Watch Your Mouth, Captain . . .

I'm never one to shy away from telling a referee what I think of him. This is something I need to work on. With the help of the rules, I'm trying, I'm really trying . . .

From USA Hockey's rules for 2005-2007:

From the Players Code of Conduct:

"Never argue with an official’s decision."

From the Officials Code of Conduct:

"Adopt a “zero tolerance” attitude toward verbal or physical abuse."

Furthermore:

"The following points of emphasis must be implemented by
all Referees and Linesmen:
Players
A penalty (Zero Tolerance) shall be assessed whenever a player
(please refer to Rule 601 for appropriate penalty):
1. Openly disputes or argues any decision by an official.2. Uses obscene or vulgar language at any time, including any
swearing, even if it is not directed at a particular person.
3. Visually demonstrates any sign of dissatisfaction with an official’s
decision.
Any time that a player persists in any of these actions, additional
penalties shall be assessed per the penalty progression established
under Rule 601."

Rule 601 states:

"(a) Any player who challenges or disputes the rulings of any
Official or endeavors to incite an opponent (including
taunting) or create a disturbance during the game shall be
assessed a minor penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct. If the
player persists in such challenge or dispute, he shall be
assessed a misconduct penalty, and any further dispute by
the same player will result in a game misconduct penalty
being assessed . . .

(c) If any player is guilty of any one of the following, his team
shall be assessed a bench minor penalty:
(1) In the vicinity of the players’ bench, using obscene,
profane or abusive language to any person or using the
name of any Official coupled with any vociferous remarks."

Good thing most of our refs don't know the rules that well . . .