To all Bears families,
Just a quick note to touch base about the playoff season. We are proud to see the players work so hard aiming for a win. Even if they don't quite get the win, we see them taking the loss with grace most of the time.
It is unfortunate, however, that we need to address the behaviour we are seeing and hearing about that is taking place in the stands. Hockey can be a very exciting game to watch and emotions can get high hoping for the best for our players. What we as adults need to remember is that the players in uniform on the ice are children. They watch everything we do and say. This includes when parents are yelling at the refs disrespectfully as well as at opposing parents. This spills over to the kids and we are seeing them become disrespectful towards the refs as well.
We as a Board are directly asking all families to:
1) Understand what you see in the stands is very different from what the ref, coaches and players see. Reffing is extremely difficult and they are doing their best, with the safety of the players in mind.
Let them do their job and keep your comments to yourself.
2) Do not get caught up with the opposing side chirping at players and refs. This amps things up instead of diffusing. We MUST lead by example and represent SMMHA BEARS by taking the high road. Cheering, being positive and keeping any frustrations to ourselves. We have communicated this to our neighbouring centers so they can do their part as well.
3) The area near the visiting teams in the Gravenhurst Arena will now be blocked off from spectators. Please use the YMCA entrance to come and go from the game.
3) Use our SMMHA FEEDBACK email. You have the power to stop the negativity. We as a board have access to other centers that can start conversations to calm everyone down, report maltreatment and disrespect. Start using it so we can have MPS a bit better than it is right now.
Thank you and good luck to all teams moving ahead in the playoff season.
SMMHA Board