USA HOCKEY POINTS OF EMPHISIS

PURPOSE USA Hockey Points of Emphasis have been developed to promote a safe and positive playing environment while focusing on skill development and enjoyment of the game. Current Points of Emphasis are: Fair Play and Respect Elimination of Intimidation Standard of Play and Rule Emphasis

FAIR PLAY & RESPECT Fair play and respect form the backbone of successful competition. Mutual respect between and among players, coaches, officials, administrators and spectators is a core value of USA Hockey at all levels. Unsportsmanlike conduct directed at opponents or game officials must not be tolerated. Examples include: Verbal taunting, teasing, ridicule, or threats Obscene gestures Physical violence in any form

PLAYERS Develop a sense of respect for opponents and officials, while enjoying the sport and improving their playing skills Use proper skills and techniques when engaging in any type of body contact Use body checks to separate opponent from the puck, not for intimidation or punishment

COACHES Responsible for coaching their players to play the game in a safe and sportsmanlike manner Teach the necessary skills for proper and legal body contact Demonstrate good behavior when discussing rule interpretations with game officials

OFFICIALS Abide by the Officials Code of Conduct (in your rule book) Enforce all playing rules fairly and respectfully with the safety of the players and the best interests of the game in mind. Hold players accountable for dangerous and illegal actions with the proper enforcement of the rules at all times.

SPECTATORS Practice sportsmanship and respect for players, coaches, and officials. No profanity or abusive language. Promote a safe and fun environment by not ... throwing objects on the ice. leaning over the glass at any time. Support effort, teamwork, and sportsmanship.

SPECTATOR CONDUCT GUIDELINES Let spectators cheer, support their teams, and generally enjoy the game. Draw the line at: Obscene or vulgar language or gestures that can be heard or seen on the ice Taunting or inciting of players, coaches, officials, or others Throwing objects on the ice Any conduct that interferes with the game

SPECTATOR CONDUCT Teams may not be penalized for poor behavior by spectators In the event of persistent unsportsmanlike conduct or actions by spectators: Suspend the game when spectator actions clearly violate the Code of Conduct or interfere with the game Where appropriate, request assistance of coaches or team officials in identifying and removing unruly spectators Run the clock while spectators are being removed Resume the game when offenders have been removed Summarize the incident in a game report

STANDARD OF PLAY Enforce the Standard of Play for Body Checking to: Place value on hockey skills and the proper use of body position Improve body checking skills Eliminate body checking from all non-checking classifications Eliminate intimidation and punishment Enforce the Standard of Play for Restraining Fouls to: Emphasize skating, stick-handling, and puck control skills Allow the player skills to determine the outcome of a game Eliminate illegal advantages gained through retraining fouls Enforce the Standard of Play for Slashing to: Ensure the stick is used only for playing the puck Eliminate stick contact to the hands/arms or body or hard slashes to an opponent’s stick Eliminate stick contact with goalkeepers during play and after the whistle

INTIMIDATION Intimidation tactics include: Referees must: Deliberate or reckless head contact Checking from behind Avoidable late hits to players not in possession and control of the puck Referees must: Assess the appropriate penalty or penalties when any of these infractions occur Always enforce rules governing avoidable contact occurring during stoppages in play Always enforce rules prohibiting body checking in non-checking classifications Always assess a major penalty when the referee believes that a body check in a non-checking classification was delivered for the sole purpose of intimidating an opponent

A FINAL WORD... Remember that enjoyment of the game by players, coaches, spectators and all others is a USA Hockey core value All participants should practice and demonstrate a level of behavior that displays respect for all participants Game officials must show players and team officials the same level of respect they expect to receive. In almost every case, that level of respect will be returned. Exceptions will be reported to the proper authority.

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