Zero Tolerance Policy for Players

Player Expectations

Players are expected to:

• Commit to Fun & Improvement
• Play for enjoyment, continually work to improve their skills, and be a supportive teammate.
• Foster Teamwork and Sportsmanship
• Demonstrate respect, discipline, and a commitment to teamwork, both on and off the ice.
• Adhere to Rules
• Be punctual for practices and games, follow the rules, and always strive to be a good sport.
• Respect All Individuals
• Show respect to coaches, teammates, parents, officials, and opponents at all times.
• Follow BYH and Hockey Affiliations’ Codes
• Agree to uphold the objectives of BYH and the regulations set by USA Hockey, CUHL,CSDHL, AHAI, NIHL and all other governing bodies.

Unacceptable Behavior

Players shall not:

• Disrespect Coaches or Officials
• Argue with coaches or officials or engage in any form of verbal confrontation.
• Engage in Negative or Harmful Actions
• Taunt, ridicule, or ridicule players, coaches, or officials, or support bullying, harassment, or hazing in any form.
• Use Inappropriate Language or Substances
• Use obscene, vulgar, or abusive language, or engage in substance use (alcohol or illegal drugs).
• Disrupt the Locker Room
• Use cell phones or any recording devices (e.g., cameras, video cameras) in the locker room, unless in an emergency.
• Play Violently or Intentionally Injure
• Intentionally injure or try to harm another player, or make any contact after the whistle or buzzer has sounded.
• Encourage Physical Aggression
• Engage in or incite fighting, aggressive physical contact, or any violent behavior during any BYH event.

Disciplinary Action for Players

Team-Level Disciplinary Action

• The Team Head Coach will implement appropriate discipline for infractions and will communicate any incidents to the Hockey Director within 24 hours.

Organization Level Disciplinary Action

• Consultation with BYH Leadership
• The Hockey Director will consult with the BYH President and the Rules & Ethics (R&E) Committee for further action when necessary.

Suspension Guidelines

Reporting Requirements

• Managers or coaches must report all suspensions to the Rules & Ethics (R&E) Committee.
• Failure to report suspensions may result in additional disciplinary action for the coach, player, or team.

Suspension Enforcement

14U and Above

• Players who receive a suspension from a league or tournament will also serve an automatic matching suspension issued by BYH.
• Example: A 1-game league suspension will result in an additional 1-game BYH suspension.
• All suspensions will be served at the next USA Hockey–sanctioned game.

12U and Below

• Players who receive a suspension from a league or tournament, BYH will review all suspensions and determine if additional disciplinary action is necessary. This may include further suspensions or other corrective measures.

Responsibility for Enforcement

• Coaches are responsible for enforcing all suspensions including BYH-issued matching suspensions.
• Failure to enforce suspensions may result in disciplinary action, including coach suspension, loss of practice team ice time or fines.

Appeals Process

• Appeals of BYH matching suspensions or disciplinary decisions must be submitted in writing via email to:

RulesandEthics@BloomingtonYouthHockey.com, within 36 hours of the suspension.

• The R&E Committee will review the appeal and may involve the BYH Board if necessary.
• Decisions made by the BYH Board are final.
• If the matching game suspension is scheduled to occur within 48 hours of the original suspension, an appeal may also be submitted through direct conversation with the Chair of Rules & Ethics and be documented later.
• Once all evidence has been collected, the R&E Committee will issue a decision within 24 hours, unless BYH Board involvement is required.

Parents may request a hearing with the R&E Committee if they disagree with a ruling.

Matching suspensions may be automatically reviewed at the discretion of the R&E Chair without a submitted appeal.

Game Suspension Guidelines for Players and Coaches

Attendance During a Suspension

Individuals serving a suspension may not engage with the team in any manner, including:

• In-person contact
• Electronic communication
• Locker room access

Restricted Areas During Suspension

• No interaction with the team or bench is permitted.
• The suspension period begins 45 minutes before game time and ends 30 minutes after the game concludes.

Adherence to League Rules

BYH follows all rules and regulations established by:

• USA Hockey
• AHAI
• CSDHL
• NIHL
• Other affiliated organizations

This includes the enforcement of game misconducts and other disciplinary measures required by governing bodies.

USA Hockey / AHAI Rules

Game Misconduct Penalties

• Any player or coach receiving a game misconduct will be suspended for the team’s next scheduled game(s).
• They may continue to participate in practices.

Misconduct Violations

• Additional disciplinary action may be imposed in accordance with league and governing body regulations.

Game Match Penalties

• Players or coaches receiving a game match penalty are prohibited from all team activities, including practices and games, until AHAI issues a final ruling.

For additional guidelines please refer to the following sources:

USA Hockey Handbook

AHAI Rules and Regulations

CSDHL Handbook

NIHL Rules and Regulations

CUHL Rules, Links and Documents