OFFICIAL’S CODE OF CONDUCT

Officiate with ethics

Your duty as a hockey official is to act as an impartial judge and this duty carries with it an obligation for the official to perform with accuracy, consistency, objectivity, and the highest sense of integrity.

In order to preserve and encourage confidence in the professionalism and integrity of officiating, officials must first foster ethical behavior.

The Official's Code of Ethics:

• Act in a professional and businesslike manner at all times and take your role seriously

• Place the safety and welfare of the participants above all else

• Strive to provide a safe and sportsmanlike environment in which players can properly display their hockey skills.

• Know all playing rules, their interpretations and their proper application

• Remember officials are teachers, set a good example

• Accept responsibility for all actions taken

• Be impartial

• Make your calls with quiet confidence; never with arrogance

• Avoid any situation which may lead to a conflict of interest

• Be courteous, respectful and open to discussion and interaction

• Control games only to the extent that it is necessary to provide a positive and safe experience for all participants

• Violence must never be tolerated

• Adopt a “Zero Tolerance” attitude toward verbal or physical abuse

• Answer all reasonable questions and requests

• Use honesty and integrity when answering questions

• Never use foul or vulgar language when speaking with a player, coach or parent

• Admit your mistakes when you make them

• Never openly criticize a coach, player or other official

• Keep your emotions under control

• Seek continual self improvement through study, performance evaluation, and regular renewing of certifications

• Use only UACC and USA Hockey approved officiating techniques and policies

• Be a positive role model for both the participants and younger officials in your behavior and personal appearance

• Maintain your health through a physical conditioning program

• Show concern and caution toward sick and injured participants

• Refrain from any form of personal abuse towards participants

• Refrain from any form of sexual harassment towards participants

• Dedicate yourself to personal improvement and maintenance of officiating skills

• Respect your supervisor and his critique of your performance