Code of Conduct

Players

As a player, I will:

Make a commitment to my team by attending all games and by playing to the best of my ability.
Respect my Coaches at all times. I will remember that my Coaches are providing me with the opportunity to learn and play the game of hockey.
Respect the safety of other players by playing the game within the rules of the game.
Respect the Officials and their decisions at all times.
Never verbally abuse a Coach, Assistant, or Official. I will remember that they have the difficult jobs and will not undermine them by contradicting, interfering, or questioning their character, motivation, or judgment in public. I will take concerns to the proper GRHA officials.
Accept disciplinary action if I violate the rules or spirit of the game.

As a parent/guardian of a player, or spectator, I will:

Enroll my child for the pure enjoyment of the game and the opportunity to learn the skills of the sport.
Recognize that at a hockey rink, my child’s development is in the hands of volunteers who are giving their time and energy for the sake of all participants.
Respect the decisions of the Coaches and/or Officials during a game.
Conduct myself in an adult manner by attending games, and by being positive and encouraging to all players at all times.
Encourage my child to play by the rules and to resolve conflicts without resorting to hostility, profanity, verbal or physical violence.
Never verbally abuse a Coach, Assistant, or Official. I will remember that they have the difficult jobs and will not undermine them by contradicting, interfering, or questioning their character, motivation, or judgement in public. I will not engage in or encourage gossip. I will take concerns to the proper GRHA officials.
Accept that I remain responsible, as a parent/guardian, for the safety of my child while they are participating in GRHA activities. I will therefore do my part to protect and enhance the safety of my child and others.
Understand and accept that violation of this Code may result in disciplinary action of some kind.

I understand as a Coach, Assistant, or team helper, I am in a position of trust and authority, I will:

Teach my players to play fairly and to respect the rules, Officials, their teammates, and their opponents.
Remember that players play to have fun and must be encouraged to have confidence in themselves.
Remember that participants need a Coach they can respect. I will be generous with praise and set a good example.
Respect all participants, striving to be a responsible Coach. I recognize that I am in a position of trust and power and will do nothing to take advantage of or abuse it.
Do my best to be a competent, well-prepared Coach.
Direct comments at an individual’s performance and not at the individual.
Not ridicule or yell at players for making mistakes or for performing poorly.
Take reasonable steps to see that equipment and facilities are safe and appropriate to my players.
Cooperate with Officials and refrain from public criticism of them or of other Coaches. I will put my concerns in writing and will send them to proper individual.
Learn the definitions and signs of harassment and abuse, and the process for responding to allegations or disclosures.
Emphasize the importance of the Player’s and Parent’s Codes, and hold my team members and their parents/guardians accountable for compliance.
Recognize and accept that violations of the Code of Conduct may result in disciplinary measures being taken against me.
Wear helmets required when on ice.

As a GRHA Official, I will:

Recognize that my position is one of a teacher and role model for fair play, especially where young children are concerned. I will strive to honour that role and not to abuse my position in any way.
Strive to see that every player has a reasonable opportunity to perform to the best of his or her ability, within the limits of the rules.
Work in cooperation with Coaches for the benefit of the game, and will be open to discussion, constructive criticism, and will respect and consider different points of view.

As a GRHA board member or convenor, I will:

Do our best to see that all children are given the same change to participate, regardless of gender, ability, ethnic background or race.
Discourage the game from becoming primarily an entertainment for spectators.
Make sure that all prudent and reasonable, appropriate and necessary measures are taken on an ongoing basis to protect the safety of all members wherever GRHA activities take place, in those programs, and at the hands of GRHA members or others.
Appropriately screen all those who provide service on behalf of the organization, both before, but especially after they are involved, seeking to have Coaches and Officials who are capable of promoting fair play as well as the development of good technical skills.
Distribute, publicize, promote and enforce the Codes of Conduct within this organization.