As many of you know, inappropriate conduct by parents and other spectators has become an increasing problem for youth sports organizations. To deal with this problem as effectively as possible, the Chatham Youth Hockey Program has adopted the USA Hockey Parent's Code of Conduct which is reproduced below. We also have adopted the USA Hockey Zero Tolerance Policy for violators of the Code of Conduct. The Chatham Youth Hockey Program also has adopted the New Jersey Youth Hockey League Zero Tolerance Physical Abuse Policy. These policies are also reproduced below. The Chatham Youth Hockey Program urges all of you to take these policies to heart so that we will all have a more enjoyable and successful season!

USA Hockey Parent's Code of Conduct

• Applaud good plays, don't dwell on bad plays.
• Kids imitate their parents. If you act like a jerk your kid probably will too.
• The stands are not a place to shout personal instructions.
• There is more to life than hockey. Encourage your child to participate in other activities.
• Respect the coach's decision and abilities. Don't force your kid to decide whether to listen to you or the coach.
• Stress fair and sensible play. Nobody needs to get hurt because someone is not playing by the rules.
• Stress the long-term importance of practice over the short-term excitement of games.
• Keep things in perspective. The odds of your kid making it in the NHL are pretty slim.
• Stress the importance of the team.
• Never lose sight of the fact that you are a role model.
• Winning probably means more to you than it does to your kid.
• Don't yell if your kid makes a mistake. Point out what they do well. Positive reinforcement goes a long way.
• Take time to learn the rules of the game. That way, if you insist on shouting at the ref at least you'll know what you are talking about.
• Remember that coaches and league administrators are volunteers. A "thank you" every once in a while is often reward enough.

NJYHL Code of Ethics

All organizations are responsible for the actions of their team members, team officials and their fans.

All individuals associated with the NJYHL or one of it's member organizations shall conduct themselves in a proper manner at all times.

• Improper conduct is defined as behavior deemed detrimental to the philosophy and objectives of the league, as well as any action which produces results detrimental to any team or individual players of the league.
• Repeated instances of improper contact shall be dealt with the board.

All parents / guardians of NJYHL players are subject to the Zero Tolerance Physical Abuse Policy:

1. Any parent / guardian that attempts to cause physical injury or makes the threat thereof to any individual associated with NJYHL or it's member organizations shall be subject and his/her (children) shall be subject to immediate suspension from NJYHL play and/or other League involvement for up to one year at the discretion of the commissioner.
2. A second instance of an attempt to threaten or cause physical injury shall result in up to a three year suspension for the player(s) and the parent / guardian from any involvement with the NJYHL.

All individuals associated with the NJYHL or one of it's member organizations are expected to uphold the value of honesty, good sportsmanship and have respect for the integrity and role of the other member organizations as well as their organization.

USA Hockey Zero Tolerance Policy

The game will be stopped by on-ice officials when the parents/spectators displaying inappropriate and disruptive behavior interfere with other spectators or the game. The on-ice officials will identify violators to the coaches for the purpose of removing parents/spectators from the spectator's viewing and game area. Once removed, play will resume. Lost time will not be replaced and violators may be subject to further disciplinary action by the local governing body. This inappropriate and disruptive behavior shall include:

• Use of obscene or vulgar language in a boisterous manner to anyone at any time.
• Taunting players, coaches, officials or other spectators by means of baiting, ridiculing, threat of physical violence.
• Throwing of any object in the spectators viewing area, players bench, penalty box or on ice surface, directed in any manner as to create a safety hazard.