In an effort to help control inappropriate spectator behavior, the following AHAI rule is effective immediately.  This rule will apply to all our house league games (including the games played here in Wisconsin).

A game will be stopped by on-ice officials when the parents/spectators displaying inappropriate or disruptive behavior interfere with other parents/spectators or the game. The on-ice officials will identify violators to the coaches for the purpose of removing parents/spectators from the parents’/spectators’ viewing and game area. Once removed, play will resume. Lost time will not be replaced. Violators will incur a minimum mandatory 3-game suspension from that team’s games and may be subject to further disciplinary action by the local governing body.

The reasons for this necessary minimum 3-game suspension rule are simple; last season there was a marked increase in parents’/spectators’ behavior being out of control. These behaviors included verbal and physical altercations with officials, players and other spectators. Additionally clubs/teams that have a responsibility to help control and penalize these behaviors were asking for guidance from AHAI.

No matter why a spectator is asked to leave, the minimum suspension is 3 games. There is emphasis on a minimum of 3 games.

Here is how the reporting system works:

An official will file an electronic “Incident Report” detailing the official’s version of the occurrence with the AHAI R&E Committee. The Committee sends the report to the spectator’s club in order for the club to conduct an investigation. Upon completion of the spectator’s club investigation (that should include talking to the accused spectator) the investigating club will report back to the AHAI R&E Committee for final approval of the minimum 3-game suspension or any additional imposed suspension.

This is a very simple rule. Any spectator asked to leave a rink by an official or by the rink personnel will automatically miss a minimum of 3 games. No questions asked.