Code of Conduct

Greenwich Cardinals Youth Hockey Association (“GCYHA”) is a community-based, nonprofit organization committed to providing a safe, respectful, and development-focused hockey experience for youth from Greenwich and surrounding communities.

GCYHA believes that youth hockey should promote skill development, teamwork, sportsmanship, respect, and personal growth. Achieving these goals requires the shared commitment of players, parents, coaches, and volunteers to conduct themselves in a manner that reflects positively on the organization and the community it represents.

This Code of Conduct establishes clear expectations for behavior and serves as a condition of participation in GCYHA.

GCYHA is proud to be a hometown organization built on volunteer leadership and community involvement. This Code of Conduct is intended to protect the experience of all participants and to ensure that GCYHA remains a positive, inclusive, and respectful environment for players and families.

This Code of Conduct applies to:

• All GCYHA players
• All parents and guardians of GCYHA players
• All GCYHA-related activities, including practices, games, tournaments, team events, travel, locker rooms, and electronic or social media communications related to GCYHA

All GCYHA players are expected to:

• Demonstrate respect toward teammates, opponents, coaches, officials, volunteers, and rink staff at all times
• Exhibit good sportsmanship in victory and defeat
• Follow USA Hockey rules, team rules, and coaching instructions
• Refrain from unsportsmanlike behavior, including taunting, bullying, harassment, or abusive language
• Respect locker rooms, facilities, equipment, and property
• Represent GCYHA, their team, and their community with pride and integrity at all times

Parents and guardians are expected to support the mission of GCYHA and to help foster a positive environment for all participants. Parents and guardians shall:

• Model respectful and appropriate behavior at all GCYHA events
• Treat players, coaches, officials, volunteers, and other families with courtesy and respect
• Refrain from verbal abuse, intimidation, or harassment of officials, coaches, players, or spectators
• Support the developmental nature of youth hockey and allow coaches to coach and officials to officiate
• Follow USA Hockey’s Zero Tolerance Policy regarding the treatment of officials
• Address questions or concerns in a constructive and respectful manner through appropriate channels
• Observe a 24-hour waiting period before raising concerns related to coaching decisions, playing time, or competition matters, except in matters involving player safety
• Ensure that their child respects facilities and property, and accept responsibility for damage caused by their child
• Use discretion and good judgment when communicating electronically or on social media regarding GCYHA, its participants, and its volunteers

The following behaviors are inconsistent with GCYHA’s mission and will not be tolerated:

• Verbal or physical abuse of any participant, official, volunteer, or spectator
• Bullying, harassment, or discrimination of any kind
• Threatening behavior or physical altercations
• Repeated or egregious violations of USA Hockey Zero Tolerance standards
• Damage to facilities or property
• Conduct that undermines the safety, integrity, or reputation of GCYHA

Violations of this Code of Conduct may result in disciplinary action, as determined by GCYHA leadership, including but not limited to:

• Verbal or written warnings
• Temporary or permanent suspension from practices, games, or events
• Removal of spectator privileges
• Dismissal from the team or from GCYHA
• Referral to USA Hockey or other governing bodies, when appropriate

Disciplinary decisions will be made based on the specific circumstances of each situation. No refunds will be issued for suspensions or dismissals resulting from Code of Conduct violations.

Participation in GCYHA requires annual acknowledgment and acceptance of this Code of Conduct by both players and parents or guardians.