DISCIPLINE, DISPUTE AND CONFLICT RESOLUTION POLICY Created by: Discipline Review Subcommittee Date: March 2018
TABLE OF CONTENTS 1.0 GENERAL... 2 1.1 MISSION... 2 1.2 DISCIPLINE LEVELS... 2 2.0 THE DISCIPLINE COMMITTEE... 3 2.1 THE STRUCTURE... 3 3.0 DISPUTE RESOLUTION PROTOCOL... 4 4.0 APPEALS... 6 4.1 APPEALS COMMITTEE... 6 4.2 APPEALS PROCeSS... 6 THIS IS A LIVING DOCUMENT AND CAN BE REVISED AT ANYTIME. PLEASE READ THIS POLICY MANUAL, IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO BE INFORMED OF ITS CONTENTS i
1.0 GENERAL 1.1 MISSION Prairie Storm Minor Hockey Association (PSMHA) expects all members and membership participants to exhibit qualities of good sportsmanship, respect and behaviour, consistent with the PSMHA mission, towards other members, players, coaches, Executive members, game officials, spectators and opponents. PSMHA wants to foster a culture of mutual respect and professionalism both in our home rinks and when we are visitors of other communities. PSMHA strives to be THE Association to be apart of and as such, hope the following policies and procedures never have to be utilized. However, the following document outlines the discipline procedure PSMHA Executive will follow to ensure, to the best of our abilities, that consistent consequences are levied when required. The specific behavior expectations are outlined on the Code of Conduct Agreements for Players, Coaches and Parents as well as the Zero Tolerance Policy found in Appendix A. 1.2 DISCIPLINE LEVELS When the expected standards are broken, they may be dealt with in any order, by one, or a combination of the following: Verbal reprimand Written reprimand Compensation of property damage Suspension from participation in, or at specific and defined Association activities, or a complete suspension from participation or attendance at all Association activities Expulsion All discipline (parent or player) will be maintained in a file indefinitely. Any dispute that requires resolution by the PSMHA Board of Directors must first be stated and submitted, in writing, by the complainant, or at the discretion of the Division Director, utilizing the incident reporting form included in Appendix B. Incident reporting forms should be submitted to resolution@psmha.ca. 2
2.0 THE DISCIPLINE COMMITTEE 2.1 THE STRUCTURE The Discipline, Dispute and Conflict Resolution Committee (DDCR Committee) will be chaired by the President and will consist of two additional board members that will be decided on by a vote of the PSMHA Board of Directors in the first new meeting of each year following the Annual General Meeting. Any member of the DDCR Committee MUST declare a conflict of interest if they are directly or indirectly involved in the reported incident. In this case, the President will appoint a replacement for that case only. Should the conflict involve the President, a replacement for the President will be appointed, for that case only, by the PSMHA Board of Directors member who has been assigned to act on the President s behalf. 3
3.0 DISPUTE RESOLUTION PROTOCOL The following protocol (Figure 1) should be followed before incidents are brought to the attention of the PSMHA Executive, with the exception of emergency situations or physical abuse/altercation. Such incidents should be immediately reported to the PSMHA Executive and if the member chooses, the RCMP. The DDCR panel will notify the alleged who committed the infraction not more than 14 days following receipt of an Incident Report Form. The panel will provide notice of a hearing including the date, time, location and who has been asked to attend. (The panel may request other parties attend that may provide further information or details to the event). The panel will hear the proceedings from both the complainant and the alleged and will make a decision on whether or not discipline is required and to what degree. The maximum suspension the discipline committee can apply is a 30 day suspension. Any recommendation for a suspension longer than 30 days, whether complete ban or a specified suspension, needs 2/3 board approval. If 2/3 board approval is not obtained, the maximum suspension will be 30 days. (Members of the Appeals committee, discussed further in this policy, will not be part of a Board vote to apply more than 30 days suspension). Regardless of the length of suspension recommended or levied, the panel will present its findings in a written report to the alleged with a copy to the PSMHA Executive. The report should at a minimum, include the following: Summary of the Facts Persons involved Determination Actions to be taken Appendix C and D have examples of behaviors that may be subject to supplementary discipline. Minor infractions would typically result in a verbal or written warning, potential compensation of inadvertent damage or potentially minimum suspensions (less than 30 days). Major infractions will typically involve longer suspensions or potential expulsion and in worst cases, involvement of authorities. Note that the lists included in Appendix C and D are not meant to be inclusive of all behaviors rather to provide an example of behaviors that could be reviewed. 4
DISPUTE RESOLUTION PROTOCOL FLOWCHART FOLLOW THE 24 HOUR RULE Document any facts associated with the incident and keep a personal record IF THE CONCERN IS TEAM RELATED REPORT THE CONCERN TO YOUR PARENT LIAISON Parent liaison should set up a meeting with all parties involved including parents and coaches. Record minutes REPORT ANY UNRESOLVED ISSUES TO THE DIVISION DIRECTOR The Division Director can meet with all parties involved including parents, coaches and the parent liaison. If a resolution can not be determined have the complainant complete and submit the Incident Report Form to resolution@psmha.ca COMPLETE THE INCIDENT REPORT FORM (APPENDIX B) AND REPORT TO THE PSMHA EXECUTIVE Figure 1 Dispute Resolution Protocol The DCCR Committee will collect all documentation for review prior to a hearing of events. 5
4.0 APPEALS 4.1 APPEALS COMMITTEE The Appeals Committee will consist of at least 3 members who are NOT part of the DDCR Committee, including the Vice President who will chair the committee. All other members will be voted on by the PSMHA Executive at the first new Executive meeting of each year. A member of the Appeals Committee MUST declare a conflict of interest if they are directly or indirectly involved in the reported incident. In this case, the President will appoint a replacement for that case only. 4.2 APPEALS PROCESS Any member facing discipline may appeal the findings of a decision by applying in writing to the Appeals Committee. The written appeal must include the details of the event, date of hearing and findings of the committee. The Appeal should be accompanied by a $500 fee (to be returned if the original decision is overturned). The Appeal committee will meet with the complainant, respondent and any others it feels necessary to gather the necessary details of the incident. The decision of the Appeals committee is FINAL. All decision will be communicated in writing to the respondent within 48 hours of the hearing. A copy will be provided to the respondent and the PSMHA Executive. 6
APPENDIX A CODE OF CONDUCT 7
PRAIRIE STORM MINOR HOCKEY ASSOCIATION COACHES RESPONSIBILITIES AND CODE OF CONDUCT It is the intention of this contract to outline the expectations and promote responsible conduct within the Prairie Storm Minor Hockey Association (PSMHA). The athlete/coach relationship is a privileged one in which coaches play a critical role in the personal and athletic development of their athletes. They must understand and respect this relationship and must be extremely careful not to abuse it. Coaches must also recognize that they are conduits through which the values and goals of PSMHA are relayed. All coaches must review the responsibilities and sign the conduct as stated. 1. Set an example and be a role model for the young people you coach. Consistently display high personal standards. Display control respect and professionalism while coaching. 2. Never ridicule or yell at a young player for making a mistake. Direct comments or criticism at the performance rather than the athlete. 3. Provide an appropriate selection and variety of drills to develop self-confidence in players. Ensure that the activity undertaken is suitable for the age, experience, ability and fitness level of the athletes. 4. Be reasonable in your demands on player s time, energy and enthusiasm. 5. Endeavour to provide all players equal opportunities to participate over the span of the season. Coaching requires making decisions for the betterment of the team. Be reasonable with ice time and demands on players. 6. Obtain appropriate qualifications and keep current on principles of development. Attend Coach s meetings and development opportunities as required by PSMHA. 7. Avoid ALL physical contact with players. 8. Treat all players equally and with respect. 9. Treat all league officials with respect. 10. Maintain an approachable atmosphere for parents and players. 11. Ensure players and on ice staff wear and utilize the appropriate safety equipment and practices and games are conducted in a safe manner. 12. Encourage open communication between yourself and your athletes and parents. Communicate the team expectations at the beginning of the season in a clear and concise manner. I agree to abide by the PSMHA Coaches Responsibilities and Code of Conduct outlined above. I realize that any breach in the above mentioned agreement and Association bylaws and policy may result in disciplinary action. Coach s Name (Print) Signature Date 8
PRAIRIE STORM MINOR HOCKEY ASSOCIATION PARENT/GUARDIAN CODE OF CONDUCT The Parental/Guardian Conduct Agreement is designed to help parents/guardians understand their role with their child s participation in hockey: I will not force my child to participate in hockey. I will remember that my child plays hockey for his or her enjoyment, not mine. I will encourage my child to play by the rules and to resolve conflict without resorting to hostility or violence. I will teach my child that doing one s best is as important as winning so that my child will never feel defeated by the outcome of the game. I will make my child feel like a winner every time by offering praise for competing fairly and hard. I will not ridicule or yell in a derogatory fashion at any player on either team, at game officials, team officials or any parent. I will remember that children learn by example. I will applaud good plays by both my child s team and their opponents. I will never question the game official s judgement or honesty in public or in front of my child. I will remember that officials are developing their skills similar to the players they are officiating. I will support Prairie Storm Minor Hockey Association s efforts to remove verbal and physical abuse from hockey games. I will respect and show appreciation for the efforts of the PSMHA Executive, coach staff and team officials who volunteer their time for hockey for my child. I will act responsibly towards hockey facilities and with those involved in the game players, coaches, officials, spectators and facilities staff. I will abide by my team s communications rules between coaches and parents (i.e. through the parent liaison). I will observe a 24-hour waiting period before contacting coaches, team or league officials after any incident. I will be responsible for my guests at my child s hockey games, encouraging them to respect and abide by these same rules. I understand that Prairie Storm Minor Hockey will apply restrictions of privilege if I do not adhere to the Parental/Guardian Conduct Agreement and Prairie Storm Minor Hockey constitutions, bylaws and policies. These restrictions will include spectator privileges to player suspension based on frequency and severity of incidents. Team coaches/managers are responsible to notify the Division Director immediately of any parental/guardian conduct offenses. Parent or Legal Guardian Signature Date 9
PRAIRIE STORM MINOR HOCKEY ASSOCIATION PLAYER CODE OF CONDUCT It is the intention of this contract to promote respect for all participants within Prairie Storm Minor Hockey Association (PSMHA) and responsible conduct from our players. All players in Pee Wee age groups and above must sign this contract stating that they will observe the principles of the Conduct Agreement before being allowed to participate in the PSMHA. CONDUCT CODE: 1. I will play hockey because I want to, not because coaches or others want me to. 2. I will play by the rules of hockey and in the spirit of the Game. 3. I will respect my opponents and play with good sportsmanship. 4. I will do my best to be a true team player and not put my individual needs above the team. 5. I will remember that winning isn't everything effort, fun, building relationships and enhancing my skills are also important. 6. I will acknowledge all good plays and performances including those of my team and my opponents. 7. I will control my temper during games, practices, team events and within any PSMHA sanctioned event. 8. I will remember that coaches and officials are there to help me. I will accept their decisions and show them respect. I agree to abide by the principles of the PLAYER CODE OF CONDUCT as set by PSMHA and supported by Hockey Canada. I also agree to abide by the rules, regulations and decisions as set for the PSMHA. I realize that any breach in the above mentioned agreement and Association bylaws and policy may result in disciplinary action. Please refer to the PSMHA Discipline and Conflict Resolution Policy for further information. PRINT NAME DATE SIGNATURE: PLAYER TEAM 10
PRAIRIE STORM MINOR HOCKEY ASSOCIATION ZERO TOLERANCE POLICY The Prairie Storm Minor Hockey Association (PSMHA) would like to remind parents and guardians that throughout the hockey season, there will be ZERO TOLERANCE for any type of verbal or physical abuse by parents or spectators towards any Board of Directors member, other parents, coaching staff, on ice officials or members of our Evaluation teams. PSMHA promotes respect, sportsmanship, fun and fair play as well as professionalism and good conduct both in our home rinks and visitor s communities. You are there to watch and support your children and all comments should be positive in nature. Should you be found in violation of the ZERO TOLERANCE policy you may be asked to leave the rink immediately and further disciplinary actions may result. The PSMHA wishes to make the playing season, as positive an environment as possible for both you and your child. We appreciate everyone's support and cooperation in promoting a good environment for our hockey athletes. We look forward to a great season and welcome any feedback you may have on continuing to promote a positive and fun experience for all our players and Association members. Please sign below indicating you acknowledge that you have read the above information and agree to the terms. PSMHA Board of Directors. Parent or Legal Guardian Date 11
APPENDIX B INCIDENT REPORTING FORM 12
INCIDENT REPORTING FORM Prairie Storm Minor Hockey Association Promoting Respect, Sportsmanship, Fun and Fair Play This form is to be utilized where involvement by the PSMHA Discipline, Dispute and Conflict Resolution (DDCR) Committee is required to reach a resolution following an incident. Please submit your completed form to resolution@psmha.ca. Incident Details: Date and Time of Incident Name of Person(s) Involved Associated with (which Team) Name of Witnesses or Persons with additional information Provide a description of the incident you are reporting. Please provide as much detail as possible. Write legibly and use additional paper as required. Reporting Persons Information: Name Address Postal Code Date Reported Signature City Phone Number 13
APPENDIX C MINOR INCIDENTS 14
Minor Incidents 1. Single incident of disrespectful, offensive, abusive, racist, or sexist comments or behaviour directed towards others, including but not limited to, peers, opponents, players, coaches, officials, managers, team personnel, Executive and spectators 2. Unsportsmanlike conduct such as angry outbursts or verbal arguing 3. Failure to wear required equipment including, but not limited to, neck guards and CSA approved helmets 4. First time offense in violation of PSMHA policies 5. First time offense in violation of the Codes of Conduct PSMHA has ZERO tolerance towards physical or verbal abuse of coaches, officials, players or Executive members. Such behavior will not be tolerated and will face immediate discipline. 15
APPENDIX D MAJOR INCIDENTS 16
Major Infractions 1. Repeated incidents of disrespectful, offensive, abusive, racist, or sexist comments or behaviour directed towards others, including but not limited to, peers, opponents, players, coaches, officials, managers, team personnel, Executive and spectators 2. Repeated unsportsmanlike conduct such as angry outbursts or verbal arguing 3. Actions that endanger the safety of others 4. Alcohol and Drug use against the PSMHA drug and alcohol policy 5. Physical altercations 6. Property damage 7. Harassment and/or bullying 17