Parent / Player Conduct (Athens Youth Hockey Association | Athens Ohio | Bird Arena)

PrintParent / Player Conduct
Whether it is youth hockey or any other activity, parents play the most important role when it comes to influencing their children on good sportsmanship.  Children see their parents and other family members as role models and actively replicate their behaviors.  With that in mind, please review the Parent and Spectators Code of Conduct, and please review the Player Code of Conduct with your youth hockey player. 

By registering your youth player with the AYHA, you and your player agree to commit to these requirements.


Parent & Spectator Code of Conduct
  • 2021-conduct.jpgDo not force your children to participate in sports, but support their desires to play their chosen sport. Children are involved in organized sports for their enjoyment. Make it fun. Encourage your child to play by the rules. Remember, children learn best by example, so applaud the good plays of both teams.
  • Do not embarrass your child by yelling at players, coaches or officials. By showing a positive attitude toward the game and all of its participants, your child will benefit.
  • Emphasize skill development and practices and how they benefit your young athlete. Deemphasize games and competition in the lower age groups.
  • Know and study rules of the game, and support the officials on and off the ice. This approach will help in the development and support of the game. Any criticism of officials only hurts the game.
  • Applaud a good effort in both victory and defeat and enforce the positive points of the game. Never yell or physically abuse your child after a game or practice; it is destructive. Work toward removing the physical and verbal abuse in youth sports.
  • Recognize the importance of coaches. They are important to the development of your child and the sport. Communicate with them and support them.
  • The period immediately following a game can be an emotional time for players, coaches, and parents. If you wish to voice a concern or complaint to a coach or official about a particular player or game, it is preferred that you wait at least 24 hours after that game to address the issue with the coach/official.
  • Parents understand that if they break the Parent Code of Conduct, they will be subject to disciplinary action by the Athens Youth Hockey Association as explained in the AYHA Handbook.

Youth Hockey Player Code of Conduct
  • No swearing or abusive language on the bench, in the rink, or at any team function.
  • No lashing out at any official no matter what the call is. The coaching staff will handle all matters pertaining to officiating.
  • Anyone who receives a penalty will skate directly to the penalty box.
  • Fighting will not be tolerated. Fighting will result in an appearance before the AYHA Discipline Committee.
  • There will be no drinking, smoking, chewing of tobacco or use of illegal substance at any team function.
  • Each player will conduct themselves in a befitting manner at all facilities (ice rink, hotel, restaurant, etc) during all team functions.
  • Any player or team official who cannot abide by these rules or violates them will be subject to further disciplinary action.

Updated 2021-10-16.