Parents' Code of Conduct

The goal of the Ridgefield Amateur Hockey Association is to cultivate each participant’s love of hockey while developing each child’s individual and team skills. Our mission is to use the sport of hockey to enhance a child’s self-esteem, build character, teach the importance of sportsmanship, foster team involvement, encourage healthy competition, and promote respect for players, parents, coaches, officials, and opponents. We’re committed to providing a program that is open to all children in our community, offering a safe and fun place to partake in the exciting sport of hockey.

           Your adherence to the code of conduct is critical in helping the organization achieve the goals and mission. Your signed acknowledgment, as well as 100% compliance with the spirit and letter of the Code of Conduct is a condition of your membership and participation in all Ridgefield Amateur Hockey Association activities.

I am aware of and will comply fully with USA Hockey’s Zero Tolerance Policy.

At all Ridgefield Amateur Hockey Association activities at any venue, I will not:

      •   Use obscene, vulgar, antagonizing, offensive or boisterous language to anyone at any time.

      •   Taunt players, coaches, officials, parents, rink employees or other spectators by means of  

       baiting, ridiculing, threat or use of physical violence.

      •   Throw any object in the spectators viewing area, player’s bench, penalty box, or ice surface, directed in any manner as to create a safety hazard.

I will not be critical of the coach or the Ridgefield Amateur Hockey Association program or policies in front of my child or other team players. If I have a concern or grievance that I feel needs to be addressed, I will approach the coach, team manager, or a Ridgefield Amateur Hockey Association board member at an appropriate place and time, (not on the ice, in the locker room, or in front of the team and not during or right before/after a game.)

          The Ridgefield Amateur Hockey Association Board fully understands that issues may arise during the season and open communication is the key to a successful program. The Board, coaches, and managers are in place to hear what you have to say and want to address your issues and concerns. Everyone will be best served if we all handle these issues calmly and as adults.

I understand and will support the Ridgefield Amateur Hockey Association playing time policy, (fair but not equal), which will be in effect throughout the season.

I will not coach from the stands. I will respect the coaches’ decisions and abilities. I will not interfere at any time with the duties and responsibilities of the coach. I will not put my child in the unfair position of having to decide who to listen to – the parent or the coach.

I recognize that on game day, the players’ locker room is for the players and the coaches. I will limit my presence in the locker room to quickly helping my child dress/undress as needed, and will comply with the coaches’ wishes regarding parental presence in the locker room.     

I understand that my financial account with Ridgefield Amateur Hockey Association must be current prior to my child playing in any games and prior to him/her receiving a game jersey.

          Please inquire about Ridgefield Amateur Hockey Association’s Scholarship Program if you have a unique financial need.

I am responsible for ensuring my child is wearing properly fitted, fully functioning protective equipment for all games and practices. I will emphasize fair play to my child. The safety of all participants is of the utmost importance.

I will create a positive hockey environment for my child and the team at all Ridgefield Amateur Hockey Association activities.

      •   I will not physically or verbally abuse any player, including my child at or after a game or

            practice.

      •   I will be positive to all players, coaches, referees, and parents.

      •   I will not embarrass my child, his team, or the Ridgefield Amateur Hockey Association by  

            verbally abusing, threatening, insulting or attacking players, coaches, parents, managers,

            board members and spectators.

      •   I will be encouraging, supportive, and positive in regard to my child’s play on the ice and

           development of his/her hockey skills.

I support the belief that the most important aspect of my child’s youth hockey experience is for them to have fun while developing physical and emotional skills, interest, and friendships that will serve them for life. I understand that there are more than 350,000 players registered with USA Hockey, 500,000 players registered in Canada, and thousands throughout the rest of the world. The odds of reaching the NHL are slim. Ridgefield Amateur Hockey Association is not about building NHL players, rather it is about building self-esteem, self-discipline, sportsmanship and happy children.

I recognize situations may arise outside the scope of these codes. I will abide by the decision of the Ridgefield Amateur Hockey Association Board on issues not specifically addressed in the scope of this document.

I acknowledge the board will deal with violations of the Code of Conduct at it’s sole discretion, imposing warnings, suspension, or expulsion from the program as it deems appropriate. Refunds will not be given to players or parents suspended or expelled based on violations of the code.