Northport / Huntington Hockey Club

Codes of Conduct

&

Rules Governing Play

Table of Contents

Introduction

Many of the rules and guidelines that follow are mandated by USA Hockey, Suffolk County High School Hockey League or some other unrelated third-party governing body.

Therefore, those rules are imposed upon us all and may not be revised by our Board of Directors.

The remaining rules are self-constructed and intended to enhance everyone’s participation and enjoyment.   These rules are reviewed periodically by the Board of Directors and may be modified by a 2/3’s majority vote by them.

We ask all who participate in our programs to act appropriately at all times and to consider their fellow participants.  Too often people allow sports to control their emotions.

Inappropriate behavior will not be tolerated and may result in suspension from program participation.

Remember our actions set examples and influence people’s thoughts.  We should be good role models at all times.

Please read the following guidelines with our objective in mind and let’s hope that we never have to refer to them in the future.

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Coaches Code of Conduct

Thank you for volunteering as a coach for one of our ice hockey teams. Coaching young hockey players is a great and rewarding experience, and no matter what your hockey coaching background, we are sure that you will find yourself learning along with them.

The coach is responsible for the behavior of their team, assistant coaches and manager. It is becoming increasingly clear that a coach's own behavior often sets the tone for the behavior of his team. Consequently, Northport / Huntington Ice Hockey Club (NHIHC) has developed a "Code of Ethics" for its coaches. This is in addition to any guidelines for coaching that are expressed or implied by organizations that govern our sport such as USA Hockey, NYSAHA, or SCHSHL.

The purpose of this "Code of Ethics" is to provide you with an understanding of the expectations for coaches of NHIHC teams. Please keep in mind that the principles governing participation and competition for our players shall include: development of physical fitness, mental alertness, leadership and good sportsmanship; recognition that the manner of play outweighs a victory, and encouragement of courtesy, gentlemanly conduct, and mutual respect for coaches, players, officials and spectators. Furthermore coaches should always remember that with this position they are coaching teenagers and not fully emotionally and physically developed adults. While coaching these young players you have been granted certain custodial responsibilities and should fully appreciate how your behavior directly influences their respect for you, each other, game officials, opponents, and their love and passion for the game.

The Head Coach should see that all members of his team, players and assistants, are aware of this philosophy and reflect it in their behavior at all NHIHC events.

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Responsibilities

In the following "Coach" applies to Coaches, Assistant Coaches, and Team Managers.

Responsibilities to Players

1. Coaches shall never place the value of winning over the physical and emotional safety and welfare of players.
2. Coaches will refrain from using abusive language and behavior while representing NHIHC at practices, games and events, and will discourage players from the same.
3. Coaches should not tolerate inappropriate behavior from players regardless of the situation. 
4. Coaches will provide an environment for their team that is free of drugs, tobacco, and alcohol, and will refrain from their use at all NHIHC sporting events.
5. Coaches will treat each player as an individual remembering the large range of emotional and physical development that may exist for players on his team. 
6. Coaches will do their best to organize practices that are instructional, and challenging for all players.
7. Coaches will review, understand, and practice the basic first aid principles needed to treat injuries to players.
8. Coaches shall instruct players within the rules of the game and within the spirit of the game at all times. 
9. Coaches shall not seek unfair advantage by teaching deliberate unsportsmanlike behavior to players.

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Responsibilities to the Laws of the Game

1. Coaches should be thoroughly acquainted with and demonstrate a working knowledge of the Game and it's rules.
2. Coaches are responsible for their players' actions on and off the ice during events, and will not permit them to perform with intent of causing injury to teammates or opposing players. The coach will constantly strive to teach good sporting behavior. 

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Responsibility to Officials

1. Officials must have the support of coaches and players. Coaches will refrain from abusive behavior towards game officials in the presence of players or spectators. 
2. Professional respect, before, during and after the game, should be mutual. There should be no demeaning dialogue or gestures between officials, coaches or players.
3. Coaches must not incite players or spectators or attempt to disrupt the flow of the game.

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Other Responsibilities

1. The attitude and conduct of the coach towards officials, players, spectators and coaches should be controlled and undemonstrative. 
2. It is unacceptable for a coach to have any verbal altercation with an opposing coach or bench before, during or after the game.

Coaches should understand that repeated disregard or failure to reasonably comply, with this Code of Ethics may result in their being relieved of their privilege to coach for NHHC.

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Players Code of Conduct (reprinted from USA Hockey)

·        Play for FUN!

·        Work hard to improve your skills.

·        Be a team player - get along with teammates.

·        Learn teamwork, sportsmanship and discipline.

·        Be on time for practices and games.

·        Respect your coach, your teammates, your parents, opponents, and officials.

·        Never argue with the officials decision.

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Parents Code of Conduct (reprinted from USA Hockey)

Support your child

There are many benefits that are derived from playing youth hockey. Boys & Girls learn good sportsmanship and self-discipline. They learn to work together, how to sacrifice for the team, how to enjoy winning and how to handle defeat. In the process, they also learn important lessons about physical fitness as personal health.

The degree to which your child benefits from his youth hockey experience is as much your responsibility as it is theirs. I order for your child to get the most out of a youth hockey program, it is important to show support and offer encouragement while maintaining a genuine interest in the team.

Always Be Positive

Parents serve as role models to their children, who often look to adults for advice, direction and approval. Never lose sight of the fact that you are a role model, and strive to be a positive role model. As a parent, one of the most important things you can do is show good sportsmanship at all times to coaches, referees, opponents and teammates.

Remember that your children are PLAYING hockey. It is important to allow them to establish their own goals and play the game for themselves. Be careful not to impose your own standard or objectives.

Let the Coach, “Coach”

The most important aspect of your child's youth hockey experience is for them to have fun while developing physical and emotional skills that will serve them in life. A healthy, risk-free environment that emphasizes the importance of fair play, sportsmanship, discipline and, most importantly, fun will be invaluable for your child as he continues to develop a positive self-image.

Positive Reinforcement

The best way to help children achieve goals and reduce their natural fear of failure is through positive reinforcement. After all, no one likes to make mistakes. If your child does make a mistake - and they will (remember, they're just kids) - keep in mind that mistakes are an important part of the overall learning process. Strive to be supportive and point out the things they do well. Make your child feel like a winner.

Do not push for your children to participate in sports, but support their desire 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, 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 its participants your child will benefit.  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 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 the physical and verbal abuse in youth sports.  Recognize the importance of volunteer coaches. They are very important in the development of your child and the sport. Communicate with them and support them. If you enjoy the game, learn all you can about the game and volunteer!

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Spectators Code of Conduct

• 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.
• Help provide a safe and fun environment; throwing any items on the ice surface can cause injury to players, coaches 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.
• Be supportive after the game…. Win or lose…. Recognize good effort, teamwork and sportsmanship.

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Rules Governing Play

USA hockey and AHAUS rules with the following exceptions/amendments/emphasis will govern play:

15 minute periods

Penalties 2-5-10

No Overtime periods, except in playoffs

Penalty incurred after games shall result in automatic game misconduct and subsequent suspension. (Minimum 1 game)

Game misconduct or disqualification results in automatic suspension. (Minimum 1 game)

Coach, Assistant coach, or Trainer leaving the bench and coming onto the ice for any reason except injury to player shall receive a 3 game suspension, 2^nd offense shall result in a season suspension.

Any player using foul language, obscene gestures, spitting, or any other actions unbecoming a hockey player, whether directed at an official, opposing player, or fan shall be assess a game misconduct, game suspension, and be subject to further penalties pending referee’s report & review by the league president.

Same rule above applies to coaches, Assist Coach, Trainer.

Striking a game official shall result in a penalty described under run “G” above.

Fighting penalties are as follows:

Game misconduct (fighting):

1^st game misconduct, (Out 1 game)

2^nd game misconduct, (Out 2 games)

3^rd game misconduct, (indefinite suspension and Board review)

A player may receive any 4 (four) of the following penalties in a game:  High Stick, Slashing, Cross-checking, Boarding, Elbowing, Kneeing, Roughing, Charging and Head Checking.  After the 5^th (fifth) penalty of any combination of the above, the player will be assessed a Game Misconduct.  The Scorer may notify the coach when the 3^rd infraction is assessed.  After the 2^nd Occurrence the player will be assessed a TWO (2) game suspension.

-         The 3^rd man into an altercation shall be assessed a Game Misconduct and a one (1) game suspension.

-         Attempting to injure or causing deliberate injury to an opponent shall result in a MATCH penalty plus an indefinite suspension pending review (Minimum 3 Game).

-         Any player given a penalty for kicking another player shall receive an automatic three game suspension.

-         The game referee shall make specific reference on the score sheet to any infractions listed in Rules D through O.

-         Automatic Icing

-         Lost Helmet must be replaced immediately or player should promptly skate to bench to be replaced.  Failure to do so will result in a 2 Min., Minor penalty.

-         Mouthguard and or Throat-guard, altered or missing will be assessed a 10 minute misconduct.

-         Goaltenders being replaced must be done with no warm-ups.

-         Each Team will have a 30-Sec. Time Out.

-         Any Suspension imposed by the S.C.H.S.H.L. must be served within the regular season and playoff games scheduled by the S.C.H.S.H.L.  No other games, Travel or Exhibition games shall be counted towards game suspensions.

-         Any League Member or Player causing deliberate damage to the Rink, Personal Property, or Locker room area or involving themselves in incidents in these same areas are subject to Disciplinary action by the S.C.H.S.H.L. Inc.

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Membership Tuition

1. Prior to the start of each season, the Board of Directors shall determine the cost of participation per player.  This cost will consist of the following:

-            League fees for all teams

-            Cost of practice ice

-            The cost of general operation (i.e. printing, stamps, marketing, legal & accounting fees, etc.)

B.     Tuition will be due and payable as follows:

-         Total cost will be paid in three (3) installments (50% down payment, 30% 1^st installment & 20% final installment) at dates and times to be determined by the Board of Directors.

-         Failure to meet the payment schedule may result in the suspension of the play from the team.

-         In the event that a player leaves a team for any reason and still has an unpaid balance, that player shall not be permitted to rejoin the team until all past due balances are paid in full.  Also, the player will be notified in writing that a letter will be sent to USA Hockey prohibiting him/her from playing for any other USA Hockey organization.

3. Discounts will be granted to Board members, coaches and multi-player families provided the financial condition of the Northport Huntington Ice Hockey Club permits such a situation.

4. Hardship & player scholarships will be granted based on family financial needs.  Financial needs analysis will be developed by the Board of Directors.  These grants will be conditional based on the financial condition of the Northport Huntington Ice Hockey Club.

5. Tuition does not include Jerseys or Socks.  These costs will be invoiced separately.

6. A nonparticipation fee of $50 per player will be assessed to each family which does not volunteer a service as requested by the Board of Directors.  The Board of Directors shall determine the scope and the extent of the families volunteer effort.

7. It shall be a club policy not to issue any refunds except as deemed by the Board of Directors in the case of injury or other grievance.

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