NWMHA Respectful Behaviour and Bullying Policy

Respectful Behaviour
NWMHA is committed to cultivating a safe and productive sports environment and a culture of respect. We expect the highest standards from our players, coaches, team officials, parents and volunteers at all times.
We take pride in being ambassadors for our organization and our community whenever we are at a rink — home or away.
We expect all our players, parents, coaches and bench staff to demonstrate respect for:
• Themselves;
• Their teammates;
• Their coaches;
• Parents;
• Volunteers;
• The game and all of its rules;
• Opponents;
• Referees;
• Any facility we occupy, especially our arena;
• Our equipment (both personal and association equipment);
• Guests in our arena;
• Our neighbours in the community.
Examples of respectful behaviour expected of NWMHA members include (but are not limited to):
• Players and coaches picking up garbage in the dressing rooms and being respectful towards arena staff;
• Players not complaining about penalty calls either verbally or via body language
• Parents and players demonstrating moderation in celebrating goals in blowout games;
• Parents not cheering opposing team injuries;
• Coaches not yelling at or berating players or referees;
• Players “taking a knee” in practice when summoned by coaches and not engaging in distracting/unsafe behaviour.

Zero Tolerance
There is zero tolerance for drugs, alcohol, bullying, abuse or vandalism. Zero tolerance means that behaviour involving any of the above will not be tolerated at any event related to NWMHA and will result in immediate discipline.

Zero Tolerance for Bullying, Harassment and Abuse
Bullying, Harassment and Abuse: any player, team official, parent or volunteer caught or suspected of bullying, harassment or abuse of any member or guest of NWMHA will be automatically suspended indefinitely pending review by the NWMHA Executive.
Any infraction may cause the Board to expel a player, team official, parent or volunteer from the association with no refund of fees or remuneration.
NWHA fully supports and enforces Respect in Sport and Zero Tolerance Policies:
• All players must make a personal commitment to the principles of Fair Play, Respect and Integrity and are required to abide by the Player Code of Conduct available on our website. 

• NWMHA fully adopts zero tolerance of harassment and abuse in hockey both on and off the ice. Anyone involved in bullying, abuse or harassment will be suspended pending investigation. This includes cyberbullying and misuse of social media.
• All parents, coaches, bench staff and officials must make a personal commitment to the principals of Fair Play, Respect and Integrity and agree to respect all Association volunteers. Parents must follow all the behavioural guidelines outlined in the Parent Code of Conduct on our website. 

Zero Tolerance for Cyberbullying
Cyberbullying is the use of any electronic communication device to convey a message in any form (text, image, audio or video) that defames, intimidates, harasses of is otherwise intended to harm, insult or humiliate another in a deliberate, repeated or hostile and unwanted manner under a person’s true or false identity. In addition, any communication of this form that disputes or prevents a safe and positive environment may also be considered cyberbullying.
Any player, team official, parent or volunteer caught or suspected of cyberbullying of any member or guest of NWMHA, including opposing teams, players, associations and leagues, will be automatically suspended indefinitely pending review by the NWMHA Executive.
Any infraction may cause the Board to expel a player, team official, parent or volunteer from the association with no refund of fees or remuneration.