SOUTHERN MAINE YOUTH HOCKEY ASSOCIATION’S
2016 – 2017
PLAYER & PARENT
HANDBOOK
PO Box 661, Gorham, ME 04038
Southern Maine Youth Hockey Association fully supports and endorses the Zero Tolerance Policy of USA Hockey, Inc.
SOUTHERN MAINE YOUTH HOCKEY ASSOCIATION
PLAYER & PARENT GUIDEBOOK TABLE OF CONTENTS
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ABOUT THE ASSOCIATION / 4Mission / 4
Core Values / 4
SMYHA CONTACTS / 5
Board of Directors / 5
Who Can I Contact Now / 5
Hockey Information Sources / 6
Administration / 6
HOCKEY PROGRAMS / 7
Age Group Classifications / 7
Beginning Hockey / 7
Break The Ice / 8
Atoms / 8
Initiation / 8
Tier IV House Program / 9
Tier II & III Travel Program / 9
Midgets Program / 10
PLAYER TRY-OUTS / EVALUATIONS / 10
TEAM ADMINISTRATION / 12
Coaches / 12
Team Administrators / 12
Player Movement Prior to the Season / 13
Player Movement During the Season / 13
Mid-Season Roster Changes / 13
REGISTRATION & FEE STRUCTURE / 13
Registration Fees / 13
Tuition Assistance / 14
Refund Policy / 14
Registration / 14
TEAM APPAREL & EQUIPMENT / 14
Team Apparel / 14
Coaches Equipment / 14
Required Equipment / 14
Where To Get Equipment / 14
GENERAL ASSOCIATION INFORMATION / 15
Location and Schedule of Practices & Games / 15
Coaches Clinics / 16
Referees Clinics / 16
Board Meetings / 16
Insurance / 16
Sponsorship / 16
REGULATIONS, SUSPENSIONS AND APPEALS / 16
Zero Tolerance Policy / 16
Players / 16
Coaches / 16
Officials / 17
Parents / Spectators / 17
Players Code of Conduct / 17
Head Coach Responsibilities / 18
Team Officials / 18
Unpermitted Entry Into Officials' Dressing Room / 18
Supplementary Discipline / 19
Consumption / Abuse of Alcohol and Drugs / 19
Ineligible Players / 19
Parents'Code of Conduct / 19
Hearing Before the Board / 19
Appeals / 20
Huskies Youth Hockey Association
Player & Parent Information Guidebook
Southern Maine Youth Hockey Association (SMYHA) sincerely hopes you and your player or players have a most enjoyable hockey experience. SMYHA is a non profit organization run entirely by volunteers, overseeingboth Huskies Tier IV Program and the Breakers Tier II and III . With approximately 400 players in the organization it takes a tremendous amount of effort to meet our goal of an enjoyable hockey experience for all. Your input, support and time volunteered are greatly appreciated and will only make our organization stronger.
ABOUT THE ASSOCIATION
SMYHA has been organized and is incorporated under the Maine Nonprofit Corporations Act and shall be operated exclusively for charitable, educational, or scientific purposes within the meaning of §501(c)(3) of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (the "Code") as the same may be amended from time to time. Within these purposes, the purposes of the Corporation shall include
(a)Developing and encouraging sportsmanship among all players and participants for the betterment of their physical, social, and emotional well-being;
(b)Encouraging, improving, and promoting a higher standard of ice hockey and educating players about the rules and skills of the game;
(c)Abiding by, promoting, and furthering the goals, objectives, and values of USA Hockey and the Maine Amateur Hockey Association (MEAHA).SMYHA abides by the Articles of Incorporation, By-Laws, Rules and Regulations, Playing Rules, and decisions effected and promulgated by USA Hockey to the extent not inconsistent with the Corporation’s exempt status under the Code.
Our philosophy is straight-forward: Provide a forum to promote and develop youth ice hockey in Maine. We also work to help players learn good sportsmanship, whether winning or losing. Hockey is a contact sport at the Bantam level and above, but through instruction, enforcement of rules through referees, and mandating full protective equipment, we strive to keep the safety and well-being of the players at the forefront.
Mission
•To provide an enjoyable hockey experience for the kids;
•To develop and encourage sportsmanship among all players and participants for the betterment of their physical, social, and emotional well-being;
•To educate children as to the rules of and skills of ice hockey;
•To promote, encourage and improve the standard of amateur ice hockey;
•To associate with other ice hockey associations;
•To conduct an amateurice hockey program by promoting, and furthering the goals, objectives, and values of USA Hockey and the Maine Amateur Hockey Association (MEAHA).
Core Values
•Sportsmanship — Foremost of all values is to learn a sense of fair play, become humble in victory, gracious in defeat.
SMYHA's goal is to foster friendship with teammates and fellow athletes alike.
•Education — Under no circumstances should SMYHA participation take priority over each player’s school commitments.
•Respect for the Individual — Treat all others as you expect to be treated.
•Integrity — SMYHA seeks to foster honesty and fair play beyond mere strict interpretations of the rules and
regulations of the game.
•Enjoyment — It is important for the hockey experience to be fun, satisfying and rewarding for the participant without an over-emphasis on winning.
•Teamwork — We value the strength of learning to work together as part of the overall hockey experience.
•Pursuit of Excellence at the Individual, Team and Organizational Levels — Each member of SMYHA, whether player, parent or volunteer, should perform each aspect of the game to the highest level of their ability.
•Loyalty — We aspire to teach loyalty to the ideals and fellow members of the sport of hockey.
•Safety - We strive to provide a safe and healthy environment for all players and volunteers.
•Competitiveness — An opportunity for those who wish to advance in a more competitive environment to do so.
SMYHA CONTACTS
Board of Directors
The volunteers listed below have been elected or appointed to serve on the Board of Directors. Should you have any questions related to SMYHA matters, please contact your Team Administrator, Coach or any other Board member.
President / James Farrenkopf /Vice President / Anthony Malette /
Treasurer / John Sawyer /
Secretary / Kelly Allen /
Huskies Executive Director / Lisa Sjostedt /
Breakers Executive Director / Ace Malette /
Registrar / Jenny Jasa /
Co-Registrar / Suzanne Castles /
Breakers Coaching Director / Brian Casserly /
Huskies Coaching Director / Dave Sjostedt /
Equipment Director / Nate Spooner /
Director of Beginning Hockey / April Farrenkopf /
Girls Director / Jeff Libby /
Tournament Director / VACANT /
Communications Director / Beth Richards /
Director of Sponsors / Tim Sutherburg /
Website Director / Jenny Jasa /
Scheduler-Tier II/III/IV / Tammy McNaulty /
Who To Contact
Your primary source of immediate and up-to-date information on schedules, games, tournaments, and other Association activities is your Team Administrator or Coach. Of course, you can check out the SMYHA website ( newsletters, rosters, forms, and other news items. There is also a Facebook page. You can also check with your Board representative on Association matters. DO NOT CALL THE ICE RINKS AS THEY WILL NOT HAVE THE INFORMATION.
SMYHA Mailing Address: SMYHA, PO Box 661, Gorham, ME 04038
Hockey Information Sources
SMYHA website can be found directly through the USA Hockey website, by searching for youth leagues in Maine or entering
Additional information regarding SMYHA, MEAHA, and USA Hockey, Inc. organizations can be accessed by visiting the following websites listed below.
(Maine Amateur Hockey Association)
Administration
The property and affairs of SMYHA are managed by a volunteer Board of Directors pursuant to its Bylaws. The Board is responsible for formulating and administering the policies and the rules of the hockey program, as well as establishing a budget and annual fees. The Board shall be managed by an Executive Committee, which shall include the President, Executive Directors of Huskies and Breakers, Secretary, and Treasurer.
HOCKEY PROGRAMS
SMYHA is divided into teams according to age groups and skill levels. These skill levels include Competitive Tier II (Travel), Competitive Tier III (Travel), and Competitive Tier IV (House) teams. Depending on skill level, some teams will travel more than others. Tier IV (House) will play most games at USM with occasional games at other organizations near the home District. Tier II (Travel) and Tier III (Travel) teams will play throughout the State with occasional travel to tournaments outside the State.
Age Group Classifications
Youth Age Category 2016 -17 SeasonClassification / Birth Year / Ages
Midget Major / 1998 / 18
Midget Minor / 2000 / 16
Bantam / 2002-2003 / 13-14
Pee Wee / 2004-2005 / 11-12
Squirt / 2006-2007 / 9-10
Mite / 2008-2009 / 7-8
Beginning
Hockey / 1st Time Skaters / All ages
Age classifications for the 2016 -2017 seasons are approved by USA Hockey. The classifications listed below were adopted to provide consistency with Canadian youth ice hockey age groupings, and synchronize the youth ice program with USA Hockey's other programs, all of which operate on the calendar year.
2016-2017 SEASON
Girls Age Category 2015-16 SeasonBirth Year / Age / Division
1997-1999 / 17-19 / 19 or Under
2000-2001 / 15-16 / 16 or Under
2002-2003 / 13-14 / 14 or Under
2004-2005 / 11-12 / 12 or Under
2006-2007 / 9-10 / 10 or Under
NOTE: Players ages are the age of the player on December 31st of the season played. For instance, a player who turns 9 on or before December 31st is a Squirt.
Beginning Hockey
SMYHA offers levels of beginning hockey depending on your player’s age and skating ability; Break the Ice, Atoms and the Initiation Program. The goal is to make the hockey experience enjoyable without risking injury, so that your child wants to come back and skate again. While every parent wants to see their child play games and score goals, SMYHA follows the USA Hockey program for proper development of players. This includes a focus on skill development, safety, proper equipment, and cross ice games. The general guidelines for the placement of players are summarized below. However, as in all sports some players may have more advanced skills and can be moved into a more appropriate program based solely on the judgment of the SMYHA instructors. All players must complete either the Atoms or Initiation Program in order to play inthe House or Travel programs. All sessions will be held at the USM rink in Gorham.
Southern Maine Youth Hockey offers a place for all youth aged 4 to 12 the opportunity to learn skating and the game of hockey. Please review the different programs offered; Break the Ice, Atoms and Initiation. Any questions you have should be directed to the Beginning Hockey Director. All programs listed below can be registered on line. The fees listed do not include the USA Hockey fee or the MEAHA fee. When you register on line you will pay the USA Hockey and MEAHA fee directly and forward the USAH registration along with your HYHA tuition to SMYHA.
Break The Ice
Break-the-Ice (BTI) is SMYHA’s program for beginning skaters who have a basic skating ability, and can stand and move on the ice without the assistance of a bucket or parent (or will be able to within 2-3 sessions.) BTI focuses on further skating abilities. This10-hour, twice-a-week program is for children who have turned 4 years old by the first ice session. The program is offered in the Fall.
Skaters are required to be in full hockey equipment. Thegroup meets twice a week and is focused on skill development and fun-and-games. After completing the BTI program, skaters that are 5 and older can move into the Atoms or Initiation Program at a prorated fee.
Cost:See SMYHA website.
Atoms
SMYHA and USA Hockey require all players to complete an approved beginning hockey program before they can play in SMYHA House or Travel Programs. The Atoms program meets this requirement for skaters that are 5 to 7 years old. The goals of this program is to put skaters who have adequate skating and stopping skills on the ice to begin to develop stronger skating skills and an understanding for the game of hockey. Skaters are required to be in full hockey equipment.
Cost:See SMYHA website. Estimated 30-35 ice sessions.
Initiation
SMYHA and USA Hockey require all players to complete an approved beginning hockey program before they can play in SMYHA House or Travel Programs. The Initiation program meets this requirement for skaters that are 7 and older. The goal of this program is to put skaters who have adequate skating and stopping skills on the ice to begin to develop stronger skating skills and an understanding for the game of hockey. Skaters are required to be in full hockey equipment.
If a skater demonstrates sufficient skills to the instructors of this program, and SMYHA has roster openings at the level your player is at, then he/she could become certified to play. The player can be then moved up to join a Tier IV team. This can occur at any point in the season. The goal is to provide the optimal hockey experience for the player without risking injury.
Cost: See SMYHA website. Estimated 30-35 ice sessions.
Tier IV(House) Program
SMYHA offers Tier IV programs for all divisions from Mites through Midgets based on the age classifications presented above, as well as a U14 and U12 Girls division. Each player registering for Tier IV must have completed one year of Initiation, regardless of age. The Tier IV program is focused on player development, competition and fun. The goal is not winning, but developing skaters into solid hockey players. The expectation of coaches is equal playing time for all players, provided the players are making the commitment to attend all practice sessions. At the Mite and Squirt level, all players are encouraged to play each position including goalie. It is not until the Peewee level that SMYHA expects players to settle into one position. The season consists of 40-45 ice sessions including 16-20 games. SMYHA has developed reciprocal arrangements with other local organization’s to provide a competitive local schedule of games.
Mites will play cross ice games. Cross-ice games are being encouraged by USA Hockey for improved skills development and are being adopted by all programs in Maine. All players receive a SMYHA practice jersey that they can keep, as well as game socks. Game jerseys need to be purchased by the individual player at all levels except Mites. See SMYHA website for details on jersey purchasing.
Girls who wish to play on an all-girl team must be between the ages of 10-14, and must have completed one year of a beginning hockey program.
The Tier IV program fee includes one tournament to be selected by the coaches and/or families.
Regular Season
The SMYHA Tier IV ice hockey season runs from October until March. While SMYHA heartily welcomes all inquiries and has as its goal the intention of involving as many youngsters as possible, a waiting list may have to be created in situations where team rosters are full and there are insufficient numbers of skaters to complete another team. It is important to register before the deadline to assure your player a position on a team.
Team Size
The Board believes that a maximum practical number of players on a team are 16 (three complete offensive and defensive lines plus a goalie). As such, the Board's objective is to place 12-16 qualified players on each team for Squirt and above. At the Mites level we will be playing 4 on 4 during cross-ice games. As such SMYHA may place as few as 10-12 players on each Mite team. The goal of SMYHA is to keep per player fees as low as possible and provide a forum to develop each player's skills as a hockey player.
Scheduled Practices & Games
Each team within each age classification will regularly have twoscheduled practices and up to one game each week during the season, except for the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays, when special tournaments may take place. Practices may or may not be at the same time, place and day each week. A schedule will be available online 1-2 weeks prior to the beginning of the month on the SMYHA website. Schedules are subject to changes due to USM college hockey, and other events. Your Team Administrator and/or Coach will be given updates as needed. All practices will be held at USM and/or Troubh Ice Arena. Games will be at the USM Ice Arena or other localarenas.
Extended Play Hockey
SMYHA offers an Extended Play team in a particular division provided there is enough interest to do so. The extended play team will have approximately 20 additional ice sessions (10 practices/10 games) and will be made up of players from each of the Tier IV teams in that division. Games for the extended play team will be scheduled generally within an hour of USM with other programs that offer extended play. Players will be extended invitations to play on the Extended Play team in their division based on age, player rankings from the team selection evaluations and player analysis in the first weeks of the season. The cost for extended play for the 2016 –2017 season will be determined at time of team selection.
Tier II & Tier III(Travel) Programs
In addition to offering Tier IV Hockey, SMYHA offers higher competition when the skill level of the players enables competitive teams. As such, SMYHA is committed to providinghockey programs at the Tier II andTier III level each year for Squirt, Peewee, and Bantam age groups. Tier II and Tier III hockey is more ‘results oriented’ than Tier IV Hockey. Records are kept at the State level for purposes of seeding playoffs. At this level coaches are not required to provide equal playing time for all players. Coaches have the latitude to put stronger players on the ice at critical junctures of the game.