Ask any young person why they quit officiating and nine time out of 10 it's because of verbal abuse from coaches and parents. While it's not all parents, this is an unfortunate reality across Canada every year. 

We have an official shortage in our province and across the country and what people often forget, without officials, there's no game. 

Minor hockey associations, including Glace Bay, are participating in a new program to help support our younger and inexperienced officials.  All first year officials as well as all those under 18 years of age will be wearing a green arm band on one arm.  

This is to serve as a reminder to players, coaches and fans that the officials on the ice maybe new to the sport or are just teenagers, trying their best as they develop their skills.