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February 26, 2015 - 2:31 PM
WHEN YELLING AT REFEREES GOES TOO FAR
THOMPSON-OKANAGAN – A Kamloops hockey dad who allegedly took his anger out on referees in the parking lot after a Junior-A hockey game in Penticton last week could face charges.
Penticton RCMP Sgt. Rick Dellebuur says the 52-year-old father of a Merritt Cenntennials player allegedly threatened two referees and two linesmen in the South Okanagan Events Centre parking lot after the Penticton Vees home game Friday, Feb. 20.
“The male started to swear at them and threaten harm to the officials and his son got between the father and the officials and thus prevented the situation from becoming physical,” Dellebuur says.
Dellebuur adds RCMP officers were informed of the incident by the B.C. Hockey League the following day and are still investigating the incident. They will likely forward charges for uttering threats to Crown counsel.
It’s unknown when the report could go forward as the officer responsible for the file is still conducting interviews, Dellebuur says.
"It's just a game, go out and cheer your kids." Dellebuur says. "There's a way to take out your frustrations or concerns and that doesn't mean by accosting the referrees or the other players or coaches."
Last month, the Vancouver Island Amateaur Hockey Association threatened to ban spectators from games after parents continually demonstrated "vindictive" behaviours towards referees, coaches and players. Last week the association followed through on the threat, banning five parents from attending games.
Spokespeople for the Merritt Centennials and Penticton Vees declined comment
-This story was updated at 3:07 p.m. Feb. 26 to add information that a Vees spokesperson declined comment.
To contact a reporter for this story, email gbrothen@infonews.ca, or call 250-319-7494. To contact the editor, email mjones@infonews.ca or call 250-718-2724.
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