Adult Hockey

NOVEMBER 2022 CAHA – POINTS OF EMPHASIS

ADULT HOCKEY CONDUCT AND SAFETY

Points of Emphasis

The goal of USA Hockey and CAHA is to promote a safe and positive playing environment for all participants while continuing to focus on skill development and enjoyment of the sport. All officials, coaches, players, parents, spectators, and volunteers are expected to follow these “Points of Emphasis” while participating in the sport of ice hockey.

Fair Play and Respect

Fair play and respect are the backbone of any successful amateur sports program. For a positive environment it is imperative that all participants and spectators have respect for all players, officials, administrators, spectators, and the sport of hockey. Hockey is a game demanding concentration and skill. Taunting or unsportsmanlike conduct directed at opponents or officials will not be tolerated.

USA Hockey and CAHA does not tolerate any abusive behavior, including racial and other derogatory slurs directed at players, and officials. All participants are reminded that any language that is hateful or discriminatory in nature will be penalized with an automatic match penalty.

Abuse of officials is a continuing problem at all levels of play, and as a result the retention of officials in all sports has become a significant issue that affects the quality and number of available officials. USA Hockey and CAHA are committed to taking a leadership role in this area and has in place a Zero Tolerance Policy towards unsportsmanlike behavior. Officials must strictly enforce all actions that are abusive in nature to change the culture of what is acceptable behavior when it comes to respect for officials.

Player Safety Adult Leagues (Non-checking)

Intimidation tactics have no place in ice hockey. These tactics include any contact to the head of the opponent, fighting, aggressive body checking that is considered careless, dangerous, or reckless. Officials are instructed to enforce these rules to a high standard and assess the proper penalty when these actions occur. In addition, in non-checking categories, the primary focus of the check shall be to gain possession of the puck and officials should strictly penalize any illegal actions or other egregious acts that cause potential harm to another player. If a blatant or aggressive body-checking penalty (Boarding, charging, checking from behind, cross-checking) is assessed, the offending player is subject to game misconducts, or a match penalty (Intent to injure) may be assessed if the severity of the contact warrants further disciplinary action.

Players conduct towards officials and opponents

Players are encouraged to develop a deep sense of respect for all (opponents and officials) while trying to enjoy the sport and improve their playing ability. Players are expected to use proper skill and technique when engaging in any type of physical contact.

Officials should be diligent and confident when officiating the sport. Each official should enforce all playing rules fairly and respectfully with the safety of the players and the best interest of the game in mind. Players must be always held accountable for dangerous and illegal actions with the proper enforcement of the rules.

Spectators are encouraged to support their teams while showing respect for all players, coaches, officials, and other spectators.

Standard of Play and Rule Emphasis

USA Hockey and CAHA will continue to follow the Standard of Play and Rule Emphasis. The goal is to reduce restraining infractions in the game, allowing the skill levels of the participants to decide the outcome of a game and to increase participant enjoyment.

Conclusion

All participants should enjoy Hockey and all participants and spectators should support a level of personal behavior that shows respect for all. USA Hockey will continue to increase awareness among all officials, players and league administrators about these Points of Emphasis and the Standard of Play and Rule Enforcement.

Zero Tolerance Policy USA Hockey is committed to creating a safe and fair environment for all participants. Respect for the game, the opponents, coaches, and officials are a critical part of the environment that is created. This Zero Tolerance Policy summarizes required actions to be taken when violations occur. All players, coaches, officials, team officials and administrators and parents/spectators must support a sportsmanlike and educational atmosphere before, during and after all USA Hockey sanctioned games. Thus, all USA Hockey participants and spectators must implement the following points of emphasis. (Note) In all cases where a game misconduct is assessed, the incident shall be reported to league administrators who have the power to impose additional suspensions.