MOORETOWN MINOR HOCKEY ASSOCIATION (MTMHA)
CODE OF CONDUCT
This Code for Conduct identifies the standard of behavior which is expected of all MTMHA members and participants, which for the purpose of this policy shall include all players, guardians, parents, coaches, officials, volunteers, directors, officers, committee members, conveners, team managers, trainers, administrators and employees involved in MTMHA activities and events.
MTMHA is committed to providing an environment in which all individuals are treated with respect. Members and participants of MTMHA shall conduct themselves at all times in a manner consistent with the values of MTMHA which include fairness, integrity and mutual respect.
During the course of all MTMHA activities and events, members shall avoid behavior which brings MTMHA or the sport of hockey into disrepute, including but not limited to abusive use of alcohol, use of non-medical drugs and use of alcohol by minors.
MTMHA members and participants shall at all times adhere to MTMHA`s operational policies and procedures, to rules and regulations governing MTMHA events and activities, and to rules and regulations governing any competitions in which the member participates on behalf of MTMHA.
Members and participants of MTMHA shall not engage in any activity or behavior which interferes with a competition or with any player or team`s preparation for a competition, or which endangers the safety of others.
Mooretown Minor Hockey understands the value in Social Media. We also appreciate an individual's right to express themselves. However, MTMHA has a Social Media Policy that states that the inappropropriate use of social media by MTMHA member s and participants, as defined in the policy, will be subject to action.
Members of MTMHA shall refrain from comments or behaviors which are disrespectful, humiliating, demeaning, offensive, abusive, racist or sexist. In particular, behavior which constitutes bullying, harassment or abuse will not be tolerated, and will be dealt with under MTMHA`s Harassment and Abuse Policy.
Failure to comply with this Code of Conduct may result in disciplinary action in accordance with the Discipline Policy of MTMHA. Such action may result in the member losing the privileges which come with membership in MTMHA, including the opportunity to participate in MTMHA activities and events, both present and future.
It is expected that each and every person involved with a team (parent, grandparent, player, coach) will remember that first and foremost minor hockey is a game. No disrespect for teammates, opposing players, opposing coaches, opposing parents or referees should be tolerated or condoned. It is the responsibility of the adults involved to provide an example of sportsmanship and to be positive role models for the kids. Cheer for them, encourage them, be proud of them and enjoy their time in minor hockey as it will go by quickly.
Hockey Parents Make The Difference.
Keep in mind that, above all, the motivating factor for most children who enter an organized sports program is their desire to have fun. With a supportive attitude and a fundamental understanding of the "basics" of hockey, everyone will come away from their sports experience with a positive feeling.
In The Stands
Parents can take the fun out of hockey by continually yelling or screaming from the stands. Parents should enjoy the game and applaud good plays. The stands are not a place from which parents should try to personally coach their kids. Kids often mirror the actions of their parents; if they see mom or dad losing their cool in the stands, they’ll probably do the same on the ice.
Car And Home
Some parents not only spoil the fun for their kids at the ice rink, but also in the car, believing this is the perfect place for instruction. Parents should try to keep things in perspective. There's more to life than hockey, and the car and home are not places to coach. Parents need to remember that they are not the coach, and the most difficult kind of parent is the one who coaches against the real coach. It's unfair to put children in a position of having to decide who to listen to - their parents or the coach.
At Practice
Parents have to remember that if a child wants to improve, they have to practice - not just play. Even if a child is not the "star" player for a team, practice stresses the importance of teamwork, establishing goals, discipline and learning to control your emotions, all of which are important lessons children can use both in and away from sports.
Support Your Child
There are many benefits that are derived from playing hockey. Kids learn good sportsmanship and self-discipline. They learn to work together, how to sacrifice for the good of the team, how to enjoy winning and how to handle defeat. In the process, they also learn important lessons about physical fitness and personal health.
The degree to which your child benefits from their hockey experience is as much your responsibility as it is theirs. In order for your child to get the most out their season, it is important for you to show support and offer encouragement while maintaining a genuine interest in the team.
Always Be Positive
Parents serve as role models for their children, who often look to adults for advice, direction and approval. Never lose sight of the fact that you are a role model, and strive to be a positive role model. As a parent, one of the most important things you can do is show good sportsmanship at all times to coaches, referees, opponents and teammates.
The best way to help children achieve goals and reduce their natural fear of failure is through positive reinforcement. After all, no one likes to make mistakes. If your child does make a mistake - and they will (remember, they’re just kids) - keep in mind that mistakes are an important part of the overall learning process. Strive to be supportive and point out the things they do well.
Make your child feel like a winner.
Let The Coaches Coach
Avoid placing an exaggerated emphasis on winning. The most important aspect of your child's hockey experience is for them to have fun while developing physical and emotional skills that will serve them in life. A healthy, risk-free environment that emphasizes the importance of fair play, sportsmanship, discipline and, most importantly, fun will be invaluable for your child as they continue to develop a positive self image.
Remember that your children are PLAYING hockey. It is important to allow them to establish their own goals and play the game for themselves. Be careful not to impose your own standards or objectives.
