Horizon School Division middle schools exploring new reffing procedure

By Cole Parkinson
Vauxhall Advance
cparkinson@tabertimes.com

It’s becoming harder to find refs and schools in Horizon are hoping a new procedure helps not only bring in more referees but also curb some unruly fans.

“I found it very interesting in the athletic director’s meeting that was had around the division, and seeing how basketball season is coming up, sometimes fans become unruly at basketball,” explained Bruce Francis, vice-chair at the board of trustee’s Oct. 24 meeting. “I don’t know why southern Alberta is so strong on that because it’s true. I remember the years I used to ref high school basketball and I’d do provincial exchanges and go up to Edmonton and up north. The difference between southern Alberta and central Alberta is — it’s dead quiet up there and you can hear your whistle and down here it is passionate.”

From discussions, it was determined putting a new rule in place will help stop chirping at referees in middle school and junior high games.

“They passed a rule that if any parent, grandparent, aunt, uncle, sibling, or family, or friend becomes unruly and is asked to exit the gym due to their behaviour, they will also do so with the child they are supporting. So, the child will actually have to leave as well off the team,” continued Francis.

“That speaks volumes then because obviously it’s gotten out of hand,” added Jen Crowson, board member.

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