Flames Program
Philosophy The timbits Flames Program encourages an environment in which children can learn the basic skills without the distractions that are often associated with an over emphasis on winning.
Program Objectives Provide a positive environment for learning the FUNdamental skills of hockey. Stimulate interest and desire to continue playing. Develop basic hockey skills. Improve utilization of ice time. Increase opportunities for players to touch and handle the puck. To provide an intermediary program between the Initiation Program and the Full Ice Program. Develop self-esteem through a sense of achievement.
Program Guidelines The timbits Flames Program teams should consist of 16 players per team. All practices and games are to be cross-ice, half ice or stations. The use of Border Patrol rink dividers is encouraged. The Blue Lightweight puck will be the official puck. Players will be grouped into two groups.
Program Structure Players will be grouped into 2 groups. Group A Group B ALL beginners (4,5 and 6 year old players) 5 year olds based on skill level 6 year olds based on skill level 5 year olds based on skill level 6 year olds based on skill level
Program Guidelines (continued) Practice Structure 5 minutes FUN warm up (games/tag/keep away/etc.). 45 minutes individual skill development stations Skating Stick handling Passing Shooting 10 minutes pond hockey (cross ice games). Practices can include up to four teams, no less than two teams. All practices should be up beat, high energy and most importantly FUN.
Game Philosophy Informal Games Cross ice games played in 1, 2 or 3 zones during regular ice sessions. No referees, no face offs or time clock. Half ice games. Coaches allowed on ice for direction.
Game Philosophy Formal Games Full Ice. Face offs, referees and time clocks. No off-sides. No icing. 90 180 second shifts.
Game Format Group A Informal games until March 1, 2004. No goalie equipment will be used in informal games. No referees are to be used, coaches allowed to be on ice. Only half ice, cross ice formats allowed. After March 1, 2004 Group 1 teams will be allowed to play 4 Formal Games.
Game Format Group B Informal games until January 1, 2004. No goalie equipment will be used in informal games. No referees are to be used, coaches allowed to be on ice. Only half ice, cross ice formats allowed. Each team will be allowed to play 4 Formal games between January 1 st and February 29 th. 4 additional Formal games will be permitted after March 1 st.
The Four Pillars of a Solid Foundation Players Parents Coaches Administrators
The Four Pillars of a Solid Parents Provide leadership and training opportunities to volunteer as program coaches, managers and safety personal. To become an active participant rather than an idle observer. Exposure to informal and formal parent education seminars and information to ensure an understanding of the role of the parent and player development model in Minor Hockey. Foundation
Players The Four Pillars of a Solid Self and Guided discovery of the Minor Hockey environment, both on and off the ice. Exposure to a FUN philosophy that creates learning opportunities. Less competition and more informal games. Foundation
Coaches The Four Pillars of a Solid Trained parent volunteers in Hockey Canada Initiation Program. Provide a coach mentoring opportunity to allow for personal growth in the coaching environment. Mentor other coaches new to the program. To create ownership in the program, so that coaches are active participants rather than idle observers. Foundation
The Four Pillars of a Solid Administrators Conduct seminars to provide all information to effectively run the timbits Flames Program and provide consistency in the City of Calgary. Foundation
HIGHLIGHTS OF PROGRAM Every player in the program will receive a timbits FLAMES patch. A Flames personality to be the official spokesperson for the program. The Flames will recognize a Flames timbits organization of the month during the 6-7 months of the hockey season.
HIGHLIGHTS OF PROGRAM A timbits Flames Coordinator Kit will be produced by the WCOE for each MHA. Each MHA will receive 2 free on-ice sessions at Father David Bauer arena by Hockey Canada / Hockey Alberta Instructors. Promotion of the program and at Flames games and other Flames media outlets.
HIGHLIGHTS OF PROGRAM Host a major timbits Flames day at the Saddledome. WCOE to host 4 timbits Flames Festivals. 1 in each of the 4 quadrants.
It s about the kids!