The MGHA Code of Conduct is the organization’s statement of expected behavioral standards that all players are required to read and follow. The Code of Conduct, intended to reflect the mission of the MGHA, clarifies the expectation that MGHA players 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 will abide by the Rules and Policies set forth by the Madison Gay Hockey Association (MGHA), Wisconsin Amateur Hockey Association (WAHA) and USA Hockey.
Sportsmanship
Players 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 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. Players under the influence of alcohol or drugs are not permitted on the ice.
Threats, intimidation and physical harm
Threatening language, verbal threats and slurs against race, ethnicity, sexuality or gender… will not be tolerated under any circumstances. Any player who deliberately tries to harm or intimidate another player through the use of force will be subject to the consequences described below.
League Representation
No member 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.
Consequences
Depending on the seriousness of the offense, an MGHA member 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 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.
This revised Code of Conduct was approved on Oct. 5, 2008.