Code of Conduct

Code of Conduct for Everyone

● Behavior toward game officials: Game officials will be treated with dignity and respect at all times. When questioning officials, proper procedure tempered with good judgment shall be used (e.g., lodge an official protest or have only designated individuals, such as captains, address officials). Under no circumstances shall anyone argue with, use profanity toward, verbally or physically threaten or assault an official.

● Behavior toward opponents: Opponents will be treated with dignity and respect at all times. No one shall argue with, make sarcastic remarks to, or use profanity toward opponents. Also, no one shall retaliate should someone make offensive actions towards him or her.

● Behavior toward coaches: Coaches will be treated with dignity and respect at all times. No one shall argue with, make sarcastic remarks to, or use profanity toward any coaches. Coaches shall not retaliate should someone make offensive actions towards him or her.

● Behavior toward fans: Fans will be treated with dignity and respect at all times. No one shall argue with, make sarcastic remarks to, or use profanity toward fans. Also, no one shall retaliate should someone make offensive actions towards him or her.

● Social Media: Please refrain from posting derogatory remarks regarding any teams, coaches, players, parents or officials. Additional information regarding this policy can be found on the USA Hockey website in the SafeSport Program Handbook.

Players’ Code of Conduct

● Play for fun and work hard to improve your skills.

● Learn the rules and play by them. ● Be on time for practices and games.

● Give maximum concentration and effort to your coaches both at practices and games.

● Be a team player.

● Learn teamwork, sportsmanship, and discipline.

● Give only constructive criticism and positive encouragement to teammates. Remember that negative remarks to teammates undermine the quality of their play and thereby hurt the team in general.

● Respect and appreciate your parents, coaches, teammates, opponents, and officials.

Parents’ Code of Conduct

● Do not force your children to participate in sports, but support their desires to play their chosen sport. Children are involved in organized sports for their enjoyment. Make it fun.

● Encourage your child to play by the rules. Remember, children learn best by example, so applaud the good plays of both teams.

● Do not embarrass your child by yelling at players, coaches, or officials. By showing a positive attitude toward the game and all of its participants, your child will benefit.

● Emphasize skill development and practices and how they benefit your young athlete. De-emphasize games and competition in the lower age groups.

● Know and study the rules of the game, and support the officials on and off the ice. This approach will help in the development and support of the game. Any criticism of the officials only hurts the game.

● Applaud a good effort in both victory and defeat, and enforce the positive points of the game. Never yell or physically abuse your child after a game or practice - it is destructive. Work toward removing the physical and verbal abuse in youth sports. ● Recognize the importance of volunteer coaches and association officials. They are important to the development of your child and the sport. Communicate with them and support them.

● If you enjoy the game of hockey, learn all you can about it and volunteer as a coach or manager. 

Coaches’ Code of Conduct

● Winning is a consideration, but not the only one, nor the most important one. Care more about the child than winning the game. Remember, players are involved with hockey for fun and enjoyment.

● Be a positive role model to your players, display emotional maturity, and be alert to the physical safety of players.

● Be generous with your praise when it is deserved; be consistent and honest; be fair; do not criticize players publicly; learn to be a more effective communicator and coach; do not yell at players.

● Adjust to personal needs and problems of players; be a good listener; never verbally or physically abuse a player or official; give all players the opportunity to improve their skills, gain confidence, and develop self-esteem; teach them the basics.

● Organize practices that are fun and challenging for your players. Familiarize yourself with the rules, techniques, and strategies of hockey; encourage all your players to be team players.

● Maintain an open line of communication with your players' parents. Explain the goals and objectives of your association.

● Be concerned with the overall development of your players on and off the ice.

Failure to conduct oneself in this way will be documented and could result in progressive disciplinary action as deemed appropriate by the Hockey Director. 

To remove this section, simply double-click the trash icon to the right.