Zero Tolerance Policy for Players

Player Expectations

All BYH players are expected to:

Commit to Fun and Improvement

• Play the game for enjoyment
• Continually work to improve skills
• Be a positive and supportive teammate

Foster Teamwork and Sportsmanship

• Demonstrate respect, discipline, accountability, and self-control
• Exhibit good sportsmanship at all times, on and off the ice

Adhere to Rules and Responsibilities

• Be punctual and prepared for practices and games
• Follow team, league, and organizational rules

Respect All Individuals

• Treat coaches, teammates, parents, officials, opponents, and volunteers with respect at all times

Follow BYH and Governing Body Codes

• Uphold the objectives and standards of BYH
• Comply with the rules and regulations set forth by USA Hockey and all affiliated leagues and governing bodies

Unacceptable Behavior

Players shall not:

Disrespect Coaches or Officials

• Argue with or verbally confront coaches, officials, or volunteers

Engage in Harmful or Demeaning Conduct

• Taunt, ridicule, harass, haze, or bully any individual
• Encourage or support negative behavior toward others

Use Inappropriate Language or Substances

• Use obscene, vulgar, or abusive language
• Possess or use alcohol or illegal substances

Disrupt the Locker Room Environment

• Use cell phones or recording devices (including cameras or video equipment) in the locker room, except in emergency situations

Play in a Dangerous or Unsportsmanlike Manner

• Intentionally injure or attempt to injure another player
• Engage in contact after the whistle or buzzer
• Participate in or incite fighting, aggressive physical contact, or violent behavior

Disciplinary Action for Players

Team-Level Discipline

• The Team Head Coach may impose immediate disciplinary action as appropriate
• All incidents must be communicated to the Hockey Director within 24 hours

Organization-Level Discipline

• When further action is warranted, the Hockey Director will consult with BYH leadership for review and determination

Suspension Guidelines

Mandatory Review and Meeting Requirement

• All player suspensions will require a mandatory meeting
• The meeting will include, at a minimum:
• The player
• The Team Head Coach
• The Hockey Director
• A Rules & Ethics (R&E) Committee member
• Parent participation may be required depending on the age of the player and the severity of the incident
• Depending on the severity of the violation, the BYH President and/or Vice President may be required to attend
• The President or Vice President may substitute for a Rules & Ethics Committee member if necessary

Case-by-Case Review

• All suspensions will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis, taking into account:
• The nature and severity of the incident
• The age and disciplinary history of the player
• Governing body requirements and league rulings

Reporting Requirements

• All suspensions must be reported in writing to the Rules & Ethics (R&E) Committee within 24 hours
• Failure to properly report a suspension may result in:
• Loss of appeal eligibility
• Additional disciplinary action against the coach, player, or team
• If the R&E Committee is unavailable, suspensions may be reported to the President, Vice President, or Hockey Director

Suspension Enforcement

All Age Levels

• Players who receive a suspension from a league, tournament, or governing body will serve the suspension as issued
• All suspensions will be reviewed by Bloomington Youth Hockey to determine whether additional disciplinary action or corrective measures are warranted
• Reviews will consider the age of the player, severity of the incident, prior disciplinary history, and applicable governing body requirements
• Any additional discipline imposed by BYH will be communicated in writing following the mandatory review meeting

Responsibility for Enforcement

• Coaches are responsible for enforcing all suspensions as issued and any additional discipline determined by BYH
• Failure to properly enforce suspensions may result in disciplinary action, including coach suspension, loss of practice ice, or fines

Appeals Process

• Appeals of supplementary disciplinary decisions must be submitted in writing via email within 36 hours of the suspension to:
• RulesandEthics@BloomingtonYouthHockey.com
• The Rules & Ethics Committee will review all appeals and may involve the BYH Board if necessary
• Decisions made by the BYH Board are final
• If a suspension is scheduled to occur within 48 hours, an appeal may also be initiated through direct communication with the Chair of Rules & Ethics and documented afterward
• Once all information has been collected, a decision will be issued within 24 hours, unless BYH Board involvement is required
• Parents may request a hearing with the Rules & Ethics Committee if they disagree with a ruling

Game Suspension Guidelines for Players and Coaches

(USA Hockey Match Penalties Only)

This section applies exclusively to Match Penalties issued under USA Hockey rules. These guidelines do not apply to minor penalties, major penalties, or game misconducts unless otherwise directed by USA Hockey, AHAI, or the applicable governing body.

Attendance During a Match Penalty Suspension

Individuals serving a suspension resulting from a USA Hockey Match Penalty may not engage with the team in any capacity, including:

• In-person interaction
• Electronic communication
• Locker room access

Restricted Areas During a Match Penalty Suspension

• No interaction with the team or bench is permitted
• The suspension period begins 45 minutes before game time and ends 30 minutes after the game concludes

Governing Body Authority

• Players or coaches receiving a USA Hockey Match Penalty are prohibited from all team activities, including practices and games, until a final ruling is issued by USA Hockey or AHAI
• BYH will enforce all restrictions and requirements mandated by the governing body during this period

Adherence to Governing Body Rules

BYH follows all disciplinary rules and regulations established by USA Hockey, AHAI, and all affiliated leagues. This includes enforcement of game misconducts, match penalties, and all required suspensions.

Game Misconduct Penalties

• Any player or coach receiving a game misconduct will be suspended for the next scheduled game(s) as required by the governing body
• Participation in practices may continue unless otherwise directed

Match Penalties

• Players or coaches receiving a USA Hockey Match Penalty are prohibited from all team activities, including practices and games, until a final ruling is issued by the governing body

For additional guidelines please refer to the following sources:

USA Hockey Handbook

AHAI Rules and Regulations

CSDHL Handbook

NIHL Rules and Regulations

CUHL Rules, Links and Documents