CODE OF CONDUCT

 

Pictou County Minor Hockey Association Code of Conduct

The intent of the Code of Conduct is to ensure the environment in which minor hockey activities take place is as positive as possible for all participants. We strive to offer a hockey program for players, team officials (coaches/trainers/managers) and parents, which promotes fun and respect for all in a co-operative atmosphere. The PCMHA Executive, coaching staff and others involved in minor hockey are community volunteers working together to provide a meaningful recreational program for all players enrolled in PCMHA. All participants should have the opportunity to enjoy their involvement in the hockey program free from improper or inappropriate influences and criticism. PCMHA also recognizes the need to have guidelines for a standard of behaviour expected of all participants and appropriate measures to deal with those instances in which behaviour exhibited is not in the best interest of PCMHA and all concerned. As a result of the above, the guidelines as stated below shall apply to all involved in the PCMHA hockey program. Our code of conduct is built upon the guiding principles of PCMHA (as detailed on our website) and reflects the Hockey Canada philosophy that states “it is a privilege to play minor hockey, not a right”. The PCHMA Code of Conduct also adheres to Hockey Canada mission statement:

“We dedicate ourselves to the advancement of amateur hockey for all individuals through progressive leadership by ensuring meaningful opportunities and enjoyable experiences in a safe, sportsmanlike environment”.

Rationale:

The “Code of Conduct” adopted by PCMHA is understood to apply to all PCMHA members. The basic objectives of the program are:

 1. To foster and enhance mutual respect, understanding and the principles of good sportsmanship amongst all participants during minor hockey events.

2. To promote safety and respect, ensure fun, enjoyment, and good competition at any minor hockey event.

3. The elimination of behaviours and actions which detract from a positive environment in which minor hockey games should take place.

4. Zero tolerance of any forms of abuse and/or harassment during minor hockey events from any participants.

It is considered unfair to expect Association volunteer executive members, or other volunteers who are at minor hockey events to step into certain 'heated' situations simply because they happen to be at that particular event. The responsibility of acting should not fall onto the volunteers alone. It is considered the responsibility of all participants to be accountable for any inappropriate situation(s) at any minor hockey event. Participants are encouraged to use common sense, rationally evaluate the situation, and act accordingly. It is considered everyone's responsibility, including non-executive participants to become involved in attaining the goals set out in a Code of Conduct. The burden of the Code of Conduct is put onto everyone's shoulders. The Code of Conduct includes a process to educate all participants indicating that they are as accountable as everyone else in preventing incidents and resolving incidents should they occur. Participant groups must learn not to “pass the puck”.

 
Education:

1. Advertise zero tolerance of inappropriate behaviour at minor hockey events. This is done with arena posters, PCMHA website, team information notices, team meetings, and including such information in association registration forms.

2. Educate participants.  At pre-season registrations all participants should be given information to educate them that inappropriate behaviour at minor hockey events by either home and/or away participants will not be tolerated.  It is everyone's responsibility to ensure appropriate behaviour at rinks.

3. Association registration forms. A brief outline of the expectations of every participant will be detailed on the forms. Every participant signing the registration form indicates agreement to abide by the program.

4. In pamphlet form provided to each family during manager’s initial meeting following team selection.

 
Guiding Principles: 

·        We believe in a safe and comfortable atmosphere in all aspects of our operations.

·       We believe all participants should present themselves in a respectful and professional manner.

·       We believe in a team-oriented game with strong individual skill development and we support the execution of PCMHA’s Coaching Concepts at all levels.

·       We believe in a strong work ethic and proper preparation

·       We believe participants (including parents) must be respectful of each other both in what they say and do.

·       We believe all participants must exhibit a focused and committed attitude in addition to their playing ability and skills.

·        We believe players must be encouraged to have the confidence in their own ability.

·        We believe participants must have respect for the officials regardless of the call.

·        We play to win but we accept defeat as part of the game.

·        We believe coaching should be left to the staff.

 

Complaints and Sanctions:

1.1              All complaints, concerns or questions related to incidents that violate PCMHA’s Guiding Principles within a team setting must first be expressed to the team manager. We promote the 24 hour cooling off period prior to such action to ensure that communication is well thought out and to allow emotions to be controlled. The manager of the team is required to fill out an Incident Report Sheet and keep it on file.

1.2              In the event that the concern cannot be resolved at the team level (takes into account incidents not related to specific team), the complaint must be submitted in writing to a member of the PCMHA Executive. The PCMHA Incident Report form may be used as a template for a written complaint.

Examples may regard, but are not limited to: the operation of the Association; unresolved conflicts with coaching staff, parents, game or practice incidents (not referee game decisions); member’s actions which may constitute inappropriate behaviour, be contrary to PCMHA’s Code of Conduct Policy, or HNS’s policies and bylaws as outlined in the HNS Constitution.

1.3     Written complaints received shall be included in the agenda of the next meeting of the executive, although the Executive prior to this meeting may at the President’s discretion, start investigation of the complaint.  For issues of a serious nature, the President may call a special meeting of the Executive to ensure prompt resolution.

1.4     Discussion of complaints of a sensitive or personal nature at an executive meeting will NOT be open to the general membership and shall be kept confidential. Members of the Executive are required to declare a conflict of interest in matters where their vote could potentially result in their own personal benefit. Members shall not vote in such instances. The Executive will make ruling where the question of a conflict of interest arises.

1.5     If required, the President will appoint a Disciplinary Committee, comprising of 3 Committee members, to review the complaints/infractions that are written and signed submissions.

1.6    Disciplinary measures can include restitution, apology, requirement to participate in educational courses (i.e. Speak Out), coach/player/parent suspensions.

         PCMHA uses a progressive discipline policy, in that penalties for breeches of this code of conduct are more severe for repeat offences. 

1.7    An Appeal Committee, as outlined in the HNS Constitution, shall be convened by HNS to hear appeals from decisions rendered by the Disciplinary Committee when necessary. 

1.8    All properly filed complaints shall receive a written reply.

 

Four Step CAP (Corrective Action Process)

Step One - PCMHA is made aware of an incident (in writing or reported verbally) that is in violation of the association's Guiding Principles and launches an investigation as per 1.3 inclusive of notification to the offender that the matter is under review and that they are encouraged to submit an account of the matter within 24 hours of notification. PCMHA will provide a ruling on the matter, document the incident and issue an official warning of where the individual is relative to the progressive disciplinary procedure and will request a written apology if deemed necessary. Failure to comply with any request from PCMHA or any further insubordination will result in an immediate progression to Step Two.

Step Two - In the event that there is a progression or continuation of issues specific to the same individual (or family), PCMHA  will immediately request participation in a hearing before the Disciplinary Committee and the individual will be requested to have no further contact with the team (not permitted to be in the rink) until the hearing is completed. Step Two can include a variety of disciplinary measures as outlined in 1.6. Failure to appear as requested will result in a progression to Step Three.

Step Three - In the event that there is a need for an additional investigation involving the same individual or family and if it is determined that they are behaving in a manner contrary to PCMHA's Guiding Principles, the individual could be suspended from any further contact with the association for a short term.

Step Four - In the event there is any further action required by PCMHA, the entire family (including the player) could be suspended from any further participation within the association. Reinstatement the following calendar year will be with the understanding that any new activity will automatically escalate to Step Two.  Long term suspension could also occur in conjunction with Hockey Nova Scotia’s Code of Conduct.