Let's Make It Fun Again

Let's Make It Fun Again program was developed by the SPRMHA in response to requests from all areas of our association. Concern has been expressed about the increasing levels of unacceptable behaviour exhibited at games, on and off the ice, and between and among all participants (players, coaches, spectators, officials, parents/guardians, administrators and volunteers) of the game. The program is, along with our Bylaws, the key governing document to carry our association and our sport into the future.

• Introduction
• Objective
• Definition of "Unacceptable Behaviour"
• Statement of Principle
• Education of Participants
• SPRMHA Commitments
• Posters/Signs/Advertisements
• Complaint Handling Procedure
• Reporting Process
• Enforcement
• Severity of Discipline
• Introducing the Program
• Other Stakeholders/Partners
• Fair Play Pledges

To report an incident of unacceptable behaviour, please print, fill out and mail in our incident report form .

Let's Make It Fun Again

Over the past several years, it has become increasingly apparent that participating in the Game, whether as a player, coach, official, spectator, parent/guardian, administrator, or volunteer has become increasingly less enjoyable. (For the purpose of this program, the term "participants" will refer to and include: players, coaches, spectators, officials, parents/guardians, administrators and volunteers.) Too many people are leaving the Game for the wrong reasons and with bad memories. The conduct of some participants has become increasingly unacceptable, both on and off the ice.

The Sherwood-Parkdale Rural Minor Hockey Association is committed to implementing a program that recommits us to promote and honour the values of fun, respect and positive development in the game of hockey for all participants. SPRMHA sees a need to address these fundamental values both generally and within the SPRMHA. We see the game of hockey as having arrived at a critical point that requires us to refocus on these core values.

SPRMHA does not see this as a short term objective, but as a permanent, on-going and over riding principle of the minor hockey program provided by SPRMHA. "Let's Make It Fun Again" and it's initiatives are one of the most important SPRMHA has ever engaged in and clearly reflects the purpose and mission of SPRMHA to improve minor hockey and increase interest in the Game. This program is directed to all participants of the Game and asks you to consider carefully your behavior at the rink and how your behavior impacts upon the other participants of the Game.

SPRMHA views "Let's Make It Fun Again" as a document of support and confirmation to the many excellent players, coaches, spectators, officials, parents/guardians, administrators and volunteers that make up the majority of the SPRMHA membership. These members have always practiced and subscribed to the fundamental principles of fun, respect and positive development within the Game. We see this program as a vehicle to assist them to further these values and make the Game even better and more enjoyable.

"Let's Make It Fun Again" is a celebration of the positive elements of the Game that will overwhelm those negative elements that have unfortunately tainted the reputation of the Game today. Those few who may question the program are the very ones that many of the elements of the program are aimed at and are the root of the problem, not the solution. We encourage all SPRMHA members to confidently come forward with energy and support "Let's Make It Fun Again" and help to return our Game to it's core values of fun, respect and positive development for all participants.

Objective

The objective of "Let's Make It Fun Again" is to provide a program that plays a significant role in the development of a young person's values, morals, social maturity, physical fitness and mental fitness. "Let's Make It Fun Again" also promotes acceptable conduct among and toward all participants of the Game, including:

1. Respect for persons
2. Protection from harm
3. Development of ethical conduct toward others
4. Notions of justice, fairness and equality
5. Caring attitudes
6. The freedom to enjoy and flourish within the Game
7. Respect of the Game

It is a must that every participant abides by these principles.

These values should be demonstrated by all participants of the Game. Clearly, participants should not feel intimidated for raising concerns, nor fear negative consequences in coaches, officials or administrators decisions. Administrators must step up when made aware of such tactics by decision makers and take remedial actions.

This program is not intended to be a new vehicle for complaints about officiating or general hockey rules. This program is to promote and insure acceptable behavior among and toward participants.

Definition of "Unacceptable Behavior"

"An individual is displaying unacceptable behavior if they are verbally or physically harassing or abusing any game participant (player, coach, official, spectator, parent/guardian, administrator or volunteer)."

This definition applies to all participants governed by this program. When there is a situation of unacceptable behavior, the responsibilities of the SPRMHA, it's members and all participants are as set out herein. The focus is on achieving the objectives of the "Let's Make It Fun Again" program. Confrontation should be avoided and reporting is encouraged as an important step in attaining the program objective.

It is unfair to expect SPRMHA volunteer directors, or other volunteers at minor hockey events, to act as a "police agency". It is also unfair to expect volunteers to step into "heated" situations simply because they happen to be at that particular event. The responsibility for acting should not fall on volunteers alone. It is the responsibility of all participants to be accountable for unacceptable behavior at any minor hockey event. Everyone should use common sense, make a rational evaluation of the situation and act accordingly.

It is everyone's responsibility to become involved in attaining the objective of "Let's Make It Fun Again". Peer pressure and scrutiny will be the best enforcement tool.

Statement of Principle

The SPRMHA appreciates that disputes and disagreements about issues relating to the Game may occur. It is, however, expected that all parties will attempt mediation and/or alternate dispute resolution methods with all reasonable effort at the team level prior to submitting the incident to the SPRMHA Board of Directors for review.

Education of Participants

The education component of LMIFA ensures that all participants fully understand the objective of the program. The education component will be consistent at all age groups and levels of the Game. A consistent set of guidelines and "Fair Play Codes" will exist and be advertised and promoted at all home rinks and during on and off ice activities of the SPRMHA. The education process shows that all members and participants of the SPRMHA are working together and the same rules apply regardless of which SPRMHA event participants attend.

SPRMHA Commitments:

 

1. Advertise Zero Tolerance of Unacceptable Behavior at All SPRMHA Events
   This will be done with signs at all home arenas, through the Association newsletter, on team information notices, at general meetings, etc.
2. Educate Participants
   At pre-season registration, all participants will receive a copy of "Let's Make It Fun Again" to educate them that unacceptable behavior at SPRMHA events by home and/or visiting teams will not be tolerated by the SPRMHA.
3. Registration Forms
   Registration forms will include the objective of the SPRMHA as defined in its Bylaws and the definition of “unacceptable behavior".
4. Pledges
   All participants of the SPRMHA will be required to sign their respective "Let's Make It Fun Again" pledges before being permitted to participate in SPRMHA activities.
5. Team Management
   Team management will have a meeting with parents/guardians immediately after team rosters are finalized to set out team rules and regulations for the year, which will then be forwarded to the SPRMHA for approval. Team management will update parents/guardians on their expectations of players and parents/guardians and will provide a written set of team rules and disciplinary actions for rule infringement to players and parents/guardians. After approval by the SPRMHA, team management will have the support of SPRMHA unless proven to be excessive in disciplinary action.

 

Posters/Signs/Advertisements

The participants' expectations to be advertised at SPRMHA rinks, activities, newsletters, etc. are:
 

• Coaches:
• Respect all facilities and their staff
• Respect the officials and their decisions
• Respect opposing team players, coaches and participants
• Take responsibility for the actions of their team on and off the ice
  
  Officials:
• Respect all participants of the Game
• Maintain open and positive communication with players and coaches
• Promote the rules of the Game to all team participants
• Keep the integrity in all games
• Maintain professionalism on and off the ice
  
  Spectators:
• Remember that players are not participating in the Game to entertain their parents
• Spectators will not judge players by professional standards
• Spectators will maintain their self-control at all times
• Spectators will demonstrate respect for all participants of the Game
• Spectators will encourage sportsmanship, effort and positive attitudes of all participants
  
  Players:
• Players will respect all facilities and their staff
• Players will respect their officials and their decisions
• Players will respect the opposing team's players, coaches and other participants
• Players will take responsibility for their actions and behaviors on and off the ice
• Players will respect their team mates

Complaint Handling Procedure

Implementation Trigger

The reporting of unacceptable behavior by any participant of the Game is the triggering event of the complaint handing procedure. The methods of enforcement are dependant upon the severity of the event.

Reporting Process

Directors, Spectators, Players, Coaches:

If an incident occurs which meets the definition of unacceptable behavior, and if the incident cannot be resolved at the team level and in the opinion of the participant is serious enough to warrant a formal complaint, then an Incident Report Form (See Page #10) must be completed.

The Incident Report Form should be submitted to the SPRMHA director responsible for that age level for review and further action. If this director is in conflict, the participant may forward the report to the President. If, after review, the director is unable to resolve the issue, or is of the opinion the incident is serious enough, the complaint will be forwarded to the SPRMHA Executive for review and disposition.

Reports should be clear, factual, legible, and list all parties and witnesses to the incident. Reports that are not legible cannot be reviewed.

On/Off Ice Officials:

If, in the opinion of an official (on or off ice), an incident of unacceptable behavior occurs involving any participant(s) of the game, the official will, at a stoppage of play, identify the offending participant(s) and through discussion with one or both coaches, request the participant(s) cease this unacceptable behavior. If the behavior continues, the official will document the action on the back of the game sheet, or on an Incident Report Form. A copy of the write-up will be forwarded to the Referee-In-Chief as appointed by the SPRMHA.

If, after review by the Referee-In-Chief and/or the director, the issue cannot be resolved, or if in their opinion the incident is serious enough, the complaint will be forwarded to the SPRMHA Executive for review and disposition.

Enforcement

An undesirable but necessary component of "Let's Make It Fun Again" is enforcement. The SPRMHA has expanded its Bylaws to allow for strong and effective support of the program and its objectives.

SPRMHA Bylaws, Article 3, Section 4a):

"The Executive of the Sherwood-Parkdale Rural Minor Hockey Association shall have the power to suspend summarily any player, coach, trainer, manager, or official of any team under the auspices of the Association for any conduct on or off the ice which in the sole discretion of the Executive is determined to be unbecoming or detrimental to the game, the objectives of the Association, its Bylaws, or the principles of the SPRMHA 'Let's Make It Fun Again" program'."

SPRMHA Bylaws, Article 3, Section 4b):

"The Executive of the Sherwood-Parkdale Rural Minor Hockey Association shall have the power to prevent summarily any spectator from viewing any game or other activity or entering a facility to view such game or activity under the auspices of the Association for any conduct which in the sole discretion of the Executive is deemed to be unbecoming or detrimental to the game, the objectives of the Association, its Bylaws, or the principles of the SPRMHA 'Let's Make It Fun Again' program. Further, the Executive shall have the power to suspend the player, coach, team officials, or team to which the spectator is attached."

SPRMHA Bylaws, Article 3, Section 4c):

"Suspensions as issued under Article 3, Section 4a) or b) may be levied, at the Executive's discretion, on members of visiting associations."

The power granted to the Executive allows for effective and quick action against conduct unbecoming or detrimental to the Game and its participants, as well as action against the team of the offending participant. SPRMHA is prepared to enforce these provisions as required and they are an integral part of the reporting and enforcement initiatives. All hearings and appeals concerning complaints will be conducted in accordance with Article 3, Section 4 of the SPRMHA Bylaws.

Severity of Discipline:

When an individual is suspended, they are suspended from all SPRMHA minor hockey activities, on and off ice.

Mild (reprimand to a two (2) game suspension)

This would be applied to an offence of less severe nature. The offending participant(s) has shown true remorse and the actions are out of character. There is little chance of re-offending.

Moderate (minimum three (3) game to one (1) year suspension)

This is for offences mild to moderate in severity. It would also be applied to participant(s) who have not accepted responsibility for their actions, show little or no remorse, and the likelihood of re-offending is high.

Severe (minimum one (1) year to five (5) year suspension)

This is for the most severe offences. An example would be physically threatening or assaulting another individual. A participant who has re-offended multiple times, has not accepted responsibility for their actions, or shows little remorse and is likely to re-offend.

Introducing the Program:

At the start of each season, after registration and prior to regular season play, a meeting will be held with all team management and representatives of the officials to present "Let's Make It Fun Again". At this meeting, SPRMHA will:
 

• Detail the objective
• Outline the expectations
• Lay out the consequences
• Explain the team's responsibilities

Teams will be given packages with all pertinent forms, documentation, schedules and guidelines for the coming season.

Other Stakeholders/Partners

Notification will be given and support garnered for "Let's Make It Fun Again" from other stakeholders and partners to ensure the objective of the program and its implementation. Some of these stakeholders/partners must be aware of the program as they may be requested to support in enforcement of some sanctions:

 

• City of Charlottetown - Parks & Recreation
• Arena Management/Staff
• RCMP/City Police
• PEIHA, PEIMHC and CHA

Fair Play Pledges

It is the intention of the pledges to promote fair play, enjoyment of the game and respect for all participants within the Sherwood-Parkdale Rural Minor Hockey Association. All participants must sign a pledge before being allowed to participate in the hockey programs of the SPRMHA and must continue to observe the principles of fair play as outlined in the "Let's Make It Fun Again" program, the Bylaws, other governing documents of the SPRMHA and as outlined below for each of them specifically:

Coaches, Managers and Trainers:
 

1. I will be reasonable when scheduling games and practices remembering that young athletes have other interests and obligations.
2. I will teach my players to play fairly and to respect the rules, officials, opponents and team mates.
3. I will ensure all my players receive equal instruction, support and appropriate fair playing time.
4. I will not ridicule my players for making mistakes or performing poorly. I will remember that children play to have fun and must be encouraged to have confidence in themselves and their abilities.
5. I will make sure that equipment and facilities are safe and match the player's ages and abilities.
6. I will remember that players need a coach they can respect.
7. I will obtain proper training and continue to upgrade my coaching skills.
8. I will make myself available for communication with parents/guardians.
9. I will abide by, and support, the SPRMHA policy of zero (0) tolerance toward any type of verbal, physical or other abuse.

This pledge will be signed as part of the annual coaching application.

Officials:

1. I will make sure that every player has the opportunity to perform to the best of their ability, within the rules.
2. I will avoid or remedy any situation that threatens the safety of the players.
3. I will maintain a healthy atmosphere and environment for competition.
4. I will not permit the intimidation of any player either by word or action. I will not tolerate unacceptable conduct toward myself, other officials, players or spectators.
5. I will be consistent and objective in calling all infractions, regardless of my personal feelings towards a team or individual player.
6. I will handle all conflicts firmly but with dignity.
7. I will accept my role as teacher and role model for fair play, especially with young participants.
8. I will be open to discussion and contact with players before and after the game.
9. I will be open to constructive criticism and show respect and consideration for different points of view.
10. I will obtain proper training to upgrade my officiating skills.
11. I will work in co-operation with coaches for the benefit of the game.
12. I will abide by, and support, the SPRMHA policy of zero (0) tolerance toward any type of verbal, physical or other abuse toward any participant of the game.

This pledge will be signed as part of their annual officials' application.

Parents/Guardians:

1. I will not force my child to participate in hockey
2. I will remember that my child plays hockey for his/her enjoyment, not mine.
3. I will encourage my child to play by the rules and to resolve conflict without resorting to hostility or violence.
4. I will teach my child that doing one's best is as important as winning so that my child will never feel defeated by the outcome of the game.
5. I will always make my child feel like a winner by offering praise for competing fairly and hard.
6. I will never ridicule my child for making a mistake or losing a game.
7. I will remember that my children learn by my example. I will applaud good plays and performances by both my child's team and their opponents.
8. I will never question the official's judgment or honesty in public.
9. I will support all efforts to remove verbal and physical abuse from children's hockey games, and will abide by and support the SPRMHA policy of zero (0) tolerance toward any verbal, physical or other type of abuse towards and participants of the game.
10. I will respect and show appreciation for the coaches, officials and volunteers who give their time so that my child may play hockey.

This pledge will be signed at registration as part of the registration process.

Players:

1. I will play hockey because I want to, not because others want me to.
2. I will play by the rules of hockey, and in the spirit of the game.
3. I will control my temper. Fighting, "mouthing-off", and foul language can spoil the game for my team mates, coaches, spectators, opponents and officials.
4. I will respect my opponents as fellow players enjoying the game, as I would have them respect me.
5. I will do my best to be a true team player.
6. I will remember that winning is not everything. Having fun, improving skills, making friends and doing my best are equally important, regardless of the outcome of the game.
7. I will acknowledge all good plays and performances, those of my team and my opponents.
8. I will remember that coaches and officials are there to help me. I will accept their decisions and show them respect.
9. I will abide by the SPRMHA policy of zero (0) tolerance toward verbal, physical or any other type of abuse to any participant of the game.

This pledge will be signed as part of their first official team on-ice session.

Volunteers:

1. I will remember that my child plays hockey for his/her enjoyment, not mine.
2. I will always make my child feel like a winner by offering praise for competing fairly and hard.
3. I will never question the official's judgment or honesty in public.
4. I will support all efforts to remove verbal and physical abuse from children's hockey games and will abide by, and support, the SPRMHA policy of zero (0) tolerance toward any verbal, physical, or other type of abuse towards any participant of the game.
5. I will not ridicule players for making mistakes or performing poorly. I will remember that children play to have fun and must be encouraged to have confidence in themselves and their abilities.
6. I will make sure that equipment and facilities are safe and match the player's ages and abilities.