The Player, Parents or Guardians (collectively referred to as “Participants”), must agree to this Code of Conduct (“Code”) as a condition of membership in Essa Minor Hockey Association (“EMHA”). At the start of each season, each of the Participants must sign this Code and submit it to the Player’s Head Coach prior to the beginning of ice sessions. We will have copies available to sign on Opening Day.
Governing Standards of Conduct
1. We, the Participants, understand that being allowed to play hockey with the EMHA is a privilege and that full compliance with the Code is required at all times.
2. I, the Player, agree to abide fully by the rules of the game applicable to the level of play in which my team participates.
3. We, the Participants, understand that we must set an example, and conduct ourselves respectfully and with courtesy towards everyone associated with the game and that our team, the organization and myself will be judged by our behaviour.
4. We, the Participants, understand that any irresponsible or disrespectful behaviour in any club facility and/or toward any Coach, Officials, players, or parents whether before, during or after a game or practice is inappropriate and will not be tolerated.
5. We, the Participants, understand that yelling, taunting, use of obscene gestures or language, racial or ethnic slurs, striking or attempting to strike (except allowable on-ice body contact under league rules) or otherwise abusing another player, Official, Coach or spectator will not be tolerated.
6. We, the Participants, understand that we must abide by and respect the officials and their authority during any and all games. We will not question or confront officials whether before, during or after the game.
7. We, the Participants, will not publicly criticize or question Coaches, teammates, opponents or Officials and shall only raise our concerns privately in a civil and respectful manner.
8. I, the Player, understand that I am expected to attend every practice and game to the best of my ability and participate in all skill development sessions where applicable. It is my responsibility to notify my coach or designate if I am unable to attend. I understand that repeated absences may result in discipline as determined by EMHA.
9. I, the Player, understand that winning is not everything and that having fun, improving skills, making friends and learning sportsmanship is the primary goal of EMHA. Winning and losing will be done with equal grace and dignity.
10. We, the Participants, understand that failure to abide by this Code will result in disciplinary actions as set out in the Code.
Disciplinary Action
Resulting from a Breach of the EMHA code of conduct
First Offense
· Verbal warning to the player and/or parents/guardians by head coach who will also provide a written notice to the EMHA Secretary
Second Offense
· Written warning by Head Coach to the player and/or parents/guardians along with an automatic one game suspension. The Head Coach will provide a written notice to the respective EMHA Contact who will provide a copy to the EMHA Secretary
Third Offense
· In the case of a player, immediate suspension from all team activities until further notice. The head coach will provide a written notice to the EMHA Secretary who will provide a copy to the EMHA President. The President will initiate a Disciplinary Committee review of the player’s conduct and issue a formal written response along with details of the term of suspension.
· In the case of a parent/guardian, immediate suspension of rights to attend all team activities until further notice. The Head Coach will provide a written notice to the Secretary who will provide a copy to the President. The President will initiate a Disciplinary Committee review of the parent’s/guardian’s conduct and issue a formal written response along with details of the term of suspension.
Fourth Offense
· In the case of a player, immediate suspension from all team activities until further notice. The Head Coach will provide a written notice to the EMHA Secretary who will provide a copy to the EMHA President. The President will initiate a Disciplinary Committee review of the player’s conduct and issue a formal written response informing the player of his suspension for the remainder of the season. At the Executive’s discretion, the player may also permanently lose his/her right to membership in the Essa Minor Hockey Association.
· In the case of a parent/guardian, immediate suspension of rights to attend all team activities. The Head coach will provide a written notice to the EMHA Secretary who will pride a copy the EMHA President. The President will initiate a Disciplinary Committee review of the parent’s/guardian’s conduct and issue a formal written response informing the parent/guardian of their suspension for the reminder of the season. At the Executive’s discretion, the parent/guardian and therefore the associated player may also permanently lose their right to membership in the Essa Minor Hockey Association.
The EMHA Executive Committee will maintain a permanent record of all breaches of the EMHA Code of Conduct and will take into account historical information when ruling on disciplinary action
EMHA’s Drug & Alcohol Policy
The Essa Minor Hockey Association enforces a “ZERO TOLERANCE” policy with respect to the use of drugs and alcohol by all EMHA Players, coaches and bench staff. Any player, coach or bench staff found to be under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol during practices or games will be subjected to an automatic 1 (one) game suspension. Multiple violations of this policy will be severely dealt with by the EMHA Executive Committee and may lead to multigame suspensions and ultimately removal of EMHA membership privileges.
EMHA’s 24 Hour Rule
The best way to avoid situations that can lead to a violation of the EMHA Code of Conduct is to use the “24 Hour Rule” The EMHA endorses this rule and mandates its application to all its sanctioned events.
Simply put, if an incident occurs at a game or practice that is likely to create a conflict, everyone involved must step back and reflect on the situation for a period of 24 hours. After 24 hours have passed the Participant having an issue must first raise the concern with the team Manager or Designate. The Manager or Designate will discuss the issue with the Team Coach who will render a decision on the matter.
Where the Participant remains dissatisfied with the Coach’s resolution of the matter, the issue must be reduced to writing with full particulars and submitted to the EMHA President for further deliberation in accordance with EMHA policy and procedures.