Codes of Conduct
CT RIVERHAWKS YOUTH HOCKEY PLAYER'S CODE OF CONDUCT
We know hockey is an emotional sport and players put tremendous effort and passion into playing that sometimes tempers flare. Players need to understand that when they accept the offer to participate in the CT RiverHawks organization, they are representing the entire organization and all of its members. They must demonstrate appropriate, mature behavior on and off the ice. Any behavior that reflects poorly on the team or organization during official team functions will result in disciplinary action decided by the coaches and/or Discipline Committee. The CT RiverHawks Discipline Committee appointed by the Board of Directors will address violations of the CT RiverHawks Youth Hockey Organization, the USA Hockey Code of Conduct and the USA Hockey Zero Tolerance Policy (https://www.usahockeyrulebook.com/page/show/1015130-zero-tolerance-policy). Violations of the above policies or complaints may be reported in writing via email only to the board of directors at CTRiverhawksDiscipline@gmail.com. The Discipline Director/Committee may suspend an individual from participating or attending any CT RiverHawks practices, games or events for a specified period of time up to termination from the organization without refund. All rulings will be communicated in writing via email.
1. I will strive to demonstrate the association's ideals of good sportsmanship, honesty, team loyalty, courage and fair play. I will respect my teammates, opponents, coaches, players and officials.
2. I will not swear or use abusive language, racial, ethnic or gender related slurs on the bench, in the rink, or at any team function.
3. I will behave and hold myself accountable at all times while representing my team or organization in all public places.
4. I will not lash out at any official. The coaching staff will handle all matters pertaining to officiating.
5. If I receive a penalty, I will skate directly to the penalty box without exception.
6. I understand that fighting or excessive penalties will not be tolerated. Such conduct will result in suspension from play in accordance with the CHC rules and the organization's policies on fighting and excessive penalties.
7. I understand that there will be no drinking of alcohol, smoking, vaping, chewing of tobacco or use of any illegal substance allowed. Violation of this will result in immediate expulsion from the organization without refund.
8. I will conduct myself in a befitting manner at all facilities. This includes all ice rinks, hotels, and restaurants.
I understand that the Code of Conduct includes the Association's Statement of Purpose and Philosophy and policies on Fighting, Excessive Penalties, Commitment, Behavior and Discipline and Dressing Arrangements for Co-Ed teams. Violations of this Code of Conduct can result in disciplinary action up to and including removal from the Association. Copies of these policies are available on the CT RiverHawks website at ctriverhawks.org.
CT RIVERHAWKS YOUTH HOCKEY PARENTS CODE OF CONDUCT
Children are involved in organized sports for their enjoyment, not yours. Please encourage and support your child's desire to play his/her chosen sport and promise that you will not pressure him/her into participating.
1. We will remember that the game is for youth, not adults. We will always applaud a good effort, whether in victory or defeat, and will respect all players, coaches, and officials.
2. We will remember that hockey is fun. We will not engage in any type of unsportsmanlike conduct and will always demonstrate good sportsmanship. This means we will not taunt other fans, or embarrass our child by yelling at players, coaches, or officials.
3. We will acknowledge the importance of the coaches and will attend team meetings to get to know the coach's philosophy, expectations, and team rules. We will then reinforce these items with our child.
4. We understand that when our child is on the ice, the coaches will do the coaching. We will not yell instructions to our child from the stands and will not give our child instructions that counters those of the coaches.
5. We will respect locker rooms as private areas for players and coaches. We will never go onto the ice or approach team benches. This will allow both coaches and players to focus on the game or practice.
6. We will not engage in any behavior that would endanger/threaten the health, safety, or well-being of a coach, parent, player, participant, official, or any other attendee.
7. We will never question, discuss, or confront coaches at the rink, and will speak with coaches at an agreed-upon time and place.
8. We understand the importance of skill development. For the lower age groups, we will remember that practices benefit our child more than games and competition.
9. We will never place unreasonable expectations on our child or another child. We will teach our children that giving their best effort all the time is most important.
We have read and understand the items listed above that have been put forth by the CT RiverHawks Youth Hockey Organization. We agree to abide by these principles with the understanding that if we do not follow them we may be asked to leave any practice, game, or RiverHawks function, and may be subject to further disciplinary action, which can include suspensions and/or expulsion from the Organization.