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WHAM+ Code of Conduct

Our league exists to provide a welcoming, supportive environment for adult players of all experience levels. Sportsmanship is not just the absence of fighting: it is the tone we set, the way we treat each other, and the respect we show for the game. Players are not required to be cheerful or upbeat at all times, but everyone is required to behave respectfully toward teammates, opponents, and officials.

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The following expectations define the culture we are committed to maintaining.

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1. Respectful Attitude & Emotional Conduct

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Hockey can be emotional. Frustration happens. But players must manage their reactions in ways that do not negatively impact others.

 

Expected behaviors

  • Communicating with teammates in a respectful, constructive manner

  • Owning mistakes without blaming others

  • Supporting teammates after errors or goals against

  • Participating in team huddles and post‑game handshakes


Behaviors that undermine league culture

  • Slamming or throwing gear, punching walls/lockers, or storming off the ice

  • Shouting or yelling at teammates to provide criticism

  • Giving teammates the cold shoulder after a mistake or goal against

  • Mocking or belittling teammates or opponents verbally or through gestures

  • Publicly blaming or isolating a teammate

  • Refusing to participate in the handshake/fist‑bump line


These behaviors undermine team cohesion and create an unwelcoming environment, especially for new players.

 

2. Fair Play & Gamesmanship

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We understand hockey is a competitive sport, but we do not support attempts to gain advantage through unsporting or deceptive tactics. Legitimate hockey strategy is encouraged; gamesmanship is not.

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Allowed competitive play

These are normal parts of hockey:

  • Screening the goalie during active play

  • Hard, clean battles for the puck

  • Strategic line matching within normal shift lengths

  • Aggressive but legal forechecking and backchecking


Unsportsmanlike gamesmanship

  • “Flopping” or exaggerating contact to draw penalties

  • Deliberately knocking the net off its moorings

  • Intentionally delaying faceoffs or line changes

  • Keeping a strong line out for extended shifts (2+ minutes) to avoid rotation

  • Excluding newer players from participating in overtime, faceoffs, penalty kills, or power plays

  • Repeatedly skating through the crease to interfere with the goalie

  • Ref‑baiting, taunting, or attempting to provoke opponents


These behaviors violate the spirit of the league.

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3. Supporting New & Developing Players

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We are a learning league. Every player—regardless of skill level—deserves the opportunity to participate, learn, and grow. Experienced players have a responsibility to help create space for newer players.

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Expected behaviors

  • Passing to all teammates, not only the strongest players

  • Allowing all players (especially newer players) to try positions they request

  • Encouraging teammates who are learning rules, positioning, or skills

  • Rotating positions when appropriate to support development

  • Offering guidance when asked or when clearly welcomed


Behaviors that undermine league culture

  • Telling teammates they can’t play a position they want to try

  • Taking the puck off a teammate’s stick to prevent them from participating

  • Refusing to pass to certain players based on skill level

  • Dominating the puck in a way that excludes others

  • Continuing to provide feedback or coaching after a teammate has asked you to stop


We want new players to feel safe, included, and supported, not judged or sidelined.

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4. Respect for Officials

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Officials are essential to the game. Disagreement with calls is normal; disrespect is not.

Unacceptable behaviors

  • Arguing calls after being warned

  • Crowding or skating toward officials in a confrontational manner

  • Ignoring officials’ instructions

  • Attempting to influence calls through comments or theatrics


Officials’ decisions are final. Officials have full discretion to assess penalties for unsportsmanlike conduct. Depending on the severity of the behavior, consequences may include minor penalties, major penalties, or game ejection. Officials’ decisions are final.

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5. Reporting & Accountability

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Our league relies on community standards, not punishment. When concerns arise, players are expected to communicate directly with one another to resolve issues respectfully. If a situation cannot be resolved through direct conversation, it may be brought to the WHAM+ Board for prompt and fair review.

The Board’s role is to support a positive league environment, clarify expectations, and help restore sportsmanship. Follow‑up focuses on improvement and on ensuring all players feel safe and respected.

Failure to uphold league standards is unacceptable. If a player repeatedly disregards expectations or significantly disrupts the league environment, the Board may take disciplinary action. Discipline is a last resort, used only when other attempts at resolution have not succeeded or when behavior poses a clear problem for safety, sportsmanship, or league culture.

Possible disciplinary actions may include:

  • A formal warning

  • A required meeting with Board members

  • Temporary suspension

  • Removal from the league in severe or repeated cases (without refund)

Our goal is always education, improvement, and maintaining a welcoming, respectful environment for all players.

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