Zero Tolerance Policy for Parents and Spectators
Bloomington Youth Hockey (BYH), in accordance with our hockey affiliations, adopts and adheres to all aspects of the Zero Tolerance Policy set forth below. Any violation of the Zero Tolerance Policy constitutes conduct detrimental to hockey and the program and will subject the offender to disciplinary action. The Zero Tolerance Policy applies to coaches, players, parents and spectators equally, both on and off the ice and at any time they are attending any type of BYH team event or gathering. Coaches and players have a separate Zero Tolerance Policy.
PARENTS AND SPECTATORS SHALL:
- Display good sportsmanship, and always respect players, coaches, managers, officials and other parents.
- Observe the "24 hour" rule. A parent or guardian will wait 24 hours before contacting a coach or other representative to make remarks, complaints, or observations about a concern. A phone call is preferred over email and/or text.
- Agree to act in accordance with all regulations set forth in the Parent Expectations guidelines and the objectives of BYH, as well as the rules of USA Hockey, CSDHL, AHAI and NIHL.
PARENTS AND SPECTATORS SHALL NOT:
- Use abusive, obscene, or vulgar language directed towards anyone at any time at the rink (including entrances and parking lots or other related facilities) before, during, or after a game.
- Taunt, bait, ridicule, or threaten (verbally or physically) any player, coach, official, or other spectator.
- Engage in any behavior or language that is racist, sexist, or contributes to a non-inclusive environment.
- Approach or enter the home or away locker rooms before, during, or after play. Limited exceptions will be made for parents/guardians of younger teams who may need to assist players with dressing/undressing or for designated, Safesport-trained staff such as team managers.
- Use recording equipment in the locker rooms of any rink at any time. This includes cameras, video cameras, cell phones or any other media collecting device
- Throw any object in the spectators' viewing area, players’ bench, or penalty box, or on the ice surface in any manner that could create a safety hazard.
- Return to an ice facility after being ejected.
- Engage in or incite fighting or abusive physical contact while participating in any BYH event (e.g., practice, game, tournament, special event).
DISCIPLINARY ACTION FOR PARENTS AND SPECTATORS PER AHAI RULE 22.1.14:
- A game will be stopped by on-ice officials when the parents/spectators displaying inappropriate or disruptive behavior interfere with other parents/spectators or the game. The on-ice officials will identify violators to the coaches for the purpose of removing parents/spectators from the parents’/spectators’ viewing and game area.
- Once removed, play will resume. Lost time will not be replaced.
- Violators will incur a minimum mandatory 5-game suspension from that team’s games and may be subject to further disciplinary action by the local governing body.
- In addition, any parent or spectator deemed to be in violation of AHAI's Zero Tolerance Policy (above) will be referred to the R&E Committee for review and potential discipline.
- The R&E Committee will have the authority to suspend parents or spectators as it deems necessary.
- Any decision of the R&E Committee may be appealed in writing to the BYH Board. Decisions of the BYH Board shall be final.