2008/2009

The goal of the Church Athletic League is to teach children the fundamentals of hockey and to allow them to develop a healthy competitive spirit and proud sportsmanship. Youth who play hockey in a positive and supporting environment benefit from higher self esteem, attitude and work ethic. Values like these are priceless at a time in young lives when negativity may be confronting them at every crossroad.

However, the pressures of competition have recently worked against the enjoyment of hockey by the participants of our league. Our organization is concerned about recent displays of poor sportsmanship by a number of volunteers, parents, and players. This bulletin has been published to remind all C.A.L. participants of our “Fair Play Philosophy” and the spirit of “Good Sportsmanship” which states:

“I will applaud good plays and performances by both my child’s team and its opponents. I will never question the officials' judgment or honesty in public. I will support all efforts to remove verbal and physical abuse from children's hockey games. I will respect and show appreciation for the volunteer coaches who give their time to coach hockey for my child.”

Our fair play philosophy refers to all participants having an equitable chance to pursue victory and acting towards others in an honest, straightforward, and dignified manner. It includes respecting others, including team members, opponents, officials, and spectators. The following principles are emphasized:

• Respecting the rules of the game,
• Respecting officials and accepting their decisions,
• Respecting the opponent, and
• Providing all participants with equal opportunities.

As volunteers, parents and players it is our responsibility to set a good example by making positive comments that motivate and encourage continued effort. Let us show respect in our words and our actions toward all players, coaches, spectators and officials, because without them there would be no game. This is our game, let’s have some fun!

This news bulletin is supported by all our association representatives:

For more information please see our hockey handbook