Dunedin Ice Hockey Association

DIHA Codes of Conduct

The Dunedin Ice Hockey Association operates a code of conduct for all members. In order to be a member of the club, you must agree to abide by the relevant code.

Code of Conduct – Youth Players and Parents

Youth players are expected to meet the following standards of behaviour:

1. Play hockey for enjoyment above all other things.
2. Learn the rules of ice hockey, submitting to the rulings of officials without argument.
3. Be on time and properly equipped for all practices and games.
4. Aim for improvement in all aspects of their game.
5. Support their team and team members on and off the ice.
6. Respect opponents through good sportsmanship.
7. Respect coaches and listen to and follow their instructions.
8. Respect the rules of all sporting and other facilities.
9. Encourage others to play ice hockey through modeling and promoting the sport.

Players can have the following expectations:

1. Have fun on and off the ice.
2. Be able to ask questions and learn more about the game of ice hockey.
3. Have qualified coaching and develop as a player.

Parents are expected to meet the following standards of behaviour:

1. Support players in their ice hockey, not forcing them to play, having unrealistic expectations of them, or condemning them for making mistakes.
2. Respect officials and submit to their rulings without argument. Encourage players to follow the rules and to resolve conflicts without resorting to hostility, abuse, or violence.
3. Communicate with team coaches and managers about a player’s availability and health.
4. Encourage and reward sportsmanship on the ice.
5. Provide a good example for fellow parents and players in their behaviour.
6. Respect coaches/managers and support their work. A parent’s primary job at games is to support their child and their team, parental help will only be allowed if it is asked for.

Parents can have the following expectations:

1. Players to participate in a safe, supportive environment.
2. Players to have an opportunity to improve their ice hockey and play at a competitive level.
3. Be able to ask questions of the Association and its coaches and officials at an appropriate time and place.

The Dunedin Ice Hockey Association has a zero tolerance policy towards:

1. Verbal abuse, physical abuse, fighting, or any other unsportsmanlike behaviour
2. ‘Hazing’ or other team or rookie initiation rituals.
3. Performance enhancing or illegal drug use.
4. Alcohol consumption by members under the age of eighteen.

Any player, parent, coach or official who engages in this behaviour faces disciplinary consequences.

Code of Conduct – Senior Players

Senior players are expected to meet the following standards of behaviour:

1. Play hockey for enjoyment above all other things.
2. Communicate with team coaches and managers about their availability and health.
3. Learn the rules of ice hockey, submitting to the rulings of officials without argument.
4. Be on time and properly equipped for all practices and games.
5. Aim for improvement in all aspects of their game.
6. Support their team and team members on and off the ice.
7. Respect opponents through good sportsmanship.
8. Respect coaches and listen to and follow their instructions.
9. Respect the rules of all sporting and other facilities.
10. Encourage others to play ice hockey through modeling and promoting the sport.

Players can have the following expectations:

1. Have fun on and off the ice.
2. Play in a safe, supportive environment.
3. Have qualified coaching and develop as a player.
4. Play the game at a competitive level.
5. Be able to ask questions and learn more about the game of ice hockey.
6. Be able to ask questions of the Association and its coaches and officials at an appropriate time and place.

The Dunedin Ice Hockey Association has a zero tolerance policy towards:

1. Verbal abuse, physical abuse, fighting, or any other unsportsmanlike behaviour
2. ‘Hazing’ or other team or rookie initiation rituals.
3. Performance enhancing or illegal drug use.
4. Alcohol consumption by senior members immediately before or during on-ice activities.

Any player, parent, coach or official who engages in this behaviour faces disciplinary consequences.

Code of Conduct – Coaches

Expectations	Coach’s Responsibilities
1. Respect the rights, dignity and worth of every human being.	Within the context of the activity, treat everyone equally regardless of sex, disability, ethnic origin or religion.
2. Ensure the athlete’s time spent with you is a positive experience.	All athletes are deserving of equal attention and opportunities.
3. Treat each athlete as an individual.	Respect the talent, developmental stage and goals of each individual athlete. Help each athlete reach their full potential.
4. Be fair, considerate and honest with athletes.	As stated.
5. Be professional and accept responsibility for your actions.	Display high standards in your language, manner, punctuality, preparation and presentation. Display control, respect, dignity and professionalism to all involved with the sport- this includes opponents, coaches, administrators, officials, media, parents and spectators. Encourage athletes to demonstrate the same qualities.
6. Make a commitment to providing a quality service to your athletes.	Maintain or improve your current level of NZIHF Coaching accreditation. Seek continual improvement through performance reviews and ongoing coaching education. Provide a training program which is organised, well planned and sequential. Maintain appropriate records.
7. Operate within the rules and spirit of your sport.	Adhere to the NZIHF Events manual as well as the IIHF Rules Book. Contact your Regional Body for a copy of its rule book, constitution, by-laws and policies. Coaches should educate their athletes on drugs in sport issues in consultation with Drug Free Sport NZ (www.drugfreesport.org.nz).
8. Any physical contact with athletes should be appropriate to the situation and necessary for the athlete’s skill development.	As stated.
9. Refrain from any form of abuse towards your athletes.	This includes verbal, physical and emotional abuse. Be alert to any forms of abuse directed towards your athletes from other sources whilst they are in your care.
10. Refrain from any form of harassment towards your athletes.	This includes sexual and racial harassment, racial vilification and harassment on the grounds of disability. You should also not only refrain from initiating a relationship with an athlete, but should also discourage any attempt by an athlete to initiate a sexual relationship with you, explaining the ethical basis of your refusal.
11. Provide a safe environment for training and competition.	Ensure equipment and facilities meet safety standards. Ensure equipment, rules, training and the environment is appropriate for the age and ability of the athletes.
12. Show concern and caution towards sick and injured athletes.	Provide a modified training program where appropriate. Allow further participation in training and competition only when appropriate. Encourage athletes to seek medical advice when required. Maintain the same interest and support toward sick and injured athletes.
13. Be a positive role model for your sport and athletes.	As stated
14. Adhere to the Drug Free Sport New Zealand/NZIHF anti-doping policy	Be knowledgeable of, and comply with, all applicable anti-doping policies and rules. Use your influence to foster positive anti-doping attitudes. Support anti-doping initiatives in the sport of ice hockey.

Coaches have the right to:

• Be treated with respect and openness;
• Have access to self-improvement opportunities; and
• Be matched with a level of coaching appropriate to their level of competence.

Code of Conduct – Officials

The International Ice Hockey Federation provides guidance to registered officials around the world. National Associations and their members should expect the highest possible standards of personal integrity, competence, sound judgement and discretion from National Association officials. The Official’s Code of Ethics developed by the International Ice Hockey Federation Sport Development Program is a public declaration of an official’s obligation to himself, his peers and the game. I will…

• do the best job I can in each game, no matter what the category of hockey.
• always show respect for my fellow officials, the players, coaches and fans.
• study and continue to improve my knowledge of the IIHF’s playing rules, policies and procedures.
• represent myself and the rules of the game as fairly and as accurately as possible at all times.
• always be unquestionably impartial, keeping a professional and appropriate distance from teams.
• understand that the use of alcohol is not encouraged and is totally unacceptable on game days. The use of illicit drugs is against the law.
• uphold the philosophy and right of all hockey participants and penalize accordingly all violent acts.
• raise the standard of play in each game that I officiate.
• be supportive of my fellow on-ice and off-ice officials at all times, even when I am a spectator or player.
• accept the fact that I will make mistakes, but I will not get frustrated or let this learning process affect my performance or my professionalism.
• contribute to the continuing growth of the IIHF Official’s Development Program and its officials within my National Association through support, encouragement and positive attitude.
• respect and accept constructive feedback from supervisors and the assignments I receive from my administrators.