Young referees, under 18, will sport new green arm bands, when on the ice this year. Supplied photo.

Young hockey officials in Cole Harbour are sporting green arm bands.

The Cole Harbour Minor Hockey Association is trying to protect it’s officials 17 years of age or younger who can be subjected to verbal abuse. The green bands are a symbol to the players, coaches and spectators to give the officials, who can be as young as 14, the respect they need.

There are about 30, 000 officials in Canada and each year 10, 000 of them quit because of the insults they receive.

Posters are up around Cole Harbour Place to inform people about the initiative and some are already noticing a difference.