Code of Conduct (Coaches, Players & Parents)

The Code of Conduct for the Wellesley Youth Hockey Association (WYHA) is designed to foster good sportsmanship, support the development and enjoyment of our players, and provide a safe and supportive environment for learning the great sport of hockey. All coaches, players, parents, and spectators are expected to read and adhere to the WYHA Code of Conduct.

Coaches are role models for our young athletes and must demonstrate good sportsmanship on and off the ice. Coaches serve as leaders in the community and as representatives of WYHA and are expected to:

• Encourage good sportsmanship by demonstrating positive support for all players, coaches, officials, and opponents at every game.

• Show respect to all players on both teams, parents, officials, and opponents.

• Respect the decision of officials.

• Do their very best to make WYHA fun for all players.

• Refrain from using expletives, disparaging comments, or derogatory remarks.

• Teach fair play.

• Know the rules of the game.

• Adhere to the WYHA rules and policies.

• Adhere to USA Hockey’s Codes of Conduct and Zero Tolerance Policy.

It is a privilege to play on a Wellesley hockey team and to be a part of WYHA. Therefore, players must follow the WYHA rules and policies during all WYHA activities, including practices, games, tournaments, and other organized activities. In order to remain a player in good standing, players are expected to:

• Have fun! 

• Demonstrate good sportsmanship towards fellow players, coaches, officials, and parents at every game and practice.

• Treat teammates, opponents, officials, spectators, and others with respect. 

• Encourage parents and spectators to show respect and good sportsmanship. 

• Respect officials and accept their decisions. 

• Refrain from using expletives, disparaging comments, or derogatory remarks. 

• Know the rules of the game.

• Adhere to the WYHA rules and policies.

• Adhere to USA Hockey’s Codes of Conduct and Zero Tolerance Policy.

WYHA is honored to have incredibly supportive parents and spectators. It is important to remember that players respond to the actions and behaviors of spectators in addition to what is happening on the ice, on the bench, or in the locker room. All parents and spectators are expected to demonstrate good sportsmanship and show respect to all players and officials by adhering to the following: 

• Understand that players participate to have fun and that this game is for the players, not adults.

• Be a positive role model for the players, and encourage good sportsmanship by showing respect, courtesy, and positive support for all players on both teams, regardless of the outcome. 

• Do not criticize the officials, players, or coaches. 

• Communicate with the coach and create a supportive relationship.

• Understand and respect the distinct roles of parents and coaches. 

• Do not coach the players during games and practices – that is the role of the volunteer coaches.

• Treat opponents, officials, and other spectators with respect. 

• Refrain from using expletives, disparaging comments, or derogatory remarks. 

• Adhere to the WYHA rules and policies.

• Adhere to USA Hockey’s Codes of Conduct and Zero Tolerance Policy.

In addition to the above, all individuals involved with a team, including all players, coaches, parents, and other spectators, must support the referees. Failure to do so will undermine the referees’ authority and has the potential of creating a hostile environment for the players, the referees, and all other participants and spectators.

The Conduct Committee was formed by the WYHA Board to address WYHA-related issues that come up before, during, and after the season. The Conduct Committee includes the President(s) of the WYHA Board and two additional WYHA board members as selected by the WYHA Board at the start of each season.

If there are clear violations of WYHA’s Code of Conduct or other governing policies, please let the Conduct Committee know by contacting the President(s) of the WYHA Board.

The Conduct Committee will investigate any potential violations of the Code of Conduct and assess any corrective or disciplinary actions, as appropriate, to ensure that all players have a positive experience with WYHA.

Code of Conduct Violation Policy

The Conduct Committee will be responsible for investigating any potential violations of the WYHA Code of Conduct and, if necessary, assessing the appropriate disciplinary action. The Code of Conduct Violation Policy is in place to guide and assist the WYHA Board to ensure that individual players, coaches, parents, and spectators do not create a negative experience for our players and our program. The Conduct Committee is mindful that mistakes will occur, but it is necessary to firmly address toxic behavior that negatively impacts our players and our program.

Accordingly, WYHA has instituted three levels of disciplinary actions that will be assessed by the Conduct Committee. The appropriate level of discipline will be assessed by the frequency and severity of the violation(s) as detailed in the attached Code of Conduct.