Discipline, Conduct & Accountability Policy

Nantucket Youth Hockey ("NYH") is committed to providing a safe, respectful, inclusive, and positive environment for every participant. Every player, coach, volunteer, parent, guardian, and spectator represents Nantucket Youth Hockey whenever participating in or traveling to organization-related activities. Participation in NYH is a privilege, not a right. All members are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that reflects positively on the organization, our community, USA Hockey, and the sport of hockey.

Scope

This policy applies to all NYH participants, including:

• Players
• Coaches
• Team managers
• Volunteers
• Board members
• Parents and guardians
• Spectators

This policy applies during:

• Games
• Practices
• Tournaments
• Team meetings
• Team travel
• Fundraising events
• Organization-sponsored activities
• Team communications (including social media and electronic communications)

Behavior occurring outside official NYH events may also fall under this policy when it directly impacts the safety, welfare, reputation, or operation of Nantucket Youth Hockey. Examples include misconduct:

• At opposing rinks
• Inside locker rooms
• On Steamship Authority or Hy-Line ferries and other transportation used for team travel
• At hotels during tournaments
• At restaurants or public venues during team travel
• Through social media, text messages, or other electronic communications
• Toward officials, opposing organizations, or members of the public

Expected Standards

Every participant is expected to:

• Demonstrate respect toward teammates, opponents, officials, coaches, volunteers, and spectators.
• Follow USA Hockey, Mass Hockey, SafeSport, and NYH policies.
• Respect all facilities, transportation providers, hotels, and public property.
• Accept responsibility for their actions.
• Promote sportsmanship at all times.
• Help maintain a safe environment for all participants.

Prohibited Conduct

The following behaviors may result in disciplinary action:

• Unsportsmanlike conduct
• Abuse of officials
• Bullying Harassment
• Hazing Intimidation
• Fighting Threats or acts of violence
• Discrimination
• Retaliation against individuals reporting misconduct
• Property damage
• Theft
• Vandalism
• Inappropriate electronic communications
• Conduct that embarrasses or brings discredit upon Nantucket Youth Hockey
• Failure to follow coach, team manager, or organizational directives
• Conduct that negatively impacts another participant's safety or experience

Reporting Concerns

Anyone may report misconduct.

Reports may be submitted by:

• Players
• Parents or guardians
• Coaches
• Officials
• Volunteers
• Team managers
• Board members
• Members of the public

Reports should be submitted as soon as practical following an incident.

If the matter falls under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Center for SafeSport or involves criminal conduct, NYH will immediately follow all mandatory reporting requirements.

Board Review Process

Upon receiving a report, the Board or its designated Disciplinary Committee will:

Step 1 – Initial Review

Within 72 hours:

• Confirm receipt of the complaint.
• Determine whether immediate action is necessary to protect participants.
• Determine whether the matter falls under NYH, Mass Hockey, USA Hockey, SafeSport, or law enforcement jurisdiction.

If the matter falls under SafeSport, NYH will immediately refer the matter and will not interfere with that investigation.

Step 2 – Investigation

The Committee may:

• Obtain written statements.
• Interview involved individuals.
• Review game reports.
• Review video or photographic evidence.
• Speak with coaches, officials, or witnesses.
• Gather any additional relevant information.

Parents or guardians will be involved whenever a minor participant is interviewed.

Step 3 – Committee Deliberation

The Committee will evaluate:

• The severity of the conduct.
• Intent.
• Prior disciplinary history.
• Impact on participants.
• Safety concerns.
• Cooperation during the investigation.
• Applicable USA Hockey and NYH policies.

Step 4 – Decision

Whenever practical, a written decision will be issued within seven (7) days following completion of the investigation. Possible outcomes include:

• No action
• Educational conversation
• Written warning
• Restitution for damages
• Required apology
• Community service
• Probation
• Suspension from practices
• Suspension from games
• Suspension from team travel
• Parent or spectator restrictions
• Removal from coaching duties
• Removal from volunteer roles
• Removal from a team
• Suspension from NYH
• Permanent expulsion from NYH

Nothing prevents NYH from imposing immediate temporary suspensions when participant safety requires it.

Appeals

Appeals must be submitted in writing within five (5) business days.

Appeals will only be considered when based upon:

• Significant procedural error
• Newly discovered evidence
• A sanction that is clearly disproportionate
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The decision of the Appeals Panel or Board of Directors shall be final.

Zero Tolerance

NYH fully supports USA Hockey's Zero Tolerance Policy.

Abuse of officials, physical intimidation, or threatening conduct toward officials, volunteers, coaches, or participants will not be tolerated and may result in immediate removal and suspension pending review.

Confidentiality

NYH will make reasonable efforts to maintain confidentiality throughout the disciplinary process while balancing participant safety, legal obligations, and due process.

Commitment to Our Community

Nantucket Youth Hockey believes hockey teaches character, accountability, humility, teamwork, and respect.

Our disciplinary process is designed not only to address misconduct, but also to educate participants, restore trust when appropriate, and preserve a positive culture that reflects the values of our players, families, volunteers, and the Nantucket community.

To report an incident, please download the form, and submit by email to noreasteryouthhockey@gmail.com.