Code of Conduct
Rules of Conduct for Youth Hockey Participants
Shaker Heights Recreation Department
Shaker Youth Hockey Association (SYHA)
The commitment made by parents, players and coaches to participate in the long and demanding hockey season is significant. To make the season fun, safe and positive, all players and parents/guardians must agree to the following Rules of Conduct as well as to any rules of conduct imposed by coaches at the team level. The City of Shaker Heights and the SYHA Board recognizes the authority of coaches to discipline player(s) whose behavior is deemed detrimental to him/ herself, fellow teammates, opponents, coaches, or the reputation and integrity of the Shaker Heights Youth Hockey program. In fact, the City of Shaker Heights and the SYHA Board encourage coaches to institute rules for their respective team so as to allow our program to run for the betterment of all of our players. While we hope it will not be necessary, a disciplinary committee of the Board will hear all complaints involving suspensions of two or more games or for potential expulsions from the program and will act in accordance with the SYHA Grievance Policy.
Players
I. Dangerous Conduct: Players must exhibit concern for the safety of their teammates, coaches and their opponents at all times. Any behavior that could result in injury to any player, coach or bystander, will be considered dangerous. Coaches have the authority to set individual rules of conduct for their team and may impose consequences immediately for actions in violation of such rules. Such consequences may include, but are not limited to, lost practice/game time, mandatory parental attendance, suspension or expulsion from the program. Coaches are encouraged to report all discipline issues to the parent/guardian of the player whenever possible.
II. Illegal Conduct: Illegal activities while participating or representing Shaker Youth Hockey at practices, home or away games and tournaments will not be tolerated. Illegal conduct will be reported immediately to the police. Such behavior includes, but is not limited to, theft, destruction of property, the use of illegal drugs, abuse of prescription drugs, or the use of alcohol.
III. Disruptive Conduct: Behavior that disrupts practice, learning sessions or locker room discussions will not be tolerated. Such behaviors may include, but are not limited to, horseplay, rudeness, disrespect to coaches or teammates, talking back or fighting. Consequences may include, but are not limited to, parental and Board notification, lost practice/ game time, or mandatory parental attendance. Chronic misbehavior shall result in suspension or in extreme situations, expulsion from the program.
IV. Unbecoming Conduct: Behavior that includes, but is not limited to, poor sportsmanship, harassment or taunting, will not be tolerated. Chronic misbehavior shall result in suspension, or in extreme situations, expulsion from the program.
V. Team Commitment: Behavior that includes, but is not limited to, repeated late attendance or repeated failure to attend practices/games will not be tolerated.
Parents
It is the intention of the Shaker Youth Hockey Association to promote fair play and respect for all participants within the Shaker Heights Youth Hockey Program. It is expected that all parents of Shaker Youth Hockey participants read and understand the Parents Code of Conduct and continue to observe and follow all the principles contained within the Code throughout the year.
1. I will not force my child to participate in hockey. I will do the very best to make youth sports FUN for my child.
2. I will attempt to learn about the game of hockey (USA Hockey rules, equipment, levels, skills, etc.) so that I may best support my child development in the game.
3. I will emphasize skill development and a serious approach to practices and explain how skill development will benefit my child.
4. I understand the benefits from participating in a team sport, the commitment, the discipline, and the social skills learned and acquired.
5. I will teach my child that doing one's best is as important as winning so that my child will never feel defeated by the outcome of the game. I will make my child feel like a winner every time by offering praise for competing fairly and hard.
6. I will encourage my child to play by the rules and to resolve conflict without resorting to vulgar language, hostility or violence.
7. I will remember that children learn by example. I will applaud good plays by both my child's team and their opponents. I will not be critical of, or embarrass any player, including opposition players.
8. I will never ridicule or yell at my child for making a mistake or losing a game.
9. I will never yell, taunt, threaten or inflict physical violence upon any player, coach, official or spectator at any youth hockey activity. I will refrain from the use of abusive or vulgar language, racial, ethnic or gender-related slurs at any time at the rink or any youth hockey function. I will support all efforts to remove verbal and physical abuse from youth hockey games.
10. I will refrain from throwing objects of any kind on the ice, and from pounding on the glass.
11. I will insist that my child plays in a safe and healthy environment. I will support a sports environment that is free of alcohol, drugs or tobacco and I will refrain from their use at all youth sports events.
12. I will respect and show appreciation for the volunteers who give their time to hockey for my child.
13. I will leave the coaching to the coaching staff. I will encourage my child to play in a manner consistent with the team's strategy or plans.
14. I will never question the official's judgment or honesty in public. I recognize that officials are being developed in the same manner as players.
15. I will communicate all and any concerns regarding inappropriate behavior to the Team Manager, Coach, Shaker Youth Hockey Coordinator, or a SYHA representative.
16. I will abide by the decisions of the SYHA grievance committee.
17. I will remember that my child plays hockey for his or her enjoyment, not mine.