Zero Tolerance Policy

In an effort to make ice hockey a more enjoyable and rewarding experience for all participants, the Northwest Florida Hockey League (NFHL) has adopted a Zero Tolerance Policy with respect to the behavior of the players, coaches, parents, managers, and guardians who are members of the NFHL. We are committed to enforcing, in accordance with the regulations adopted by USA Hockey, the Statewide Amateur Hockey of Florida (SAHOF), and each league in which we participate.

The Zero Tolerance Policy affords all participants direction in developing self-discipline, leadership, integrity, character, commitment, teamwork, and a healthy attitude and respect for rules and regulations.

We expect and require that before, during, and after any event in which an NFHL team participates the following standards of behavior are observed:

1. For Players:
2. Players shall not:
3. Openly dispute, argue with, or protest a decision made by an official.
4. Use obscene or vulgar language at any time, even if not directed at any particular person.
5. Make any physical contact with the body, puck, stick, or other equipment with another player after the whistle has blown.
6. Taunt any other player.
7. Or any other unsportsmanlike conduct.
8. Enforcement is generally determined by the game official but is subject to further action.
9. For Coaches:
10. Coaches shall not:
11. Openly dispute or argue with an official’s decision.
12. Use obscene or vulgar language at any time.
13. Make any aggressive physical contact with any player, parent, or spectator.
14. Taunt any other player, coach, or spectator.
15. Or any other unsportsmanlike conduct.
16. Enforcement is generally determined by the game official but is subject to further action.
17. For Parents and Spectators:
18. Parents and Spectators shall not:
19. Use obscene or vulgar language at any time.
20. Verbally dispute, argue with, or protest an official’s decision or conduct themselves in such a way as to taunt or ridicule officials.
21.  Taunt, ridicule, provoke, bait, or threaten players, coaches, officials, or other spectators.
22. Throw any object inside/outside the rink or its surroundings, which would create a safety hazard or create a delay in the game.
23.  Exhibit any behavior where law enforcement is required to settle disputes or actions. Enforcement may be determined by the game official but will be subject to review by the NFHL. Parents / Spectators will not be allowed on the ice for any reason.

Violations and Sanctions:

Violations of the Zero Tolerance Policy shall be considered and reviewed by the NFHL Disciplinary Committee and penalties shall be assessed based on the following classifications. Each case may also be reviewed and further discipline issued by USA Hockey, SAHOF, or the league in which the team participates.

Class 1 – A first-time offense of a relatively basic nature, but which shall not include a violation under Class 3, will require a review by the NFHL Disciplinary Committee. Penalties may include reprimands and/or up to a two (2) game suspension including all team activities until the second game is complete.

Class 2 – Any repeat offense, any violation, which requires the police or other authorities to become involved, any physical contact involving adults, any incident which endangers others, or a public display detrimental to the NFHL will require a review by the NFHL Disciplinary Committee with a possible three (3) game to thirty (30) day suspension from all team activities.

Class 3 – The most serious violations involving threats, physical harm, repeated Class 2 violations, or any other event determined extreme by the NFHL Board of Directors and/or the NFHL Disciplinary Committee will require an automatic nine (9) month suspension and require a reinstatement hearing before being accepted back to the Club. The case will automatically be referred to SAHOF for further action.