Thief River Falls Amateur Hockey Association HANDBOOK

Transcription

1 Thief River Falls Amateur Hockey Association HANDBOOK

2 TABLE OF CONTENTS PURPOSE OF THIS HANDBOOK MISSION STATEMENTS TRFAHA OBJECTIVES PROGRAM DESIGN PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT & DESIGN PLAYER PLACEMENT TRAVEL TEAMS OPEN HOCKEY SAFETY / INJURY ILLNESS / EXCUSED ABSENCES / BAD WEATHER COACHES CODE OF CONDUCT / COACHING ETHICS SCREENING PROGRAM FOR COACHES AND ADMINISTRATORS COACHES RESPONSIBILITIES / COMPENSATION & REIMBURSEMENT POLICY BEHAVIOR & DISCIPLINE OF PLAYERS COACH & PARENT COMMUNICATION TRFAHA GRIVANCE COMMITTEE PARENT RESPONSIBILITES PARENT S CODE OF CONDUCT OVERNIGHT SUPERVISION / TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS LOCKER ROOM USE PLAYER ELEGIBILITY POLICY ACADEMIC ELIGIBILITY MOOD ALTERING CHEMICALS RACIAL / RELIGIOUS / SEXUAL HARASSMENT / VIOLENCE / HAZING OTHER RULES & BEHAVIOR CONCERNING ELIGIBILTY TRFAHA ELIGIBILITY STATEMENT PLAYERS CODE OF CONDUCT BOARD OF DIRECTORS

3 PURPOSE OF THIS HANDBOOK The purpose of this handbook is to provide the Players, Coaches, and Parents of the Thief River falls Amateur Hockey Association (TRFAHA), an affiliate of the Minnesota Hockey (the state affiliate of USA Hockey), a set of guidelines and expectations to follow for the hockey season. This handbook is to be used in conjunction with the TRFAHA bylaws, Minnesota hockey rules and regulations, and USA hockey rules and regulations. The rule and regulations set forth in this handbook under TRFAHA and those set forth by Minnesota Hockey and USA Hockey will be enforced by the Board of Directors. These policies and guidelines are provided for the benefit of parents, players and those individuals who volunteer their valuable time as team managers and coaches. Please take time to carefully read and understand this handbook so there is no misunderstanding of the stated rules and regulations.

4 THIS IS USA HOCKEY YOUTH HOCKEY The USA Hockey mission statement for its Youth Programs is as follows: To provide an improved grassroots foundation for the growth and development of USA Hockey, designing programs aimed to increased participation, improved skills and a responsible environment for the conduct of youth hockey. THIEF RIVER FALLS AMATEUR HOCKEY ASSOCIATION MISSION STATEMENT The primary purpose of the Thief River Falls Amateur Hockey Association is to educate players in the fundamental skills and strategy of hockey and sportsmanship while offering a program which is compatible with the high school style of play. The program shall provide a disciplined, competitive environment which encourages every player to perform to the best of their ability while having fun, learning and playing the game. Also to foster the development of accountable, confident individuals who understand success and rewarding involvement requires commitment, effort and enthusiasm. MAHA PREEMINENCE The Thief River Falls Amateur Hockey Association, an affiliate association of the Minnesota Hockey Association (AKA Minnesota Hockey or MAHA) shall abide by the act in accord with the Articles of Incorporation, By-laws, Rules and Regulations, Playing Rules and decisions of the Board of Directors of Minnesota Hockey and/or decisions of the Affiliate. Further, Thief River Falls Amateur Hockey Association shall assist Minnesota Hockey in the administration and enforcement of the provisions for the Bylaws, Rules and Regulations, Playing Rules and decision of the Board of Directors of Minnesota Hockey, within and upon its members and/or within its jurisdiction and agrees to be guided by the following core values of USA Hockey and Minnesota Hockey. SPORTSMANSHIP-Foremost of all values is to learn a sense of fair play. Become humble in victory, gracious in defeat. We will foster friendship with teammates and opponents alike. RESPECT FOR THE INDIVIDUAL-Treat all others as you expect to be treated. INTEGRITY-We seek to foster honesty and fair play beyond mere strict interpretation of the rules and regulations of the game. PURSUIT OF EXCELLENCE AT THE INDIVIDUAL, TEAM AND ORGANIZATIONAL LEVELS-Each member of the organization, whether player, volunteer or staff, should seek to perform each aspect of the game to the highest level of his or her ability. ENJOYMENT-It is important for the hockey experience to be fun, satisfying and rewarding for the participant. LOYALTY-We aspire to teach loyalty to the ideals and fellow member for the sport of hockey.

5 TEAMWORK-We value the strength of learning to work together. The use of teamwork is reinforced and rewarded by success in the hockey experience. MAHA acknowledges that Thief River Falls Amateur Hockey is and shall remain a separate entity with the complete authority to conduct its affairs and programs, subject only to the express obligations and restrictions contained in the affiliate agreement. TRFAHA OBJECTIVES To provide an opportunity for Physical Conditioning and to teach players how to maintain good health for adulthood. To provide an opportunity for social education by providing a place to be part of a peer group. To develop individual as well as team work skills. To develop commitment, discipline and responsibility by taking part in practices and games and developing respect for one s self as well as others. To achieve excellence by participating to the best of one s ability, learning to prepare oneself mentally and physically for competition, and through dedication and hard work to improve their own individual and team skills.

6 PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT AND DESIGN Thief River Falls Amateur Hockey Association Coaches Curriculum Committee, consisting of both Head High School Hockey Coaches and two Board Members, with the approval of the Board of Directors is responsible to develop the program under the guidelines required of USA Hockey and Minnesota Hockey. There are four distinct categories within USA Hockey model of its structure to help meet the needs of the youth player. 1. Initiation Program-This program is designed to meet the needs of the beginning players. Basic skill will be taught equally in a non-competitive environment. Fun, physical development, and a social environment are stressed. 2. Recreational Program-The backbone of youth hockey, recreational hockey encourages internal or house league play. This program is designed to provide opportunities to play for enjoyment, fitness, relaxation, and fellowship. Skill development and team concepts are stressed, rather than winning. a. Level 4 (Mites/8U) is covered in this program. Level 4 still retains the structure of the USA Hockey Initiation Program and also starts to provide players an opportunity to experience the fun of team play. Individual skill development is still the focal point while introducing team concepts. i. The USA Hockey Initiation Program Manual D corresponds to this level. ii. Minnesota Hockey sets the age classification for this group as being 7 years old by July 1 of the registration year. iii. The program format for this level may include In-House play and/or travel games and jamborees. The program format will be determined by the coaches and the Youth Hockey Player Development Director. In-House games provide equal shift and rotation to help the younger player develop an understanding for the basic rules of the game and learn what being part of a team is about. Level 4 players may also have the opportunity to participate in games and Mite Jamborees with other communities in the area providing a low-key full participation event. Before the travel season begins, mite age players will be evaluated by the coaches to determine which players are developmentally ready to participate on a travel team. Program numbers will indicate how many mite and 8U teams to field. The coaches and the Youth Hockey Development Director will decide the method to select teams on a year by year basis. During seasons that we have fewer mite age players deemed ready to participate by the coaches needed to field complete teams, we will pull up the most developmentally ready six year olds to fill out the roster. These selections will be made by the coaches and will be dictated by numbers in the program at this level. Any movement will be with parental approval for the player involved. iv. In some cases, because of developmental differences and different starting ages, we will have some players who are not ready to participate on a mite travel team by age seven. These players will participate in Level 3 and will be

7 offered to participate in an accelerated program the following season as eight year olds to place them on a mite travel team and help prepare them for the jump to the Squirt level the following year. Extreme cases will be dealt with on an individual basis. b. Squirt/10U is also included in this program. At this level, players continue to develop individual skills, as well as game and rink awareness. Players develop their understanding of positions and rules of the game. Development of players has progressed to where developing passing and receiving skills, team concepts of offensive and defensive play, injury prevention, and respect for teammates, coaches, opponents, and officials is stressed. i. Minnesota Hockey sets the age classification for this group as being 9 years old by July 1 of the registration year. ii. The program format for this level may include In-House play. That decision will be based on numbers in the program and will be made by the coaches and the Youth Hockey Player Development Director. iii. Travel hockey is available at this level for the Squirt player on the boy s side and the 10U player on the girl s side. It allows the player and parent to understand what traveling hockey is by playing regular officiated three period games with other communities at home and away. Players are introduced to changing on the fly, penalty killing, power plays, and possibly overtime situations while stressing team play and heads up awareness. The above listed traveling teams will also be exposed to a more competitive situation by participating in invitational tournaments. Where numbers dictate having more than one team at this level, teams will be selected based on ability (A and B team to correspond with Minnesota Hockey guidelines). Teams will be selected by the coaches. If program numbers at this level dictate offering three teams, two B teams of equal ability and quantity of players will be formed. If a B team is short of a full roster, 8 year old players may be moved up to fill the roster. These players, when needed, will be selected by the coaches and be chosen by overall readiness to play at the higher level. Any movement will be with parental approval for the player involved. 3. Competitive Program-Well qualified coaches teach higher-level skill development for players within local associations who have the desire and ability for a competitive experience. Balance of winning and sportsmanship is stressed, and travel for competition should be reasonable. Team objectives include local, league, state, and national championships. a. This level includes Pee Wees, Bantams, 12U, and 14U. b. Once again, Minnesota Hockey sets age classifications for all these levels. c. There is continued development of individual skills with the addition of developing team concepts, team work ethic, and team objectives. Importance of proper nutrition, fitness, and training is stressed. The player needs to start developing personal goals and training habits, as well as learning how to be supportive of teammates. The teams participate in the District League play as well as non-district games. All teams gain experience by going to out of town tournaments. The end of the season team objective is to be competitive

8 in the District Tournament where success can lead to participation in Regional, State, and National Tournaments. d. Where numbers dictate having more than one team at this level, teams will be selected based on ability (A and B team to correspond with Minnesota Hockey guidelines). Teams will be selected by the coaches. If program numbers at this level dictate offering three teams, two B teams of equal ability and quantity of players will be formed. e. In extreme cases, dictated by numbers at a given level, an underage player may be moved up to fill a roster. Any player movement at this level will be recommended by the coaches, have parental consent, and must gain Board approval. 4. Select Program-USA Hockey supports a high-level program which draws from the very best players across the country, then prepares them to play for the United States in international competitions. TRFAHA and Lincoln High School through the head high school coaches nominate top players for the USA Hockey Olympic Development for boys in the Select 15, Select 16, and Select 17 Development Programs and for girls through the Girls Select Development Program. Nomination does not guarantee an invitation to select tryouts. a. Levels 1-3 are covered in this program. It s a structured, learn to play hockey program designed to introduce beginners to the game s basic skills. It enables participants to become contributing members of a team effort, to develop self-confidence and to experience a sense of personal achievement. b. The USA Hockey Initiation Program Manuals A-C corresponds to these levels. c. USA Hockey skills checklists derived from the Initiation Program manuals are the curriculum foundation for these levels. d. Levels 1-3 are designed primarily for mini-mite age players as defined by Minnesota Hockey as players six years old or younger as of July 1 of the registration year. e. As much as possible these levels are grouped by like ability in an effort to make the most effective practices. However, other factors also need to be considered when forming these practice groups. Age becomes a consideration for very young players and mite age players. Any player that begins the program at three years of age will be required to repeat one of the first three levels to arrive at Level 4 no sooner than age seven. It is also possible that numbers in given levels of the program can be a factor in group formation to keep practice groups to a manageable size. f. Coaches establish the practice groups at these levels based on the results of the USA Hockey Development Plan Evaluations as well as overall player development level. At the end of each season players will be evaluated and notified of which level to begin the next season. As players develop and progress at different rates, there may also be some movement during the season, also at the coaches discretion. Beginning players will start in Level 1. g. Boys and girls play together in Levels 1 and 2. After Level 2 boys move to Level 3 and then Mites. After Level 2 girls move to the 8U program. i. Vice President, if unavailable the President ii. One Board Member at Large

9 PLAYER MOVEMENT All TRFAHA players will participate at his or her respective level of play as determined by ages specified by Minnesota Hockey with the following exceptions: 1. If it is determined a second year mite (as defined by Minnesota Hockey age) has developed skills that will better the player s development, that player can be moved to Squirt B Level. Any movement will be with parental approval for the player involved. If such player movement is detrimental to the mite numbers, the request may be denied. 2. If due to a player s birth date and year in school, that player may only get to play one year of Bantam or 14U hockey, that player may move up a level no later than his or hers first year of Pee Wees or Girls 12U of play. 3. If in the goal tenders position at a given level of play does not have adequate numbers at that position, a goal tender from one level younger may be moved up to accommodate that need. 4. Any other potential player movement will be recommended by coaches to the TRFAHA Board of Directors for discussion and approval. 5. ALL PLAYER MOVEMENT FOR IN-HOUSE AND TRAVEL TEAMS MUST BE APPROVED BY THE TRFAHA BOARD OF DIRECTORS. SAFETY The safety on the hockey players in TRFAHA is one of the most important concerns for the program. It is required that each player wear proper protective equipment to ensure safety. If a player does not have a certain item of equipment, please contact the youth hockey coordinator to see if TRFAHA may have the item in question for the player to use. The coach has the responsibility to make sure that players are wearing the appropriate equipment at all times. PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT REQUIRED AT EACH LEVEL: Level 3 and below: Helmet w/face mask*, elbow pads*, hockey skates required Level 4: Helmet w/facemask*, shins*, elbow pads*, athletic supporter with cup protection or pelvic protector, hockey skates and attached mouth guard required once Blue and Gold teams start traveling. Level 5 & 6: Helmet w/ face mask, shins, elbow pads, hockey skates, hockey gloves, athletic supporter with cup or pelvic protector, attached mouth guard. Travel Teams: Helmet w/ face mask, shins, elbow pads, athletic supporter with cup or pelvic Protector, attached mouth guard, hockey gloves, shoulder pads, breezers. Please note that Minnesota Hockey requires the mouth guard at all levels of hockey and overrides USA s rule that does not require it until after squirts. USA hockey requires it to be attached to facemask. (*denotes equipment TRFAHA provides to players 8 & under)

10 INJURY Coaches and general managers must keep an injury log on all injuries that require medical attention or cause a player to miss practice or a game. Coaches and general managers are to turn in the injury log to the youth hockey coordinator at the end of the season. Any injury that requires medical attention or causes a player to become unconscious must be recorded on an injury report form and turned into the youth hockey coordinator as soon as possible. Please turn in report forms on concussions even if the player did not become unconscious just for tracking purposes. This is important as there may be claims made to USA Hockey s insurance. On injuries that require medical attention a doctor s release is necessary before the player can return to practice or games. All rehabilitating players must wear full equipment on the ice when attending practice. When a player is not playing a game due to injury but wants to be in the box with the team they are required to wear their helmet with face mask and the team jersey. All general managers will be given copies of insurance claim forms. USA Hockey Insurance kicks in after the player s primary provider and there is still a high deductible applied before USA Hockey s insurance will pay anything. ILLNESS For short term illness such as colds and flu, only the player and the player s parents will be able to determine if the player is well enough to play. However, if the coach feels the player is not in condition to play, the coach may send the player home. T.R.F.A.H.A. wants players to be in the best health possible before participating in games or practices for the benefit of the player as well as other players. Players who missed school due to illness are not to practice or participate in games for that day and should stay home. Parents should leave a message for the coach. EXCUSED ABSENCES It is the responsibility of the player and parent to notify the coach before missing practice or games for: 1. Family obligations 2. Religious obligations 3. School obligations 4. Illness or injuries Wednesday nights: Church night, practices are scheduled for those that can attend. Every church is on a different schedule and it is impossible to schedule and avoid conflict. TRFAHA understand this and expects players to go to their religious commitment. For those that can attend practice they are encouraged to do so. It is also understood that players may be leaving early or coming late to practice on Wednesday to accommodate church. Missing School or Sunday Worship TRFAHA does the best it can to not schedule games that conflict with worship or require players to miss school. Teams go to two tournaments and District, Regional, or State

11 Play-offs that may require time away from school and conflict with church, as tournament formats and the team s performance control the game times. Some games may be scheduled during the week because no other ice available, TRFAHA will do the best it can to minimize the need for early release for travel reasons. Parent can inform the coach that their player will not take part in a scheduled game if they feel it is the best interest of their player to not miss school or church on those occasions. BAD WEATHER When school is canceled for storm related reasons ice is available for practice as long as the City of Thief River Falls will let arenas be open. It is not expected that players living in the country would consider attending these practices, but often driving conditions in town allow the in town player to attend with no problem and they want something to do. Listen to KTRF for storm related announcements. Travel to games during adverse conditions. Please keep posted to the radio for weather / travel conditions. We do ask team members to check in with the coach or general managers before leaving if weather is an issue. Decisions to cancel games are not made easily but we do not want to risk anyone being stranded or put at risk during a storm for a game of hockey. Generally, the Youth Hockey Coordinator, Board President, and High School Coaches will be in contact with towns where games are scheduled checking conditions and making the decisions. It may be necessary during a weekend for a coach or another board member to make the decision and contact the other teams involved ASAP. OPEN HOCKEY Open hockey is a time when players of a designated age group can work on individual hockey skills including skating, stick handling, shooting, etc. In addition, team skills including passing, position play, and team organization may be worked on. At open hockey, there is no body-checking allowed. Bodychecking is skill which involves a higher risk of injury and should be taught at team practices for level pee wee and above. PLAYERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO USE THIS TIME TO WORK ON SKILLS THAT THEIR COACHES HAVE EXPRESSED THEY NEED TO WORK ON. Scrimmaging: Players may work individually, in groups, or may start scrimmages. Players should not be expected to play in scrimmages. One end of the rink should be set aside for players to work on individual skills. No swearing, rough play or fighting is allowed and will result in removal from the ice. SUPERVISION: Open hockey is run by the City of Thief River Falls Park and Recreation Department. The arena staff has the authority to allow a player from outside and scheduled level on the ice. Factors taken into consideration include the number of players on the ice and the level designated on the schedule to have the ice. A general rule of thumb is if attendance at the session is low, a player can move up one level above his/her skating level. Older players are often intimidating to younger players and playing down a level is not promoted. Rink attendants will usually allow an older sibling to go out to work with a

12 younger sibling. Keep in mind younger players often do not have adequate equipment on to be out with older players. Varsity players are allowed on the ice at all levels to work with players. Disciplinary action during open hockey will be handled by the rink attendant and TRFAHA will fully support that discipline. EQUIPMENT: Players are required to have full equipment on at open hockey. COACHES CODE OF CONDUCT Winning is a consideration, but not the only one, nor the most important one. Care more about the child than winning the game. Remember, players are involved in hockey for fun and enjoyment. Be a positive role model to your players, display emotional maturity and be alert to the physical safety of players. Be generous with the praise when it is deserved; be consistent and honest; be fair and just; do not criticize players publicly; learn to be a more effective communicator and coach; don t yell at players. Adjust to personal needs and problems of players; be a good listener; never verbally or physically abuse a player or official; give all players the opportunity to improve their skills, gain confidence and develop self-esteem; teach them the basics. Organize practices that are fun and challenging for your players. Familiarize yourself with the rules, techniques and strategies of hockey; encourage all your players to be a team players. 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. USA HOCKEY COACHING ETHICS CODE AGREEMENT All USA Hockey coaches (head, assistant and instructors) must abide by the USA Hockey Coaching Ethics Code, and understand that violations may result in full or partial forfeiture of coaching privileges in programs, at sites or events under USA Hockey s governance. The Ethics Code Agreement states that the coach and/or instructor has read and will abide by USA Hockey s Coaching Ethics Code. All registered Coaches (head and assistant) and instructors must sign the Coaching Ethics Code Agreement in order to be eligible to coach or instruct in any regular season activities (practices, clinics, games, tournaments, tryouts, etc.) Coaches and instructor s need only have to sign this document once and it will be valid for the duration of the coach s instructor s participation with USA Hockey programs. All coaches have an obligation to be familiar with the USA Hockey s coaching Ethics Code, or as it may be amended from time to time. Lack of awareness or misunderstanding of an ethical standard is not itself a defense to a charge of unethical conduct.

13 Coaches and instructors will receive the Coaching Ethics Code and sign the ethics agreement through their respective association and/or Registrar. Each coach must have a signed agreement properly filed prior to the start of the season. Each association is responsible for enforcing and tracking signed ethics code agreements for their coaches. For more information, refer to the USA Hockey Annual Guide and USA Coaching Ethics Code Book COACHING ETHICS CODE non-compliance with the code of ethics and expectation of coaches will result in a review of the coach by the Coaches Curriculum Committee, Board of Directors, A.C.E. Coordinator(s), and Youth Hockey Coordinator to determine disciplinary action. Coaches are expected to coach within the rules and regulations as set forth by the T.R.F.A.H.A. and its Board of Directors, Minnesota Hockey, and USA Hockey. These rules and procedures include, but are not limited to, those listed in this handbook. Minnesota Hockey Sexual and Physical Abuse Screening Program for all Coaches and Administrators The personnel of all MAHA associated organizations shall be screened pursuant to screening rules as set forth in the Minnesota Hockey Handbook. For purposes of these screening rules, personnel shall include officers, member of boards of directors, coaches, team managers, referees and coaching or referee instructors, whether or not they receive compensation for their services. Other personnel may be included at the discretion of the MAHA Screening Committee. For purposes of these screening rules, personnel shall include officers, member of boards of directors, coaches, team managers, referees and coaching or referee instructors, whether or not they receive compensation for their services. Other personnel may be included at the discretion of the MAHA Screening Committee. MAHA affiliates or associated organizations may, in their desecration, apply the requirements of these screening rules to other volunteer personnel not carried on rosters or registered by means of a USA Hockey individual Member Registration form and not specifically mentioned herein. An individual who does not consent to be subject to the application of these screening rules shall not be allowed to participate in screened activities. Criminal Background Check: Each person to be screened as provided by the screening rules set forth in the current Minnesota Hockey handbook shall sign a consent form provided by Minnesota Hockey. Such form shall be signed each year and shall authorize Minnesota hockey or its designee to perform a background check to determine whether the signer is the subject of any reported criminal conviction. If the Screening Committee determines that the member is disqualified and prohibited from participating in screened activities, its Chair shall notify in writing the member, the member s affiliate, the Minnkota District Registrar and the cognizant MAHA District Director that the member is not eligible to participate in screened activities. For more information regarding the Sexual and Physical Abuse Screening procedures and policy refer to the current Minnesota Hockey Handbook.

14 COACHES RESPONSIBILITIES Coaches are expected to coach within the rules and regulations as set forth by the T.R.F.A.H.A. and its Board of Directors, Minnesota Hockey, and USA Hockey. These rules and procedures include, but are not limited to, those listed in this handbook. PRACTIVE AND GAMES Coaches are responsible for organizing practices which promote ongoing individual skill development, team work, in a safe environment. Coaches are expected to follow various style of play as set forth by the head high school coach to ensure proper continuity in the program. Coaches will participate in monthly Coaches Curriculum Meetings to review any concerns and suggestions they may have. CONDUCT Coaches are expected to conduct themselves in a manner which is befitting their role as coach. This includes but is not limited to the following: Timely presence at games and practices. Any time a coach cannot make a game or practice, it is expected that proper arrangements will be made with an assistant to handle the situation. (Only those coaches properly registered and listed on the roster can be in the box during a game) Eliminate the use of profanity Communication of expectations to athletes and parents should be clear and be consistent with the guidelines set forth from Coaches Curriculum and the Board of Directors. ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITY: Coaches are the responsible party for securing and turning in locker room keys, providing supervision of the locker rooms before and after practice and games, at home and away. Coaches will be responsible for overseeing team jerseys, team pucks, team bags, first aid kits, coaching clipboards and materials, and seeing that they returned at the end of the season. Coaches will follow the injury reporting process as set forth by Thief River Falls Amateur Hockey Association. COMPENSATION AND EXPENSE REIMBURSEMENT Compensation AND expense policies will be reviewed and established by the T.R.F.A.H.A Board of Directors on an annual basis. Please refer to the expense voucher form for current reimbursement amounts for meals, mileage and motels. Expense voucher forms are found in the Old Arena Concession Stand in the mailbox area or can be obtained from the Youth Hockey Coordinator. Every effort is made to process vouchers turning in on Monday by Friday of the same week, but it is not always possible.

15 Expense vouchers must have receipts and be turn in a timely fashion. Expenses not turned in within 30 days may not be reimbursed. TRFAHA will reimburse travel expenses for up to 3 coaches per Pee Wee, Bantam and 15U Girl s teams. For Scheduled away games that do not involve overnight travel TRFAHA will as that coaches ride share as much as possible, so that the mileage expense reimbursement in those situations is limited to two coaches. For teams in Squirt and Mite classifications TRFAHA will only reimburse expenses for up to two coaches per team under all circumstances. BEHAVIOR AND DISCIPLINE OF PLAYERS Behavior and discipline is a very important factor in hockey as well as in other sports, school, and life in general. The ability of a player to control oneself both mentally and physically will enable the player to excel and help conquer various challenges that may be encountered both on and off the ice. TRFAHA encourages its players, parents and coaches to always consider the consequences associated with inappropriate behavior and to be aware that Discipline will come before hockey without exception. Coaches will use good judgement in dealing with players. If necessary they have the authority to ask players to leave a practice, or sit out a game if they feel the player s behavior justifies the action. Any long term suspensions that a coach imposes should be reported by the coach to the Youth Hockey Coordinator and ACE Coordinator. T.R.F.A.H.A. will enforce the policy as set forth in the handbook and follow procedures set to handle hockey discipline problems that may occur on the ice, in the arena, on the road or at school. SERIOUS BEHAVIOR / DISCIPLINE INCIDENTS THAT RESULT IN AN INJURY INVOLVE IMMEDIATE SUSPENSION OF PLAYERS AND WILL AUTOMATICALLY BE HANDLED BY THE A.C.E. COORDINATOR WITH THE COACH AND INPUT FROM THE BOARD GRIEVANCE COMMITTEE. Coach s immediate responses and actions for when an incident occurs that involves injury: 1. Intervene in the situation in a mature and appropriate manner, secure medical attention if necessary. 2. Inform the players involved that because of their actions they are suspended automatically until a review of the situation is completed. Inform their parents of the incident and hat it will be reported to the A.C.E. Coordinator and Youth Hockey Coordinator immediately for review. The player and parent will be contacted in a timely manner. The review is done ASAP hopefully within hours (keep in mind if an incident occurs over a weekend or out of town it may take longer to initiate the review process). The final outcome in terms of suspension, discipline or restitution will be determined and everyone involved will be notified. 3. Call the Youth Hockey Coordinator ASAP, who will notify the A.C.E. Coordinator(s) who will handle the review. The A.C.E. Coordinator will meet with the coaching staff, players and parent of all involved and is responsible to communicate with the board of directors, law enforcement, park and recreation office, arena staff and school officials as necessary. The A.C.E. Coordinator, along with input from the coach and board grievance committee

16 will determine the disciplinary outcomes and provide a detailed summary to the full board. The coach will implement the disciplinary recommendations put forth by the TRFAHA Board Grievance Committee. 4. Write down everything you can recall of the incident. COACH AND PARENT COMMUNICATION Effective communication between coaches and parents is essential for the success of the player. Coaches and parents are expected to follow these steps when communicating player concerns: 1. Initiate a one to one discussion between coach and parent(s) about the issue, at an appropriate time. Call the coach or parent and establish when a good time would be to discuss concerns. 2. If either the coach or the parent needs more assistance, the next step is to contact the A.C.E. Coordinator to look into the discuss the issue. (You may contact the Youth Hockey Coordinator for assistance in contacting the A.C.E. Coordinator.) 3. If as a coach or parent, there is still a need for intervention, resolution, or a point to be raised concerning current policy and interpretation there of, please document the concern and submit to the Youth Hockey Director to take to the Board of Directors where a grievance committee will review it and make recommendations to the board. A situation concerning intervention and/or resolution action from the board will be reviewed immediately and appropriate action taken. Note, a situation concerning a policy review request would be taken under advisement, evaluated and any changes would not be implemented until after the current season with the policy change taking effect the following season. TRFAHA GRIEVANCE COMMITTEE The TRFAHA Board Grievance Committee will consist of at three board members: The grievance committee shall, at its option, use any of the following procedures in the review process of a written grievance to promptly, equitably and objectively attempt to revolve the grievance, allowing affected parties to have input which may require conducting a hearing: Hold preliminary fact finding meetings involving two (2) or more of the Grievance Committee members. Use mail or conference call as procedures, involving the full committee, to render either a preliminary or final determinations of the grievance. The person making the grievance shall be permitted to be represented at a hearing conducted by the TRFAHA Grievance Committee. Such representation may consist of the appealing individual plus one representative, or two representatives for the individual. Said, representative(s) may, without a personal appearance, present their position to the Grievance Committee, or any sub-division thereof, through written statements and letters. The grievance committee will make a full report and formal recommendation for the action to the board. Respond in writing to the appealing party the action taken by the board.

17 PARENT RESPONSIBILITIES Each team will have a general manager overseeing the management of the team. Parents are responsible to: Cover the minor official duties for their home games and any tournaments they host for their own player s team. When hosting a tournament or jamboree help with, signs, gate, minor officials, and publicity. Keep team statistics / book (travel teams) Report game scores to media and Youth hockey coordinator weekly Help run concessions Plan their team banquet Fund raise when required PARENT S CODE OF CONDUCT Do not force your children to participate in sports, but support their desires to play their chosen sport. Children are involved in organized sports for their enjoyment. Make it fun. Encourage your child to play by the rules. Remember, children learn best by example, so applaud the good plays of both teams. Do not embarrass your child by yelling at players, coaches or officials. By showing a positive attitude toward the game and all of its participants, your child will benefit. Emphasize skill development and practices and how they benefit your young athlete. Deemphasize games and competition in the lower age groups. Know and study the rules of the game, and support the officials on and off the ice. This approach will help in the development and support of the game. Any criticism of the officials only hurts the game. Applaud a good effort in both victory and defeat, and enforce the positive points of the game. Never yell or physically abuse your child after a game or practice it is destructive. Work toward removing the physical and verbal abuse in sports. Recognize the importance of volunteer coaches. They are important 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 and volunteer. OVERNIGHT SUPERVISION AND TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS Overnight supervision will be the responsibility of the parents. Coaches will have the option to impose a curfew for the players during an overnight trip. Failure to obey curfew without prior arrangements made by the parents with the coach will result in that player missing the next day s first game. Parent s not traveling with their player to out of town games or tournaments are responsible for making all travel arrangements and arrange for adult supervision for their player.

18 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 for practices and games Learn the rules and play by them. Always be a good sport Respect your coach, your teammates, your parents, opponents and officials Never argue with an official s decision LOCKER ROOMS TRFAHA encourages all players, squirts and above to use locker rooms for practice and games. Lobby areas get very crowded when players try to change in them. Level 4 Blue and Gold team players, will use locker rooms for their games. Locker rooms are available for all level players, just check with the rink attendant for the appropriate locker room. Players are to always clean up the locker room before leaving. The last player out should always pick up left items and bring to the next practice game. Coaches should also check locker rooms and lock up when the team is finished and turn in the key. Locker rooms are not opened more than ½ hour before practice. On games, only coaches will be given the key so check with your coach to see how early he/she will show up to open the locker room. The use of locker rooms is a privilege not a right for the player or team. TRFAHA will suspend the right to use a locker room if players cannot respect the privilege. In those situations, players will dress at home and then come to the arena.

19 PLAYER ELEGIBILITY POLICY

20 TRFAHA PLAYER ELIGIBITY POLICY Players of TRFAHA are given the PRIVLEGE of participating in the program. The PRIVILEGE IS EXTENDED TO THOSE PLAYERS willing to abide by the expectations, standards and regulations of TRFAHA, School District 564, Minnesota State High School League, Minnesota Hockey and USA Hockey. Parents and players must understand, that if a player chooses to violate any of these rules, he/she has withdrawn his/herself from activities involving TRFAHA for a period of time and the conditions specified. TRFAHA follows the academic guidelines established by School District #564 at both Franklin Middle School and Lincoln High School and their eligibility standards in regards to academics, behavior and attendance eligibility. TRFAHA follows the guidelines set forth by Minnesota State High School League and School District 564, USA Hockey and Minnesota Hockey concerning definition, interpretation, discipline, and participation penalties for violations of Game Rules, Sportsmanship, use of Mood-Altering Chemicals, Racial / Religious / Sexual Harassment / Violence and Hazing. All players and parents that take part in TRFAHA programs, must comply with the current standards set forth in the policies and rule books. A basic summary of the policies concerning academic eligibility and discipline policy violations follow, the specific definitions of violations for Mood Altering Chemicals, Racial / Religious / Sexual Harassment / Violence and Hazing as defined by TRFAHA, the Minnesota State High School League, School District #564, Minnesota Hockey, and USA Hockey will be available at both the Old Arena and HOMCC or a parent or player can request copies from the Youth Hockey Coordinator. LINCOLN HIGH SCHOOL Academic Eligibility Standards Lincoln High School and Franklin Middle School base their academic eligibility around the phrase making satisfactory progress toward graduation. Academic eligibility for students pertains to all Minnesota State High School League extracurricular activities, and those co-curricular activities concerning Lincoln High School and Franklin Middle School. TRFAHA board and membership supports following the same standards. F or IMCOMPLETE GRADES 1. a. F 2 week suspension from games and practice and then becomes eligible only when an eligibility slip is signed by teachers indication satisfactory progress* and passing. b. INCOMPLETES-Ineligible unit (1) the incomplete is made up of (2) the end of the quarter following the marking period in which the incomplete was given. 2. More than one F 4 week suspension with a progress* update due in two weeks, and satisfactory progress* may allow practice (coach s discretion) after 2 weeks. At the end of 4 weeks, with satisfactory progress, the student may become eligible for the game or activity. 3. For FALL activities-a) Use the 2nd semester or summer school grades. b) Progress report checks 2 weeks after school starts in the fall for students with spring / summer failing grades. *Satisfactory progress is interpreted to mean that any failing 9-week grade would be considered unsatisfactory progress with special considerations for summer school.

21 A. A student is ineligible the first day of the next school week following the day report cards are issued. B. Parents or players must show report cards to coaches and keep the coach informed of ineligibility. FRANKLIN MIDDLE SCHOOL: Failing Grade for Marking Period In the event of a failing course grade at the end of a marking period, the student will become ineligible to participate in extra-curricular events for a period of two weeks. After that two week period is over, the student must be making satisfactory progress in the course he/she had failed during the previous marking period in the order to resume participation. In the event of more than one failing course grade F for the marking period, the student will be ineligible for a period of four weeks. A student becomes ineligible on the first day of the next school week, following the day report cards are issued. Incomplete as Grade for Marking Period In the event of a grade of Incomplete I, the student will be ineligible to participate in extracurricular events until the incomplete work is completed. At that time, the teacher will inform the office of the student s passing grade and the office will inform the coach/director of the activity. The student becomes eligible immediately after the coach/director is informed by the office. Eligibility for Fall Activities after Spring Failing or Incomplete Grades The eligibility for fall activities will be based on spring grades to foster positive behaviors in students. General Eligibility Standards Lincoln High and Franklin Middle School age players must comply with the following to be eligible to participate competition. 1. A player must be in GOOD STANDING with the school to participate. (This means that a student may be suspended from competition for violating the school s rules of conduct) 2. TRFAHA will respect and honor the Franklin Middle School merit system, in which if a player during the hockey season falls below the required points to participate in extracurricular activities the player is suspended from practice and games until the lost point are made up. ACTIVITIES PARTICIPATION RULES REGARDING ABSENCES FROM SCHOOL DUE TO ILLNESS: If a player misses any part of the school day (on the day of a scheduled practice or scheduled game) because of illness, that player cannot practice or play that same day. MOOD ALTERING CHEMICALS 1. During the calendar year, regardless of quantity a player shall not: (1) use or possess a beverage containing alcohol; (2) use or possess tobacco (including chewing tobacco); or (3) use or consume, have in possession, buy, sell, or giveaway marijuana or any other controlled substance defined by law as a drug. It is not a violation for a student to be in possession of a legally defined drug specifically prescribed for the student s own use by his/her doctor. 2. Students who violate this rule shall be suspended from participation in all TRFAHA and Minnesota Hockey related activities and games. 3. TRFAHA recognizes the use of mood-altering chemicals as a significant health problem for many youth, resulting in negative effects on behavior, learning, and the total development of each individual. The misuse of abuse of mood-altering chemicals for some youth affects extracurricular participation including participation in hockey and development of related skills.

22 Others are affected by the misuse by family, team members, or other significant persons in their lives. Definitions: Possession is defined as a player knowingly and willingly possessing a beverage containing alcohol or having drugs or tobacco on the player s person. Week is defined as a calendar week, Monday through Saturday, in which a contest(s) is scheduled. Practice and conditioning weeks in which no contest is scheduled cannot be counted. (Same as MSHSL, School District #594) Activity is defined as participation in all TRFAHA, Minnesota Hockey, or USA Hockey related activities or events, including but not limited to practice, games & scrimmages offered to players of TRFAHA. Game is defined as regular league of playoff contest. Practice games or scrimmages cannot be counted in determining length of suspension. (same as Minnesota Hockey) TRFAHA Season The season begins with the first day of the scheduled practice/try-outs to the last officially sponsored game of TRFAHA. PENALTIES A. FIRST VIOLATION After confirmation of the first violation, the player shall be suspended for the next two (2) consecutive games or two (2) weeks of a season in which the student is a participant, whichever is greater. No exception is permitted for a student who becomes a participant in a treatment program. B. B. SECOND VIOLATION After confirmation of the second violation, the players shall be suspended for the next nine (9) consecutive games or nine (9) weeks of a season in which the student is a participant, whichever is greater. This penalty will run for 9 consecutive weeks in the TRFAHA program. FOR EXAMPLE: A player receiving a second violation of twelve weeks on March 1st would serve four weeks until the remainder of the TRFAHA season then would serve his/her remaining eight weeks, the first eight weeks of the TRFAHA season. No exception is permitted for a player who becomes a participant in a treatment program. C. THIRD VIOLATION-After confirmation of the third or subsequent violations, the student shall be suspended for the next eighteen (18) games or eighteen (18) weeks of a season in which the student is a participant, whichever is greater. 1. If after the third or subsequent violations, the student on her/his own violation becomes a a participant in a chemical dependency program or treatment program, the student may be certified for reinstatement in activities after a minimum of six (6) weeks participating entering program. Such certification must be issued by the director or a counselor of a chemical dependency treatment center. D. Accumulative Penalties: Penalties shall be accumulative beginning with the player s first participation in the TRDFAHA program and continuing through the player s TRFAHA career. E. Denial Disqualification: A student shall be disqualified from all TRFAHA activities for nine (9) additional weeks beyond the player s original period on ineligibility when the player denies violation of the rule, is allowed to participate and then is subsequently found guilty of the violation.