CODE OF CONDUCT
It is the intention of Napanee District Minor Hockey Association (NDMH) and its Board of Directors to offer a hockey program for players, team officials (coaches/trainers/managers) and parents, which promotes fair play, fun and respect for all in a co-operative atmosphere. The NDMH Board of Directors, coaching staff and others involved in minor hockey are community volunteers working together to provide a meaningful recreational program for all players enrolled in NDMH. All participants should have the opportunity to enjoy their involvement in the hockey program free from improper or inappropriate influences and criticism. NDMH 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 NDMH and all concerned. As a result of the above, the guidelines as stated below shall apply to all involved in the NDMH hockey program.
It is recognized that membership in NDMH and participation in its programs is a privilege and not a right guaranteed by fees paid. Membership may be revoked at any time to an individual who has been deemed by the Executive, following a fair hearing, to be in contravention of the NDMH or OMHA Code of Conduct, or Bylaws set out in the Constitution and Manual of Operations. The NDMH reserves the right to reject membership in such cases where a previous record of behaviour unbecoming a member of the NDMH has been evident.
NDMH enforces a ZERO tolerance policy regarding this Code of Conduct.
The above guidelines will be given out each year at NDMH registration and are posted year round on our website. Each player/parent signing the registration form will acknowledge reviewing the Code of Conduct and Behaviour and it will be their responsibility for learning and following the guidelines and informing their child(ren) of the contents. Each year all NDMH team coaching staff will receive a copy as part of the team’s coaching package.
Please find a copy of the NDMH Incident Report at the link below. 
incidentreport
SECTION 1 Complaints and Sanctions
1.1 Complaints, concerns or questions must be submitted in writing to a member of the NDMH Executive. The NDMH 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 in contrary to the NMDH Code of Conduct Policy, or the OMHA’s policies and bylaws as outlined in the Manual of Operations.
1.2 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.
1.3 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.
1.4 If required, the President will appoint a Disciplinary Committee, comprising of 3 Executive Committee members with the President as the chairman, to review the complaints/infractions that are written and signed submissions.
1.5 Disciplinary measures can include coach/player suspensions, restriction from the lobby area of the arena and viewing/audience sections of both ice pads for parents during NDMH ice rental, denial of playing/coaching privileges and participation in NDMH sanctioned events, or requirement to participate in educational courses. NDMH uses a progressive discipline policy, in that penalties for breaches of this code of conduct are more severe for repeat offences. While terms may vary with the situation, a first offence may be given a 1 month suspension, a second offence may carry a 3-6 month suspension and a 3rd offense may carry a lifetime revocation of membership and participation in NDMH activities.
1.6 An Appeal Committee, as outlined in the OMHA Manual of Operations, shall be chaired by the Vice President of OMHA (NDMH) to hear appeals from decisions rendered by the Disciplinary Committee when necessary.
1.7 All properly filed complaints shall receive a written reply.
SECTION 2 - Players
Players at all times whether it is practices, games, or tournaments will:
2.1 Play for the fun of it, not just to please parents and coaches.
2.2 Remember the goals of the game are to have fun, improve your skills and feel good.
2.3 Play by the rules and be a good sport.
2.4 Not permit their actions or words to embarrass their teammates, their coaches, their opponents, their supporters, and family or the referees, and by so doing will not embarrass themselves.
2.5 Control their temper. Refrain from “mouthing off”, breaking sticks, throwing gloves or other equipment. Never argue with the officials’ decision, allowing the captain or coach to ask as necessary.
2.6 Use best efforts at all times, show respect for teammates and the team and play with the realization that goals and objectives for personal success are less important than the team success.
2.7 Respect their opponents (even if he/she doesn’t show respect) and will play fair, clean and hard. They will not allow themselves to take cheap shots, run goalies or incur needless or unnecessary penalties by undisciplined play. Treat all players, as you yourself would like to be treated.
2.8 Cooperate with the coaching staff, accept the directions of the coaching staff concerning hockey and will show respect by keeping quiet and paying attention when the coaches are speaking.
2.9 Remember they are representing themselves, their parents, their team, their sponsor and the Town of Greater Napanee at all times, including to and from the arena.
SECTION 3 - Team Officials
Team Officials (Coaches, Trainers, Managers) will:
3.1 Abide by the NDMH and OMHA Code of Conduct.
3.2 Be prepared in advance for both games and practices. Teach players to play fairly and to respect the rules, opponents and officials. He/she shall be a resource person to assist the players to develop their athletic potential and self-dependency. Lead by example. Teach and practice co-operation, self-discipline, respect for officials and opponents and proper attitudes in language, dress and behaviour. Rules are mutual agreements, which no one should evade or break.
3.3 Be honest and consistent with players. They appreciate knowing where they stand. Be fair in the administration of discipline and in the assignment of ice time to each player.
3.4 Be appreciative and supportive of the success of the team and its players. Accept a role as a teacher and a role model. Recognize individual differences in players and always think of the player’s long-term best interests. Make hockey challenging and fun. Skills and techniques need not be learned painfully.
3.5 Be prepared to interact in a positive manner with administrators, league officials and parents.
3.6 Not by word of mouth or gesture abuse or publicly criticize players or referees as defined by OMHA Manual of Operations.
3.7 Follow the advice of a physician when determining when an injured player is ready to play again. Injured players must provide certification of fitness from their attending physician.
SECTION 4 – Parents/Guardians
Parents/Guardians as members of NDMH will:
4.1 Not permit their actions to embarrass NDMH: coaches, executive members or other volunteers, players, referees or their own child.
4.2 Not force an unwilling child to participate in hockey. Remember children are involved in organized hockey for their enjoyment, not yours.
4.3 Encourage all players to play by the rules.
4.4 Remember that children learn best by example. Applaud good plays by your team and members of the opposing team. Support all efforts to remove verbal and physical abuse from hockey.
4.5 Teach their child that honest effort is more important than victory so that the result of each game is accepted without undue disappointment. Turn defeat to victory by helping their child work towards skill improvement and good sportsmanship. Never ridicule or yell at their child for making a mistake or loosing a game.
4.6 Recognize the value and importance of volunteer coaches/staff. Accept and show appreciation for the volunteers and officials who give their time and resources to coach and provide minor hockey programs for their child.
4.7 Set an example by supporting and respecting your child’s coach. When problems arise, communicate with the coaching staff on an individual basis following the “24 hour rule”. Public comments are not appropriate. It is your responsibility to clarify with a child’s coach at the start of the season regarding how he/she wishes concerns brought forward. All team concerns, other than concerns regarding player safety, should be addressed at the coaching staff level first. NDMH is firm on the observance of a 24 hour "cooling off' period. It is strongly encouraged that a written complaint be filed against any individuals in violation of this, who may then face disciplinary actions from NDMH.
4.8 Not publicly question the officials’ judgment and never their honesty. Realize no game result has ever been changed by shouting at the referees.
4.9 Accept any suspensions handed out by the referee, coach and/or executive committee for the inappropriate behaviour of my child or myself.