3.1 Alcohol, Drug and Cannabis Policy
Purpose
Alcohol, Cannabis, performance enhancing and/or narcotic drugs have no place amongst athletes in youth sports and as such have a zero-tolerance substance abuse policy.
Medicine Hat Minor Hockey Association is committed to providing all our players with an alcohol free, cannabis fee and drug free environment. Our Alcohol, Cannabis and Drug Policy will be strictly enforced amongst players, coaches, volunteers and the like.
Terms and Definitions
Member: Player, team official (coaching staff/manager/trainer), on-ice official, off-ice official Team Activity: Game, practice, organized team event, whether locally or away.
Alcohol, Cannabis, Drugs and Substance Abuse
If a player is caught using illegal drugs, alcohol and controlled substances, including all tobacco products such as chewing tobacco, vaping products, cannabis, and non-prescribed pharmaceuticals, during any Minor Hockey event, he/she will be suspended immediately.
Any member caught during a MHMHA team activity under the influence of alcohol, illegal drugs, other controlled substances, or any player found to be in the possession of or attempting to distribute the above-mentioned items, will be immediately suspended until a hearing with the Game & Conduct can be convened to determine the length of the suspension or expulsion.
The suspended member will not be allowed to participate in any team activities until the suspension is dealt with.
In the event that a player breaches this policy:
- If the parents are at the event, the player will be turned over to their care to immediately exit the facility.
- If the parents are not at the event, then the player will be sent home (under escort), and any additional expenses incurred will be the responsibility of the player and their family.
In the event that a coach or on–ice official breaches this policy, they will be asked to immediately exit the facility. They will consequently be suspended and asked to appear before the Game & Conduct to
determine the length of suspension or expulsion.
GUIDELINES OF THE ASSOCIATION
GUIDELINES OF THE ASSOCIATION 2022
Sanctions
First Infraction includes up to a two-game suspension. During the suspension period, the player is
required to attend team activities, including games (non-participant), practices, team building and dry land.
Second infraction includes a minimum of 3 games and up to an 8-game suspension. During the suspension period, the player is required to attend team activities, including games (non-participant), practices, team building and dry land. The player may be required to attend an assessment and addiction counseling session(s) as approved by Medicine Hat Minor Hockey Association.
Third infraction of the conduct policy will be an immediate indefinite suspension to be reviewed by the Vice President and/or the President of MHMHA to render an appropriate course of action.
All decisions regarding discipline under the MHMHA Game & Conduct Policy for Addressing Drugs, Alcohol, Cannabis and Controlled substances shall be at the discretion of the Game & Conduct whose
decision will be final
