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COACHING
ETHICS
CODE
The USA Hockey Coaching
Education Program
is presented by
USA Hockey would like to give special thanks to the United
States Olympic Committee. Many of the ideas for this
Coaching Ethics Code were drawn from the USOC Coaching
Ethics Code.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
This is USA Hockey .............................................................................. 2
Introduction .......................................................................................... 3
General Principles ................................................................................ 4
Ethical Standards ................................................................................ 6
Policies ................................................................................................ 15
Core Values .......................................................................................... 21
Coach’s Code of Conduct...................................................................... 22
Violation Reporting Procedure .............................................................. 23
Acknowledgments ................................................................................ 25
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THIS IS USA HOCKEY
USA Hockey, Inc., founded in 1936-37, is the National Governing Body for the sport
of ice hockey in the United States. Its mission is to promote the growth of hockey in
America and provide the best possible experience for all participants by encouraging,
developing, advancing and administering the sport.
Headquartered in Colorado Springs, Colo., USA Hockey is the official representative to
the United States Olympic Committee and the International Ice Hockey Federation. In
this role, USA Hockey is responsible for organizing and training men’s and women’s
teams for international tournaments, including the IIHF World Championships and the
Olympic Winter Games. Closer to home, USA Hockey works with the National Hockey
League and the National Collegiate Athletic Association on matters of mutual interest.
USA Hockey’s primary emphasis is on the support and development of grassroots
hockey programs. USA Hockey is divided into 12 geographical districts throughout the
United States.
Each district has a registrar to register teams; a referee-in-chief to register officials
and organize clinics; a coach-in-chief to administer educational programs for
coaches; a risk manager to oversee liability and safety programs; and a skill
development program administrator to facilitate learn-to-play programs for youth
players and their parents.
For players, USA Hockey annually conducts regional and national championship
tournaments in various age classifications; sponsors regional and national player
identification and development camps; studies and makes recommendations for
protective equipment; distributes Hat Trick, Playmaker and Zero Club Awards; and
provides an insurance program that includes excess accident, general liability and
catastrophic coverage.
For coaches and officials, USA Hockey conducts clinics and produces training
manuals and videos through its Coaching Education and the Officiating Education
Programs. USA Hockey also promotes uniformity in playing rules and the interpretation
of those rules.
USA Hockey has not forgotten parents, supplying this vital segment of the hockey
family with a “Parent’s Introduction To Youth Hockey” brochure, which includes tips on
buying equipment, rules of the game and the role of parents in youth sports.
USA Hockey Magazine
sent to the household of every registered member as a benefit of membership. The
organization’s official website, usahockey.com, also provides up-to-the-minute
coverage of news and events.
USA Hockey introduced its official inline hockey program – USA Hockey InLine – in
December, 1994 to provide structure and support for the growth of the sport across
America.
, the most widely circulated hockey publication in the world, is
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INTRODUCTION
This Ethics Code is intended to provide standards of ethical conduct that can be
applied by USA Hockey and its member organizations. Whether or not a coach has
violated the Ethics Code does not by itself determine whether a contract or agreement
is enforceable or whether other legal consequences occur. These results are based
on legal rather than ethical rules. However, compliance with or violation of the Ethics
Code may be admissable as evidence in some legal proceedings, depending on the
circumstances.
This Code is intended to provide both the general principles and the decision rules to
cover most situations encountered by coaches. It has as its primary goal the welfare
and protection of the individuals and groups with whom coaches work. This Code also
provides a common set of values. It is the individual responsibility of each coach to
aspire to the highest possible standards of conduct. Coaches should respect and
protect human civil rights, and should not knowingly participate in or condone unfair
discriminatory practices.
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GENERAL PRINCIPLES
PRINCIPLE A: COMPETENCE
Coaches strive to maintain high standards of excellence in their work. They recognize
the boundaries of their particular competencies and the limitations of their expertise.
They provide only those services and use only those techniques for which they are
qualified by education, training or experience. In those areas in which recognized
professional standards do not yet exist, coaches exercise careful judgment and take
appropriate precautions to protect the welfare of those with whom they work. They
maintain knowledge of relevant coaching educational information related to the
services they render, and they recognize the need for ongoing education. Coaches
make appropriate use of scientific, professional, technical and administrative
resources.
PRINCIPLE B: INTEGRITY
Coaches seek to promote integrity in the practice of coaching. Coaches are honest,
fair and respectful of others. In describing or reporting their qualifications, services,
products, or fees, they do not make statements that are false, misleading or
deceptive. Coaches strive to be aware of their own belief systems, values, needs and
limitations and the effect of these on their work. To the extent feasible they attempt
to clarify, for relevant parties, the roles they are performing and to function
appropriately in accordance with those roles. Coaches avoid improper and potentially
harmful dual relationships.
PRINCIPLE C: PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITY
Coaches uphold professional standards of conduct, clarify their professional roles and
obligations, accept appropriate responsibility for their behavior, and adapt their
methods to the needs of different athletes. Coaches consult with, refer to, or
cooperate with other professionals and institutions to the extent needed to serve the
best interest of their athletes, or other recipients of their services. Coaches’ moral
standards and conduct are personal matters to the same degree as is true for any
other person, except when coaches’ conduct may compromise their responsibilities or
reduce the public’s trust in coaching and/or coaches. Coaches are concerned about
the ethical compliance of their colleagues’ conduct. When appropriate, they consult
with their colleagues in order to prevent or avoid unethical conduct.
PRINCIPLE D: RESPECT OF PARTICIPANTS AND DIGNITY
Coaches respect the fundamental rights, dignity and worth of all participants.
Coaches are aware of cultural, individual and role differences, including those due to
age, gender, race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, disability,
language and socioeconomic status. Coaches try to eliminate the effect on their work
of biases based on those factors, and they do not knowingly participate in or condone
unfair discriminatory practices.
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PRINCIPLE E: CONCERN FOR OTHERS’ WELFARE
Coaches seek to contribute to the welfare of those with whom they interact. In their
actions, coaches consider the welfare and right of their athletes and other
participants. When conflicts occur among coaches’ obligations or concerns, they
attempt to resolve these conflicts and to perform their roles in a responsible fashion
that avoids or minimizes harm. Coaches are sensitive to differences in power between
themselves and others, and they do not exploit nor mislead other people during or
after their relationships.
PRINCIPLE F: RESPONSIBLE COACHING
Coaches are aware of their ethical responsibilities to the community and the society
in which they work and live. They apply and make public their knowledge of sport in
order to contribute to human welfare. Coaches try to avoid misuse of their work.
Coaches comply with the law and encourage the development of law and policies that
serve the interest of sport.
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ETHICAL STANDARDS
A. GENERAL STANDARDS
These General Standards are applicable to the activities of all coaches.
1. Applicability of the Ethics Code
While many aspects of personal behavior and private activities seem far
removed from official duties of coaching, all coaches should be sensitive
to their position as role models for their athletes. Private activities
perceived as immoral or illegal can influence the coaching environment,
and coaches are encouraged to observe the standards of this Ethics Code
consistently.
2. Boundaries of Competence
(a) Coaches provide services only after first undertaking appropriate
study, training, supervision, and/or consultation from persons within
their respective association.
(b) All coaches must take reasonable steps to ensure their attendance
at the proper CEP certification level for the level of play in which
he/she is coaching.
3. Maintaining Expertise
Coaches maintain a reasonable level of awareness of related coaching
information and undertake ongoing efforts to maintain competence in the
skills they use.
4. Basis for Professional Judgments
Coaches rely on scientifically and professionally derived knowledge when
making judgments or when engaging in coaching endeavors.
5. Describing the Nature of Coaching Services
When coaches provide services or information to an individual, a group, or
an organization, they use language that is reasonably understandable and
appropriate to the recipient of those services and information that is
always updated and truthful.
6. Respecting Others
Coaches respect the rights of others to hold values, attitudes and opinions
that differ from their own.
7. Nondiscrimination
Coaches do not engage in discrimination based on age, gender, race,
ethnicity, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, disability, language,
socioeconomic status, or any basis prescribed by law.
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8. Sexual Harassment
(a) Coaches do not engage in sexual harassment. Sexual harassment is
sexual solicitation, physical advances, or verbal or nonverbal conduct
that is sexual in nature, and that either:
(1) is unwelcome, is offensive, or creates a hostile environment,
and the coach knows or is told this;
(2) is sufficiently severe or intense to be abusive to a reasonable
person in the context. Sexual harassment can consist of a
single intense or severe act or of multiple persistent or
pervasive acts.
(b) Coaches will treat sexual harassment complainants and respondents
with dignity and respect. Coaches do not participate in denying an
athlete the right to participate based on their having made, or their
being the subject of, sexual harassment charges.
9. Other Harassment
Coaches do not engage in or condone behavior that is harassing or
demeaning to persons with whom they interact in their work based on
factors such as a person’s age, gender, race, ethnicity, national origin,
religion, sexual orientation, disability, language, or socioeconomic status.
10. Personal Problems and Conflicts
(a) Coaches recognize that their personal problems and conflicts may
interfere with their effectiveness. Accordingly, they refrain from
undertaking an activity when they know or should know that their
personal problems are likely to lead to harm to athletes or other
participants.
(b) In addition, coaches have an obligation to be alert to signs of, and to
obtain assistance for, their personal problems at an early stage, in
order to prevent significantly impaired performance.
(c) When coaches become aware of personal problems that may
interfere with their performing work-related duties adequately, they
take appropriate measures, such as obtaining professional
consultation or assistance, and determine whether they should limit,
suspend, or terminate their work-related duties.
11. Avoiding Harm
Coaches take reasonable steps to avoid harming their athletes or other
participants, and to minimize harm where it is foreseeable and
unavoidable.
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12. Misuse of Coaches’ Influence
Because coaches’ judgments and actions may affect the lives of others,
they are alert to guard against personal, financial, social, organizational, or
political factors that might lead to misuse of their influence.
13. Multiple Relationships
(a) In many communities and situations, it may not be feasible or
reasonable for coaches to avoid social or other non-coaching
contacts with athletes and other participants. Coaches must always
be sensitive to the potential harmful effects of other contacts on their
work and on those persons with whom they deal. A coach refrains
from entering into or promising a personal, professional, financial, or
other type of relationship with such persons if it appears likely that
such a relationship might impair the coach’s objectivity or otherwise
interfere with the coach effectively performing his or her function, or
might harm or exploit the other party.
(b) Likewise, whenever feasible, a coach refrains from taking on
obligations when preexisting relationships would create a risk of
harm.
(c) If a coach finds that, due to unforeseen factors, a potentially harmful
multiple relationship has arisen, the coach attempts to resolve it with
due regard for the best interests of the affected person and maximal
compliance with the Ethics Code.
14. Exploitative Relationships
(a) Coaches do not exploit athletes or other participants over whom they
have supervisory, evaluative or other authority.
(b) Coaches do not engage in sexual/romantic relationships with
athletes or other participants over whom the coach has evaluative,
direct, or indirect authority, because such relationships are likely to
impair judgment or be exploitative.
15. Delegation to and Supervision of Subordinates
(a) Coaches delegate to their assistants only those responsibilities that
such persons can reasonably be expected to perform competently, on
the basis of their education, training or experience, either
independently or with the level of supervision being provided.
(b) Coaches provide proper training and supervision to their assistants
or substitutes, as well as take reasonable steps to see that such
persons perform services responsibly, competently, and ethically.
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B. PUBLIC STATEMENTS
1. Avoidance of False or Deceptive Statements
Coaches do not make public statements that are false, deceptive,
misleading, or fraudulent (either due to what they state, convey or suggest,
or because of what they omit) concerning their work activities or those of
persons or organizations with which they are affiliated. As examples (and
not in limitation) of this standard, coaches do not make false or deceptive
statements concerning:
•
their level of certification;
•
their training, experience, or competence;
•
their academic degrees;
•
their credentials;
•
their institutional or association affiliations;
•
their services;
•
the basis for, or results or degree of success of their services; or
•
their criminal record.
2. Media Presentations
When coaches provide advice or comment by means of public lectures,
demonstrations, radio or television programs, prerecorded tapes, printed
articles, mailed material, or other media, they take reasonable precautions
to ensure that the statements are consistent with this Ethics Code.
3. Testimonials
Coaches do not solicit testimonials from current athletes or other
participants who, because of their particular circumstances, are vulnerable
to undue influence.
C. TRAINING ATHLETES
1. Structuring the Relationship
(a) Coaches discuss with athletes, as early as it is feasible, appropriate
issues such as the nature and anticipated course of training.
(b) When the coach’s work with athletes will be supervised, the above
discussion includes that fact, and the name of the supervisor.
(c) Coaches make reasonable efforts to answer athletes’ questions and
to avoid apparent misunderstandings about training. Whenever
possible, coaches provide oral and/or written information, using
language that is reasonably understandable to the athlete.
2. Coach/Parent Relationships
(a) When a coach agrees to provide services to several persons who have
a relationship (such as parents and children), the coach attempts to
clarify at the outset the relationship they will have with each person.
This clarification includes the role of the coach and the probable uses
of the services provided.
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(b) As soon as it becomes apparent that the coach may be called on to
perform conflicting roles (such as mediator between parents and
children or sibling teammates), the coach attempts to clarify and
adjust or withdraw from roles appropriately.
3. Sexual Intimacies with Current Athletes
Coaches do not engage in sexual intimacies with current athletes.
4. Coaching Former Sexual Partners
Coaches do not coach athletes with whom they have engaged in sexual
intimacies.
5. Sexual Intimacies with Former Athletes
(a) Coaches should not engage in sexual intimacies with a former athlete
for at least two years after cessation or termination of professional
services.
(b) Because sexual intimacies with a former athlete are so frequently
harmful to the athlete, and because such intimacies undermine
public confidence in the coaching profession and thereby deter the
public’s use of needed services, coaches do not engage in sexual
intimacies with former athletes even after a two-year interval except
in the most unusual circumstances. The coach who engages in such
activity after the two years following cessation or termination of the
coach-athlete relationship bears the burden of demonstrating that
there has been no exploitation, in light of all relevant factors,
including:
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relationship terminated,
the amount of time that has passed since the coach-athlete
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the circumstances of termination,
•
the athlete’s personal history,
•
the athlete’s current mental status,
•
the likelihood of adverse impact on the athlete and others, and
•
of the athlete-coach relationship suggesting or inviting the
possibility of a post-termination sexual or romantic relationship
with the athlete or coach.
any statements or actions made by the coach during the course
6. Drug-Free Sport
Coaches do not tolerate the use of performance-enhancing drugs and
support athletes’ efforts to be drug free.
7. Alcohol, Tobacco and Gambling
(a) Coaches discourage the use of alcohol and tobacco in conjunction
with athletic events or victory celebrations at playing sites and forbid
the use of alcohol by minors.
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(b) Coaches refrain from tobacco, alcohol and gambling use while they
are coaching and make every effort to avoid their use while in the
presence of their athletes.
(c) Coaches discourage gambling in conjunction with athletic events, at
playing sites and during road trips.
8. Pornography
(a) Coaches discourage the use of pornographic material.
(b) Coaches refrain from the use of pornography while they are coaching
and make every effort to avoid pornography while in the presence of
their athletes.
(c) Coaches do not engage in illicit behavior or activities with athletes or
other participants over whom the coach has direct or indirect
authority.
D. TRAINING SUPERVISION
1. Design of Training Programs
Coaches who are responsible for training programs for other coaches seek
to ensure that the programs are competently designed, provide the proper
experiences and meet the requirements for coaching education or other
goals for which claims are made by the program.
2. Descriptions of Training Programs
(a) Coaches responsible for training programs for other coaches seek to
ensure that there is a current and accurate description of the
program content, training goals and objectives, and requirements
that must be met for satisfactory completion of the program. This
information must be readily available to all interested parties.
(b) Coaches seek to ensure that statements concerning their training
programs are accurate and not misleading.
3. Accuracy and Objectivity in Coaching
(a) When engaged in coaching, coaches present information accurately
and with a reasonable degree of objectivity.
(b) When engaged in coaching, coaches recognize the power they hold
over athletes and therefore make reasonable efforts to avoid
engaging in conduct that is personally demeaning to athletes and
other participants.
4. Honoring Commitments
Coaches take responsible measures to honor all commitments they have
made to all participants.
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E. TEAM SELECTION
1. Recruiting
Coaches do not engage, directly or through agents, in uninvited in-person
solicitation of business or services from actual or potential athletes or
other participants who, because of their particular circumstances, are
vulnerable to undue influence. However, this does not preclude recruiting
athletes deemed exceptional by USA Hockey.
2. Tampering
In deciding whether to recruit players already on another team, coaches
must carefully consider the potential athlete’s welfare. The coach must
discuss these issues with the player’s present coach first, then the player’s
parents before approaching the athlete in order to minimize the risk of
confusion and conflict.
3. In-Season Contact
Contact with any player(s) should not occur during the progress of a
season when the player’s team is still actively engaged in their schedule of
play. The only exception would be regarding participation on a USA Hockey
National Team on a temporary assignment basis, where the player would
be returned to his/her regular team at the conclusion of the assignment.
4. Player Selection
Coaches perform evaluations or team selection only in a manner
consistent with the Ethical Code.
5. Assessing Athlete Performance
(a) In coach-athlete relationships, coaches establish an appropriate
process for providing feedback to athletes.
(b) Coaches evaluate athletes on the basis of their actual performance
on relevant and established program requirements.
F. RESOLVING ETHICAL ISSUES
1. Familiarity with Ethics Code
Coaches have an obligation to be familiar with this Ethics Code (or as it
may be amended from time to time), other applicable ethics codes and
their application to the coach’s work. Lack of awareness or
misunderstanding of an ethical standard is not itself a defense to a charge
of unethical conduct.
2. Confronting Ethical Issues
When a coach is uncertain whether a particular situation or course of
action would violate the Ethics Code, the coach ordinarily consults with
other coaches knowledgable about ethical issues, with their Association,
Affiliate or District with USA Hockey.
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3. Conflicts Between Ethics and Organizational Demands
If the demands of an organization with which coaches are affiliated conflict
with this Ethics Code, coaches clarify the nature of the conflict, make
known their commitment to this Ethics Code, and to the extent feasible,
seek to resolve the conflict in a way that permits the fullest adherence to
the Ethics Code.
4. Informal Resolution of Ethical Violations
When USA Hockey participants believe that there may have been an ethical
violation by a coach, they attempt to resolve the issue by bringing it to the
attention of that individual in an informal manner.
5. Reporting Ethical Violations
If an apparent ethical violation is not appropriate for informal resolution
under Standard F4 or is not resolved properly in that fashion, participants
and the association may take further action by:
Participant
(a) Contacting the coach’s Association President or appropriate
designee.
(b) Confirm with the coach’s Association President if there was an
attempt for an informal resolution.
(c) Complete an Ethical Violation Form available through the Association
President or designee.
Association
(a) Will review the Ethical Violation charge using the appropriate due
process procedure as outlined in USA Hockey’s Annual Guide, Bylaw
10: Resolutions of Disputes, Arbitration and Suspensions.
(b) Will give a copy of the completed Ethical Violation form to the coach
in question seven (7) days prior to the association’s review.
(c) Will keep a written report on all reviews and actions.
6. Cooperating with Ethics Committees
Coaches cooperate in ethics investigations, proceedings, and resulting
requirements of USA Hockey and any of its member organizations. Failure
to cooperate is itself an ethics violation.
7. Improper Complaints
Participants do not file or encourage the filing of ethics complaints that are
frivolous and are intended to harm the respondent rather than protect the
public.
G. PROCESS RELATING TO VIOLATION OF CODE
1. The Coach acknowledges that this Ethics Code is administered under the
authority of USA Hockey and its member organizations, that a violation of
the Code subjects the coach to the processes of USA Hockey and its
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member organizations. USA Hockey and its member organizations
acknowledge that all violations of the Ethics Code will be reviewed for
possible disciplinary action, and member organizations will keep a written
report on all reviews and actions.
2. In the event that a violation of the Ethics Code occurs during an authorized
USA Hockey activity, USA Hockey may take action separate and
independent from that of its member organizations in order to protect its
interests and those of athletes, coaches and others involved with the
activity.
3. Any action taken by a member organization of USA Hockey which affects
the opportunity of a coach to participate in “protected” competition as
defined in the USA Hockey Annual Guide shall be entitled to due processes
assured under the USA Hockey By-Laws.
4. If the violation of the Ethics Code occurs while a coach is a member of a
USA Hockey team or event, the coach’s member organization
acknowledges that USA Hockey may institute its own proceedings
regarding the violation, which action shall not restrict the ability or
obligation of the member organization to take its own separate and
independent action.
5. In the event that a coach is found to have violated the Ethics Code, such
action is separate and apart from any other legal consequences which may
occur as a result of the act.
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POLICIES
A. ZERO TOLERANCE
In an effort to make ice and inline hockey a more desirable and rewarding
experience for all participants, the USA Hockey Youth, Junior and Adult Councils
and the Inline Section have instructed the officiating program to adhere to
certain points of emphasis relating to sportsmanship. This campaign is designed
to require all players, coaches, officials, team officials and administrators and
parents/spectators to maintain a sportsmanlike and educational atmosphere
before, during and after all USA Hockey-sanctioned games.
Thus, the following points of emphasis must be implemented by all referees and
linesmen:
Players
A minor penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct (zero tolerance) shall be assessed
whenever a player:
1. Openly disputes or argues any decision by an official.
2. Uses obscene or vulgar language at any time, including any swearing, even
if it is not directed at a particular person.
3. Visually demonstrates any sign of dissatisfaction with an official’s decision.
Any time that a player persists in any of these actions, they shall be
assessed a misconduct penalty. A game misconduct shall result if the
player continues such action.
Coaches
A minor penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct (zero tolerance) shall be assessed
whenever a coach:
1. Openly disputes or argues any decision by an official.
2. Uses obscene or vulgar language in a boisterous manner to anyone at any
time.
3. Visually displays any sign of dissatisfaction with an official’s decision
including standing on the boards or standing in the bench doorway with
the intent of inciting the officials, players or spectators.
Any time that a coach persists in any of these actions, he/she shall be assessed
a game misconduct penalty.
Officials
Officials are required to conduct themselves in a businesslike, sportsmanlike,
impartial and constructive manner at all times. The actions of an official must
be above reproach. Actions such as “baiting” or inciting players or coaches are
strictly prohibited.
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Officials are ambassadors of the game and must always conduct themselves
with this responsibility in mind.
Parents/Spectators
The game will be stopped by game officials when parents/spectators displaying
inappropriate and disruptive behavior interfere with other spectators or the
game. The game 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:
1. Use of obscene or vulgar language in a boisterous manner to anyone at any
time.
2. Taunting of players, coaches, officials or other spectators by means of
baiting, ridiculing, threat of physical violence or physical violence.
3. 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.
B. SEXUAL ABUSE
It is the policy of USA Hockey and USA Hockey InLine that there shall be no
sexual abuse of any minor participant involved in any of its sanctioned programs,
its training camps, hockey clinics, coaches clinics, referee clinics, regional and
national tournaments or other USA Hockey or USA Hockey InLine events by an
employee, volunteer, or independent contractor. Sexual abuse of a minor
participant occurs when an employee, volunteer or independent contractor
touches a minor participant for the purpose of causing the sexual arousal or
gratification of either the minor participant or the employee, volunteer or
independent contractor. Sexual abuse of a minor participant also occurs when
a minor player touches an employee, volunteer or independent contractor for the
sexual arousal or sexual gratification of either the minor participant or the
employee, volunteer or independent contractor, if the touching occurs at the
request or with the consent of the employee, volunteer or independent
contractor.
Neither consent of the player to the sexual contact, mistake as to the
participant’s age, nor the fact that the sexual contact did not take place at a
hockey function are defenses to a complaint of sexual abuse.
Upon proof of violation of this policy, the violator will be permanently banned or
suspended from USA Hockey and USA Hockey InLine sanctioned programs
and/or the programs of its affiliate associations.
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C. PHYSICAL ABUSE
It is the policy of USA Hockey and USA Hockey InLine that there shall be no
physical abuse of any participant involved in any of its sanctioned programs, its
training camps, hockey clinics, coaches clinics, referee clinics, regional and
national tournaments or other USA Hockey or USA Hockey InLine events by any
employee, volunteer or independent contractor. Physical abuse means physical
contact with a participant that intentionally causes the participant to sustain
bodily harm or personal injury. Physical abuse also includes physical contact
with a participant that intentionally creates a threat of immediate bodily harm
or personal injury.
Physical abuse does not include physical contact that is reasonably designed to
coach, teach or demonstrate a hockey skill. Permitted physical conduct may
include, but is not necessarily limited to, shooting pucks at a goaltender,
demonstrating checking and other hockey skills, and communicating with or
directing participants, during the course of a game or practice, by touching them
in a non-threatening, non-sexual manner.
D. SCREENING
It is the policy of USA Hockey and USA Hockey InLine that it will not authorize or
sanction in its programs that it directly controls any volunteer or employee who
has routine access to children (anyone under the age of majority) who refuses
to consent to be screened by USA Hockey or USA Hockey InLine before he/she
is allowed to have routine access to children in USA Hockey’s and USA Hockey
InLine’s programs. Further, it is the policy of USA Hockey that it will require its
affiliates to adopt this policy as a condition of its affiliation with USA Hockey,
and it is a policy of USA Hockey InLine that it will require its sanctioned leagues
to adopt this policy as a condition of its sanctioning by USA Hockey InLine.
A person may be disqualified and prohibited from serving as an employee or
volunteer of USA Hockey and USA Hockey InLine if the person has:
1. Been convicted (including crimes the record of which has been expunged
and pleas of “no contest”) of a crime of child abuse, sexual abuse of a
minor, physical abuse, causing a child’s death, neglect of a child, murder,
manslaughter, felony assault, any assault against a minor, kidnapping,
arson, criminal sexual conduct, prostitution related crimes or controlled
substance crimes.
2. Being adjudged liable for civil penalties or damages involving sexual or
physical abuse of children.
3. Being subject to any court order involving any sexual abuse or physical
abuse of a minor, including but not limited to domestic order or protection.
4. Had their parental rights terminated.
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5. A history with another organization (volunteer, employment, etc.) of
complaints of sexual or physical abuse of minors.
6. Resigned, been terminated or been asked to resign from a position,
whether paid or unpaid, due to complaint(s) of sexual or physical abuse of
minors.
7. Has a history of other behavior that indicates they may be a danger to
children in USA Hockey or USA Hockey InLine.
E. GENDER EQUITY – CO-ED LOCKER ROOMS
The issue of co-ed dressing arrangements in locker rooms continues to come up,
and USA Hockey is frequently asked to provide some type of guideline about
dealing with such situations. Teams, leagues, associations and USA Hockey need
to recognize that there are gender equity issues to deal with when managing a
co-ed locker room setting. Both female and male privacy rights must be given
consideration and appropriate arrangements made.
USA Hockey’s member organizations should consider the following:
1. Recognize that it is an issue that must be dealt with and that favoring one
group over another can produce legal ramifications;
2. Recognize that the ideal situation of using two, separate dressing rooms is
not possible in many ice rink/arena settings;
3. Recognize that it is an issue that will increase in visibility as girls’/
women’s participation in USA Hockey continues to grow; and
4. Recognize that it is an issue for members who are participating as players,
coaches and officials.
Our recommendations, made in conjunction with the Girls’/Women’s Section,
the Coaching Education Program and the Officiating Program, are as follows:
Note:
room settings to supervise. Arrange to provide supervisors who are of the same
sex as the children they are to protect. Please follow Coaching Ethics guidelines.
Make certain that two properly screened adults are present in locker
•
separate locker rooms; then convene in a single dressing room to hold the
coach’s pre-game meeting;
Where possible, have the male and female players undress/dress in
•
the male and female players proceed to their separate dressing rooms to
undress and shower (separately), if available.
Once the game is finished, hold the coach’s post-game meeting; then have
•
enter the locker room and change into their uniforms. That gender then
leaves the locker room, while the other gender dresses. Both genders would
then assemble in the locker room and hold the coach’s pre-game meeting.
In those cases where separate facilities are not available, have one gender
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•
facilities are not available, the second gender group enters the locker room
and undresses, while the first group waits outside until they have
undressed and left the room. Once the second group leaves, the first group
enters the locker room and undresses.
Following the game and the coach’s post-game meeting, where separate
Note:
group is favored, nor is “the ones who always have to wait” and it’s fair.
Taking turns is a means of ‘reasonable accommodation,’ so neither gender
Failing to establish some type of similar procedure, or failure to seriously
consider the privacy issues will likely lead to complaints and/or lawsuits. By
being proactive on this issue, everyone [coaches, players, officials, volunteers
and parents] can enjoy the sport without the worry of legal actions or the
invasion of privacy concerns arising.
Lastly, reinforce to all players, coaches, officials, volunteers and parents that your
organizations are going to take this issue seriously. It is not acceptable under
USA Hockey’s By-Laws – Policies on Physical and Sexual Abuse – for members
to be observing the opposite gender while they dress or undress. Members and
volunteers who violate USA Hockey’s policies, or who violate the privacy rights of
others, could be subject to appropriate discipline.
F. HAZING
It is the policy of USA Hockey and USA Hockey InLine that there shall be no
hazing of any participant involved in any of its sanctioned programs, its training
camps, hockey clinics, coaches clinics, referee clinics, regional and national
tournaments or other USA Hockey or USA Hockey InLine events by any employee,
volunteer, participant or independent contractor.
USA Hockey is concerned with the activity known as “Locker Boxing” (aka Helmet
& Gloves) which produces head trauma in children and young adults. USA
Hockey is opposed to that activity and recommends that our local associations
take action to prevent this activity through awareness, education and
supervision.
Definition:
physically harmful. Any player, team official, executive member of a team, club or
association having been party to or having had knowledge of any degrading
hazing, or initiation rite, without reporting it or taking action, shall be subject to
suspension from playing or holding office with any team, club or association
affiliated with USA Hockey.
Conduct which is insulting, intimidating, humiliating, offensive, or
G. CONSUMPTION/USE/ABUSE OF MOOD ALTERING SUBSTANCES
It is the considered judgment of the Board of Directors of USA Hockey that
consumption/use/abuse of mood altering substances is detrimental to a
healthy state of mind, body, and spirit in an athletic participant. This is especially
true for those participants aspiring to develop their talents in the furtherance of
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their playing, or coaching, or officiating careers in the sport of ice hockey.
Therefore, with the best interests of its participants in mind, USA Hockey and
USA Hockey InLine prohibit use by any participant of mood altering substances
during active participation in its programs, and, upon discovery of any violation,
shall take action to remove the participant from participation in its programs for
a reasonable period of time. Further, USA Hockey and USA Hockey InLine hereby
recommend that each and all of its teams, associations, programs and affiliates
adopt reasonable regulations concerning the prohibition of consumption/use/
abuse of mood altering substances, and a reasonable enforcement procedure
thereafter, in order to maintain the health of our athlete participants, the integrity
of our programs, and the eligibility of all of our competitors for national,
international, and collegiate competition.
For purposes of this policy, the words “mood altering substances” shall include
the following:
1. Intoxicating beverages, including, but not limited to, alcohol.
2. Non-prescription or prescribed controlled substances.
3. Prescription or prescribed controlled substances when used to an excess
in violation of doctors orders, or to produce the state of intoxication in the
participant.
Further, a participant shall include players, coaches, referees, and all persons
involved in the conduct of an ice or inline hockey contest.
H. SLED HOCKEY
It is USA Hockey policy that sled hockey players (playing on sleds) shall not
compete in games with players who are playing hockey standing up (playing on
skates).
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CORE VALUES
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 & 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.
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COACH’S CODE OF CONDUCT
•
Care more about the child than winning the game. Remember, players are
involved in hockey for fun and enjoyment.
Winning is a consideration, but not the only one, nor the most important one.
•
to the physical safety of players.
Be a positive role model to your players. Display emotional maturity and be alert
•
fair and just; do not criticize players publicly; learn to be a more effective
communicator and coach; don’t yell at players.
Be generous with your praise when it is deserved; be consistent and honest; be
•
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.
Adjust to personal needs and problems of players; be a good listener; never
•
yourself with the rules, techniques and strategies of hockey; encourage all your
players to be team players.
Organize practices that are fun and challenging for your players. Familiarize
•
goals and objectives of your association.
Maintain an open line of communication with your players’ parents. Explain the
•
habits and clean living.
Be concerned with the overall development of your players. Stress good health
•
To play the game is great, to love the game is greater.
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VIOLATION REPORTING PROCEDURE
INFORMAL RESOLUTION OF ETHICAL VIOLATIONS
When a USA Hockey participant* believes that there may have been an ethical
violation by a coach, they attempt to resolve the issues by brining it to the attention
of that individual in an informal manner.
* Participants are those taking part in hockey (athletes and their family members,
coaches, officials, volunteers, administrators and spectators).
REPORTING ETHICAL VIOLATIONS
If an apparent ethical violation is not appropriate for informal resolution as mentioned
above, or is not resolved properly in that fashion, participants and association take
further action by:
Participant
1. Contacting the coach’s association president or their appropriate
designee.
2. Confirming with the coach’s association president if there was an attempt
of an informal resolution.
3. Completing an Ethical Violation Form available through the association
president or their designee.
Association
1. Reviews the ethical violation charge using the appropriate due process
procedure as outlined in USA Hockey’s Annual Guide, Bylaw 10,
Resolutions of Disputes, Arbitration and Suspensions.
2. Gives a copy of the completed Ethical Violation Form to the coach in
question seven (7) days prior to the association’s review.
3. Will keep a written report on all reviews and actions.
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SAMPLE
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ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
This Coaching Code of Ethics is the result of the work of many people and committees.
The approach, structure and contents of this code were inspired by the Ethical
Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct, December 1992 (American
Psychological Association, Vol. 47, No. 12, 1597-1611). Many of the ideas for these
ethical standards were drawn from numerous other codes. The most significant of
these were developed by the Coaching Association of Canada, the British Institute of
Sport Coaches, the United States Olympic Committee and the NCAA.
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