We, the undersigned families, players, and supporters of minor hockey, respectfully submit this petition to advocate for improvements to player safety, officiating standards, and overall tournament management at BC Hockey Provincial Championships.

Provincial championships represent the culmination of a full season of dedication, hard work, and significant investment from players, coaches, and families. For many, this experience is meant to be a highlight of their hockey journey.

However, over recent years, concerns have emerged regarding inconsistent officiating, player safety, and how situations involving parents and spectators are managed during these tournaments.

Key Concerns

• Inconsistent Officiating: Across multiple provincial tournaments, there have been recurring issues with missed calls, poor judgment, and game management that directly impact fairness and outcomes.
• Player Safety Risks: There have been multiple serious injuries reported during games, including concussions, fractures, and head/neck injuries. Many of these incidents appear to stem from a lack of adequate game control.
• Limited Accountability and Support: When concerns are raised during games, responses from event volunteers have sometimes escalated tensions rather than de-escalating them.
• High Financial and Time Commitment: Families invest significant resources (often tens of thousands of dollars) in travel, accommodations, and time off work to attend provincials. The experience should reflect this level of commitment.

Proposed Solutions

We respectfully propose the following solutions to improve the provincial experience:

1. Improve Officiating Standards at Provincials
   Allocate funding specifically for experienced, highly trained referees at provincial tournaments.
   Ensure consistency and accountability in officiating across all games.
2. Create a Dedicated Provincial Officiating Fund
   Implement a small increase (e.g., $2 per player registration) across associations to generate a sustainable budget for top-level officiating at provincials.
3. Introduce Expanded Video Review
   Allow video review or coach challenges for critical game decisions, including disallowed goals and major missed calls, not just penalties.
4. Enhance Player Safety Measures
   Reinforce stricter enforcement of rules related to dangerous play, especially head contact.
   Ensure officials are empowered and expected to prioritize safety at all times.
5. Improve Tournament Scheduling and Oversight
   Consider staggering provincial tournaments over the two-week spring break period allow for better management, supervision, and resource allocation.
6. Provide Training for Event Volunteers
   Equip volunteers with clear protocols and training on managing spectator concerns, with an emphasis on communication and de-escalation.

We believe in the value of minor hockey and appreciate the work done by BC Hockey and its volunteers. This petition is not meant as criticism, but as a constructive effort to ensure that provincial championships are safe, fair, and positive experiences for all participants.

We urge BC Hockey to review these concerns and work collaboratively with associations, officials, and families to implement meaningful improvements.