MSDHL ZERO TOLERANCE
Players
A minor penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct (Zero Tolerance) shall be assessed whenever a player:
1. Openly disputes or argues any decision by an official.
2. Uses obscene or vulgar language at anytime, including any swearing, even if it is not directed at a particular person.
3. Visually demonstrates any sign of dissatisfaction with an official's decision.
*Any time that a player persists in any of these actions, they shall be assessed a misconduct penalty. A game misconduct shall result if the player continues such action.
Coaches
A minor penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct (Zero Tolerance) shall be assessed whenever a coach:
1. Openly disputes or argues any decision by an official.
2. Uses obscene or vulgar language in a boisterous manner to anyone at any time.
3. Visually displays any sign of dissatisfaction with an official's decision including standing on the boards or standing in the bench doorway with the intent of inciting the officials, players or spectators.
*Any time that a coach persists in any of these actions, they shall be assessed a game misconduct penalty.
Officials
Officials must apply these guidelines in a realistic manner and must be careful not to get overly technical in their enforcement. This policy is designed to eliminate direct confrontations with officials while still allowing players and coaches an avenue to communicate in a calm and reasonable fashion. Officials are required to conduct themselves in a businesslike, sportsmanlike and nonvindictive manner at all times. The actions of an official must be above reproach. Actions such as "baiting" or inciting players or coaches is strictly prohibited. On ice officials are ambassadors of the game and shall always conduct themselves with this responsiblity in mind.
Parents/Spectators
The game will be stopped by on ice-officials when the parents/spectators displaying inappropriate and disruptive behavior interfere with other spectators or the game. The on-ice officials will identify the violators to the coaches for the purpose of removing parents/spectators from the spectators viewing and game area. Once removed, play will resume. Lost time will not be replaced and violators may be subject to further disciplinary action by the local governing body. This inappropriate and disruptive behavior shall include:
-Use of obscene or vulgar language in a boisterous manner to anyone at any time.
-Taunting of players, coaches, officials or other spectators by means of baiting, ridiculing, threat of physical violence or physical violence.
-Throwing of any ofject in the spectators viewing area, players bench, penalty box or on ice surface, directed in any manner as to create a safety hazard.
