An interesting rule change in District 4

[frederick61]

I don't believe a district board can use an extreme case to establish a rule that affects all coaches and justifies the board absolving themselves of responsibility. This rule that fines volunteer coaches for getting kicked $100 is just another form of "zero tolerance".

Actually, I am waiting for someone to start quoting lawyers and insurance issues that this $100 fine will fix (the board has to do this or their insurance will be revoked). The district board has to do its job. It is called work and responsibility. They are responsible for solving the district problems and sometimes that is not a pleasant job.

[TriedThat2]

Actually Fred, the Board is only advisory in nature; it has no power. The final authority is the DD.

[StillAnEagle]

I kinda like it. Coaches are the leaders of the team. Their actions and behavior are often repeated by their players. I see this a little more frequently with young men coaches as opposed to dads. They find themselves behind the bench and maybe don't control emotions as much as they should. It takes some time to understand the total responsibility they signed up for.

My philosophy while coaching was refs were invisible. I exchanged pre-game pleasantries and then rarely spoke with them again. I never yelled at them. Why? Because it rarely changes anything and probably puts you on the wrong side of the ref. Can't win. Also, it makes the players think it’s ok to argue a call and it's not. Players that yell, wave arms, act nutty, are almost always a reflection of their coach. Or, he allowed it and shouldn't have.

The style of play has changed. It's a puck possession game now. Being shorthanded is the quickest way to defeat against a stronger team. So, what’s the moral? Zero penalties. The coach sets that tone. Penalties aren't allowed. Take a penalty and you'll be sitting.

Agree! Coaches should be classy and respectful. Players will follow their lead in that.

[greybeard58]

Yes a District board is considered advisory by Mn Hockey, but the board can put stricter rules in place than USA Hockey and Mn Hockey. District 2 extra game for a GM and the DQ at all levels.

The District Director can appoint a person(s) to be the Disciplinary committee of the District and under USA Hockey playing rule 410 Supplementary Discipline have great leeway in assessing bad actions. Once the penalty has been assessed then the coach in this case can use the appeals process as outlined in Article 6 on the Mn Handbook.