Abuse towards Officials – Green Armband Campaign (Nepean Minor Hockey Association)

PrintAbuse towards Officials – Green Armband Campaign

Zero Tolerance Policy on Abuse of Officials

To all members of the NMHA hockey community:

We are committed to fostering a respectful, safe, and inclusive environment for everyone involved in our sport. There will be a zero tolerance for any form of abuse—verbal, physical, or otherwise—directed toward game officials at any level.

Abuse of officials will result in immediate disciplinary action, which may include game suspensions, team sanctions, or full removal from league activities. Severe or repeated violations may also lead to cold surface restrictions, prohibiting individuals from entering any ice-level areas or participating in team functions for a defined period.

Officials are essential to the integrity of the game. We expect all players, coaches, parents, and spectators to uphold the highest standard of conduct.

Let’s work together to protect the game and those who make it possible.

The Green Armband Program

The Green Armband Program was designed to:

  • Reduce harrassment and abuse of younger on-ice officials by clearly identifying them as minors (under 18) to coaches, parents, players and league officials

  • Educate coaches, parents, players and league officials about the challenges officials face with respect to harrassment and abuse while officiating minor hockey games. 

Please also note that:

  • A Green armband DOES NOT always mean that an official is new or inexperienced. It is simply an indicator that they are under the age of 18 years old. 

  • 80% of officials are under the age of 18.