VERMILION & DISTRICT
MINOR HOCKEY ASSOCIATION
ASSOCIATION HANDBOOK
Originated August 14, 2001
Amended September 2003/July 2007/September 2008
ASSOCIATION HANDBOOK TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
1.0 Introduction & History 3
2.0 Association Culture 3
2.1-3 Vision & Mission Statements, Values
2.4 Purpose & Objectives
3.0 Definitions 4
4.0 VMHA Organization & Structure 5
4.1 Concession Team Allotment
4.2 Concession Shift Policy
5.0 Program Expectations & Outcomes 6
5.1 General Expectations
5.2-7 Category Expectations
6.0 Player Registrations 8
6.1 Fees & Deadlines
6.1a Late Fees
6.2 NSF Cheques
6.3 Divisions/Ages
6.4 Player Releases
6.5 Volunteer Bond
6.6 Team Account Guideline
7.0 Ice Allotments 12
8.0 Tournaments 13
8.1 Bussing Policy
8.2 Tournament Sponsorship
9.0 Travel & Tournament Permits 13
10.0 Team Selection Process 14
10.1 Tiering of Teams
10.2 Team Selections
10.3 Player Acceleration
10.4 Tier 1 Tryouts
11.0 Team & Player Affiliations 14
13.0 Codes of Conduct & Contracts 15
13.0 Zero Tolerance Statement 15
14.0 Discipline Procedure & Dispute Resolution Process 15
14.1 General Policy
14.2 Stage 1 – The Informal Process
14.3 Stage 2 – The Formal Process
15.0 Appeal of Discipline 17
15.1 Stage 3 – The Appeal Process
16.0 Grievances 18
16.1 Fair Play Concerns
16.2 Other Grievance Statements
17.0 Coach Selection Process 19
17.1 Coach Selection
18.0 Certification Requirements for Coaches and Trainers 19
18.1 Coach Certification Requirements
19.0 Development Programs of The Association 19
19.1 Coach Mentorship
19.2 Player Skill Development
20.0 Minor Hockey Equipment 20
21.0 Provincial Participation 20
22.0 Program Evaluations 20
22.1 Coach Evaluation
23.0 Recognition Programs 21
24.0 Member Orientation Programs 21
25.0 Risk Management & Liability Insurance 21
26.0 Co-Ed Dressing Rooms 21
Appendices...……………………………………………………………………………………22
1.0 INTRODUCTION
Commencing in the spring of 2001, the executive of Vermilion Minor Hockey embarked upon a process, which has allowed them to more accurately focus the association. This process, through the direction of Rick Polutnik and TeamWorks Canada, has resulted in a clear direction and purpose for the association. The results of our work have been captured in this document. The executive members of the association that participated in the L.E.A.D. Program processes understand and appreciate that much work still remains to grow our association and that this document will lay the foundation of a hockey program that will ensure the life skills of our community today, tomorrow and in the future.
The L.E.A.D. Program as developed by TeamWorks Canada and Hockey Alberta, is designed to be an organizational and human leadership program for minor hockey associations and their members. L.E.A.D. is an acronym for Leadership by all involved, Education of all members, Adaptation to the changing face of our game, and Development of all peoples involved in the game.
2.0 ASSOCIATION CULTURE
The association culture consists of the Vision and Mission statements of the association along with the stated values and beliefs about how we will operate the business of minor hockey in our community.
2.1 A VISION OF OUR ASSOCIATION
“Ensuring the development of Hockey and Lifeskills”
2.2 A MISSION TO ACHIEVE OUR VISION
“To provide positive, progressive leadership, open, honest and consistent communication, quality programs, resources and opportunities within a fair, positive, enjoyable and safe environment for all the stakeholders & participants of Vermilion Minor Hockey Association”
2.3 THE VALUES & BELIEFS OF VERMILION MINOR HOCKEY
We believe that the values stated below should be demonstrated in all that we do:
30
Vermilion Minor Hockey Association
Association Handbook
August 14, 2001; Amended September 2003/July 2007/September 2008
With TeamWorks Canada Inc.
Responsibility
Integrity
Honesty
Communication
Fun
Fairness
Structure
Development
Openness
Respect
Trust
Discipline
Pride
Positive Attitude
Commitment
Enthusiasm
Cooperation
30
Vermilion Minor Hockey Association
Association Handbook
August 14, 2001; Amended September 2003/July 2007/September 2008
With TeamWorks Canada Inc.
2.4 PURPOSE AND OBJECTIVES OF VERMILION MINOR HOCKEY
The objectives of Vermilion Minor Hockey association are to:
a To promote, encourage and foster minor hockey in the Vermilion area of Alberta
a To protect the mutual interests of all its members and/or players
a To strive for the development of high caliber coaches, referees and facilities
a To assist in the formation of leagues within Vermilion and District
a To act as the governing body for minor hockey within Vermilion
a To work together with the Vermilion Recreation Board to accomplish the objectives of the Association
a To encourage good sportsmanship
3.0 DEFINITIONS
Hockey Alberta
Hockey Alberta is the governing body for amateur hockey in the province of Alberta. VMHA is a member of Hockey Alberta and agrees to operate under the guidelines, policies and direction of Hockey Alberta. Hockey Alberta members are minor hockey associations in Alberta who are registered with Hockey Alberta.
Canadian Hockey Association - CHA
The CHA is the governing body for amateur hockey in Canada. Hockey Alberta is a member of the CHA. The CHA is made up of member branches or the provinces.
Canadian Hockey Mentorship Program
As a result of the 1999 Open Ice Summit, on of the major program goal directions was to establish a program of coach mentorship across the country. The CHA and hockey Alberta have worked to implement a major mentorship program where experienced coaches are trained to work with younger less experienced coaches. It is felt that new or inexperienced coaches will benefit from a supportive coach willing to mentor and assist in the coach’s development.
Canadian Hockey Initiation Program
The CHA Initiation Program is a philosophy of fun and enjoyment for beginning hockey players up to age ten years. The philosophy emphasizes skating skills and fun vs competition and games. The program provides four sets of twenty lesson plans that coaches can used to guide them as they develop the skating skills of young players. Each lesson plan is designed to be used in Year One through Year Four before a child enters the Atom level.
Nike Skills Program Curriculum
The CHA has designed a package of progressive drill for every level of the game – Atom, PeeWee, Bantam and Midget. The lesson plans have been designed along the “recipe” approach where coaches can see what is appropriate at each level and time of year. Many up-to-date drills are included in these programs and coaches will benefit significantly if they incorporate them into their coaching program.
Individual Tactics
Skills that individual players can use to gain an advantage or take away an advantage from an opponent. They are usually a combination of individual skills. An example would be the player using skating skills with puck handling skills to maintain puck control.
Team Tactics
Skills that two or more players use to gain or take away an advantage. These Tactics are usually a combination of individual skills and tactics. An example would be two or three players attacking on a 2 on 1 or 3 on 2
TeamWorks Canada Inc.
A Sport Management Consulting company whose principle owner is Rick Polutnik. Mr. Polutnik is a former 15-year employee of Hockey Alberta. His major responsibilities over that time were as Technical Director and Manager – Human Resources responsible for:
· Coach and Athlete development programs
o Initiation & NCCP
o Canada Winter Games & Programs of Excellence
o Alberta Cup
o Female Hockey
· Volunteer Training and Development
· Strategic Planning
· Risk Management Training Programs
Mr. Polutnik has designed a leadership program to assist minor hockey organizations in addressing issues important to the game at the community level. He assists minor sport organizations, including executive members with their development. He was a member of the CHA Mentorship Development Committee and is the Master Coach Mentor for Hockey Alberta
4.0 VMHA Organizations and Structure
President
Secretary
Vice President - Business
Vice President – Development
Treasurer
Team Accounts Treasurer
Concession Coordinator
Fundraising Director
Ice Coordinator
Registrar
Flyweight Director
Novice Director
Atom Director
Pee Wee Director
Bantam Director
Midget Director
Female Director
Discipline Director
Clinic Coordinator
Referee Director – appointed
JR. B. Liason – appointed
Equipment Manager
Coach Mentorship Director
4.1 Concession Shift Allotment
- Team Coach gets two (2) concession shifts off (8 hours)
- Assistant Team Coach gets two (2) concession shifts off (8 hours). In the instance of two assistant team coaches, each are entitled to one (1) concession shift off (4 hours)
- Team Manager gets one (1) concession shift off (4 hours)
- Executive Board Members get two (2) concession shifts off (8 hours) with the following exceptions:
-The following positions are exempt from working ANY concession shifts:
- President
- Treasurer
- Secretary
- Team Accounts Manager
4.2 Concession Shift Policy
Concession bonds will be $200.00 with the first cheque dated December 31 and the second dated March 1
5.0 Program Expectations and Outcomes for Minor Hockey
Starting in the 2001 – 02 season the executive of Vermilion Minor Hockey Association will be working hard to ensure that all parents, coaches and players are aware of the VMHA program including expectations of the participation outcomes in minor hockey. This will help guide both coaches and executives in their efforts to make minor hockey a very positive and enjoyable experience for all.
For definitions of some statements please look to 3.0 Definitions on Page 4
5.1 General Expectations
ü That all will have a fun and enjoyable experiences
ü Skill development for all athletes is a priority over games and competitions
ü That all participants will learn Team Work and learn how to play as a team
ü That all will learn and demonstrate respect towards coaches, parents and other players
ü That coaches will demonstrate Fair Play and ensure that players learn and demonstrate Fair Play & Respect
ü That all learn to work hard to do their best at all levels
ü To develop life & social skills including respect for others
ü To create positive and lasting good memories
5.2 Initiation
ü Follow the Canadian Hockey Initiation Program Curriculum Guidelines
ü Ensure awareness & understanding of respect
ü Have fun & enjoy their participation
ü Players and parents to appreciate their responsibility in ensuring a fun environment
ü Teach and reinforce that giving 100% effort can be linked to fun
ü Stress skating skills as a priority
ü Fun skating drills
ü Learn basic fundamentals of the game including an introduction to basic positions
ü Team Concept – winning and losing as a team effort vs individual focus
ü Equal Play = Ice time with a common sense approach @ Beginner and Flyweight
ü Coaches at the Novice and above levels can use ice time as a tool for discipline. Where discipline is implemented, there must be communication between coaches and parents.
ü Appropriate discipline
ü No power plays or penalty killing plays or units
5.3 Atom
ü All from Atom
ü Have fun and enjoy their participation
ü Team Work – reinforce that team contribution equals team success
ü Develop good passing skills & Improve skating
ü Use Nike Skills Program as a curriculum guideline
ü Introduce correct checking skills
ü Angling and stick checks
ü Body Contact
ü Teach Individual Tactics
ü Simple breakout and defensive zone play
ü Basic game and team concepts
ü No special teams
ü No power play or penalty killing units
ü All Atom teams are equal as is reasonable and possible, therefore no tiering of teams.
5.4 PeeWee
ü All from Atom
ü Tiering starts at PeeWee
ü Have fun & learn Team Work - Learn to work with others
ü Respect for the game and others including fellow players, opponents & officials
ü Use Nike Skills Program as a curriculum guideline
ü Discipline and respect will be reinforced by coaches and expected of players and coaches
ü Player commitment to team games and practices is expected
ü Power Play & Penalty Kill plays and units are allowed
ü There is an expectation that all players will have the opportunity to participate in
PP & PK situations
ü Individual Puck Control Skills
ü To learn how to check and receive a check properly
ü Improve skating and passing skills and shooting
ü Learn basic game concepts and an awareness of the game
ü Defensive & Offensive Play
ü Individual and Team Tactics & Face-offs
5.5 Bantam
ü All from PeeWee level
ü Have fun & learn Team Work - Learn to work with others
ü Discipline and respect will be reinforced by coaches and expected of players and coaches
ü Improve on skills learned previous year
ü Use Nike Skills Program as a curriculum guideline
ü Player commitment to team games and practices is expected
5.6 Midget
ü All from Bantam level
ü Have fun while ensuring discipline & respect for teammates, coaches, officials and the game
ü Team Work - Learn to work with others
ü Improve on skills learned from previous year
ü Use Nike Skills Program as a curriculum guideline
ü Being fair to every player; not playing favorites
ü Not changing the rules and having written rules
ü Player commitment to team games and practices is expected
5.7 Female
ü All from Atom
ü Tiering starts at PeeWee
ü Have fun & learn Team Work - Learn to work with others
ü Respect for the game and others including fellow players, opponents & officials
ü Use Nike Skills Program as a curriculum guideline
ü Discipline and respect will be reinforced by coaches and expected of players and coaches
ü Player commitment to team games and practices is expected
ü Power Play & Penalty Kill plays and units are allowed
ü There is an expectation that all players will have the opportunity to participate in
PP & PK situations
ü Individual Puck Control Skills
ü To learn how to check and receive a check properly
ü Improve skating and passing skills and shooting
ü Learn basic game concepts and an awareness of the game
ü Defensive & Offensive Play
ü Individual and Team Tactics & Face-offs
6.0 Player Registration
The deadline each year is September 15th. This is an important date as it gives the Executive as well as the Town of Vermilion a clear idea of anticipated numbers of players, teams and ice requirements.
6.1 Fees
Registration fees are calculated annually as follows:
· VDMHA would like to maintain a balance of $20,000 in the General Account and $9000 if the Team Account
All registration fees will be paid according to the following options:
· Payment in full at registration
· Payment in full via post dated cheque for October 1
· Payment via two post dated cheques
o 1 dated October 1st
o 1 dated December 31
· Four payments by post dated cheques
o October 1/November/December1st/December 31
All fees must be paid no later than January 2nd of the current season
6.1.a Late Fees
There will be an additional $50.00 fee for every child that is registered after the September 15th deadline
6.2 NSF Cheque
Upon receiving a NSF Notice, the treasurer is to contact that person and allow 5 days to receive cash or certified cheque as replacement. If payment is not received, the Treasurer is to send a letter to the parent/guardian notifying them that the player is not allowed on the ice until the matter is cleared within 5 days. The Treasurer must also contact the coach/manager to advise them of the situation.