Code of Conduct Policy

Sauk Prairie Youth Hockey supports the USA Hockey Zero Tolerance policy as it relates to conduct by coaches, players, parents, and fans in the sport of youth hockey. It is our hope that by enforcing this policy, everyone has a pleasant youth athletic experience.

(To be reviewed and signed at the beginning of season team meeting by skaters and parents as a member of a SPYHA team, participating in USA Hockey for the current season.)

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.
5. There will be no drinking, smoking, chewing of tobacco or use of illegal substances at any team function.
6. Players will conduct themselves in a befitting manner at all facilities (ice rink, hotel, restaurant, etc.) during all team functions.
7. There will be no Horseplay in the locker rooms or any area of the rink. This includes throwing objects, fighting, pushing, wrestling, etc.
8. Show respect at all times:
9. No derogatory comments or Hazing
10. No Ethnic, Racial, Sexual comments or behavior.
11. No Profanity or Profane gestures.
12. Be ready on time for practice and games.
13. Listen to coaches and parents when addressed individually or as a group.
14. Keep areas clean - pick up trash in locker rooms and other areas
15. Players will be held responsible for any destruction of property.
16. Do not take items that do not belong to you, give them to a coach or parent.
17. Don't linger in the locker rooms. The Locker Room is a place to get ready, to learn, or a place to get dressed.
18. No cell phone cameras, mp3 cameras, video, or camera equipment of any kind in the locker room. Locker rooms are for changing - not taking pictures. Players who take pictures in the locker room are subject to suspension.
19. No weapons of any kind are permitted at any SPYHA practice, game, or event.
20. In the presence of members of the opposite sex, all undergarments need to be covered. If a skater needs to change to anything less than this, it must be done where no members of the opposite sex are present (i.e. Bathroom).
21. Violations of this policy will result in disciplinary actions or sanctions that include, but are not limited to verbal reprimands, written reprimands, games suspensions, season suspensions, and (in extreme cases) termination from the WYHA with no refund for season fees. Recommendations on any violations will come from the Head Coach. Individual appeals will be conducted following the SPYHA Appeal Procedure.

(To be reviewed and signed at the beginning of season team meeting by parents as a member of a SPYHA team, participating in USA Hockey for the current season.)

1. Encourage your child to play by the rules. Remember, children learn best by example, so applaud the good plays of both teams.
2. 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.
3. Emphasize skill development and practices and how they benefit your young athlete. De-emphasize games and competition in the younger age levels.
4. Know and study the rules of hockey 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.
5. Applaud a good effort in both victory and 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.
6. Recognize the importance of volunteer coaches. They are important to the development of your child and the sport. Communicate with them and support them.
7. If you enjoy the game, learn all you can and dedicate time as a volunteer!

1. Display good sportsmanship. Always respect players, coaches and officials.
2. Act appropriately; do not taunt or disturb other fans. Enjoy the game together.
3. Cheer good plays of all participants, avoid booing opponents.
4. Cheer in a positive manner and encourage fair play; profanity and objectionably cheers or gestures are offensive.
5. Help provide a safe and fun environment; throwing objects on the ice surface can cause injury to players and officials.
6. Do not lean over and pound on the glass; the glass surrounding the ice surface is part of the playing area.
7. Support the referees and coaches by trusting their judgment and integrity.
8. Be responsible for your own safety and remain alert to help prevent accidents.
9. Respect locker rooms as private areas for players, coaches and officials.
10. Be supportive after the game, win or lose. Recognize good effort, teamwork and sportsmanship.

(To be reviewed and signed at the beginning of season coaches meeting by coaches as a member of a SYHA, participating in USA Hockey for the current season.)

• Never verbally or physically abuse a player, official, parent, spectator or other coach.
• Care more about the child than winning the game--winning is a consideration, but not the only one, nor the most important one.
• Be concerned with the overall development of your players. Stress good health habits and clean living.
• Give all players the opportunity to improve their skills, gain confidence, and develop self-esteem.
• Adjust to each player's personal needs and challenges. Be a good listener.
• Encourage all your players to be team players.
• Be a positive role model to your players, display emotional maturity and be alert to the physical safety of your players.
• Be generous with your praise when deserved, be consistent, honest, fair and just.
• Never criticize players publicly.
• Maintain an open line of communication with your players and their parents.
• Reinforce the goals and objectives of SPYHA.
• Teach the basics, continue to study and learn the game to become a better coach and communicator.
• Know the rules, techniques, and strategies of hockey.
• Organize practices that are challenging and fun for your players.
• Encourage equal playing time for all skaters
• Follow all USA Hockey Coaching Requirements
• Follow the Wisconsin Concussion Law and SPYHA guidelines.
• Never be under the influence of Drugs or Alcohol while coaching any game or practice.

As a coach, you will be held accountable for your actions both on and off the ice. As a member of Sauk Prairie Youth Hockey, you represent our teams and association at practices, games, hotels, restaurant, etc. SPYHA expects you to conduct yourself in a sportsmanlike manner at all times and to observe the following coach's rules:

• Respect - You are to show respect at all times for coaches, officials, players, spectators and opponents. Do not argue with referees, linesman, timekeepers, scorekeepers, spectators or coaches. Disrespect will not be tolerated and will result in appearing before the Discipline Committee.
• Property/Equipment Damage - Intentionally damaging SPYHA equipment and or facilities will result in appearing before the Discipline Committee.
• Profanity - ZERO TOLERANCE. Use of profanity is strictly prohibited on the ice, in locker rooms, hotels, restaurants while representing SPYHA. The first violation of this policy will result in a verbal warning. A second violation will result in a one (1) game suspension. The SPYHA Executive Board shall determine the penalty for repeated violations.
• Conduct on the ice - If a coach receives a misconduct or a game misconduct, the coach will be suspended for one (1) game immediately following a report to the SPYHA Board per USA/WAHA rules.
• Other inappropriate behavior - will be handled in accordance with the Discipline Policies & procedures.

In an effort to make ice hockey a more desirable and rewarding experience for all participants, the USA Hockey Youth, Junior, and Senior Councils have instructed the Officiating Program to adhere to certain points of emphasis relating to sportsmanship. This campaign is designed to require all players, coaches, officials, league officials and administrators to maintain a sportsmanlike and educational atmosphere before, during and after all USA Hockey sanctioned events. Thus, the following points of emphasis must be implemented by all on-ice referees and linesman:

Players

A minor penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct (Zero Tolerance) shall be assessed whenever a player:

1. Openly disputes or argues any decision by an official.
2. Uses obscene or vulgar language at any time, including any swearing, even if it is not directed at a particular person.
3. Visually demonstrates any sign of dissatisfaction with an official's decision.

Any time that a player persists in any of these actions, they shall be assessed a misconduct penalty. A game misconduct shall result if the player continues with such action.

Coaches

A minor penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct (Zero Tolerance) shall be assessed whenever a coach:

1. Openly disputes or argues any decision by an official.
2. Uses obscene or vulgar language in a boisterous manner to anyone at any time.
3. Visually displays any signs of dissatisfaction with an official's decision including standing on the boards or standing in the bench doorway with the intent of inciting the officials, players, or spectators.

Any time that a coach persists in any of these actions, they shall be assessed a game misconduct penalty.

The above constitutes the USA Hockey "Zero Tolerance" policy in its entirety. SPYHA extends the policy to include parents and spectators at SPYHA events. Should a parent or spectator violate the above standards, their team may be assessed a bench minor for unsportsmanlike conduct. Should the parent or spectator persist in such actions, the game may be halted until they can be removed from the rink.

In addition, SPYHA will investigate all situations involving parent/fan violations of the "Zero Tolerance Policy". If the situation was found to be a violation of the policy, a warning letter will be issued from the Board of Directors to the offending person or persons. This letter will outline the offense and stipulate possible consequences for any further violations. These stipulations could include, but are not limited to, verbal reprimands, written reprimands, games suspensions, season suspensions, and (in extreme cases) termination from the SPYHA with no refund for season fees. Individual appeals will be conducted following the SPYHA Appeal Procedure (see Discipline Policy for details).