Code of Conduct

The Hoffman Ice Hawks Hockey Club is committed to providing a positive, safe, and competitive environment that promotes player development, sportsmanship, teamwork, respect, and character. In accordance with the policies of USA Hockey, AHAI, and the leagues in which our teams participate, all players, coaches, parents, guardians, volunteers, and spectators are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that reflects positively on the Club and the sport of hockey.

Every member of the Hoffman Ice Hawks Hockey Club community represents the Club both on and off the ice. The actions of one individual can impact the reputation of the entire organization. Therefore, inappropriate conduct will not be tolerated under any circumstances.

Violations of this Code of Conduct may result in disciplinary action, including but not limited to warnings, removal from facilities, suspension from team activities, game forfeiture, termination of membership, or referral to the Hoffman Estates Park District Rules & Ethics Committee, league disciplinary committees, AHAI, or USA Hockey. The Club reserves the right to impose discipline regardless of whether a penalty is assessed by game officials.

Hoffman Ice Hawks Hockey Club encourages respectful and productive communication between families and coaching staff.

To allow emotions to settle and ensure constructive discussions, parents and players shall wait 24 hours following a game, practice, or incident before contacting a coach regarding concerns or disagreements.

After the 24-hour period:

1. The parent should first contact the Team Manager
2. If necessary, a meeting will be scheduled involving the appropriate parties
3. Meetings should focus on player development, team concerns, and constructive solutions

Failure to comply with the 24-Hour Policy may result in disciplinary action, including suspension or removal from Club activities.

The Hoffman Ice Hawks Hockey Club is dedicated to the health, safety, and well-being of its athletes. Players are expected to serve as positive representatives of the Club and the sport of hockey.

The possession, use, distribution, or abuse of controlled or prohibited substances is strictly prohibited.

Prohibited substances include, but are not limited to:

• Alcoholic beverages
• Illegal drugs
• Tobacco or nicotine products by minors
• Prescription medications used improperly or without a prescription
• Steroids or performance-enhancing substances used illegally
• The sale or distribution of any prohibited substance

Any reported violation may result in immediate suspension from all Club activities pending review by Club leadership and the HE Parks Rules & Ethics Committee. Additional disciplinary action may be imposed.

The Hoffman Ice Hawks Hockey Club maintains a zero-tolerance policy regarding hazing.

Hazing is defined as any conduct that is humiliating, degrading, intimidating, abusive, offensive, or physically harmful, regardless of whether participation is voluntary.

No player, coach, volunteer, parent, or team representative may engage in, encourage, permit, or fail to report hazing activities.

Individuals involved in hazing, or those who knowingly fail to report hazing, may be subject to disciplinary action up to and including suspension or expulsion from the Club.

Physical abuse of any participant, coach, official, volunteer, parent, or spectator is strictly prohibited.

Physical abuse includes:

• Intentional physical contact that causes bodily harm.
• Actions that create a reasonable threat of injury.
• Physical intimidation or aggression.

This policy does not prohibit appropriate physical contact that is a normal part of coaching, instruction, or participation in hockey activities.

The Hoffman Ice Hawks Hockey Club is committed to fostering an environment built on mutual respect.

Verbal or emotional abuse includes:

• Threats of physical harm
• Insults intended to intimidate, humiliate, or embarrass another person
• Bullying, harassment, discrimination, or degrading comments
• Repeated negative behavior designed to undermine a participant's confidence or well-being

Such conduct will not be tolerated and may result in disciplinary action.

The Hoffman Ice Hawks Hockey Club fully supports and enforces the policies of USA Hockey SafeSport.

Sexual misconduct, abuse, harassment, exploitation, grooming, or any inappropriate sexual behavior involving participants is strictly prohibited.

Any suspected violation shall be immediately reported to the appropriate authorities, SafeSport, USA Hockey, and AHAI as required.

Consistent with USA Hockey requirements, all players participating in Hoffman Ice Hawks Hockey Club activities must wear approved Neck Laceration Protection during all games and practices.

Players who fail to wear required neck protection will not be permitted to participate.

Player safety is a top priority.

Any player who exhibits signs, symptoms, or behaviors consistent with a concussion, including but not limited to headache, dizziness, confusion, balance problems, loss of consciousness, and/or sensitivity to light or noise shall be immediately removed from participation.

A player removed for a suspected concussion or head injury may not return to practice or competition until evaluated and cleared in writing by a licensed healthcare professional authorized to manage concussions.

The Hoffman Ice Hawks Hockey Club will follow all USA Hockey, AHAI, and applicable state regulations regarding concussion management and return-to-play procedures.

Participation in the Hoffman Ice Hawks Hockey Club is a privilege. All players, coaches, parents, and spectators are expected to uphold the principles of sportsmanship, respect, integrity, and accountability outlined in this Code of Conduct. By participating in Club activities, members agree to abide by these standards and support a positive hockey experience for all.