The governing body for organized amateur ice hockey in the United States has issued a presidential directive stating it is increasing the penalty for racial/derogatory slurs of any kind that fall under Rule 601 (e. 3) from a game misconduct to a match penalty.
“We continue to get reports of disturbing incidents of racial and other derogatory slurs, behavior which is reprehensible and has absolutely no place in our game, especially around our children,” said Jim Smith, president of USA Hockey. “For reasons I cannot explain or understand, the current penalty in place does not seem to be enough of a deterrent to stop this type of conduct.”
Effectively immediately, anyone penalized under Rule 601 (e.3) will receive a match penalty, which carries a five-minute penalty, disqualification from that game, and suspension from further participation until such time the governing Affiliate or junior league has conducted a hearing to review the matter. Affiliates or junior leagues have up to 30 days to investigate and conduct a hearing and the offending individual(s) is subject to further discipline. On-ice officials have protocols in place that address situations where a player is accused of saying something that violates Rule 601 (e.3) but is not heard by the officials. While the officials cannot assess a penalty in that circumstance, they are instructed to notify the coach of the offending team and the coach can take immediate and appropriate action. Officials must also report the incident through the game reporting system, and Affiliates must review all incidents, whether penalized or unpenalized, to ensure proper application of the rules.
According to USA Hockey, the reports of these incidents even involve teammates directing slurs and derogatory comments at each other. Smith noted that while modifying the severity of the penalty is an important step, it's also vital that parents and coaches take the time to address the topic with athletes.
“The use of hateful language is a hurdle to creating a welcoming environment for families that want to be involved in our sport. Eradicating this kind of behavior from our game is critical as we continue to make a positive impact on society through hockey," noted Pat Kelleher, executive director of USA Hockey.
USA Hockey also operates the National Team Development Program. The program's goal is to prepare student-athletes under the age of 18 for participation on U.S. national teams. The NTDP consists of two teams; the U.S. National Under-18 Team, and the U.S. National Under-17 Team.
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