Codes of Conduct

PLAY for fun.

WORK HARD to improve your skills.

BE A TEAM PLAYER - get along with your teammates.

BE on time.

LEARN TEAMWORK, sportsmanship and discipline.

LEARN THE RULES and play by them. Always be a good sport.

RESPECT your coach, your teammates, your parents, opponents and officials.

RESPECT an official's decision.

NEVER ARGUE with an official's decision.

DO NOT FORCE your children to participate in sports, but support their desires to play their chosen sports. 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. They are important to the development of your child and the sport. Communicate with them and support them.

IF YOU ENJOY THE GAME, learn all you can about hockey—and volunteer.

RESPECT the decisions of officials and encourage participants’ continued effort.

DISPLAY good sportsmanship. Always respect and show appreciation to all players, coaches, officials and volunteers.

ACT APPROPRIATELY; do not taunt or disturb other fans; enjoy the game together.

CHEER GOOD PLAYS of all participants; avoid booing opponents.

CHEER IN A POSITIVE MANNER and encourage fair play; profanity and objectionable cheers or gestures are offensive.

BE A POSITIVE ROLE MODEL to your players. Don’t yell or criticize officials. Your team and players are an extension of you and your coaching philosophy.

BE GENEROUS with your praise when it is deserved; be consistent and honest; be fair and just; do not criticize players publicly; learn to be a more effective communicator and coach; don’t 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 players 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. Stress good health habits and clean living.

TREAT ALL ATHLETES with respect at all times.

BE AWARE OF THE HEALTH AND SAFETY of all athletes at all times in regard to our sport. If the conditions are unsafe, follow best practices and not allow the health and safety of the athletes to be compromised.

RECOGNIZE THE SIGNS of injury, physical and psychological stress in themselves and in athletes, take these indicators seriously, and refer or seek out appropriate and qualified support.

BE PREPARED with an executable emergency plan for their primary use facilities that has been shared and practiced.

ASSIST THE ATHLETE in forming goals and expectations that are realistic and practical with consideration of the age, resources and experience of the athlete.

GIVE ATHLETES THE OPPORTUNITY to develop their sport and non-sport skills translating into other facets of their lives.

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 in hockey for fun and enjoyment.