Policies

Follow the rules and regulations of USA Hockey and your association to ensure that the association’s philosophy and objectives are enhanced.

• Support programs that train and educate players, coaches, parents, officials and volunteers.
• Promote and publicize your programs; seek out financial support when possible.
• Communicate with parents by holding parent/player orientation meetings as well as by being available to answer questions and address problems throughout the season.
• Work to provide programs that encompass fairness to the participants and promote fair play and sportsmanship.
• Recruit volunteers, including coaches, who demonstrate qualities conducive to being role models to the youth in our sport.
• Encourage coaches and officials to attend USA Hockey clinics and advise your board members of the necessity for their training sessions.
• Make every possible attempt to provide everyone, at all skill levels, with a place to play.
• Read and be familiar with the contents of the USA Hockey Annual Guide and USA Hockey’s official playing rules.
• Develop other administrators to advance to positions in your association, perhaps even your own.

• Winning is a consideration, but not the only one, nor the most important one. Care more about the child than winning the game. Remember, players are involved in hockey for fun and enjoyment.
• Be a positive role model to your players. Display emotional maturity and be alert to the physical safety of players.
• Be generous with your praise when it is deserved; be consistent and honest; be fair and just; do not criticize players publicly; learn to be a more effective communicator and coach; don’t yell at players.
• Adjust to personal needs and problems of players; be a good listener; never verbally or physically abuse a player or official; give all players the opportunity to improve their skills, gain confidence and develop self-esteem; teach players the basics.
• Organize practices that are fun and challenging for your players. Familiarize yourself with the rules, techniques and strategies of hockey; encourage all your players to be team players.
• Maintain an open line of communication with your players’ parents. Explain the goals and objectives of your association.
• Be concerned with the overall development of your players. Stress good health habits and clean living.
• To play the game is great, to love the game is greater

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

• Encourage your child to play by the rules. Remember, children learn best by example, so applaud the good plays of both teams.
• Do not embarrass your child by yelling at players, coaches or officials. By showing a positive attitude toward the game and all of its participants, your child will benefit.
• Emphasize skill development and practices and how they benefit your young athlete. De-emphasize games and competition in the lower age groups.
• Know and study the rules of the game 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.
• Applaud a good effort in both victory and 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 the physical and verbal abuse in youth sports.
• Recognize the importance of volunteer coaches. They are important to the development of your child and the sport.
• Communicate with them and support them.
• If you enjoy the game, learn all you can about hockey – and volunteer.

• Play for fun.
• Work hard to improve your skills.
• Be a team player – get along with your teammates.
• Learn teamwork, sportsmanship and discipline.
• Be on time.
• Learn the rules and play by them. Always be a good sport.
• Respect your coach, your teammates, your parents, opponents and officials.
• Never argue with an official’s decision.

• Display good sportsmanship. Always respect players, coaches and officials.
• Act appropriately; do not taunt or disturb other fans; enjoy the game together.
• Cheer good plays of all participants; avoid booing opponents.
• Cheer in a positive manner and encourage fair play; profanity and objectionable cheers or gestures are offensive.
• Help provide a safe and fun environment; throwing any items on the ice surface can cause injury to players and officials.
• Do not lean over or pound on the glass; the glass surrounding the ice surface is part of the playing area.
• Support the referees and coaches by trusting their judgment and integrity.
• Be responsible for your own safety – be alert to prevent accidents from flying pucks and other avoidable situations.
• Respect locker rooms as private areas for players, coaches and officials.
• Be supportive after the game – win or lose. Recognize good effort, teamwork and sportsmanship.