Hockey Association Board Shares Perspective on Bullying Policy
To the Editor:

We are writing this letter to you in response to your article concerning the April recreation board meeting. Much of the article seemed to have a negative focus on the St. Ignace Hockey Association, its coaches, parents, and players. As the recreation board ponders its "bullying policy," we would endeavor to bring a few facts forward in support of our organization.

1. The St. Ignace Hockey Association is a group primarily made up of parents and coaches who are interested in promoting hockey and helping the children of our community through the sport.

2. Local hockey is run strictly by people who volunteer their time, and who are supported by parents, sponsors, and fundraising to have the game of hockey available as a viable and organized activity.

3. We are the organization that purchases the majority of ice time from the City of St. Ignace and as such would be considered the primary customer and supporter of Little Bear East Arena.

4. We have attempted over the years to work closely with the city to promote Little Bear East, as we know it not only benefits our association, but the entire community.

5. Hockey is responsible for bringing more outside visitors to our community during the winter months on a regular basis to use local hotels, restaurants, gas stations, and shops than any other individual winter event sponsored by any organization.

6. The Chamber of Commerce and the Tourist Association [sic] recognize this and have been a great help to our organization.

All these points and more support the fact that we are good citizens, we do our part and more to support the community, and last but not least, we provide a fun, organized activity for the youth of the community.

The casual observer and readers of The St. Ignace News need to know that youth hockey is international. It is highly organized. It is well governed, nationally by USA Hockey and on the state level by the Michigan Amateur Hockey Association (MAHA). Readers also need to know that USA Hockey certifies all coaches and referees. This certification is not a one-shot deal. Re-certification, testing, and advancement are, if not required in certain cases, highly recommended. People who work in hockey, simply as volunteers, are more organized, better trained, and more monitored than any other organized sport, and that statement applies to all organized sports, including those offered by public schools.

USA Hockey and MAHA do not condone or allow bullying. We function on an ethics code referred to as S.T.A.R., which stands for Shared Tolerance Appreciation and Respect. S.T.A.R. applies to everyone involved - players, coaches, and parents. Hockey does not condone the activities and atmosphere that parts of the article seem to imply. In fact, people who violate the S.T.A.R. pact must go before a committee, be judged, and if necessary, punished through degrees ranging from probation to outright dismissal from organized hockey. A S.T.A.R. banner is prominently displayed at Little Bear East, along with a code of conduct. It is very evident that we do not condone, promote, or tolerate bullying or any other improper activity.

It is very unfortunate that the recreation board chose to even discuss the issue that should have been directed to the hockey association, and even more unfortunate that The St. Ignace News chose to report on it, and in fact use it as the "grabber" in the headline. While we recognize it was a public meeting, of which news can and should be reported, we also feel that after many years of asking for positive coverage of things done by the hockey association (i.e. tournaments, State Championships, etc.) the News chose to follow up on, use negative headlines, and report on a single parent's negative complaint.

While it is discouraging to work so hard for the good of our children and the community and receive so little unsolicited support along with this ridiculous negative coverage, we will continue to move forward. We do so because we love the game and care about our children and the community.

Submitted by the following St. Ignace Hockey Association

board members:

Scott Winkelman, president Eric Danielson, vice-president

Doug Goudreau, treasurer

Rick Eberts, secretary

Editor's Note: In the April 26 story, "City Recreation Board Ponders Bullying Policy," the Recreation Advisory Committee's discussion was about a policy for city recreation programs in general and for all events held at city facilities. Policies were not directed specifically at your hockey program, nor did our story or headline imply that they were. Personal references about a committee member were removed from this letter.