CODE OF CONDUCT POLICY
This Code of Conduct identifies the standard of behaviour which is expected of all Loyalist Township Minor Hockey Association (“LTMHA”) members and participants, including but not limited to all players, guardians, parents, grandparents, coaches, officials, volunteers, directors, officers, committee members, conveners, team managers, trainers and administrators involved in LTMHA activities and events.
The LTMHA is committed to providing an environment in which all individuals are treated with respect. Members and participants of the LTMHA shall conduct themselves at all times in a manner consistent with the values of the LTMHA which include fairness, integrity, and mutual respect.
During the course of all LTMHA activities and events, members shall avoid behavior which brings the LTMHA or the sport of hockey into disrepute, including but not limited to abusive use of alcohol, use of non-medical drugs and use of alcohol by minors.
LTMHA members and participants shall at all times adhere to the LTMHA operational policies and procedures, to rules and regulations governing LTMHA events and activities, and to rules and regulations governing any competitions in which the member participates on behalf of the LTMHA.
Members and participants of the LTMHA shall not engage in any activity or behaviour which interferes with a competition or with any player or team's preparation for a competition, or which endangers the safety of others.
Members of the LTMHA shall refrain from comments or behaviours, which are disrespectful, offensive, abusive, racist or sexist. In particular, behaviour, which constitutes harassment, abuse or bullying, will not be tolerated.
Failure to comply with this Code of Conduct may result in disciplinary action, including but not limited to, the loss or suspension of certain or all privileges connected with the respective Member Association in the LTMHA including the opportunity to participate in the LTMHA and its’ Member Association activities and events, both present and future.
Behavior
All
• Always demonstrate good sportsmanship
• Learn, understand and respect the rules of the game
• Avoid drugs, tobacco and alcohol
• Respect other players, coaches, trainers, officials, administrators, volunteers and parents
• Respect and show appreciation for the volunteer coaches and members who run the league who give their time to ensure we have a place to play hockey.
• Remember this is a game for children and not adults
• Establish supportive, positive environments for healthy competition, skill development, fun and achievement of goals
• I understand that all cameras, cell phones or any type of photographic equipment are NOT permitted inside any change room at any times.
Players
• Play and compete for your own enjoyment as well as work for the good of your team and community
• Will have fun, make friends, improve skills and play safely
• Be present before games and practices in a timely manner to be ready to play on time (usually 30 prior) and notify the coach ahead of time in regard to absences
• Control my temper – fighting and mouthing off can spoil the activity for everybody
• Remember that coaches and officials are there to help me. I will always accept their decisions and show them respect
• I understand that all cameras, cell phones or any type of photographic equipment are NOT permitted inside any change room at any times.
Parents/Guardians
• Encourage my child to do their best, have fun and demonstrate good sportsmanship, win and lose gracefully and lead by example as well as support, not undermine their efforts
• Communicate any and all concerns regarding inappropriate behaviour to the team manager, coach and/or LTMHA executive member
• Refrain from expressing opinions of coaches, players and parents from both my team and the opposing team in front of my own child or anyone else’s
• Apply the 24-hour rule before approaching a coach or member of the executive with a concern or complaint
• Ensure my child’s equipment is complete, safe and in good condition
• Avoid coaching from the stands, using bad language and harassing players, coaches, officials or other spectators
• I understand that all cameras, cell phones or any type of photographic equipment are NOT permitted inside any change room at any times.
Coaches
• Communicate with players, parents, officials, bench staff and executive members honestly, generously, fairly and with integrity
• Set attainable goals for the team and individual players while encouraging safety and fun for everyone
• Lead by example and respect the rules of the game
• Continuously learn more about the game and improve my coaching skills
• Teach mutual respect between coaches and players
• Ensure fair play amongst all players on my team
• I understand that all cameras, cell phones or any type of photographic equipment are NOT permitted inside any change room at any times.
The essential elements that LTMHA tries to instill in every member is respect for the game, respect for the rules, respect for the officials/arena staff, respect for the opposition, respect for teammates/coaches/parents, respect the facility along with the ability to maintain self-control at all times.
Disciplinary Action
Failure to comply with this code of conduct may result in disciplinary action that, as a general rule, follow a multi-tiered disciplinary approach, with the severity of the penalty increasing for each subsequent infraction. However, the LTMHA Board reserves the right to impose a more severe penalty than the next subsequent tier in the process should the infraction warrant such a penalty.
1st Infraction – Verbal Warning
2nd Infraction – Written Warning by Email, CC’d Disciplinary Chair and VP
3rd Infraction – Game suspension(s) (pending fair hearing with disciplinary committee) all decisions must be reported to the Executive Board.
4th Infraction – Season Long Suspension (Pending fair hearing) with the LTMHA Board Executives
Expulsion
The executive reserves the right to reject membership in such cases where previous record of behaviour unbecoming a member is evident, or such violation has been deemed by the Board of Directors to be in contravention of the Bylaw or Operating Procedures. Such action shall only result after a fair hearing and a majority vote by the Board of Directors.
At the end of the day, this is a game, the greatest game on earth, the fastest game on earth, but still just a game.