Referees were even followed back to their cars by spectators who were yelling and threatening them, said association president Glen Henkewich. (CBC)A Manitoba lacrosse league has lifted a ban on parents and other spectators from watching games that was imposed after numerous complaints from referees about abusive behaviour.

The Manitoba Lacrosse Association put the ban in place Tuesday night for games in the Red River Lacrosse Association, the governing body for box lacrosse in Winnipeg and the surrounding area.

But officials said Wednesday they've been getting a lot of feedback from their members on the ban.

"The consensus from our membership is that they recognize there is a problem with the abuse of officials and many have offered suggestions to address the issue," lacrosse association president Glen Henkewich said in a statement posted Wednesday evening on the association's website.

"After a considerable amount of discussion … we have collectively agreed to lift the spectator ban effective immediately."

Parents who showed up to watch games Tuesday evening were turned away.

"There have been threats of physical violence. We've had some referees … where it's been mentioned to them, 'We know where your car is outside. Nice car. We'll see you after the game,' " Henkewich said, noting that some referees are as young as 16.

Referees were sometimes even followed back to their cars by spectators who were yelling and threatening them, Henkewich said.

'We feel the game is for the kids, not for the parents.'— Lacrosse association president Glen Henkewich

"It's just getting more ridiculous as the days go on," he said, adding that one senior official has quit and that assigning referees to games has become "quite challenging."

"We have to do something, otherwise I'm not going to have officials going to games," he said.

"And we feel the game is for the kids, not for the parents."

Everyone penalized for behaviour of few: parent

Some parents argued that they've paid their children's fees, so they should be allowed to attend the games. (CBC)Some parents said they are upset that everyone was being penalized for the behaviour of a few spectators.

" 'Jim Smith' here, he followed the referee to his car. Well, fine, 'Jim Smith' should be banned from the rink, you know, I have no problem with that. But to do everybody, I think, is really ridiculous," said Gary Michalick, whose twin 14-year-old boys play in the league.

Parents paid the registration fees and should be able to watch, he said.

"I believe tonight some of our parents are just going to go sit in the rink and dare them to stop the game," Michalick said.

The league's novice level is currently in playoffs, while other age groups are still in regular-season play.