Index of LAHA Handbook

Programs Page 2-3

Equipment Requirements Page 3

Number of Games Page 4

Travel Hockey Page 4

Tryouts Page 4

Arrival Time Page 4

Rink Rules Page 5

Payment Page 5-6

Parent Volunteer Functions Page 6

Scheduling Page 6

Team Staff Page 6

Selection of Coaches Page 7-8

Policy on Conduct of

Parents, Players, Coaches Page 9-15

Grievance Policy Page 16

Parent & Players Handbook

Acknowledgement Page 16

A Child’s Plea:

Well, here it is another hockey season,

So I am writing you for just one reason

Please don’t scream or curse and yell,

Remember I’m not in the NHL.

I am only 11 years old

And can’t be bought or traded or sold,

I just want to have fun and play the game

And am not looking for hockey fame

Please don’t make me feel I’ve committed a sin

Just because my team didn’t win

I don’t want to be great, you see

I’d rather play and just be me

And so in closing, I’d like to give you one tip

Remember the name of the game is

SPORTSMANSHIP

Lamoille Area Hockey Association Policy Handbook

As a member of USA Hockey, LAHA has adopted the following Mission Statement: To promote the growth of ice hockey by providing a safe and supervised environment that encourages families from all areas in the Lamoille County region to participate. By providing children with the proper instruction for basic skills, knowledge, positive guidance and attitude through teamwork, the children will develop a love for the sport that will make the game fun and rewarding at an affordable cost.

Eligibility: All children, male or female, who are at least four years of age as of December 31^st of the registering year, and who reside in the Lamoille County area, are eligible to participate.

2009-2010 Season Programs to be offered by LAHA

Initiation Hockey Program Dates: November - February
Description: This program is aimed at continuing to develop the participants skating proficiency, stick handling as well as basic game skills. This program will run with certified USA Hockey coaches and will follow recommended USA hockey program. Participants will be exposed to at least two tournament style programs throughout the season. Equipment Requirements: Full Hockey Gear-Neck Guards Mandatory.

House Mites Program Dates: November - February
Description: Mites will follow USA Hockey recommended guidelines and will use USA Hockey certified coaching staff. This program will emphasize a transition from initiation to skating proficiency, stick handling, shooting, game play and good sportsmanship. House Mites does not include weekend games or tournaments. House Mites will practice twice a week with the mites program. Equipment Requirements: Full Hockey Gear- Mouth Guards and Neck Guards Mandatory.

Mites Program Dates: November - February
Description: Mites will follow USA Hockey recommended guidelines and will use USA Hockey certified coaching staff. This program will emphasize skating proficiency, stick handling, shooting, game strategy and good sportsmanship. New for this season will be a new game format! LAHA and Stowe Youth Hockey intend to host jamboree style weekends so our Mites travel less, get more ice time each weekend, and have at least one weekend off a month. Equipment Requirements: Full Hockey Gear- Mouth Guards and Neck Guards Mandatory.

Squirts Program Dates: October - February

Description: These programs will emphasize skating proficiency, stick handling, shooting, game strategy and good sportsmanship. These are local travel teams playing approximately 20 games per season as well as a tournament. (10 home games at GMA and 10 away games within an hours drive) All teams will follow USA Hockey recommended guidelines and will use USA Hockey certified coaching staff. Equipment Requirements: Full Hockey Gear-Mouth guards and Neck Guards Mandatory.

Preseason Midgets Program Dates: Fall
Description: This is a program designed to support the high school program and is an advanced program for advanced experienced hockey players. This program will follow all USA hockey guidelines and will have certified USA hockey coaches. This team will play approximately 8 games. Equipment Requirements: Full Hockey Gear-Mouth Guards and Neck Guards Mandatory.

Equipment Required / Provided

Game Jerseys – Game Jerseys will be provided by LAHA for the season

a. Game jerseys will be held by Team Manager for the season to be given out and recollected at each game

b. Game jerseys will not be worn for practice sessions.

c. Failure to follow these rules or damage due to negligence will result in the replacement cost of the jersey by the registrant’s legal guardian. The approximate cost is $75.00.

d. Most teams will have a team sponsor. Every team with a sponsor will have a sponsor logo patch. This tag will be placed on the jersey on the back below the number. Each team that is sponsored is to have the logo patch on within one week of the coach receiving the tags.

e. Each player who does not turn their jersey in after the last game will be charged a late fee.

Equipment to be provided by the players: All hockey equipment is required to fit properly and be in acceptable working order.

f. Skates – sharpened prior to games if needed

g. Helmet

h. Mouth Guard – Mandatory Squirts and Up

i. Neck Guard –Mandatory by all players

j. Elbow Pads

k. Shin Pads

l. Hockey Gloves

m. Shoulder/chest protector

n. Hockey Pants

o. Protective cup for boys/pelvic protector for girls

p. Hockey Stick(s) – older levels may want a spare

q. Hockey socks –one for practice & designated one for games

Goalie Equipment

r. Mites and Squirts are encouraged to try all positions including goalie. During the season coaches will encourage as many players as are interested to try the goalie position.

s. Squirts, Peewee, and Bantams – there will be tryouts for Squirts, Peewee, and Bantams. Players wishing to play goalie as their primary position should try out as goalies. LAHA will have a minimum of two players whose primary position is goalie. When not playing goalie, the players will be allowed to "skate out" if they desire to do so and if the coach deems it appropriate.

Number of Games:

The Board follows USA Hockey recommended guidelines regarding the number of games to be played by each team during the regular season.

A regular season will begin in early October and in February.

a. State Tournament Requirements – All players must meet the state requirements (currently at least ten games) to be eligible to play in the State Tournament.

It needs to be understood that every game that is scheduled depends on cooperation and consideration of two organizations. LAHA discourages schedule changes and cancellations. Cancellations can create inconveniences and a loss of revenue for that organization.

Travel Hockey: The Association may form teams at the A, A/B and B levels for each group depending on the number of registrants, available ice time and the ability to field competitive teams. Attendance is required at all practices and games for all levels.

Tryouts – LAHA is committed to providing the most positive hockey experience possible for all players involved. The Association will annually select teams for all levels of play as long as the number of players is adequate to support a complete team. The normal number of players selected for each team will be 15 skaters and one goalie. Depending on the actual number of players at a level, team size can vary and will be determined by the Non Affiliated Hockey Expert, President, and Vice President and Tryout Committee for a specific level. LAHA is committed to placing our players at the level where we feel they will have the greatest chance of success. Following USA Hockey’s lead, we will create teams whose players have skill levels sufficient to compete safely, enjoyably, and successfully at various levels of play as set forth by the local league in which we compete.

Tryouts for all levels will be held during the month of September. Non Affiliated Hockey Experts for each level within an age group will be involved in the rating and selection of all the players trying out for that age group. Selection for teams at each level will be completed on the final day of the tryout sessions. Players will be notified of team selection by phone within one week of the final tryout session.

a. Tryout Criteria – The Tryout Committee will recommend final placement of players based on the following:

i. Two ice tryouts (additional tryouts may be necessary)

ii. Objective Factors – previous years experience, Age, Team Size

iii. Evaluation from previous year coaches: where appropriate

Arrival Time- All players should be dressed and ready to go on the ice at least 15 minutes before their scheduled ice time. Locker Rooms will be assigned and must be used. This allows for coaches and parents to take attendance and make announcements.

Rink Rules

1. No eating, drinking or chewing gum on the ice.

2. No alcoholic beverages on or off the ice.

3. Parents are to remain in spectator area during games.

4. No hockey sticks or pucks on the ice except during scheduled games, practices, or stick time.

5. Only skates may be worn on the ice.

6. No running, street hockey or other disruptive activity will be permitted in or around the arena.

7. No one is allowed on the ice or when the Zamboni is in operation.

8. Locker rooms must be left clean and picked up after every group use. Home Teams are responsible for the condition of both locker rooms.

9. Cancellations of scheduled ice time must be made two weeks in advance.

10. Programs renting ice time are responsible for the conduct of their members and guests during times and for any damage to rink facilities.

11. Failure to follow these rules may result in forfeiture of ice privileges by the individual or group responsible.

Same rules apply when at other rinks for all games, tournaments and practices.

Housekeeping: Everyone is expected to practice GOOD HOUSEKEEPING rules in the building, locker rooms, and on the grounds. If you see litter, please pick it up so we can maintain a skating facility that we can be proud of. Coaches are responsible for locker rooms after each practice and game.

Payment – The LAHA Board members have instituted a set of rules surrounding money issues to help the organization become more financially responsible. It is important that all supporting families abide by these rules in order to make the financial process go smoothly. The Treasurer position is a year round volunteer commitment to manage and protect the financial health of LAHA Hockey, and as such, requires that the following expectations be followed:

Registration: A registration fee for the 2008-2009 seasons will be paid in full at registration unless you chose to utilize the payment schedule. A late fee of $10.00 will be collected if payment is not made on time. Participants enrolled for one age group who move up a level will be charged according to the higher level.

a. Children will not be entrusted to handle payment collection or delivery under any circumstance.

Fees – Any one who wishes to participate must pay a registration fee along with a responsibility to participate in the fundraising efforts done by volunteers for the teams.

Discount – there is a family discount of 0% off the registration fee (excluding initiation and intro to hockey) for additional children registering in the same family.

Checks - All payments should be written to LAHA (Lamoille Area Hockey Association).

Bounced Checks – If a check does not clear for any reason, all ensuing bank charges will be owed to the association.

Insurance – Coverage is provided through USA Hockey for registered members (excluding intro to hockey) participating on all ice hockey teams and registered coaches and officials. It provides participant medical accident insurance for the covered medical expenses of registered members, on an excess basis, over and above their personal or group medical insurance. Medical expenses for physical therapy, braces or prescriptions, and the deductible portion of a primary insurance policy, are some of the expenses not covered by the policy. For complete detailed information see the USA Hockey guidelines for insurance. No child will be permitted on the ice without first completing an insurance form, paying the registration fee, and completing a required Information/Consent to treat the member. Learn to skate programs are covered under USFSA Program – see handbook for details.

Refunds – If a player is unable to participate in the program for which he or she registered, they must submit a letter of reason to the President or Treasurer for review. Upon review the Board will give either a partial or full refund as they deem appropriate.

b. Examples of reasons that will be acceptable: illness, injury, family moves etc.

MAKING IT ALL WORK/Communication and Commitment

LAHA wishes to be a very successful organization. We will rely on volunteers to make it work. Your help and ideas are appreciated. Please feel free to attend a Board meeting with solutions to any suggestions you might have.

Parent Volunteer Functions:

Parents are encouraged to participate in LAHA in any capacity possible. All families will be required to signup at registration for a designated amount of volunteer time or in lieu of a set dollar amount.

a. Running the Clock

b. Scoreboard

c. Score sheet

d. Penalty box

e. Ticket sales

f. Tournaments

g. Cleanup

h. Fundraising

Parents are responsible for their children both off and on the ice, but are not allowed at bench during games unless you are an assistant coach or coach.

Team Parents are responsible for soliciting and organizing volunteers fundraising activities.

Scheduling: The scheduler is responsible for the entire year’s ice schedule, both for games and practices. Also responsible for auditing the ice bill and authorizing payment after ensuring the billing complies with our actual usage. The scheduler is the only person allowed to communicate with the rink and book, cancel, or change ice time.

Team Staff

Head Coach – The Head Coach has full responsibility for the conduct of the players both at practice sessions and games including supervision of instruction, enforcement of safety requirements, and player behavior.

Assistant Coaches – The Assistant Coaches assist the Head Coach at practices and may occasionally act as coach in the Head Coach’s absence. It is our objective to have at least one Assistant Coach per team, though this is not always possible. All assistant Coaches must be in accordance with the USA Hockey coaching guidelines.

Team Manager –The Team Manager is responsible for collecting the jerseys at the end of each game, taking them home and washing them. They must be washed inside out and in cold water to prolong the wear for teams to come. Do NOT put the jerseys in the dryer. Do NOT use bleach

Selection of Coaches:

The Director of Coaches will contact and interview most prospective coaches over a short period of several weeks in the late summer. The Head Coach and Assistant Coaches will be selected by the Board of Directors along with the Director of Coaching. LAHA mandates that each coach attend the appropriate level training conducted through VSAHA on a regular basis for both initial certification as well as re-certification. LAHA also requires that all coaches successfully complete a background check BEFORE GOING ON THE ICE. While we realize that these are volunteer positions, there are certain expectations that go along with these positions as our young skaters deserve the best experience that we can provide to them. If you are interested in coaching please read the expectations below before deciding to become a LAHA coach. If you feel that you are able to meet these standards, we look forward to your application.

Thank you for your interest in coaching our children this season.

COACHING APPLICATION

LAHA AMATEUR HOCKEY ASSOCIATION

Name:________________________________________________

Address:______________________________________________

Town:______________________________________________ Zip Code:_________

Home Phone:_________________ Work Phone:___________________

E-Mail:_________________________________________________________________

List in order of preference position desired:

1.___________________________________________

2.___________________________________________

3.___________________________________________

COACHING EXPERIENCE (Use extra sheet if required)

Position Organization From To Level

COACHING REFERENCES

Name Position Address Phone

PHILOSOPHY (Explain your philosophy as it applies to these areas)

Winning

Sportsmanship

Discipline

Playing Time

I have read and agree to follow the LAHA Coaching Expectations for 2008-09

Signature:________________________________________ Date:_______________________________

*Please note that per USA Hockey, ALL coaches must wear helmets on-ice during all team/organization events.

LAHA Policy on Sports Conduct for Parents, Players & Coaches

Lamoille Area Hockey Association is dedicated to introducing the game of hockey to young men and women and their families. We expect the pursuit of hockey excellence will be accompanied by appropriate sports behavior and respect for every individual as described in the various USA Hockey codes of conduct. At the heart of this organization are the Core Values of USA Hockey.

Preamble and Core Values

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. We will not argue with coaches or officials decisions

RESPECT FOR THE INDIVIDUAL - Treat all others as you expect to be treated. Get along with your teammates. Respect your coaches, teammates, parents, opponents, officials, and property.

INTEGRITY - We seek to foster honesty and fair play beyond mere strict interpretation of the rules and regulations of the game. Learn the rules and play by them.

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. Put the needs of the team first and foremost.

COMMITMENT - Understand the commitment to your teammates, coaches, and yourself. Work hard to improve your skills. Be on time for practices and games.

Expectation of Parents & Spectators

Children participate in organized sports for their enjoyment. Make it fun and support all players.

Encourage good sportsmanship by demonstrating positive support for all players, coaches, and officials at every game, practice, or other youth sports event.

Encourage your child to play by the rules. Support the officials and coaches by trusting their judgment and integrity. Remember, children learn best by example, so applaud good plays of both teams. Always respect others.

Emphasize skill development and practices and how they benefit your young athlete. De-emphasize games and competition in the lower age groups. Be supportive after the game win or lose.

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.

Recognize the importance of volunteer coaches. They are important to the development of your child and the sport. Communicate with them and support them.

Remember the game is for the children, not the adults.

Expectation of Players

Display proper respect to officials, opposing players, teammates, and coaches both on and off the ice.

Play and have fun as a team.

Be on time for practices and games.

Work to improve your skills.

Learn the rules, and play by them. Be a good sport.

Profanity, abusive language, and improper gestures will not be tolerated. In game situations, obscenity, openly disputing/arguing with officials, or visually demonstrating dissatisfaction with officials will result in a minor penalty.

Serious practice or game violations will be subject to review by the Head Coach and/or LAHA Board as necessary on an individual basis to determine if further disciplinary action is warranted. (Suspension, expulsion, written apology etc.)

Expectation of Coaches

Administrative Duties

a. Organize practices that are fun and challenging for your players. Familiarize yourself with the rules, techniques and strategies of hockey; encourage all your players to play as a team.

b. Read appropriate USA Hockey Manual. Annually review all information in the Associate Level Manual, Handbook I for all travel team coaches.

c. Use USA Hockey skills progressions/manuals as guides…all skills should be taught/reinforced at appropriate levels. USA Hockey provided practice plans should be used as at least a general guideline for each and every level!

d. Focus on FUN and skills…minimal time on strategies…teach concepts instead

e. Supervise the locker-room any time that your skaters are present. This is an area of potential serious liability

Coaching/Mentoring

f. Encourage participation of every player in practices and games.

g. Emphasize good sportsmanship on and off the ice.

h. Stress the importance of teamwork

i. Treat all players equally

j. Stress FUN and skill development over winning

k. Provide each player with fair and equitable ice time

l. 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.

m. Winning is a consideration, but not the only one, nor the most important one. Care more about the child playing than winning the game. Remember, players are involved in hockey for fun and enjoyment.

Encourage Healthy Lifestyles

n. Help players develop physically by learning skills, improving conditioning, develop good health habits, and avoiding injuries

o. Help players develop psychologically by learning to control their emotions and develop feelings of self worth

p. Be concerned with the overall development of your players. Stress good health habits and clean living.

q. Refrain from use of tobacco products while in the presence of players.

r. Refrain from use of alcoholic beverages prior to practices and/or games.

Role Models

s. Lead by example - maintain a positive attitude towards referees, parent, players, and other coaches.

t. Be a positive role model to your players, display emotional maturity and be alert to the physical safety of players

u. 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; do not yell at players.

v. Coaches should never teach their players tactics or skills designed to circumvent the intent of the rulebook and the standards of fair play. The rules exist to protect players and provide a common standard by which final results will be determined.

w. Coaches are responsible for knowing, understanding, and following all rules of the game.

x. Coaches should be sensitive to the impropriety of private meetings with on-ice officials before, during, or after the contest, without the presence of a representative of the opposing team.

y. Coaches are responsible for the conduct of their players. Whenever a player exhibits unsportsmanlike behavior on their own, it is the responsibility of the coach to address the behavior and put an end to it.

z. Game officials (on and off ice) shall at all times be treated in a professional and courteous manner. It is the responsibility of the host coach to insure the safety and well-being of these officials in the host facility.

aa. Coaches wishing to express displeasure with an official's conduct must follow the proper procedure, as established by VSAHA, and at no time will the media be used to criticize an official.

bb. Maintain an open line of communication with your player's parents. Explain the goals and objectives of the association and the team.

All coaches will abide by the standards contained in the Coaches Policy on Sports Conduct and Responsibilities. If the standards are violated, the coach may be subject to immediate suspension or dismissal as a coach. Coaching is a privilege and not a right.

Zero Tolerance Policy

In an effort to make ice hockey a more desirable and rewarding experience for all participants, the USA Hockey Youth, Junior and Senior Councils 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, administrators and parents/spectators to maintain a sportsmanlike and educational atmosphere before, during and after all the USA Hockey sanctioned games.

Thus, the following points of emphasis must be implemented:

Parent Penalties and Violations

Class I violations carry a penalty of a one (1) week suspension from all practices, games, and/or any team activity. The suspension begins when a decision on the issue has been reached; however the Discipline Committee has the authority to immediately suspend the offender until the investigation is complete. This time will count towards the overall suspension period.

Class I violations include, but are not limited to:

Use of obscene or vulgar language or gestures to anyone at anytime

Abusive language (toward players, coaches, parents, officials, other players, and spectators)

Taunting of players, coaches, officials, or spectators by means of baiting, or ridiculing

Addressing a coach, official, player or volunteer in an unsportsmanlike, discourteous, or threatening manner

Questioning the coach(s) and or referees while children present

Class II violations carry a penalty of a thirty (30) day suspension from all practices, games, and/or any team activity. The suspension begins when a decision has been reached on the issue; however the Discipline Committee has the authority to immediately suspend the offender until the investigation is complete. This time will count towards the overall suspension period.

Class II violations include, but are not limited to:

Threats of physical violence towards any player, coach, parent, official, LAHA volunteer, or spectator

Throwing of any object in the spectators viewing area, players bench, penalty box, in the locker room, or on the ice surface, that in any manner creates a safety hazard

Intentionally shoving or striking a player, coach, or official during any LAHA function, whether in the locker room, on the ice, or at any time the team is getting together

Public disparagement of other members

Second class I violation of the same offense or third or subsequent class I violations.

Class III violations carry a penalty of a one (1) year minimum suspension from the program to permanent termination from the LAHA organization. The suspension begins when a decision has been reached on the issue; however the Discipline Committee has the authority to immediately suspend the offender until the investigation is complete. For Class III violations penalties will require ratification by a 2/3 majority of the Board of Directors, at a meeting where there is a quorum of the Board.

Class III violations include, but are not limited to:

Use of alcohol or drugs at the arena or official team function (this does not apply to consumption of alcohol at a restaurant, hotel, or home after scheduled games or practices)

Physical abuse of a player, coach, parent, official, LAHA volunteer, or spectator

Activities that violate State or Federal Laws which create a safety risk to any member of the organization

Second class II violation of the same offense or third or subsequent class II violations.

Parent Notification

Parents will be informed of this Policy on Sports Conduct before the beginning of the season. Parents/guardians are required to acknowledge (by signature) that they received a copy of the Policy before their child may participate in USA Hockey sanctioned games.

Right to Appeal

Any parent has the right to appeal a decision of the Discipline Committee. The appeal is to be made in writing to the LAHA Board within 10 days of the decision rendered by the Discipline Committee. The LAHA Board of Directors (elected and appointed) will render a decision regarding the appeal, and once rendered, is final.

Player Penalties and Violations

At their discretion, a coach may take immediate action against a player for Class I violations of this policy. A coach may bench the offending player during a game, or even ask them to leave the ice for the remaining duration of a practice or game. After the practice or game ends, the coach will discuss the incident with the player and the parents. The coach will be required to document the incident and provide a copy to the Discipline Committee within 5 days of the occurrence.

Class I violations carry a penalty of a one (1) week suspension from all practices, games, and/or any team activity. The suspension begins when a decision has been reached on the issue; however the Discipline Committee has the authority to immediately suspend the offender until the investigation is complete. This time will count towards the overall suspension period.

Class I violations include, but are not limited to:

Use of obscene or vulgar language or gestures in a boisterous manner to anyone at anytime

Use of abusive or disrespectful language (teammates, coaches, parents, officials, other players, and spectators)

Taunting of players, coaches, officials, or spectators by means of baiting, or ridiculing

Addressing a coach, official, or volunteer in an unsportsmanlike, discourteous, or threatening manner

Active or passive refusal of a player to follow a direct, reasonable instruction from the coach with regard to games and practices

Class II violations include, but are not limited to:

Threats of physical violence towards any player, coach, parent, official, LAHA volunteer, or spectator

Throwing of any object in the spectators viewing area, players bench, penalty box, in the locker room, or on the ice surface, that in any manner creates a safety hazard

Intentional shoving or striking another player, coach, or official during any LAHA functions, whether in the locker room, on the ice, or at any time the team is getting together.

Public disparagement of other members

Second class I violation of the same offense or third or subsequent class I violations.

Class III violations include, but are not limited to:

Use of alcohol, tobacco, or drugs is not permitted

Physical abuse of a player, coach, parent, official, LAHA volunteer, or spectator

Activities that violate State or Federal Laws which create a safety risk to any member of the organization

Second class II violation of the same offense or third or subsequent class II violations.

Player/Parent Notification

Players and parents will be informed of this Policy on Sports Conduct before the start of the season. Parents/guardians are required to acknowledge (by signature) that they received a copy of the Policy before their child may participate in USA Hockey sanctioned games.

Right to Appeal

Any player and their parent(s)/guardian have the right to appeal a decision of the Discipline Committee. The appeal is to be made in writing to the LAHA Board within 10 days of the decision rendered by the Discipline Committee. The LAHA Board of Directors (elected and appointed) will render a decision regarding the appeal, and once rendered, is final.

Coach Penalties and Violations

Class I violations carry a penalty of up to one (1) week suspension from all practices, games, and/or any team activity. The suspension begins when a decision has been reached on the issue; however the Discipline Committee has the authority to immediately suspend the offender until the investigation is complete. This time will count towards the overall suspension period.

Class I violation include, but are not limited to:

Use of obscene or vulgar language or gestures in a boisterous manner to anyone at anytime

Abusive language (teammates, coaches, parents, officials, other players, and spectators)

Taunting of players, coaches, officials, or spectators by means of baiting, or ridiculing

Addressing a player, another coach, official, or volunteer in an unsportsmanlike, discourteous, or threatening manner

Class III violations carry a penalty of up to one (1) year minimum suspension from the program to permanent termination from the LAHA organization. The suspension begins when a decision has been reached on the issue; however the Discipline Committee has the authority to immediately suspend the offender until the investigation is complete. For Class III violations penalties will require ratification by a 2/3 majority of the Board of Directors, at a meeting where there is a quorum of the Board.

Class III violations include, but are not limited to:

No alcohol 8 hrs prior to a LAHA functions

Substance abuse

Physical abuse of a player, coach, parent, official, LAHA volunteer, or spectator

Activities that violate State or Federal Laws which create a safety risk to any member of the organization

Second class II violation of the same offense or third or subsequent class II violations.

Coach Notification

Coaches will be informed of this Policy on Sports Conduct prior to the beginning of the season. Coaches are required to acknowledge (by signature) that they received a copy of the Policy before they may participate in USA sanctioned games.

Right to Appeal

Any coach has the right to appeal a decision of the Discipline Committee. The appeal is to be made in writing to the LAHA Board within 10 days of the decision rendered by the Discipline Committee. The LAHA Board of Directors (elected and appointed) will render a decision regarding the appeal, and once rendered, is final.

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. On-Ice Officials are ambassadors of the game and must always conduct themselves with this responsibility in mind.

The game will be stopped by On-Ice officials when 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 local

Grievance Policy

A parent or guardian of a current LAHA hockey member, or a current credentialed coach in the LAHA Hockey program or a current member of the LAHA Hockey Board of Directors may file a grievance.

Grievance Procedure

1. Any above violations should be presented to the LAHA Board for resolution in the following manner.

§ Contact the President of LAHA

§ Follow up with the details of the grievance in writing

§ Board will issue a response within 24 hours of receipt of written complaint.

(This may include, but is not limited to; a decision, further investigation or scheduling a hearing.)

2. All decisions will be final, with no appeal. Any person(s) unwilling to accept the decision of the board may be removed from the program with no refund.

PARENTS SIGNATURE ______________________________

PLAYERS SIGNATURE _________________

I have read the above; I acknowledge the penalty incurred for any violations to disrupt or create a safety hazard any time before, during or after the game.

Printable Version of LAHA Handbook 08-09