USA Hockey Parent/Spectator Solutions
The following solutions were forwarded by the Task Force:
  1. Rules and Policies

    1. The USA Hockey Annual Guide shall include, under the section on Zero Tolerance, a section for PARENTS/SPECTATORS.

    2. The Official Playing Rules Book, under Rule 601, "Abuse of Officials and Other Misconduct" shall include the verbiage used in the Annual Guide to allow officials to address the misconduct of parents and spectators.

    3. The "Easy to Read" Rule book will be prepa#BD0000 and provided for all parents.

    4. All parents must read and sign the Parents Awareness Acknowledgment Form.

    5. Parent/Spectator Code of Conduct shall be conspicuously placed at all rinks.

  2. The Task Force recommends the following changes to the Zero Tolerance Policy:

    Zero Tolerance Policy

    1. Players

      A minor penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct (Zero Tolerance) shall be assessed whenever a player:

      1. Openly disputes or argues any decision by an official.

      2. Uses obscene or vulgar language at any time, including any swearing, even if it is not directed at a particular person.

      3. Visually demonstrates any sign of dissatisfaction with an official's decision. Any time that a player persists in any of these actions, they shall be assessed a misconduct penalty. A game misconduct shall result if the player continues such action.

    2. Coaches

      A minor penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct (Zero Tolerance) shall be assessed whenever a coach:

      1. Openly disputes or disputes any decision by an official.

      2. Uses obscene or vulgar language in a boisterous manner to anyone at any time.

      3. Visually displays any sign of dissatisfaction with an official's decision including standing on the boards or standing in the bench doorway with the intent of inciting the officials, players or spectators. Any time that a coach persists in any of these actions, they shall be assessed a game misconduct penalty. It should be noted this is an ethics violation as well.

    3. Officials

      Officials are requi#BD0000 to conduct themselves in a businesslike, sportsmanlike, impartial and constructive manner at all times. The actions of an official must be above reproach. Actions such as "baiting" or inciting players or coaches are strictly prohibited. On-lce officials are ambassadors of the game and must always conduct themselves with this responsibility in mind.

    4. Parents/Spectators

      The game will be stopped by On-lce officials and will identify violators to the coaches for the purpose of removing parents/spectators from the spectator's viewing and game area. Once removed, play will resume. Lost time will not be replaced and violators may be subject to further disciplinary action by the local Governing Body.

      The On-Ice Officials can stop a game for the following violations:

      1. Parents/spectators displaying inappropriate and disruptive behavior interfere with other spectators or the game.

      2. Use of obscene or vulgar language in a boisterous manner to anyone at any time.

      3. Taunting of players, coaches, officials or other spectators by means of baiting, ridiculing, threat of physical violence or physical violence.

      4. Throwing of any object in the spectators viewing area, players bench, penalty box or on the ice surface, directed in any manner as to create a safety hazard.



    GO BACK