Criminal charges after minor hockey coach's outburst stops game in Woodstock
Police are reminding hockey parents about the skills usually learned in childhood – sportsmanship and respect – after coach's outburst.
Article content
Police are reminding hockey parents about the skills usually learned in childhood – sportsmanship and respect – after laying charges following a youth coach’s outburst during a game for seven-year-olds.
Woodstock police say it was about 8:45 a.m. on March 1, last Saturday, when a coach argued with a referee’s call during a youth game. The confrontation escalated after the coach began shouting profanities, bringing the game to a stop, police said.
Recommended Videos
tap here to see other videos from our team.
Criminal charges after minor hockey coach's outburst stops game in Woodstock Back to video
tap here to see other videos from our team.
The coach was ejected, police said, but continued to “cause a scene” by shouting and refusing to leave the premises, police said, adding that resulted in arena staff contacting police to assist in removing him.
Officers arrived at the rink – which wasn’t named by police – and escorted the coach to a dressing room to gather his things, police said. The situation escalated further as the coach continued to be “disruptive” by yelling at spectators, police said.
When officers began escorting the coach out, he became violent, police said, adding “he physically resisted officers and began swinging his arms, leading to a confrontation” that forced two officers to physically restrain the coach, police said.
A 42-year-old is facing multiple charges including causing a disturbance, two counts of assaulting police and resisting arrest.
“This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining sportsmanship and respect, especially in youth sports, where the conduct of coaches and spectators can set an example for young athletes,” police said in a statement.
There were plenty of reactions on social media to news of the incident. “What a horrible example of poor sportsmanship while his kids witness such atrocious behavior,” DeeDee Michiels wrote.
The Local Journalism Initiative is funded by the Government of Canada
Postmedia is committed to maintaining a lively but civil forum for discussion. Please keep comments relevant and respectful. Comments may take up to an hour to appear on the site. You will receive an email if there is a reply to your comment, an update to a thread you follow or if a user you follow comments. Visit our Community Guidelines for more information.