WESTFIELD YOUTH HOCKEY CODE OF CONDUCT
To play the game is great. To love the game is greater.
USA Hockey has published a set of core values and codes of conduct for parents, players, spectators and coaches that are reprinted here for our members' consideration. WYHA embraces the concept of these core values and codes of conduct for all members of the organization.
USA HOCKEY CODE OF CONDUCT
The following core values of USA Hockey are adopted to guide the association's members in their planning, programming and play, both now and in the future.
SPORTSMANSHIP - Foremost of all values is to learn a sense of fair play. Become humble in victory, gracious in defeat. We will foster friendship with teammates and opponents alike.
RESPECT FOR THE INDIVIDUAL - Treat all others as you expect to be treated.
INTEGRITY- We seek to foster honesty and fair play beyond mere strict interpretation of the rules and regulations of the game.
PURSUIT OF EXCELLENCE AT THE INDIVIDUAL, TEAM AND ORGANIZATIONAL LEVELS - Each member of the organization, whether player, volunteer or staff should seek to perform each aspect of the game to the highest level of his or her ability.
ENJOYMENT- It is important for the hockey experience to be fun, satisfying and rewarding for all participants.
LOYALTY- We aspire to teach loyalty to the ideals and fellow members of the sport of hockey.
TEAMWORK - We value the strength of learning to work together. The use of teamwork is reinforced and rewarded by success in the hockey experience.
Reprinted from USA Hockey, Inc.'s Annual Guidebook
PARENTS CODE OF CONDUCT
Hockey Parents Make The Difference
Keep in mind that, above all, the motivating factor for most children who enter an organized youth sports program is their desire to have fun. This is particularly true with young children, many of whom are newcomers to the youth sports scene. With a supportive attitude and a fundamental understanding of the "basics" of hockey, everyone will come away from their youth 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 for both teams. 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. Parents also need to stress fair play and risk management to help eliminate injuries.
Support Your Child
There are many benefits that are derived from playing youth hockey. Boys and girls 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 his or her youth hockey experience is as much your responsibility as it is theirs. In order for your child to get the most out of a youth hockey program, 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. 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.
Let The Coach Coach
Recognize the importance of volunteer coaches. They are very important to the development of your child and the sport. Avoid placing an exaggerated emphasis on winning. A recent survey indicated 72% of children would rather play for a losing team than ride the bench for a winner. The most important aspect of your child's youth 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 he or she continues to develop a positive self image.
BULLYING POLICY
Westfield Youth Hockey has adopted an anti-bullying policy. We consider bullying to be behavior from verbal teasing to physical aggression. It’s our position that no amount of bullying is acceptable. Not all joking or horseplay is bullying, but when the intent or effect is to cause distress, repetition of such behavior is bullying and will not be tolerated. Physical bullying can include pushing, hitting, or kicking a person or interfering with their property. Verbal bullying is the use of words or gestures to hurt or humiliate another person, including name-calling, racial or derogatory insults and teasing. It is the responsibility of everyone to stop bullying. If you are being bullied, or know of someone being bullied, you must tell your coach or a member of the Board as soon as possible. If the Board determines that a person involved in the WYHA has taken part in bullying behavior, a warning will be given. If the behavior continues, that person may be suspended. Any further violations will be referred to the Board for further action, which can include further warnings, discussions with parents, further suspensions or exclusions, ineligibility for tournaments and playoffs, and possible removal from the team.
