Mitchell Minor Hockey Association (MMHA) dedicates itself to the advancement of minor hockey for all individuals by ensuring meaningful opportunities and enjoyable experiences in a safe sportsmanlike environment.

MMHA has adopted a "Code of Conduct" that all team officials, players, and parents/guardians are expected to follow. A violation of the “Code of Conduct” may lead to disciplinary action against the team official, player or parent/guardian as determined by the board and at their sole discretion.

The MMHA “Code of Conduct” places an emphasis on respect: Respect the game; Respect the rules, Respect the opponents; Respect the Coaches, Officials, Parents, Executives, Players, Arena Staff, Volunteers, the board members of the MMHA and their decisions; Respect the facility; Always maintain self-control.

The following are guidelines that are expected to be followed:

 

PLAYER CODE OF CONDUCT

I will:

• Respect and adhere to the ideals, policies, and rules determined by Hockey Canada, Hockey Manitoba, MMHA and my team.

• Respect the rules of the game, opponents, officials, and their decisions.

• Maintain self control at all times.

• Attend as many games and practices as reasonably possible.

• Be present before games and practices in a timely manner.

• Notify the coach/manager ahead of time if I will be absent.

• Respect the facilities, either home or away, in which I’m privileged to play.

• Exhibit a high degree of sportsmanship, teamwork and positive attitude at all times when representing my team and the Association.

• Gain an understanding of the MMHA 24-hour rule to deal with team complaints (minor vs major) and adhere to it. (Please find the complaint section on the next page)

• Refrain from using foul language towards teammates, coaches, officials, or opponents.

• Show respect for the decisions, judgment and authority of the officials and timekeepers.

• Show respect for the feelings and abilities of the players on the other team. • Accept the capabilities of other players.

• Refrain from taking photos in dressing rooms.

• Accept defeat gracefully…love the game above the prize.

 

PARENT CODE OF CONDUCT

I will:

• Support my child with positive encouragement.

• Respect and adhere to the ideals, policies, and rules determined by Hockey Canada, Hockey Manitoba, MMHA and my child’s team.

• Ensure one parent/ guardian has completed the Respect in Sport online program

• Maintain self control at all times.

• Encourage my child to attend as many games and practices as reasonably possible in a timely manner. Notify the coach/manager ahead of time of absences.

• Respect the facilities, either home or away, in which my child is privileged to play.

• Show respect for the decisions, judgment and authority of the officials and timekeepers.

• Show respect for the feelings and accept the capabilities of my child, my child’s teammates, and players on the other team.

• Exhibit a high degree of sportsmanship, teamwork and positive attitude at all times when representing my child and the Association.

• Avoid confusing my child by coaching from the stands.

• Gain an understanding of the MMHA 24-hour rule to deal with team complaints (minor vs major) and adhere to it. (Please find the complaint section on the next page)

• Refrain from expressing my opinion of the coaches or players in front of my own child.

• Refrain from using foul language towards other parents, coaches, officials, or opponents.

• Refrain from yelling at or threatening referees, opposing players, coaches other parents, or fans before, during, or after games or practices at the arena grounds.

• Refrain from demonstrating frustration or anger after a loss or poor performance.

• Not physically abuse any other person.

• Refrain from approaching the bench during a game situation unless summoned by a coach.

• Refrain from taking photos in dressing rooms.

• Accept defeat gracefully…love the game above the prize.

 

TEAM OFFICIAL CODE OF CONDUCT

I will:

• Respect and adhere to the ideals, policies, and rules determined by Hockey Canada, Hockey Manitoba, MMHA and my team.

• Act as a leader of my team and act in a highly professional manner at all hockey related activities. • Be responsible for my behaviour and the behaviour of my team.

• Respect the rules of the game, opponents, officials, and their decisions.

• Maintain self control at all times.

• Show respect to the players and parents of my team.

• Respect the facilities, either home or away, in which my team plays.

• Exhibit a high degree of sportsmanship, teamwork, and positive attitude at all times when representing my team and the Association.

• Refrain from using foul language towards my players, other coaches, officials, or opponents.

• Show respect for the decisions, judgment and authority of the officials and timekeepers.

• Show respect for the feelings and abilities of the players on the other team.

• Accept the capabilities of all players.

• Refrain from taking photos in dressing rooms.

• Accept defeat gracefully…love the game above the prize.

 

At the end of the day, this is a game. The greatest game on earth, the fastest game on earth, but still just a game.

 

Specific Examples:

In addition to the inappropriate behaviour outlined in the Code of Conduct, the following are specific examples that may lead to disciplinary action as determined by the board and at their sole discretion:

• Acting in an unsportsmanlike manner during any game or practice.

• Abusing or damaging arena property or equipment. This may result in an immediate suspension of the team or player involved until the responsibility of the cost of the incurred damage is determined and/or resolved to the satisfaction of the Executive.

• Any player, team official, or parent who is impaired by or who is found using drugs or alcohol at any MMHA game, practice, or event.

• Swearing in dressing rooms, hallways, player benches, penalty box or on the ice.

• Smoking, chewing tobacco or vaping in the players’ box or dressing rooms before, during or after a game.

• The use of cameras in the dressing room.

• Inappropriate social media content in reference to another parent, player, coach, team, or official.

• Fighting anywhere in or around the arena before, during or after a game.

• Approaching a referee before, during or after a game by any individual other than the Referee-In-Chief.

 

With respect to the disciplinary guidelines provided below, it is important to note that these are only guidelines and that the action taken by the Association (e.g. disciplinary action) may be 6 different than suggested based on the circumstances of the event – for example, a gross misconduct penalty, if warranted under the circumstances, may result in a suspension greater than the maximum of three games.

 

Complaints

MMHA recognizes and understands that, throughout the hockey season, there may be minor issues that arise on teams that may lead to complaints (e.g. a parent to a coach in relation to the amount of ice time received by their child, a coach to a parent about the parent’s inappropriate behaviour, etc.). The following are guidelines to deal with minor team related complaints:

a. Initially, all complaints must be dealt with between the parties (e.g. a coach and a parent) in an effort to resolve the complaint.

b. Neither party may approach the other about the issue for twenty-four (24) hours; however, the issue may be brought to the attention of the team manager within this timeframe for his/her information.

c. MMHA recognizes and understands that, throughout the hockey season, there may be issues that arise that may lead to major complaints (e.g. a coach is not promoting a positive environment by repeatedly swearing at players or game officials, a significant lack of discipline on the team, a parent repeatedly using abusive language towards referees, etc.). You may submit your written complaint to the Grievance Director immediately and there will be a discussion to better understand the situation and determine next steps.

d. If, after the above-noted discussion the issue is not resolved, the Grievance Director must deal with the complaint and attempt to resolve the issue. The Grievance Committee will be notified if the Grievance Director deems necessary.