McKinney Ice Hockey Club (“MIHC” or “the Club”) expects all players to uphold the highest standards of sportsmanship, respect, and integrity on and off the ice. Playing for MIHC is a privilege, not a right, and violations of the Player Code of Conduct may result in discipline, up to and including removal from the Club. 

The MIHC Board of Directors delegates day‑to‑day discipline to coaches, team managers, and the Club’s Disciplinary Committee, consistent with USA Hockey rules, Affiliate regulations, and USA Hockey disciplinary procedures.

MIHC groups Player Code of Conduct violations into three general levels to guide consistent sanctions. 

Level I: Minor Violations

Minor violations typically involve isolated misconduct that is unsportsmanlike but does not threaten safety or substantially damage the Club’s reputation. Examples include:

• Disrespectful language or gestures toward teammates, coaches, or opponents (non‑targeted, non‑discriminatory). 
• Failure to follow team rules regarding attendance, punctuality, dress code, or bench behavior. 
• Inappropriate use of electronics where not permitted (non‑locker room, non‑abusive content). 

Typical sanctions may include a verbal warning, written warning, extra team duties, loss of playing time, or short‑term suspension from a practice or game. 

Level II: Serious Violations

Serious violations involve behavior that undermines safety, respect, or integrity and may warrant formal disciplinary review. Examples include:

• Unsportsmanlike conduct resulting in game misconducts, repeated major penalties, or supplemental discipline under league/USA Hockey rules. 
• Bullying, harassment, intimidation, or hazing of any teammate, opponent, official, or member of the hockey community (verbal, physical, or via electronic/online means). 
• Use of obscene, threatening, or inflammatory language directed at officials, coaches, teammates, or spectators. 
• Unauthorized presence in or damage to restricted areas of the rink or team facilities. 

Sanctions for serious violations may include written probation, multi‑game suspension, removal from leadership roles, or requirement to complete education, counseling, or community service as a condition of continued participation. 

Level III: Critical / Zero‑Tolerance Violations

Critical violations are zero‑tolerance behaviors that present an immediate threat to safety, violate SafeSport or Club non‑discrimination policies, or seriously damage the Club’s reputation, and they trigger mandatory review and potential discipline whenever they occur or are the subject of a SafeSport/USA Hockey/TAHA referral, regardless of whether interim measures are imposed or the case is later administratively dismissed. Examples include:

• Physical assault or attempted assault of a player, coach, official, or spectator outside the normal course of play (for example, fighting off the ice or post‑game altercations in lobby, parking lot, or common areas). 
• Locker room & other private space misconduct, including any use or attempted use of recording devices (photo, video, or audio) in locker rooms or changing areas, or the creation, possession, or distribution of sexually explicit, degrading, or abusive content involving any participant. 
• Bullying, harassment, or hazing that is severe or repeated, including conduct based on protected characteristics (race, sex, religion, national origin, disability, etc.). 
• Possession, use, or distribution of alcohol, illegal drugs, vaping products, or other banned substances at any team event, during team travel, or on facility property in connection with MIHC activities. 
• Retaliation, threats, or adverse treatment directed at any person for making a good‑faith report of misconduct or for cooperating with SafeSport, USA Hockey, TAHA, league, or club investigations or proceedings. 

These examples are illustrative only and do not represent an exhaustive list of conduct that may be treated as a Critical / Zero‑Tolerance violation. The MIHC Disciplinary Committee retains discretion, consistent with USA Hockey, TAHA, and SafeSport standards, to determine that other forms of misconduct, or repeated incidents that, in isolation, might be considered lower‑level violations rise to the level of a Level III Critical / Zero‑Tolerance Violation when necessary to protect participants, uphold club policies, and manage organizational risk. 

Critical violations may result in immediate temporary suspension pending review and can lead to long‑term suspension, removal from the team, or expulsion from the Club, consistent with USA Hockey’s disciplinary procedures. 

MIHC will generally apply progressive discipline, taking into account the nature of the conduct, the player’s age and developmental level, prior history, and any mitigating or aggravating factors. 

While each case is fact‑specific, the following framework guides typical responses:

First minor offense:

• Verbal or written warning from the coach;
• Possible loss of playing time and/or written plan to correct behavior. 

Repeated minor or first serious offense:

• Formal written warning and probation for a defined period;
• Suspension from practices and/or one or more games;
• Parent/guardian meeting with coach and/or Club representative. 

Repeated serious or first critical offense:

• Immediate suspension from all team activities;
• Mandatory disciplinary review by the Disciplinary Committee or Board;
• Possible multi‑game or season‑long suspension, removal from team, or denial of future registration. 

Extreme or repeated critical offenses:

• Expulsion from the Club, with notice to USA Hockey or the local Affiliate as required;
• Possible reporting to facility management, school authorities, or law enforcement when applicable. 

MIHC reserves the right to bypass progressive steps and impose more serious discipline at any stage when warranted by the severity of the conduct. 

For sanctions that materially affect a player’s continued participation (such as multi‑game suspension, season suspension, removal from team, or expulsion), the player and parent/guardian will be provided written notice of the alleged violation, an opportunity to be heard, and a written decision. Hearings may be conducted by the Disciplinary Committee, the Board of Directors, or another designated body pursuant to applicable bylaws and USA Hockey Bylaw 10. 

The written decision will summarize the key facts found, identify the code provisions violated, and set out the discipline imposed and its effective dates, along with any conditions for return to play. Where permitted by Club and USA Hockey procedures, a player may appeal an adverse decision to the designated appeal authority within the stated time period; during an appeal, a suspension typically remains in effect unless modified by the appeal authority. 

Review the Disciplinary Committee Policy & Procures for details.