Zero Tolerance
In an effort to make ice hockey a more desirable and rewarding experience
for all participants, the USA Hockey Youth, Junior and Senior Councils
have instructed the Officiating Program to adhere to cretain points
of emphasis relating to sportsmanship. This campaign is designed
to require all players, coaches, and officials, team officials and
administrators 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.
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,
the player shall be assessed a misconduct penalty. A game misconduct
penalty shall result if the player continues such action.
Coaches and Team Officials
A bench minor penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct [Zero Tolerance]
shall be assessed whenever a coach or team official:
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 that a coach or team official persists
in any of these actions, a game misconduct
penalty shall be assessed.
Officials
Officials are required to conduct themselves
in a businnesslike, sportsmanlike, impartial
and constructive manner at all times. The
actions of an
official must be above reproach. Actions such as "baiting" or inciting
players or coaches are strictly prohibited.
On-Ice Officials are ambassadors of the game
and must always conduct themselves with this
responsibility in mind.
Violent Behavior
Ice hockey is a fast paced game that requires
the participants to master many skills. Skating,
stick handling, passing, shooting and body
checking all require certain skills which are
unique to the sport of ice hockey. When these
skills are properly executed, the speed and
beauty of the game are unmatched by any other
sport. However, the game has changed recently
with the inclusion of unnecessary violence
at all levels.
USA
Hockey is taking a strong approach towards
eliminating the unnecessary violence. During
our 60th anniversary season (1996-97), USA
Hockey introduced the "Heads Up Hockey" program
in an effort to promote a safer, smarter game.
``Heads Up Hockey'' requires all factions of
the USA Hockey community to take an active
role in improving our game. Eliminating unnecessary
body contact away from the puck, checking from
behind, boarding and violent stick infractions
takes a commitment from players, coaches, parents
and officials.
For the 1997-98 and 1998-99 seasons, USA Hockey
is putting a special emphasis on eliminating
unnecessary violence. All on-ice officials
are directed to penalize, in all instances,
infractions that fall into the injury potential
category. These infractions include boarding,
charging, checking from behind, cross checking,
elbowing/kneeing, high sticking, roughing and
slashing. Special emphasis should also be placed
on unnecessary body contact to players who
are not in possession and control of the puck
and any body contact that results in the opponent
being thrown into the boards with excessive
force.
Coaches are directed to teach proper fundamental
skills with an emphasis on body contact (see
Glossary) versus body checking. The use of
the body check to punish an opponent or to
intimidate an opponent will not be tolerated
and should be penalized. Coaches and parents
are also directed to encourage clean play at
all levels and reinforce the decisions of the
on-ice officials where players are penalized
for the infractions noted above.
Conclusion
As you have probably noticed, the minimal number of rule changes that
have been incorporated into the 1997-99 Official Playing Rules indicates
that the game of ice hockey is not broken. The goal of USA Hockey
is to promote a safe and positive playing environment for all participants
with the emphasis on skill development. The above ``points of emphasis''
will support the continuation of these goals for the game of ice
hockey at the amateur level well into the next century.
