Parents' Code of Conduct
As a parent or guardian of a West Vancouver Minor Hockey Association player, you have a responsibility to:
1. Ensure to the best of your ability that your child abides by the rules of hockey, the policies of WVMHA and principals of good sportsmanship.
2. Ensure to the best of your ability that your child respects his/her teammates, coaches, team officials, referees, opponents, opposing coaches, opposing team officials and other participants in WVMHA games, practices and other association activities.
3. Ensure to the best of your ability that your child conducts himself/herself in a manner that minimizes the risk of injury, both physical and psychological, to himself/herself and others which includes refraining absolutely from making any derogatory comments as to another individual’s race, ethnic origin, colour, religion, gender and/or sexual orientation.
4. Refrain from criticism of coaches, team officials, referees, teammates, opponents, opposing coaches, opposing team officials and other participants in WVMHA games and other association activities and, when you feel that criticism is warranted, you shall offer it in a manner that is fully respectful, through proper channels and away from the hockey rink in any event.
5. Refrain from directing comments which are insulting, intimidating, humiliating, hurtful, malicious, degrading or otherwise offensive to players, team officials, referees and association volunteers including but not restricted to division managers, board members, executive members (directors) and paid association staff such as the team and skill development coaches. If you feel that criticism of any such person is warranted, you shall offer it in a manner that is fully respectful, through proper channels and away from the hockey rink in any event.
6. Refrain from discussing the weaknesses of other team players and/or coaching staff with your child.
7. Familiarize yourself with, and abide by the policies and procedures of WVMHA.
Don Lucia, coach of the University of Minnesota's men's hockey team talking about parents and coaches in youth hockey.
Sportsmanship Starts in the Stands
