Code of Conduct

In an effort to keep ice hockey a more desirable and rewarding experience or all participants, AHAI has instructed the Officiating Program to adhere to certain points of emphasis relating to sportsmanship. This campaign is designed to require all players, coaches, officials, team officials and administrators and parents/spectators to maintain a sportsmanlike and educational atmosphere before, during and after all USA Hockey-sanctioned games. Thus, the following points of emphasis must be implemented by all On-Ice Referees and Linesmen:

A minor penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct (Zero Tolerance) shall be assessed whenever a player:

1. Openly disputes or argues any decision by an official.
2. Uses obscene or vulgar language at any time, including any swearing, even if it is not directed at a particular person.
3. Visually demonstrates any sign of dissatisfaction with an official's decision.

Any time that a player persists in any of these actions, they shall be assessed a misconduct penalty. A game misconduct shall result if the player continues such action.

The following rules have been implemented for all ice hockey games played in the State of Illinois. All USA Hockey registered teams (whether registered with AHAI or not) must abide by these additional penalties:

A. In regards to Rule 613 – Fisticuffs (Fighting) of the official Playing Rules of USA Hockey, the following addition has been imposed on all games under the jurisdiction of AHAI:

• Any player who is assessed a penalty or fisticuffs under Rule 613 shall be suspended for the next three (3) games of that team not including the game in which the penalty was assessed.
• Any player, coach, team, manager, association, club or individual violating this Rule shall be referred to the AHAI Rules & Ethics Committee and/or AHAI Suspension Committee for disciplinary action.

Any Tier I team, or, any team participating in a league based outside Illinois, or, any other Illinois team participating in a game outside the State of Illinois, shall follow regular USA Hockey Rules and/or the Rules of the Affiliate/Federation, and/or tournament rules they are playing that game within.

If a parent has a concern about a game situation, playing time, or other event, the parent needs to wait 24 hours before contacting the coach, directors, or team manager. This time period is meant to help buffer any emotional response that may result from a particular situation during a game, practice, skills lesson, or team event.