1. ZERO TOLERANCE

2. ENFORCEMENT
A Minor penalty for Unsportsmanlike Conduct shall be assessed whenever a player:
Openly disputes or argues any decision by an official.
Tries to incite an opponent or creates a disturbance.
Visually demonstrates any sign of dissatisfaction with an official’s decision
A Misconduct penalty shall be assessed if a player uses obscene, profane, or abusive language at any time

3. ENFORCEMENT
If the unsportsmanlike conduct by a player persists, assess these penalties in addition to the original minor:
A Misconduct penalty
A Game Misconduct penalty
If a player refuses to leave the ice after receiving a Game Misconduct, assess the team a Bench Minor (after a warning to the Captain)

4. ENFORCEMENT
A Bench Minor for Unsportsmanlike Conduct shall be assessed whenever a team official:
Openly disputes any decision by an official.
Visually displays any sign of dissatisfaction, including standing on the boards, with the intent of inciting players or officials
A Game Misconduct shall be assessed whenever a team official:
Uses obscene, profane or abusive language
Interferes in any physical manner with any Game Official in the performance of their duties

5. Enforcement Guidelines
If a Coach or Team Official persists in any course of conduct for which the team has previously been assessed a bench minor penalty, assess a Game Misconduct penalty
If a Coach or Team Official who has been assessed a Game Misconduct refuses to leave, assess a Bench Minor to the team (after a warning to the Captain)
A Coach who has received a Game Misconduct cannot continue to coach from the sidelines

6. ENFORCEMENT
Allow a reasonable “gray area” as a release valve for competitive emotions
Draw the line at:
Profanity and obscene gestures
Boisterous or abusive behavior
Conduct that openly challenges your authority
Conduct yourself in accordance with the USAH On-ice Officials Code of Conduct (in the rulebook)
Rule 601 applies

7. A FINAL WORD…
Show players, coaches, parents, team officials, and others the same degree of respect you expect them to show toward you
Most of the time, you'll get it
The times that you don’t will be clear exceptions that can be dealt with by teams, leagues, or the governing Affiliate Association