It is worth appreciating the work of referees. Caroline Ouellette understood this and implemented it in the two most recent women’s hockey tournaments that bear her name.
The former forward teamed up with Stephanie Campbell, supervisor and director of the province’s elite women officers program, to help guide the girls to office.
“For the past three years, the Caroline Ouellette Celebration has been run exclusively by women,” proudly announces the four-time Olympic champion, whose tournament in December was attended by 91 teams. It’s important for girls to see that there is a future for them after playing, like as a coach or as a referee.”
The event also offers women ice hockey players the opportunity to gain coaching experience during the celebration under the supervision of mentors, many of whom work at CEGEP.
Last year ten players were introduced to refereeing and nine finished the season as referees. This season, nine of the 51 referees present were newcomers and seven want to continue the adventure.
Referee Mégane Beaudoin during the final of the Caroline Ouellette Celebration at the Bell Center in Montreal, December 18, 2022. Photo Arianne Bergeron
College from the first season
One of them is Mégane Beaudoin. The 20-year-old elementary school student at Bishop’s University in Sherbrooke was thrilled.
“I really liked it. I’ve played more than 40 games at all levels since December, up to women’s college D1,” emphasizes the former varsity player. I liked the teamwork.”
The one who admits to having “yelled at the referees a lot” during her playing time had to learn to live with the reactions of coaches and parents.
“That’s the hardest part for me, keeping a cool head and not getting on my nerves.”
Free equipment
In addition to the basic equipment at the Celebration (a helmet, visor, sweater, pants and whistle worth about $300) and Hockey Québec training, Mégane Beaudoin was able to count on the support of mentors on the ice rink during his first games.
“It’s harder than it looks but we’re adjusting very well and it helps to have shade on the ice to have a reference. Mentors talk to us, advise us and give us security. It’s accelerated learning.”
“They talk to them throughout the game and that allows you to learn something and gain confidence,” notes Caroline Ouellette. Mentors can also step in to ensure the right decisions are made throughout the tournament so games are called fairly.
Mentor Marie-Ève Couture advises young referee Sophie Cadotte during the Caroline Ouellette Celebration on December 18 at the Bell Centre. Photo by Arianne Bergeron
understand coaches
By participating in this tournament, the coaches pledge to respect the officials and we have to admit that it works.
“It is certain that the referees will make mistakes, whether they are young or old. Patience is required from trainers, because mistakes happen at all levels, whether in the M9, at the university or in the professional area. It’s part of the game, we’re all human. And players and coaches make mistakes too, so it’s normal for officials to make mistakes sometimes,” said the future inductee of the Hockey Hall of Fame.
This program, as well as the program at the Belairdirect Cup in May, allows players to have the experience of donning a striped sweater in a safe environment.
“Parents are sometimes afraid, especially for the little ones because they are thrown in the bath,” explains Stéphanie Campbell. But the fact that there is supervision is enormously reassuring for the parents, but also for the officials. Even for less young referees!”
▶ Among Hockey Québec’s other initiatives, which is adding a recruitment and retention coordinator to its officials department, are the Referee Advisors, who accompany newcomers on the ice and guide them during games. Some regions also want to emulate other provinces and ensure underage rookies and officials wear armbands so parents, coaches and players can identify them.