Policy:
The following codes of ethics apply to all levels of participation in the Avon Canton Farmington Youth Hockey Association, Parents, Players, Team Personnel and Executive Members. They are minimum standards of behaviour which participants are expected to observe. Violation of the standards by a participant may lead to a review by ACFYHA for subsequent exoneration, reprimand, or expulsion.
6.1 Avon Canton Farmington Youth Hockey Association BOD Code of Ethics In Relation to CHC Minor Hockey Association:
· Members adhere to Board of Director policy and seek to change policy through the proper channels of the BOD.
· Members maintain the integrity of the BOD at all times, and do not initiate or participate in any activity, which will place the BOD in ill repute.
· Members honour commitments made on behalf of the BOD.
· Members do not divulge to the general public any item, which may cause personal embarrassment or humiliation.
· Members resign from their position immediately when they become unable to fulfil the duties or obligations of their position.
In Relation to Colleagues (other members):
· Members do not criticize the sphere of operation of another member except to that member or the President. Criticism or reports to the President shall only be made after the member has been made aware of the nature of the criticism to be levelled.
· Members do not comment, render opinion or decisions with respect to operations not under their control to the general public.
· Members refer to appropriate BOD members’ issues arising in the community with respect to their sphere of operation.
· Members do not undermine the confidence of the general public in other members.
In Relation to the Avon Canton Farmington Youth Hockey Association Membership:
· Members fulfil the duties and obligations of their position to the best of their ability, always serving the best interests of ALL players registered with ACFYHA.
· Members treat the general public with dignity and respect and are considerate of their circumstances.
· Members do not use their position for personal profit, or for profit of immediate family.
· Members do not use their position to influence the placement of any player.
· Members do not use their position to influence the selection of any coach or team official.
6.2 Parent’s Code of Ethics
· There can be only one coach on the team and that person is assigned by ACFYHA. Do not attempt to be the invisible coach for your child. It will only confuse them and this confusion will result in frustration for you and your child.
· Do be supportive of your child. Praise not just scoreboard success, but attitudinal changes, co-operation with team mates, toleration, and forgiveness of mistakes, team play, and even discipline. You are raising a child, not a hockey player, and all of the life skills your child learns in this or any other organized activity will help them become better people.
· If a dispute between you and team officials or administration occurs, handle it with dignity and through proper channels. Gossip, infighting, grudges, etc. are not credible examples of mature behaviour.
· Handle disappointment, whether it occurs through disputes, your child’s skill, officials and their decision, placement on a team, etc. with dignity, maturity and common sense. No one wins all their arguments, plays their best all the time, or agrees with every decision.
· Playing hockey is a privilege, not a right! Undesirable conduct or deliberate infractions of rules can result in disciplinary action, which may lead to the revoking of your membership in this organization.
· Help your child’s team, the officials, and the Hockey Board of directors whenever and wherever you are able to. Your support and much needed assistance very often mean the difference between a rewarding, productive season and a mediocre, frustrating one.
6.3 Player’s Code of Ethics
· Always strive to give your best. Pride, esteem and respect are just a few of the rewards you can expect from your team-mates, fans and coaches if you attempt to be the best you can be.
· Never battle or condemn another player, coach or referee. Bad calls, missed passes, short shifts, or any of the frustrations which occur in organized sports are not valid reasons to hurt or abuse someone.
· Do not use foul language. If you can’t make your point without using swear words, then you should reconsider whether you have a point to make.
· Fighting will result in disciplinary action. Hockey is a physical game but there are limits.
· Be on time for your games and practices. Both are necessary for you to develop the skills you require to play the game successfully.
6.4 Coaches’ Code of Ethics
· The good coach believes that their job is to teach hockey, to develop their players, and to put a team that displays good sportsmanship on the ice for every game. The keys to successful coaching are Leadership and Example. The coach points out what is right and wrong, fair or unfair. The coach stresses co-operation with authority and respect for it. How the coach acts is more important than what is said. A coach who is fair, whom respects authority and the efforts of their players, will have a team that works hard for them.
· The coach tries to give their team the will to win. The coach wants them to know the pride of winning, as individuals and as members of the team. But, they must also know how to lose like good sports. AND SO MUST THE COACH! A team that plays like thisearns friends and respect, everywhere it goes, and so does the coach.
· Our coaches must be capable of administering discipline fairly, to the superstar as well as the developing player.
· Our coaches must be responsible in their own behaviour. They are leaders and teachers and their actions reflect upon our total program.
· Our coaches must be well organized and prepared, both on and off the ice
· No abuse by our coaches to referees will be tolerated. Yelling, screaming or physical abuse is not the solution to a problem.
· A coach or team official that is reported as being inebriated while in his official capacity with the team may be suspended for the remainder of the year.
· Remember coaching is a privilege, not a self-serving obligation, and the positions are not handed out lightly! Treat the position and responsibilities with respect.
