Fox Cities Stars Boys Hockey Parent and Player Expectations. Table of Contents. Signature page to return Page 2

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1 Fox Cities Stars Parent and Player Expectations 2014/15 Updated 8/19/14, Page 1 Fox Cities Stars Boys Hockey Parent and Player Expectations Table of Contents Signature page to return Page 2 The Program Page 3 The History Page 3 Program Goals Page 3 Player Expectations Page 3 8 Practice Games Playing Time Team Curfew Player Development On Ice Behavior Dress Code Off Ice Behavior Hazing\Treatment of Teammates Captains Coach Open Door Policy Lettering Criteria Academics Locker Room Behavioral\Punishment Issues Integrity Rule Parent Expectations Page 8 9 Game Behavior Coaching Issues

2 Fox Cities Stars Parent and Player Expectations 2014/15 Updated 8/19/14, Page 2 I have read and understand the Fox Cities Stars Parent and Player Expectations. Please print this page and return to team registrar. Parent 1 Signature & Date: Print Name: Parent 2 Signature & Date: Print Name: Note: All parents must sign the form and may do so below if more spots are needed. Player Signature & Date: Player Name: (Please Print) Player: Failure to comply with the expectations outlined in this document will result in removal of the player from the team. Parents: Failure to comply with the expectations outlined in this document will result in denied access of the parent to the games.

3 Fox Cities Stars Parent and Player Expectations 2014/15 Updated 8/19/14, Page 3 The Program: The Fox Cities Stars, also referred to as Stars, is a self funded WIAA (Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association) Hockey Program. The Stars are made up of players from Xavier, St. Mary Central, Fox Valley Lutheran, Kimberly, Little Chute, Kaukauna, and Freedom high schools. Our roster is comprised of mainly players from the Appleton Area Hockey Association and the Fox Valley Youth Hockey Association. During all play off games and state tournament appearances the Stars will be referred to as the Xavier CO OP team, per WIAA rules as Xavier is the lead school. The WIAA hockey program runs from the second Monday of November to the state tournament on the first weekend of March. Under the umbrella of the WIAA the Stars follow all WIAA sanctioned rules in terms of length of season, games, off season coaches contact days, and summer program rules The Stars will be playing in the Badgerland Conference which consists of the Fox Cities Stars, Appleton United, Fond du Lac, St. Mary s Springs, NHM (Neenah, Hortonville, Menasha), Beaver Dam and Oshkosh. The conference schedule will consist of 10 games (play each team once, and end of season tournament). The Stars locker room and home rink reside at Tri County Ice Arena, 700 East Shady Lane, Neenah, WI. The History: The Fox Cities Stars got their start as a WIAA program in 2001 as the Xavier Hawks. The program was started by a group of parents who wanted to give their kids the opportunity to play WIAA hockey, but more importantly the chance to play for their school. The group generated over $30,000 in private donations and made the dream a reality in as they played their first season as a junior varsity (JV) program. Over the next 3 years St. Mary Central and Fox Valley Lutheran were added to the CO OP and the name was officially changed to the Fox Cities Stars. Today the program is comprised of 7 schools, and will give more than 30 kids the opportunity to play varsity and JV hockey not only for the team s red, white, and blue colors, but for the pride of their respective schools. Program Goals: Create an environment in which kids can improve physically and mentally, play hockey in an enjoyable atmosphere, and compete at their highest level. Develop a program that is able to field a varsity and JV team that will be competitive in the Badgerland Conference. Allow players the opportunity to improve their skill sets at a JV level, and when they have honed their skills put those players in positions at the varsity level in which they can be successful. Focus on improving fundamental life skills: accountability, academics, discipline, team play, respect, community involvement, and being a positive role model to the youth. Player Expectations: Practice: The majority of the practices will take place at 5:45 in the morning. Players are not only expected to make all practices, but are expected to be on the ice stretched out and ready to go on time. If late for a practice, players will be expected to arrive early at the next practice and skate 15 minutes prior to that day s practice. If late for 2 practices players will sit for the first period of the next game. If players are tardy for 3 practices the player will sit the following game, and a game for each tardy thereafter. Should school be cancelled due to weather, players may come to the rink and practice, as the ice has been paid for. However, this is an optional practice. Players and parents should not feel obligated to venture out in unsafe conditions to make a practice in bad weather.

4 Fox Cities Stars Parent and Player Expectations 2014/15 Updated 8/19/14, Page 4 If unable to make practice due to sickness, or emergencies, players or a parent are to contact the coach by the end of the day that was missed, or this will be considered an unexcused absence. Missing practice due to homework will not be an adequate excuse. When playing high school athletics it becomes the player s responsibility to manage time wisely. Under some circumstances (final exams) there may be the need to miss a team activity. This should be very rare and needs to be cleared by the coaching staff prior to the absence. Unexcused absences from practice will not be tolerated. The consequences for missing practice will be as follows: The first unexcused absence will result in the player sitting out one period during the next game. Two unexcused absences will result in the player sitting out one game, and a game for each absence thereafter. Practice will also consist of off ice activities such as weightlifting, film, team building activities and Salvation Army night. The location for these sessions is yet to be determined. The off ice activities fall under the same guidelines as on ice practices regarding tardiness or unexcused absences. In the past we have had issues in which players have needed to miss these sessions in order to complete their drivers training education, or have a heavy week of school work. This will be counted as an excused absence as long as the coaching staff had been made aware of the absences. The Coach will make the final determination regarding excused as opposed to unexcused absences. Games: The varsity schedule will consist of 24 games. There will be 18 single games and two tournaments that will consist of 6 games. The playoffs consist of a seeding meeting and based on the Stars seed, we will play in the regional tournament. Winners will move onto the sectional tournament, with that winner heading to Madison for the State Tournament in March. The JV schedule will consist of 24 games. WIAA allows players to skate in 5 periods per game day, thus some players will be shuffling in and out between periods of the JV and varsity games. For all home games players are required to arrive at the rink 1 (one) hour prior to warm ups. If they need to see a trainer or need to be taped, etc. they will need to arrive 75 minutes prior to warm ups. Players should be dressed in their warm ups attire 45 minutes prior to warm ups. Team stretching will continue for 20 minutes. 15 minutes prior to going out for warm ups the music will be shut off and players can begin mentally preparing for the game. I suggest players have music and headphones to listen to during this time. Every player has their own unique way to prepare for a game. Find what works best for you. All players will then need to ensure they are completely dressed 5 minutes prior to on ice. It is mandatory that varsity and JV players attend all home games to support their teammates when they are not playing. Players are expected to support their teammates, regardless of whether they are dressing in that game. This holds true for varsity watching JV and JV watching varsity. FCS will follow the school rules in that players are required to ride the bus home from away games, unless they obtain proper approval from their school AD to ride home with their parents. Most schools require a two day notice. Players should look for s or school announcements for dismissal times for away games. These will also be posted on the website. All buses will leave from Tri County. Players are expected to be at Tri County Ice Arena 15 minutes prior to loading. If players are running late they need to call the coach or communicate with a player on the team. Prior to players exiting the bus it is the players job to clean around their area. Transportation will not be supplied for overnight trips. Players need to make arrangements to get to the rink of the away game site. If players are unable to find transportation please notify the coaching staff.

5 Fox Cities Stars Parent and Player Expectations 2014/15 Updated 8/19/14, Page 5 Playing Time: The goal for the varsity program is to field a team that will be competitive in the Badgerland Conference. To assist in accomplishing this goal the varsity roster will be comprised of players that the coaching staff believes give the Stars the best opportunity to compete at that level. The coaching staff will not discuss roster decisions with parents. The varsity roster will not be finalized prior to the first game of the season. The coaching staff will post the names of the skaters suiting up for each varsity game on the coaches door, one day prior to each varsity game. The game day roster will take into account injury, illness, behavior issues, and practice work ethic leading up to the game. To make the varsity game day roster it is up to the individual player to put in the work each practice, understand the systems, show good character on and off the ice, and maintain their academics. Coaches will look to bring up a number of players from the JV to the varsity level throughout the season to give them experience at the varsity level. However, dressing for the varsity team does not guarantee playing time. The JV Program will be geared toward the main focus of developing players to compete at the varsity level. Although the emphasis is not strictly on winning games, the coaching staff are looking for players to compete at their highest level. Success will not only be measured with wins and loses, but also effort. Losing a game due to lack of effort, discipline, or drive to compete it not acceptable. This holds true in cases where we may win a game, but did not put forth our best effort. All players dressing at the JV level will be given the opportunity to gain game experience through playing time. Playing time for the JV level will be based on a number of factors; participation in practice, practice work ethic (not just skill based), execution of fundamental systems. The goal is to allow equal playing time at the JV level, provided the player is not missing practice and is giving forth the effort expected at the high school level. The coaching staff reserves the right to determine playing time and goalie rotation. Team Curfew: The Stars team curfew the night before games is 11:00 p.m. for weekend games, and 10:00 p.m. for games that fall on a weeknight. The player needs to be at home, and must come to the phone if called by the coaching staff to verify their presence. If the player is not at home prior to curfew when called, player will not dress for the game the next day. If there is an instance in which the player may be staying at a friend s house, or out past curfew with their parents, this needs to be communicated to the coaching staff prior to the curfew check. Player Development: The goal is to develop each player so that as they reach their senior season they have maximized their talents, grown as individuals on and off the ice, understand the importance of working within the team environment, and leave the program as quality citizens. Practice will play a big part in each player s development. The coaches will demand a player s best, but some of the responsibility comes from the player having the drive and motivation to improve. On Ice Behavior: As members of the Fox Cities Stars players are expected to show respect on the ice during practice and games. This includes interaction with teammates, showing sportsmanship to opponents in winning and losing situations, respecting the coaching staff, and respecting the on ice and off ice (such as penalty box workers) officials. During games no player shall engage in conversations over a call with the on ice official. Should something need to be said it will be handled by the coaching staff, or one of the captains per the coach s request. If a player is called for a penalty they are expected to go directly to the penalty box without theatrics. Upon being called for a penalty the player should skate hard to the box without questioning the officials. Penalty box workers are considered off ice officials of the

6 Fox Cities Stars Parent and Player Expectations 2014/15 Updated 8/19/14, Page 6 game and are to be treated with the utmost respect. Players are not to engage in arguments while serving a penalty. Failure to follow these guidelines will result in loss of ice time or removal from the game. Players coming to the bench using inappropriate language, throwing equipment, or being disrespectful to teammates or the coaching staff will see reduced playing time. In every game our opponents are to be treated with respect before, during and after the game. Players are ambassadors of the Stars on and off the ice. Trash talking, unnecessary roughness or retaliating penalties will not be tolerated. Dress Code: The team dress code for games is as follows: Dress shirt with team tie, dress pants, dress shoes (no tennis shoes, crocs, etc.). The team jacket may also be worn over a shirt and tie. If players are not in proper game day attire they will not get on the bus. After games players are allowed to wear warm up suits for the ride home. Any player showing up for the bus not in proper attire will need to get properly dressed prior to getting on the bus. Tennis shoes are not appropriate attire. Off Ice Behavior: A player s behavior off the ice is a reflection not only of themselves but also their parents, high school, and the Stars program. This includes conduct in the classroom as well as at public locations. As a high school hockey player many of our youth look up to high school players as role models. Take time to interact with the youth at the ice arena or out in public. Hazing\Treatment of Teammates: All members of the Stars are teammates regardless of grade, school, or team they played for previously. Hazing or abuse to new or returning players will absolutely not be tolerated. Players who have violated that trust, at the very least, will not dress for a game, or based on the severity may be removed from the team for the remainder of the season. If players are seeing activities such as hazing or disrespect towards their teammates, they should confront the behavior, or make the coaching staff aware of these incidents. Captains: Captains will be players that focus on the team s success, treat teammates with respect, show great work ethic during practice and games, and have the ability to communicate the coach s message to the players. Captains are expected to set a positive example for the team through their attitude, work ethic, respect for teammates, and ability to deliver and demonstrate coaches expectations. All players, whether they have a captain s letter or not, should strive to be leaders in some capacity and it is expected that all will be a positive example on the ice, in the classroom, and role models within the community. There will be no set timetable for the naming of captains; rather the coaching staff will appoint captains once they feel these leadership skills have been demonstrated on a consistent basis. Returning players will also be involved in the process. Coach Open Door Policy: The Head Coach has an open door policy for any player who would like to talk about playing time, skill assessment, and team or personal matters. Aside from personal matters, on game day the coaching staff will not discuss the roster, lines, strategies, who their defensive partner is, team systems, etc. Should a player or parent have an incident regarding player conduct, coaches conduct, or a matter of a personal nature they can direct those questions directly to the coaching staff, their AD or the Stars lead Athletic Director.

7 Fox Cities Stars Parent and Player Expectations 2014/15 Updated 8/19/14, Page 7 Lettering Criteria: The criteria for lettering will be that the player must have dressed in at least 14 varsity games. The coaching staff also reserves the right to letter a player whose season was cut short due to injury. The coaching staff will look to work with any senior to allow them to dress in the required number of games to letter. Should a player meet the requirements for lettering, but receives a code violation or becomes academically ineligible, that player will not receive a letter for the season. Academics: A student athlete s first priority is academics. Playing high school sports is not a right, but an opportunity. Every year one of the team goals is to win the All Academic GPA Award. The Stars GPA goal as a team is 3.4. The coaching staff will contact the schools during the season for an update on each player s GPA. Any time a player is in jeopardy of losing eligibility due to grades, the school AD will contact the coaching staff who will discuss it with the player and/or parents. If players are having trouble with school work the coaching staff will look to help in the following ways: a meeting will be set up with the player to discuss where the problems are and help develop a process for improvement; the coaching staff will help find a tutor or get additional help from a teacher; and a team study hall will be mandated on days the team has off ice sessions. Locker Room: The locker room is a privilege for players of the Fox Cities Stars. It is the player s responsibility to ensure proper housekeeping of their stall and the locker room, including hanging equipment in the proper areas, picking up any tape or trash in the area, and housing only equipment and limited undergarments in the locker room stalls. The locker room is property of the Stars and therefore hanging of personal photos, etc. is not allowed. It is also to be kept clean and if players have items lying around they will be asked only once to pick them up and take them home. If this is not done the player will lose playing time and given locker room clean up duty. Music containing lyrics with vulgar language or racial remarks will not be allowed. The 1 st time the coaching staff hears music of this nature we will give the entire team a warning. Should it happen again the coaching staff will determine the next course of action. WIAA rules state that cell phones are NOT allowed to be used in the locker room. With most cellphones having camera or video capabilities this is a very serious issue of privacy, and any player having a cellphone in the locker room will lose playing time. That player s name will be shared with their school s AD. Locker stalls are assigned based on varsity status. Cleaning of the locker room will be done by the players on a weekly rotating basis. The captains will be responsible for creating the cleaning schedule which will rotate weekly. Cleaning must include picking up all the trash and tape on the floor, mopping the floor (to include coaches room), emptying the trash and putting in a new trash bag. Failure to clean on the assigned week will result in the addition of another week of cleaning duties. Behavioral\Punishment Issues: Punishment or suspensions for violating codes of conduct will be subject to the school s guidelines. Each school may have different penalties that may be shorter or longer, however the Stars coaching staff will enforce each school s punishment as it pertains to their players. It is the player s responsibility to understand their school s Code of Conduct Policies and the consequences for not adhering to them.

8 Fox Cities Stars Parent and Player Expectations 2014/15 Updated 8/19/14, Page 8 The Stars program also has specific rules as it pertains to Code of Conduct. These include missing practice, dress code, etc. These areas are covered in this document and include consequences for not adhering to them. The Stars also have a general rule that is referred to as the Integrity Rule. Integrity Rule: The Integrity Rule has been put in place to deal with issues geared towards instances of poor decision making, mistreatment of teammates, disrespect to coaches, teachers, or other authority figures, etc. Should a player break the Integrity Rule, the coaching staff will meet with the player to discuss the issue, and allow the player to offer an explanation. The coaching staff will then meet to discuss the instance, its severity, its impact to others involved and the course of action to be taken. The player and their parents will be brought in to discuss the incident and a course of action. Should the parents or player feel that any punishment given is unjust there is an appeal process. The appeal process procedures are as follows: 1. Parents and/or player are to contact the team General Manager in writing to make the appeal known. 2. The GM will contact the coaching staff 3. General Manager, Player, Parents, and the Coach(s) will meet to hear the appeal. Based on the severity of the incident there may also be the need to include the school s Athletic Director. 4. Based on the appeal, all parties, not including the player and parent, will determine if punishment is just. 5. The team General Manager will contact the player s family to relay the decision of the appeal. 6. Upon appeal the decision will be final. Parent Expectations: The coaching staff has the final decision when it comes to playing time, systems, line combinations, and the varsity roster. If a parent is unhappy with these decisions the Coaches Open Door Policy listed under the Player Expectations section above would apply. Game Behavior: The program is excited to see parents at the games supporting their player, and the team. As parents you are representatives of the Fox Cities Stars program and it is expected that you conduct yourself in a positive manner. Abusing the officials, negative interaction with opposing fans and poor sportsmanship is unacceptable. According to WIAA policy, at no time may a parent/fan approach officials on the ice. In addition, the FCS program ask parents to refrain from negatively talking about players. This issue has been discussed with school ADs and any parent who is found negatively talking about players in the stands or in the rink will be reported to their school s AD. Consequences may include suspension from attending the remaining home and away games. There will be a Zero Tolerance policy regarding behavior to all home and away games. The coaches goals for all players is to help ensure they have an enjoyable experience, improve their skills, receive fair treatment and opportunity, see personal growth, learn accountability, and enjoy personal and team success. Coaching Issues: If a parent feels their player is not being treated fairly, has concerns about the coaching staff, or has personal issues to discuss regarding their player, the process listed below should be followed. The coaching staff will not address playing time issues, etc. with the parents unless the player has first talked to the coaching staff.

9 Fox Cities Stars Parent and Player Expectations 2014/15 Updated 8/19/14, Page 9 1. Wait 24 hours to reflect on those concerns. 2. Send the coach an detailing the concerns and note specific examples if applicable. The coaching staff will not address any initial concerns over the phone. 3. The coach will respond via . This feedback will have the school s AD included on the If parents and the coaching staff are unable to come to a resolution the next step is to contact the Xavier High School Athletic Director to set up a meeting. 5. The coaching staff is looking to promote the importance of team, respect for teammates and coaches, as well as education, and life skills. If parents have issues with the coaching staff the best course of action is to request a meeting. The FCS Program asks that parents not make negative comments about players or the coaching staff to their own player as it is in direct conflict with the values the program is looking to promote. It sends a message that is okay to disrespect teammates or the coaching staff. It is not conducive to a player s success, and it can be destructive to the team dynamic.