Sharks Mechelen

Code of Conduct Sharks Mechelen

1. Introduction

The Board of Sharks Mechelen aims to contribute to the overall development of its members so they can enjoy the sport they love: Ice hockey. Therefore, we consider norms & values a prime factor in the practice of the sport. Sharks Mechelen actively wants to develop this factor among the players, team managers, coaches, parents, etc. The club needs to be a place where sportsmen & sportswomen all together can enjoy the lovely sport of hockey. This all obviously calls for a clear code of conduct. The board has composed such code of conduct that can help to this development and will act by this code accordingly. Coaches, team managers and parents have an important role in guarding this code by setting an example as such. Violation of the code will result in the necessary sanctions.

2. General

The code of behaviour applies to all members of our club. The general rules include visitors and spectators and for each target group (players, coaches, parents, staff members), a number of specific rules have been conducted. The specific rules for junior players also apply to our senior players.

Goals

The Board of Sharks Mechelen aims to give the possibility to their members to play & love the game of hockey in their own best possible way. Enthusiasm, leisure, and fun are the most important aspects in this aiming. The challenge is to let all teams participate in a competitive league which will help each player to reach the top of his/her game. Selection teams therefore, will play on the highest possible level. Sharks Mechelen strives to be a club to be proud of, powered through development of the hockey sense and love for the club.

For who?

Every member and everyone who wants to join the club (whether as a player, coach, staff or parent) has to become acquainted with the code. For youth members it is highly important that also their parent(s)/guardian(s) are aware of the code of behaviour. Within the club, everyone has to spread and respect this code. It is important that one is able to communicate about it. A good communication has to be the starting- point of our acting.

About what?

It is about how we want to treat each other, about simple rules. It is about what we experience as normal and not normal. We call this norms & values. Firstly, we try to clearly understand what the rules are. Then, everyone tries to agree what these rules exactly mean (what we understand as normal and what is not). What happens when people (players, coaches, team managers, parents) do not follow these rules? We take measures which we call sanctions.

3. General rules

The Board of Sharks Mechelen emphasis the attention on Norms & Values during and after practicing hockey. Below you can find a number of general rules that are applicable both on the ice and off the ice.

What are our starting-points?

Ice hockey is a team sport which you practice both with each other, as with your adversary. It is not possible to play Ice hockey without teamwork and without adversary.

We play the game with each other as well as with the adversary
We always act sportsmanlike, even if others fail to do so
We always respect the referee in charge, even if he should make a mistake
A true winner also knows how to handle a loss
Sport is for everyone! Not only for the ones who stand out in it
I respect your gear, do you do the same with mine?
A deal is a deal!
Always lead by example
Talk to each other when something bothers you

In and around the ice rink

The ice rink is there for everyone. Keep it clean and respect it. Keep in mind about the following points:

We clean up our own trash
Glassware or pottery are prohibited around the ice
If you are not on the ice when there is a game/practice, stay behind the plexiglas
Skates (unless with protectors) and sticks are not allowed in the cafeteria
All cars need to parked on the marked parking lot next to the rink
As a matter of public safety, do not block any entrance to the rink
People failing to follow these rules will be appealed to this

4. Code of behaviour for the player

The players are, as members of Sharks Mechelen, the heart of our club.

Sportsmanship and team spirit as a part of the team. He/she helps and shows support to his/her teammates
Expected to take part in all practices and games. In case of any absence he/she reports this well in advance to his/her coach or team manager
Present at practices at least 15 minutes in advance
Present at a game on the agreed time
Respect for the adversary, coach, team manager and the spectators
Accepts decisions of the referees on the ice, even in a disagreement
Respect for all the club materials to his/her disposal (also on the ice and in the locker rooms)
Needs to shower after every practice and game (depending on the age group & agreements)
Helps cleaning the locker rooms if he/she is asked to
Reports immediately to the team manager or representative if any material or property of the club has been damaged
Leaves no valuables inside the locker room, but gives these to the parents for save deposit
Helps collecting practice materials after practice when he/she is asked to do so
If a player does not show up to a practice or game without having informed the team manager well in advance, the coach can decide whether the player can play the next game

5. Code of behaviour for the team manager

Obviously all previous rules also apply to the team manager

He/she has to lead by example and correct the players on any inappropriate behaviour
He/she respects the players, parents, referees, spectators and the opposite team
He/she is present well in advance on home and away games
He/she welcomes the opposite team, opposite team manager(s) and referees
He/she communicates (after the coaches' assignment) the line-up for the upcoming games with the team
He/she makes sure there is always supervision in the locker room on home and away games
He/she is responsible for the game materials (game shirts, clothing, pucks, etc.)
He/she is responsible for arranging transportation to away games
He/she makes sure the game sheet is up to date and complete

A team manager is also expected to:

Not use any alcohol (or tobacco) in the company of any team
Make sure the goal nets are put away after games
Clean the locker room both at home & away games
Attend the team practices (if possible)
Take part in any team meetings or other meetings organised by the club
In case of any cancellation or change of games, he/she communicates this with the team well in advance
Report any misbehaviour or other problems to a club representative. Misbehaviour among youth players is simultaneously reported to the parents also

6. Code of behaviour for the coach

Obviously all previous rules also apply to the team manager:

Respects all players, parents, and team managers and spectators
Ensures the accommodation is handled with respect
Teaches players the passion for the game
Is responsible for the game materials (goal nets, pucks, cones, etc.) and makes sure the ice is cleaned up before the Zamboni comes on
Determines the line up together with the sportsmanager of Sharks Mechelen Mechelen

A coach is also expected to:

Not use any alcohol (or tobacco) in the company of any team
Make sure the goal nets are put away after games
Clean the locker room both at home & away games
Attend the team practices (is possible)
Take part in any team meetings or other meetings organised by the club
In case of any cancellation or change of games, he/she communicates this with the team well in advance
Report any misbehaviour or other problems to a club representative. Misbehaviour among youth players is simultaneously reported to the parents also

7. Code of behaviour for parents of youth players

Obviously all previous rules also apply to the parent(s):

He/she is a good fan and sets the right example by respecting everyone on and around the ice
Stays behind the boarding during games
He/she does not interfere with team staff business (coaches, team managers, etc.)

Parents are expected to:

Encourage players in a positive way, but to keep aside of any technical or tactical indications
To help with transportation to the practices and games
Make sure their son/daughter are well on time for a practice or game
Make sure their son/daughter cancels a practice or game well in time to the coach or team manager
To transfer the contribution and/or any other dues well in advance
Spread positivity about the club
To report criticism and/or remarks on the team, team staff, or organisation only to the club's technical manager

8. Code of behaviour for the volunteer

Every volunteer (whether he/she is involved in ice hockey or not) has a vital role in spreading the code. He/she is an important example of this code and makes agreement with the clubs as mentioned underneath:

He/she helps to make sure all used rooms during activities are left nice and clean
In case of any misbehaviour or violations of the code he/she immediately contacts the team manager (or the club's representative)
He/she sets the right example and acts sportsmanlike at all times
Does not intentionally insults anyone (verbal and non-verbal)
Respects others people and other people's clothing and equipment

9. Alcohol, tobacco and drugs

Adults play a vital role in setting the right example. Because the right example does not only influences adults, but in many cases a lot of youngsters. That is why the next cases need to be mentioned separately:

Alcohol and tobacco affect our good health in a negative way. Be moderate in the use of it and make sure it stays away from the ice and locker rooms. Be aware that the use of alcohol and tobacco sets a bad example in the presence of kids/youngsters
It is highly forbidden to smoke inside the ice rink and especially the locker rooms
Any possession of or any use of drugs in and around the facilities are prohibited and will result in immediate exclusion from the club
Discrimination, insults, inappropriate use of language, bullying and harassment of any kind towards any other person are not accepted and will result in sanctions

10. Sanctions

Any violations of the code of behaviour will result is sanctions applied by the organisation. Depending the seriousness of the violation(s), appropriate measurements will be taken. Sanctions will be adapted towards circumstances and age. Adequate penalties will be used which will reflect the seriousness of the violation.