Maltreatment/Discrimination is described as volitional acts that result in harm or the potential for physical or psychological harm (Section 11 of the rule book)
Full Maltreatment/Discrimination Policy is available here: Vancouver Female Hockey Maltreatment/Discrimination Policy
How to Handle Maltreatment/Discrimination Within a Game
Players overhearing discriminatory language, slurs, or otherwise objectionable words on the ice should inform their team captain and/or coach right away, with the jersey number of the source; team captain should then inform the ref at the next stoppage of play, and bring the head coaches together to settle the matter. Penalties can be quite severe:
• 11.4 Gross Misconduct – Discrimination - Indefinite Suspension (minimum 5 games)
How to Handle Rough Play Within a Game
Coaching staff can handle rough play through a number of measures, including:
- Calling the referees over to the bench and respectfully speaking to them about the rough play, requesting more direct action
- Speaking respectfully to the opposing coaches during a break in play or intermission
- At no time can a coach or team official speak disrespectfully to a referee - remember, referees are under no obligation to speak to coaches at any time
- If referees are refusing to speak to a coach, the player captain may ask to speak to the referee (though the answer may be no)
Also note, if a coach suspects an upcoming game will be rough, based on past games, they are free to:
- Request experienced referees by making a request through the VFIHA RIC (ref@vfiha.com)
- Speak to the opposing team coaching staff before the game, and ask them to speak to their players about rough play
If none of these actions results in satisfactory outcomes, a coach may forward a request through their division Coach Coordinator, to have the VFIHA President speak to the other association's President about the ongoing behaviour.