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Zero Tolerance Policy

EMHA Hockey Zero Tolerance
Verbal and Physical Abuse of Officials
Inappropriate Spectator Behavior

Why Zero Tolerance?
Recently, several negative aspects of today’s society have crept into the sport of ice hockey with a vengeance. The increasing number of verbal & physical assaults against on-ice officials is a growing problem. This problem has resulted in a decrease of officials wishing to participate in minor hockey. This verbal abuse is present in all levels of our game.

As a result of the alarming number of situations where verbal abuse has been directed against officials, the EMHA has developed a Zero Tolerance Policy regarding the verbal abuse of officials and inappropriate spectator behavior. Verbal abuse of officials is the first step leading to physical abuse of officials.
To make ice hockey a more desirable and rewarding experience for all participants, the EMHA has instructed the Officiating Program to adhere to certain points of emphasis relating to sportsmanship. These points were implemented to maintain a sportsmanlike and educational atmosphere before, during and after all Saskatchewan Hockey Association sanctioned games.

What is Zero Tolerance?
Players

A minor penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct (Zero Tolerance) shall be assessed whenever a player:

  • Openly disputes or argues about any decision by an Official.
  • Uses obscene or vulgar language, including swearing, in a boisterous manner to anyone at any time, even if it is not directed at any particular person.
  • Visually demonstrates any sign of dissatisfaction with any Official’s decision, in a manner that openly embarrasses the Official and/or challenges his judgment.
  • Any time that any player persists in any of these actions, he/she shall be assessed a Misconduct Penalty. A Game Misconduct shall result if such player continues.  Player may be subject to further disciplinary action by the EMHA.

Coaches

A Bench Minor penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct (Zero Tolerance) shall be assessed whenever a coach:

  • Openly disputes or argues about any decision by an Official.
  • Uses obscene or vulgar language in a boisterous manner to anyone at any time.
  • Visually displays any sign of dissatisfaction with an Official’s decision, in a manner that openly embarrasses the Official and/or challenges his judgment. This includes standing on the boards or standing in the bench doorway with the intent of inciting the Officials, players, or spectators.
  • Interactions with official’s enroute to their dressing room, or entering the official’s dressing room to dispute a call will not be tolerated.
  • Any time that a Coach persists in any of these actions, he/she shall be assessed a Game Misconduct Penalty.   Coaches may be subject to further disciplinary action by the EMHA.

Spectators

On-ice officials will stop the game when the parents/spectators displaying inappropriate and disruptive behavior interfere with other spectators or participants of the game. The on-ice officials will identify violators to the coaches for the purpose of removing parents/spectators from the spectators viewing and game area, or if comfortable ask the spectator to leave on their own. The game will not continue until the spectator has left the ice surface. Once removed, play will resume. Lost time will not be replaced and violators may be subject to further disciplinary action by the EMHA. This inappropriate and disruptive behavior shall include:

  • Using obscene or vulgar language in a boisterous manner to anyone at any time.
  • Taunting players, coaches, officials or other spectators by means of baiting, ridiculing, threatening physical violence, or physical violence.
  • Throwing any object in the spectators viewing area, players’ bench, penalty box, or the onice surface, that in any manner creates a safety hazard.

Officials must apply these guidelines where required. This policy is designed to eliminate direct confrontations with Officials while still allowing players and coaches an avenue to communicate in a calm and reasonable fashion. Officials and coaches are required to conduct themselves in a businesslike, sportsmanlike, and non-vindictive manner at all times.