MIddle School Hockey in Maine

Southern Maine Middle School Hockey League Guidelines

The League recommends the following guidelines for all member programs:

1. Provide a safe and healthy environment for all participants;
2. Provide an opportunity for all new players who wish to play hockey;
3. Provide a fair and equal opportunity for all to participate in this sport;
4. Adopt a philosophy which attempts to reduce the number who become disenchanted and drop out;
5. Provide an opportunity for those who wish to advance in a more competitive environment;
6. Provide qualified adult leadership;
7. Place a primary emphasis on the formal education of players and a de-emphasis on the excessive competition and a win-at-all-costs attitude;
8. Emphasize sportsmanship at all times. 

Participant Code of Conduct

For all participants in the Southern Maine Middle School Hockey League for the season:

• 1.  No swearing or abusive language on the bench, in the rink, or at any team function.
• 2.  No lashing out at any official no matter what the call is.  The coaching staff will handle all matters pertaining to officiating.
• 3.  Anyone who receives a penalty will skate directly to the penalty box.
• 4.  Fighting will not be tolerated. Fighting will result in an appearance before a Discipline Committee.
• 5.  There will be no drinking, smoking, chewing of tobacco or use of illegal substance at any team function.
• 6.  I will conduct myself in a befitting manner at all facilities (ice rink, hotel, restaurant, etc.) during all team functions.
• 7.  Any player or team official who cannot abide by these rules or violates them will be subject to further disciplinary action.

Parents Code of Conduct

• 1. Do not force your children to participate in sports, but support their desires to play their chosen sport. Children are involved in organized sports for their enjoyment.  Make it fun.
• 2.  Encourage your child to play by the rules.  Remember, children learn best by example, so applaud the good plays of both teams.
• 3.  Do not embarrass your child by yelling at players, coaches or officials.  By showing a positive attitude toward the game and all or its participants, your child will benefit.
• 4.  Emphasize skill development and practices and how they benefit your young athlete.  De-emphasize games and competition in the lower age groups.
• 5. Know and study the rules of the game, and support the officials on and off the ice.  This approach will help in the development and support of the game.  Any criticism of the officials only hurts the game.
• 6.  Applaud a good effort in both victory and defeat, and enforce the positive points of the game.  Never yell or physically abuse your child after a game or practice - it is destructive.  Work toward removing the physical and verbal abuse in youth sports.
• 7.  Recognize the importance of volunteer coaches.  They are important to the development of your child and the sport.  Communicate with them and support them.
• 8.  If you enjoy the game, learn all you can about hockey - and volunteer.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR COOPERATION!