This zero Tolerance Spectator Conduct Policy (hereinafter “Policy”) aims to eliminate inappropriate, disruptive and abusive behavior by spectators directed at game officials, players, coaches, spectators and other participants during Deer Lakes Hockey Club’s sanctioned events.
A spectator shall include any parent, sibling, family member of a participant or fan of a Deer Lakes Hockey Club’s team or Association (hereinafter “Spectator”). Should any Spectator be removed from a USAH sanctioned event or later be found to have used inappropriate, disruptive and abusive behavior (described below in Items 1 through 3, hereinafter “Abusive Conduct”) towards officials, players, coaches, spectators or other participants at a USAH sanctioned event, that Spectator shall be subject to disciplinary action as prescribed below.
- Use of obscene, profane, or abusive language or gestures towards officials, players, coaches, spectators or other participants.
- Taunting of officials, players, coaches, spectators or other participants by means of baiting, ridiculing, threat of physical violence or physical violence.
- Throwing any object in the spectators’ viewing area, players’ bench, penalty box or on ice surface, directed in any manner as to create a safety hazard.
Spectators shall be subject to the following disciplinary action whether the removal is by a game official, security personnel, facility personnel, or Association personnel, or if the alleged Abusive Conduct is investigated after the fact by the Association and or USAH and found to be true in accordance with the following evidentiary standard. If, after removal or upon investigation after the fact, such alleged Abusive Conduct is found to have occurred by a preponderance of evidence, the following disciplinary action shall be imposed on the Spectator(s) that were removed and/or found to have committed Abusive Conduct during a USAH sanctioned event.
DISCIPLINARY ACTION:
First Offense – a suspension from all events involving the Association for a minimum of fourteen (14) days to a maximum of thirty (30) days;
Second Offense – a suspension from all events involving the Association for a minimum of thirty (30) days to a maximum of one hundred twenty (120) days;
Third Offense – a suspension from all events involving the Association for the remainder of the season.
All suspension periods shall run from the date of the incident in question.
All reported incidents will be investigated by a disciplinary committee consisting of at least three current board members to determine the exact length of suspension.
Deer Lakes Hockey Club 