The MGHA Code of Conduct is the organization’s statement of expected behavioral standards that all players, members, and volunteers are required to read and follow. The Code of Conduct, intended to reflect the mission of the MGHA, clarifies the expectation that MGHA players, members, and volunteers have responsibility for their actions both on and off the ice, while traveling and at home, and have accountability for those actions when MGHA standards are violated.
To report conduct to the conduct committee – Conduct Reporting Form
The Madison Gay Hockey Association is an adult developmental ice hockey league for members of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning and Allied (LGBTQA) Community. We provide opportunities to learn and teach ice hockey in a safe, supportive, and fun environment. We aspire to the highest standards of sportsmanship and promote integration within the LGBTQA and wider Madison Communities.
Expectations
Rules
All players, members, and volunteers will abide by the Rules and Policies set forth by the Madison Gay Hockey Association (MGHA), Wisconsin Amateur Hockey Association (WAHA), Beacon Sports, and USA Hockey*.
Sportsmanship
Players, members, and volunteers are expected to demonstrate a high standard of sportsmanship; defined as fairness and respect for one’s opponent and graciousness in winning or losing.
Safety
Members, players, and volunteers will refrain from any behavior that puts themselves or others at risk while participating in games or other league events. This includes but is not limited to the misuse of drugs or alcohol. Anyone under the influence of alcohol or drugs are not permitted on the ice.
League Representation
No member, player, or volunteer of the MGHA shall represent the league in any official capacity or as spokesperson for the league or its operations without written permission from the Board.
Volunteers
Volunteers (such as Board and Committee members, coaches, etc) should model standards of integrity, inclusion, and respect in all league-related activities. They shall perform their responsibilities fairly and in the best interests of the league; follow all applicable bylaws and policies; protect confidential or sensitive information; and disclose and appropriately manage conflicts of interest. Volunteers must treat all players, officials, guests, and fellow volunteers with dignity and remain accountable for their conduct both in person and through league-related electronic communications.
Zero-Tolerance Policy for Discrimination, Harassment, Threats, Physical Harm, Intimidation, and Bullying
Everyone has the right to feel safe and respected within the hockey community. This zero-tolerance policy applies to all individuals within the league including players, members, volunteers, Board members, captains, coaches, and referees. It encompasses all forms of bullying behavior on rink grounds, during league-sponsored events, through social media, and any electronic means connected to the league.
Bullying is defined as any unwanted aggressive behavior(s) that involve an observed or perceived power imbalance and are repeated or are highly likely to be repeated. This includes, but is not limited to, threats, teasing, mockery, assault, cyberbullying, exclusion, and humiliation.
Any incident of bullying should be reported promptly to your Captain, mentor/coach, a league official, or the Board. Board members, captains, or volunteers who witness or receive reports of bullying must take immediate steps to intervene safely and must also report the incident to the entirety of the Board.
In cases where bullying is substantiated, the response will be swift and may include suspension from games, league expulsion, termination of membership or other disciplinary measures.
Threatening language, verbal threats and slurs against race, ethnicity, sexuality or gender will not be tolerated under any circumstances. Any player, member, or volunteer who deliberately tries to harm or intimidate another through the use of force will be subject to the consequences described below.
Consequences
Depending on the seriousness of the offense, an MGHA member, player, or volunteer found to be behaving outside of the Code of Conduct may receive a warning from the Board, be suspended from the current game, be suspended for the two following games, or in extreme cases, be expelled from the league.
A player who is suspended is not eligible for any refund of any season fee nor are they allowed to sit on the bench during the games for which they were suspended. When a player is expelled, they forfeit any unused portion of their league fee. An expelled player can apply for probationary reinstatement to the league after two seasons.
Because coaches and captains set the example for their teams, it is especially important that they be held to the highest standard of conduct. If a coach or captain is suspended, they will be removed from their position and the MGHA Board will appoint a new coach or captain.
Reporting and Responding to Code of Conduct Violations
Players should report Code of Conduct violations to their respective coach and/or captain who should then notify the Board of Directors. In the case that a coach or captain has violated the Code of Conduct, reports should be made directly to the Board. A written report of the violation can be submitted via the Conduct Reporting Form.
Other reports of code of conduct violations may come from on-ice or tournament officials, arena staff, or from team officials outside the MGHA. Any official suspensions handed down by arena ice or game officials are considered to be violations of the Code of Conduct.
Reports will be kept confidential and will be investigated in a timely manner by the Board. A majority vote of the Board is required to issue warnings. Suspensions and expulsions require a unanimous vote of the Board. All decisions by the Board are final.
In some cases, an MGHA team captain may decide that a member, player or volunteer of their team has violated the Code of Conduct and can choose to take appropriate action while a game is in progress. Any further disciplinary action requires approval from the Board. These cases may not require an investigation by the Board.