PARENT / PLAYER / SPECTATOR CODE OF CONDUCT

Parent's Code of Conduct:
 
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.

 
Player's 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.
• 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.

 
Spectator's Code of Conduct
 

• Display good sportsmanship. Always respect players, coaches and officials.
• 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.
• Help provide a safe and fun environment; throwing any items on the ice surface can cause injury to players and officials.
• Do not lean over or pound on the glass; the glass surrounding the ice surface is part of the playing area.
• Support the referees and coaches by trusting their judgment and integrity.
• Be responsible for your own safety – be alert to prevent accidents from flying pucks and other avoidable situations.
• Respect locker rooms as private areas for players, coaches and officials.
• Be supportive after the game – win or lose. Recognize good effort, teamwork and sportsmanship.

 
Zero Tolerance:
 
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.

Parents/Spectators:
 
The game will be stopped by game officials when parents/spectators displaying inappropriate and disruptive behavior interfere with other spectators or the game. The game officials will identify violators to the coaches for the purpose of removing parents/ spectators from the spectator’s viewing and game area. Once removed, play will resume. Lost time will not be replaced and violators may be subject to further disciplinary action by the local governing body. This inappropriate and disruptive behavior shall include:
 

1. Use of obscene or vulgar language in a boisterous manner to anyone at any time.
2. Taunting of players, coaches, officials or other spectators by means of baiting, ridiculing, threat of physical violence or physical violence.
3. Throwing of any object in the spectators viewing area, players bench, penalty box or on ice surface, directed in any manner as to create a safety hazard.

 
Note that under the Arizona High School Hockey Association's Policies and Procedures Guide states that:
 
Section 11.5. Gross Misconduct
 
Any player, coach or spectator whose conduct immediately prior to, during, or immediately after any games or practices, is deemed detrimental to the policies of AHSHA, and/or the safety of AHSHA players, coaches or officials, may be brought before the DC, Executive Committee, or Board for possible action. That action may include, but is not limited to, any combination and/or order of the following: verbal or written warnings, removal from any AHSHA event, sanctions, monetary fine or financial reparations, game suspensions, probation, other conditions under which participation in the season may be allowed, or expulsion from AHSHA.
 
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Player’s Signature                                                                                                Date
 
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Parent’s Signature                                                                                               Date
 
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Parent’s Signature                                                                                               Date

PARENT/PLAYER/SPECTATOR CODE OF CONDUCT