| In an effort to
keep ice hockey a more desirable and rewarding experience for
all participants, AHAI has instructed the Officiating Program to
adhere to certain points of emphasis relating to
sportsmanship. This campaign is designed to require all
players, coaches, officials, team officials and administrators
and parents/spectators to maintain a sportsmanlike and
educational atmosphere before, during and after all USA
Hockey-sanctioned games. Thus, the following points of
emphasis must be implemented by all On-Ice Referees and
Linesmen:
PLAYERS
A
minor penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct (Zero Tolerance)
shall be assessed whenever a player:
- Openly
disputes or argues any decision by an official.
- Uses
obscene or vulgar language at any time, including any
swearing, even if it is not directed at a
particular person.
- Visually
demonstrates any sign of dissatisfaction with an officials
decision. Any time that a player persists
in any of these actions, they shall be assessed a
misconduct penalty. A game misconduct shall result if the
player continues such action.
COACHES
A
minor penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct (Zero Tolerance) shall
be assessed whenever a coach:
- Openly
disputes or argues any decision by an official.
- Uses obscene
or vulgar language in a boisterous manner to anyone at any
time.
- Visually
displays any sign of dissatisfaction with an officials
decision including standing on the boards or
standing in the bench doorway with the intent of
inciting the officials, players or spectators.
Any time that a
coach persists in any of these actions, they shall be assessed a
game misconduct penalty.
OFFICIALS
Officials are required to conduct themselves in a businesslike,
sportsmanlike, impartial and constructive manner at all times.
The actions of an official must be above reproach. Actions such
as baiting or inciting players or coaches are strictly
prohibited. On-ice officials are ambassadors of the game
and must always conduct themselves with this responsibility in
mind.
PARENTS/SPECTATORS
The
game will be stopped by on-ice officials when the
parents/spectators displaying inappropriate and disruptive
behavior interfere with other spectators or the game. The on-ice
officials will identify violators to the coaches for the purpose
of removing parents/spectators from the spectators viewing and
game area.
Once removed,
play will resume. Lost time will not be replaced and
violators may be subject to further disciplinary action by the
local governing body. This inappropriate and disruptive behavior
shall include:
Use of obscene
or vulgar language in a boisterous manner to anyone at anytime.
Taunting of players, coaches, officials or other spectators by
means of baiting, ridiculing, threat of physical violence or
physical violence.
Throwing of any
object in the spectators viewing area, players bench, penalty
box or on ice surface, directed in any manner as to create a
safety hazard.
AHAI Zero Tolerance Policy
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