Player Code of Conduct

Purpose

The Hamden Youth Hockey Association (HYHA) is committed to fostering a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment for all participants in its youth hockey programs, in alignment with its mission. This Player Code of Conduct establishes expectations for players to promote sportsmanship, safety, and positive development.

Applicability

This Code applies to all players registered in HYHA programs during practices, games, tournaments, team functions, and off-ice activities, whether in-person or online. Players are expected to uphold this Code at all times while representing HYHA.

Expectations

Players shall:

1. Exhibit Sportsmanship: Play by the rules, respect teammates, opponents, coaches, and officials, and demonstrate graciousness in victory and defeat.
2. Maintain Respectful Communication: Refrain from swearing, abusive language, or disrespectful behavior on the ice, in the rink, or during team functions, including online interactions.
3. Respect Officials: Accept officials’ decisions without verbal or physical retaliation. Concerns about officiating shall be addressed by coaches, as coordinated by the Director of Hockey Operations.,
4. Adhere to Penalties: Skate directly to the penalty box upon receiving a penalty, without protest or delay.
5. Prohibit Substance Use: Abstain from alcohol, tobacco, vaping, or illegal substances at all team functions, in accordance with USA Hockey and SafeSport guidelines.
6. Respect Facilities and Spaces: Conduct themselves responsibly at all facilities (e.g., rinks, hotels, restaurants) and respect private areas like locker rooms and benches, as designated for players, coaches, and officials.
7. Engage Responsibly Online: Comply with HYHA’s Social Media Guidelines, avoiding negative, harassing, or inappropriate posts about HYHA participants or programs on social media or digital platforms.
8. Prioritize Well-Being: Support teammates’ mental and physical well-being, report unsafe behavior, and seek assistance from coaches or the Director of Player Safety when needed.

Social Media Guidelines

Players shall:

• Share only positive or constructive content related to HYHA activities (e.g., game highlights, team spirit).
• Avoid posting sensitive information (e.g., injuries, team strategies) or content that disrespects others.
• Refrain from engaging in or sharing harassing or bullying content online.
• Report inappropriate digital behavior to a coach, the Director of Marketing or the Director of Player Safety.

Enforcement

1. Reporting Violations: Suspected violations of this Code shall be reported in writing to a coach, the President, Secretary, or Director of Player Safety within 30 days of the incident, unless extenuating circumstances apply.
2. Review Process: The Board of Directors or a designated Disciplinary Committee shall investigate violations, following procedures outlined in the Bylaws. Investigations may include interviews, document review, and hearings, with confidentiality maintained to the extent possible. Parents or guardians shall be notified for players under 18.
3. Sanctions: Violations may result in sanctions, including but not limited to warnings, game suspensions, removal from the team, or expulsion from HYHA, as determined by the Board of Directors by majority vote.
4. Appeals: Players or their parents/guardians subject to sanctions may appeal to the Board of Directors within 10 days of notification. The Board’s decision on appeal shall be final, except as required by USA Hockey or applicable law.
5. SafeSport Compliance: Violations involving safety, abuse, or harassment shall be reported to the Director of Player Safety for coordination with USA Hockey’s SafeSport Program, as required.

Acknowledgment

Parents or legal guardians shall acknowledge receipt and understanding of this Code annually, as coordinated by the Registrar, typically at the time of upcoming season rostering. The Code shall be available on the HYHA website (www.hyha.org)