DYHA Code of Conduct

The Parent Code of Conduct applies to all practices, games, tournaments, clinics, and any other related activity that your son or daughter’s team is participating in with the league. It is the parent or guardian’s responsibility to behave appropriately and respectfully toward all players, coaches, parents, spectators, officials or employees and property of any facility where events are being held. Failure to comply with this code of conduct may result in expulsion. As a parent/guardian, I pledge to:



1. Teach and practice good sportsmanship at all games and practices.
2. Know the rules of the game of hockey.
3. Respect the game of hockey. Respect the officials. Respect the coaches.
4. To refrain from taunting players, parents, spectators, facility employees, coaches, or officials by means of baiting, ridiculing, criticizing, threatening physical violence or enacting physical violence.
5. Fully support and positively reinforce the efforts and feedback of the team coaches. This means refraining from interfering with coaching activities—let the coaches do their jobs.
6. Follow the "24 hour rule"; if I have an issue resulting from a game (or practice) situation, wait until the following day to speak with either the coach or the team manager.
7. If there is a serious problem, notify my team’s DYHA board rep, Travel Director and/or President without delay.
8. Emphasize the fun of the game, effort, learning, teamwork, and constructive response to mistakes, not wins and losses.
9. Comply with all DYHA policies and obligations, including but not limited to its Locker Room policy, Social Media Policy, Code of Conduct, and other policies found here on the DYHA website.
10. Fully support and comply with USA Hockey’s Zero Tolerance Policy.

1. Respect your teammates, coaches, referees, facility employees, and opponents at all times.
2. Represent your team and DYHA with class and dignity at all facilities (ice rinks, restaurants, hotels, etc.).
3. Do not dispute or argue a decision by an official or coach.
4. Support and encourage your teammates. Set a positive example.
5. Give 100% effort at each practice and game.
6. Know the rules of the game of hockey and abide by them.
7. Wear the required equipment at all practices and games, and keep your equipment well maintained.
8. Display good sportsmanship at all times, on the ice and in the rink. Do not use obscene/abusive language. Inappropriate behavior will not be tolerated in or around the rink.
9. Don't be afraid to make mistakes; that's part of learning new techniques.
10. Learn from your coaches, practice hard, play smart and Have Fun!
11. Be modest in victory and gracious in defeat
12. Comply with all DYHA policies and obligations, including but not limited to its Locker Room policy, Social Media Policy, Code of Conduct, and other policies found on the DYHA website.

1. If a player tries out for a travel team and is offered a roster spot, the player will have 48 hours from the time the offer is posted to the DYHA website to accept the position by paying the travel supplement and executing the Travel Commitment Letter, which will be substantially in the form of Attachment 1 to this Code of Conduct.
2. Upon failure to accept a roster spot within 48 hours by both paying the travel supplement and executing the Travel Commitment Letter, DYHA may offer the roster spot to another player.

1. Coaches must act with the highest possible moral character because they are teachers and role models.
2. Coaches must be positive and constructive and reinforce the self-image of each player.
3. Respect the game of hockey. Know the rules. Respect the officials.
4. Teach the rules of the game of hockey. Abide by those rules in practice and games.
5. Establish objectives for the team and players and inform them of team and individual goals.
6. Teach and practice good sportsmanship at all games and practices.
7. Be modest in victory and gracious in defeat.
8. Comply with DYHA, Connecticut Hockey Conference and USA Hockey rules and policies.

1. Any conduct, including abusive language and/or gestures, insensitive or offensive remarks or actions, damage to property or belongings, or any other conduct that reflects poorly on yourself or DYHA is deemed to be unacceptable and will not be tolerated. This rule applies to all players, parents, siblings and guests at all times when in or around games or practices as a member of DYHA.
2. During a tournament or game when you are away, you represent your town and Darien Youth Hockey Association. Any misconduct such as shoplifting, destruction of property, illegal or excessive consumption of drugs or alcohol, or any other illegal activity will not be tolerated. This rule applies for the entire time one is away for a game or tournament.
3. The Board of Directors of Darien Youth Hockey Association will deal with unacceptable conduct at its sole discretion, imposing warnings, suspension or expulsion as it deems appropriate. ANY SUSPENSION OR EXPULSION BASED ON VIOLATIONS OF THE CODE OF CONDUCT WILL NOT BE ACCOMPANIED BY ANY REFUND.