TRIAD HOCKEY ALLIANCE HANDBOOK & PROGRAM SUMMARY 2017-2018

Tier II AA, A, B

Rec Select, Rec

4-1-17

Triad Hockey Alliance

Introduction:

Triad Hockey Alliance is a joint partnership between Greensboro Youth Hockey Association (GYHA) and Winston Salem Youth Hockey Association (WSYHA) for the purpose of establishing youth hockey programs at both the elite and recreational levels. The Triad Hockey Alliance will field youth travel teams at the Tier II U10 Squirt, U12 Peewee, U14 Bantam and U16 Midget Minor and U18 Midget Major level. The program is to be sanctioned byUSA Hockeyand theCarolina Amateur Hockey Association(CAHA). Most teams will compete within the Carolinas Hockey League (CHL).

Executive Committee:

Board of Directors from GYHA and WSYHA jointly comprise the THA Executive Committee with voting rights by each Board President and the Executive Director.

Programs:

Offering travel teams at the Tier II AA, A and B CHL divisions for U10 Squirt through U18 Midget age levels. Opportunity for a combined girls program as well. The Triad Rec and Rec Select involve recreational non-travel programs within the organization and managed by THA.

U8 Mite Cross-Ice, Learn to Skate, Learn to Play, and specialty programs will remain with WSYHA and GYHA separately but with cooperative partnership.

Coaching Selection:

The Coaching Selection Committee will be interviewing and evaluating applicants for head coaching selections based on solicited and registered applications. The selection committee will make a recommendation for approval to the Executive Committee for selection of head coaches for each team. The committee performs interviews, assessments, reviews of season ending surveys and evaluates applicants based on, but not limited to,the following criteria:

  • Hockey Skills
  • Ability to Team
  • Good Character

The head coach may have up to three assistant coaches and a team manager that are considered the official and rostered coaching staff for the team and approved by the Executive Committee.

Mandatory Requirements for all THA Coaches:

All members of the THA coaching staff, including Team Managers, must go through appropriate USA Hockey Coaching Education Program, including:

  • USA Hockey Registration
  • USA Hockey Background Check
  • SafeSport Training
  • USA Hockey Coaching Training
  • USA Hockey Age Specific Module.

Failure to complete the USA Hockey CEP may result in the removal of his/her coaching duties.

THA provides reimbursement for all above USA Hockey CEP expenses, except USA Hockey Registration.

Tryouts:

Tryouts are held in May 20-23, 2017. Any player not selected for the higher level team will be evaluated for the next level. Tryouts will be open. Head coaches, along with a non-affiliated tryout evaluation committee will select teams unbiasedly.

Practices and Games:

Most teamswill play in theCarolinas Hockey League(CHL)which spans North and South Carolina, Virginia, and Georgia. Teams may also play in regional and national tournaments as well as in exhibition games around the Southeast.

Travel teams will typically practice two to three times per week and games on weekends. Rec league teams will practice one or two times per week with games on weekends. All players, including Rec league players participate in weekly player development and skills practices each week throughout the season.

Travel vs. Rec League/HS Select Teams:

THA Travel– Tier II Black & White Level: Travel teams are named after spring tryouts. Teams may compete at the AA, A or B level. Team placement in the CHL (or election to play an independent schedule) is based on roster strength at the conclusion of spring tryouts and agreed upon by the THA Executive Committee and coaching staff. Tournament and exhibition games are typically played at the same level as designated for the CHL. Teams may play some exhibition and tournaments at higher or lower level to meet team development needs. During the season, players practice and play games exclusively with their travel team.

Triad Rec League Hockey: THA will implement and run Rec hockey leagues (8-12, 13-18 year old players). If player numbers support more specific divisions, the u10, u12, u14 and High School divisions would be possible. Teams will be balanced and formed at each level to compete Rec at both THA rink facilities for a full season of Rec league play. Players would be assigned to teams prior to the start of the season. The THA Executive Committee will have the option to “select” a group of Rec players (from all age divisions) to participate in CHL HS/B league or independentplay, if interested and the numbers support. Rec Select “B” team rosters would be finalized after the start of the Rec season in September/October through the utilization of online registration.

Venues: Practices will alternate between both Triad Ice Rink facilities; the Greensboro Ice House and the Winston Salem Fairgrounds Annex. THA executive committee members will elect and decide the allotment of practices and games by way of a designated THA scheduler. Teams will have more flexibility in the scheduling day/times of practices, games and tournaments by leveraging two ice facilities.

Cost:

Cost of the program is based on overhead cost of the organization plus team specific expenses and divided by the number of players for the team. THA operates as a not for profit organization and has a self-sufficient budget. All player fees godirectly towards the cost of program. Please see team information for cost details.

Costs shown do not include player and family travel which can range from $1,000 to $3,000 per season (including cost of parent travel). Rec Select travel schedules are lighter than Travel team schedules, and thus travel expenses are less. Fees may vary by team due to differences in roster size, CHL placement and expected schedule, however all registration will be determined prior to tryouts.
Travel Team fees include practices, skills sessions, league games, exhibition games and tournaments. Fees do not include jerseys, socks, practice jerseys, team warmups, etc.

Equipment:

The following protective equipment is requiredfor all THA players and coaches in accordance with USA Hockey guidelines:

Skaters

  • HECC/CSA Approved Helmet and full-face shield (metal cage or plastic). Helmets must always be worn when on the ice or bench. Red Helmet are required for all for all travel team skaters.
  • Mouth Guard - Internal, colored (not white or clear). Mouth Guard is optional for Mites and Squirts unless required by the facility. Officials will insist the player wear the mouth guard if they have one on their mask.
  • Throat Protector/Neck Guard - Highly recommended for all THA Players, while playing or practicing, at home oraway
  • Shoulder Pads Elbow Pads
  • Hockey Gloves- Predominantly Red for all travel team players
  • Supporter with Cup (boys) or Pelvic Protector (Girls)
  • Hockey pants with pads - Red for all travel teams
  • Shin/Knee Guards
  • Skates
  • Hockey Stick - must have the butt-end covered properly with tape or a rubber end cap

Goalies

  • HECC/CSA Approved Face Mask with Throat Protector
  • Glove & Blocker
  • Chest Protector
  • Shoulder Pads
  • Hockey Pants
  • Leg Pads

Coaches

  • HECC/CSA Approved Helmet

Purchasing Uniforms

All players must purchase a THA uniforms (home and away) from THA. Payment is due in advance.

Selecting Jersey Numbers

Numbers are assigned with the intent to avoid overlap - so players do not have to change numbers (and uniforms) from one year to the next:

  • An existing THA Travel uniform from last year takes precedence over all else.
  • A number cannot be selected if it is used by players on the same team, same division, or IN ADJACENT YEARS, or two years adjacent to a Midget. The THA Executive Committee will designate someone to define the set of available numbers for each team.
  • From the available numbers, the oldest player on Midget A selects first followed by the remainder of the team. Midget B selects next, oldest player first, following through the age divisions. In the selection of new numbers, we will avoid use of a number on both the A and B team to avoid conflicts in the following year(s).
  • If two players on the same team somehow have the same number on an existing jersey, or want the same number, the older player gets first choice. Players ordering a new uniform (e.g. for a larger size) surrender the right to the number if someone else on the team has the same number on a uniform they are keeping.
  • THA will only cover the cost of a new uniform if it is clearly demonstrated that the conflict was created by THA allowing players to choose potentially conflicting numbers. While a player may not select a new number because it conflicts with someone playing in an adjacent year (as described in the second bullet above); only if it conflicts with a number on thesame team.

THA Code of Conduct Overview: The Triad Hockey Alliance will not tolerate from its administrators, players, coaches, parents or guardians: fighting; deliberate actions on or off the ice that can lead to injury; destruction or damage of any property or facility; conduct that disrupts team practices, games, meetings or any kind of team event; or conduct that reflects negatively upon the image of the Association. A player suspension or total expulsion from the Triad Hockey Alliance program may be used if deemed necessary and is at the sole discretion of the THA organization.

THA follows and endorses the USA Hockey Model for Code of Conduct as follows:

Administrator's Code of Conduct

Follow the rules and regulations of USA Hockey and yourassociation to ensure that the association’s philosophy andobjectives are enhanced.

  • Support programs that train and educate players, coaches,parents, officials and volunteers.
  • Promote and publicize your programs; seek out financialsupport when possible.
  • Communicate with parents by holding parent/playerorientation meetings as well as by being available to answerquestions and address problems throughout the season.
  • Work to provide programs that encompass fairness to the participants and promote fair play and sportsmanship.
  • Recruit volunteers, including coaches, who demonstratequalities conducive to being role models to the youth in oursport.
  • Encourage coaches and officials to attend USA Hockey clinicsand advise your board members of the necessity for theirtraining sessions.
  • Make every possible attempt to provide everyone, at all skilllevels, with a place to play.
  • Read and be familiar with the contents of the USA HockeyAnnual Guide and USA Hockey’s official playing rules.
  • Develop other administrators to advance to positions in your association, perhaps even your own.

Coach's Code of Conduct

  • Winning is a consideration, but not the only one, nor the mostimportant one. Care more about the child than winning thegame. Remember, players are involved in hockey for fun andenjoyment.
  • Be a positive role model to your players. Display emotionalmaturity and be alert to the physical safety of players.
  • Be generous with your praise when it is deserved; be consistentand honest; be fair and just; do not criticize players publicly;learn to be a more effective communicator and coach; don’tyell at players.
  • Adjust to personal needs and problems of players; be a goodlistener; never verbally or physically abuse a player or official;give all players the opportunity to improve their skills, gainconfidence and develop self-esteem; teach players the basics.
  • Organize practices that are fun and challenging for yourplayers. Familiarize yourself with the rules, techniques andstrategies of hockey; encourage all your players to be teamplayers.
  • Maintain an open line of communication with your players’parents. Explain the goals and objectives of your association.
  • Be concerned with the overall development of your players.Stress good health habits and clean living.
  • To play the game is great, to love the game is greater

Parent's Code of Conduct

Do not force your children to participate in sports, but supporttheir desires to play their chosen sports. Children are involvedin organized sports for their enjoyment. Make it fun.

  • Encourage your child to play by the rules. Remember, childrenlearn best by example, so applaud the good plays of both teams.
  • Do not embarrass your child by yelling at players, coaches orofficials. By showing a positive attitude toward the game andall of its participants, your child will benefit.
  • Emphasize skill development and practices and how theybenefit your young athlete. De-emphasize games andcompetition in the lower age groups.
  • Know and study the rules of the game and support the officialson and off the ice. This approach will help in the developmentand support of the game. Any criticism of the officials onlyhurts the game.
  • Applaud a good effort in both victory and defeat, and enforcethe positive points of the game. Never yell or physically abuseyour child after a game or practice – it is destructive. Worktoward removing the physical and verbal abuse in youth sports.
  • Recognize the importance of volunteer coaches. They areimportant to the development of your child and the sport.
  • Communicate with them and support them.
  • If you enjoy the game, learn all you can about hockey – andvolunteer.

Player's Code of Conduct

  • Play for fun.
  • Work hard to improve your skills.
  • Be a team player – get along with your teammates.
  • Learn teamwork, sportsmanship and discipline.
  • Be on time.
  • Learn the rules and play by them. Always be a good sport.
  • Respect your coach, your teammates, your parents, opponentsand officials.
  • Never argue with an official’s decision.

Spectator's Code of Conduct

  • Display good sportsmanship. Always respect players, coachesand officials.
  • Act appropriately; do not taunt or disturb other fans; enjoy thegame together.
  • Cheer good plays of all participants; avoid booing opponents.
  • Cheer in a positive manner and encourage fair play; profanityand objectionable cheers or gestures are offensive.
  • Help provide a safe and fun environment; throwing any itemson the ice surface can cause injury to players and officials.
  • Do not lean over or pound on the glass; the glass surroundingthe ice surface is part of the playing area.
  • Support the referees and coaches by trusting their judgmentand integrity.
  • Be responsible for your own safety – be alert to preventaccidents from flying pucks and other avoidable situations.
  • Respect locker rooms as private areas for players, coaches andofficials.
  • Be supportive after the game – win or lose. Recognize goodeffort, teamwork and sportsmanship.

In addition, THA asks that parents follow the 24 hour rule to discuss game situations with any member o the coaching staff.

Program Options by Age Group

The following summarizes the Triad Hockey Alliance 2016-17 options available by age group.

8 & Under Mite Cross-Ice – 2009 and younger birth year- The 8U program is run separately under GYHA and WSYHA programs. 2009 birth year players are eligible to participate in THA Rec League.

10 & Under Squirt – 2007-2008 birth years

·(1) Triad Hockey Alliance 10U Squirt Black Team

  • 10U Black team comprised of the top 12-15 skaters and 1-2 goalies that will compete in CHL A/AA.

·(1) Triad Hockey Alliance 10U Squirt White Team

  • 10U White team comprised of 12-15 skaters and 1-2 goalies that will compete in the CHL A, B or independent schedule.

·Triad Hockey Alliance 10U Squirt Rec League

  • Developmental players of birth year 2007 and 2008 are equally distributed among teams to form Triad Rec hockey league with separate weekly skill development practices and games. This league is also open to 2009 birth year (last year Mites).
  • The intent is to have a combined U10 Squirt and U12 Peewee Rec League with option to split SQ and PW ages into separate leagues if the numbers supports it.
  • This league has the option to “select” 12-15 players from all Rec teams to compete in the CHL Rec select division (if enough players at respective age groups permit CHL play).

12 Under Pee Wee – 2005-2006 birth years

·(1) Triad Hockey Alliance 12U Pee Wee Black Team

  • 12U Black Team comprised of the top 12-15 skaters and 1-2 goalies that will compete in CHL AA or A.

·(1) Triad Hockey Alliance 12U White Team

  • 12U White Team comprised of 12-15 skaters and 1-2 goalies each that will compete in CHL A, B or Independent schedule.

·Triad Hockey Alliance 12U Peewee Rec League

  • Developmental players of birth year 2005 and 2006 are equally distributed among teams to form Triad Rec hockey league with separate weekly skill development practices and games.
  • The intent is to have a combined U10 Squirt and U12 Peewee Rec League with option to split SQ and PW ages into separate leagues if the numbers supports it.
  • This league has the option to “select” 12-15 players from all Rec teams to compete in the CHL Rec select division (if enough players at respective age groups permit CHL play).

14 & Under Bantam – 2003-2004 birth years

·(1) Triad Hockey Alliance 14U Bantam Black Team

  • 14U Black Team comprised of the top 12-17 skaters and 1-2 goalies each that will compete in the CHL AA, A schedule.

·(1) Triad Hockey Alliance 14U Bantam White Team

  • 14U White Team comprised of 12-17 skaters and 1-2 goalies each that will compete in the CHL A, B or Independent schedule.

·Triad Hockey Alliance HS Rec League

  • Developmental Rec players are equally distributed among teams to form Triad Rec hockey league. Players age 13-18 plays in the HS Rec League with options for younger or less experienced players to play at a lower level (Sq/PW).
  • This league has the option to “select” 12-15 players from all Rec teams to play an independent select travel schedule or compete in the CHL B division (if enough players at respective age groups permit CHL play).

16 & Under Midget Minor – 2001-2002 birth years