REMINDER - Re: Code of Conduct and Spectator Liaison Requirements
As we get into the second weekend of league play, please pass on the following message to your teams.
CODE OF CONDUCT
As detailed in the Operations Manual, BGL has a Zero Tolerance policy towards any code of conduct infractions by players, staff, parents, or fans.
Everyone is excited to be back on the ice and emotions can run high, but an appropriate and respectful manner must be maintained. Especially in session one, lopsided scores may happen more often. Regardless of which side your team is on, poor sportsmanship (offensive language, unnecessarily running up the score, etc.) or harassment of on-ice/minor officials will not be tolerated. Instances may be met with warnings, fines, or suspension from league play.
SPECTATOR LIAISONS
Both teams must have a Spectator Liaison clearly printed on the game sheet and easily identifiable to all spectators in the stands. If your team does not have lanyards provided by BGL in prior years, they can create their own as long as it’s bright yellow and has “BGL Spectator Liaison” clearly visible.
For those that are new to BGL, the expectations of this role are outlined in the Operations Manual, as well as below.
435 Spectator Liaisons
A person supplied by all teams during a game (exhibition, scheduled, tournament, or playdown/playoff) for the purpose of moderating/being responsible for their team’s parents’ conduct during the game. This person is responsible for liaising with the officials and BGL Executives if necessary.
506 Spectator Liaison Program
The abuse of game officials by coaches and spectators is the main reason why referees (especially those in their early teens) drop out of the development program. As a result, associations face shortages of game officials at all levels. Addressing this unacceptable behavior is a top priority for BGL if ringette is to have an adequate supply of referees.
Both Home and Away teams, participating in all divisions U10-U19 are required to provide a referee liaison for every BGL league game and playoff game (if applicable). The spectator liaison can be any person associated with a player on the team, over the age of 18, and can be different in each game. Their name must be PRINTED on the game sheet in the space provided (vertical space beside black HOME or VISITOR bar). The spectator liaison must wear the identifying BGL neck lanyard and sit in a visible area in the stands with the spectators. The spectator liaison must be an individual who is willing and able to control and monitor the behavior of the parents and team spectators throughout the game. This role is to be taken very seriously and the goal of this role is to keep the parents and coaches in the game following the rules as set forth in the code of conduct as well as maintaining respect for the officials and opposing team. This role is not in place for the spectator liaison to question any calls made by the officials.
Description of Duties
- Wear the BGL referee liaison neck lanyard -this is to be provided by a team official each game.
- Ensure your name is printed on the game sheet (vertical space beside black HOME or VISITOR bar)
- Place yourself in a visible area in the middle of your team’s spectators.
- Monitor the behavior of your team’s spectators.
- Quickly diffuse potential issues before they escalate by either making your presence more visible or calmly addressing the behavior with the person(s) involved.
- Address inappropriate comments, gestures, and/or any other unsporting behavior directed at the game officials, players, coaching staff, or any other individual by your team’s spectators.
- Although not necessary, connect with the other team’s Spectator Liaison, should unacceptable behavior occur with spectators not associated with your team. Let them monitor and modify the behavior. Under no circumstances should an SL directly police another team’s fans. If poor behavior which is not monitored/controlled by a team’s SL is witnessed, please bring it to the attention of vicepresident@blackgoldleague.com
- Submit a brief report in writing, outlining any incidents involving any individuals, to the referee after the game or to the BGL VP, if requested.
- Failure to provide a spectator liaison may result in a default win for the opposing team.
- All teams are granted a 15 minute grace period to provide a spectator liaison, during which time the game shall commence.
If there are any questions or concerns, please direct these to your association’s BGL Representative who will contact the appropriate league executive if necessary.
Wayne Martin
BGL President
