Hockey games are not for babysitting

DEAR EDITOR:

Season tickets holders received an email before last Friday’s game. It said: “…We are expecting over 4,000 fans at the Vees game tomorrow night…We ask for kindness and patience as schools will be navigating their correct seats.“

This must be a mistake since when do kids sit in their correct seats? They move from seat to seat at will.

Why are season ticket holders being asked to be patient and kind? Did schools and parents receive an email outlining correct etiquette for watching hockey games?

Why is it that the Vees management allows a free-for-all for free ticket holders? Don’t blame the volunteer staff when they get involved in many cases they get told off or ignored.

Kids are allowed to climb over seats brushing past people while the game is in play. Their minders and parents ignore this rude behaviour that affects others trying to enjoy the game. Kids near the top seats scream at other kids on the concourse to draw their attention.

The intermission is a free for all for kids to roughhouse and be a general nuisance: A grand time for everyone except those that pay for seats.

The Vees management is not in the business of hockey but are running a free babysitting service. And apparently they know it is a problem as they are asking season ticket holders to be patient and kind.

It seems to be human nature that we do not appreciate what we have until we have lost it. Why would any season ticket holder go to a game to face constant irritation from others that use the hockey arena as a dumping ground.

Apparently free kids tickets is more important than allowing season tickets holders to see the game they paid for.

Missing play or goals because of kids standing and climbing over seats in front of you while the game is in play is a constant distraction.

There needs to be a document drawn up with the rules for proper etiquette behaviour while watching a hockey game. These rules should be handed to every school and parent that takes advantage of freebie tickets to bring their children to a hockey game.

A hockey game is not a babysitting service. It is an opportunity to teach a child manners and consideration for others.

Elvena Slump Penticton