What is Fair Play?

There are four main participant groups involved in minor hockey games: the players, the coaches, the officials, and the parents/spectators. How these four groups interact determines how positive, or how negative an event becomes. A Fair Play program in any hockey association promotes SAFETY and RESPECT and a positive environment for all participants.

Fair Play Principles

  • Respect the Rules
  • Respect the Opponents
  • Respect the Officials and Their Decisions
  • Have Everyone Participate
  • Maintain Your Self-Control at all Times

To foster this philosophy, the following will be considered the Codes of Conduct for all participants in SMHA this year. Each player, parent and coach will be required to sign their respective agreement before participating in the league this year. Failure to sign the agreement will automatically disqualify the individual from participating this season.



Ice Time and Fair Play?

Probably the most contentious issue that fair play raises in Minor Hockey is the question of the amount of ice time a player receives or when that player receives their ice time.

Hockey Newfoundland and Labrador has adopted a fair play policy governing the allocation of ice time for all levels of play. You can view this policy here.

All coaches, players and parents are expected to support this policy. For clarification of any of the details of this policy, please contact the President or Vice President.



Player Code of Conduct

As a player in the Stephenville Minor Hockey Association I agree to adopt the following Code of Conduct. I fully understand that breaching this Code could result in a penalty as severe as suspension for the duration of the remainder of the season.

  • Respect and adhere to all ideals, policies and rules determined by the C.H.A., the N.L.H.A., the Stephenville Minor Hockey Association, and your team.
  • Respect the rules of the game, opponents, officials and their decisions.
  • >Maintain self-control at all times.
  • Attend as many games and practices as reasonably possible. Be present before games and practices in a timely manner. Notify the coach ahead of time if you will be absent.
  • Respect the facilities, either home or away, in which you are privileged to play.
  • Exhibit a high degree of sportsmanship, teamwork and positive attitude at all times when representing your team and the league.
  • Refrain from using foul language towards teammates, coaches, officials or opponents.
  • Show respect for the decisions, judgment and authority of the officials and timekeepers.
  • Show respect for the feelings and abilities of the players on the other team.
  • Accept the capabilities of other players.
  • Ensure that your equipment is complete, safe and in good condition.
  • Accept defeat graciously.
  • Love the game above the prize.



Parent Code of Conduct

As a parent of a child particpating in the Stephenville Minor Hockey Association I agree to adopt the following Code of Conduct. I fully understand that breaching this Code could result in a penalty as severe as expulsion from Minor Hockey events for the remainder of the season.

  • Respect and adhere to all ideals, policies and rules determined by the C.H.A., the N.L.H.A., the Stephenville Minor Hockey Association.
  • Respect the rules of the game, opponents, officials and their decisions.
  • Maintain self-control at all times.
  • Encourage my child to attend as many games and practices as reasonably possible in a timely manner and to notify the coach ahead of time if they will be absent.
  • Respect the facilities, either home or away, in which my child is privileged to play.
  • Exhibit a high degree of sportsmanship, teamwork and positive attitude at all times when representing my child and our Association.
  • Refrain from using foul language towards other parents, coaches, officials or opponents.
  • Show respect for the decisions, judgment and authority of the officials and timekeepers.
  • Show respect for the feelings and abilities of my child, my child's teammates and the players on the other team.
  • Accept the capabilities of my child and other players.
  • Ensure that my child's equipment is complete, safe and in good condition.
  • Refrain from yelling at or threatening referees, opposing players or coaches before, during, or after games or practices.
  • Refrain from demonstrations of frustration or anger after a game loss.
  • scored or a game won that would embarrass or demean the opposing team.
  • Refrain from physical abuse of any other person.
  • Refrain from approaching the bench during a game situation unless summoned by a coach.
  • Avoid confusing my child by coaching from the stands.
  • Support my child with positive encouragement.
  • Refrain from expressing my opinion of the coaches or players in front of my own child.
  • Accept defeat graciously.
  • Love the game above the prize.


Coach Code of Conduct

As a coach particpating in the Stephenville Minor Hockey Association I agree to adopt the following Code of Conduct. I fully understand that breaching this Code could result in a penalty as severe as termination of my coaching duties for the remainder of the season.

  • Respect and adhere to all ideals, policies and rules determined by the C.H.A., the N.L.H.A., the Stephenville Minor Hockey Association.

  • Complete as required coaching Levels as mandated by the S.M.H.A.

  • Exhibit a high degree of sportsmanship, teamwork and positive attitude at all times.

  • Respect the rules of the game, opponents, officials and their decisions.

  • Be accountable for and control the behaviour of my players and of all participants when necessary within arena facilities.

  • Refrain from using foul language towards players, other coaches, or officials.

  • Show respect for the feelings and abilities of my players and the players on the other team.

  • Ensure that my player's equipment is complete, safe and in good condition.

  • Prohibit unacceptable conduct within dressing rooms, at players bench, or on the ice surface.

  • Abide by the intent and not just the letter of league rules. Rules are instituted for the protection and enjoyment of the players, not to give an edge to one team over another.

  • Organize practices that are fun and challenging for your players. Familiarize yourself with the rules, techniques and strategies of hockey; encourage all your players to be team players. Be prepared. Do not ask anything of your players, other coaches, executive and parents that you do not ask and expect of yourself.

  • Inform the parent and inform the director in writing if a child is disciplined during a game or practice.

  • Keep lines of communication open with parents, players, division Director and the Executive.

  • Be a positive role model to my players and display emotional maturity.

  • Be generous with my praise when it is deserved and not criticize players publicly. Be consistent, honest, fair and just.

  • Ensure that all players get equal instruction, support and fair playing time.

  • Maintain self-control at all times.

  • Accept defeat graciously.

  • Love the game above the prize.



Coach Code of Conduct

As a trainer particpating in the Stephenville Minor Hockey Association I agree to adopt the following Code of Conduct. I fully understand that breaching this Code could result in a suspension of duties for the reaminder of the season.

  • Strive to enhance the safety of all participants at all times.

  • Use only those techniques which you are qualifies to administer.

  • Always err on the side of caution and never practice any behaviors which may ultimately harm a participant or worsen an injury.

  • Promote the values of fair play, integrity and friendship and never condone, encourage, engage or defend unsportsmanlike conduct including the use of performance enhancing substances.

  • Never intentionally mislead or lie about qualifications, education or professional affiliations.

  • Strive to achieve the highest level of competence and continue to educate yourself and improve your skills.



Volunteer Code of Conduct

As a volunteer particpating in the Stephenville Minor Hockey Association I agree to adopt the following Code of Conduct. I fully understand that breaching this Code could result in a suspension of duties for the reaminder of the season.

  • Respect and adhere to all ideals, policies and rules determined by the C.H.A., the N.L.H.A., the Stephenville Minor Hockey Association.

  • Exhibit a high degree of sportsmanship, teamwork and positive attitude at all times.

  • Refrain from using foul language towards players, coaches, or fans.

  • Refrain from public criticism of fellow volunteers. players, coaches, parents and officials.

  • Treat everyone fairly regardless of gender, religion, color or economic status.

  • Be a positive role model to players and display emotional maturity.

  • Maintain self-control at all times.

  • Attend to assigned volunteer duties in a timely manner.

  • Carry out duties in as safe and controlled manner as possible.



Official Code of Conduct

As an offical particpating in the Stephenville Minor Hockey Association I agree to adopt the following Code of Conduct. I fully understand that breaching this Code could result in a suspension of duties for the reaminder of the season.

  • Respect and adhere to all ideals, policies and rules determined by the C.H.A., the N.L.H.A., the Stephenville Minor Hockey Association.

  • Complete as required officiating levels as mandated by the S.M.H.A.

  • Exhibit a high degree of sportsmanship, teamwork and positive attitude at all times.

  • Refrain from using foul language towards players, coaches, or fans.

  • Prohibit unacceptable conduct within dressing rooms, at players bench, or on the ice surface.

  • Apply the rules of the game fairly and to the best of your ability. Treat everyone fairly regardless of gender, religion, color or economic status.

  • Be a positive role model to players and display emotional maturity.

  • Maintain self-control at all times.



S.T.O.P. PROGRAM

The basic premise of this program that no other objective of the sport of hockey supersedes the need to protect the safety of the participants, and to protect them from injury. The following pledge is aimed at promoting fair play in the sport of hockey, and will be printed on forms to be signed by each player and his/her parent/guardian each season prior to participation.

"I, and my participating child, hereby agree to abide by the rules, regulations and decisions, as set forth by the S.M.H.A., N.L.H.A. and C.H.A. which absolutely prohibit the extremely dangerous act of "Checking From Behind." I, and my participating child, understand that suspensions may be imposed for violation of these rules."

A crest, in the colors, shape, and design of a roadside stop sign, is to be affixed to the back of each game jersey worn by S.M.H.A. players in all divisions. The initials stand for Safety Towards Other Players, and the presence of the logo is intended as a reminder to all players of the importance of fair play toward others.