Code of Conduct

1.      Members of Gopher State Officials shall comport themselves in accordance with the MSHSL Code of Ethics for Officials (available in the MSHSL Officials' Manual) and the Code of Conduct of the National Association of Sports Officials (“NASO”).

2.      MEMBERSHIP RESPONSIBILITIES.  In addition to the NASO code of conduct above, members are responsible for doing the following:

a.       Remain current on dues.

b.     Maintain an updated online schedule of availability.

c.      Timely accept game assignments.

d.     Not habitually refusing to accept games.

e.      Timely satisfy game assignments, including confirming with fellow officials assigned to the contest and providing advance notice to the schools.

f.        Attend annual meetings specific to their sport.

g.      Timely respond to communications from the Association and the Assignors.

h.      Abstain from the use of mind-altering drugs or alcohol on the day of any contest prior to or during the contest they are officiating.

i.        Abstain from all harassing activities.

j.        Abstain from discrimination and discriminatory activity.

k.      Abstain from derogatory communications concerning officials, players, schools, coaches, and school administration, in social media and otherwise. 

l.        If a member serves as a coach, player, or spectator, their conduct towards, and respect for, fellow officials doing their game is more closely noticed by all concerned. Therefore, members shall strive to set a very high standard of personal conduct under these circumstances to serve as an example to all.

m.   Avoid any conflict of interest or appearance of conflict of interest. In case of doubt, or if the situation giving rise to the conflict of interest or the appearance of a conflict of interest has already been created, the member should inform their Assignor.

n.      Treat colleagues and all other persons with courtesy and respect.

3.      SANCTIONS.  In the event a member conducts themselves contrary to the member’s responsibilities set forth in these By-Laws or the requirements imposed by the Minnesota State High School League, an Assignor (as to game assignments) or the Board of Directors may impose one or more of the following sanctions:

a.      A late fee, as may be set and adjusted by the Board of Directors from time to time;

b.     A fine, as may be set or adjusted by the Board of Directors from time to time;

c.      Letter of Reprimand;

d.     Censure;

e.      Suspension of future game assignments, perhaps including post-season games;

f.        Probation; and/or

g.      Expulsion from the Association.

4.      The decision of the association to not impose a sanction for one or more violations does not constitute a waiver of the association’s right to impose one or more sanctions for other past or future violations.

5.      If the Board is considering discipline of a Regular member, the Board shall provide the offending member 7 days advance written notice of a Board Meeting to hear the complaint. The offending member shall have the opportunity to be heard in his/her own defense.