Code of Conduct

In an effort to make hockey a more desirable, enjoyable and rewarding experience for all participants, and in order to further promote the organization’s objectives of providing an environment where all children can have fun, develop skills, and learn sportsmanship, team play and conduct themselves as responsible law abiding citizens, the Northbrook Hockey League (NBHL) has implemented a "Zero Tolerance Policy" with respect to the behavior of players, coaches, managers and parents who are members. By resolution of the Board of Directors of the NBHL, each coach and each player, along with his or her parents, as members of the NBHL, shall agree to adhere to the Code of Conduct herein as a prerequisite to participation in the hockey program. All directors, coaches, and other officials are instructed to carry out the enforcement of the Code of Conduct.

PLAYER’S CODE 

• I will play for fun, work hard to improve my skills, be a team player, and get along with my teammates. I will demonstrate teamwork, sportsmanship, and discipline.
• I will be on time for practices and games, learn and abide by the rules, and always be a good sport. I will respect coaches, managers, officials, teammates, parents, and opponents.
• I will not openly dispute or argue in an unreasonable manner an official's decision. I will not use illegal drugs or alcohol.
• I further agree to act in accordance with all regulations set forth in the Code of Conduct and the objectives of the NBHL.

Penalty: In addition to any penalties assessed during the game, any violation of the above Player’s Code may result in a one game suspension. A second violation may result in a three game suspension. Any additional violation may result in a season suspension. To clarify, the player will not be allowed to participate in the next game or three games, as the case may be, whether it is a league game, practice game or tournament game, and the player will not be able to participate in practices during that period. In the case of drug or alcohol use, the player will be immediately and automatically suspended until a hearing by the Rules and Ethics Committee.

PARENT’S CODE 

• I will display good sportsmanship, and always respect players, coaches, managers, officials and other parents.
• I will act appropriately at all times, cheer good plays of all participants in a positive manner, and encourage fair play. I will be supportive after the game, win or lose, and I will recognize good effort, teamwork and sportsmanship.
• I will resolve to conduct myself as a parent and an adult even under the most trying circumstances.
• I will not use obscene or vulgar language or act in a boisterous manner to anyone at any time at the rink, before, during or after a game.
• I will not taunt players, coaches, managers, officials, or other spectators by means of baiting, ridiculing, threat of physical violence or actual physical violence.
• I will not throw any items on the ice surface, spectator viewing areas, player's bench or penalty box. I will not boo players or officials.
• I will not openly object to an official's call or yell at an official. I will not lean over or pound the glass.
• I will not embarrass my child by yelling at players, coaches, managers, officials, or other parents, and I will always show a positive attitude toward the game and all of the participants.
• I will observe the “24 hour” rule.
• I will not confront or taunt coaches, players or referees when serving as a minor official in games.
• I further agree to act in accordance with all regulations set forth in the Code of Conduct and the objectives of the NBHL, as well as the rules of USA Hockey, AHAI and NIHL.

Penalty: For the initial violation of the Parent’s Code, the parent may not be allowed to attend any games or practices for a period of up to 30 days, except in those circumstances where the Rules and Ethics Committee deem the violation to be of such a nature that a more severe penalty is appropriate. For any additional violation, the parent is subject to further disciplinary action by the Rules and Ethics Committee, which may include a permanent ban on attending games and practices or suspension of the child for the parent's failure to adhere to the Code and/or comply with the sanctions.

ALL PENALTIES SHALL BE ASSESSED BY THE RULES AND ETHICS COMMITTEE UPON A DULY FILED COMPLAINT AND HEARING, AND ALL DECISIONS OF THE RULES AND ETHICS COMMITIEE SHALL BE SUBJECT TO APPEAL AND REVIEW BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE NBHL.

ALL DECISIONS OF THE BOARD WILL BE FINAL.