LW CODE OF CONDUCT
LINCOLN-WAY DISTRICT HOCKEY CLUB
Code of Conduct 2024-2025
All members must accept the responsibilities that go along with the participation in the Lincoln-Way District Hockey Club. The purpose of the Code of Conduct is to establish rules for that participation. As a Lincoln-Way District high school club, the LWDHC participants are allowed, not entitled, to wear the jersey and play under the “Lincoln-Way” name. This is a privilege that can be revoked by the district at any time. All members represent both the LWDHC and their respective Lincoln-Way high schools. Team members are expected to follow all rules. Discipline for violations of any rules will be handled in a consistent and equitable manner to all members in accordance with club policies.
Section 1 – Players
: Each player is required to:
a. Submit a signed contract of coach’s expectations.
b. Submit a completed medical information/permission form.
c. Uphold the Mission Statement.
d. Arrive at practices and games at the time as specified by the coach.
e. Comply with the current dress code as stated in the Policy Manual or mandated by the coach.
f. Refrain from using derogatory, abusive, profane or negative language directed at coaches, teammates, parents, students, fans, officials, opponents, or fans of other teams.
g. Refrain from using derogatory, abusive, profane or negative language on social media platforms including but not limited to Facebook, Snapchat, Instagram, and Twitter; this includes comments directed at the Club, coaches, teammates, parents, students, fans, officials, or opponents. See social media policy in section 5
h. Refrain from throwing equipment in anger.
i. Refrain from intentionally attempting to injure someone.
j. Refrain from hazing of any type.
k. Refrain from alcohol use or possession.
l. Refrain from tobacco use or possession of any kind including vape products.
m. Refrain from drug use or possession.
n. Refrain from any illegal activity.
o. Respect the property of others including the facilities in which the team plays and practices. Refrain from any type of vandalism, theft, or damage. In addition, Club members will comply with any and all posted rules and expectations at those facilities.
p. Adhere to all respective school codes, rules and policies.
All players are expected to act in a respectful and sportsmanlike manner at all times, on and off the ice.
Violation of any of the items listed above will result in a player being punished in accordance with Section 6 – Discipline Policies.
Full equipment is required whenever on the ice or bench for all practices and games. This includes, but is not limited to neck guards, athletic cups and mouth pieces (clear mouth pieces are not permitted). Equipment certification must comply with AHAI guidelines. The Coach will not permit any player on the ice if he or she is not fully equipped.
Section 2 – Parent/Guardian
: Parents and fans have an effect on the performance and morale of the team members and other parents, and thus, every parent/guardian is required to:
a. Comply with USA Hockey, AHAI and participating league Zero Tolerance policies.
b. Refrain from coaching the players from the stands or making negative remarks to or about any player.
c. Refrain from entering the locker room at any time. Only AHAI screened individuals are allowed in the locker room.
d. Refrain from engaging in any illegal and/or illicit conduct at any LWDHC event or activity.
e. Refrain from using derogatory, abusive or profane language directed at coaches, teammates, parents, students, fans, officials, opponents, or fans of other teams.
f. Refrain from using derogatory, abusive or profane language on social media, including but not limited to Facebook, Snapchat, Instagram, or Twitter. This includes comments directed at the club, coaches, teammates, parents, students, fans, officials or opponents.
Any and all costs for fines incurred by parents/guardians due to violation of the code of conduct issued by USA Hockey, AHAI, or any league will be paid by the parent/guardian and not LWDHC.
Section 3 – Board Members: Board members are required to conduct themselves in a businesslike, sportsmanlike, impartial and constructive manner at all times. The actions of a board member must be above reproach. Actions such as verbal abuse of officials, players, coaches and/or spectators are strictly prohibited. Board members are ambassadors of the Club and must always conduct themselves with this responsibility in mind.
Section 4 – Controlled Substances and Criminal Acts
Possession, use, distribution or sale of drugs, drug look-alikes, controlled substances, cannabis, drug paraphernalia, alcohol, tobacco and tobacco products by a LWDHC player will not be permitted. No player shall knowingly remain in immediate presence of any person who is illegally using or in possession of drugs or using or in possession of alcohol, except when the player could not leave the person’s presence without endangering himself or others. “Immediate presence” includes presence within the same vehicle or the same room.
Criminal Acts and/or Conduct: Misconduct involving theft, assault, battery, vandalism, harassment, misuse of weapons, or any other serious criminal activity or any conduct, which would bring disrepute to LWDHC, is not permitted. This rule applies seven (7) days a week, twelve (12) months a year, without exception. Violation of this Code of Conduct rule will result in an investigation to determine what penalty options will be enforced.
Voluntary Admission. A player voluntarily reporting an infraction of the substance abuse rules, prior to public record, will not result in a suspension from the hockey club, but will count as a first offense. “Public record” is defined as any person or persons outside of the player’s immediate family becoming aware of the abuse and includes, but is not limited to, law enforcement officials. Voluntary admission may be used only one (1) time.
Reporting. Any reputable adult reporting a violation of this Code will give cause to the Rules and Ethics Committee (R&EC), President, Board of Directors, or Hockey Director/Head Coach to investigate and evaluate the situation and report the findings to the entire Board.
Section 5 – Social Media Policy
Playing and competing for the Lincoln-Way District Hockey club is a privilege. It is imperative to act appropriately as members of the club to uphold our reputation. You are responsible for representing your team, your club and yourselves in a positive manner at all times. At times this can mean doing things that are inconvenient to you but benefit the whole team.
Social media sites including but not limited to Facebook, Snapchat, Instagram, and Twitter have increased in popularity and are used by a majority of student athletes and their parents.
Be aware that third parties including media, school faculty, league officials and future employers can easily access your profiles and view all of your personal information. This includes pictures, videos, comments and posts. Remember that nothing can really be permanently deleted. Others can also forward, reply or otherwise share or misrepresent material you put into cyberspace. Inappropriate material found by third parties can affect the perception of the individual, team, or club. In addition to being detrimental to a student’s future options whether College acceptance, Career/employment selection, sports team acceptance, other professional aspirations or other industries.
Examples of inappropriate and offensive behaviors concerning participation in online communities may include depictions or presentation of the following:
- Photos, videos, comments or posts showing personal use of alcohol, drugs and tobacco.
- Photos, videos and comments that are of a sexual nature. This includes links to websites of a pornographic nature and other inappropriate material.
- Photos, videos, comments or post that condone drug related activity that includes but is not limited to images that portray the personal use of marijuana and drug paraphernalia.
- Content online that is unsportsmanlike, derogatory, demeaning or threatening toward any other individual, teammate, coach, parent or opponent.
- Posts that depict or encourage unacceptable, violent or illegal activities.
- Information that is sensitive or personal in nature or is proprietary and which is not public information.
If a club member’s profile and its contents are found to be inappropriate in accordance with the above behaviors, he/she will be subject to discipline in accordance with the club policies by the Coaches, Director or Rules and Ethics Committee.
If you are ever in doubt of the appropriateness of your online public material, consider whether it upholds and positively reflects your own values and ethics as well as the clubs. Remember, always present a positive image and do not do anything to embarrass yourself, teammates, the club, your family or the school.
By signing below, you affirm that you understand this policy and the requirements that you must adhere to as a Lincoln-way District Hockey Club Member. Also, you affirm that failure to adhere to this policy and guidelines may result in consequences that include suspension.
Section 6 - Discipline Policies
Part 1 - These policies identify those disciplinary actions and penalties attached to Club member behavior deemed inappropriate or detrimental to the mission of LWDHC and high school hockey. The Rules and Ethics Committee (R&EC), as defined by the LWDHC By-Laws, shall be responsible for enforcing the rules of the LWDHC, Lincoln-Way Community School District 210, USA Hockey and AHAI.
A. Citation: Any member of the LWDHC may be cited for a violation of this policy by any other adult member of the Club or by any member of the coaching staff (paid or volunteer). Such citation, addressed to the LWDHC President, must be in writing and made within 36 hours, or as soon as reasonably possible as determined by the Board of Directors, of the alleged violation, and shall specify the date, place, and form of the violation. Disciplinary action against an LWDHC adult member and/or player by any league or official operating under affiliation with USA Hockey or the Amateur Hockey Association of Illinois (AHAI) shall automatically invoke the application of this policy.
B. Investigation: Upon notification of a violation, the R&EC chairperson shall contact all members of the R&EC and any other person(s) deemed relevant to the investigation. This conference may be conducted via email, telephone, in person or by any other means agreeable to those being called to assemble. The Committee and those assembled will determine the relevant facts and whether or not a violation of this policy has occurred and what action, if any, should be taken. C. Determination: If the Committee determines that a violation has occurred, it shall forward a determination of sanction, in writing, specifically stating the reason for the determination to the Board of Directors for majority approval.
D. Notification: Upon approval of sanction by the Board of Directors against any member of the LWDHC, that member shall be notified immediately and in writing. The member(s) may, at that time, request a hearing, in writing, to the Board of Directors, which will stay all disciplinary action.
E. Hearing: If requested by the member or members, the R&EC shall conduct a hearing as soon as reasonably possible. All parties to the allegation shall be notified of the hearing and shall have the right to be heard before the Committee. A parent or legal guardian must accompany any player being heard before the Committee. At this hearing, the member or members may offer evidence to refute any committee findings.
Part 2 – Infractions/Sanctions: In the event of a violation or violations of the discipline policy by any player member during a game and/or practice, but not limited to such events, the following guidelines shall be taken into consideration and include, but are also not limited to, the following:
1. Bench Reprimand: Any player conduct deemed inappropriate by the coach(s) during any game or LWDHC event or activity, may result in immediate disciplinary action at which time the player may be required, but not limited to, leave the ice, sit the bench or be removed from the event. The coach may also suspend the player for a maximum of three (3) game periods for each incident.
2. Board Appearance: Suspension of any player, by a referee, of a minimum of on game may necessitate that player’s appearance before an executive session of the Board of Directors. The player will be accompanied by at least one parent/guardian. Failure to comply with this appearance will result in immediate suspension of participation, with no further notification being required, in any Club activity or event, including, but not limited to, games and practices, until such compliance is met. Such appearance must be requested by the Hockey Director, Head Coach or the R&EC.
3. Written Reprimand: The following conduct may result in a written reprimand from the R&EC/Board of Directors:
a. Violation of USA Hockey or AHAI zero tolerance rule.
b. Violation of LWDHC Code of Conducts and discipline policies.
c. Failure to obey any appropriate directive by the coach(s).
d. Excessive or egregious penalties.
e. Violation of respective school rules or policies.
4. Probation: The following conduct may result in probation for a period of time to be determined by the R&EC/Board of Directors:
a. Receipt of a written reprimand in accordance with any part of this policy twice during a 60 day period.
b. Violation of any provision of USA Hockey, AHAI Zero Tolerance or LWDHC Code of Conduct and Disciplinary Policies.
c. Failure to obey any appropriate directive by the coach(s).
d. Excessive or egregious penalties.
e. Violation of respective school rules or policies
5. Suspension of Ice Privileges: The following may result in suspension of player ice privileges for a period of time to be determined by the R&EC/Board of Directors:
a. Failure to respond to a notice of hearing in accordance with any part of this policy.
b. Repeated and/or blatant violation of any provision of USA Hockey, AHAI or LWDHC Code of Conduct and Disciplinary Policies.
c. Failure to obey any appropriate directive by the coach(s).
d. Excessive or egregious penalties.
e. Any behavior that results in negligence for another person’s safety, whether accidental or intentional.
f. Nonpayment of any fees due the Club at any time for any reason.
g. Inappropriate behavior by a player’s parent/guardian when attending an LWDHC activity or event.
h. Violation of respective school rules or policies.
6. Expulsion: The following conduct may result in member and/or player member expulsion from LWDHC:
a. Any behavior that results in negligence for another person’s safety, whether accidental or intentional.
b. Any behavior done to intentionally cause harm to another player or Club member.
c. Any behavior deemed detrimental to the Club as determined by the Board of Directors.
d. Nonpayment of any fees due the Club at any time for any reason.
e. Inappropriate behavior by a player’s parent/guardian when attending an LWDHC activity or event.
f. Any violation of SafeSport found after investigation by R&EC/Board of Directors.
g. Conviction of a felony by any court of competent jurisdiction.
h. Violation of respective school rules or policies.
Forfeiture of Fees: No adjustment or refund of fees will be made due to the implementation of any of these policies.
Part 3: Consequences for Violation of Controlled Substance Abuse Rule: For first and subsequent offenses, a notice, written or otherwise, may be sent to the parent(s) and/ or guardian(s) of the player notifying then of the violation. Within one (1) week of notice of issuance, a meeting must be scheduled between the player, parent(s) and/or guardian(s), the R&EC, Hockey Director and any other adult deemed appropriate to review the incident and discuss the penalty that will be imposed. As part of the penalty, the player may be disqualified from team leadership position, if any, (i.e. team captain). Disqualification shall last for the remainder of the player’s season. If the Code of Conduct violation is found to be potentially dangerous to the health and/or well being of others, the player may be denied the privilege of participating with LWDHC for the remainder of his or her high school career.
First Offense: Drugs, Alcohol, Tobacco (including vaping).
The player:
1. May be required to attend an approved education substance abuse program. A parent and/or guardian must attend the program with the player. Written verification will be required. Associated costs are the responsibility of the player for program participation.
2. Will be suspended from any/all LWDHC participation for a maximum of five (5) games.
3. A meeting with the Rules and Ethics Committee may be required prior to resuming participation.
4. The R&EC and/or Board of Directors may impose any other discipline they deem appropriate.
Second Offense: All Substances
The player may be suspended for one-half (1/2) of a season:
1. The player and at least one (1) parent and/or guardian may be required to attend an approved education substance abuse program. Associated costs are the responsibility of the player for program participation. The player may have to submit to a substance abuse evaluation. Written verification of program attendance sufficient enough to satisfy the Committee’s requirements must be provided.
2. Meeting with the R&EC and/or Board of Directors and the Hockey Director before player participation can resume may be required.
3. The R&EC and the Board of Directors may impose any other discipline/penalty they deem appropriate.
Third Offense: All Substances
The player will be prohibited from participating for the remainder of his or her high school career.
The player and parent(s) or guardian(s) may petition the Board of Directors for reinstatement to the Club.
The LWDHC Board of Directors has the right to amend or add additional rules as needed.
No adjustment or refund of fees will be made due to the application of these policies.