Points of Emphasis, 1999 Through 2001 Seasons

Parent/Spectator Behavior

Prior to the 1998-99 season, the USA Hockey Board of Directors adopted the recommendations of the Adult Behavioral Task Force as it relates to spectator behavior during youth hockey games. The following ``Spectators' Code of Conduct'' was established and a procedure to address improper behavior was implemented. These guidelines and procedures now become ``Points of Emphasis'' for the 1999-2001 seasons.

Spectators' Code of Conduct

• Display good sportsmanship. Always respect players, coaches and officials.
• Act appropriately; do not taunt or disturb other fans. Enjoy the game together.
• Cheer good plays of all participants, avoid booing opponents.
• Cheer in a positive manner and encourage fair play; profanity and objectionable cheers or gestures are offensive.
• Help provide a safe and fun environment; throwing objects on the ice surface can cause injury to players and officials.
• Do not lean over and pound on the glass; the glass surrounding the ice surface is part of the playing area.
• Support the referees and coaches by trusting their judgment and integrity.
• Be responsible for your own safety and remain alert to help prevent accidents.
• Respect locker rooms as private areas for players, coaches and officials.
• Be supportive after the game, win or lose. Recognize good effort, teamwork and sportsmanship.

On-Ice officials are directed to stop the game when parents/spectators displaying inappropriate and disruptive behavior interfere with other spectators or the game. The On-Ice officials will identify violators to the coaches for the purpose of removing parents/spectators from the spectators' viewing and game area. Once removed play will resume. Lost time will not be replaced and violators may be subject to further disciplinary action by the Local Governing Body. Examples of inappropriate and disruptive behavior include:

• Use of obscene or vulgar language in a boisterous manner to anyone at any time.
• Taunting of players, coaches, officials or other spectators by means of baiting, ridiculing, threat of physical violence or physical violence.
• Throwing of any object in the spectators' viewing area, players' bench, penalty bench or on the ice surface, directed in any manner as to create a safety hazard.

Violent Behavior and Contact Above the Shoulder

Ice hockey is a fast paced game that requires the participants to master many skills. Skating, stick handling, passing, shooting and body checking all require certain skills which are unique to the sport of ice hockey. When these skills are properly executed, the speed and beauty of the game are unmatched by any other sport. However, the game has changed over time with the inclusion of reckless and violent behavior at all levels.

For the 1999-2000 and 2000-01 seasons, USA Hockey is continuing a special emphasis that started with the ``Heads Up Hockey'' program on eliminating violence. All on-ice officials are directed to penalize, in all instances, infractions that fall into the ``injury potential'' category. These infractions include boarding, charging, checking from behind, cross checking, elbowing, kneeing, high sticking, roughing and slashing. Special emphasis should also be placed on unnecessary body contact to players who are not in possession and control of the puck and any body contact that results in the opponent being thrown into the boards with excessive force.

In addition, any contact made above the shoulders, intentional or not, should be penalized. All players must be held responsible for playing in a safe and sportsmanlike manner. Reckless use of the stick or body that makes contact above an opponent's shoulder is unacceptable and must be penalized in every instance.

Coaches are directed to teach proper fundamental skills with an emphasis on body contact (see Glossary) versus body checking. The use of the body check to punish an opponent or to intimidate an opponent will not be tolerated and should be penalized. Coaches and parents are also directed to encourage clean play at all levels and reinforce the decisions of the On-Ice officials where players are penalized for the infractions noted above.

Conclusion

As you have probably noticed, the minimal number of rule changes that have been incorporated into the 1999-2001 Official Playing Rules indicates that the game of hockey is not broken. The goal of USA Hockey is to promote a safe and positive playing environment for all participants with the emphasis on skill development. With the cooperation of all participants (players, coaches, officials and parents) the above ``points of emphasis'' will support the continuation of these goals for the game of ice hockey at the amateur level.