USAH Hockey Code of Conduct and LMIHC Player Code of Conduct

(see Parent and Coaches’ Code below)

USAH HOCKEY PLAYER CODE OF CONDUCT

  1.  No swearing or abusive language on the bench, in the rink, or at any team function.
  2.  No lashing out at any official no matter what the call is. The coaching staff will handle all matters pertaining to officiating.
  3.  Anyone who receives a penalty will skate directly to the penalty box.
  4.  Fighting will not be tolerated. Fighting will result in an appearance before a Discipline Committee.
  5.  There will be no drinking, smoking, chewing of tobacco or use of illegal substance at any team function.
  6.  I will conduct myself in a befitting manner at all facilities (ice rink, hotel, restaurant, etc) during all team functions.
  7.  Any player or team official who cannot abide by these rules or violates them will be subject to further disciplinary action.

LMIHC PLAYER CODE OF CONDUCT

The Lower Merion Ice Hockey Club believes strongly in the values of teamwork, sportsmanship and leadership through example. As a player in the organization, your actions reflect not only on you, but also on your teammates, your coaches and the LMIHC program.

Player Code of Conduct Agreement

  1. Players understand that your behavior reflects on your teammates, your coaches and the LMIHC program. You will always be on your best behavior at games, practices, hotels and other team events.
  2. Players will respect your coaches at all times and listen carefully to their instructions. You will understand that they are giving their time to make you a better hockey player.
  3. Players will support and respect your teammates and opponents at all times. You will not tease, ridicule, put down or make fun of any players on your team or the opposing team, at any time.
  4. Players will not complain about penalties or calls made by the officials and you will respect the referees at all times. You understand that they are in charge of enforcing the rules of ice hockey, and you will respect their opinions at all times.
  5. Players will not curse or use foul language.
  6. Players will show good sportsmanship at all times, both when winning and losing. Players will always wish another team a “good game” and congratulate the other team after the game.
  7. Players will be committed to developing as a hockey player which includes attending practice, off-ice activities, listening to your coach, and always giving your best effort.
  8. Player will arrive at practices and games on time as specified by the coach and will be prepared. Players understand that it is your responsibility to have all of your equipment packed and ready to play a game.
  9. Players will always leave the locker room clean and in good condition, both at your home rink and away.
  10. Players are required to abide by all team policies and school district policies when using social media outlets.
  11. Players will not use social media to post information, photos or any representations of inappropriate behavior or items that could be interpreted as demeaning, inflammatory or bullying.
  12. Players will not post social media correspondence that is critical of teammates, coaches, Club board members or officials.

LMIHC does not monitor player social media pages. However, coaches, team managers and board members have the right to address improper usage of social media and statements that may be considered detrimental to the team or club.

Social Media Best Practices

  1. There is no such thing as a completely private post on social media. Do not say anything that you would not say in public. Even when you delete something, it’s still out there somewhere.
  2. Think twice before posting. If you wouldn’t want your coach, parents, opponents, teachers or LMIHC board members to see your post, don’t post it.
  3. Be respectful and positive.
  4. I understand that by playing on a LMIHC team I am required to uphold the LMIHC Player Code of Conduct. I realize that violation of this Code of Conduct may result in disciplinary action at the discretion of the Coaches, Director of Hockey Development and/or the Board of Directors up to and including termination of player’s registration.

Parent / Legal Guardian Code of Conduct

Lower Merion Ice Hockey Club believes strongly as an organization in the values of teamwork, sportsmanship and leadership through example. The program’s overall goal of player development both on and off the ice relies heavily on our ability, as a group of families, to create and maintain a safe, fun and positive environment for our players.  Proper conduct and sportsmanship is expected of all families at all times.

Parent / Legal Guardian Code of Conduct Agreement

  1. Parents will promote the emotional and physical well-being of the player ahead of any desire to win.
  2. Parents will encourage good sportsmanship by demonstrating positive support for all players.
  3. Parents will leave the coaching to the coaching staff. Parents will encourage players to play in a manner consistent with the team’s strategy or plans.
  4. Parents will not undermine the coaches’ authority by trying to be a coach instead of a parent.
  5. Parents will always maintain a distance of 25 feet from the bench from the time the players leave the locker room for game warm ups until after the players leave the ice.
  6. Parents will never ridicule or yell at your child for making a mistake or losing a game. Parents understand that making mistakes is a key part of learning.
  7. Parents will treat all players, coaches, officials, other parents and spectators with dignity and respect in language, attitude, behavior and mannerisms. Parents understand that your behavior reflects on your child and on the LMIHC hockey program.
  8. Parents will never yell, taunt, threaten or inflict physical violence upon any player, coach, official or spectator at any youth hockey activity. Parents will refrain from the use of abusive or vulgar language, racial, ethnic or gender-related slurs at any time at the rink or any youth hockey function. Parents will support all efforts to remove verbal and physical abuse from youth hockey games. Parents understand that criticizing, name-calling, use of abusive language or gestures directed toward the coaches, officials, other parents and/or spectators and/or any player will not be tolerated, and you may be asked to leave the program.
  9. Parents will enjoy the involvement with LMIHC by supporting the players, coaches and other parents with positive communication and actions. Parents understand that concerns should be addressed with the Director of Hockey Development, team manager, appropriate Board representative or coaches privately; i.e., coaches should not be approached during practice or games.
  10. During games, parents will address any questions or concerns regarding decisions made by game officials to team manager and not to game officials.
  11. Parents will not post any information in any social media form including emails, posts, and photos using representations of inappropriate behavior or items that could be interpreted as demeaning or inflammatory.
  12. Parents are required to abide by all team policies and school district policies when using social media outlets.
  13. Parents will not post in social media correspondence that is critical of players, coaches, Club board members, other parents or officials.

LMIHC will not be engaged in regular active monitoring of player social media pages. However, coaches, team managers and board members have the right to address improper usage of social media and statements that may be considered detrimental to the team or club.

I understand that by registering my child for participation on an LMIHC team, I agree to support and promote this Parent/Legal Guardian Code of Conduct Agreement. Further, failure to comply with this agreement may result in disciplinary action at the discretion of the Board of Directors up to and including the termination of a player’s registration in the program.

Coaches’ Code of Conduct

The primary responsibility of an LMIHC coach is to provide a leadership role for promoting sportsmanship and skill development for players. Coaches will explain sportsmanship and athletic skill development in all activities and avoid a “Win at all cost” behavior. Each player will be treated with the respect, and his or her welfare should be considered in decisions by the coach at all times. Accordingly, the following guidelines for coaches have been adopted by Lower Merion Ice Hockey Club.

Coaches’ Code of Conduct Agreement

  1. The coach shall be aware that he or she has a tremendous influence on the education of the players and, therefore, will not place the value of winning above the value of instilling the highest ideals of character.
  2. Be a positive role model to your players, display emotional maturity and be alert to the physical safety of players.
  3. The coach shall uphold the honor and dignity of the profession. In all contact with players, officials, parents, and other coaches, the coach shall strive to set an example of the highest ethical and moral conduct.
  4. The coach will never taunt, threaten or inflict physical violence upon any player, fellow coach, official or spectator at any youth hockey activity. The coach will refrain from the use of abusive or vulgar language, racial, ethnic or gender-related slurs at any time at the rink or any youth hockey function. The coach will support all efforts to remove verbal and physical abuse from youth hockey games. The coach understands that criticizing, name-calling, use of abusive language or gestures directed toward fellow coaches, officials, parents and/or spectators and/or any player will not be tolerated, and you may be asked to leave the program.
  5. Coaches will work with and support the LMIHC Director of Hockey Development and LMIHC player development plan.
  6. Be generous with your praise when it is deserved; be consistent; be honest; be fair and just; don’t yell at players.
  7. The coach will be familiar with the rules, techniques and strategies of hockey.
  8. Maintain an open line of communication with your players’ parents. Explain the goals and objectives of LMIHC.
  9. Be concerned with the overall development of your players. Stress good health habits and clean living.
  10. As part of this program USA Hockey has implemented policies below addressing certain types of abuse and misconduct and certain policies intended to reduce, monitor and govern the areas where potential abuse and misconduct might occur.” Coaches are expected to be fully educated with each form of the SafeSport policies and refrain from any conduct that violates these policies.

The SafeSport Policies address the following types of abuse and misconduct:

  • Sexual Abuse and Misconduct
  • Physical Abuse and Misconduct
  • Emotional Abuse and Misconduct
  • Bullying, Threats and Harassment
  • Hazing

Are expected to understand and follow the SafeSport policies below which are implemented to reduce the risks of potential abuse:

  • Locker Room Policy
  • Electronic Communications Policy
  • Travel Policy

I understand that by accepting the coaching position for an LMIHC team, I agree to support and promote Coaches’ Code of Conduct Agreement. Further, failure to comply with this agreement may result in disciplinary action at the discretion of the Board of Directors up to and including the termination of a coach’s continued participation in the program.

Revised 8/2017