The Green Arm Band
🟢 Respect the Game. Support the Officials.
In youth sport, energy is loud, passion runs high, and competition fuels the fire. But at the center of every game is someone who makes it all possible: the official.
Inspired by the leadership shown by the Ontario Minor Hockey Association, the South Central Alberta Inline Hockey League is proud to align with the principles behind the Green Arm Band Initiative.
OMHA, the largest hockey association in the world with nearly 90,000 participants, introduced green arm bands for all on-ice officials under the age of 18 as a visible reminder that many referees are minors. It is a simple symbol with a powerful message: respect and protect young officials.
The data tells the story. Across sport, officials are leaving at concerning rates. A recent U.S. survey showed 70% of officials stay involved because of their love of the game, yet 55% ranked verbal abuse as the number one reason for quitting. In one season alone, OMHA officials assessed 1,911 penalties for disrespectful or abusive behaviour toward officials.
Rather than waiting for a crisis, they acted proactively.
Why This Matters to Our League
Inline hockey does not happen without officials. Full stop.
Many of our referees are teenagers and young adults. They step onto the floor not just to enforce rules, but to learn leadership, communication, decision making under pressure, and confidence. Officiating is often their first job in sport and sometimes their first job, period.
When we support officials, we are investing in:
Youth leadership development
Retention and growth of referees
A healthier competitive environment
A culture rooted in respect
Our Commitment in South Central Alberta
The South Central Alberta Inline Hockey League is committed to fostering a safe, respectful, and development focused environment for all officials.
This means:
🟢 Clear expectations for respectful behaviour from players, coaches, and spectators
🟢 Strong administrative backing for our officials
🟢 Ongoing mentorship and development opportunities
🟢 Immediate action when standards of conduct are not met
We believe proactive education and visible support will strengthen recruitment, improve retention, and elevate the overall experience within our league.
The Outcome We Are Building
Our goal is not simply fewer penalties or quieter benches. Our goal is confidence.
Confidence in a 14-year-old official making their first call.
Confidence in a veteran referee managing a tight playoff game.
Confidence from parents that their children are participating in a program built on integrity and respect.
When officials feel supported, they stay.
When they stay, they improve.
When they improve, the game improves.
Inline hockey should be competitive, spirited, and intense. It should also be safe, positive, and respectful.
Because without referees, there is no game.
And in the South Central Alberta Inline Hockey League, we protect the game. 🏒💚