Hockey Northwestern Ontario mandates respect course for parents

Superior Morning10:00The Respect in Sport Parent Program

The governing body for minor hockey in the northwest is trying to reduce the number of unsportsmanlike conduct penalties -- in the stands.We hear about a new mandatory online program for parents in the region.

The governing body of amateur hockey in northwestern Ontario is adopting a mandatory program for parents of minor hockey players.

Hockey Northwestern Ontario has announced it's implementing the Respect in Sport parent program.

The one-hour online course is designed to prevent bullying, abuse, harassment and discrimination, the organization said in a news release.

Executive director Trevor Hosanna told CBC News the program isaimed at reducing the amount of abuse sent towards the ice.

"Ideally you'd hope that there'd be less parental issues for the volunteer administrators in hockey and the coaches and officials to have to deal with," he said.

"I think ultimately you're hoping that the parents just have some more tools to better recognize situations whether it's with themselves or with other parents and how to deal with them .... in a positive way."

At least one parent or guardian of childrenat the novice and atom levels musttake the course prior to the start of the 2016-2017 season. A parent or guardian of new registrants in the peewee to midget age categories will also be required to take the course.

Data shows the program has worked

The respect program, which was developed by Wayne McNeil and former NHL player Sheldon Kennedy,has already been implemented in a number of other jurisdictions, Hosanna said.

"In the long term, all the groups have seen [fewer] parental issues you can't attribute that 100 per cent to this program but it seems to be a factor across the board, so I think the program must be doing something right," he said.

Hosanna said the program is not without its critics; some parents don't feel they need it, or they think it's a cash grab.

Registrants will have to pay $12 plus tax.

In all, Hosanna said he's happy the program is being offered.

"We're excited about the program itself," he said. "It's something that going to be across Ontario as of this fall .... so I think it's a real positive step for us as far as culture around the game."