Start of the Season!

2018-2019 Season
September 3, 2018
 
The Devils Hockey program is founded on our passion for providing a safe, family friendly program that promotes a passion for the sport and respect and commitment by all who participate.   The Devils Hockey program has tremendous pride in our coaches, players and spectators.  We are proud to be a program of high integrity, mutual respect not only for our teammates but towards our opponents, game officials and all hockey families which we encounter each and every week.
The Devils Hockey program follows the USA Hockey code of conduct.  All members are expected to adhere to the code of conduct; anyone violating these guidelines are subject to disciplinary action.
As our program gets ready to enjoy another amazing Devils Hockey Season, I ask that you all take the time to read this extremely important information.
 
Patti McTernan
Devils Hockey President
508-507-1952
 
Code of Conduct
Player

• No swearing or abusive language on the bench, in the rink, or at any team function.
• No lashing out at any official no matter what the call is.  The coaching staff will handle all matters pertaining to officiating.
• Anyone who receives a penalty will skate directly to the penalty box.
• Fighting will not be tolerated. 
  • Sanctioned USA Hockey event – Host league and/or USA Hockey may enforce disciplinary action.
  • Non USA Hockey (i.e. practice, Devils event, etc.) – Devils Hockey program may enforce disciplinary action; verbal and/or written warning, suspensions or expulsion from the league.
• There will be no drinking, smoking, chewing of tobacco or use of illegal substance at any team function.
• I will conduct myself in a befitting manner at all facilities (ice rink, hotel, restaurant, etc.) during all team functions.
• Any player or team official who cannot abide by these rules or violates them will be subject to further disciplinary action.
• Zero Tolerance - Any behavior displayed by a player which is disruptive to this focus will not be tolerated.  The DEVILS Hockey Board reserves the right to remove any player or parent from a rink or its membership due to violation of the USA code of Conduct. This includes any disruptive behavior displayed at practices, games, in locker rooms, at any Devils events, during interaction with League officials, referees, Devils parents or opposing team players or parents.  We ask for your support and encouragement of the Devils mission statement and philosophy. 

Parents – Devils Hockey program suggests that all parents review the USAH guidelines.

• Do not force your children to participate in sports, but support their desires to play their chosen sport.  Children are involved in organized sports for their enjoyment. Allow it to be fun.
• Encourage your child to play by the rules.  Remember, children learn best by example, so applaud the good plays of both teams.
• Do not embarrass your child by yelling at players, coaches or officials.  By showing a positive attitude toward the game and all of its participants, your child will benefit.
• Emphasize skill development and practices and how they benefit your young athlete.  De-emphasize games and competition in the lower age groups.
• 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.
• Applaud a good effort in both victory and defeat, and enforce the positive points of the game.  Never yell at or physically abuse your child after a game or practice – it is destructive.  Work toward removing the physical and verbal abuse in youth sports.
• Recognize the importance of volunteer coaches.  They are important to the development of your child and the sport.  Communicate with them and support them.  If you enjoy the game, learn all you can about hockey – and volunteer.
• Zero Tolerance - Any behavior displayed by a parent which is disruptive to this focus will not be tolerated.  The DEVILS Hockey Board reserves the right to remove any player or parent from a rink or its membership due to violation of the USA code of Conduct. This includes any disruptive behavior displayed at practices, games, in locker rooms, at any Devils events, during interaction with League officials, referees, Devils parents or opposing team players or parents.  We ask for your support and encouragement of the Devils mission statement and philosophy. 

Spectators

• Display good sportsmanship.  Always respect players, coaches and officials.
• Act appropriately; do not taunt or disturb other fans; enjoy the game together.
• Cheer good plays of all participants; do not boo opponents.
• Cheer in a positive manner and encourage fair play; profanity and objectionable cheers or gestures are offensive.
• Help provide a safe and fun environment; throwing any items on the surface can cause injury to players and officials.
• Do not lean over or pound on the glass or fence; the glass and fence surrounding the surface are part of the playing area.
• Support the referees and coaches by trusting their judgement and integrity.
• Be responsible for your own safety – be alert to prevent accidents from flying pucks and other avoidable situations.
• Respect locker rooms as private areas for players, coaches and officials. 
• Be supportive after the game – win or lose.
• Recognize good effort, teamwork and sportsmanship.

Rules

• Absolutely no bullying.  This includes physical and verbal actions.
• No “rough housing” by any player.  This includes play fighting, pushing, shoving, jabbing, tripping, etc.
• Acknowledge other team’s accomplishments; do not encourage poor sportsmanship-like behavior.
• Respect each other, coaches, opponents, referees and others you come in contact with at all times.

Locker Rooms

• Locker Room Monitoring The Devils program has predictable and limited use of locker rooms and changing areas (generally 30 minutes before and following practices and games). This allows for direct and regular monitoring of locker room areas.  While constant monitoring inside of locker rooms and changing areas might be the most effective way to prevent problems, we understand that this would likely make some players uncomfortable and may even place our staff at risk for unwarranted suspicion.
  We conduct a sweep of the locker rooms and changing areas before players arrive, and if the coaches are not inside the locker rooms, a coach (each of which has been screened) will be posted directly outside of the locker rooms and changing areas during periods of use, and leave the doors open only when adequate privacy is still possible, so that only participants (coaches and players), approved team personnel and family members are permitted in the locker room.  Team personnel will also secure the locker room appropriately during times when the team is on the ice.
   

• Parents in Locker Rooms Except for players at the younger age groups – Squirts and under, we discourage parents from entering locker rooms unless it is truly necessary.  If a player needs assistance with his or her uniform or gear, if the player is or may be injured, or a player’s disability warrants assistance, then we ask that parents let the coach know beforehand that he or she will be helping the player. 
  Naturally, with our youngest age groups it is necessary for parents to assist the players getting dressed.  We encourage parents to teach their players as young as possible how to get dressed so that players will learn as early as possible how to get dressed independently.  In circumstances where parents are permitted in the locker room, coaches are permitted to ask that the parents leave for a short time before the game and for a short time after the game so that the coaches may address the players.  As players get older, the coach may in his or her discretion prohibit parents from a locker room. 
   
• Mixed Gender Teams Some of our teams consist of both male and female players.  It is important that the privacy rights of all of our players are given consideration and appropriate arrangements made. Where possible,  Devils will have the male and female players dress/undress in separate locker rooms and then convene in a single locker room before the game or team meeting.  Once the game or practice is finished, the players may come to one locker room for a team meeting and then the male and female players proceed to their separate locker rooms to undress and shower, if available.  If separate locker rooms are not available, then the players will take turns using the locker room to change. We understand that these arrangements may require that players arrive earlier or leave later to dress, but believe that this is the most reasonable way to accommodate and respect all of our players.

Ice Time
We feel that each player should receive approximately equal ice time during the course of the season provided they participate equally in their own development and that of the team. However, players who do not participate equally in development may find themselves with less playing time than others. It is important to the Board that all players and teams achieve their potential each season.  The following are the expectations and guidelines set for players and coaches who participate on each team or level of play:
 

• Mites - Players are expected to have equal ice time. No unexcused/excused absence policy applies. Coaches may discipline a player for dangerous play, foul language, or impeding another player’s ability to learn by removing them from the ice for a short period of time.

 

• Squirt, Pee Wee & Bantam teams (except those listed below) - Coaches have the discretion to create and use distinct power play/penalty kill units during the 3rd period of games or during overtime. They can reduce a player’s ice time as a form of discipline if the player displays poor sportsmanship, is disruptive to the team on or off the ice, is purposefully lacking effort/not working hard during practices or games, is not following team rules, or for taking bad penalties.  It is expected that all players are given the opportunity to participate on power play/penalty kill units regularly during games. Coaches should make it a priority to strive for equal ice time for all skaters during the course of a game and for all goalies during the course of the season.

 

• A level Teams – Pee Wee, Bantam, Midget, Middle School - Coaches have the discretion to create and use distinct power play/penalty kill units during the course of the game. They can reduce a player’s ice time as a form of discipline if the player displays poor sportsmanship, is disruptive to the team on or off the ice, is purposefully lacking effort/not working hard during practices or games, is not following team rules, or for taking bad penalties.  It is expected that all players are given the opportunity in practices or games to earn a position on a power play/penalty kill unit. Coaches should use their best judgment and strive for equal ice time for all skaters during the course of a game and for all goalies during the course the season.

 
Other key points

• Development, progress and love of the game is the priority.
• Our success isn’t measured by winning the game, but the development and improvement of both the individual player as well as the team. 
• Parent(s) should take cue from your child, remember they may not be as upset as you are about a game/call.  If they are happy after a game, let them be happy.   If they are upset, inquire as to why and address with your child.
• Players do hear spectators in the stands at NESV and everyone should be refrain from coaching from the stands.
• Hockey is a physical sport and body contact should be expected at all levels.  Referees will make appropriate calls and their decisions are to be respected.
• Remember that Coaches will address player performance.
• Coaches should include monthly message to parents (may be included in team admins communication).
• Our program is here to hear your concerns. 
  • On ice matters and player concerns are to be directed to your coach.  Off ice concerns can be brought to your team admin.  The league president is available at any time to hear concerns you may have.  All concerns will be handled accordingly. 
• Hockey should be fun for all to enjoy! Convey the message that “to play the game is great, to win the game is greater, but to love the game is the greatest!”  And remember – it is JUST a game. 

 
So that about wraps it up for now!  I am looking forward to seeing all of the smiling faces back at the rinks in a few short weeks!  Cannot wait!  Hope you cannot either!  If you have any questions at all, please do not hesitate to contact me.  LET’S GO DEVILS!!!!