from CBC News,

The Vancouver Island Amateur Hockey Association is warning its members it is considering banning spectators from weekend games.

In an open letter, VIAHA president Jim Humphrey says the problem of spectators verbally abusing and harassing on-ice officials and players has become so serious the executive is considering spectator-free weekends.

In this scenario, spectators would be banned from the ice rink area which would be restricted to officials and players only. Humphrey says referees would not start games until spectators had left and would suspend play or games if they returned.

He says the executive is reluctant to take such drastic action, but the vindictiveness of a small minority is costing the association promising young officials and making it difficult for the players to have fun.

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