Youth sports programs play an important role in promoting the physical, social, and emotional development of children. It is therefore essential for volunteers, parents, trainers, coaches and officials to encourage youth athletes to embrace the values of good sportsmanship. There is no better way to achieve this than by leading by example and demonstrating fairness, respect, and self-control.

Jersey City Capitals Parent Code of Conduct

This policy is adapted from the USA Hockey Zero Tolerance Parent’s Code of Conduct.

As a caregiver/parent(s) of a Jersey City Capitals participant, I (we) am/are in agreement:

  • That it is a privilege, not a right, for our child/children to play youth hockey.
  • That sportsmanship, teamwork, and fair play are essential to the sport of hockey, and as such are the most important skills that our child/children can gain from youth hockey.
  • That because our child/children learn from our example, we as caregivers/parents need to exemplify the highest level of sportsmanship by supporting all players, coaches, team managers, referees, and parents. 
  • By showing a positive attitude toward the game and all of its participants, our child will benefit.

Therefore, we agree to the following Code of Conduct:

  1. Encourage our child to play by the rules. Children learn best by example, so applaud the good plays of both teams.
  2. Emphasize skill development and practices and how they benefit our young athlete.
  3. Recognize the importance of volunteer coaches. They are important to the development of our child and the sport. Communicate with them and support them. Support rules, guidelines, and expectations set forth by the coaches and coordinators.
  4. Promote and support the Capitals Player Code of Conduct and rules set forth by USA Hockey.
  5. Observe the 24-hour rule: No caregiver/parent, or relative of any Capitals player, in a fit of frustration/anger over a player’s ice time/position, coaches’ play of a player, and/or team status per our tryout policy will contact the coach, divisional coordinator, or any other member of the Capitals Board within 24 hours. This includes by email, phone call, text message, written/typed letters, or any other social media avenue.
  6. Caregivers or parents who are evicted from any rink may be subject for review by the Capitals Board
  7. No inappropriate yelling at players either on our team or the opposing team. Caregivers/parents who are hostile or otherwise act inappropriately toward players in any arena or via email, phone call, text messages, written/typed letters, or any other social media site may be subject for review by the Capitals Board.
  8. No inappropriate actions toward coaches, referees, or opposing team’s parents. Caregivers/parents who create hostile or other inappropriate actions toward any coaches, referees, or opposing team fans in any arena or via email, phone call, text messages, written/typed letters, or any other social media site may be subject for review by the Capitals Board.
  9. Communicate violations of the Code of Conduct. Any Capitals member witnessing or involved in a violation of any portion of the Capitals Caregiver/Parent Code of Conduct may bring the issue forward, after the 24-hour rule, to the Board by emailing the CEO, President, Director of Coaching, Mite Coordinator or Resolution Committee.

Depending on facts and circumstances, consequences due to violation(s) of the above may range from probation or suspension of the caregiver/parent, and possibly the player, from Capitals events (including team events, practices, games, tournaments), to expulsion from Capitals.

Jersey City Capitals Player Code of Conduct

This policy is adapted from the USA Hockey Zero Tolerance Parent’s Code of Conduct.

  1. Play for fun.
  2. Work hard to improve your skills.
  3. Learn teamwork, sportsmanship, and discipline. Players will take pride in their team and contribute to the team’s unity. Players will adhere strictly to the coach’s rules and be supportive of the coach’s practice plans, game plans, and other decisions.
  4. Be a team player – get along with your teammates. Do not criticize other teammates or their play. Hockey is a team sport; as such the interests of the team take precedence over the individual.
  5. Be on time. Notify the coach or manager in advance when you must miss. A reason such as religion class, school activity, illness, etc. must be given. Be at the rink by the appointed time set by the coaches.
  6. Never argue with an official’s decision. Learn the rules and play by them. The only individuals who may speak to officials are the coaches and/or designated players under the instruction of their coaches. There is zero tolerance for abusive behavior. Harassment, obscene language, gestures, and other behavior deemed to be abusive directed toward referees will be subject to sanctions. Coaches have the authority to escalate any situation to the appropriate level depending on the severity of the incident.
  7. Do not attempt to deliberately injure another player(s). Any player incurring a MATCH penalty for “attempt to injure” or other offense deemed equally serious by the coach shall be subject to suspension beyond the USA HOCKEY rules as deemed appropriate by the Capitals Board. Fighting; wrestling; or throwing a punch in a game, practice, or locker room qualifies under this code. 
  8. Wear the proper protective equipment. Proper protective equipment includes a mouth guard and unaltered helmet. A neck guard is highly recommended. You are responsible for your own equipment.
  9. All players are expected to conduct themselves in a respectable manner. Destructive or delinquent behavior in the locker room and/or before, during, or after a game, or practice, will not be tolerated. Conduct should be respectable when with the team at any other public facility including restaurants, hotels, etc. Players should be attentive when coaches explain practices drills, game strategies, and other information or instructions.
  10. Use of cellphones and other mobile devices are prohibited in the locker room. These include devices with recording capabilities, including voice recording, still cameras, and video cameras. This is a violation of the USA Hockey SafeSport Policy and may be subject to penalties listed under Player Behavior Specifics below. If they must be used, they should be taken outside the locker room.
  11. Player Behavior Specifics. There will be ZERO tolerance of abusive behavior, either physical or verbal. Harassment, obscene language or gestures, inappropriate physical contact, and other behavior deemed to be abusive toward coaches, referees, officials, opponents, teammates, spectators, or association officials will not be tolerated Depending on facts and circumstances, consequences may include verbal warnings, loss of playing time, suspension, and/or removal from the team and/or association.

Recommended guidelines for offenses are as follows, but may be modified at the coaches’ discretion:

  • First Offense: The player will be verbally warned by the coach with the parent present and, if possible, an assistant coach or manager will document the action. If the behavior occurs in a practice, they will be asked to sit out for 15 minutes.  If the behavior occurs during a game, we will defer to the referee’s call and NJYHL rules.
  • Second Offense: If the behavior occurs in a practice, the player will be removed from the remainder of the session and will be warned in writing as soon as possible. If the behavior occurs during a game, we will defer to the referee’s call and NJYHL rules.  It will be the discretion of the coach to determine if there should be additional punishment.
  • Third Offense: The player will be removed from the team pending a meeting with the Capitals Resolution Committee . Depending on the facts and circumstances, consequences can range from a suspension from all Capitals events (including team events, practices, games, and tournaments) to removal from the team for the remainder of the season and/or expulsion from Capitals.
  • Coaches may refer any incident of player misconduct to the Capitals Board for further review.

I agree to treat my fellow teammates, coaches, Capitals representatives, referees, and other association members with respect in my participation on a Capitals team by following this Code of Conduct.

Jersey City Capitals Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Statement

The Jersey City Capitals believes in and is committed to diversity, inclusion and gender equity among its players, coaches and staff. We seek to establish and maintain an inclusive culture that fosters equitable participation for players, coaches and staff from diverse backgrounds. Diversity and inclusion improve the learning environment for all players, coaches and staff and enhance excellence within the Capitals organization.

Issue Resolution

Click here to view Process for Issue Resolution