As a coach and, thus, a representative of Northern Virginia Ice Dogs Hockey Club, I agree to support the following Code of Conduct:
Adhere to USA Hockey governing rules, regulations, policies, and procedures, as well as rules, policies procedures of the Northern Virginia Ice Dogs Hockey Club
Care more about the child than about winning the game. The #1 priority as a coach is to help each and every player achieve his/her maximum potential.
Place the overall good of the team before my needs and my own child’s needs.
Although we will provide an overall knowledge of the game of hockey including some very basic positional systems, Northern Virginia will focus on skill development with an emphasis on educating players on individual skills such as skating, stick-handling, passing, and shooting.
Be concerned with the overall development of ALL your players.
Be generous with your praise when it is deserved.
To play the game is great…to love the game is greater.
Strive to be an effective communicator and coach.
Never verbally or physically abuse a player, official, fan, or parent.
Accept the referee’s call with respect and maturity.
Act as a role model to the players of your team as well as the other players in the organization and on the opposing teams.
Win and lose with the same amount of sportsmanship and dignity.
Do not criticize players publicly and always provide constructive criticism to players.
Organize practices that are fun and challenging for your players.
Provide instruction in a way that motivates and challenges players; develops the players’ self-respect, self-confidence and self-discipline.
Do not ask anything of your players, other coaches, administrators and parents that you do not ask and expect of yourself.
Maintain an open line of communication with your players and your players’ parents.
Work HARD everyday to be the best coach possible!
Be on time and be mentally and physically prepared for practices and games.
Practice teamwork, sportsmanship, discipline, and respect.
Restrain from emotional outbursts.
Lead and/or appoint team members to respect and clean all ice rink locker rooms that we have used.
Communicate any schedule changes with the organization’s head coach in advance.
Demand a drug- and alcohol-free sports environment for your team and abide by the Ice Dogs’ Substance Abuse Policy.
I UNDERSTAND THAT A VIOLATION OF ANY PART OF THIS CODE OF CONDUCT OR ANY ACTION WHICH IS DETRIMENTAL TO THE CLUB MAY RESULT IN AUTOMATIC BENCHING BY THE COACHES AND, IF DEEMED NECESSARY, MAY BE BROUGHT TO THE CLUB’S DISCIPLINARY COMMITTEE FOR ACTION AND MAY RESULT IN MY SUSPENSION OR TERMINATION FROM ANY OR ALL NORTHERN VIRGINIA HOCKEY CLUB ACTIVITIES.
Signed: _____________________________________ Date: _____________
Printed Name: __________________________________________________
Adapted from USA Hockey Code of Conduct and adapted to meet the specific needs and goals of Northern Virginia Hockey Club, September 2002