Spectator Liaison
IMPORTANT NEWS FROM BLACK GOLD LEAGUE RE: SPECTATOR LIAISONS
***Please note: The Home and Visitor Spectator Liaison's name needs to be recorded on the official Ringette Alberta game sheet. The Spectator Liaison names are to be PRINTED in the space provided (vertical space beside black HOME or VISITOR bar). Click here to see the placement.
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 Executive 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 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 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 and coaching staff.
- 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.
- 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.
