BHC Handbook - Policies & Procedures

The BHC Code of Conduct is based on the rules of USA Hockey, CAHA, and the leagues in which BHC teams compete (RMHF, CRHL, CPHL, CGHL, and NGHL). It applies to every member: players, parents and guardians, coaches, team staff, board members, volunteers, employees, contractors, and spectators at BHC events.

Every player and every parent or guardian must sign the Code of Conduct Agreement at the start of each season as a condition of participation.

Positive Obligations

Every member shall:

• Treat players, coaches, officials, opponents, arena staff, and spectators with respect at all times.
• Demonstrate and teach sportsmanship and fair play.
• Comply with USA Hockey Playing Rules, CAHA policy, league rules, and Blue Sport Stable rules.
• Raise concerns through the channels in Chapter 19 rather than in public confrontation.
• Report abuse, misconduct, and safety concerns immediately as required by Chapter 18.
• Represent BHC positively at every team event, on and off the ice, at home and while traveling.

Prohibited Conduct

The following words or actions violate this Code. This list is illustrative, not exhaustive:

• Making unwanted physical contact with any player, coach, on-ice or off-ice official, association or league representative, arena personnel, spectator, or parent.
• Taunting, bullying, harassing, hazing, or threatening any of the above.
• Going onto the ice surface for any reason unless directed by a coach or official.
• Entering, or attempting to enter, the bench area during a game without authorization.
• Entering, or attempting to enter, the locker room of an opposing team, or obstructing their access to or exit from that room or the arena. “Opposing team” means any team other than the one the member is involved with.
• Entering, or attempting to enter, an officials’ locker room, or obstructing officials’ access or exit.
• Using profane or vulgar language, or mannerisms, that are offensive to others.
• Making disparaging comments to, shouting at, or arguing with a parent, manager, coach, player, referee, or off-ice official during a game or as they leave the ice or arena.
• Throwing any object onto the ice surface, into the players’ area, or at another person; pounding or climbing on the glass.
• Defacing or damaging property belonging to any individual, team, association, or facility.
• Violating Blue Sport Stable protocol, including damage, vandalism, or theft of any kind.
• Any conduct that would warrant summoning law enforcement.
• Entering the arena while intoxicated or under the influence of illegal drugs or controlled substances, or any violation of the Zero-Tolerance Alcohol, Drugs and Controlled Substances Policy (Chapter 4).
• Cheating, falsifying rosters or eligibility documents, or other dishonest conduct.
• Retaliating against any person for making a good-faith report.
• Inciting others to engage in any of the above.
• Any other conduct deemed inappropriate by officials, club or league representatives, the BHC Board, or arena personnel.

Any violation may result in disciplinary action as described in the BHC Policies & Procedures Handbook.

This handbook is a general guide to the rules and policies of Boulder Hockey Club. It is intended to cover most organizational issues, but it is not all-inclusive, and situations will arise that it does not address. The Board of Directors has authority to decide any matter not covered by this handbook, and to suspend or amend a BHC policy where circumstances make it in the best interest of the club to do so. Any such action must be recorded in the Board minutes, and the Executive Director will notify affected members.

This authority does not extend to requirements imposed by law, the U.S. Center for SafeSport, USA Hockey, or CAHA, which BHC cannot waive; the order of precedence above controls.

This handbook is written to comply with all current CAHA and USA Hockey policies. In any case of conflict, omission, or ambiguity, the higher authority controls. Amendments to USA Hockey or CAHA policy affecting eligibility, rosters, safety, or conduct are automatically adopted by BHC on publication by the governing body, without further action by the BHC Board. The Executive Director shall circulate a notice to members when such an amendment materially changes a rule in this handbook.

Nothing in this handbook limits, delays, or conditions any person’s right or obligation to report suspected abuse or misconduct to the U.S. Center for SafeSport, law enforcement, or any other authority with jurisdiction.