MEMBER CODE OF CONDUCT
GSC MEMBER CODE OF CONDUCT
As a private club, our reputation is based on the quality of our membership. The behavior and conduct of each member reflects on the reputation of all members. Accordingly, all members should abide by, and expect all other members to abide by, certain standards of behavior when at the Club or when representing the Club at another facility.
The following Member Code of Conduct has been adopted by the Board of Governors to guide the membership in understanding their responsibilities in maintaining the good reputation our Club has earned over many years.
GSC members are expected to:
- Conduct themselves in a manner that reflects positively upon them individually and the whole of the Greenwich Skating Club.
- Display good sportsmanship conduct in all Club events, both on and off the ice whether at our rink or any other facility.
- Players, parents and coaches are expected to show a positive, respectful attitude for everyone involved in the sport. Criticism and disrespect for officials, opponents, coaches or fans undermine the purpose of sport and encourage behavior contrary to the spirit of the game and the mission of GSC.
- Winning and losing are part of the game. Good sportsmanship also implies winning with character and losing with dignity.
- Respect the opinions, decisions, results and other determinations of referees, coaches, volunteers, program heads, committee members, employees and governors.
- Set a good example.
- Each person associated with GSC is accountable for his/her own behavior at all times on or off the ice. Parents, coaches and other adults should remember that children learn by example - it is up to the adults to set good examples.
- GSC will not tolerate conduct that is detrimental to the sport, the participants, or the community. Such conduct includes: Vulgarity by coaches, players or parents; harassment or belittling of officials, coaches or players; verbal abuse, threats or physical violence toward anyone before, during or after a match; and the taunting of opposing players, coaches and parents.
- We require thorough self-restraint by all participants - both players and adults.
- Teams must exercise appropriate control over those who fail to control themselves.
- Maintain good relationships
- Referees: The referee's job is a difficult one. All referees are human and they do make mistakes. Parents or players who believe their team has been treated unfairly or has been assigned an unqualified referee should speak to their coach after the game. Coaches should inform the appropriate club officials about blatant officiating problems. Managers should make reports through appropriate channels, including mail evaluations where available.
- Opponents: Players and coaches are required to maintain a sense of fair play and be respectful of opposing players, coaches and fans at all times. Sportsmanship begins with respect. Without it, the positive competitive environment, which should be a perfect classroom for learning the values of hockey, is completely undermined. Occasionally we will encounter opponents who do not share our values and high standards. If we allow ourselves to be drawn down to their level, we will have lost regardless of the final score.
- Our own team: In an environment where our children are competing not only against other teams but also frequently against each other, it can be difficult to control jealousies and rivalries. A successful team resembles a family in that members put their own needs second, behind the greater good of the team. Great care must be taken not to undermine the coaches’ authority. As in most cases, parental example is all-important.
- Respect and uphold the Club’s history, culture, and good standing in the community.
- Respect the Club’s staff and volunteers.
- Be familiar with and abide by rules and regulations in the membership handbook, including the Club’s by-laws, clubhouse rules, rink rules, and to respect the Club’s property and facilities.
- Abide by the USA Hockey Code of Conduct and the Sport Parent Code of Conduct.
The Board of Governors believes that violations of this Member Code of Conduct or the Club’s rules and regulations could materially diminish the reputation of our Club. Any member who violates this Member Code of Conduct or the Club’s rules and regulations will be subject to disciplinary action that may include a warning, suspension of program participations, or expulsion from the Club.