'You're killing them inside': Sask. hockey referee blows the whistle on verbal abuse of young officials

A Saskatchewan hockey referee is gaining widespread attention after posting a video on social media telling coaches and parents to “do better.”

Dave Kadun recently took to Instagram, calling on the hockey community to think twice before yelling — or swearing — at a young official.

“Think about what you’re doing when you’re yelling at a 12 or 13-year-old kid,” Kadun said in his video, which has garnered 1.5 million views.

“You’re killing them inside.”

The Lloydminster-based referee said there’s been multiple incidents this season where referees have left the ice crying and feeling defeated because of the verbal abuse.

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Kadun noted it can be difficult for a young referee to kick out an adult because of the authoritative position.

He said it’s important to remember the young officials are still learning.

“When they get yelled at, they start second guessing themselves, their confidence starts to drop. When it comes down to instances such as that, where are they going to learn if they don't make mistakes,” Kadun said in an interview with CTV News.

Hockey Saskatchewan recently implemented a new rule requiring young officials to wear a green armband to signify they are under 16-years-old.

(CTV News)

Kelly McClintock, general manager of Hockey Saskatchewan, said there is also a double suspension for people who are removed from the game for verbally abusing a referee.

“Those young guys and girls are no different than the players, they're learning the game, they’re going to make mistakes,” McClintock said in an interview with CTV News.

“We need to be cognizant of that, and we need to be respectful.”

Dave Kadun said if mistakes are made, there can still be level-headed conversations.

“Talk with the officials, they're people. Call them over, get down on ice level, and talk with them in a calm manner. It goes a long way in regards to learning,” Kadun said.

He said he hopes his video will help those in the hockey community who have yelled or sworn at a young referee to correct their behavior.