LRYHA General Rules
LRYHA Membership Rules
These rules guide the operations of the Lakes Region Youth Hockey Association (“LRYHA”). The rules are established by the LRYHA Board of Directors (“Board”) operating within the By-Laws of the organization. These rules may be amended at anytime by a majority vote of the Board.
I. Membership and Leagues
A. Membership Status consists of the families or guardians of each enrolling member in good standing as well as any volunteer who has completed all paperwork, background checks and whatever other requirements set forth in the By-Laws or as required by the LRYHA Board of Directors.
B. Voting shall be by secret ballot conducted at the annual awards ceremony at the close of each season. Each member shall be allowed one vote per family.
II. Player, Coach and Team Registration
A. Players must be:
i. Registered with USA Hockey and with the LRYHA
ii. Players and a Player parent or legal guardian are each required to sign a Code of Conduct agreement as provided by the LRYHA Board
iii. All new players to USA Hockey or LRYHA must submit an original Birth Certificate upon registration. Duplicate Birth Certificates, Passports etc are not acceptable forms of birth date verification.
iv. All players providing a foreign Birth Certificate are required to also provide a proof of legal residence such as an Alien Registration card, current I-94 or Student Visa. Both the official birth certificate and proof of legal residence must be submitted at the time of registration. See USA Hockey Written transfer for list of acceptable Visa stamps.
v. Must register electronically with USA Hockey prior to participation.
B. Coaches and Volunteers must be:
i. Registered with USA Hockey and with the LRYHA.
ii. Players and a Player parent or legal guardian are each required to sign a Code of Conduct agreement as provided by the LRYHA Board
iii. Must register electronically with USA Hockey prior to participation.
iv. Must meet or exceed the educational requirements as set forth by USA Hockey and the LRYHA Board of Directors.
III. Tuition/Fees shall be determined by the Board (see appendix A “Schedule of Fees”). Payment in full on all fees must be received according the Schedule of Fees. The LRYHA Board does recognize the higher cost of hockey in relationship to other sports and does allow for an optional payment plan. The optional payment plan must be chosen prior to the start of the season and strictly adhered. In the event payments are not made according to the schedule, the Board may suspend playing time until payment are brought up to date or received in full.
IV. Refund Policy (From the LRYHA By-Law)
A. Refund or credit requests will only be considered when they are made in writing. The Board will consider same on a case by case basis. Lakes Region Youth Hockey Association (LRYHA) is under no obligation to provide refunds or credits of any kind.
B. Refunds or credits will not be granted under any circumstances to players who are expelled or suspended from the league as a result of disciplinary action.
C. Refunds or credits may be granted by the Board upon written request either in full or in part in the event of a season ending injury. Any refund or credit granted will be solely at the discretion of the Board of Directors.
D. As USA Hockey fees are non-refundable, no refund or credit will include said fees.
E. Dissatisfaction with a player’s placement is NOT grounds for a refund or credit under any circumstances.
F. Refunds or credits will be considered on a case by case basis if written request is made prior to completion of the evaluation process.
G. The Board of Directors will consider a refund or credit on a pro-rata basis for a player whose family relocates to a new address outside of Belknap, Carroll or Merrimack Counties during an ongoing season.
H. LRYHA will deny membership to any players who owe outstanding balances for previous seasons unless said balances are retired to the satisfaction of the Board of Directors.
I. The Board of Directors reserves the right at its sole discretion to review refund or credit requests due to circumstances not covered under this By-Law.
V. Scholarships
A. LRYHA has scholarship funds available for up to one half the tuition fee to families to help defer the cost of the registration fee for families in need. Your application will be reviewed by the Scholarship Committee and is subject to approval by the LRYHA Board of Directors of LRYHA, which will recommend a scholarship award based upon the availability of funds and demonstrated the financial needs of the applicant. Application Deadline is September 30, 2008 for Travel Teams and November 15th for Learn to Skate, Instructional and In House teams. Scholarship Applications are available on the LRYHA Web Site.
B. Scholarship recipients are required to volunteer for LRYHA by extra fundraising or in some other volunteer capacity approved by the LRYHA Board.
C. All applicants, whether approved for Scholarship or not, may participate in extra fundraising to lower tuition fees beyond the 50% tuition fee with permission of the Fundraising Coordinator and the LRYHA Board. (for example, sell more Calendars or bring in a sponsor with an agreed upon portion going towards tuition).
VI. Team Formation
A. Teams: LRYHA intends to form at least two ice hockey teams based on available players to compete at the Travel levels for Mite, Squirt, Pee Wee, Bantam, and Midget divisions where appropriate as well as a Learn to Skate (LTS) and Instructional program. Additional Travel or House teams will require a Board decision. The LRYHA Board will approve additional teams in a division if the following exists:
i. There are an adequate number of players at tryouts (see “Team Size”)
ii. Coaches exist for the additional team.
iii. Adequate ice time is available for practices and games.
B. Team Size: A team will consist of a minimum of 12 players plus at least 1 goalie or a maximum of 18 players and 2 goalies. If there are less than 13 registered players in a division available for a prospective team, then the LRYHA Board reserves the right to approve solicitation of additional registrants and will hold additional tryouts. The LRYHA Board also reserves the right to approve teams of less than 13 players under special circumstances, or to mandate an increase above the 13-player minimum. The LRYHA Board reserves the right to approve a team up to 18 players and 2 goalies in accordance with USA Hockey guidelines. If there are not a sufficient number of qualified players available at a given age group to field, in the opinion of the Ace Coordinator, tryout evaluators and ultimately the LRYHA Board, a minimally competitive team, the LRYHA Board reserves the right not to field a team at the age group for that season and in a tryout situation, will declare the tryout over and refund any money collected, with the exception of any non-refundable fees and USA Hockey registration fees.
C. Eligible prospects: Players can tryout for the USA Hockey Division that coincides with his/her age level. Players must be registered with USA Hockey prior to the Tryout (see “Players that Miss Tryouts”) and not have any outstanding balances with LRYHA (see “Fees”). A second year player in any age division may tryout in the next higher age division assuming the player meets the criteria laid out in "moving up". (i.e. 2nd year Mite may tryout for Squirt)(See “Moving Up”).
D. Tryouts: Travel Team tryouts will be held before any player selections are made. USA Hockey Certified Coaches will conduct a series of skill drills and/or scrimmage, as defined by the Board or Board-appointed player evaluators. The LRYHA Board will appoint a team of three judges for each age level consisting of three independent qualified observers. The LRYHA Board may also add additional judges consisting of coaches from all levels from within the organization to evaluate along with the three independent judges. If the LRYHA chooses to add coaches from all levels, the average combined score of the coaches will count as one score. Each player will be scored individually by the judges on each skill and/or scrimmage. The scores will be averaged and the players will be ranked according to their average score. LRYHA may collect a fee to cover the cost of tryouts. Players opting out of the fee or tryout will be placed on the lowest level team.
E. Players that Miss Tryouts: Any player that does not attend the official tryout sessions is still eligible to join an established LRYHA Team if all of the following circumstances apply:
i. The team has at least 12 skaters and 1 goalie but less than 18 skaters, and two goalies.
ii. The player could not attend due to illness or injury (doctor certificate required), due to a death in the family, or for some other Board approved absence, and
iii. The player remains within his/her age division (no moving up), and
iv. The player receives the approval of the team Head Coach. Ace Coordinator and the LRYHA Board of Directors to add additional players.
v. If these circumstances are met, the player will be granted a separate tryout session. A tryout fee may be required. If a player is deemed ineligible by the LRYHA Board, that decision is binding throughout that LRYHA season. Players that miss tryouts are eligible to join a LRYHA Team still being formed if the following circumstances apply:
1. The team has less than 13 (12 skaters and 1 goalie) eligible players from the tryout process and needs to recruit more players because some players were deemed ineligible by the Evaluators, Head Coach, Ace Coordinator and Board of Directors as unsafe for the player to participate (e.g. a true novice in full-contact divisions), and
2. The LRYHA Board has officially authorized recruitment of additional players, and
3. They remain within their age division (no moving up), and
4. They receive approval of the team Head Coach, Ace Coordinator and the LRYHA Board of Directors to add additional players.
F. Moving Up: The board has established the following written criteria that will be employed in determining whether a player is qualified to advance and play at a higher level of hockey. In accordance with the By-Laws, the factors that will be considered by the board are as follows:
i. The player must possess the skill level and athletic ability to be equal to peers playing at the higher level.
ii. A vast majority of the players from the applicant’s prior years’ team are moving to a new age classification leaving the player remaining behind without teammates of equal skill to play with.
iii. The applicant moving up can help fill out a team with thin membership.
iv. Parents wishing for their children to move up need to consider factors outlined above in making a written request of the board that their son or daughter be considered for early advancement. The board will make its decision based upon the player’s overall performance during the placement skate period while considering the factors listed above. A player that attempts to move up an age division can only do so by finishing in the top ten scores of all prospective skaters, or top #1 score of all prospective goaltenders, for the older age division, based on an average score from the evaluators. If the skater or goalie does not finish as stated, he/she will be placed in his/her appropriate age group and ranked according to his/her standing at the tryout at the higher level. Players wanting to move up must declare their intention to do so in writing to the LRYHA Board in advance of the tryout date and must be approved to do so. The LRYHA Board will evaluate the candidate on skill, maturity, and safety to determine the eligibility of the "play up" candidate. The LRYHA Board will provide a written approval or disapproval with an explanation to the player or his/her parents in advance of the tryout date assuming written notice has been served to the Board President at least 10 days in advance of the higher level tryout date. The written approval to attend the higher level tryout must be presented at the registration table during the tryouts in order for the player to be allowed on the ice with the higher level age group.
G. Agreement to Consent to Placement: By registering with LRYHA all players must agree that placements are at the sole discretion of the Board and agree to the LRYYA Refund policy. Players who opt to resign their membership in LRYHA following placements are NOT exempt from the terms and conditions of the LRYHA Refund Policy.
H. Player Tryout Evaluation Criteria: The following factors are meant to give parents and players an idea of what evaluators may be looking for:
i. Mites/Squirts
1. Overall skating ability both forwards and backwards;
2. Overall stick handling ability;
3. Puck protection;
4. Pass making and pass receiving skill;
5. Dekeing ability;
6. Shooting skill, velocity and accuracy;
7. Defensive awareness and ability to defend one on one;
8. Forechecking skill and ability to angle;
9. Backchecking skill and ability to angle;
10. Appropriate aggressiveness towards loose pucks;
11. Stick lift, stick press down and poke checking;
12. Read and react skills;
13. Awareness of offsides;
14. Ability to play within the rules given the strategic situation on the ice (does the player take “dumb penalties” or necessary penalties);
ii. Mites/Squirts Goaltenders will be evaluated on basic fundamentals including:
1. Skating ability
2. Goal tending posture
3. Angles
4. Quickness
5. Down and up off the ice
6. Ability to stop pucks with
a. Body
b. Gloves
c. Pads
d. Stick
7. Ability to cover loose pucks.
iii. Pee Wee/Bantam
1. Overall skating ability both forwards and backwards;
2. Overall stick handling ability;
3. Puck protection;
4. Pass making and pass receiving skill;
5. Dekeing ability;
6. Shooting skill, velocity and accuracy;
7. Defensive awareness and ability to defend one on one; situational awareness, picking up your check;
8. Forechecking skill and ability to angle; reading and reacting to playing partners in forechecking situations;
9. Backchecking skill and ability to angle; picking up your check coming back into the defensive zone;
10. Appropriate aggressiveness towards loose pucks;
11. Stick lift, stick press down and poke checking;
12. Read and react skills; defensive zone, offensive zone, neutral zone;
13. Ability to play within the rules given the strategic situation on the ice (does the player take “dumb penalties” or necessary penalties?);
14. Body checking skills including ability to give and receive a check;
iv. Pee Wee Bantam Goaltending will be evaluated on basic fundamentals including:
1. Skating ability
2. Goal tending posture
3. Angles
4. Quickness
5. Down and up off the ice
6. Ability to stop pucks with
a. Body
b. Gloves
c. Pads
d. Stick
7. Ability to cover loose pucks.
8. Rebound control
9. Puck set-up skills on dump ins
10. Communication regarding opponent fore checkers, icing calls etc.
VII. Schedule
A. Season: Travel team tryouts will be at the start of each season. The season will begin in mid September and conclude in late February or March and generally coincide with the various Leagues that LRYHA chooses to participate. Team Practices will begin in early October and following team placements. Non Travel teams such as Learn to Skate, Instructional and In-House will begin in early November and end in late February.
B. Practice: Each team will practice for 50 to 60 minutes with Teams practicing twice a week.
C. Games: The schedule will consist of a minimum of 20 Games per travel team with game-length being determined by the League. The schedule varies based on league annual rules and the number of teams in a division.
D. Post Season Tournament Playoffs: Post season play is not guaranteed and is subject to the discretion of the LRYHA Board, League Rules and League standings. Post Season Tournament Fees for playoffs with in the League a team has been rostered is the responsibility of the LRYHA. Regional and National Tournament Fees are subject to the same terms & conditions as Tournament Play (see below) however fundraising for such events can be conducted with written permission of the Fundraising Coordinator and approval of the LRYHA Board.
E. Tournament Play: Teams are encouraged to participate in additional tournaments for more competition. LRYHA does not limit the number of tournaments or the distance traveled. Individual participation is voluntary. Expenses for tournament fees, travel, lodging, and meals are the responsibility of the players. Teams may fundraise for such events providing they receive written permission of the Fundraising Coordinator and approval of the LRYHA Board.
F. Ice Time: Travel Hockey at all levels is competitive. Players and parents should NOT expect equal ice time for all players. However, coaches are expected to recognize that all players are playing for fun and skill development and will be given adequate opportunity to participate on as equal a basis as is allowable given player position and individual game circumstance.
VIII. Equipment
A. Required Equipment: The following protective equipment is required for all LRYHA players and coaches in accordance with USA Hockey guidelines:
i. Skaters
1. HECC/CSA Approved Helmet and full-face shield (metal cage or plastic). Helmets must always be worn when on the ice or bench.
2. Mouth Guard – Internal, colored (not white or clear). The guard must be mounted to the helmet mask with a proper strap. Mouth Guard is optional for Mites and Squirts unless required by the facility. Officials will insist the player wear the mouth guard if they have one on their mask.
3. Throat Protector/Neck Guard – Mandatory for all LRYHA Players, while playing or practicing, at home or away
4. Shoulder Pads
5. Elbow Pads
6. Hockey Gloves
7. Supporter with Cup (boys) or Pelvic Protector (Girls)
8. Hockey pants with pads
9. Shin/Knee Guards
10. Skates
11. Hockey Stick - must have the butt-end covered properly with tape or a rubber end cap
ii. Goalies
1. HECC/CSA Approved Face Mask with Throat Protector
2. Glove & Blocker
3. Chest Protector
4. Shoulder Pads
5. Hockey Pants
6. Leg Pads
iii. Coaches
1. HECC/CSA Approved Helmet
B. Uniforms: All players will be provided a LRYHA uniform (home and away) from LRYHA. Uniforms must be returned in good condition at the end of each season. Uniform Socks (home and away) will be provided annually by LRYHA and do not need to be returned.
C. Wearing Uniforms: Players are only permitted to wear their LRYHA uniform when representing LRYHA in any USA Hockey Sanctioned Ice Hockey event, including league games, exhibition games, and tournaments.
D. Selecting Jersey Numbers: Numbers are assigned with the intent to avoid overlap.
E. Sponsors: The team sponsor name shall be provided by LRYHA on a name banner and attached to the bottom of the uniform. Players, as a team, may opt to also attach a banner of their own name, to the back of the top of the uniform.
IX. Coaches
A. Coach Selection: Coaches will be selected annually by the LRYHA Board for all LRYHA teams being formed that year. The Ace Coordinator will review, confirm the selection process, and recommend to the Board each teams Coach. The LRYHA will vote on all coaches and have final say.
B. Selection Criteria: The LRYHA Board will be taking a broad view to find the best all-around candidate for each team. The best coaches are those that can fulfill the goals of LRYHA to provide a fun environment in which players develop their character and their hockey skills. The LRYHA Board will seek a coach for each team that has the following attributes:
i. Hockey Skills
1. A good knowledge of the game.
2. Experience coaching and/or playing (incumbent is not guaranteed the position).
ii. Ability to Teach
1. Committed to the time required to lead games and practices.
2. Trained (all coaches must be certified at the level required by USA Hockey).
3. Communicates with players.
4. Teaches skills effectively.
5. Maintains a well-disciplined team environment.
iii. Good Character
1. Creates a positive and fun environment for the players.
2. Treats all players fairly and positively so they have the best experience possible.
3. Communicates with parents and handle disagreements in a positive way.
4. Balances winning and player development in a manner appropriate to the age and division.
5. Sets a good example by demonstrating disciplined and ethical behavior at all times.
C. Member Feedback: The LRYHA Board, through the Ace Coordinator, will survey all members and Players immediately after the end of the regular season to obtain feedback on their coach the past season. This will serve as just one source of information when making selections for the upcoming season. Forms must be signed or from a known member email or the comments will be discarded. To protect confidentiality, the forms will be mailed or emailed to the LRYHA President to check for a signature/email name that corresponds to the parents of players on the team. Then the signature will be removed to protect confidentiality (unless the sender requests their name be included), before sending the comments on to the LRYHA Board.
D. Coaching Applications: All those interested in a Head Coaching position will provide a written or online coaching application to the LRYHA Ace Coordinator. A candidate that prefers to coach a “B” team can complete an application and indicate an interest in being the “B” team Head Coach if a B team is offered.
E. Final Coach Approvals: The LRYHA Board will vote to approve a Head Coach for all LRYHA Travel and House Teams.
F. Assistant Coaches and Managers: The Head Coach may select up to three assistant coaches and one manager. The LRYHA Board reserves the right to approve all assistant coaches and managers.
G. Mandatory Requirement for ALL Coaches: Anyone that coaches or assists on the ice or on the bench must comply with the following requirements:
i. All coaches must be registered with USA Hockey.
ii. Coaches must be certified at the level required for their age division, as stipulated by USA Hockey. LRYHA will reimburse the coaches for the cost of USA Hockey Coaching certification.
iii. Coaches must comply with mandatory or random background checks, including fingerprinting for checking criminal records, as may be required by LRYHA, the League, State, Local and Federal Government, and USA Hockey. In the case of a LRYHA-initiated background check, strict confidentiality will be maintained.
iv. Coaches must complete the LRYHA on line registration.
X. Codes of Conduct
A. Code of Conduct Overview: LRYHA consists of players, parents, coaches, administrators, off- ice officials, volunteers, and spectators. Good conduct of all is expected within this organization on and off the ice. By attending a LRYHA event every participant accepts responsibility of his or her actions and adopts the LRYHA Code of Conduct.
B. Zero Tolerance: LRYHA endorses the USA Hockey Zero Tolerance Policy. LRYHA supports on-ice officials enforcing the Zero Tolerance Policy. This policy is designed to require all players, coaches, officials, team officials, administrators, and parents/spectators to maintain a sportsmanlike and educational atmosphere before, during, and after all USA Hockey-sanctioned games. LRYHA Board Members may also enforce the Zero Tolerance Policy on its members and impose its own sanctions on any player, parent, spectator, volunteer in order to maintain a sportsmanlike and educational atmosphere before, during, and after all USA Hockey-sanctioned games whether or not the games are at home or away.
C. Parent/Spectator Code of Conduct: On-Ice officials will stop the game 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 spectator's 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:
i. Use of obscene, vulgar, or racially directed language in a boisterous manner to anyone at any time.
ii. Taunting of players, coaches, officials, or other spectators by means of baiting, ridiculing, threat of physical violence or physical violence.
iii. 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. Do not force your child/children to participate in sports, but support their desires to play their chosen sport.
iv. Remember that children are involved in organized sports for their enjoyment. Make it fun.
v. Encourage your child to play by the rules. Remember, children learn best by example, so applaud the good plays of both teams.
vi. 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.
vii. 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.
viii. 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 the physical and verbal abuse in youth sports.
ix. Recognize the importance of volunteer coaches. They are very important to the development of your child and the sport.
x. Communicate with them and support them.
xi. Sign the Parent Code of Conduct Agreement
D. Off-Ice Officials: Off-Ice officials are the responsibility of LRYHA and sometimes have a child or children playing in the game. These officials are an intricate part of the game and therefore are required to conduct themselves in a professional manner.
i. One must refrain from using obscene, vulgar, or racially directed language in a boisterous manner to anyone at any time.
ii. Visual displays of dissatisfaction with an official's decision, a player or coach’s actions including standing on the boards or standing in the bench doorway with the intent of inciting the officials, players, or spectators will be consider an infraction to the code.
E. Coaches Code of Conduct: The Coaches play a critical role in the personal as well as athletic development of their athletes. They must understand and respect the inherent power imbalance that exists in this relationship and must be extremely careful not to abuse it. The following Code of Conduct has been developed to aid coaches in achieving a level of behavior that will allow their athletes in becoming well-rounded, self-confident, and productive human beings. Although this code is directed toward coaching conduct, it equally applies to other members of the team (managers, trainers, and equipment personnel). In addition to the following, LRYHA expects all coaches to follow the “USA Hockey Coaching Ethics Code” (found in the USA Hockey Rulebook). Each coach has the responsibility to:
i. 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.
ii. Be a positive role model to your players, display emotional maturity, and be alert to the physical safety of players.
iii. 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.
iv. 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 them the basics.
v. Organize practices that are fun and challenging for your players.
vi. Familiarize yourself with the rules, techniques, and strategies of hockey; encourage all your players to be team players.
vii. Maintain an open line of communication with your players’ parents.
viii. Explain the goals and objectives of your association.
ix. Be concerned with the overall development of your players. Stress good health habits and clean living.
x. To play the game is great; to love the game is greater.
xi. Treat everyone fairly within the context of his or her activity, regardless of gender, place of origin, color, sexual orientation, religion, political belief, or economic status.
xii. Direct comments or criticism at the performance rather than the athlete.
xiii. Consistently display high personal standards and project a favorable image of their sport and coaching.
xiv. Refrain from public criticism of fellow coaches, athletes, officials, and volunteers.
xv. Abstain from the use of tobacco or alcohol products while in the presence of her/his athletes.
xvi. Prohibit the use of alcohol in conjunction with athletic events or victory celebrations at the playing site.
xvii. Refrain from the use of profane, insulting, harassing, or otherwise offensive language in the conduct of his/her duties.
xviii. Ensure that the activity being undertaken is suitable for the age, experience, ability, and fitness level of the athletes and educate athletes as to their responsibilities in contributing to a safe environment.
xix. Communicate and co-operate with registered medical practitioners in the diagnoses, treatment, and management of their athletes’ medical and psychological problems. Consider the athletes’ future health and well-being as foremost when making decisions regarding injured athletes’ ability to continue playing or training.
xx. Regularly seek ways of increasing personal development and self-awareness.
xxi. Treat opponents and officials with due respect both in victory and encourage athletes to act accordingly.
xxii. Actively encourage athletes to uphold the rules of their sport and the spirit of such rules.
xxiii. Communicate and co-operate with the athletes’ parents or legal guardians, involving them in decisions pertaining to their child’s development.
xxiv. Be aware of the many pressures placed on athletes as they strive to balance the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual aspects of their lives and conduct practices and games in a manner so as to allow optimum success.
xxv. Be prepared for practices and games beforehand. Keep in mind the goals and philosophy that you established at the beginning.
xxvi. Be consistent, honest, fair, and just.
xxvii. Do not yell at your players. Encourage and teach them.
xxviii. Do not abuse officials, players, coaches, and parents. This will not be tolerated and will be dealt with accordingly.
xxix. To sign the coaches code of conduct
xxx. To have fun and enjoy what you are doing!!!
xxxi. If you have a child on the team, he/she should be treated equally to the other players. People should not be able to distinguish who your child is. You are here to coach not to promote your own personal agenda.
xxxii. Coaches must:
1. Communicate to their parents and players in a positive and constructive manner.
2. Ensure the safety of the athletes with whom they work At no time become intimately and/or sexually involved with their athletes. This includes requests for sexual favors or threat or reprisal for the rejection of such requests.
3. Respect the athletes’ dignity; verbal or physical behaviors that constitute harassment or abuse are unacceptable.
4. Never advocate or condone the use of drugs or other banned performance enhancing substances.
5. Never provide under age athletes with alcohol; never encourage its use.
F. Players Code of Conduct
i. Play for FUN!!!
ii. Work hard to improve your skills.
iii. Be a team player – get along with your teammates.
iv. Learn teamwork, sportsmanship, and discipline.
v. Be on time for practices and games.
vi. Learn the rules, and play by them. Always be a good sport.
vii. Respect your coach, your teammates, your parents, opponents, and officials.
viii. Sign the Player Code of Conduct Agreement
G. Spectators Code of Conduct
i. Display good sportsmanship. Always respect players, coaches, and officials.
ii. Act appropriately; do not taunt or disturb other fans, Enjoy the game together.
iii. Cheer good plays of all participants; avoid booing opponents.
iv. Cheer in a positive manner and encourage fair play; profanity and objectionable cheers or gestures are offensive and result in a game misconduct.
v. Help provide a safe and fun environment; throwing and items on the ice surface can cause injury to players and officials.
vi. Do not lean over or pound on the glass; the glass surrounding the ice surface if part of the playing area.
vii. Support the referees and coaches by trusting their judgment and integrity.
viii. Be responsible for your own safety - be alert to prevent accidents from flying pucks and other avoidable situations.
ix. Respect locker rooms as private areas for players, coaches, and officials.
x. Be supportive after the game - win or lose. Recognize good effort, teamwork, and sportsmanship.
H. Code of Conduct Wrap up: As you know, we have a very limited amount of time to accomplish our many goals. As a result, our first line of defense against behavioral disturbances is prevention. LRYHA simply cannot allow behavioral misconduct to interfere with practices or games. The coaches are aware that a certain amount of silliness and an abundance of energy are naturally expected at the younger levels. Therefore, each will make every effort to be sensitive to the needs of his age division, and will set realistic expectations accordingly. However, if a player’s behavior reaches a point where it interferes with the development of another player or the team as a whole, the coaching staff reserves the right to discipline the player as needed which may include removing the player from the ice or suspension. PLEASE NOTE: There are certain instances in which warnings will not be given. We will NOT tolerate dangerous play of any kind, specifically: misusing the stick or checking from behind. If a player is jeopardizing his/her safety or the safety of another player, he/she will immediately be removed from the ice and further discipline if necessary.
I. Code of Conduct Violations / Violation Disputes
i. All code of conduct violations are to be reported to the disciplinary committee, in writing, within 24 hours of their occurrence.
ii. Disputes on code of conduct violations can be appealed to the disciplinary committee and subject to the By-Laws.
XI. Assumption of Risk:
A. Members must sign a waiver of liability and agree to the following:
i. I am aware that ice skating, ice skating lessons, ice skating instructions, ice hockey lessons and instructions and playing ice hockey, involves certain inherent risks, dangers and hazards which can result in serious personal injury or death. I am also aware that ice skating rinks and arenas contain dangers that can cause serious injury or death. I hereby freely agree to assume and accept all known and unknown risks of injury arising out of ice-skating or ice hockey programs/activities. I recognize and acknowledge that risks of ice-skating and ice hockey can be greatly reduced by: taking lessons, abiding by the Player Code of Conduct and using common sense.
XII. Release and Waiver of Claims:
A. Members also must agree:
i. For allowing me to participate in ice skating lessons, public skating and ice hockey and ice hockey instructions at the Arena, I Agree, to the fullest extent permitted by law, as follows:
1. TO WAIVER ALL CLAIMS that I have or may have against Laconia Ice Arena, Winnipesaukee Skating Club, Lakes Region Youth Hockey and their owners, Board Members, Officers, Directors, agents, employees and/or representatives arising out of ice skating or ice hockey programs at the Arena or at any Arena used in participation of said program.
2. TO RELEASE the Laconia Ice Arena, Winnipesaukee Skating Club, Lakes Region Youth Hockey and their owners, Board Members, Officers, Directors, agents, employees and/or representatives from all liability for any loss, damage, injury or expense that I (or my next of kin) may suffer, arising out of ice-skating, from any cause whatsoever. Including negligence or breach of contract on the part of the Arena in the operation, supervision, design or maintenance of the Arena.
Arbitration: In further consideration of allowing me to participate, members shall agree to submit any claims arising from ice skating lessons, ice skating or ice hockey or ice hockey instructions at the Arena to unlimited, binding arbitration before the American Arbitration Association. The arbitration must be commenced within one 
