Discipline happens at various levels within the NMHA and outside of it. This policy is aimed to provide a process for managing discipline at the team level for infractions that are not part of the official game record. All issues that are part of an official game record are dealt with by the officials at the time of the infraction, and if necessary the Director of Suspensions, and the HEO Minor Code of Discipline.
Players are expected to adhere to the NMHA Code of Conduct. Any player who fails to comply with the code of conduct may face disciplinary action in the form of the following as deemed appropriate;
- A verbal warning, followed up with an email or communication with the player and parents.
- A written warning given to the player and parents outlining the incident, and/or a meeting with the player and parent
- The player may be benched for a period of time during a game,
- If the incident is considered severe the Head Coach may decide on a team imposed game suspension
- Ongoing violations of the Code of Conduct will result in the player facing an NMHA disciplinary hearing, that may result in further suspensions
All actions taken by the Head Coach against a player for violations of the code of conduct, that result in any missed ice time, must be documented in writing and submitted to the Divisional Director and the VP of House League within 24 hours. Any actions resulting in team imposed suspensions must be done in consultation with the Division Director and the VP of House League.
Any coach imposed suspensions may be appealed to the NMHA within 48 hours of receiving said suspensions.
Examples of infractions that may result in coach imposed discipline are, but aren’t limited to:
- Incidents of offensive, abusive, racist or sexist comments or behaviours directed towards others including, coaching staff, teammate, officials, opposing players, spectators, or parents.
- Repeated unsportsmanlike conduct such as angry outbursts, arguments, etc
- Repeated incidents of disrespectful behaviour towards others including coaching staff, teammates, officials, opposing players, parents
- Action resulting in property damage or that could endanger the safety of others
Drafted: September 2018
Approved: September 24, 2018