Players

• All players must be in the dressing room thirty minutes before all games.
  
• Fifteen minutes before games and practices all players must be fully dressed and ready for a chalk talk.
  
• Each player will respect the game officials and if a penalty is given the player will go directly to the penalty box.
  
• Each player will treat the coaches and other players with respect.
  
• No player will be allowed to participate in games or practices without full hockey equipment.
  
• No swearing or abusive language will be tolerated from players or parents at any time.
  
• It is your responsibility to make sure you have two sticks, sharp skates, full hockey equipment for all games and practices.
  
• During the year a coach may switch a player from one position to another (center to wing or forward to defense). This is the coaches decision and will benefit not only the player but the team as well.
  
• Each player must attend all pratices, skill sessions, off-ice conditioning and games, unless the head coach or team manager was notified, and approved their absence.
  
• Players missing pratices or games not only hurt themselves but their teammates as well and will not be tolerated.

Parents

• Everyone loves to win and winning is good. Your player should want to compete at their highest level. Make sure your player knows that winning or losing is okay, as long as they are learning and enjoying the game of hockey.
  
• Don’t compete against your players coach. Show your player the need for rules and discipline. Teach your player how to react to criticism. Your player’s coach should be someone they look up to and want to play for. If you are against your coach your player will not respond to them and will have resentment towards the coach.
  
• Try to be honest about your player’s athletic capabilities. You are not living your life through your player. Encourage and guide your player but don’t force them to do what you want.
  
• Don’t coach your player constantly. Remember your child is not only a hockey player but also a kid. Constant advice, criticism, and pep talks can push your player away from the game.
  
• You should get to know your coach. Ask them questions about their coaching so you will understand their decisions.
  
• Don’t compare your player with other players. This is not fair. Some players develop their hockey skills before others. Praise your player and let them know they should work 100% all the time.
  
• Everyone has busy schedules. Please have your child at the rink early. Coach’s need time to go over team play, concepts and drills.
  
• There will be absolutely no alcohol, swearing or abusive language permitted at any time. Parents yelling, arguing, swearing or drinking alcohol will be asked to leave the rink immediately!
  
• The NEH is 100% positive reinforcement.

Spectators

• Director Rob Reilly will talk all year about positive reinforcement in the league. Eleven, twelve and thirteen year-old children will not hear negative comments towards a coach, player or referee. The philosophy of the league will always be about positive reinforcement.
• Yelling from the stands:
  Confuses the players. Coaches are paid professionals who will be coaching your children all year. NO YELLING AT THE PLAYERS. LET YOUR COACHES DO THEIR JOBS.
  Distracts your players. When 10, 11, 12 and 13-year-old players hear you yelling at a referee they focus more on the calls instead of playing hockey.
  
• YELLING AT THE REFS WILL NOT BE TOLARATED AT ALL! YOU WILL BE ASKED TO LEAVE THE RINK IMMEDIATELY.
• The league was designed to teach your player the game of hockey in a positive environment. Winning and losing is not as important as the development of your 10, 11, 12 and 13 year old players.