BAHHA Parent/Player Guidebook
2007-08 Season
Disclaimer
Nothing in this guidebook is to be construed as a guarantee or contract to or with any player, parent, coach, official or member of the Bay Area Houston Hockey Association. This publication is intended to serve as a guideline for operation of BAHHA, and any part or portion of the handbook can be changed, modified or amended at anytime by the BAHHA Officers and Board of Directors. Should any single section of this document be changed, or found to be legally unenforceable, only that section shall be deemed such, and all other sections shall remain in force as written.
This Guidebook reflects the best thinking of the Board of Directors of our Association at the date of its publication. It also represents the contributions from many youth hockey associations. We have borrowed from their writings and their experiences and, in turn, invite them and you to borrow from ours.
We look forward to the season ahead and to the continued growth of our program and our young people.
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This resource was developed to provide everyone involved with youth hockey an opportunity to become acquainted with the philosophies, policies, rules and expectations that shape the Bay Area Houston Hockey Association (BAHHA) program. We encourage you to review it carefully. This resource will provide you with information about the structure, size, and complexity of BAHHA. It is hoped that it may also spark your interest to become more involved.
As you will see, there is much to do. Many hours of planning are required to get our program ready for opening day each year, and dedicated volunteers are needed throughout the season to help the Association run smoothly. Your help is essential. As you read through this material, please note areas where your particular talents or expertise may be of value to the Association. The only way an organization like ours can successfully function is with active parent participation and support.
BAHHA teams play under the name of Hounds. Our team colors are red, white and blue.
About BAHHA – Our Philosophy: More than just hockey
The Bay Area Houston Hockey Association (BAHHA) was founded
in 2004. The primary purpose of BAHHA is
to develop, support and promote the sport of ice hockey for all ages in the
BAHHA strives to teach the basic hockey skills of skating, stick handling, passing and shooting which facilitate the development of motor skills, hand/eye coordination, quickness and endurance. Physical size is not the most important factor in becoming a skilled and successful hockey player. Every player participates in the game, which is exciting and fast moving. Each player is encouraged to do the best he/she can and to contribute to the success of the team. In doing so, each skater learns to win with pride and to lose with dignity.
As a team sport, hockey affirms the importance of commitment, self-discipline, and sportsmanship among participants (Team = Together Everyone Achieves More). It is the rare child who grows up to become an NHL All Star. Our commitment is to assure that all young people who participate will develop skills and values that will have lifelong benefit to them and to society.
Specific benefits participants in youth hockey receive include:
· Development of the skills necessary to play ice hockey
· Knowledge of the rules and strategies of the game
· Knowledge of conditioning techniques that affect short and long term health and performance
· Enjoyment and recreation
· Commitment to teamwork
· Building self-esteem
· Building a good work ethic
· Good sportsmanship
· Respect for their teammates, coaches and opponents
· The opportunity to meet and become friends with children from many different schools, homes and backgrounds.
Membership in BAHHA
Membership of parents/legal guardians in the BAHHA is automatic with the registration of a player. All Officers, Board of Directors, Managers, and Coaches appointed by the Board are also voting members of BAHHA. Membership will correspond to the term of player registration and will automatically terminate upon withdrawal from the program, failure to re-register or (in the case of Officers) be re-appointed. The Board of Directors prior to each regular season determines membership fees for Members.
Board of Directors/Officers
Association members have the opportunity to elect persons to the Board of Directors and to vote on proposed amendments to the by-laws of the Association at the Annual Meeting. The Board of Directors consists primarily of parents of players and serves two-year alternating terms.
The by-laws of BAHHA authorize the Board to oversee the operation of the Association and carry out its goals. Board meetings are held quarterly. The dates and times of the meetings are published in the Hounds News, on the web site and on the bulletin boards at our home rink. Both the Board and the membership can meet as often as needed but they are not required.
In order to be eligible for President, one must have been
on the Board for the prior year. In
order to be eligible for an Officer position, one cannot have a
child playing with a competing
BAHHA is a volunteer organization. Without our volunteers, we would not exist. All of our Board Members, Coaches and Team Officials are volunteers. We need you to step forward and help too.
You don’t have to know a thing about hockey to operate a scoreboard, organize equipment, take care of statistics, assist with/organize fundraisers or volunteer at Tournaments. There are many other opportunities. All it takes is a bit of time and care. Please volunteer by contacting any Board Member or by checking the Volunteer link on the BAHHA website to see how you can help.
Team Support
There are many areas where parents can contribute to the welfare of the team. Two very important functions for individual teams are:
Team Managers:
Each team, regardless of level, should have a Team Manager. Team Managers serve as a liaison between the
coach and parents and have administrative responsibilities for items such as
attending Board meetings; scheduling Minor Officials; notifying parents of
schedule changes; coordinating scrimmages; completing game score sheet rosters;
and, especially, for facilitating communication between coaches and parents
throughout the hockey seasons.
Minor Officials:
Each team is responsible for providing a Scorekeeper, Time Keeper, and Penalty
Box Official at their home games. These are relatively easy tasks to perform
once you become familiar with the procedure. These responsibilities also offer
a new perspective to the game. Other
support roles may include equipment managers, tournament coordinators and
social chairpersons.
BAHHA Communications
BAHHA believes that communications between the Associations’ officials and the general membership is critically important. This guidebook is one example of how we attempt to keep our members informed.
Everyone is encouraged to attend the quarterly membership meetings. A variety of topics, updates and important Association business are discussed and voted upon during the meetings. Some of the topics at the Annual Meeting include Board Member elections and annual reports and are held prior to July 1 of each year. If you are unable to attend the quarterly meeting, summaries of the minutes are available on the BAHHA website.
Our web site, www.bahha.org, contains team schedules, scores, association news and notes, a summary of the general membership meeting minutes, a news and notes section, tournament information, and tryout information. As with the newsletter, members can submit items for inclusion on the web site.
Your Team Manager is an excellent source of information. He/she will have the most up to date information on schedules and practices, and team and Association activities. Your Team Manager is also your primary facilitator with the team coach and Board of Directors.
BAHHA Social Activities
BAHHA sponsors some purely social and fun events for all members during the season. This is an opportunity for you to get together with other hockey parents in a relaxed, non-competitive environment.
Prior to tryouts each year, BAHHA hosts an open house at Space City Ice Station. This is a fun way for the kids to get on the ice, renew friendships from the season, and meet potential new BAHHA players.
Individual teams may hold parties and social activities
throughout the season. Typically, a team will hold a
Ice Time
Ice time is a precious commodity that consumes the majority of the BAHHA’s budget each year.
Generally, BAHHA Travel teams receive one (younger players) to three (older players) ice slots per week during the regular season. These slots are either practice or game times.
Some weekday ice slots are shared with another team (e.g. each team has half the ice for practice purposes). BAHHA attempts to provide teams with as many full ice practices as possible both in the pre-season and during the regular season. Again, full ice practice slots depend on availability of ice time and a team’s budget.
Weekend ice times rotate to meet the needs of practice and game schedules. Normally, the weekday practice time for each team has been on a fixed day and time for the entire season.
BAHHA tries to obtain as much ice time as possible based on availability and budget. Sometimes, ice time becomes available on short notice, resulting in changes to practice times, particularly on the weekends. This may create the appearance of erratic and disorganized scheduling. In reality, another group may make last minute changes that make ice available on short notice. However, when we can get extra ice time, we'll usually take it.
Our Schedule Coordinator is very careful to try and make sure that all teams receive an equivalent number of full and shared ice practices, and that everyone has a turn at the less desirable practice times (e.g. 6 a.m. on Sunday morning!)
BAHHA attempts to schedule games and practices as far in advance as possible. In the past, Team Managers received their ice schedules in phases that allow flexibility in scheduling through the season. A typical schedule scenario may look something like this:
· The pre-season practice schedule for September through early October;
· After the season's games have been scheduled (typically in late September) the practice schedule for October through early January will be completed and distributed;
· The end-of-season practice schedule (January through February) will be released in December.
Practice schedules for times around major holidays such as Thanksgiving, Christmas, and President's Day are not completed until the Association's Ice Scheduler has been notified of the teams playing in tournaments during those times.
Our web site will have practice schedules for all teams as they are released. The site will be updated as frequently as possible; however, it is always wise to check with your Team Manager for any last-minute changes, cancellations or additions.
There are times when some teams will decide to purchase extra ice time on their own. These practices are considered voluntary, and are in addition to time provided by BAHHA. Families will be asked to share the cost of the extra ice time, which may range from $10 to $15 per player per hour.
Team
BAHHA requires travel players to purchase two jerseys
(home and away) for game use only. These will be ordered through the Director
of Uniforms via the Team Managers.
Full payment is required for the jerseys at the time of
order. It takes approximately 4 weeks from the time the order is placed with
the manufacturer to delivery of the completed jerseys.
The BAHHA logo is protected under the copyright laws and is the sole property of the Bay Area Houston Hockey Association. It may not be copied or used without the BAHHA's written consent.
Players should always bring both jerseys to all games.
BAHHA Logo Merchandise
BAHHA sponsors an annual logo-merchandise clothing sale. Members can select from a wide variety of items, including t-shirts, sweat-shirts, varsity or windbreaker jackets, hats and so on. Some items can be monogrammed with the player's name and/or number. BAHHA does make a small profit from the sale of this merchandise.
Equipment Requirements
Selection of hockey equipment is a key issue for players, parents and coaches. When purchasing and fitting hockey equipment, remember two important factors. First, make certain the player is adequately protected, and second, be sure the fitting allows freedom of movement so the player can properly perform the necessary skills.
Shop around for the best values - hockey equipment doesn't have to be the most expensive to meet your skaters needs.
Each skater must wear the following USA Hockey and TAHA required equipment when participating in games or practices.
· Hockey skates (not figure skates) - allow no more than ½" for growth. Seek adequate protection in the ankle, toe and instep areas. Improperly fitted skates will hamper your child's ability to skate.
· USA Hockey-approved protective helmet with full-face protection of any style, with the Hockey Equipment Certification Council (HECC) and CSA seals of approval. Sized at the time of purchase to fit properly.
· Face Mask - required at all levels and must be approved by HECC.
· Ice hockey stick (not a plastic street hockey stick) - the length should generally extend from the ice to the player's chin (with skates on).
· Neck/throat protector (BAHHA recommends neck protectors made with ballistic nylon).
· Hockey elbow pads - fitted properly so they do not slide.
· Hockey gloves - allow for good finger and hand mobility.
· Hockey shin pads - the length should protect the knee and shin completely.
· Hockey shoulder pads - adjust to fit at the time of purchase. A fiber cap is extremely important in preventing shoulder separation and should extend to the tip of the shoulder.
· Hockey padded pants.
· Colored internal mouth guard, (mandatory for Peewee and above). TAHA requires that the mouthpiece be attached to the face mask (this is not required by USA Hockey but is by BAHHA).
· Protective cup/supporter (pelvic protector for girls).
·
Goalies require special leg pads, chest protectors, gloves and blockers. BAHHA does have a limited supply of goalie equipment for the younger age groups. Goalies should check availability before planning on using BAHHA equipment. Goalies must provide their own headgear, masks, and throat protection. All equipment belonging to BAHHA should be returned in good condition to the Team Manager at the end of each season. If you are interested in borrowing or donating equipment, please contact the BAHHA Donated Equipment Manager. Goalies must provide their own equipment for tryouts.
Safety
Providing a safe playing environment is of paramount importance to USA Hockey, the TAHA and BAHHA. As such, several rules exist to ensure player and fan safety:
· Players must wear all of the required equipment (see above) at all times during games and practices. A player may be removed from the ice by a coach or referee if any protective item is missing or deemed defective.
· It is BAHHA policy that a USA Hockey-certified coach or assistant coach must be on the ice for all practices. If a certified coach is not available to supervise a practice, the practice may not be conducted and players may not be on the ice.
· Players that are not registered with BAHHA are absolutely not permitted to participate in any on-ice or off-ice (dryland) practices with a BAHHA team. Participation by unregistered players in BAHHA practices voids the USA Hockey insurance for all team members and the Association, and places the coach, parents and Association at risk. The only exception to this policy is when a player or players are participating in a practice for the purpose of team placement evaluation by the Association. In this case, advance approval for the player's participation must be obtained from both the BAHHA Vice President and President.
· Players may not be on the ice when the ice resurfacer is on the ice. All players must wait to enter the ice surface until after the ice resurfacer has left the ice surface and the ice resurfacer doors are closed. Similarly, at the end of a game or practice, all players must leave the ice promptly when the ice resurfacer doors are opened.
· Two referees should be present at any Pee Wee, Bantam game. Three referees should be scheduled for any Midget game; however, a game may be played if only two referees are present.
· It is BAHHA policy that any non-participating players, or children under the age of 18, who are on the bench, in the penalty box or at the scorer's table during a game or scrimmage, must wear a USA Hockey approved helmet with face guard.
· A first aid kit should be on the bench during all games, and easily accessible to the ice during practices and scrimmages.
· Fans and parents are not permitted to go onto the ice surface or enter the bench area, penalty box or score keepers area during any game, scrimmage or practice unless requested to do so by an EMT, coach, team official or referee. Going onto the playing surface without such a request is a violation of the Zero Tolerance Rule and will be dealt with accordingly.
· When an EMT is present, fans, parents, coaches and referees ARE NOT to interfere with treatment of an injured player. ONLY the EMT is permitted to provide treatment.
Team and Player Classification
Bay Area Houston Hockey Association is a registered member of USA Hockey, Inc. and abides by all of its rules and regulations governing amateur hockey. BAHHA also belongs to the Texas Amateur Hockey Association (TAHA) and abides by all of its rules and regulations governing league play.
Player participants are placed in age groups. Details of the age groups are contained in the FAQ (link) and the BAHHA website.
Playing "Up" - Playing at a higher age classification
It is the policy of BAHHA that all players skate within their USA Hockey age classifications. Applications for exceptions should be made in writing to a Board Member. If necessary an on ice evaluation is scheduled. When the Board reviews the letter, the parent is invited to attend and speak at the Board meeting. If accepted, a parent or legal guardian must sign a USA Hockey waiver form permitting the player to tryout and/or play at the higher age classification.
Coaching
BAHHA coaches come from a variety of backgrounds, but all share two important characteristics; they are ALL volunteers, and they all care about the development of our children.
Criteria for becoming a coach are:
· Head Coaches must possess a thorough knowledge of the strategies and skills required of the game.
· Prior hockey coaching experience is strongly preferred, however a combination of thorough knowledge of the game and other youth team coaching experience is an acceptable substitute.
· Desire and ability to teach young people the skills required in the sport.
· Sincere desire to develop and nurture young people.
· Commitment to the values, mission and goals of USA Hockey and the Bay Area Houston Hockey Association.
· Ability to receive clearance under Act 34 (screening for prior arrests/convictions under child abuse/endangerment laws).
· USA Hockey coaching certification. -- All coaches must meet USA Hockey coaching requirements by December 1 of the current playing season, or he/she will be removed. USA Hockey provides training to individuals who wish to coach through its Coaching Achievement Program. This program is administered through affiliate District Associations in the form of clinics. These clinics are specifically designed to supply each coach with the knowledge of his/her responsibilities and skills of the game that will equip him/her to do the best possible job at whatever caliber of hockey he/she is involved with. BAHHA requires all persons interested in becoming coaches to attend these clinics. Clinics are typically held in the fall.
BAHHA has a written statement of expectations and standards for its coaches. This document can be obtained from the Coach in Chief.
BAHHA loaned equipment to coaches such as Pucks, Pinnies, and Puck Bags are to be signed for and returned at the end of the season.
If you have an interest in coaching or assistant coaching, please contact the Coach in Chief or any BAHHA Board Member.
Developmental Hockey
BAHHA does not operate its own in-house, developmental hockey program. However, we do work closely with the hockey programs at Space City Ice Station.
SCIS provides learn-to-skate and learn to play programs. BAHHA frequently provides coaches and instructors to SCIS for several of these developmental programs. SCIS also offers a spring and summer power skating, hockey skills program and many other hockey oriented activities for players in which BAHHA is pleased to support and participate.
More information about the Space City Ice Station Hockey Development program can be obtained by calling the rink at 281-486-7979 or email hockeydirector@spacecityicestation.com.
Competitive Hockey
All BAHHA teams are registered and play under the rules established by USA Hockey. Teams are formed in all age divisions and will compete as AA, "A"Major and/or Minor, and "B", divisions. If there are sufficient numbers of available players, multiple teams may exist at each age level. All AA teams Peewee age or older are classified as Tier II and are eligible to participate in the state tournament qualifier. The remaining teams are registered with USA Hockey as "house rec".
BAHHA hockey is intended to offer a progressive, developmental hockey experience for all players. Each competitive level has differing objectives and goals:
· "B"
These levels focus on the development of the basic skills needed to play hockey
and learning the fundamentals of game and position play. The emphasis is on
learning and developing, before winning. Typically, "B" teams at the
Squirt through Bantam levels are comprised of players who are first year
players or returning players who are still developing their hockey and game
skills at that particular level.
· "A"
(A1 or A2)
The A level introduces a more competitive team-based level of play while
continuing to enhance individual skills. These players typically are returning
players who understand the concepts of team and position play, game situations,
and have the necessary skating and other skills to be successful at this level.
Of the three competitive levels, the A level will often have the broadest range
of skill attainment by individual players. The Midget A division is further
defined by the "Major" and "Minor" categories, and teams
are formed at these levels depend on the number of players available and the
skills of those players demonstrated during tryouts and early season
scrimmages. << I thought this was
for Midget only>>
· "AA"
The AA level is the highest competitive level in the TAHA. Players at this
level are highly developed in their skating, hockey and game skills. Coaching
and development at this level is focused on refining concepts of team play,
introduction of more complex game strategy and honing the individual's hockey
skill. At the Pee Wee, Bantam and Midget level, these teams are considered to
be "Tier II" and may elect to compete in the post-season playoffs to
qualify for the USA Hockey National Championship tournament.
It is important to note, that BAHHA’s philosophy of competitive play emphasizes participation by ALL team members. BAHHA coaches are to provide all players equivalent-playing opportunities as game conditions permit. If you believe that this philosophy is not being followed properly, you should first observe the 24-hour cooling off period, then contact your Team Manager with your concerns and arrange a discussion with the head coach if necessary. Most of the time, your concerns can be addressed at this level. However, if you do not believe the issue has been satisfactorily resolved, you are asked to notify any BAHHA board member to assist in the process.
Team Placement
BAHHA attempts to field teams at each competitive level in each age division. The number and level of teams are determined after the tryout process, and are based on the number and skill level of the players attending the tryouts.
While the initial team placement is made following tryouts, the level at which the team plays during the coming season may be changed under two conditions.
Association/Coach/Parent Decision: Many things can occur during the summer that could change a team's competitive potential: children develop and grow, the group of children as a team are greater than, or less than the individual skill they showed in the tryouts, players may decide not to play for BAHHA, or families may move out of the area.
If it becomes apparent during the pre-season practices that the team was placed at an incorrect level and it is felt that a change is in the best interest of the children the team's placement may be changed. The Head Coach, team parents, and the BAHHA Coach In Chief may make the final decision jointly.
TAHA Review: All team placements are submitted to the Texas Amateur Hockey League (TAHA) Placement Committee for approval. The TAHA committee reviews all team placement requests from every TAHA association, and may make changes to promote a competitive balance in each division, and to provide the proper developmental opportunities for each team. The decision of the TAHA review is final and no appeal of the decision is permitted.
Tryout Process - Player Placement – Fall Season
Team players are selected after a series of open tryouts. Tryouts are typically held in the spring of each year. Players are required to attend all tryout sessions at their selected level to receive proper evaluation for placement.
The goal of the tryouts is to assess the comparative skill levels and playing abilities of each player to place him or her on a team that is best suited to their current skill level, and that will enable the player to develop during the coming season. BAHHA is also attempting to assemble teams that have the best opportunity for success in a competitive environment.
Following the tryouts, players will be offered a position on a team roster. Once a player is offered and accepts a team assignment, he/she is expected to fulfill that commitment for the entire season.
All players are subject to USA Hockey eligibility rules, and team rosters are limited to a maximum of twenty players. A minimum of nine skaters and a goalie must be on a team in order to compete in the TAHA.
Injured players: If a returning BAHHA player is injured and unable to attend the tryouts, the player will be tentatively offered a position on either an A or B team. The player will then be evaluated in the fall at one or two team practices before the season begins for final team placement.
The player will be reassigned to a higher competitive level ONLY IF a roster position exists on the other team and the player demonstrates the ability to play at the higher level. BAHHA does not guarantee placement at any particular level for any injured player, but will make every effort to place the player at the proper competitive level.
Filling Roster Positions After Tryouts - Fall Season
BAHHA exists to provide children the opportunity to play hockey. We will make every attempt to provide an appropriate position on a roster to a child who wishes to play hockey, but contacts BAHHA following our team selection and player placement process.
If a roster opening becomes available between the time player placement is completed in the spring and the beginning of the competitive season in September, BAHHA will first consider those players who attended our spring tryouts and have accepted roster positions on lower classified teams. If a player was evaluated as having the ability to play at the higher level but insufficient roster positions were available for him/her at the time of original team placement, the player may be offered the opportunity to "move up" to the higher competitive level.
BAHHA may also hold a series of “supplemental” tryouts in the late summer to fill open roster positions. Current BAHHA players on lower competitive level teams may attend supplemental tryouts for higher-level teams, along with any non-BAHHA members who are interested in participating in our program.
If a roster position becomes available on a team after pre-season practices begin, a single tryout session may be held. Current BAHHA players on lower competitive teams, and/or non-BAHHA member players can be evaluated for the open roster position. The open roster position will be offered to the player who demonstrates the best ability and potential to compete at the team's level. BAHHA will charge a small fee to cover the cost of additional ice time for the evaluation.
Players who contact BAHHA after our teams are selected will be evaluated for placement only if a roster position is available at the player's age group. Roster additions after the start of the competitive season may be made with the approval of the BAHHA Board and after an assessment of the player to be added. Roster additions can be made through December 31 of the competitive season. Any additions to rosters after the start of the competitive season are subject to review by the TAHA, and could, possibly, result in the disqualification of the team from playoff participation. For this reason, additions to rosters at this time may be (but are not required to be) subject to a vote by the parents of the team.
Off Season Teams
BAHHA officially rosters its teams with
BAHHA participates in the city-wide Summer League. The number of teams fielded will be based on the interest in each age division.
Coaches may not conduct any mandatory BAHHA team practices, games or other functions in the off-season. BAHHA players cannot be required to participate in any independent team during the off-season as a condition of being a member of a BAHHA team during the regular season.
This policy does not prohibit players and coaches from participating in/on independent teams, spring leagues or other independent teams during the off-season.
Regular Season Teams
For the 2004-2005 season, TAHA specified the number of games for each age and competitive level, ranging from 14-18 per season at the Mite level, to 18-20 per season at the older age levels. The games are evenly divided between home and away games. This number is expected to increase for the 2005-2006 season.
TAHA teams are located throughout
TAHA provides BAHHA with a list of the teams each of our teams must play during the season, and then our Schedule Coordinator works with the other organizations to schedule their league games.
In addition to the regular season games, teams often have scrimmages in the pre-season or during the year to provide additional game experiences for their players. Home scrimmages are usually scheduled when the team has a full ice practice, but the team can elect to purchase additional ice time for scrimmages. The team is responsible for securing and paying any officials for the game. Scrimmages do not count in the TAHA regular season standings.
Tournament Play
BAHHA teams only participate in USA Hockey sanctioned
tournaments (both scheduled and additional) in the
No one is required to vote for or play in these additional tournaments,
however, those that do vote in favor of the tournament are assumed to have made
a commitment to attend the tournament. Additional tournament fees are in
addition to any BAHHA required fees and charges.
Teams may participate in up to six (6) tournaments per season. Any team representing BAHHA in a tournament during the regular season must be comprised of BAHHA registered players.
If a team does not have enough players to fill a team roster and wishes to participate in a tournament, players from an equal or lesser level team may be asked to participate. A special USA Hockey Roster must then be completed. Contact the BAHHA Registrar for more information on special rostering requirements.
Occasionally a situation exists whereby the coach of a team does not have a child participating on that team. It is considered a courtesy, but is not required, that the players' parents pitch in to help defray travel costs for the coach to away tournaments, which may include paying for the cost of a single room, meals or providing transportation.
Hockey Parents
As parents or guardians we are the most important influence on our players' attitudes toward the game of hockey and on their behavior. Parents and coaches can work together to demonstrate the philosophy of BAHHA "to develop the skills of hockey and to promote the growth of each player, promote good sportsmanship and team play, and for each player to have fun." BAHHA has developed a "Parents Code of Conduct and Behavior Guidelines" that is consistent with the BAHHA philosophy. This was distributed in the tryout packages.
Above all, the motivating factor for most children who enter an organized youth sport program is their desire to have fun. With a supportive attitude and a fundamental understanding of the "basics" of hockey, everyone will come away from their youth sports experience with a positive feeling.
The degree to which a child benefits from his or her youth hockey experience is as much the parent's responsibility as it is theirs. It is important for you to show support and offer encouragement while maintaining a genuine interest in the team.
Be Positive:
It is important to allow your children to establish their own goals and play
the game for themselves. Be careful not to impose your own standards or
objectives. The best way to help children achieve goals and reduce their
natural fear of failure is through positive reinforcement. No one likes to make
mistakes. If your child does make a mistake - and he/she will (they are kids,
remember) keep in mind that mistakes are an important part of the overall
learning process. Be supportive and point out the things that they do well.
Make your child feel like a winner!
Let the Coach coach:
Most coaches have a well-defined plan for season practices and games that are
focused on developing each player. Parents are responsible for supporting and
respecting the coach's decisions and abilities and it is unfair to put children
in the position of having to decide who to listen to - their parents or the
coach.
Avoid Over-Emphasis on Winning:
A recent survey indicated that 72% of children would rather play for a losing
team than ride the bench for a winner. Avoid placing an exaggerated emphasis on
winning.
At Practice:
For a child to improve, he/she has to practice, not just play games. Practice
emphasizes 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. While conflicts are sometimes
unavoidable, it is important that your child attend all his/her team practices.
Car and Home:
Some parents spoil the fun for their kids in the car, believing that this is
the perfect place for instruction. Keep things in perspective. There's more to
life than hockey, and the car and home are not the places to coach. The most
important aspect of your child's youth hockey experience is for them to have
fun while developing physical and emotional skills that will serve them for
life. A healthy, risk-free environment that emphasizes the importance of fair
play, sportsmanship, discipline and fun will be invaluable for your child as he
or she continues to develop a positive self image.
In the Stands and at the Rink:
Negative and rowdy behavior in the hockey rink reflects directly and poorly on
the whole organization. We must foster good relationships between our young
players, within the Association and with our competitors as well.
Children are great imitators. As parents our children look to us as positive examples for them. Parents and fans are encouraged to enjoy the game and cheer for good plays. Kids often mirror the actions of their parents; if they see mom or dad losing their cool in the stands, they probably do the same on the ice.
It is worth stating that in accordance with USA Hockey's policy of ZERO TOLERANCE, the following actions are not acceptable:
· Yelling at or threatening referees, opposing players or coaches before, during, or after games or practices.
· Direct confrontations with parents or players.
· Demonstrations of frustration or anger after a game loss.
· Unnecessary or exaggerated celebration of a goal scored or a game won that would embarrass or demean the opposing team.
· Any physical abuse of any other person.
· Approaching the bench during a game situation unless summoned by a player or coach.
Disruptive or abusive parents may be asked to leave a rink and compliance is expected. The TAHA has invested the referees with the authority to suspend any game action until a disruptive or abusive parent or fan has left the rink area. Play will not resume until the offender has left, and the curfew clock will not be adjusted for the delay in the game.
BAHHA will enforce the Zero Tolerance rule. If notified of a parent/fan of an infraction of the Rule, the President of BAHHA will suspend the parent/fan from attending their player's next game. Successive infractions will receive additional game suspensions.
If a parent/fan refuses to abide by the suspension, the parent/fan's player will serve the game. Any monetary fines issued by TAHA, or USA Hockey for infractions of the Zero Tolerance Rule will be the responsibility of the offending member.
Any member who wishes to register a complaint regarding an on-ice official should send the complaint in writing to the BAHHA Board of Directors who will contact the proper authorities within the TAHA or USA Hockey programs.
Parent/Coach Relationship
As stated previously, parents and coaches must work together to demonstrate the philosophy of BAHHA. With this in mind, BAHHA emphasizes the following points of the Parent/Coach relationship
· Let the coach do the coaching. Support and assist the coaches whenever possible.
· Know the rules of the game and the guidelines, policies and practices of BAHHA, TAHA and USA Hockey.
· If an incident occurs between players, let the coaches handle the situation.
Dealing with concerns - 24-hour "Cooling Off" period
If a parent has a concern with a Coach (or any other issue with the association), he/she is required to wait 24 hours before taking up the issue with the Team Manager. This "cooling off period" provides an opportunity for all parties to separate themselves from the immediacy of the situation, and then discuss it in a calm, less-emotional manner. Team officials are not required to deal with an upset or emotional parent unless the 24-hour cooling off period has been observed.
If, after discussion, a mutually agreeable resolution to the issue cannot be achieved, a formal complaint or request for intervention can be submitted in writing to the BAHHA Vice President. The BAHHA Vice President and other Board members will investigate the situation and meet with the parties to facilitate a resolution.
Likewise, a coach who has a concern about a parent must follow this same procedure.
Player Behavior, Conduct and Disciplinary Actions
The rules in this handbook are designed to establish procedures and guidelines to support young people who participate in the BAHHA. Many of the rules are those enacted by USA Hockey, Inc., which governs youth hockey. BAHHA is committed to ensuring that they are observed.
The BAHHA Board of Directors and its coaches, Team Managers and volunteer parents all have a vested interest in providing a safe, fun-filled environment for each player. In return, each player must understand that coaches, assistant coaches and parent helpers are to be treated with respect and consideration. BAHHA players are expected to be attentive to coaches' directions and instructions and to avoid disruption. The Board of Directors will support the coaching staff in cases where reasonable discipline must be exercised in order to maintain an organized and enjoyable learning environment.
USA Hockey and BAHHA have written Codes of Conduct for players, which each player is expected to sign at the beginning of the season. It is expected that a player will conduct her/himself in controlled manner while representing BAHHA both on and off the ice while participating in team functions. Team functions include, but are not limited to, games, practices, team meetings and team trips, and may include, but are not limited to, locker rooms, hotels, team benches, on ice, or any other location of a team function.
Foul language and direct insubordination is unacceptable behavior and will be dealt with accordingly.
Ice time is valuable. All players should arrive at games and practices in sufficient time to allow for suiting up and the necessary pre-game/practice instruction and/or warm up. Unless your coach has told you differently, it is recommended that you be ready to "take the ice" at least 15 minutes before the scheduled starting time of any practice or game.
Reliable attendance is essential to personal skill development and the development of team continuity. BAHHA Head Coaches have the authority to implement a reasonable practice and game attendance policy to avoid disruption to the team. This and any other team rules will be communicated when the team is formed.
Discipline
The initial authority for player discipline is vested in team coaches and the BAHHA Vice President. Team Coaches have the authority to discipline any player(s) on their teams for just cause, including wrongful conduct that occurs during any team function as defined above.
Disciplinary actions may include, but will not be limited to, benching a player for all or part of a game, suspension from a game(s) or practice(s), or recommendation to the Executive Board that the player be dismissed from the team.
All disciplinary actions must be reported to the BAHHA Vice President who is authorized to impose changes or additions to the disciplinary actions imposed by the Team Coach(s).
Appeals of disciplinary actions:
Any member(s) may appeal the disciplinary action decision to the BAHHA Vice President after observing the 24-hour waiting period. The BAHHA Vice President will determine if the action(s) is appropriate to the situation, and will uphold, or make changes to, the action based on the facts in the case.
An appeal of the decisions or disciplinary actions of the BAHHA Vice President can be made to the BAHHA Board of Directors who will review the facts and make an appropriate decision on each case.
BAHHA will adhere to all USA Hockey and TAHA league rules with respect to minor and major penalties. All match or gross misconduct penalties whether in a TAHA game, a tournament game or a scrimmage, will be reported to the TAHA Level Statistician and the BAHHA President and/or Vice President. It is the responsibility of the Team Manager to report such infractions to the TAHA, if applicable, and BAHHA Board within 24 hours of the occurrence.
Grievance Procedure
As described in previous paragraphs, appeal procedures exist to deal with player, coach, team or association issues. Any complaints or grievances should first be addressed by the team coach or Team Manager following the 24-hour cooling off period. In some cases (as outlined in the Disciplinary section, above) the first appeal should be made in writing to the BAHHA Vice President.
If the parent/guardian is not satisfied with the resolution of the problem, a written appeal should be prepared and presented to the BAHHA Board of Directors within 10 days of the action or decision by the team officials or BAHHA Vice President. The Board will review the appeal and initiate appropriate problem solving actions.
In some cases, the grievance or complaint may be presented for resolution in the next general membership meeting. If the issue, complaint or problem is inappropriate for wide spread communication/knowledge (e.g. a personal situation that could be embarrassing if made public knowledge), the BAHHA Officers and Coach in Chief will meet privately with the parties involved to resolve the difference.
In some situations, decisions by the BAHHA Board can be appealed to the TAHA, or USA Hockey authorities that have rules governing their grievance procedure.
Fees and Assessments
Fees and assessments are established annually by the BAHHA Board and
are based on the projected budget for the coming season. The two most significant variables used to
calculate the annual fees and assessments are expected ice costs and the number
of players the Association expects to roster for the season. Additional
variables include association operating costs and referee/scorekeeper
charges.
Prior to the regular season, the Board of Directors will set
registration and tryout fees. A
registration fee must be submitted to BAHHA at the time a player registers to
play with a team. If tryouts are required to determine player placement on a
team, a non-refundable tryout fee must be paid at the time the player attends
BAHHA tryouts. For those who attend
tryouts, the player registration fee is included in the tryout fee.
Prior to the beginning of each season, players/members will be notified
of the estimated season cost. In most cases, a commitment fee is due at the
last tryout session for teams requiring tryouts. If the player is selected for a team, the
commitment fee will used as an offset against the player’s annual
assessment. The balance of the fall
season annual assessments is due September 1, October 1 and December 1. Other season (i.e. summer) assessments are
due in full prior to the beginning of the season. Players/members who do not
maintain their payment schedule, or who do not complete their payments to BAHHA
by 15 days after the last assessment is due, will be suspended from
participating in any BAHHA activities until the account balances are made
current. BAHHA has an agreement with the
other
Tournament fees, extra ice times beyond those provided by BAHHA,
referee expenses for scrimmages, travel expenses to and from games and
tournaments, equipment and other incidental expenses are not included in the
assessment fee and are the responsibility of the individual member/player.
BAHHA does allow for discounts for coaches
and Travel Team Managers.
Head Coaches receive a 30% discount.
Assistant coaches receive a 25% discount. There are at most two official assistant
coaches. However, other helpers, if
certified at the required level, may assist with practices as requested by the
Head Coach, but they do not receive a discount.
Travel Team Managers receive a 20% discount. Only one coaching/manager discount can be
taken per player.
Fundraising and Sponsorships
Ice hockey is an expensive sport to play. Ice time,
General:
BAHHA encourages a variety of voluntary fundraising programs during the
season. These fundraisers include
grocery cards, selling pizza, candles, cookies or other items on which the
individual team can make a profit to offset playing expenses. Additional voluntary fundraising activities
will be available throughout the season and communicated to you by the Team
Manager, via the web site or newsletter, or directly from our
Fundraising/Sponsor Director.
TAHA Tournaments:
Usually teams organize fundraising activities to coincide with the TAHA tournament weekends. Some activities include raffles and theme baskets,
Team fundraising:
Teams may wish to do their own fundraising. This is certainly acceptable, however, individual team fundraising requires approval by the Board of Directors to ensure that the activity is consistent with the mission and goals of BAHHA and does not conflict with the Association's fundraising programs. BAHHA does not provide capital or services for any individual team's fundraising activities, and BAHHA will be held harmless regarding any and all liabilities arising from such team activity. The money is held and managed by the Team Manager.
Sponsorships:
BAHHA actively seeks corporate sponsors to underwrite regular season
expenses. These sponsorships can be any
amount, with BAHHA providing a wide array of benefits to the sponsor. The money is held in the BAHHA account. If the money is being donated for a specific
team, BAHHA receives 5% of the sponsorship money collected by that team. The balance of the money is then available for
the team to determine how to allocate (for example, help pay for assessments,
team party, extra ice time, etc.).
Tournament sponsors receive special recognition in all of our tournament
publicity and publications. If you, or
someone you know is willing to be a corporate sponsor of youth hockey, please
contact the BAHHA President.