Disciplinary Policy & Process

The Haverford Ice Hockey Club is committed to improving the development, safety, and welfare of its players and all members involved in hockey and our organization. Therefore, it supports the USA Hockey SafeSport Program and requires all players, coaches, and members to fully participate.

The safety of our participants is of paramount importance to HIHC and USA Hockey.  For that reason, USA Hockey SafeSport is our organization's program related to off-ice safety.

USA Hockey has long had systems in place to protect its participants from physical abuse, sexual abuse, and other types of abuse and misconduct that can be harmful to youth hockey players and other participants.  These include without limitation Physical Abuse, Sexual Abuse, Screening, Locker Room Supervision, and Hazing Policies, in addition to Codes of Conduct applicable to administrators, coaches, officials, parents, players, and spectators.  All of these behaviors are covered in our Code of Conduct.

Additional information on the USA Hockey Safe Sport program can be found here: https://www.usahockey.com/safesportprogram

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Application of the Policy

The Board of Directors has adopted this Disciplinary Policy to ensure that the members of the Club follow all rules.

It is the policy of the Haverford Ice Hockey Club (HIHC and/or Club) that all of its Players, Parents & Families, Board Members, Coaches, and any other individual participating in the activities of HIHC (referred to collectively as Member(s)) exhibit the qualities of good sportsmanship and civil behavior and abide by the Code of Conduct (Code) of HIHC.

It is the intent of HIHC to provide a fair and impartial review procedure to determine whether Members have been involved in misconduct while participating in activities sponsored by HIHC, USA Hockey, the ICHL, the Central League AAHA, or any other participating event. An individual is participating in a sponsored activity if he or she is a spectator, a volunteer minor game official (time-keeper, scorekeeper/point streak, penalty box official, or another off-ice official), a player or coach of a HIHC team or in attendance at any event sponsored by HIHC.

When it is found that a Member has violated the HIHC Code of Conduct, SafeSport Code of Conduct, the "Zero Tolerance" Alcohol, Drugs, and Controlled Substances Policy, the 24 Hour Rule and/or the Rules and Regulations of HIHC, the Club will discipline the individual in accordance with the procedures and penalties set forth in the disciplinary policy and guidelines.

If you do not understand or have questions about any of these rules, it is your responsibility to get clarification or answers at the next available HIHC Board of Directors meeting or contact the Disciplinary Committee Chairperson.

HIHC Disciplinary Policies & Procedures are in compliance with the Disciplinary Actions, Hearings, and Appeals and USA Hockey Annual Guide, Section 10 Dispute Resolution, Discipline, Arbitration and shall be used to review allegations.

Notice of an incident or issue must be reported within 10 days of the incident/violation of the HIHC Code of Conduct, SafeSport Code of Conduct, "Zero Tolerance" Alcohol, Drugs, and Controlled Substances Policy, 24 Hour Rule and/or the Rules and Regulations of HIHC by completing the online form or reaching out to our Club President (via email). The reporting time frame of 10 days does not apply to incidents/violations of child abuse or sexual abuse/misconduct.  Child abuse and sexual abuse/misconduct should be reported immediately to the local police department and Peter Rothman, AAHA SafeSport Coordinator (610) 721-4378 or via email at pete@rothmancpa.com.  

Our Disciplinary Process

The procedures of the Disciplinary Committee are:

  • The players and families concerned will be advised of the matter of allegations in writing prior to the meeting.
  • If a player is asked to appear they may bring along one other member to speak on their behalf or to put any facts before the Disciplinary Chairman. Families are also encouraged to attend the session.
  • Minutes of meetings held will be recorded and these will be available for inspection by the members, on written request, where these relate to discussions concerning the member.
  • The decision of the Disciplinary Committee will be final, subject to the right of appeal laid out in the USA Hockey Disciplinary Code.
  • The Disciplinary Committee can impose any penalty that it considers appropriate including a recommendation that the member is expelled from the Club, without a refund. Other penalties may include:
    • Verbal warning (formal or informal)
    • Written warning
    • Suspension from playing for one or more practices or games
    • Suspension of membership of the Club for a period to be defined
    • Recommendation to the Management Committee of expulsion from the club
    • No further action
  • All penalties may have conditions attached at the discretion of the Disciplinary Committee.
  • The Club will keep general behavior under review as necessary. 
  • All players when representing the Club on and off the ice shall act and dress accordingly. 
  • Hockey is a social sport to be enjoyed by all so please use your common sense.