Association and Coach Handbook
Hockey Alberta
Zone 5
2012/2013
ZONE TEAM
Minor CouncilZone Manager / Tamara Robbins / AREA CODE (403) /
(H) 938-4505
(F) 1-888-847-5331
Zone Administrator / Sherri Barrett / AREA CODE (403) /
(H) 646-2344
(F) 646-2342
Zone Discipline/ Travel/ / Lana Benson / AREA CODE (403) /
Tournament Coordinator / (H) 381-0473
(F) 320-9305
Zone Clinic Coordinator / Julie Stansfield / AREA CODE (403) /
(H) 320-8314
(F) 317-3147
Female South Rep / Bob Stinn / AREA CODE (403) /
(c) 650-6485
Zone Officials’ Representative / Dave Shaw / AREA CODE (403) /
(H) 381-2111
Zone 5 Representative (Director) / Bob Bartlett / Area Code (403) /
(H) 328-0163
(F) 317-9308
Table of Contents
Section 1: IMPORTANT DATES 1
Section 2: DEFINITIONS AND ABBREVIATIONS 1
Section 3: PLAYER MOVEMENT GUIDES 2
Section 4: TEAM INFORMATION 3
Section 5: TRAVEL PERMITS/TOURNAMENT SANCTIONS/SPECIAL EVENTS 3
Section 7:OVERAGE PLAYERS 4
Section 8: SUSPENSIONS 7
Section 9:GAME SHEET MANAGEMENT 7
Section 10:PROVINCIALS 8
Section 11: REFEREE COMPLAINT PROCEDURE 9
Section 12: COMMUNICATIONS PROCESS 10
ZONE 1 PARENT DECLARATION POLICY 11
FORMS………………………………………………………………………………………….12
Permission To Play In Other Than Home Association
Provincial Entry Form
Ice Time Agreement
Suspension Procedure Application
Any other forms that may be required are available at:
http://www.hockey-alberta.ca/association.aspx?p=forms
i
Section 1: IMPORTANT DATES
1 AUGUST / · Hockey Season begins15 OCTOBER: / · Last day Associations may order player card sets or team sheets
15 NOVEMBER: / · Teams must be registered with HA to be eligible for Provincials (Provincial Team, Non-Provincial team sheets submitted). Must be registered with HA on HCR prior to first league game if it occurs before 15 November
· Last day for receipt (in Red Deer) of submissions to host Provincials
· Last day to obtain certification for the current season (coaches, etc)
1 DECEMBER / · Last day for acceptance of Overage Applications (if playing in League- must be approved by League first- player not eligible to play until approved)
· Parent Respect in Sport Program must be completed.
15 DECEMBER: / · Last day for affiliations to be filed
Weekend before or of 10 January / · Zone Pre-Draw Meeting
1 JANUARY: / · Last day to inform HA that team is not entering Provincials (teams are automatically entered)
10 January / · Last day players may be registered or released
First weekend after 10 January: / · Annual Provincial Draw Meeting. Teams withdrawing from provincials after this meeting will be declared ineligible for Provincial Playdowns in the following season, assessed a $700.00 reinstatement fee, all team officials may be suspended.
30 APRIL / Hockey Season ends
Section 2: DEFINITIONS AND ABBREVIATIONS
HA – Hockey Alberta
LMHA – Local Minor Hockey Association
Category – Provincial Category – AAA, AA, A, B, C, D
Division – Initiation, Novice, Atom, Peewee, Bantam, Midget
Section 3: PLAYER MOVEMENT GUIDES (MALE PROGRAMS)
Player movement between associations can be a confusing and complex matter. This section of the handbook is intended to give some guidelines and understanding to the regulations and processes involved. It does not replace or supersede the regulations.
In its most basic form, the regulations forbid a player moving from one association to another of an equal or lesser provincial categorization. For example, a player living within the boundaries of an association that is categorized as an A centre can only be released to a AA centre or higher. They cannot be released to another association that has a categorization of A, B, C, or D. There is an exception to the rule that allows for a release to an equal or lower centre, IF the player has no team to play on in their home association. For the purpose of the regulations, “no team” means that there is physically no team (less than 8 players) or the team he would normally play on is full (19 players). Many people misinterpret the regulations by assuming that it is the categorization of the team, and not the association, that determines movement eligibility. This distinction cannot be emphasized too much. It is the association category that determines movement eligibility, and this categorization occurs before the season starts and will not change during the playing season. Therefore, an association that has a B category at the beginning of the season will remain a B centre for that entire season. Players from B, A, AA or AAA associations cannot be released to play there. Even if the B centre puts together a team that would categorized as a AAA team, due to imports, players from other B, A, AA or AAA associations cannot be released to play there.
With respect to goalies, some concessions are made to allow movement between associations. These concessions generally involve allowing a goalie to move to an association that does not have a goalie or allow a movement out of an association if there are too many goalies. In these cases be prepared to provide documentation to support the move (i.e. copies of cards or team sheets).
When an association contemplates releasing a player, it should carefully consider all aspects of the release and how it will affect it’s future teams. Except in the case of “no team to play on”, a release is permanent. You will only get that player back if the other association wants to release him/her back to you. If you release a player at the Peewee Division to another association, do not expect to see them back in your association for Bantam hockey. With respect to what is best for the player, if the release allows him/her to play at a higher level of hockey (in a higher category association) then this may be the right thing to do. Therefore, complete the form for the current season only. NEW REGULATION: ALL PLAYERS WILL RETURN TO THEIR HOME ASSOCIATION AT THE END OF THE CURRENT SEASON.
Some associations have put bylaws/regulations in place to limit where their players may be released to. For example, a bylaw that only allows players to be released to associations that are two (2) categories higher than the LMHA ensures that “gifted” players are given the opportunity to play to their potential while at the same time making sure that there are sufficient players that stay “home” to allow a viable program. This type of regulation is at the discretion of the association and HA neither encourages or discourages their use. Each association is free to run its own affairs, within the rules and bylaws of HA and the CHA. Therefore, an option has been granted as an Alternate to a Release. For players leaving for the current season only, LMHA may use the “Permission of Play in Another Association Form”. It is highly recommended this form is used for all player movement.
Player Movement – No Place to Play
Refer to the Regulations (3.6.1 , 3.6.2 , 3.6.3 ). Use HA FORM - Permission To Play In Other Than Home Association form letter to acquire permission.
Section 4: TEAM INFORMATION (BOTH MALE & FEMALE PROGRAMS)
(Must be with the “team” at all times)
Player Cards/HCR Roster
· A photocopy or originals of your HCR Roster to be held by Coach or Manager at all games w/affiliates.
Affiliation Agreement
· Approved affiliation agreement – ensure you have a copy of HCR Roster for all of your affiliated players.
League Roster
· All Coaches or Managers are required to carry a copy of the Approved HCR Roster to all games.
Safety Data Sheets
· Copies of all individual player data sheets.
Injury Reports
· Carry blank accident reports so they are available immediately at the time of the incident.
· Originals must be submitted to the office; inclusive of expense items (maintain a photocopy for your records).
· Players who require professional medical attention are not allowed to resume practice or play without written physician approval.
Section 5: TRAVEL PERMITS/TOURNAMENT SANCTIONS/SPECIAL EVENTS
Travel Permits (Travel/Tournament available on the web)
Zone Contact Person: LANA BENSON
Exhibition and Practice
· Must be obtained for ALL travel outside the Zone, except for League Play.
· Must be submitted to LANA via online by Wednesday at 3:00pm for weekend travel
· Permit numbers and team official phone numbers must be clearly indicated on game sheets
· Approved copy to be carried with the team at all times
Tournaments
· In Province : must have host tournament sanction number
· Out of Province : invitation from Host Centre; letter of approval from HA executive designate
Exhibition Games within the Zone
· No travel permit is required for exhibition games held within the Zone, however, all game sheets must be submitted to LANA and your division league commissioner. (Hockey Alberta requirement)
ALL EXHIBITION, PROVINCIALS &/OR TOURNAMENT GAME SHEETS MUST BE SUBMITTED TO HA REP LANA BENSON.
WITHIN 24 HOURS; FAILURE TO DO SO WILL RESULT IN SUSPENSION OF TRAVEL PRIVILEGES
Section 6: SPECIAL EVENT SANCTIONS (Special Event Request available online)
Zone Contact Person: LANA BENSON
· Refer to guidelines and request form for detail as to what comprises a special event
· Special Event requests must be submitted online seven days before the event at minimum
Section 7:OVERAGE PLAYERS (MALE & FEMALE)
Prerequisites For Obtaining Overage Status
· Limited skill - would mean: noticeable lack of basic hockey skill such as skating and balance for his/her age. Including limited aptitude for the game in the Pee Wee and higher Divisions.
· Verification – would mean a letter (s) confirming the lack of skill and ability to play in the proper age Division from the Association, Coach of respective team, including evaluation report if possible.
ONLY 1ST YEAR PLAYERS (BY BIRTH-DATE) IN A DIVISION WILL BE ELIGIBLE FOR OVERAGE
Novice to Initiation
· At discretion of LMHA
Atom to Novice
· Player has limited skills
· Beginner player (1st – 2nd year of hockey)
· Health reasons – supported by letter from doctor
Pee Wee to Atom
· Player is of small and frail structure combined with limited skills – written verification of ability
· Player has limited skills – written verification of ability
· Beginner Player (1st year of hockey)
· Health reasons – supported by letter from doctor
Bantam to Pee Wee
· Player has limited skills- written verification of ability
· Beginner Player (1st year of hockey)
· Health reasons – supported by letter from doctor
Midget to Bantam
· Player has limited skills – written verification of ability
· Beginner Player (1st year of hockey)
· Health reasons – supported by letter from doctor
Junior to Midget
To be reviewed on an individual basis by the Zone Minor Council Manager of Operations in consultation with Minor Council Chairperson. May be approved when:
· Association does not have enough players to make a team (8) without applicant. If more players register later increasing size of team, overage may be revoked.
· No registered team, other than Midget within 50km of place of residence.
· Health reasons – supported by letter from Doctor
· Must be in School – supported by letter from School
· No goaltender available – would not be able to register ( ice ) a team
· Must meet 3 of the above, before approval will be considered.
Goaltenders
· To be reviewed & approved by Minor Council Manager of Operations on an individual basis.
Exceptions
Exceptions would be reviewed on an individual basis, in consultation with and approval of Minor Council Chairperson.
All applications for overage must be made using the Overage Player Application form. This form must be complete and be accompanied by all of the required documentation listed above. Send applications to:
The LEAGUE FIRST for League approval !! \
must first be approved by the League President , who will then forward all approvals to TAMARA ROBBINS.
OVERAGE CONDITIONS
All steps for approval by HA must be followed and in writing.
All approval for overage play is for games within Alberta only. You must secure additional approval for any activity outside the Province of Alberta.
You must never play an overage that has not been approved by Hockey Alberta.
Overage players can participate in League play. (depending on League approval).
Overage players may play in Exhibition and Tournament games, but must receive approval from the Tournament Committee.
All coaches are responsible to let teams that they are playing know they have an overage player. The overage player must be clearly marked on every game sheet (OA) beside the player’s name.
Overage players are not eligible to play Provincial Zone Play Downs, Provincial Championship Tournament and the Alberta Winter Games.
Overage status will be granted for one year only.
Overage players are not eligible as affiliates to a higher Division or Category.
Hockey Alberta can revoke overage status at any time. (for valid reasons).
Application acceptance critical date is December 01.
Final Approval for overage status must be obtained from the Hockey Alberta Zone Minor Council Manager of Operations.
Exceptions must be reviewed in consultation with and approved by Minor Council Chairperson.
Exceptions from Junior to Midget must be reviewed in consultation with Minor Council Chairperson.
Leagues may strengthen criteria.
Each application should be reviewed independently and carefully.
HOCKEY ALBERTA RESPONSIBILITY - OVERAGE
Please note that with having been approved for special overage status with Hockey Alberta there are some conditions that must be adhered to:
1. Overage players are NOT eligible to play Provincial Championship Zone play-downs or the Provincial Championship tournament, including participating in any Winter Games play-downs or tournament.
2. Overage players are NOT eligible as affiliates to a higher Division or Category
3. Overage Players must NOT participate in any Hockey Alberta sanctioned event, until overage status approval has been given by Hockey Alberta.
4. Overage approval is for games within Alberta only. Additional approval must be secured for any activity outside the Province of Alberta, from the respective Branch