Greetings Ice Dogs Nation!

Now that we are well into the regular season, it is important to maintain our composure during and after all games. If you’re feeling a temporary moment of insanity because your blood is boiling, take a deep breath before you yell at the on-ice officials or players. Remember, that brief moment could cost you a three (3) game suspension. The Zero Tolerance Policy mandated by AHAI is followed by all the clubs and leagues in the state of Illinois. At the beginning of the season, players, coaches, and parents agreed to abide by this policy. Just to refresh everyone’s memory, the policy is as follows:

Players:

A minor penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct (zero tolerance) shall be assessed whenever a player:

1.  Openly disputes or argues any decision by an official.

2.  Uses obscene or vulgar language at any time, including any swearing, even if it is not directed at a particular person.

3.  Visually demonstrates any sign of dissatisfaction with an official’s decision. 

Any time that a player persists in any of these actions, they shall be assessed a 2-minute misconduct penalty. If the player continues such actions, they shall be assessed a game misconduct. 

Coaches:

A minor penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct (zero tolerance) shall be assessed whenever a coach:

1.  Openly disputes or argues any decision by an official.

2.  Uses obscene or vulgar language in a boisterous manner to anyone at any time.

3.  Visually displays any sign of dissatisfaction with an official’s decision including standing on the boards or standing in the bench doorway with the intent of inciting the officials, players or spectators.

Any time that a coach persists in any of these actions, he/she shall be assessed a game misconduct.

Parents/Spectators:

The game will be stopped by game officials if a parent or spectator displays inappropriate and disruptive behavior that interferes with other spectators or the game. The game officials will identify violators to the coaches for the purpose of removing that person 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:

1.   Use of obscene or vulgar language in a boisterous manner to anyone at any time.

2.   Taunting of players, coaches, officials or other spectators by means of baiting, ridiculing, threat of physical violence or physical violence.

3.   Throwing of any object in the spectators viewing area, player’s bench, penalty box or on ice surface, directed in any manner as to create a safety hazard.

Violation of the Zero Tolerance Policy comes with an automatic minimum suspension of three (3) games. 

So during this holiday season, sit back and enjoy the best team sport on the planet!

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