This Code of Conduct identifies the standard of behaviour that is expected of all District 4 members, including players, coaches, parents, directors, volunteers and staff.

The District is committed to providing and maintaining a minor hockey environment where all individuals are treated with respect. Appendix ‘A’ identifies specific guidelines for the behaviour of Parents, Players, Spectators, Coaches, On and Off-ice Officials and Administrators and forms part of this Code of Conduct.
During all District 4 activities and events, members of the District and its member associations shall always conduct themselves in a fair and responsible manner. They shall refrain from comments or actions that are disrespectful, offensive, abusive, racist, or sexist. Behaviour that constitutes harassment or abuse (as defined by Canadian hockey governing bodies) will not be tolerated by the District 4.

Members shall avoid behaviour that brings the District, its member associations or the sport of hockey into disrepute, including but not limited to abusive use of alcohol and non-medicinal use of drugs, or that endangers the safety of others.

Failure to comply with this Code of Conduct may result in disciplinary action in accordance with District Discipline policy and guidelines. Such action may result in the member losing the privileges that come with membership in the District and its member association including the opportunity to participate in any hockey related activities.

Appendix A – District 4 Behaviour Guidelines

 

Guidelines for Parents

 

• Do not force your children to participate in sports but support their desires to play their chosen sport. Children are involved in organized sports for their enjoyment. Make it fun.
• Encourage your child to play by the rules. Remember that 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 its participants, your child will benefit.
• Should you wish to confront your child’s coach about a practice or game-related issue, wait 24 hours before doing so. Emotions can cause miscommunication and misunderstandings.
• Emphasize skill development and practices and how they benefit your young athlete.
• 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 victory and in 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 physical and verbal abuse in youth sports.
• Recognize the importance of volunteer coaches. They are important to the development of your child and sport.
• If you enjoy the game, learn all you can about the game, and volunteer!

Guidelines for Players

• Play for FUN.
• Work hard to improve your skills.
• Be a team player – get along with your teammates.
• Learn teamwork, sportsmanship and discipline.
• Learn the rules and play by them. Always be a good sport.
• Respect your coach, your teammates, your parents, opponents, and officials.
• Discuss an official’s decision calmly and express your opinion clearly and without profanity or disrespect.
• Never appear for a game or practice while intoxicated by drugs or alcohol.

Guidelines for Spectators

• 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 and will not be tolerated.
• 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.
• Never appear for a game while intoxicated by drugs or alcohol.
• Be supportive after the game . . . win or lose.
• Recognize good effort, teamwork, and sportsmanship.

Guidelines for Coaches (and all Team Officials)

• Winning is a consideration, but neither the only one nor the most important one. Care more about the child than winning the game. Remember players are involved in hockey for fun and enjoyment.
• Be a positive role model to your players, display emotional maturity and be alert to the physical safety of players. Do not appear for games or practices while intoxicated by alcohol or drugs. Always show respect for on-ice and off-ice officials.
• Be generous with your praise when it is deserved; be consistent, honest; be fair and just; do not criticize players publicly; learn to be a more effective communicator and coach; don’t yell at players.
• Adjust to personal needs and problems of players, be a good listener, never verbally or physically abuse a player or official; give all players the opportunity to improve their skills, gain confidence and develop self-esteem; teach them the basics.
• Organize practices that are fun and challenging for your players. Familiarize yourself with the rules, techniques, and strategies of hockey; encourage all your players to be team players.
• Maintain an open line of communication with your players’ parents. Explain the goals and objectives of your association.
• Be concerned with the overall development of your players. Stress good health habits and clean living.
• To play the game is great; to love the game is greater.

 
Guidelines for On and Off-Ice Officials (Referees and Timekeepers)

• Act in a professional and businesslike manner always and take your role seriously.
• Strive to provide a safe and sportsmanlike environment in which players can properly display their hockey skills.
• Know all playing rules, their interpretations, and their proper application.
• Remember that officials are "teachers." Set a good example.
• Make your calls with quiet confidence, never with arrogance.
• Control games only to the extent that is necessary to provide a positive and safe experience for all participants.
• Violence must never be tolerated.
• Always be fair and impartial.
• Answer all reasonable questions and requests.
• Adopt a "zero tolerance" attitude toward verbal or physical abuse.
• Never use foul or vulgar language when speaking with a player, coach or parent.
• Use honesty and integrity when answering questions.
• Admit your mistakes when you make them.
• Never openly criticize a coach, player or other official.
• Keep your emotions under control.
• Use only Hockey Canada approved officiating techniques and policies.
• Dedicate yourself to personal improvement and maintenance of officiating skills.
• Respect your supervisor and his/her critique of your performance.

Guidelines for Administrators (Executive, Directors, Presidents & Volunteers)

• Follow the rules and regulations of the Hockey Canada, Hockey Eastern Ontario, and the District to ensure that the philosophy and objectives of these organizations are promoted. This means the ice time provisions for each program and the codes of conduct for other participants.
• Work with on-ice officials, coaches, parents, and other administrators to provide a positive and safe experience for all participants.
• Support programs that train and educate players, coaches, parents, officials and volunteers.
• Promote and publicize your programs.
• Never appear for an Association event while intoxicated by drugs or alcohol.
• Communicate with parents by attending parent/player orientation meetings and/or by being available to answer questions and address problems throughout the season.
• Treat all players, coaches and other volunteers with fairness, to promote fair play and sportsmanship.
• Recruit volunteers, including coaches, who demonstrate qualities conducive to being role models to the youth in our sport.
• Perform your duties impartially. Do not use your position or influence to further purely personal objectives.