The new Hockey Nova Scotia Code of Conduct is compliant with the Universal Code of Conduct to Prevent and Address Maltreatment in Sport (UCCMS) and its adoption was a recommendation of the Hockey Nova Scotia Diversity & Inclusion Task Force in their final report in 2021.

The purpose

The goal of the new Hockey Nova Scotia Code of Conduct is to ensure a safe and positive environment for all participants. It emphasizes appropriate behaviour both on and off the ice, consistent with our core values. While the Hockey Nova Scotia Code of Conduct does not detail every instance of misconduct, it applies to behaviours inconsistent with our values and expectations.

Our branch is committed to providing a respectful environment free from maltreatment, bullying, and harassment.

Who it applies to

The Code of Conduct applies to all individuals involved with Hockey Nova Scotia, including:

• Players
• Coaches
• Referees
• Team volunteers
• Administrators
• Parents/guardians
• Any other registered or affiliated individuals
  

Additionally, the Hockey Nova Scotia Code of Conduct sets out specific provisions for parents/guardians and the executive committee. It also extends to conduct outside of sanctioned programming that poses a risk to safety or affects relationships within the organization. 

Violations of the code of conduct may result in sanctions.

The highlights

• Sets Expectations: The Code of Conduct details the expectations of behaviour for HNS participants, coaches, volunteers, officials, staff, and parents, along with providing a robust description of the duty to report incidents of maltreatment.
• Respectful Behaviour: All participants are expected to demonstrate respect towards others, avoiding abusive language, offensive gestures, and inappropriate actions.
• Safety and Health: Coaches are responsible for ensuring a safe environment suitable for the age and experience level of the players, and for promoting players' overall well-being.
• Social Media Conduct: Participants must use social media responsibly, avoiding posts that could be harmful, malicious, or discriminatory.
• Parental Involvement: Parent behaviours that do not meet a violation of the Code of Conduct are still subject to the Abusive Parent Dispute Resolution Policy that all associations are expected to have adopted.
• Duty to Report: All concerns regarding violations of the Code are to be reported to Hockey Canada’s Independent Third Party (ITP) through the ITP complaint process.
• Mandatory: This is a mandatory code that will extend to all leagues, associations, teams, clubs, etc., governed by HNS.

“At Hockey Nova Scotia, we are committed to creating an environment on and off the ice where every player and every members feels respected, said Brad MacKinley, president of Hockey Nova Scotia. “The new Code of Conduct is an important step in achieving this goal, setting clear expectations and providing the necessary support to ensure compliance.”

As we approach the 2024-25 season, Hockey Nova Scotia remains dedicated to upholding our core values and fostering a positive experience for all participants.