Policies

It is the philosophy of Beloit Youth Hockey Association, Inc. (BYHA), to promote the advancement of youth athletics through hockey by developing teamwork, sportsmanship, respect and camaraderie, while enhancing hockey skills, social development and competition. To support this philosophy, all players are expected to maintain and demonstrate these attributes not only on the ice, but at all times during their participation with all BYHA activities. The Board of Directors has therefore adopted the following Code of Conduct for all players:

Level One Rules - Player’s Personal conduct shall include:

• Display a positive attitude.
• Conduct yourself in a sportsmanlike manner.
• No swearing, taunting, making derogatory remarks or display obscene or offensive behavior toward players, coaches or officials on or off the ice.
• No disruptive behavior during practices, games or in the locker room.
• Show respect toward teammates, coaches, parents, referees and opponents, both on and off the ice.
• Follow team rules and the direction of coaches promptly and without complaint.
• Attend all games and practices. If unable to attend, the player will notify the head coach in advance.

Violation of a Level One rule may result in the following action:

• First offense: Up to one period suspension
• Second offense: Up to one game suspension
• Third offense: 2 or more game suspension

Level Two Rules - Unlawful and/or unacceptable conduct shall include:

• Abuse or damage equipment or rink facilities at home or on the road, and will be responsible for the repair or replacement costs and/or community service at the discretion the rink manager.
• Stealing personal belongings of another player or coach.
• Fighting or displaying abusive or harassing conduct.

Upon violation of a Level Two Rule, the parents or guardians of the violating player will be notified as soon as possible by the head coach of an investigation to be conducted by the Grievance Committee, into the specific violation(s). The Grievance Committee will meet with the player, parents or guardians, coaches and any other necessary witnesses, during the investigation. The Grievance Committee will provide their recommendation to the Board of Directors for their acceptance and/or final decision.

Violation of a Level Two Rule may result in the following:

• First offense: One game suspension
• Second offense: Three game suspension
• Third Offense: The incident will be reported to the Board of Directors who will review the incident and determine appropriate action. Such action may include, but is not limited to, further suspension or expulsion from BYHA.

Level Three Rules - The possession of and/or use of alcohol, tobacco and controlled or illegal substances and/or including weapons, is strictly forbidden:

Violation of this Rule will result in immediate suspension until the Board of Directors determines appropriate disciplinary action at its next regularly scheduled meeting.

Upon violation of a Level Three Rule, the parents or guardians of the violating player will be notified as soon as possible by the head coach of an investigation to be conducted by the Grievance Committee, into the specific violation(s). The Grievance Committee will meet with the player, parents or guardians, coaches and any other necessary witnesses, during the investigation. The Grievance Committee will provide their recommendation to the Board of Directors for their acceptance and/or final decision.

Violation of Rule Three may result in the following action:

Suspension from one or more games, up to and including the remainder of the hockey season, or any other action deemed appropriate by the Board.

If the player is suspended for the remainder of the season, reinstatement must be approved by the Board of Directors prior to the start of the next season. No membership fees will be refunded. The Board of Directors reserves the right to permanently suspend a player from participation in BYHA.

General

Any player, parent/guardian, coach or team rep may bring forth to the Grievance Committee any incident by a player, which in their opinion does not support the philosophy of BYHA.

All suspensions will be served at the next regularly scheduled game, scrimmage or tournament. Repeated and/or dangerous action may be referred to the Grievance Committee for additional/accelerated discipline, which could range up to permanent suspension.  

As the Parent/Guardian of the player being registered, I will:

• BE POSITIVE to all players, coaches, officials, and parents.
• Set a GOOD EXAMPLE and NOT CRITICIZE my player.
• AVOID ALL VERBAL ABUSE.
• Welcome visiting teams and treat them as I would like to be treated.
• APPLAUD the good plays of both teams and encourage GOOD SPORTSMANSHIP.
• ENJOY the game.
• Attempt to learn about the game of ice hockey and VOLUNTEER to help.
• Always INSIST that my child PLAY BY THE RULES. Children learn best by example.
• RESPECT the USA Hockey Zero Tolerance Policy towards unsportsmanlike behavior.
• Not be critical of the hockey program, officials, or other players in front of children. I understand that I can speak directly to the Manager, the Coach or a member of the Board.
• BE POSITIVE. I will applaud a good effort in both victory and defeat.
• Recognize the importance of the volunteer coaches and support them. They are important to the development of my child and the sport.
• Be interested in all the players, ask questions, and congratulate them on their effort and achievements.
• HONOR the BYHA Parent's Code of Conduct.
• HAVE FUN and remember that ice hockey is a game. Kids play hockey for fun!

• No swearing, taunting, making derogatory remarks or display obscene or offensive behavior toward players, coaches or officials on or off the ice.
• No disruptive behavior during practices, games.

Violation of any of the following rules may result in expulsion from BYHA.

• Abuse of or damage to equipment or rink facilities at home or on the road. You will be responsible for the repair or replacement costs and/or community service at the discretion the rink manager.
• No Fighting
• No abusive or harassing conduct.
• The possession or display of weapons on rink property.
• The possession of illegal substances on rink property.

Upon violation an investigation will be conducted by the Grievance Committee, into the specific violation(s). The Grievance Committee will meet with the parties involved and any other necessary witnesses, during the investigation. The Grievance Committee will provide their recommendation to the Board of Directors for their acceptance and/or final decision.  

All skaters are responsible for purchasing their own equipment.  Required per USA Hockey guidelines is as follows:

• HECC approved and non‐expired helmet & facemask
• Padded Hockey pants (breezers)
• Shoulder pads
• Elbow pads
• Gloves
• Protective cup or pelvic guard
• Mouth guard (required for all travel levels, Squirts, Peewee, Bantam, & Midget levels)
• Shin pads
• Neck guard

No player will be allowed on the ice for practice or for games without the required equipment.  

The Beloit Jr Knights' official colors are purple, gold, and grey.  Starting the 2017‐2018 Season, members are mandated to conform to the Jr Knights official colors for all equipment.  This effort is also designed to create team and BYHA brand uniformity across all Jr Knights players, regardless of level.  It is noted that goalies are exempt from the helmet/glove policy.  

• Hockey pant (breezers) color is black;
• Helmet color is black (may be white at the bantam or midget level. BMHS team requires white helmets)  
• Glove color is black

Only BYHA approved decals are to be placed on helmets.

In an opportunity to grow the game of hockey, BYHA has a limited amount of new player “starter kits” that will be available on a first come/first serve basis.  These kits will include all the equipment a beginning player requires to play hockey (with the exception of skates).  BYHA will charge $50.00 for this equipment.   

BYHA also hosts a Used Equipment sale at the beginning of each season.

Policy Overview and Purpose

This policy was developed to inform our organization about using social media, so people feel enabled to participate, while being mindful of their responsibilities and obligations. This policy provides practical guidance allowing all parties to benefit from the use of social media, while minimising potential risks and protecting those involved.

This policy assists to establish a culture of openness, trust and integrity in all online activities related to BYHA.

This policy contains BYHA guidelines for the BYHA community to engage in social media use.

In circumstances where guidance about social media issues has not been given in this policy, we suggest you use common sense or seek out advice from the Board of Directors.

Coverage

This policy applies to all persons who are involved with the activities of BYHA, whether they are in a paid or unpaid/voluntary capacity including:

• Members, spectators and family of BYHA.
• Persons appointed or elected to BYHA boards, committees and subcommittees.
• Employees of BYHA.
• Support personnel including, coaches, managers and schedulers.
• Athletes.
• Referees and other officials.
• Affiliated associations.

Scope

Social media refers to any online tools or functions that allow people to communicate and/or share content via the internet, including TV, radio and print.

This policy is applicable when using social media as:

1. an officially designated individual representing BYHA on social media; and
2. if you are posting content on social media in relation to BYHA that might affect BYHA’s services, events, sponsors, members or reputation.

NOTE: This policy does not apply to the personal use of social media where it is not related to or there is no reference to BYHA or its business, competitions, teams, participants, products, services, events, sponsors, members or reputation. However, any misuse by you of social media in a manner that does not directly refer to BYHA may still be regulated by other policies such as USA Hockey’s New and Innovative Social Media, Mobil and Electronic Communications policy outlined in Safe Sport Handbook.

Using social media in an official capacity

You must be authorized by the BYHA Board of Directors before engaging in social media as a representative of BYHA.

As a part of BYHA’s community, you are an extension of the BYHA brand.

As such, the boundaries between when you are representing yourself and when you are representing BYHA can often be blurred. This becomes even more of an issue as you increase your profile or position within BYHA. Therefore, it is important that you always represent both yourself and BYHA appropriately online.

Guidelines

You must adhere to the following guidelines when using social media related to BYHA or its competitions, teams, participants, services, events, sponsors, members or reputation. Remember, you are an ambassador for BYHA.

1. Use common sense: Whenever you are unsure as to whether the content you wish to share is appropriate, seek advice from others before doing so or refrain from sharing the content to be on the safe side.
2. Protecting your privacy: Be smart about protecting yourself and your privacy. When posting content online there is potential for that content to become publicly available through a variety of means, even if it was intended to be shared privately. Therefore, you should refrain from posting any content online that you would not be happy for anyone to see, even if you feel confident that an individual would never see it. Where possible, privacy settings on social media platforms should be set to limit access. You should also be cautious about disclosing your personal details.
3. Honesty: Your honesty—or dishonesty—may be quickly noticed in the social media environment. Do not say anything that is dishonest, untrue or misleading. If you are unsure, check the source and the facts before uploading or posting anything. BYHA recommends erring on the side of caution – if in doubt, leave it out. Do not post anonymously, using pseudonyms or false screen names. Be transparent and honest. Use your real name, be clear about who you are and identify any affiliations you have. If you have a vested interest in something you are discussing, point it out. If you make an endorsement or recommendation about something you are affiliated with, or have a close relationship with, you must disclose that affiliation. The web is not anonymous. You should assume that all information posted online can be traced back to you. You are accountable for your actions both on and offline, including the information you post via your personal social media accounts.
4. Use of disclaimers: Wherever practical, include a prominent disclaimer stating who you work for or are affiliated with (e.g. member of BYHA) and that anything you publish is your opinion and that you are not speaking officially. This is good practice and is encouraged, but don't count on it to avoid trouble - it may not have legal effect.
5. Respect confidentiality and sensitivity: When using social media, you must maintain the privacy of BYHA’s confidential information. This includes information that is not publicly accessible, widely known, or not expected to be shared outside of BYHA. Remember, if you are online, you are on record—much of the content posted online is public and searchable. Within the scope of your authorization by BYHA, it is perfectly acceptable to talk about BYHA and have a dialogue with the community, but it is not okay to publish confidential information of BYHA. Confidential information includes things such as details about litigation, unreleased product information and unpublished details about our teams, coaching practices and financial information. When using social media, you should be considerate to others and should not post information when you have been asked not to, or where consent has not been sought and given. You must also remove information about another person if that person asks you to do so. Permission should always be sought if the use or publication of information is not incidental, but directly related to an individual. This is particularly relevant to publishing any information regarding minors. In such circumstances, parental or guardian consent is mandatory.
6. Gaining permission when publishing a person’s identifiable image: You must obtain permission from an individual to use a direct, clearly identifiable image of that person. If your post contains information or photos of a minor, you must obtain permission from the parent or legal guardian prior to posting. Such postings include, but not limited to team practices, events, games and tournament group photos. A minor is defined in the states of Wisconsin and Illinois as anyone under the age of 18. Posting any such material without prior consent will hold you solely responsible for any legal ramifications for said actions. You should also refrain from posting any information or photos of a sensitive nature. This could include accidents, fights, penalties or other in-game incidents. In every instance, you need to have consent of the owner of copyright in the image.
7. Complying with applicable laws: Do not post or link to content that contains illegal or indecent content, including defamatory, vilifying or misleading and deceptive content.
8. Abiding by copyright laws: It is critical that you comply with the laws governing copyright in relation to material owned by others and BYHA’s own copyrights and brands. You should never quote or use more than short excerpts of someone else's work, and you should always attribute such work to the original author/source. It is good practice to link to others' work rather than reproduce it.
9. Discrimination, sexual harassment and bullying: The public in general, and BYHA's employees and members, reflect a diverse set of customs, values and points of view. You must not post any material that is offensive, harassing, discriminatory, embarrassing, intimidating, sexually explicit, bullying, hateful, racist, sexist or otherwise inappropriate. When using social media, you may also be bound by USA Hockey’s Zero Tolerance Policy and Safe Sport Program Reporting Policy.
10. Avoiding Controversial Issues: Within the scope of your authorization by BYHA, if you see misrepresentations made about BYHA in the media, you may point that out to the relevant authority within our Association. Always do so with respect and with the facts. If you speak about others, make sure what you say is based on fact and does not discredit or belittle that party.
11. Dealing with mistakes: If you make an error while posting on social media, be up front about the mistake and address it quickly. If you choose to modify an earlier post, make it clear that you have done so. If someone accuses you of posting something improper (such as their copyrighted material or a defamatory comment about them), address it promptly and appropriately and if necessary, seek legal advice.
12. Conscientious behavior and awareness of the consequences: Keep in mind that what you write is your responsibility, and failure to abide by these guidelines could put your BYHA membership at risk, including suspension and/or expulsion from the program. You should always follow the terms and conditions for any third-party sites in which you participate.
13. Branding and intellectual property of BYHA: You must not use any of BYHA’s intellectual property or imagery on your personal social media without prior approval from the BYHA Board of Directors. BYHA’s intellectual property includes but is not limited to:

• trademarks
• logos
• slogans
• imagery which has been posted on BYHA official social media sites or website.

You must not create either an official or unofficial BYHA presence using the organization's trademarks or name without prior approval from BYHA Board of Directors.

You must not imply that you are authorized to speak on behalf of BYHA unless you have been given official authorization to do so by BYHA Board of Directors. Where permission has been granted to create or administer an official social media presence for BYHA, such as team pages, you must adhere to the BYHA guidelines contained herein.

Policy Breaches

Breaches of this policy include but are not limited to:

• Using BYHA’s name, motto, crest and/or logo in a way that would result in a negative impact for the organization and its members.
• Posting or sharing any content that is abusive, harassing, threatening, demeaning or defamatory.
• Posting or sharing any content that includes insulting, obscene, offensive, provocative, criminal behavior, drug use, alcohol abuse, public intoxication, sexual exploitation or hateful language.
• Posting or sharing any content, which if said in person during the playing of the game would result in a breach of the rules of the game.
• Posting or sharing any content in breach of USA Hockey’s antidiscrimination, racial discrimination, sexual harassment or other similar policies.
• Posting or sharing any content that is a breach of any state or Commonwealth law.
• Posting or sharing any material to our social media channels that infringes the intellectual property rights of others.
• Posting or sharing material that brings, or risks bringing BYHA, its affiliates, its sport, its officials, members or sponsors into disrepute. In this context, bringing a person or organization into disrepute is to lower the reputation of that person or organization in the eyes of the ordinary members of the public.

Reporting a breach

If you notice inappropriate or unlawful content online relating to BYHA or any of its members, or content that may otherwise have been published in breach of this policy, you should report the circumstances immediately to the BYHA Board of Directors.

Investigation

Alleged breaches of this social media policy may be investigated by the BYHA Board of Directors. Where it is considered necessary, BYHA may report a breach of this social media policy to the police.

Disciplinary process, consequences and appeals

Employees and Members of BYHA who breach this policy may face disciplinary action up to and including termination of employment and/or expulsion from the Association.

Appeals

Any person who is sanctioned under a disciplinary process for breach of this policy may have a right of appeal.

Related policies

• BYHA Player Code of Conduct
• BYHA Parent Agreement and Code of Conduct

Other legal considerations that may be applicable include but are not limited to:

• Defamation o Intellectual property laws, including copyright and trademark laws, Privacy, confidentiality and information security laws
• Anti-discrimination, Employment and Gaming laws o Advertising standards
• Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities Act 2006
• Information Privacy Act 2000
• Equal Opportunity laws

This policy was created to specifically outline individual team fundraising efforts. Below are the basic parameters BYHA teams should follow and understand prior to starting any individual team related fundraising.

• You must seek approval from the Board before moving forward with your fundraising idea.
• BOD meetings typically occur the 2nd Monday of the month with the exception of July.
• Please contact a BOD member to be added to the agenda as an interested party.
• If approved by BOD, all fundraiser monies will be exclusive to the purpose of subsidizing additional tournament costs beyond your team’s season allotment. These costs may include travel and lodging expenses associated with your coach (should he or she not have a child on the team).
• Fundraiser monies may not be used for food, parties, apparel of any kind, decals, lodging and travel (other than the coach), hockey gear, team building activities, purchasing ice time, team specific training aids, host tournament affiliated expenses, or the formation and costs associated with a post season hockey team not affiliated with the BYHA.
• Without exception, all fundraiser proceeds must be turned into the Treasurer of BYHA to be documented, deposited and ready for dispersal to the tournament needs outlined above. All individual team funds raised are for that teams tournaments exclusively and will not be used to subsidize other teams. Should a tournament exceed funds raised, the team parents will then be responsible for paying any difference prior to the BYHA paying for said tournament. This is a use it or lose it policy - any unused funds will go into the association general fundraising ledger at conclusion of the BYHA season.
• No team may use the Association Class A or B Raffle license for fundraising purposes. This is state law and there are strict regulations governing individual team use of raffle licensing.

The following are illegal in the state of Wisconsin:

• Dice games, card games, wheels, paddles, boards (squares), etc. are not legal in Wisconsin as they are illegal games of chance that fall under Wisconsin Statutes Chapter 945, Gambling.
• Operating any raffle without a Class A and/or B license.

The following are legal means of raising money in the state of Wisconsin:

• Silent auctions
• Carwashes, Spaghetti dinners, pancake breakfasts and like activities.
• Restaurant sponsored fundraising events; I.e. BWW, Pizza Ranch, Culvers, etc.
• Leaf and snow removal services.

Should you have any questions or require clarification on any of the aforementioned, please contact the association Treasurer Tom Stone.