Parent and Spectator
Code of Conduct
Parent & Spectator Code of Conduct
As a parent, guardian, or family member of a McKinney Ice Hockey Club player, you play an integral role in creating a positive and respectful environment for all athletes. We expect all parents, guardians, and spectators to lead by example in promoting sportsmanship, safety, and respect both on and off the ice. This Parent Code of Conduct outlines expectations and policies regarding behavior at all McKinney Ice Hockey Club events.
Adopted from the USA Hockey Parent Code of Conduct
1. Support Your Player’s Choice
- Encourage your child to participate in hockey based on their own interests and enjoyment.
- Let sports be a source of personal growth and fun not pressure or obligation.
Positive encouragement from the stands builds confidence and reinforces the team spirit that is core to hockey culture. Applaud effort, teamwork, and respectful play—regardless of the score or outcome. Emotional outbursts, excessive criticism, or negative comments directed at players, officials, or opponents do not belong at youth sporting events and detract from the experience for everyone involved.
By demonstrating composure and positivity, you help create a game-day environment that is uplifting, inclusive, and aligned with the values of McKinney Ice Hockey Club.
2. Promote Fair Play and Sportsmanship
- Teach and reinforce playing by the rules.
- Model good behavior by applauding strong effort and good sportsmanship from both teams.
Help your child understand that rules exist to ensure safety, fairness, and enjoyment for everyone involved. Take the opportunity to talk through both the technical and sportsmanship-related aspects of the game, emphasizing that respecting the rules is a key part of being a successful athlete and teammate. Consistent messages at home and in the rink help reinforce a culture of integrity and accountability.
3. Maintain a Respectful, Positive Attitude
- Do not yell at, confront, or publicly criticize players, coaches, officials, or other spectators.
- Your actions reflect on your child and impact the overall atmosphere of the game.
Verbal abuse, confrontational behavior, or attempts to engage in disputes during or after games are strictly prohibited, regardless of the situation or perceived justification. Such actions will not be tolerated and are subject to disciplinary consequences, including removal from the venue and further sanctions as outlined in our Zero Tolerance Policy.
We ask all parents and spectators to remember: you are part of a team environment. Respectful, composed behavior supports the development of not only your player, but the entire McKinney hockey community.
Don't be this parent!
4. Focus on Learning and Development
- Place greater value on effort, practice, and skill development, especially in the younger age groups, rather than just wins and losses.
- Support your child through both successes and setbacks.
5. Respect Officials and the Rules
- Take time to learn and understand the rules of the game.
- Respect on-ice officials and game rulings. Criticizing referees or their calls only diminishes the experience for players and spectators alike.
6. Value Effort Over Outcome
- Celebrate effort, improvement, and character—not just scores.
- Discourage negative reactions to losses and model resilience and composure.
7. Respect Coaches
- Recognize the time, energy, and dedication coaches invest in your child’s experience.
- Maintain respectful, constructive communication with all coaching staff.
8. Zero Tolerance Policy
The McKinney Ice Hockey Club has established a Zero Tolerance Policy to maintain a safe and respectful environment for all participants. The following behaviors will not be tolerated under any circumstances:
- Verbal abuse or harassment of officials, coaches, players, or other spectators
- Threatening conduct or physical violence
- Disruptive, aggressive, or hostile behavior at games, practices, or events
- Intoxication or disorderly conduct at team functions
Violations of this policy may result in:
• Verbal or written warning
• Immediate removal from a game or facility
• Suspension of spectator privileges
• Permanent ban from attending McKinney Ice Hockey Club games or practices
• Involvement of local authorities for severe or repeated offenses
These consequences apply to all family members, guardians, or associates of registered players. Enforcement will be handled by McKinney Ice Hockey Club leadership in coordination with league and facility administrators as appropriate.
9. McKinney Ice Hockey Club Parent Electronic Communication Policy
The McKinney Ice Hockey Club follows USA Hockey’s standards for conduct both on and off the ice, including digital communications. As parents, guardians, and family members, we expect all electronic communication to be respectful, constructive, and used exclusively for purposes that support the positive experience of our players, coaches, and teams.
Purpose of Communications Platforms
The club utilizes digital tools, including but not limited to Crossbar, email, text messaging, and team-based group chats, to:
- Share practice, game, and event schedules.
- Provide team announcements, reminders, and updates.
- Coordinate logistics such as travel, volunteering, or team activities.
- Enhance organizational transparency and communication efficiency.
These platforms exist to facilitate team success and player development, not for individual grievances, disputes, or contentious commentary.
Inappropriate Use
The following behaviors are considered inappropriate and violate this policy:
- Using Crossbar, chat groups, or electronic communication to complain, criticize, or disparage players, coaches, officials, volunteers, the organization or other families.
- Posting inflammatory or divisive comments designed to stir dissent within the team or organization.
- Using communication channels as platforms for personal grievances rather than addressing concerns through appropriate club leadership in a respectful, private manner.
- Sharing confidential, sensitive, or personal information without approval.
Alignment with USA Hockey Parent Code of Conduct
As a reminder, all members are bound by the USA Hockey Parent Code of Conduct, which applies equally to digital and in-person environments. Failure to uphold the standards of respect, positivity, and good sportsmanship online reflects a violation of this code.
Consequences of Violations
Failure to follow this or other McKinney Ice Hockey Club policies may result in disciplinary action, including but not limited to:
- Temporary or permanent removal from team communication platforms.
- Suspension or removal of game attendance privileges.
- Removal from the McKinney Ice Hockey Club without refund of dues.
The club reserves the right to take immediate action when harmful digital conduct jeopardizes team cohesion or violates USA Hockey standards.