The NOHA is launching a volunteer initiative, funded by a $10 fee increase, to curb disruptive parental behaviour in rinks and protect referees and players after a rise in incidents.
GORE BAY—The Northern Ontario Hockey Association (NOHA) is launching a new volunteer initiative in response to a growing pattern of negative behaviour incidents in its rinks to help protect minor hockey in Northern Ontario.
“Mainly, this is an effort by the NOHA to curb parental and other disruptive behaviour in and around arenas,” said Nick Lane, president of the Manitoulin Minor Hockey Association (MMHA) and the Western Manitoulin Minor Hockey Association (WWMHA). “The NOHA is putting resources into trying to negate negative behaviour at arenas. Things are not getting better (involving bad behaviour); and all over we are losing referees, players and coaches. It has an impact on the whole hockey environment.”
“However, the additional resources required to address these issues come with increased costs,” said Mr. Lane. “These costs are ultimately reflected in the membership and team fees that each association pays to the NOHA each season. These fees are included in each association’s annual budget and are an important part of determining overall registration costs.”
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