The ƵappMinor Hockey Association (SMHA) went viral last week, but it had nothing to do with what was happening on the ice.
USA Today, Fox Sports and several other media outlets helped a picture inside Brennan Park Arena, regarding proper behaviour of parents at the rink, trend online and bring attention to the fact that the game should be about having fun for everyone.
The sign states five rules that the SMHA would like to remind all fans entering Brennan Park: 1) These are kids; 2) This is a game; 3) Parents should cheer for everyone; 4) The referees are human; 5) You and your child do not play for the Canucks.
Praise was heaped upon the SMHA for the sign, with Fox Sports stating that similar signs should be at all youth sports events. SMHA president Derek Cranfield appeared on CKFR 1150 AM in Kelowna to talk about the sign and said it went up March 15 and caught fire on social media shortly thereafter.
“It’s pretty impressive to see what social media can do nowadays,” he said. “It’s interesting to see how quickly it got out there.”
Cranfield said the SMHA has had some issues with parents in the past and felt the sign could help kids and especially referees enjoy the experience at the rink more.
“We had a few situations that spearheaded the backdrop to get the sign up,” he said. “Sometimes parents forget that it’s just a game but more importantly, it’s someone’s son or daughter officiating the game. It’s very important for everyone to remember that these refs are human and they’re going to make mistakes just like the players on the ice do.”
He said referee scheduler Heather Hedberg helped push the sign forward because she wanted to find ways to help keep young officials in the game. Cranfield credited Hedberg for having helped get the ball rolling on the sign.
For more information on the SMHA, visit .