Code of Conduct

SJAMHA is proud to endorse the Hockey Code of Conduct, which are guidelines for acceptable conduct for Players, Parents, and Coaches alike. This program promotes fair play and respect for all participants.

“To lead, develop and promote positive hockey experiences”

This statement is Hockey Canada's mission statement. SJAMHA full heartedly supports this statement. Coaches and parents are the biggest contributors to a young player's hockey experience.

SJAMHA launched a pilot program last season – the Conduct & Leadership Development Program. And issued this vision statement:

“The SJAMHA is the community leader in providing an environment where every person can enjoy the game of hockey, all the while remembering that it is a game for the kids.”

Conduct & Leadership will now be implemented throughout the SJAMHA. It incorporates the Chevrolet Safe & Fun Hockey program and other educational and developmental initiatives for coaches, parents, and players. Safe & Fun Hockey seeks to inform parents, coaches, and players of the values in developing a positive attitude toward healthy competition, development, co-operative teamwork, fair play, and grace under pressure. The program includes coach mentorship, leadership development, a parent's approach team session, conduct codes for all participants, and other safety/responsibility initiatives.

Code of Conduct Forms

Players’ Pledge of Conduct

It is the intention of this guideline to promote fair play and respect for all participants within the SJAMHA. The intent of the Players’ Pledge of Conduct is to positively influence players’ behaviour and to identify what the SJAMHA has determined to be expected and acceptable behaviour.

Players’ Pledge

  1. I will play hockey because I want to, not because others or coaches want me to.
  2. I will play by the rules of hockey and in the spirit of the Game.
  3. I will control my temper - fighting or "mouthing-off" can spoil the activity of everyone.
  4. I will respect my opponents.
  5. I will do my best to be a true team player.
  6. I will remember that winning isn't everything - that having fun, improving skills, making friends and doing my best are also important.
  7. I will acknowledge all good plays and performances - those of my team and my opponents.
  8. I will remember that coaches and officials are there to help me. I will accept their decisions and show them respect.

Players' Pledge of Conduct

Coach’s Code of Conduct

  1. To be reasonable when scheduling games and practices remembering that young athletes have other interests and obligations.
  2. To teach my athletes to play fairly and to respect the rules, officials, opponents and team mates.
  3. To ensure all athletes receive equal instruction and support, appropriate and fair playing time, in accordance with the SJAMHA Coach’s Fair Play Policy for Players’ Ice Time (where implemented).
  4. Not to ridicule or yell at any players, game officials or other team officials for making (perceived) mistakes or for poor performance. 
  5. To remember that children play to have fun and I will create an environment where they will develop self confidence, trust, and respect.
  6. Not to question the game official’s judgment or honesty in public.
  7. To make sure that equipment and facilities are safe and match the athlete's ages and ability.
  8. To remember that children need a coach they can respect. I will be generous with praise and I will set a good example.
  9. To abide by the SJAMHA “24-Hour Rule”.
  10. To obtain proper training and continue to upgrade coaching skills.

Coach's Code of Conduct form

Parents' Code of Conduct

  1. I will not force my child to participate in hockey.
  2. I will remember that my child plays hockey for his or her enjoyment, not mine.
  3. I will encourage my child to play by the rules and to resolve conflict without resorting to hostility or violence
  4. I will teach my child that doing one's best is as important as winning so that my child will never feel defeated by the outcome of the game.
  5. I will make my child feel like a winner every time by offering praise for competing fairly and hard.
  6. I will never ridicule or yell (derogatory) at my or any child, a game official, a team official, or another parent.
  7. I will remember that children learn by example. I will applaud good plays and performances by both my child's team and their opponents.
  8. I will never question the game official's judgment or honesty in public.
  9. I will support all efforts to remove verbal and physical abuse from children's hockey games.
  10. I will respect and show appreciation for the volunteers who give their time to hockey for my child.
  11. I will abide by the team’s communication rules between coaches and parents (e.g. through the parent liason, etc.).
  12. I will abide by the SJAMHA “24-hour rule”*.
  13. I will be responsible for my guests at my child’s hockey games, encouraging them to respect and abide by the Parents’ Code of Conduct.

Parents' Code of Conduct form