WINFIELD MINOR HOCKEY ASSOCIATION

HANDBOOK FOR PARENTS & GUARDIANS

Welcome

Welcome to the Winfield Minor Hockey Program! In order to make sure that our children and families have a positive experience, we have put together a handbook to help explain our program and what is expected of the parent/guardian, the players, and the spectators. This is not a comprehensive handbook and you may still have some questions. Ask your team manager or any member of the Winfield Executive Committee if you need more information. We hope you and your child/children have a fantastic year as we achieve fun, fairplay and fitness!
Car and Home
Some parents not only spoil the fun for their kids at the ice rink, but also in the car, believing this the perfect place for instruction. Parents should try to keep things in perspective. There's more to life than hockey, and the car and home are not places to coach. Parents are responsible for supportingand respecting the coach's decisions and abilities.
It is unfair to put children in a position of having to decide who to listen to -- their parents or the coach.
In the Dressing Room

  1. Initiation - You may be required to help your child, and possibly their teammates, prepare for the ice by helping them get dressed and tying their skate laces. Your child may also need some encouragement and guidance in the dressing room on following the coach’s instructions. Active on-ice assistance by parents/guardians is greatly encouraged to assist our coaches in helping our youngest players learn their balance and develop their initial skating skills.
  2. Novice – You may still be required to assist your child with dressing in their hockey equipment and tying their skate laces. Once they are dressed, however, the parents/guardians should leave the dressing room to allow the coaches to instruct their players without distraction. If necessary, parents may be required to assist with undressing their child at the end of the game or practice. However, the coaching staff should be given the opportunity to privately address their players immediately after the on-ice session. The coaches will then open the dressing room door to allow parental entry.
  3. Atom, Pee Wee, Bantam & Midget– Once players have reached the Atom level, they should no longer require parental assistance with dressing and undressing and should be learning how to tie their own skates although the coaches may need to assist and further tighten. At the Atom level and above, parental presence in the dressing roomis no longer permitted unless specifically requested by the coaching staff.

At Practice
Parents should remember that if a child wants to improve, they have to practice -- not just play. Even if a child is not the "star" player for a team, practice stresses the importance of teamwork, establishing goals, discipline and learning to control your emotions, all of which are important lessons children can use both in and away from sports.
At the Rink
Parents can take the fun out of hockey by continually yelling or screaming from the stands. Parents should enjoy the game and applaud good plays. The stands are not a place from which parents should try to personally coach their kids. Kids often mirror the actions of their parents; if they see mom or dad losing their cool in the stands, they'll probably do the same on the ice.

Hockey parents can help create a fun environment by making certain their children are wearing properly fitted equipment. Parents also need to stress fair play and risk management to help eliminate injuries.

During both games and practices, parents and guardians are required to be present in the arena in the unfortunate event that there is an incident involving their child.

Officiating
At times during the season, you may be asked to volunteer as the official scorekeeper or timekeeper during any Home game that your child may be playing. Having accepted the position, you will be recognized as an Official of the game just as the Referee and Linesmen are. As such, you may not display bias or favour towards any of the teams on the ice. Cheering and coaching from the scorekeeper’s box are not permitted.

Volunteering

Parents are expected to help at home games by, selling 50/50 tickets in the stands, working the time clock or the score sheet, and at home tournaments by taking shifts at the raffle table. Not all parents are required to work every game. Team managers may make a volunteer schedule to cover all required shifts. Should you be unable to work your shift, it is your responsibility to find another parent to help prior to the game.

WMHA is a completely volunteer/parent run non-profit organization. We understand that many families have busy lives and that jobs can conflict with the desire to help. We have many opportunities for you to volunteer. Hopefully you will find a way to help that will fit in with your lifestyle.

We encourage all parents to become actively involved in WMHA. We welcome everyone to our general monthly meetings. We welcome new ideas and input at these meetings to help us make decisions that affect your children. We elect our executive at our annual general meeting in April. If you have some skills that you can offer the board, or are willing to sit on some of our other committees (tournament etc.) please attend our annual meeting. We have a mentoring program in place to ensure a smooth transition of the executive.

Parents can also become involved by coaching. WMHA will pay for any parent wishing to take the required NCCP (National Coaching Certification Program) and Respect in Sport - Coach. No parent is allowed on the ice without the Respect in Sport – Coach. Please let your manager know if you wish to take a course.

Managing a team can be rewarding as well. Team Managers help to keep the team informed and organized. No special training is required however previous managers are willing to help and offer advice when needed.

There are many ways that parents can become involved. If any positions interest you, please let someone on the executive know. We welcome all assistance!

Fundraising

Winfield Minor Hockey is a licensed member in good standing with the Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission (AGLC). All of our gaming, including 50/50’s and raffles, is legal and licensed. The funds raised go towardsthe operating expenses of Winfield Minor Hockey such as coaching clinics, arena maintenance, jerseys, officiating, ice rental fees, etc.

We understand that families have busy lives outside of the arena.Therefore, we have limited our fundraising activities to events at the arena during our home games and tournaments. We also conduct a yearly raffle. Although optional, we encourage you to try to sell a booklet of tickets. If you are unable to sell a complete booklet, return it tothe Gaming Coordinator who will then give it to someone else.

We also have an optional yearly fundraiser through VIP meats. Team Managers will give you an order sheet early in October. Lastly as an AGLC member in good standing, we are eligible to work a Casino once approximately every three years. This requires few volunteers. Only 10 volunteers from Winfield Minor Hockey are required to work a casino.

Tournaments

Home:

Another way that WMHA raises money is through our home tournaments. When we host a tournament we will put on a licenced raffle table to help raise money. Parents are asked to seek either cash donations so that we may purchase items to put on the tables, or to find items that may be raffled. This is not mandatory. Some families have approached local businesses, other family members, or their employers for donations. Donations should be handed in to your team manager one week before the tournament.

Support Your Child
There are many benefits that are derived from playing minor hockey. Boys and girls learn good sportsmanship and self-discipline. They learn to work together, how to sacrifice for the good of the team, how to enjoy winning and how to handle defeat. In the process, they also learn important lessons about physical fitness and personal health.
The degree to which your child benefits from his or her minor hockey experience is as much your responsibility as it is theirs. In order for your child to get the most out of a minor hockey program, is important for you to show support and offer encouragement while maintaining a genuine interest in the team.

Always Be Positive
Parents serve as role models for their children, who often look to adults for advice, direction and approval. Never lose sight of the fact that you are a role model, and strive to be a positive role model.
As a parent, one of the most important things you can do is show good sportsmanship at times to coaches, referees, opponents and teammates.
Remember that your children are PLAYING hockey. It is important to allow them to establish their own goals and play the game for themselves. Be careful not to impose your own standards or objectives.
Let The Coach Coach
Avoid placing an exaggerated emphasis on winning. The most important aspect of your child's minor hockey experience is for them to develop skills that will serve them in game situations.
Also a risk-free environment that emphasizes the importance of fair play, sportsmanship, discipline, respect and most importantly, fun will be invaluable for your child as he or she continues to develop and make friends.
Positive Reinforcement
The best way to help children achieve goals and reduce their natural fear of failure is through positive reinforcement. After all, no one likes to make mistakes.
If your child does make a mistake -- and they will (remember, they're just kids) -- keep in mind that mistakes are an important part of the overall learning process. Strive to be supportive and point out the things they do well. Make your child feel like a winner.

Guidelines/Expectations Summary

Players/Parents are expected to:

  1. Take “Respect in Sport” family. At least one parent per family must take this online course.
  2. Comply and obey all reasonable directions of the coach, manager, and team officials, regarding team rules and Association rules
  3. Ask questions if not sure and get an explanation.
  4. Comply with all WMHA, Hockey AlbertaHockey Canada rules.
  5. Demonstrate a positive attitude to the game, practice and learning in general;
  6. Arrive for games, practice and other team functions at the time specified by the team;
  7. Remain present at the arena in the event there is in incident or illness involving your child.
  8. Have all equipment maintained in good repair and ready for use prior to games and practice;
  9. Advise the coach and/or manager if unable to attend a game or practice due to illness, injury or other commitments well in advance of the team games or practices.;
  10. Demonstrate respect for the game officials, team mates and opposing players and officials by refraining from profane, verbal, physical or other abuse (including physical gestures) at all times;
  11. Maintain dressing rooms in a clean and orderly fashion. Vandalism of any sort is expressly prohibited; team will be charged for damages.
  12. Strictly refrain from the use of alcohol, tobacco or other banned or illegal substances, while participating in a team activity;
  13. Recognize that parents should control the conduct of his/her child. Be aware of the rules.
  14. Road trips are, therefore, a fully functioning team activity and behaviour in hotels, restaurants and other arenas is to be consistent with these expectations.
  15. Parents are expected to maintain control and discipline of their children that are not on the ice. Other children are not permitted to be disruptive at practices and games.

CODES OF CONDUCT

  1. You are representing the Winfield Minor Hockey Association (WMHA) at all times and should conduct yourself in a manner of which you and the association will be proud. Expectations exist for everyone associated with WMHA and their conduct and contributions make for a better team and a better organization.
  2. There is to be no swearing in the stands or public areas during games and practice.
  3. Coaches and their staff must remember that they set an example for their players. They must behave in an appropriate manner whenever they are functioning in their role.
  4. Parents should remember that we are developing players, coaches and referees. Your behavior and conduct should be positive and encouraging of everyone involved in the game.
  5. Team members will not smoke, chew tobacco or drink alcohol during league, tournament or Hockey Alberta sanctioned events. This applies to afterhours during tournaments and overnight trips.
  6. Hazing is strictly forbidden and subject to Hockey Canada regulations:

a. “Any player, team official, executive member or a team, club or association having been party to or having had knowledge of, any hazing or initiation rite shall be automatically suspended for a period of not less than one year from playing or holding office with any team, club, or association affiliated with Hockey Canada.”

  1. Coaches and players are responsible for the state of dressing rooms, both home and away, during and after games and practices. Dressing rooms should be locked while players are on the ice. Damages to facilities that are caused by members of a team will be the legal and financial responsibility of the player and/or team.
  2. Any disputes are handled by the liaison for each team – typically this is the manager of the team. The Winfield Minor Hockey Association subscribes to the 24 hour rule in dealing with matters: the parent should wait 24 hours after an incident to contact the team liaison. Where matters are deemed to be serious and potentially dangerous to players or the team, the concerned party is to contact the manager or a member of the Board immediately. The general order of contact for disputes is – team liaison, governor, president or other member of the WMHA board.
  3. WMHA stresses the fundamentals of player development. All players and lines will be used in all game situations. Coaches have discretion on the use of players and lines as established with the team and parents at the beginning of the season. It is strongly suggested that these guidelines be written down and given to players and parents at the beginning of the season.
  4. The Board will deal with any conduct issues on an individual basis, following the Code of Conduct, WMHA policies and guidelines, Hockey Alberta policies and guidelines and Hockey Canada policies and guidelines. More serious matters will be referred to Hockey Alberta.
  5. The WMHA has adopted the Hockey Canada Fair Play Code of Conduct. You can download a copy of the Fair Play Code of Conduct at:

Spectators

  1. Display good sportsmanship.
  2. Respect players, coaches and officials.
  3. Do not taunt or disturb other fans, do not use profanity.
  4. Cheer good plays of all participants, avoid booing.
  5. Support referees and coaches by trusting their integrity and judgment.
  6. Be supportive win or lose, praise effort, teamwork and sportsmanship.

Parents

  1. Support your child's desire to play hockey, but don't force him or her.
  2. Encourage fair play and good character.
  3. Do not yell at players, coaches or officials. Stay positive.
  4. Emphasize skill development and the importance of practice.
  5. Learn the rules of the game and show respect for game officials.
  6. Never yell or abuse your child after a game. Applaud good effort win or lose.
  7. Communicate with and support your child's coach. He is volunteering a great deal of time and effort to develop your child.

Players

  1. Play hockey, don’t be disruptive
  2. Work hard in practice and in games, listen to the coaching staff.
  3. Be a team player - do not criticize your teammates.
  4. Learn self-discipline, good sportsmanship and teamwork
  5. Be responsible. Be on time to practices and games as informed with the team rules.
  6. Learn the rules and play by them. Your reputation is the most important thing you possess.
  7. Respect your coach, teammates, opponents and officials.
  8. Respect your parents.
  9. Never argue with the decision of the official.
  10. Do not taunt the other teams or their fans.

DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS

Players
The coaches of the Winfield Minor Hockey Association have the right and responsibility to maintain team and player discipline.
Disciplinary action may be taken by a coach to enforce appropriate conduct including compliance with WMHA’s policies and rules. Compliance with the team rules and Association rules for players and parents are mandatory throughout the year.
The team rules as set by the coaching staff of a team & disciplinary consequences are in the coaches’ reasonable discretion, and may include sitting a player out for portions of a practice or a game or suspension from play depending on the severity of the offense.
The WMHA Executive will stand behind its coaches in enforcing appropriate discipline. Coaches of the Winfield Minor Hockey Association should be aware that they are in a leadership position and are models for the players they coach. Abuse of this leadership role will not be tolerated.
Please make sure you are aware of team and Association rules. It’s your responsibility to be informed.