Code of Conduct

Membership in the SMMHA, and participation in its activities, brings with it many benefits and privileges that are balanced by member and participant responsibilities and obligations. SMMHA is committed to providing an environment in which all individuals are treated with respect.

The SMMHA Code of Conduct, defined in Section 15 of the SMMHA P&P Manual (click link to download) and reproduced below, defines the parameters for these responsibilities and obligations, and thus identifies a standard for behaviour that is expected of all SMMHA members and participants (including parents and spectators).

Expected Standard of Ethical Conduct 

All Members and Participants of SMMHA are thus expected to:

· conduct themselves at all times in a manner consistent with the values of SMMHA which include fairness, integrity and mutual respect,

· demonstrate through words and actions the spirit of sportsmanship, sports leadership and ethical conduct,

· avoid behaviour which brings SMMHA or the sport of hockey into disrepute including, but not limited to, abusive use of alcohol, use of non-medical drugs or performance-enhancing drugs or methods, and use of alcohol by minors,

· adhere at all times to:

- SMMHA’s bylaws, policies, procedures, rules, regulations and directives,
- OMHA and/or OWHA operational policies, procedures, rules and regulations,
- rules and regulations governing any competitions in which the member participates on behalf of SMMHA,
- rules and regulations established by the facilities in which the member participates on behalf of SMMHA,
- any contracts or agreements executed with or by SMMHA,
- any sanction imposed by SMMHA
· care for and respect the property and assets of SMMHA,

· refrain from engaging in any activity or behaviour which interferes with a competition or with any player or team’s preparation for a competition, or which endangers the safety of others, and

· refrain from comments or behaviours which are disrespectful, humiliating, demeaning, offensive, abusive, racist or sexist. In particular, behaviour which constitutes bullying, harassment or abuse will not be tolerated, and will be dealt with under OMHA’s Harassment & Abuse policy.

Failure by a Member or Participant to comply with the expected standard of conduct set out above constitutes an infraction and may result in disciplinary action and the imposition of a sanction in accordance with the SMMHA policy on discipline, section 16 of the SMMHA P&P Manual (click link to download).

Fair Play Codes of Conduct

Fairness, integrity and respect – these are the principles of fair play. With them, the spirit of competition thrives, fuelled by honest rivalry, courteous relations and graceful acceptance of the results. Playing fair also has to do with making choices. As we interact with each other in sport, or as spectators of sport, we must regularly consider and define what we think is right and what is not.

The SMMHA Fair Play Codes of Conduct are an extension of the SMMHA Expected Standard of Ethical Conduct (see above) and have been established to guide decision-making and actions of all SMMHA members and participants:

Fair Play Code For Players

I will play by the rules of hockey, and in the spirit of the game.

I will control my temper: fighting and "mouthing off" can spoil the activity for everybody.

I will do my best to be a true team player and function in the Team environment.

I will remember that winning isn't everything - that having fun, improving skills, making friends and doing my best are the most important aspect.

I will remember that coaches and officials are there to help me.

I will accept their decisions and show them respect.

Fair Play Code For Coaching Staff

I will be reasonable, remembering that players have other interests and obligations.

I will teach my players to play fairly and to respect the rules, officials and opponents.

I will ensure that all players get equal instruction and support time.

I will not ridicule or yell at my 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 make sure that equipment and facilities are safe and match the players ages and abilities.

I will remember that participants need a coach they can respect.

I will be generous with praise and set a good example.

I will obtain proper training and continue to upgrade my coaching skills.

I will foster regular and effective communications with the parents.

I will ensure that locker room behavior is acceptable and non threatening for all participants.

I will remember that it is a privilege, not a right to coach.

I will give each team member a fair and honest chance to play.

I will obtain all necessary certifications and credentials as required by the St. Marys Minor Hockey Association. I will keep these certifications and credentials up-to-date and current for the entire season.

I will endeavor to ensure a safe environment for all players involved.


Fair Play Code For Parents/Guardians & Spectators

I will remember that participants play hockey for their own enjoyment.

I will not have unrealistic expectations. I will remember that players are not professionals and cannot be judged by professional standards.

I will respect the officials' decisions and I will encourage participants to do the same.

I will never ridicule a player for making a mistake during a game.

I will give positive comments that motivate and encourage continued effort.

I will condemn the use of violence in any form and will express my disapproval in an appropriate manner to coaches and league officials.

I will show respect for my team's opponents, because without them there would be no game.

I will not use bad language, nor will I harass players, coaches, officials or other spectators.

I will respect the coach's decisions and encourage open communications with them.

Fair Play Code For Officials

I will avoid or put an end to any situation that threatens the safety of the players.

I will not permit the intimidation of any player either by word or by action.

I will not tolerate unacceptable conduct toward myself, other officials, players or spectators.

I will be consistent and objective in calling all infractions, regardless of my personal feelings toward a team or individual player.

I will handle all conflicts firmly, but with dignity.

I will obtain proper training and continue to upgrade my officiating skills.

I will work in cooperation with all involved for the benefit of the game.

Fair Play Code For League Organizers and SMMHA Executive

We shall do our best to see that all players are given the same chance to participate, regardless of gender, ability, ethnic background or race.

We shall endeavor to ensure that all equipment and facilities are safe and match the athletes' ages and abilities.

We shall make sure that the age and maturing level of the participants are considered in program development, rule enforcement and scheduling.

We shall remember that play is done for its own sake and make sure that winning is kept in proper perspective.

We shall distribute fair play codes to coaches, athletes. officials and parents.

We shall make sure that coaches and officials are capable of promoting fair play as well as the development of good technical skills and we will encourage them to become certified.