Mission & Vision ( Code of Conduct) (HOME OF THE STONEY CREEK WARRIORS AA HOCKEY)

Mission Statement:

The purpose of the Association is to organize, develop, promote, and provide service of minor ice hockey for the youth of the City of Hamilton, including all recreational hockey, select hockey and representative hockey or only recreational hockey, select hockey or only representative hockey where applicable.

Vision Statement:

To inspire and empower young athletes through the love of hockey, fostering a community of sportsmanship, teamwork, and personal growth. We strive to create a positive and inclusive environment where every player can develop their skills, build lifelong friendships, and embrace the values of respect, dedication, and perseverance both on and off the ice.

Core Values:

1. Community – Strengthening local connections through teamwork, volunteerism, and pride in our hockey family.
2. Respect – Encouraging sportsmanship, inclusivity, and respect for all players, coaches, officials, and the game itself.
3. Integrity – Upholding honesty, fairness, and accountability in everything we do.
4. Excellence – Promoting hard work, dedication, and continuous improvement both on and off the ice.
5. Fun – Ensuring hockey remains an enjoyable and rewarding experience for every participant.

10 Core Pillars:

1. Player Development – Providing structured programs that enhance skills, confidence, and overall athletic growth.
2. Coaching Excellence – Supporting and educating coaches to foster leadership and skill development in young athletes.
3. Safety & Well-Being – Prioritizing the physical, mental, and emotional safety of all players.
4. Inclusivity – Ensuring hockey is welcoming and accessible to players of all backgrounds and abilities.
5. Sportsmanship – Instilling values of respect, teamwork, and humility in both victory and defeat.
6. Community Engagement – Strengthening ties with local organizations and families to promote hockey’s positive impact.
7. Leadership Development – Encouraging players, coaches, and volunteers to be role models within the sport and beyond.
8. Enjoyment of the Game – Creating a positive environment where players can grow their passion for hockey.
9. Accountability & Responsibility – Teaching commitment, discipline, and the importance of effort in achieving success.
10. Continuous Improvement – Striving for growth in our programs, facilities, and player experiences to enhance minor hockey in Stoney Creek.

WARRIORS CODE OF CONDUCT

This Code of Conduct outlines the expectations for players, parents/guardians, coaches, and spectators throughout the hockey season. All participants are expected to review and understand their responsibilities within the Stoney Creek Minor Hockey Association. Questions or concerns should be directed to an Executive member.

ASSOCIATION PHILOSOPHY

SCMHA is committed to providing every player with the optimal opportunity to develop and improve their fundamental hockey skills while learning team strategy and systems aligned with Hockey Canada, OHF and OMHA Development guidelines. The Association will implement structured hockey programming within a positive and engaging atmosphere. All players and coaches will understand that they represent their community. Coaches will expect players to demonstrate diligence during practices and games, and to conduct themselves appropriately both on and off the ice.

SPORTSMANSHIP

Good sportsmanship is paramount and expected of all players, coaches, parents/guardians, and spectators. All league, association, and Hockey Canada rules will be strictly enforced. Players will treat teammates and opponents with respect, offering support and encouragement. Parents/guardians will focus on the growth and development of their child, rather than solely on winning or losing.

CONDUCT & SUBSTANCE USE

Parents/guardians are expected to exercise discretion and act responsibly regarding alcohol consumption before or after practices, games, or team functions. Alcohol is prohibited in any facility, as is tailgating on public property, in accordance with local municipal bylaws. The use of illegal drugs is strictly prohibited.

FACILITY RULES

• Players are prohibited from entering the ice surface until the Zamboni has completely exited and the doors are closed.
• Players may only access the ice surface under the direct supervision of a designated team official.
• Early access to the ice surface requires prior approval from rink staff.
• At the conclusion of practices or games, players are expected to exit the ice in an orderly and respectful manner. Pushing, shoving, verbal abuse, or the slamming of equipment will not be tolerated.

INCIDENT & INJURY REPORTING

In the event of an incident or injury at an SCMHA-sanctioned event, coaches and Association representatives must be contacted immediately. Coaches will maintain communication with Hockey Operations Staff regarding any concerns related to team incidents or injuries. Parents/guardians are required to complete a Hockey Canada Injury Report and notify team staff. The Head Coach is responsible for promptly notifying the Association.

ARRIVAL TIMES

Players are required to arrive at the time designated by the Head Coach prior to all games. Pre-game warm-ups will be conducted in Warriors team wear with appropriate footwear. Players will demonstrate respect for other user groups within the facility. Loud music and disruptive behavior are prohibited in common areas. Designated areas will be used for warm-ups, supervised by coaches. Balls or pucks are prohibited in spectator or high-traffic areas.

Players must be fully dressed by the time designated by the Head Coach before games. Players who are not prepared may be asked to wait until the coaches have finished speaking. Junior-aged players (U7-U10) are expected to work towards dressing themselves; coaches may assist with skate tying. Due to limited dressing room space, this will help reduce crowding and prevent injuries. SCMHA will adhere to current Hockey Canada, OHF, and OMHA policies regarding dressing room usage.

Parents/guardians are not permitted in dressing rooms without the Head Coach’s consent. Loitering outside dressing rooms is prohibited. Parents/guardians and spectators can wait for players in designated gathering spaces within the arenas.

While SCMHA understands that unforeseen circumstances may cause delays, parents/guardians are expected to make every effort to ensure players arrive on time for games and practices. Any anticipated lateness should be communicated to the Head Coach. Habitual lateness will result in escalating consequences. Safe driving practices are always expected, particularly during inclement weather.

Parents/guardians of players who habitually arrive late will be required to meet with team officials to address the situation.

ATTENDANCE

Consistent attendance is expected for all practices, games, and team functions. The Team Manager and Head Coach must be notified as soon as possible if a player is unable to attend any scheduled event. Mandatory events may include, but are not limited to practices, games, skill sessions, fundraising activities, or team-building sessions.

Unexcused absences may result in consequences, including reduced ice time or potential removal from the team. Parents/guardians of players with habitual absences may be required to meet with team officials to resolve the situation.

EXPECTATIONS OF PLAYERS CODE OF CONDUCT)

As a representative of the Stoney Creek Warriors, players are expected to:

• Maintain satisfactory academic performance.
• Arrive at the rink prepared to listen to coaching instruction, work diligently, and exert maximum effort.
• Treat teammates with respect, offering support and encouragement.
• Respect coaches, referees, spectators, and league officials.
• Respect opponents.
• Maintain a positive attitude and demonstrate sportsmanship.
• Win respectfully and lose graciously.
• Refrain from using offensive language or making discriminatory comments.
• Abstain from fighting or horseplay in dressing rooms or inside/outside of the arenas.
• Commit to attending all practices, games, and team functions.
• Respect the facilities utilized, ensuring they are left in a clean and orderly condition.
• Embrace and enjoy the hockey experience.

EXPECTATIONS OF PARENTS/GUARDIANS (CODE OF CONDUCT)

To foster a safe and enjoyable environment, parents/guardians are expected to adhere to the following:

• Address concerns about team philosophy, development, or coaching techniques with the Team Parent Representative in a professional and proactive manner.
• Refrain from spreading negative or unfounded rumors about the Association, coaches, or players.
• Prioritize open and honest communication.
• Adhere to the 24-hour rule, notifying the Parent Liaison of any concerns.
• Encourage their child’s participation, hard work, and attentiveness to coaches.
• Support the coaches and communicate concerns directly and professionally.
• Actively participate for the benefit of the team.
• Be respectful of referees, coaches, all players, parents/guardians, and spectators.
• Ensure their child has the proper equipment.
• Never abuse a player or coach physically or verbally.
• Refrain from ridiculing or yelling at any child for making a mistake or losing a game.
• Serve as a positive spectator, offering encouragement in victory and defeat.
• Refrain from coaching or shouting directions from the stands or engaging in distracting behavior.
• Refrain from using profanity.
• Show appreciation for volunteer coaches.
• Remember that the athletes are children.

EXPECTATIONS OF SPECTATORS (CODE OF CONDUCT)

• Remember that participants play hockey for their enjoyment.
• Refrain from using air horns or siren devices.
• Have realistic expectations. Remember that the players are not professionals and cannot be judged by professional standards.
• Respect official’s decisions and encourage participants to do the same.
• Never ridicule a player for making a mistake. Give positive comments that motivate and encourage continued effort.
• Refrain from using offensive language or harassing players, officials, coaches, or other spectators.
• Refrain from yelling directions to players, coaches, or officials.
• Do not approach team benches or timekeeper areas before, during, and after games.
• Cheer in a positive manner, especially for exciting plays, individual efforts, or team accomplishments.

EXPECTATIONS OF TEAM REPRESENTATIVES (CODE OF CONDUCT)

• Remember that players are involved in hockey for fun and enjoyment.
• Teach players to play fairly and to respect the rules, officials, and opponents.
• Treat opponents and officials with respect in victory and defeat and encourage athletes to act accordingly.
• Ensure that all players receive an equal opportunity for instruction and support.
• Organize practices that emphasize the skills, strategies, and systems aligned with Hockey Canada Development guidelines, while providing a positive and engaging atmosphere.
• Serve as a coach whom participants can respect. Be generous with praise and set a good example. Be fair, just, consistent, and honest.
• Refrain from using profane, insulting, harassing, or otherwise offensive language.
• Communicate and cooperate with the athletes' parents/guardians, involving them in management decisions pertaining to their child's development.
• Encourage players to reach their potential in a constructive and encouraging manner.

COMMUNICATION WITH COACHES

Parents/guardians are to refrain from approaching coaches with issues before or during games/practices. A 24 hour waiting period is required before discussing concerns after a game/practice. General, positive remarks are appropriate; however, negative issues should not be discussed when emotions are heightened. The coaching staff endorses the Code of Conduct and will encourage all parents/guardians to utilize proper procedures when dealing with sensitive issues. All parties are expected to communicate in a positive and professional manner. Parents/guardians are reminded that coaching decisions are made in the best interest of the ENTIRE team.

A Parent Liaison will be designated prior to the start of each season to facilitate communication with coaches regarding concerns.

Failure to adhere to these guidelines may result in disciplinary action.

BENCH CONDUCT

Parents/guardians are prohibited from approaching the bench during or at the conclusion of a game, skills session, or practice. In the event of a player injury, follow instructions from the certified trainer. These areas are strictly prohibited.

DRESSING ROOM PROTOCOL

• Respect all arenas and dressing rooms; parents/guardians are prohibited from waiting or loitering outside the dressing room.
• Players are expected to dress independently; parents/guardians or coaching staff may assist with skates. Coordination with the Head Coach is required for assistance at the junior ages.
• Parents/guardians and siblings are prohibited from entering the dressing room prior to any game.
• Parents/guardians may be called upon to assist with equipment preparation if needed (e.g., goalies).
• Players are expected to maintain the cleanliness of the dressing room.
• Horseplay is strictly prohibited in the dressing room.
• Throwing/shooting/kicking of snow, tape, water bottles, equipment, or other objects is prohibited.
• Once skates are on, players must remain seated to prevent injury.
• Hockey bags must be placed neatly under the bench or stood upright.
• Hockey sticks must be placed neatly outside the dressing room or in a designated area.
• Players may remove helmets and gloves after games but must wait for coaches to finish speaking before undressing.
• Smoking/vaping/alcohol/drugs of any kind are strictly prohibited.
• SCMHA will follow and enforce all current Hockey Canada, OHF, and OMHA Dressing Room Policies.
• Cell phones and cameras are prohibited. A designated player will manage music playlists.

SUPERVISION

A parent/guardian is required to be in attendance for all practices and games. Parents/guardians are responsible for informing the coaching staff of who is overseeing each player during a team function. When stepping out briefly, ensure another parent/guardian is aware and willing to supervise the child. For players driving to and from events, coordinate with the Head Coach.

DRESS CODE

An association dress code is in effect for all games.

• Until team members are provided with SCMHA-approved team wear, players are required to wear appropriate school clothes (clean, no holes, etc.) or semi-formal dress apparel (at coaches' discretion).
• Once team wear has been supplied, it becomes the dress code inside the arena prior to games during warm-ups, etc.
• Shoes must be in good condition (no holes, proper laces, clean, etc.). Winter boots may be worn to games, but athletic shoes must be worn for warm-ups.
• Clean and proper game jerseys and socks are required. Proper hygiene practices are expected.
• All dress code items must be clean and in good condition.

ICE TIME

Equal ice time is not guaranteed. Whenever practical, ice time will be as fair and equitable as possible, except when players do not adhere to rules and expectations. Strategic situations and odd-man scenarios may necessitate uneven ice time distribution during games. Ice time may also vary during playoffs, tournament elimination games, and playdowns, particularly near the end of a game when a win could result in the team playing additional games. Coaches will strive to ensure that every player feels engaged and valued as a member of the team.

TEAM EVENTS

Team events or social gatherings of players, coaches, parents/guardians, or staff will be considered unsanctioned during the off-season. Sanctioned team events should be attended by all team members and player/parent participation is encouraged. To be considered a sanctioned team event, approval must be granted by the SCMHA Executive.

DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS

Fighting or horseplay of any kind will not be tolerated on or off the ice. Any breach of the Code of Conduct (abusive language, violent conduct, disrespect of coaches, officials, and peers) will not be tolerated. The coach will address immediate problems directly with the players/parents/guardians; however, the SCMHA Director of Risk Management Committee will be informed. The committee will conduct any necessary investigation. The committee may request a meeting with the player/parents/guardians, team officials, and other association representatives. In cases of persistent interpersonal conflicts among players, team officials will strive to find amicable resolution. However, disciplinary actions such as suspensions, loss of playing time, or, in extreme cases, removal from the team, may be implemented.

SCMHA Rep hockey is highly competitive, exciting, and fast-paced. Coaches and officials must have the latitude to make decisions in the best interest of the team and Association without fear of reprisal from parents/guardians. Team performance may vary on a game-by-game basis. If players are aware of coaching policies and the coach is transparent and honest, ice time concerns should be minimized. The coach has the authority and responsibility for running the bench and should not feel pressured by parents/guardians regarding ice time allocation. Ice time decisions are based on performance over the season, not a single game.

Parents/guardians who directly interfere with team management or the team's philosophy or refuse to abide by the Association Code of Conduct will meet with team officials and Association representatives. Any personal attack, verbal or physical, on any team official will not be tolerated, and the parent/guardian or player involved will be removed from the team immediately.

The following issues are sensitive and should not be discussed in a negative or counterproductive manner among other parents/guardians or team officials. It is extremely important that negative issues or feelings not be discussed in front of the players:

* The team's philosophy
* Coaching strategies, tactics, and styles
* Line combinations
* Individual play of any player
* Ice time during games

The OMHA Code of Conduct, City of Hamilton Zero Tolerance Policy, and the SCMHA Code of Conduct will be strictly enforced without exception.

The SCMHA Representative Committee may invoke a suspension or permanent removal of a coach, player, parent/guardian, spectator, or official following a substantiated violation of this Code of Conduct.

Behavior deemed detrimental to the team, staff, or organization will be subject to immediate discipline, up to and including removal of participation privileges.

SOCIAL MEDIA POLICY

SCMHA strictly adheres to the OMHA policy on social media use. The unauthorized use of SCMHA's intellectual property in a manner considered disrespectful, harassing, derogatory, and/or discriminatory will result in immediate disciplinary action, up to and including removal from the hockey program. Players, parents/guardians, teams, and partners using the Stoney Creek Warriors' name and/or logo must maintain respect. Misrepresentation or conduct unbecoming of the organization in any form will be considered a violation of this Code of Conduct.

DISCIPLINARY PROCESS

Reported incidents and/or conflicts will be escalated through the OMHA Manual of Operations and the City of Hamilton Zero Tolerance Policy prior to review of the SCMHA Code of Conduct. Should the concern fall under the authority of SCMHA, the following processes will be followed:

TEAM COMPLAINT - Disciplinary Committee

* Step One: Adhere to the 24-hour rule.
* Step Two: Submit a written (email) complaint to the Parent Liaison after 24 hours.
* Step Three: Meeting with the coaching staff and/or Parent Liaison.
* Step Four: Meeting with the Parent Liaison, Coaching Staff, and Director of Risk Management Committee.
* Step Five: Resolution
* Step Six: Meeting with SCMHA Executive

INDIVIDUAL COMPLAINT - Disciplinary Committee

* Step One: Remove the potential for further conflict (immediate removal from hockey activities).
* Step Two: Provide written communication of the issue to respondent(s), outlining the expected investigative process timeline.
* Step Three: Collect relevant written information from witnesses, complainants, and respondents.
* Step Four: Review collected information to determine further discipline or reinstatement.
* Step Five: Meet with involved parties in person or online (if deemed necessary by the committee).
* Step Six: Communicate written decisions to respondents.
* Step Seven: Outline the appeal process for the respondent.

SCMHA expects all parents/guardians, players, coaches, staff, and volunteers to practice the highest level of ethical conduct and hockey professionalism both on and off the ice and in our community as representatives of the organization.

SCMHA is committed to an atmosphere of mutual respect with all players, coaches, executive members, families, and volunteers that is free from discrimination, harassment (verbal or written), or other consistent behaviors that are deemed unacceptable (e.g., threats, theft, vandalism, slander).

SCMHA is committed to protecting individuals who report, in good faith, perceived violations of the Code of Conduct from reprisal. Individuals will bring issues forward in a sincere and responsible manner, respecting the Disciplinary Process, to a Principal Executive member (VP or President).

The SCMHA Representative Committee, in conjunction with the Risk Management Committee, reserves the right to investigate any reported violations of this Code of Conduct and deliver a reasonable level of disciplinary action to the violator(s) if confirmed.

Any level of discipline, including removal from hockey activities, will not result in any form of a refund of hockey fees.

SCMHA is committed to making the hockey season a rewarding, positive, and enjoyable experience for everyone involved.