Code of Conduct - Parent/Guardian

At the Wilmington Seahawks Hockey Association Inc. (WSHA), parents and guardians play a vital role in fostering a positive, respectful, safe, and development-focused environment for our young athletes. Parents and guardians serve as role models who shape players’ experiences both on and off the ice. This Parent/Guardian Code of Conduct aligns with USA Hockey’s Parent’s Code of Conduct, and outlines the expectations for all parents and guardians to ensure that hockey remains a fun, educational, and enriching experience for every participant. By following this code, we collectively uphold our values of sportsmanship, respect, integrity, teamwork and player development while fostering a love of the game.  

Respect for All: Treat all players, coaches, officials, opponents, volunteers, staff members and other parents/guardians with respect, regardless of differences in opinion or performance outcomes. Work toward removing physical and verbal abuse in youth sports. 

Sportsmanship: Encourage good sportsmanship and fair play, both on and off the ice. Promote respect for the game and playing by the rules. Cheer the good plays of both teams. 

Player Development & Enjoyment: Prioritize skill development, teamwork, and personal growth over winning. Adjust to individual player needs and challenges.  Provide positive reinforcement for all players, emphasizing effort, improvement and teamwork over individual performance.  Ensure that all players receive opportunities to improve and enjoy their hockey experience.

Communication: Maintain open, honest and respectful communication with coaches, volunteers, staff, and other parents/guardians.

Support: Provide positive support for all players, emphasizing effort, improvement, and teamwork over individual performance. Support officials on and off the ice.  Recognize the contributions of volunteer coaches and support their work to develop players.

Safety: Prioritize the physical and emotional safety and well-being of all players, following guidelines and instructions from coaches and officials. Encourage good health habits.

Conflict Resolution: Handle conflicts calmly and constructively.

Attendance and Punctuality: Ensure players are on time and prepared for all  practices and games on time, notifying coaches of any absences or issues in advance.

Facility & Equipment Respect: Respect all facilities and equipment provided by WSHA and host rinks.   Ensure that players also understand the importance of maintaining a clean and safe environment.

Social Media & Digital Conduct: Parents/guardians are expected to use social media responsibly. Negative or defamatory posts about players, coaches, officials, or WSHA on social platforms are not acceptable. Parents and guardians must also respect privacy when posting any team-related content.

Role Modeling: Serve as a positive role model for your child and other children involved in the program, demonstrating good behavior both on and off the ice.

Behavior: Conduct yourself in a manner that reflects positively on the team, the players, and the association. Avoid disruptive, disrespectful, or aggressive behavior, including shouting, inappropriate language, or confrontations with players, coaches, officials, opposing teams or other parents/guardians. Behavior that detracts from a positive and respectful environment and deemed inappropriate will not be tolerated. 

This code is intended to supplement but not replace USA Hockey policies, Carolina Amateur Hockey Association (CAHA) bylaws, rules, policies and procedures, or any applicable state or federal laws.  It is a guiding framework, and is not intended to directly address every possible scenario.

By committing to this Parent/Guardian Code of Conduct, you affirm your dedication to supporting the values of WSHA. By signing this document, you acknowledge your understanding of the rules and accept that violations of this code may result in consequences. Violations of this code may result in formal warnings, suspension, or removal from the organization at the discretion of the WSHA Board of Directors. 

Together, we strive to build a community that celebrates the joy of hockey, fosters the development of life skills, and provides an environment where players feel encouraged, respected, and inspired to grow both as athletes and individuals. Let’s work together to make every moment on and off the ice a memorable one for our young athletes.