Ames Minor Hockey Association

Ames Minor Hockey Association

Travel Hockey Program Policy

Travel Hockey Program

The AMHA Travel Hockey Program (THP) is designed for players who want to make a serious commitment to the game of hockey and to further their individual development. Travel hockey requires a significant amount of travel and financial commitment. It is the intent of AMHA to provide its members the opportunity to play competitive travel hockey, for the levels of Squirt through Bantams.

League Play

AMHA travel hockey teams will have the opportunity to play competitive hockey within and outside of the Midwest League, as determined by the Board, the coaches and parents of the respective teams.

Team Classification

The number of travel teams fielded at any one level will be determined by several factors including the number of players desiring to participate in travel hockey and the skill level of said players. Those desiring to participate in travel hockey will need to be evaluated to aid in the determination of the number of teams that may be formed. Further information on evaluations can be found in the evaluation policy.

Team Compilation

The number of teams that AMHA will field at any one level will primarily be driven by the number of those desiring to participate in travel hockey. In addition to this will be the skill levels of those desiring to participate, based on evaluations and knowledge of the abilities of any specific players. In game situations, attempts will be made for equitable play time. This design may allow for additional players to be on the travel team that otherwise would not be. Travel teams will consist of players of comparable skills and the number of players on a team will follow the below structure:

- The minimum number of players on a team at all divisions will be ten (10) skaters and one (1) goalie.

- The maximum number of players on a team at all divisions will be twenty (20). This will consist of 18 or 19 skaters and 1 or two goalies.

In all situations, the AMHA Board of Directors reserves the right to balance the number of players per team, determine the number of teams at all divisions and oversee the movement of players in the best interest of the association.

Travel Team Coordination

Each travel team will have one team coordinator. Applications for the position of team coordinator will be forwarded to the Coaches and Coordinators Committee (CCC). The CCC will review the applications and, in consultation with the team's head coach, will make a selection. The candidate selected will require final approval by the Board. It is recommended that the coordinator not be related to the head coach. Responsibilities of the team coordinator may include, but are not limited, to the following:

- Hold an initial parent's meeting at the beginning of, or prior to, the hockey season. At this meeting, issues to be covered with the team include all AMHA required forms (consent to treat, etc), an estimated budget, possible number of games to be played and possible number of tournaments.

- Produce a team roster for distribution to the team parents that contains each player's name and number, coach's name and corresponding contact information.

- Responsible for updating the team page on the AMHA website.

- Submitting the team's registration to USA Hockey, through the AMHA Registrar.

- Responsible for all correspondence that needs to be provided to parents to keep them informed of team events.

- Work with the coaches to identify season tournaments and facilitate registration for said tournaments. Coordinate arrangements for lodging for the team.

- Coordinate an end of year party for the team.

Approved on 3-11-2014