Player & Parent Code of Conduct

ZERO TOLERANCE POLICY

The Wilmette Hockey Association, in accordance with our hockey affiliations, adopts and adheres to all aspects of the Zero Tolerance Policy. To make ice hockey a more desirable and rewarding experience for all participants, we have a very simple definition of Zero Tolerance: Any lack of respect or unsportsmanlike conduct will not be tolerated and will be a violation of this policy. Unsportsmanlike conduct can include several actions, some of which are swearing, yelling at officials, taunting and fighting. The Zero Tolerance Policy applies to players, coaches, team officials, parents and spectators equally both on and off the ice.


PLAYER'S CODE OF CONDUCT

Players must be aware that his/her conduct is not only a reflection on himself/herself but also on their team and the WHA more broadly. Players will be held to the Zero Tolerance Policy at any time they are attending any type of WHA/team event or gathering.

  • Be respectful and courteous to coaches, teammates, officials, fans and other teams.
  • Be respectful of the property of others.
  • Do not argue with coaches or referees.
  • Do not use abusive or vulgar language.
  • Do not taunt players, coaches or officials, or display other behavior that could be considered bullying.
  • Do not use video equipment in the locker rooms of any rink at any time. This includes cameras, video cameras, cell phones or any other media collecting device.
  • Never deliberately try to injure another player.
  • Do not fight or incite others to do so.


Disciplinary Action for Players

  • At the team level, the Team Head Coach is responsible for deciding and delivering discipline measures to individual players or the team.
  • The head coach will report all incidents to the Director of Coaching.
  • The coach will communicate with parents early and often when behavioral issues arise.
  • The coach will ask parents to respect and follow the 24-hour rule when their son/daughter is involved in a conduct related issue.
  • With respect to game suspensions, the Team Head Coach must contact and consult with the Director of Coaching, who will in turn advise the Travel Director, President and R&E Committee on the recommended action. With respect to suspensions and first and second strikes, the Rules & Ethics Committee must agree with the decision before it is given.
  • If a multi-game suspension or strike are given, and parents disagree with the decision, they can request a hearing with the R&E Committee.
  • Upon the third strike and potential player expulsion, the coach and coaching director shall provide a summary resolve of offenses and recommendation to the WHA Rules & Ethics Committee who will then review the report and provide a decision.


PARENT'S & SPECTATOR'S CODE OF CONDUCT

Parents and spectators must be aware that his/her conduct is not only a reflection on himself/herself but also on their team and the WHA more broadly. Parents and spectators will be held to the Zero Tolerance Policy at any time they are attending any type of WHA/team event or gathering.

  • Enthusiastic support of your team or favorite player is an expected and welcome part of our games.
  • Be supportive of all team players and coaches both on and off the ice.
  • Do not use obscene or vulgar language to anyone at any time at the rink before, during or after a game.
  • Do not taunt players, coaches, officials or other spectators by means of baiting, ridiculing, threat of physical violence or actual physical violence.
  • Do not throw any object in the spectators viewing area, player's bench, and penalty box or on the ice surface directed in any manner as to create a safety hazard.
  • Parents will observe the 24-hour rule and wait 24-hours before contacting team or WHA officials when an issue arises around their son/daughter or themselves.
  • Parents or family members who volunteer for a duty at the scorer’s table are considered game officials and must conduct themselves in a businesslike, sportsmanlike, impartial and constructive manner at all times.
  • Parents are responsible for the behavior of their guests.
  • Only game officials and coaching staff are allowed to be on the bench or around the scorer’s table or penalty boxes during gameplay.
  • Parents must remain behind the glass area of the rink at all times. Only spectators above the age of 14 are permitted to be around the scorer’s table or penalty boxes.


Disciplinary Action for Parents & Spectators

  • If an on-ice official stops gameplay due to the conduct of a parent or spectator, that parent/spectator will be suspended from attending the next scheduled team game.
  • If an on-ice official ejects a parent or spectator from a game, that parent/spectator will be suspended from the team’s next 3 games, in accordance with our policy.
  • Any parent or spectator deemed to be in violation with the Code of Conduct will be referred to the WHA Rules & Ethics Committee for review.
  • The Rules & Ethics committee will have the authority to suspend parents or spectators as it deems necessary.
  • Any decision by the Rules & Ethics Committee may be appealed in writing to the Executive Board. Decisions of the WHA Executive Board shall be final.


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