Hartley Miller's Slap-shots: February 23rd Edition

By Hartley Miller

Earlier this month, a Prince George Ringette Team withdrew from the Northern BC Winter Games in Fort St John because the 11 and 12 year old girls were not permitted to stay in a hotel. Although I can appreciate the parents’ willingness to safeguard their children, I believe the organizers of these games were correct by not granting this request.

Billeting is a common practice in many sports. This happens several times a year and kids benefit from the experience. Northern BC Winter Games policy states that athletes (non adults) must be billeted, in pairs, unless there is a previously stated medical condition. Games President Bob Irwin confirms this by saying, "Billeting is a fundamental part of the games."

Billet homes are approved after a criminal record check is completed. Of course, these criminal record checks do not guarantee that someone in a billeted home is not a criminal or pedophile, but in life, there are no guarantees.

Nevertheless, some of the parents on the ringette team preferred a hotel, rather than billet homes feeling it was safer for their kids. Coach Rayna Howard says, "None of our parents felt it was safe or reasonable to send those girls to a stranger’s house to stay." Howard adds to this by saying, "You get a criminal record only if you get caught for a crime" implying that the check is not a comprehensive one.

The Northern Winter Games are much more than just competition. The games are about travel, about being part of a large group, about camaraderie, about sportsmanship, about getting away from home and about meeting new people.

In today’s society, responsible parents place the safety of their children first and foremost. Of course, parents always fear the worse, especially when it comes to crimes against children. Historically, there have been a tiny number of reports disclosing major trouble in billet homes. However, I am not naïve as there may be unreported negative incidents.

On the other hand, staying in hotels, even with adults, is not an infallible system. Some of the hotels attract non credible people and can even be dangerous. One never knows who walks through a hotel lobby door or who is "lurking" in and around a hotel.

So, there is no perfect system, and if parents are uncomfortable with the Game’s policy, then they shouldn’t register in the event in the first place. Moreover, I believe it is a slap in the face to the community hosting a massive event when a small group wants the rules changes to benefit themselves. No one is above the guidelines.

In the end, Fort St John billeted approximately 900 youth. At some point, people have to put trust in others and almost always, if safeguards are in place, the child will benefit. I believe that the organizers of the Northern BC Winter games have gone above and beyond their call of duty to create a safe and enjoyable experience for the young athletes. In essence, the organizing committee has created a spirit of competition balanced with security and life long friendships. And, isn’t that what the Northern Games are all about?

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