10/03/2026
🟢 GREEN BANDS = YOUNG OFFICIALS LEARNING THE GAME 🏒
The Michigan Amateur Hockey Association (MAHA), in partnership with the District Referee-in-Chief, is introducing green arm bands for minor-aged officials working USA Hockey games across Michigan.
When you see a referee wearing green arm bands, remember: they are a young official learning one of the toughest jobs in hockey.
Just like our players, officials need time, experience, encouragement, and support to develop. Verbal abuse from coaches, players, and spectators is driving young officials away from the game—and discouraging others from ever picking up a whistle.
We need officials today, and we need to help develop the experienced officials our game will depend on tomorrow.
🟢 See the green bands.
🏒 Remember they are learning.
👏 Encourage them.
🤝 Respect them.
AHA asks all of our coaches, players, families, and spectators to help make this program successful and create an environment where our young officials want to keep coming back to the rink.
And remember: ZERO TOLERANCE applies. There is no place in youth hockey for abuse of officials.
Let’s support the next generation of hockey officials. 💚
