The Valley East Minor Hockey Association is a proud supporter of Fair Play in hockey.
Fair Play is a program introduced into minor hockey by the CHA to enhance and promote SAFETY and RESPECT and a positive environment in minor hockey for all participants involved. Fair Play has five basic principles:
- Respect the rules.
- Respect the opponents.
- Respect the officials and their decisions.
- Have everyone participate.
- Maintain self-control at all times
Fair Play DOES NOT CHANGE ANY RULES OF THE GAME. Fair Play ENCOURAGES ALL PLAYERS ON ALL TEAMS TO BE AS COMPETITIVE AS POSSIBLE, but within the rules. Fair Play was introduced to promote SAFETY and RESPECT, and to address the following concerns in minor hockey:
the lack of respect for opponents
verbal abuse of officials
inappropriate spectator behaviour in the stands
violence on the ice
the win-at-all-cost attitude
the increased pressure on young players to win
and the lack of FUN for many.
FAIR PLAY CODE FOR PLAYERS
I will play hockey because I want to, not just because others or coaches want me to.
I will play by the rules of hockey, and in the spirit of the game.
I will control my temper - fighting and "mouthing off" can spoil the activity for everybody.
I will respect my opponents.
I will do my best to be a true team player.
I will remember that winning isn't everything - that having fun, improving skills, making friends and doing my best are also important.
I will acknowledge all good plays/performances - those of my team and of my opponents.
I will remember that coaches and officials are there to help me.
I will accept their decisions and show them respect.
FAIR PLAY CODE FOR COACHES
I will be reasonable when scheduling games and practices, remembering that players have other interests and obligations.
I will teach my players to play fairly and to respect the rules, officials and opponents.
I will ensure that all players get equal instruction, support and playing time.
I will not ridicule or yell at my players for making mistakes or for performing poorly.
I will remember that players play to have fun and must be encouraged to have confidence in themselves.
I will make sure that equipment and facilities are safe and match the players' ages and abilities.
I will remember that participants need a coach they can respect.
I will be generous with praise and set a good example.
I will obtain proper training and continue to upgrade my coaching skills.
I will work in cooperation with officials for the benefit of the game.
FAIR PLAY TOURNAMENT PRIZES
The VEMHA supports those players, coaches and parents who endorse the concepts of Fair Play through the tournament prize eligibility:
Any player registered and in attendance in the VEMHA tournament will receive a ballot eligible to win prizes at the tournament.
TOURNAMENT FAIR PLAY RULES
Any player ejected from the tournament as a result of a Game Misconduct (GM), Match Penalty (MP) or Gross Misconduct (GRM) will forfeit their ballot and become ineligible to win a prize. The exception is a GM50 (Checking from behind, Minor + Game) as a GM50 may be called as the result of an act that is arguably unintentional.
Any team that incurs, combined, four or more GM, MP or GRM infractions will result in the entire team being declared ineligible and will have all team player ballots removed from the prize draws.
Any team in the tournament that endures a penalty free game (for their team) will receive an additional set of ballots for every eligible player on the team and will therefore have additional chances to win prizes. (If team A receives no penalties but their opponent, Team B receives penalties, then Team A will receive additional ballots. Team B will not.)