What penalties can I receive as a coach for my conduct on the bench?

Under the Hockey Canada Playing Rules 2026-2028, team officials can be penalized as follows:

• Unsportsmanlike conduct (Rule 11.1): includes disputing an official's decision in an unsportsmanlike manner, derogatory language, and any inappropriate or unwanted discussion with the referee before, during or after the game. A player or team official receives a Minor or Bench Minor penalty. A team official who persists after that receives a Game Misconduct penalty.
• Abusive behaviour (Rule 11.2): targeted, persistent or excessively profane conduct meant to intimidate, threaten, belittle or demean. A team official or unidentified player from the bench receives a Bench Minor penalty, and any team official who uses abusive conduct towards the referee or any person is assessed a Game Misconduct. The referee reports a Game Misconduct under this rule to the Member or league delegate in a Game Incident Report. If the comment attacks the official's character or integrity it is abusive; if it only criticizes or protests a decision it is unsportsmanlike conduct.
• Interference from the bench (Rule 8.4): a team official who makes deliberate physical contact with an opposing player receives a Gross Misconduct penalty on top of any other penalties the rules require.

Hockey Canada's 2026 Code of Conduct Policy also applies to coaches as team personnel. It requires respect for referees and their decisions, and self-control at all times.