Rules & Regulations

Section I: Respect for Authority

1. Academy Management, Coaching Staff, and Other Staff Members

No demonstration of disrespect toward any member of SSS Phoenix Hockey Academy management, coaching staff, AAHA personnel, team staff, or Academy representatives will be tolerated. Minor disrespect may result in one or more forms of disciplinary action identified in Section XVII. Blatant, repeated, or severe acts of disrespect may result in suspension, expulsion from the team, and termination of the player agreement.

2. Billet Families

The billet families who have opened their homes to SSS Phoenix Hockey Academy players are vital to the ongoing success of the organization and are to be treated with the same level of respect as the coaches and management of the Academy. Violations involving billet families may result in disciplinary action up to and including suspension or expulsion from the team.

3. Fire 'n' Ice Arena Management and Staff

It is imperative that SSS Phoenix Hockey Academy maintains a positive relationship with Fire 'n' Ice Arena management and staff. No level of disrespect toward management, employees, officials, vendors, or any member of the arena staff will be tolerated. All offenses will be met with strict disciplinary action.

4. On-Ice Officials

No adversarial confrontation, either verbal or physical, toward on-ice officials will be tolerated. Only team captains or assistant captains are permitted to discuss issues with officials during games, and they must do so respectfully. Any player receiving a 10-minute misconduct penalty for abusive language toward officials will serve an additional internal 10-minute team discipline penalty. Repeated incidents may result in further disciplinary action.

Section II: Timeliness and Curfew

1. Timeliness

Players are expected to be on time for all curfews, practices, games, workouts, meetings, road trips, team functions, study halls, and social events. There are no exceptions. Players are expected to plan ahead, arrive early, and be fully prepared.

2. Curfew

The required team curfew is 10:00 PM each night unless otherwise directed by the coaching staff or Academy administration.

3. Curfew Verification

Each player is responsible for personally answering all curfew calls or check-ins initiated by members of the coaching staff. Players must be able to verify their presence at the billet home when requested.

4. Overnight Stays

No player may spend the night away from their billet home unless specifically approved in advance by the coaching staff. Sleepovers with friends, teammates, or non-family members are not permitted.

5. Parent Visits

Players may stay at a local hotel with their parents or guardians while they are visiting Phoenix; however, prior approval from the coaching staff is required, and the billet family must be informed.

Section III: Conduct and Personal Relationships

1. Hotel Rooms on Travel Days

At no time are non-team guests permitted in player hotel rooms during team travel without prior approval from the coaching staff.

2. Overnight Stays

Players are not permitted to have overnight guests at their billet home or any team-provided housing. Players may not stay overnight at hotels, residences, or other facilities without prior approval from the coaching staff.

3. Billet Family Relationships

Relationships with members of billet families must remain respectful, professional, and appropriate at all times. Any inappropriate conduct involving billet family members may result in immediate disciplinary action.

Section IV: Alcohol, Tobacco, and Illegal Substances

1. Alcohol

Alcohol consumption or possession of any kind by players is strictly prohibited. Any violation will result in immediate disciplinary action and may include suspension or expulsion from SSS Phoenix Hockey Academy.

2. Tobacco and Nicotine Products

The use of tobacco or nicotine products by players, including smoking, vaping, chewing tobacco, nicotine pouches, e-cigarettes, or similar products, is strictly prohibited at all team functions, billet homes, facilities, road trips, and Academy-related activities.

3. Illegal Substances and Performance-Enhancing Drugs

The use, possession, distribution, or association with illegal substances, including steroids, performance-enhancing drugs, or controlled substances, is strictly prohibited. USA Hockey maintains a zero-tolerance policy. Random drug testing may occur at the discretion of Academy administration. Any confirmed violation may result in immediate suspension, expulsion, and additional disciplinary action in accordance with USA Hockey policies.

Section V: Academic Requirements

1. Grade Point Average / Grade Checks

SSS Phoenix Hockey Academy places a strong emphasis on academic achievement. Coaches and Academy staff will monitor player academic performance on a bi-weekly basis. All players are expected to leave SSS Phoenix Hockey Academy with academic standing equal to or better than when they arrived.

All players are required to maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5. Failure to maintain this standard may result in restricted participation in practices, workouts, travel, or games until academic expectations are restored.

2. Attendance

If a player is too sick to attend school, he is considered too sick to participate in practices, workouts, or team activities. Unexcused absences from school are strictly prohibited and may result in a minimum one-game suspension.

3. Travel Day Academic Expectations

Student-athletes are expected to use travel time, hotel downtime, and study hall periods to complete assignments and remain current with all coursework. Mandatory study hall sessions will be conducted during road trips.

4. Permission to View Academic Records

Each player and parent/guardian agrees to grant permission to Academy coaches, administrators, and academic coordinators to access and review academic marks for the purpose of monitoring student-athlete progress and eligibility.

Section VI: Work and Community Service

All players are expected to actively participate in community service initiatives, volunteer activities, youth hockey events, Academy promotions, and community engagement opportunities throughout the season as assigned by Academy staff.

Players are expected to represent SSS Phoenix Hockey Academy, Fire 'n' Ice Arena, and the hockey community in a professional and respectful manner during all community appearances. Failure to participate without prior approval may result in disciplinary action.

Section VII: Public Relations

1. Media Relations

Players are expected to conduct themselves professionally and provide positive, respectful interviews whenever representing the Academy. Any comments, quotes, or controversial statements may become public.

2. Media Conduct Guidelines

• Teammates and Organization: Players are not to criticize, compare, or speak negatively about teammates, coaches, billet families, Academy staff, or the organization.
• Opponents: Players are expected to use good judgment and sportsmanship when discussing opponents.
• Coaches and Team Decisions: Players should never publicly criticize coaches, systems, strategies, or organizational decisions.

3. Sportsmanship Expectations

• Following a Loss: Complaints regarding officiating, opponents, or circumstances are unacceptable in public settings.
• Following a Win: Players are expected to remain humble and team-oriented. Credit should be given to teammates, coaches, and the overall team effort.

4. Social Media Conduct

SSS Phoenix Hockey Academy players must understand that they are representatives of the Academy and public figures within the hockey community. Players are prohibited from posting or sharing inappropriate, offensive, discriminatory, vulgar, or damaging content. Academy staff reserve the right to monitor public social media activity.

5. Opponents and Online Conduct

Players are prohibited from engaging in negative conversations, arguments, harassment, bullying, or disrespectful interactions with members of opposing teams through any electronic or social media platform.

Section VIII: Vulgarities / Inappropriate Discussions

1. Public Settings

Players are prohibited from using vulgar language, offensive remarks, discriminatory comments, or engaging in inappropriate discussions in any public setting.

2. Locker Room / Bus / Travel Conduct

Vulgar, explicit, discriminatory, or inappropriate conversations are prohibited in the locker room, on buses, airplanes, hotels, or in any team-related environment.

3. On-Ice Conduct

Vulgar or abusive language directed toward officials, opponents, teammates, or spectators is prohibited. Any player receiving an unsportsmanlike or misconduct penalty related to verbal behavior may face additional internal discipline.

4. Racial Slurs and Discriminatory Language

Zero-tolerance policy. Any violation involving racial slurs, discriminatory remarks, hateful language, or comments targeting race, ethnicity, religion, nationality, gender, disability, or personal identity may result in immediate suspension or expulsion.

5. Bullying and Harassment

SSS Phoenix Hockey Academy will not tolerate bullying, hazing, intimidation, cyberbullying, harassment, or abusive conduct in any form. Any player found participating may face severe disciplinary action up to and including expulsion.

Section IX: Behavior in Public Facilities

1. Conduct

All players are expected to conduct themselves professionally and respectfully in all public settings. Inappropriate behavior in public places will not be tolerated and may result in disciplinary action.

2. Vandalism or Damage to Facilities

At no time should a player intentionally or negligently damage any facility or property. Any fines, repair costs, cleaning charges, or replacement expenses may be assigned directly to the responsible player.

3. Lost or Stolen Items

Players are financially responsible for all lost, stolen, damaged, or unreturned team-issued equipment and apparel.

Section X: Locker Room Rules

The locker room is a direct reflection of the professionalism, discipline, and culture of SSS Phoenix Hockey Academy. Cleanliness, organization, and respect for shared space are mandatory.

1. Food and Drinks: No food is permitted in the locker room area.
2. Stick Maintenance: No stick repairs or maintenance inside the locker room. Use designated work areas.
3. Tape and Garbage: All tape scraps and garbage must be placed in trash containers immediately.
4. Skate Sharpening: Please go to the retail store. Discounts or punch cards available at reduced cost.
5. Sink and Cleaning: Players must thoroughly rinse and clean sinks after use.
6. Restroom Conduct: No gum, tape, towels, or other materials in toilets, sinks, or drains.
7. Hydration Stations: Clean any spills immediately. Drain grates must be kept clean.
8. Locker Room Floors: No personal items, towels, clothing, or garbage on floors at any time.
9. Towels: Bring your own towel for everyday use.
10. Horseplay: No stickhandling, mini hockey, football, wrestling, or horseplay in the locker room.
11. Team Cleanliness: Leave all facilities cleaner than they were found.
12. Laundry: All dirty laundry must be placed in designated bins on assigned laundry days.
13. Visiting Locker Rooms: Must be left completely clean and organized.
14. Skate Guards: Must be used whenever skates are packed in equipment bags.
15. Required Protective Equipment: All players must wear approved neck guards and mouth guards during all on-ice activities per USA Hockey safety standards.

Section XI: Conduct on Road Trips

1. Personal Appearance and Professionalism

Showers are required before boarding the bus for road trips. Players are expected to be well-groomed, dressed appropriately, and represent the Academy professionally during travel.

2. Team Responsibility

Every player is responsible for assisting with loading and unloading the bus, team equipment, and travel gear.

3. Wake-Up Responsibility

Each player is responsible for setting and managing his own alarms and wake-up schedule during road trips.

4. Hotel Curfew

All players are required to be in their assigned hotel rooms no later than 10:00 PM unless otherwise directed by the coaching staff.

5. Quiet Hours and Electronics

All televisions, gaming systems, music, and electronic devices are expected to be turned off by 11:00 PM during road trips unless otherwise approved by Academy staff.

Section XII: Conduct in Billet Family Homes

1. Rules and Regulations

All players are required to follow Academy rules and the household rules established by their billet family. No Academy rule may be violated regardless of household preference.

2. Cleanliness

Players are required to maintain their bedroom, bathroom, and living areas in a clean, organized, and respectful manner. Players are responsible for doing their own laundry unless otherwise arranged.

3. Meals

Players are expected to eat responsibly and communicate in advance if they will miss a scheduled meal. The billet family should be notified no later than noon that day whenever possible.

4. Telephone and Device Usage

Players are expected to use phones, internet services, and electronic devices respectfully. Excessive use of household resources or disruptions are not permitted.

5. Common Area Usage

Players must respect shared household areas. Common areas should be kept clean and available for family use at all times.

6. Noise and Quiet Hours

Players are expected to minimize noise levels, particularly during evening hours and after curfew. Billet families may establish earlier quiet hours as needed.

7. Guests

Players are not permitted to have overnight guests stay at the billet home. No girlfriends are allowed to stay at the billet home. Approved guests are limited to immediate family members or other Academy players when specifically approved by the billet family and Academy staff.

8. Relationship with Billet Family Members

Players must always maintain respectful and appropriate relationships with all billet family members.

9. Special Privileges

Billet fees or Academy payments do not entitle players to special treatment or privileges beyond the agreed billet arrangement.

10. Player Concerns

Any concerns involving billet families should first be directed to the Billet Coordinator and then to Academy coaching staff if additional assistance is required.

11. Disciplinary Action

Players who damage or negatively impact the relationship between SSS Phoenix Hockey Academy and a billet family may face immediate disciplinary action, including suspension, relocation, or expulsion.

12. Transportation

Players are expected to work together regarding transportation. Billet families are not required to provide transportation unless voluntarily offered. Players sharing transportation with teammates should contribute fairly toward fuel costs when appropriate.

13. Removal from Billet Housing

If a player is removed from the Academy for any reason, the player must vacate the billet home within 48 hours unless otherwise approved by Academy administration.

Section XIII: Dress Code

1. Home Games

Professional appearance is required for all players when arriving at the rink, exiting the locker room, or participating in public appearances. Standard game-day attire includes:

• Team jacket
• Collared dress shirt or approved polo
• Dress slacks or khaki-style pants
• Dress shoes or approved professional footwear
• Ties are optional unless otherwise directed

Hats, hoodies, slides, athletic sandals, ripped clothing, sweatpants, or casual streetwear are not permitted during official team appearances.

2. Road Games

Players are required to follow the same dress code standards during road trips and away games. No hats or headwear are permitted during team meals or official travel functions.

3. Jewelry

No jewelry of any kind may be worn during on-ice activities or off-ice training sessions for safety reasons.

4. Hats and Team Functions

Hats, beanies, hoods, or headwear may not be worn during team meals, meetings, travel functions, classroom sessions, or official Academy events.

Section XIV: Training

1. On-Ice Practice

All players are required to attend every scheduled on-ice practice, team skate, video session, and hockey-related training activity unless excused. Injured players are still expected to attend and observe. Players must arrive at Fire 'n' Ice Arena at least one hour prior to scheduled practice times.

2. Off-Ice Training

All players are required to attend every scheduled off-ice training session, workout, conditioning session, recovery session, team meeting, and video analysis session unless excused. Proper athletic attire must be worn at all times during training.

Section XV: Participation in Games

1. Arrival

All players are required to arrive at the designated game facility in full team dress code no later than one hour prior to scheduled game time.

2. Locker Room Activity

Preparation in the locker room is considered an important part of game performance and team culture. Distractions, inappropriate behavior, or conduct that negatively impacts team preparation will not be tolerated.

3. Team Camaraderie

Strong relationships, accountability, and mutual respect among teammates are essential. Negative attitudes, selfish behavior, bullying, disrespect, or actions that harm team chemistry will not be tolerated. The coaching staff is solely responsible for correcting play, systems, and strategy.

Section XVI: Miscellaneous

1. Overnight Stays and Sleepovers

Players are not permitted to stay overnight at any residence other than their assigned billet home without prior approval. Unauthorized sleepovers are prohibited.

2. Gambling

All forms of gambling involving casinos, sports betting, online gambling, wagering, or illegal gaming activities are prohibited for Academy players.

3. Financial Obligations

Prompt and accurate payment of all Academy-related financial obligations is required. Players or families who become delinquent may be suspended from practices, games, travel, or team activities until accounts are brought current. Severe or ongoing financial delinquency may result in removal from the Academy.

4. Player Equality

All players, regardless of skill level, age, playing time, family status, or any other factor, are expected to follow the same rules and standards. Disciplinary decisions will be administered fairly and consistently.

Section XVII: Forms of Disciplinary Action

Each player is responsible for his behavior and conduct both on and off the ice. The following guidelines outline potential disciplinary consequences for common violations:

Section XVIII: Consent for Random Drug and Alcohol Testing

SSS Phoenix Hockey Academy reserves the right to require random drug and/or alcohol testing of any player participating in the program. Testing may include urine testing, hair follicle testing, Breathalyzer testing, or other approved screening methods.

All testing procedures will be conducted through an approved and certified testing provider. Test results will remain confidential and may only be disclosed to:

• SSS Phoenix Hockey Academy administration
• The Head Coach
• Authorized Academy personnel
• The player
• Parent(s) or legal guardian(s) if the player is under 18
• Governing authorities when required by USA Hockey or SafeSport policies

Any confirmed positive test may result in immediate suspension, disciplinary review, termination of the player agreement, and/or expulsion from SSS Phoenix Hockey Academy.