Coach Code of Conduct Agreement
The HMHA is committed to providing an environment in which all individuals are treated with respect. Members and participants of the HMHA shall conduct themselves in a manner consistent with strong values which include fairness, integrity, and mutual respect.
As a coach I will recognize individual differences in athletes and consider their long-term best interests. I will lead by example by teaching and practising cooperation, self-discipline, respect for officials and opponents.
- I commit to aim for excellence based upon realistic goals.
- I am prepared to interact in a positive manner with administrators, league officials and parents.
- I will be flexible and willing to continually learn and develop.
- I will encourage athletes to continually improve their fitness and adopt a healthy lifestyle.
- I will follow the direction of a medical practitioner regarding Return to Play Guidelines for an injured player.
- I understand that minor hockey is a developmental activity, physically, mentally and socially.
- I will commit to develop and support all players.
- I will not ridicule players for making mistakes or for performing poorly. I will remember that players play to have fun and must be encouraged to have confidence in themselves.
- I will positively reinforce my players for effort and sportsmanship. I will not tolerate physical or verbal abuse in youth sports. I will remember that children need a coach they can respect.
- I know that winning is a consideration, but not the only one, nor the most important one. I will be humble in victory and gracious in defeat.
- I commit to promote a positive environment in minor hockey for all participants involved and to encourage all players to be both competitive and display sportsmanship.
As a coach I commit to provide FAIR ICE TIME to all players. I commit to the principle that all players should receive a fair amount of ice during the overall season. In games, due to various situations such as penalties, injuries, illness, effort in practice and training and other potential factors, equal ice time for all players can be difficult to maintain on a game-to-game basis. Fair ice time is based on all players participating throughout the season, regardless of abilities. I understand that if I select a player in evaluations (tryouts) to be a member of the team, I am committing to developing that player and treating them fairly. I will strive to provide all players a fair amount of ice time throughout the season.
Recognized examples where ice time might not be equal in each game (“rolling” of lines):
- In the final minutes (typically last 5 minutes) of a closely contested game in the playoffs or a tournament game.
- When a coach is sitting out a player for disciplinary reasons.
- It is recognized and agreeable that a set power play or penalty kill line-up may be used, particularly in U15 (Bantam) and U18 (Midget) – consideration of overall fair ice time should still be a factor when making these decisions.
I agree that any incident that is in violation of the parameters of this document may be reported to the HMHA Executive, resulting in review by the Discipline and Ethics Committee (who will determine if my removal from coaching is appropriate).