Rule 11

Dear OCMHA families,

At this time of year as the season is getting underway, we like to take the opportunity to remind everyone that the OCMHA is committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all of our participants.  We have always taken a zero tolerance approach to abusive or discriminatory language and conduct of any kind, whether by its players, volunteers or spectators. 

Everyone in our organization has a role to play in making sure that we uphold those standards, from volunteers and bench staff, to parents and players.  If you see something that makes you uncomfortable, or that you can see is making another member of our community uncomfortable, please report it to the coach or any member of the OCMHA Executive right away.  We commit to addressing the matter quickly and taking concrete steps to ensure that our standards are being upheld.

In the unfortunate event that inappropriate behaviour does come to our attention, we will be taking remedial action that may range from a reminder or warning to suspensions where the conduct is discriminatory or abusive.  In addition to what we will do as an organization, volunteers and coaches are reminded of Rule 11, which is intended to eliminate all forms of discrimination and harassment from the game, and which requires referees to report the following types of behaviour and assess the associated penalties. 

Any player, goaltender or team official who engages in verbal taunts, insults or intimidation based on discriminatory grounds shall be assessed a Gross Misconduct penalty. Discriminatory grounds include the following, without limitation:
- Race, national or ethnic origin, skin colour or language spoken;
- Religion, faith or beliefs;
- Age;
- Sex, sexual orientation or gender identity / expression;
- Marital or familial status;
- Genetic characteristics;
- Disability.

As players have been (or will be) reminded by their coaches, there is no such thing as harmless trash talk when it violates this rule, and we hope you will also reinforce this message at home. The penalties specified for breaches of this rule require ejection from the game include up to a 7-game suspension for a single incident.  The OCMHA will also do its own assessment of these situations and will add supplementary discipline where appropriate, which could make for a short season for those who don’t take this commitment seriously. 

We hope this is a clear message that we mean it when we say zero tolerance and we will act decisively when this behaviour occurs.

The OCMHA Executive wish everyone a great season where all of our participants feel welcome.