Zero Tolerance Policy

The Hoffman Ice Hawks Hockey Club is governed by the policies, rules and regulations of NIHL, NWHL, CSDHL, AHAI, and USA Hockey. We expect our players, coaches, parents and other Hoffman Ice Hawks spectators to follow Zero Tolerance Policy of USA Hockey and AHAI, as described below. 

The Ice Hawks Rules & Ethics will investigate and take appropriate action on any zero tolerance policy issue brought to our attention, whether or not a penalty or suspension is imposed for the conduct in question.

If you witness an incident that you believe may violate the zero tolerance policy, we urge you to contact us at icehawks@heparks.org with the following information: date/time of incident, location, teams involved, Ice Hawks coach’s name (if known), names of people involved, description of incident and your contact information. Your contact information will not be shared but is necessary for any follow-up questions we may have.

Our reputation is our greatest asset. Hoffman Ice Hawks Hockey Club thanks you for your support in complying with the zero tolerance policy and for encouraging the spirit of fair play and sportsmanship for all our players, coaches and families.

To keep ice hockey a more desirable and rewarding experience for all participants, USA Hockey and AHAI has instructed the Hoffman Ice Hawks Hockey Club to adhere to certain points of emphasis relating to sportsmanship. This program is designed to require all players, coaches, officials, team officials, administrators, and parents/spectators to maintain a sportsmanlike and educational atmosphere before, during and after all USA Hockey-sanctioned games. Thus, the following must be implemented: 

PLAYERS

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.

Note: Under USA Hockey rules, a player receiving a game misconduct penalty shall automatically serve a minimum one-game suspension to be served at the team’s next game. A player receiving a game misconduct penalty as a result of a “second major in a game” shall serve a minimum two-game suspension. (Other USA Hockey penalty rules may also apply – see Rules 401-410 and Rule 601 in USA Hockey Rules and Regulations.) Under AHAI rules, any player receiving a game misconduct penalty for fighting shall serve a one-game suspension. Any player who receives a second major penalty for fighting with the same team during the same season shall receive a three-game suspension. For a third fighting major with the same team in the same season, the player shall be suspended until a hearing is conducted by the proper authorities under Rule 410 Supplementary Discipline.

COACHES

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

1. Openly disputes or argues any decision by an official
2. Uses obscene or vulgar language in a boisterous manner to anyone at any time
3. Visually displays any sign of dissatisfaction with an official's decision, including standing on the boards or standing in the bench doorway with the intent of inciting the officials, players or spectators

Any time a coach persists in any of these actions, they shall be assessed a game misconduct penalty. Note: Under USA Hockey rules, a coach receiving a game misconduct penalty shall automatically serve a minimum one-game suspension to be served at the team’s next game. Other USA Hockey penalty rules may also apply. 

PARENTS/SPECTATORS

A game will be stopped by on-ice officials when the parents/spectators displaying inappropriate or disruptive behavior interfere with other parents/spectators or the game. The on-ice officials will identify violators to the coaches for the purpose of removing parents/spectators from the parents’/spectators’ viewing and game area. Once removed, play will resume. Lost time will not be replaced. Violators will incur a minimum mandatory 5-game suspension from that team’s games and may be subject to further disciplinary action by the local governing body.

This policy applies to all minor USA Hockey Participants up through the youth 18U level and through girls 19U level. It should be noted that Hoffman Ice Hawks Hockey Club may, at its discretion, adopt stricter policies than those defined by USA Hockey or AHAI, but in no case may said policy be less strict.

In accordance with the AHAI Zero Tolerance guidelines, the Hoffman Ice Hawks Hockey Club will abide by and enforce 5 game minimum suspensions for any spectators who are removed from the ice viewing surface by an on-ice official. This is set forth by AHAI and all Zero Tolerance Policy suspensions WILL NOT be eligible for an appeal with the Hoffman Ice Hawks Hockey Club. It will then be determined by the Ice Hawks Rules & Ethics whether any further discipline is necessary.

In addition, the Ice Hawks Rules & Ethics will investigate and take action on matters involving inappropriate spectator behavior that does not result in a suspension, but may violate the spirit of the zero tolerance policy or otherwise reflect negatively on the Hoffman Ice Hawks Hockey Club.

USA Hockey Rule 401: Penalties Ruling

For any Team Official or Player serving a suspension for a prior game misconduct violation or disciplinary suspension, the suspension will commence 45 minutes prior to the start of each game and conclude 30 minutes following the conclusion of each game. The Team Official or Player serving the suspension shall be prohibited from:

1. Having any interaction, involvement, or communication “in person”, electronically, or otherwise with the team
2. Being present in the locker room
3. Being on or near the bench of their team

Any violation of the Rule may result in supplementary discipline and may subject such Team Official or Player to further disciplinary proceedings.