of the official’s age and NOT of their skill level as an
official. ALL officials under the age of 18 will be required to wear the green armband
regardless of their skill level or level of hockey that they are working.
Supplementary Discipline for Team Officials who Abuse or Harass Green Armband Wearing Officials
Will there be increased supplementary discipline for team officials and spectators who
abuse or harass green armband officials?
Yes, team officials who abuse or harass officials who are wearing a green armband will face
increased supplementary discipline compared to team officials who abuse or harass officials
who are not wearing a green armband. In some cases, the suspensions will be doubled. More
information about the specific penalties to fall under this initiative are below.
Will there be increased sanctions against players who abuse or harass officials?
No. There are already appropriate penalties and supplementary discipline in place for players
who abuse or harass officials. In the majority of cases, players will be approximately the same
age or a similar age as the officials working the game. The focus with this initiative is to reduce
abuse and harassment of officials by adults and/or those in positions of authority. This includes
team officials, who are mostly adults or are operating in positions of authority as well as
spectators.