Code of Conduct - Players

This policy is adapted from the USA Hockey Zero Tolerance Player’s Code of Conduct

1. Play for fun.
2. Work hard to improve your skills.
3. Learn teamwork, sportsmanship, and discipline. Players will take pride in their team and contribute to the team’s unity. Players will adhere strictly to the coach’s rules and be supportive of the coach’s practice plans, game plans, and other decisions.
4. Be a team player – get along with your teammates. Do not criticize other teammates or their play. Hockey is a team sport; as such the interests of the team take precedence over the individual.
5. Be on time. Notify the coach or manager in advance when you must miss. A reason such as religion class, school activity, illness, etc. must be given. Be at the rink by the appointed time set by the coaches.
6. Never argue with an official’s decision. Learn the rules and play by them. The only individuals who may speak to officials are the coaches and/or designated players under the instruction of their coaches. There is zero tolerance for abusive behavior. Harassment, obscene language, gestures, and other behavior deemed to be abusive directed toward referees will be subject to sanctions. Coaches have the authority to escalate any situation to the appropriate level depending on the severity of the incident.
7. Do not attempt to deliberately injure another player(s). Any player incurring a MATCH penalty for “attempt to injure” or other offense deemed equally serious by the coach shall be subject to suspension beyond the USA HOCKEY rules as deemed appropriate by the CCYHA Board. Fighting; wrestling; or throwing a punch in a game, practice, or locker room qualifies under this code.
8. Wear the proper protective equipment. Proper protective equipment includes a mouth guard and unaltered helmet. A neck guard is highly recommended. You are responsible for your own equipment.
9. All players are expected to conduct themselves in a respectable manner. Destructive or delinquent behavior in the locker room and/or before, during, or after a game, or practice, will not be tolerated. Conduct should be respectable when with the team at any other public facility including restaurants, hotels, etc. Players should be attentive when coaches explain practices drills, game strategies, and other information or instructions.
10. Use of cellphones and other mobile devices are prohibited in the locker room. These include devices with recording capabilities, including voice recording, still cameras, and video cameras. This is a violation of the USA Hockey SafeSport Policy and may be subject to penalties listed under Player Behavior Specifics below. If they must be used, they should be taken outside the locker room.
11. Player Behavior Specifics. There will be ZERO tolerance of abusive behavior, either physical or verbal. Harassment, obscene language or gestures, inappropriate physical contact, and other behavior deemed to be abusive toward coaches, referees, officials, opponents, teammates, spectators, or association officials will not be tolerated Depending on facts and circumstances, consequences may include verbal warnings, loss of playing time, suspension, and/or removal from the team and/or association. 

Recommended guidelines for offenses are as follows, but may be modified at the coaches’ discretion:

• First Offense: The player will be verbally warned by the coach with the parent present and, if possible, the culture keeper will document the action. If the behavior occurs in a practice, they will be asked to sit out for a minimum of 15 minutes. If the behavior occurs during a game, the player will sit out 1 full period. 
• Second Offense: The player will be removed from the remainder of the game, practice, or other team event and will be warned in writing as soon as possible.
• Third Offense: The player will be removed from the team pending a meeting with the CCYHA Disciplinary Board. Depending on the facts and circumstances, consequences can range from a suspension from all CCYHA events (including team events, practices, games, and tournaments) to removal from the team for the remainder of the season and/or expulsion from CCYHA.

Coaches may refer any incident of player misconduct to the CCYHA Board for further review.

I agree to treat my fellow teammates, coaches, CCYHA representatives, referees, and other association members with respect in my participation on a CCYHA team by following this Code of Conduct.