1. USA HOCKEY POINTS OF EMPHISIS

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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

12. 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.

13. QUESTIONS