Code of Conduct

Parents and players are reminded that your actions represent MAHA. Please treat all players, coaches, officials and parents with respect and dignity. All members are reminded of USA Hockey’s Zero Tolerance for Verbal Abuse Rule, which addresses disputes and comments or gestures toward officials. Over the past 30+ years, MAHA has developed a reputation for sportsmanship, both on and off the ice. In the interest of pursuing these MAHA ideals it is the decision of the MAHA Board to institute a written policy regarding behavior, expectations, and the consequences of disregard for these standards.



1. On and off ice players are required to display the proper respect due to their teammates, officials, opposing players, and coaches.

2. Profanity, abusive language, and improper gestures will NOT be tolerated on or off the ice.

3. Players are expected to treat facilities, both home and away, with respect. This includes making sure locker rooms and team bench areas are cleaned after each game or practice, and following all rules specific to each facility.

4. Players are expected to pay attention to their coaches during practices and games. Asking questions is always encouraged, but disruptive talking and horseplay are not conducive to learning and will NOT be tolerated.

5. It is a rule of amateur hockey that any player receiving five penalties in a game is disqualified from the remainder of that game and in some severe cases, the next game. MAHA adheres to this regulation and adds that any blatant display of unsportsmanlike conduct can lead to disciplinary action as outlined in Section 7.

6. Any player receiving a gross misconduct or match penalty is disqualified from the game it is received in and is ineligible to play until the MAHA Board has held a hearing regarding the situation. The minimum consequence for such a penalty is a two-game suspension.

7. Blatant disregard of the above can lead to one or more of the following consequences.

• Sitting out shifts during a game or on the bench during practices.
• Being sent off the ice for the remainder of the game or practice.
• Suspension from further games or practices until a satisfactory resolution is agreed upon by the player and the coach.

A Board member may be requested by any involved party to mediate.

Violation of Sections 5 and/or 6 will require, in addition to any other consequences, that the player write a one-page paper on sportsmanship. Two copies are to be turned in; one to the player’s coach, the second to the MAHA President. A player will not be allowed to resume practice or play until this requirement is completed.

The above rules are not intended to suggest in any way that the MAHA Board feels that there are serious behavior problems among our players. Rather, it is intended to convey, in writing, our program’s expectation for fair play and sportsmanship.

Players should remember that hockey is a team sport. All team members should strive to create an atmosphere that is supportive, a work ethic that allows all to learn and progress, and a commitment to teamwork and sportsmanship.

1. Do not force your children to participate in sports, but support their desire to play their chosen sport. Children are involved in organized sports for their enjoyment. Make it fun.

2. Encourage your child to play by the rules. Remember, children learn best by example, so applaud the good plays of both teams.

3. Do not embarrass your child by yelling at players, coaches or officials. By showing a positive attitude toward the game and all its participants, your child will benefit.

4. Emphasize skill development and practice and how they benefit your young athlete. Deemphasize games and competition in the younger age levels.

5. Know and study the rules of hockey and support the officials on and off the ice. This approach will help in the development and support of the game. Any criticism of the officials only hurts the game.

6. Applaud a good effort in victory and in defeat, and enforce the positive points of the game. Never yell or physically abuse your child after a game or practice. It is destructive. Work toward removing physical and verbal abuse in youth sports.

7. Recognize the importance of volunteer coaches. They are important to the development of your child and the sport. Communicate with them and support them.

8. If you enjoy the game, learn all you can and dedicate time as a volunteer.

1. Display good sportsmanship. Always respect players, coaches and officials.

2. Act appropriately; do not taunt or disturb other fans. Enjoy the game together.

3. Cheer good plays of all participants, avoid booing opponents.

4. Cheer in a positive manner and encourage fair play; profanity and objectionable cheers or gestures are offensive.

5. Help provide a safe and fun environment; throwing objects on the ice surface can cause injury to players and officials.

6. Do not lean over and pound on the glass; the glass surrounding the ice surface is part of the playing area.

7. Support the referees and coaches by trusting their judgment and integrity.

8. Be responsible for your own safety and remain alert to help prevent accidents.

9. Respect locker rooms as restricted areas for players, coaches, locker-room monitors, and officials.

10. Be supportive after the game, win or lose. Recognize good effort, teamwork and sportsmanship.