DVHL ZERO TOLERANCE POLICY
Due to the overwhelming number of on-ice issues in previous seasons, the league has reemphasized the USA Hockey Zero Tolerance policy to eliminate post-whistle altercations. As a result of misbehavior AFTER THE WHISTLE, the DVHL will enforce USA Hockey’s Zero Tolerance policy as it applies to Players, Coaches, Officials, and Spectators.
We do not believe anyone can argue that incidents such as these degrade our great game and must be stopped, especially during these difficult times. We want to be clear on the purpose of addressing Zero Tolerance. It is our intent to stop verbal and physical activity after the whistle. The official will continue to handle all other game activities in the same manner.
Many of the issues we’ve faced in youth hockey stem from verbal and physical confrontations after the whistle. One official described this as misbehavior that ‘elevates the temperature’ of the game. This season, the official will be firm in instructing players involved in a verbal confrontation to stop immediately. ANY further verbal dispute will be penalized in accordance with the playing rules. The officials will remind both benches of the DVHL Zero Tolerance policy before the game, and any further incidences of verbal behavior will be penalized.
Physical confrontations after the whistle of any kind will be met with immediate action. There will be a strict Zero Tolerance for physical contact after the whistle. The aggressor of such behavior will be penalized for their actions without delay.
- We are aiming to eliminate the problems we are currently facing.
- We want to change the overall perception of youth hockey.
The DVHL policy is as follows:
- Verbal: The first time the officials are required to involve themselves with players running their mouths, both benches are to receive a warning the Zero Tolerance policy is in effect. Simply stated, the first time you hear chirping, both benches get warned. From that point forward in the game, those situations are to be penalized under the appropriate section of the rule book without warning. However, the players are not getting a freebie here. If something occurs that you feel does warrant a penalty, make the call and issue the warning.
- Physical: There is no warning for physical contact after the whistle. This includes face-washing, shoving, punches, slashes as well as any other type of physical aggression without exception. However, the aggressor should be properly penalized. If the whistle has been blown and a player won’t stop, the one player starting the confrontation must be penalized. There will certainly be instances where equal minors will be assessed and neither team is punished. But these instances occur with less frequency when one team pays the price for ignoring the whistle.
We are not instituting any rule changes with this policy, infractions warranting a minor, still warrant a minor. Consistency from you as officials is the key to making this work. DVHL league officials have presented this policy directly to the players and coaches. It was discussed at length with the club administrators, and all have received written copies of the policy. Players and coaches should know what is expected of them. It is up to us to enforce Zero Tolerance.
Thank you for your support and have a great season.