Parents/Spectators & Zero Tolerance Policy

In an effort to make ice hockey a more rewarding experience for all participant, USA Hockey has added another point of emphasis, Parents/Spectators and Zero Tolerance Policy.  The Parents/Spectators point of emphasis is designed to ensure a sportsmanlike and educational atmosphere in all USA Hockey sanctioned events.

The following is from the USA Hockey Official Rules of Hockey Handbook 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 it’s 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.  They are important to the development your child and the sport.  Communicate with them and support them.

• If you enjoy the game, learn all you can about hockey- and volunteer.

Players Code of Conduct:

• Play for FUN.

• Work hard to improve your skills.

• Be a team player- get along with your teammates.

• Learn teamwork, sportsmanship and discipline.

• Be on time for practices and games.

• Learn the rules and play by them.  Always be a good sport.

• Respect your coach, your teammates, your parents, opponents and officials.

• Never argue with an official’s decision.

Players
A minor penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct (Zero Tolerance) shall be assessed whenever a player: 
1.)  Openly disputes or argues any decision by an official.  
2.)  Uses obscene or vulgar language at any time, including any swearing, even if it is not directed at a particular person.  
3.)  Visually demonstrates any sign of dissatisfaction with an official’s decision.  
Any time that a player persists in any of these actions, they shall be assessed a misconduct penalty.  A game misconduct shall result if the player continues such action.