KEEPING INLINE HOCKEY FUN

CODES OF CONDUCT

Participation in sports can be a great learning experience for players, coaches, referees, parents and administrators. These experiences often transfer into our daily lives at home, at school and in the office or during our recreational time.

USA Hockey InLine has developed the following codes of conduct to establish standards for in-line hockey participants. All participants are encouraged to adopt these policies in order to provide a positive and rewarding experience for everybody involved in the program. These codes of conduct are based on sportsmanship and fair play while creating a fun and positive environment.

Players   Referees   Parents   Coaches   Spectators   Administrators

PLAYERS CODES OF CONDUCT

• Play for FUN and enjoyment of the sport.
• Winning is a consideration, but not the only one, nor the most important one.
• Work hard to improve your skills.
• Be a team player - get along with and cooperate with your teammates.
• Learn teamwork, sportsmanship and discipline.
• Be on time for all games and practices.
• Learn the rules and play by them. Always be a good sport.
• Respect your coaches, teammates, parents, opponents and the officials.
• Never argue with the decision of an official or coach.
• Respect the arena and its facilities. Without them you wouldn't have a place to play.
  
  

REFEREES CODES OF CONDUCT

• Act in a professional and businesslike manner at all times and take your role seriously.
• Strive to provide a safe and sportsmanlike environment in which players can properly display their in-line hockey skills.
• Know all playing rules, their interpretations and proper application.
• Remember that referees are "teachers." Set good examples.
• Make your calls with quiet confidence, never with arrogance.
• Control games only to the extent that is necessary to provide a positive and safe experience for all players.
• Violence must never be tolerated.
• Be fair and impartial at all times.

PARENTS CODES OF CONDUCT

• 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. Make it 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. Praise your child's efforts, not the results.
• Emphasize the benefits of skill development and practices. De-emphasize games and competition in the lower age groups.
• Know and study the rules of the game and support the officials. This approach will help in the development of the sport.
• Applaud a good effort in victory and in defeat; enforce the positive points of the game. Never yell or physically abuse your child after a game or practice - it is destructive. Work toward removing the physical and verbal abuse in youth sports.
• Accept your child for the gifts given him or her. Don't make your child responsible for your happiness. Don't worry if your child is not a top player, but if he or she is a happy, content player.
• 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 it and volunteer!

COACHES CODES OF CONDUCT

• Be a positive role model to your players, display emotional maturity and be alert to the physical safety of the players. Treat the referees and opposing coach with the respect you would expect in return.
• Care more about your players than winning the game. Remember, players are involved in in-line hockey for fun and enjoyment.
• Be generous with your praise when it's deserved. Be consistent and honest, fair and just. Do not criticize players publicly. Learn to be an effective communicator and a good listener; don't yell at the players, never verbally or physically abuse a player or an official.
• Adjust to the personal needs and problems of the players.
• Give all players the opportunity to improve their skills, gain confidence and develop self-esteem. Teach them the basics of the game. Give them a fair amount of playing time.
• Organize practices that are fun and challenging to the players. Familiarize yourself with the rules, techniques and strategies of in-line hockey. Encourage all of your players to be "team players."
• Maintain an open line of communication with the players' parents. Work together to develop the goals and objectives of the program.
• Be concerned with the overall development of your players. Stress clean living and healthy habits.
• To play the game is great. To love the game is greater.

SPECTATORS CODES OF CONDUCT

• Display good sportsmanship. Always respect players, coaches and officials.
• Always act appropriately; do not taunt or disturb other fans; enjoy the game together.
• Cheer good plays of all participants; avoid booing opponents.
• Cheer in a positive manner and encourage fair play; profanity and objectionable cheers or gestures are offensive.
• Help to provide a safe and fun environment. Throwing items on the playing surface can cause injury to players and officials.
• Support the referees and coaches by trusting their judgment and integrity.
• Be responsible for your own safety - remain alert to help prevent accidents caused by flying objects 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.

ADMINISTRATORS CODES OF CONDUCT

• Follow the rules and regulations of USA Hockey InLine and your league to ensure that the philosophies and objectives are met.
• Support programs that train and educate players, coaches, parents, officials and volunteers.
• Promote and publicize your programs. Seek out financial support whenever possible.
• Communicate with parents regularly by holding parent/player orientation meetings; be available to answer questions and address problems.
• Work to provide programs that encompass fairness to the participants and promote fair play and sportsmanship.
• Recruit volunteers, including coaches, who demonstrate qualities conducive to being positive role models to the youth in our sport.
• Make every possible attempt to provide everyone, at all skill levels, with a place to play.
• Read and be familiar with the official playing rules and the by-laws of your organization.
• Recruit and train other administrators to advance to positions within your association, perhaps even your own.