TECUMSEH SHORELINE MINOR HOCKEY ASSOCIATION ("TSMHA")

2012/2013 CODE OF CONDUCT

Part 1: TECUMSEH ARENA CODE OF CONDUCT

Tecumseh Arena is a recreation facility to be enjoyed by all the residents of the Town of Tecumseh and other guests.  The use of this facility is a privilege and not a right.  Patrons attending this facility shall at all times act with decorum.

Specifically patrons:

1. SHALL NOT use abrasive or offensive language.
2. SHALL NOT assault or threaten any other person in or around this facility and its grounds
3. SHALL NOT enter upon the ice surface or team bench
4. SHALL NOT abuse or deride hockey/skating officials or instructors
5. SHALL NOT throw articles onto the ice surface or at anyone in or outside the arena

THE BY-LAWS AND REGULATIONS OF TSMHA PROVIDE THAT ANYONE IN BREACH OF THIS CODE OF CONDUCT SHALL IMMEDIATELY BE REMOVED FROM THIS FACILITY AND BE SUBJECT TO DISCIPLINARY ACTION AS SET OUT IN THE BY-LAWS AND REGULATIONS OF TSMHA.

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Part 2: ONTARIO MINOR HOCKEY ASSOCIATION ("OMHA") CODE OF CONDUCT

This code of Conduct identifies the standard of behavior which is expected of all OMHA members and participants, which for the purpose of this policy shall include players, guardians, parents, coaches, officials, volunteers, directors, officers, committee members, team managers, convenors, trainers, administrators and employees involved in OMHA activities and events.

The OMHA is committed to providing an environment in which all individuals are treated with respect.  Members and participants of the OMHA shall conduct themselves at all times in a manner consistent with the values of the OMHA, which include fairness, integrity and mutual respect.

During the course of all OMHA activities and events, members shall avoid behavior which brings the OMHA or the sport of hockey into disrepute, including but not limited to abusive use of alcohol, use of non-medical drugs, use of alcohol by minors and use of profanity.

OMHA members and all participants shall at all times adhere to OMHA operational policies and procedures, to rules and regulations governing OMHA events and activities, and to rules and regulations governing any competitions in which the member participates on behalf of OMHA.

Members and participants of the OMHA shall not engage in any activity or behavior which interferes with a competition or with any player or team’s preparation for a competition, or which endangers the safety of others.

Members of the OMHA shall refrain from comments or behavior, which are disrespectful, offensive, abusive, racist or sexist.  In particular, behaviour which constitutes harassment or abuse, will not be tolerated, and will be dealt with under the OMHA Harassment policy.

Failure to comply with the OMHA Code of Conduct may result in disciplinary action in accordance with the Discipline Policy of the OMHA.  Such action may result in the member losing the privileges, which come with membership in the OMHA, including the opportunity to participate in OMHA activities and events, both present and future.

Part 3: TSMHA Written and Cyber Bullying Policy

TSMHA is committed to help reduce and prevent the bullying of all members and participants.  Written and Cyber Bullying is defined as harmful actions that are communicated via written or electronic media and are intended to embarrass, harm, or slander any individual.

Some examples for the bullying policy include, but are not limited to, the following:

1. Continually criticizing any individual’s skills or abilities.
2. Blaming the target for mistakes.
3. Repeated insults or put downs of any individual.
4. Denying or discounting any individual’s accomplishments.
5. Threats of physical violence towards any individual.

Written and or Cyber Bullying within TSMHA will be dealt with as per the following:

1. Information will be gathered from sources pertaining to the incident and reviewed by TSMHA.
2. Professional assistance may be called upon as required.
3. First offence under this policy is a two week, date to date, all activities including suspension.  Offender will receive this suspension in writing.
4. Second offence is an indefinite suspension.  The member or participant will remain under suspension while the case is investigated and dealt with by TSMHA.

Note:  Should there be a need for police involvement, all information will be passed to the local authorities.          

[TSMHA recognizes the Grand Prairie Minor Hockey Association's "Written and Cyber Bullying Policy" as the Model Document used for the development of the above Policy]

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Part 4: TSMHA ELECTRONIC DEVICES IN DRESSING ROOMS POLICY

Technology advancements have allowed cell phones, PDA’S, etc to carry new functions – such as cameras that allow users to secretly photograph objects in front of them while appearing to dial a number. This has raised significant concern to the TSMHA.

The potential exists for inappropriate behaviour of camera phone users photographing others undressing and/or showering in the dressing rooms.

An individual’s privacy, and the potential  danger  of  violating  it,  is  something  that  the  TSMHA takes very seriously. Therefore, the following policy will take effect immediately: 

“The use of any form of cell phone, camera, video camera, camera phone, or any other personal digital accessory capable of photographs is prohibited in any recreational facility DRESSING rooms during any TSMHA sanctioned event.”

Electronic Devices include, but are not limited to the following: Cell phones, Cameras, Camera Phones, Tablets and Personal Digital Assistants (iPods©, iPads©, iPhones©, Android© Phone's, Blackberry’s©, etc).

Players should leave any such devices with a family member/guardian or coach until the player has left the room after a game or practice.

In the event that a coach, family member/guardian should need their device to take a phone call, such phone call must take place outside of any dressing room.

[TSMHA recognizes the Fredericton Youth Hockey Association's "Policy for Electronic Devices in Locker Rooms" as the Model Document used for the development of the above Policy]

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