As many of you know, inappropriate conduct by players, parents and other spectators has become an increasing problem for youth sports organizations. To deal with this problem as effectively as possible, the Board has adopted the USA Hockey Parent's Code of Conduct which is reproduced below. We also have adopted the USA Hockey Zero Tolerance Policy for violators of the Code of Conduct. CHC also has adopted the New Jersey Youth Hockey League Zero Tolerance Physical Abuse Policy and is bound by NJYHL Rules and Regulations governing conduct. Some of these policies are also reproduced below. The Board urges all of you – parents and players – to take these policies to heart so that we will all have a more enjoyable and successful season!
CHC CODE OF CONDUCT:
The parent(s)/guardian(s) and the registered participant each agree:
1. I will not swear or use abusive language or inappropriate gestures on the bench, in the stands, at a rink or at team functions. I will not use any such language or gestures towards players, parents, coaches, game officials, spectators or Cranford Hockey Club (CHC) officials.
2. As a spectator, I acknowledge that USA Hockey’s Zero Tolerance, AAHA’s Zero Tolerance and NJYHL Rule 75 provide that I may be removed from the rink for violating these policies and that fines may be imposed on CHC for such behavior. I hereby agree to reimburse CHC for all such fines.
3. I will not lash out at any official no matter what the call is. I will allow the coaching staff to handle all matters pertaining to officiating.
4. Fighting will not be tolerated. I will not fight. Fighting will result in an appearance before the CHC Board and may result in suspensions from CHC functions.
5. I will respect all teammates. I will not demean, push, punch, bully, haze, harass, swing anything at, or attempt to hurt another player. CHC adheres to USA Hockey’s SafeSport Program (www.uscenterforsafesport.org) as a means to help protect its participants from abuse and other types of misconduct. Players, parents and volunteers may be subject to disciplinary action for violation of these policies or for engaging in any misconduct or abuse that violates the USA Hockey SafeSport Policies. Reports of any actual or suspected violations should be emailed to USA Hockey at SafeSport@usahockey.org or reported by calling 1-800-888-4656.
6. Cell phones and other mobile devices with recording capabilities, including voice recording, still cameras and video cameras, are not permitted to be used in the locker rooms. I will not use any such device in the locker room. If I need to use a phone or other mobile device, I will use it only outside of the locker room.
7. I will not drink alcohol, smoke, vape, chew tobacco or use any illegal substance at any team function (e.g., practice, game or in the locker room).
8. I will conduct myself in a befitting manner at all CHC functions.
9. I acknowledge and agree that any CHC player, parent or team official who does not abide by these rules will be subject to removal or suspension from CHC functions.
USA Hockey Parent's Code of Conduct
· Applaud good plays, don't dwell on bad plays.
· Kids imitate their parents. If you act like a jerk, your kid probably will too.
· The stands are not a place to shout personal instructions.
· There is more to life than hockey. Encourage your child to participate in other activities.
· Respect the coach's decision and abilities. Don't force your kid to decide whether to listen to you or the coach.
· Stress fair and sensible play. Nobody needs to get hurt because someone is not playing by the rules.
· Stress the long-term importance of practice over the short-term excitement of games.
· Keep things in perspective. The odds of your kid making it in the NHL are pretty slim.
· Stress the importance of the team.
· Never lose sight of the fact that you are a role model.
· Winning probably means more to you than it does to your kid.
· Don't yell if your kid makes a mistake. Point out what they do well. Positive reinforcement goes a long way.
· Take time to learn the rules of the game. That way, if you insist on shouting at the ref at least you'll know what you are talking about.
· Remember that coaches and league administrators are volunteers. A "thank you" every once in a while is often reward enough.
NJYHL Code of Ethics
All organizations are responsible for the actions of their team members, team officials and their fans. All individuals associated with the NJYHL or one of its member organizations shall conduct themselves in a proper manner at all times.
· Improper conduct is defined as behavior deemed detrimental to the philosophy and objectives of the league, as well as any action which produces results detrimental to any team or individual players of the league.
· Repeated instances of improper conduct shall be dealt with by the NJYHL board.
All parents / guardians of NJYHL players are subject to the Zero Tolerance Physical Abuse Policy:
1. Any parent / guardian that attempts to cause physical injury or makes the threat thereof to any individual associated with NJYHL or its member organizations shall be subject, and his/her children shall be subject, to immediate suspension from NJYHL play and/or other League involvement for up to one year at the discretion of the commissioner.
2. A second instance of an attempt to threaten or cause physical injury shall result in up to a three year suspension for the player(s) and the parent / guardian from any involvement with the NJYHL.
All individuals associated with the NJYHL or one of its member organizations are expected to uphold the value of honesty, good sportsmanship and have respect for the integrity and role of the other member organizations as well as their organization.
USA Hockey Zero Tolerance Policy
The game will be stopped by on-ice officials when the parents/spectators displaying inappropriate and disruptive behavior interfere with other spectators or the game. The on-ice 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:
· Use of obscene or vulgar language in a boisterous manner to anyone at any time.
· Taunting players, coaches, officials or other spectators by means of baiting, ridiculing, threat of physical violence.
· 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.
NJYHL Rule 75
Spectators at all League games are expected to act with decorum and show good sportsmanship. While crowd control is the responsibility of the home team, if an official feels that the actions of the spectators are having a disruptive influence on the progress of the game, he shall advise the home team to warn the spectators involved to discontinue their disruptive behavior or they will be cleared from the rink. If, in the judgment of the game officials, the spectators have not responded positively to the warning, the officials may then order the rink cleared of any fans they so designate. The official is required to record the name of any spectator on the score sheet. The official will not continue the game until the spectator has been identified by the offending team’s coach. The NJYHL Commissioner will assess a $250 fine to the offending team for each spectator ejection. The Commissioner also has the right to suspend the related player for a parent/guardian ejection.
Player’s Code of Conduct
Each player shall abide by the following Code of Conduct or will be removed from practice or games:
Any player or team official who cannot abide by these rules or violates them will be subject to disciplinary action, including suspension from team activities