BC Lacrosse Association suspends Castlegar coach Peter Youngblut for 10 years after an on-bench kicking incident at U13 provincials in Port Coquitlam.
Coach Handed Decade-Long Ban
The BC Lacrosse Association (BCLA) has suspended Castlegar coach Peter Youngblut for 10 years following an incident involving a player at the U13 provincial championships held July 3–6 in Port Coquitlam.
Details of the Incident
Video evidence submitted to the BCLA appeared to show Youngblut kicking a player while on the bench during the tournament. The association confirmed that this footage was reviewed as part of the disciplinary hearing, which led to the unprecedented suspension.
Immediate Action Taken
Shortly after the alleged incident, BCLA officials met with Youngblut and the family of the athlete involved. He was placed under a temporary suspension while the investigation proceeded, before the governing body issued its final ruling this month.
Impact on Local Teams
Youngblut, who had been coaching the West Kootenay Minor Lacrosse Association (WKMLA) U13 team and a Junior B squad, will no longer be permitted to coach under any organization affiliated with the BCLA. The WKMLA has not issued a public statement following the ruling.
Coach’s Background and Response
In a previous interview, Youngblut said he has long been active in youth sports, including hockey, and has served on several community boards. SurreySpeak.ca reached out for his response to the latest suspension, but he did not reply by publication time.
Why It Matters for Youth Sports
The BCLA emphasized that discipline decisions reflect its responsibility to protect athletes and maintain safe sporting environments. The case highlights growing concerns around conduct in youth athletics and the importance of accountability in coaching roles across British Columbia.
This article is original and written specifically for Surreyspeak.com
