Spectator Policy (Belleville Minor Hockey Association)

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Spectator Policy:

  It is BMHA policy to require parents/spectators to maintain a sportsmanlike and educational atmosphere before, during and after all BMHA sanctioned events. On-ice officials will stop the game when parents/spectators displaying inappropriate and disruptive behavior interfere with the other spectators or the game. The on-ice officials will identify violators to the coaches for the purpose of removing parents/spectators from the spectators' viewing/game area. Once these are 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, but not be limited to:

a) Use of obscene or vulgar language in a boisterous manner to any one at any time. 
b) Taunting of players, coaches, officials, or other spectators by means of baiting, ridiculing, threat of physical violence or actual physical violence.
c) Throwing of any object in the spectators viewing area, players bench, penalty box or on ice surface, directed in any manner as to create a safety hazard. 

  Spectators involved with a BMHA event are expected to conduct themselves with the highest degree of courtesy, integrity, and behavior. Parents and spectators are requested to remain behind the glass areas of the rinks. Furthermore, parents and spectators are to avoid any contact with the players' bench or the official timekeepers' area (including penalty boxes), unless specifically requested by a member of the coaching staff to be there. At no time are spectators allowed to have any direct contact with the referees, either before, during or after the game. 

  The area directly behind the goaltenders should be avoided when possible. In the event of disorderly conduct, the coach or assistant coach will be responsible for ordering the spectators to leave the premises. The coach is then required to file a letter of incident with the BMHA.

  The Disciplinary Board will review and make recommendations based on the following guidelines. 

First Offense:

1. For profanity or other verbal abuse a minimum 30-day suspension is applied. 
2. For physical abuse a minimum 90-day suspension will be considered. 

Second Offense:

Will lead to a longer suspension, possibly up to the duration of the season, and the laying of charges will be considered, for the most serious of violations. Profanity/verbal abuse or physical abuse includes any behaviors aimed at players, coaches, officials, rink employees and/or other spectators. This policy will also be in effect for away games.


Spectator Policy