Adult Hockey

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 ice hockey.

Fair Play and Respect

Fair play and respect are the backbone of a successful amateur sports program. All participants and spectators must respect players, officials, administrators, spectators, and the sport itself. Taunting, unsportsmanlike conduct, abusive behavior, racial slurs, and other hateful or discriminatory language will not be tolerated.

Player Safety: Adult Non-Checking Leagues

Intimidation tactics have no place in hockey. Contact to the head, fighting, and careless, dangerous, or reckless body checking must be penalized appropriately. In non-checking categories, contact should be focused on gaining possession of the puck. Blatant or aggressive boarding, charging, checking from behind, or cross-checking may result in a game misconduct or match penalty when the severity warrants further discipline.

Conduct Toward Officials and Opponents

Players should develop a deep sense of respect for opponents and officials while improving their ability and enjoying the sport. Officials should enforce all playing rules fairly and respectfully, with player safety and the best interests of the game in mind. Spectators are encouraged to support their teams while showing respect for everyone in the arena.

Standard of Play and Rule Emphasis

USA Hockey and CAHA will continue to emphasize reducing restraining infractions, allowing participant skill to determine the outcome of games and increasing enjoyment for everyone involved.

Zero Tolerance Policy

All players, coaches, officials, team officials, administrators, parents, and spectators must support a sportsmanlike and educational atmosphere before, during, and after USA Hockey sanctioned games. When a game misconduct is assessed, the incident must be reported to league administrators, who may impose additional suspensions.

Conclusion

All participants should enjoy hockey and support a standard of personal behavior that demonstrates respect for others. USA Hockey and CAHA will continue to increase awareness of these Points of Emphasis and the Standard of Play and Rule Enforcement.