BOSTON

PRIDE HOCKEY
Code of Conduct
The Boston Pride Hockey (BPH) 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 and
support the mission of BPH, clarifies the expectation that BPH players have responsibility for their actions both
on and off the ice, while traveling and at home, and have accountability for those actions when BPH standards
are violated.
The purpose of BPH shall be to further the acquaintance, mutual support and promote competitive ice-hockey
and other related activities primarily among Gay, Lesbian, and Bisexual people in the greater Boston area.
Boston Pride Hockey will also encourage the development of special interest groups that are open to all
members. The organization will communicate and participate with like-minded groups and/or individuals to
further common interests and goals.
EXPECTATIONS
Rules
All members will abide by the rules and policies set forth by BPH and any league, tournament or other event
where a BPH team plays or where BPH members are participating as representatives of the organization.
Sportsmanship
Members are expected to demonstrate a high standard of sportsmanship; defined as fairness and respect for
one's opponents and teammates, understanding and accepting the different skill level and playing ability of
ones opponents and teammates, refraining from verbal abuse of any kind and graciousness in winning or
losing.
Safety
Members will refrain from any behavior that puts themselves or others at risk while participating in games,
practices or other organization events. This includes but is not limited to overly aggressive play and 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 member who deliberately tries to harm or intimidate another person through
the use of force will be subject to the consequences described below.
Organization Representation
No member of BPH shall represent the organization in any official capacity or as spokesperson for the
organization or its operations without permission from the Board. Any requests for information regarding the
organization or for comments or statements from the organization should be referred to a Board member.

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BOSTON PRIDE HOCKEY

Code of Conduct
Privacy
BPH members or participants in BPH sponsored or endorsed events have an expectation of privacy regarding
their membership or participation. No member of BPH shall violate that privacy.
CONSEQUENCES
Depending on the seriousness of the offense, a BPH member found to be behaving outside of the Code of
Conduct may receive a warning from the Board, be suspended from the current game or practice, be
suspended for one or more of the following games or practices, or in extreme cases, be expelled from the
organization.
A member who is suspended is not eligible for any refund of any league, practice or other fee nor are they
allowed to sit on the bench during the games or practices for which they were suspended. When a member is
expelled, they forfeit any unused portion of their league, practice or other fee. An expelled member can apply
for probationary reinstatement to the organization after six months.
Because Board members and team captains set the example for their teams and the organization, it is
especially important that they be held to the highest standard of conduct. If a captain is suspended, he or she
will be removed from their position and the Board will appoint a new captain. If a Board member is
suspended, the Board will review the situation and consider additional actions, up to and including removal
from the Board.
Reporting and Responding to Code of Conduct Violations
Players should report Code of Conduct violations to a Board member or to their respective captain who should
then notify the Board. In the case that a captain has violated the Code of Conduct, reports should be made
directly to the Board.
Other reports of code of conduct violations may come from on-ice or tournament officials, arena staff, or from
team officials outside of BPH. Any official suspensions handed down by tournament, 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, a BPH team captain may decide that a member of his or her 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.

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