TEAM STRUCTURE AND RULES Congratulations on being selected to play on the Burlington Bulldogs Atom Hockey Team! The Burlington Bulldogs are a travelling team that represents Burlington and BLOMHA, affiliated with the Ontario Hockey Alliance. TEAM OFFICIALS Coach: Assistant Coaches: Trainer: VP/General Manager: Parent Rep / Social: Web Master Fundraising Music Team Stats Tim Dyck John Priestner, John Cox, Rob Rezsek + Helpers David Irwin John McNeil Lynne Evans & Joy Rezsek John McNeil Michelle Mathews (+ All Parents) Lang Family Nick Cutaia Sr. TEAM PHILOSOPHY We believe this should be the best time of our children s lives. It is our responsibility to enhance this experience by the development of a highly organized program that encourages individual and team improvement through positive reinforcement. Playing hockey at a competitive level is not an easy thing to do, impossible to do without enjoyment. We will strive to make coming to the arena FUN! That said, we will strive to establish core values for our players promoting a team environment of discipline and intensity. TEAM OBJECTIVES Our objective will be to compete at a high level (disciplined high tempo effort) in every practice and game in which we participate. This will be achieved through individual player development and the integration of the individual concepts into a team structure. We may not win every game, but we will give ourselves a chance to win. Through this, the players will learn the values of sportsmanship, hard work, commitment and competition. They will learn to win graciously and lose with dignity. There is no shame in defeat as long as we give our best effort. It is the test of the team to make players perform better than they seem capable of, to bring out whatever strength there is in its members and to use the strengths of individuals to help all others perform better. The ultimate purpose of a team is to enable individual players the opportunity to work together to achieve collective goals. Burlington Bulldog => Team Structure and Rules Page - 1 -
TEAM STRUCTURE Coach The Head Coach has overall responsibility for all team activities and issues. This includes all decisions regarding players position and ice time. Players may be moved from one position to another at the Head Coach s discretion. All on-ice concerns should be taken directly to the Head Coach (or via. the Parent Rep). Please remember, he will introduce new skills etc. when and how he thinks it will be best for the team. The Head Coach will be the ultimate spokesperson for the team. Any information from the team s management, including coaching staff, will be forwarded to the team parents, sports media or league office through the Head Coach only. The Head Coach may delegate some of this responsibility to the Assistant Coaches and Team Manager (see below). Assistant Coaches The Assistant Coaches assist the Head Coach with on and off ice activities during practices and games. Team Manager The Team Manager deals with all off-ice and administrative issues including team finances and enforcement of team rules. Parents are encouraged to address all off-ice concerns directly with the Team Manager. Trainer The Team Trainer is responsible for ensuring the safety of the entire team at all team events. All team members must follow the direction of the Trainer as it relates to safety and risk management. After illness or injury, the trainer must be consulted prior to the player returning to play. The trainer may request a written consent from your doctor depending on the circumstances. It is also the trainer s responsibility to inspect the player s equipment and determine if there are concerns. Any Player with defective equipment will also not be allowed on the ice. In the event of an on ice injury, the trainer will determine the extent of the injury on ice (under no circumstances should the parents enter the ice surface). The trainer will manage Player injury exclusively. All player injuries must be documented and this documentation is to be copied to the player s health information sheet. If a player sustains an injury at a practice, game, dry land training or other team-sanctioned event, it is the responsibility of the trainer to complete the first page of the Hockey Canada Injury Report and give this form to the parents to take to a physician. The physician must sign and complete the second page or back of this form to determine when the player can return to play. The completed form must be reviewed by the trainer and submitted to the BLOMHA office before the player can resume play... it is strongly recommended, and preferred, that players return to practice before a game. Following serious injuries such as fractures, dislocations or concussions, it is mandatory that all returning players resume practice activities first. Trainers are to follow the "Return to Play Guidelines recommended by Hockey Canada for concussed players. Trainers must further submit a case injury report to the BLOMHA office within 24 hours of player injury. Please update our trainer if any medical information regarding your child changes throughout the year. - 2 -
Parent Rep The Parent Rep can assist parents in communicating concerns to the Head Coach or Manager only if a parent is uncomfortable in speaking directly with the proper team official. The Parent Rep must communicate any concerns from parents or players to the Head Coach who will strive to clarify any concerns a parent has. Duties of the parent rep include: Attending General Meetings Looking after complaints from parents and presenting to Head Coach Ensure everyone involved with the team are aware of all team activities Collecting and distributing information to parents General co-ordination of activities for the team in conjunction with the Team Manager. Please remember, if you and/or your child is not having fun on the team and you do not say anything, it is your issue and the coaching staff may not be aware of any action they may have done that may have caused the issue to surface. Please do not hesitate to approach the coach directly or through the parent rep. Social / Fundraising Committee Social functions are a key way of bonding both players and parents into a team. The Social Committee will be responsible for organizing all social events for the Team including Team parties, prearranged post game dinners and meal reservations when out of town. The Social committee will also assist the Manager and Parent Rep in organizing fundraising activities. Parent Volunteers Most members of the coaching staff are parent volunteers. Please respect the extra time that these individuals have committed to the team and extend every reasonable courtesy so that they may perform their duties effectively. They are trying their best for each player, both individually and collectively. If you have any ideas or suggestions on how they can improve, please share them with the Head Coach (or Parent Rep) or Manager privately in a positive way. Some parents may be asked to take on additional duties, as they are able and willing. These duties include Call Person, Time Keeper, Game Sheet Recorder and music for home games, game stats, sweater keepers, etc. Please feel free to offer assistance at any time throughout the year. Players We will strive to have each player develop to the best of his ability both mentally and physically. It is our responsibility to promote a safe, comfortable, and enjoyable team atmosphere. Hockey at this level is highly competitive but it does not need to be intimidating. Each player will receive, as close as possible, an equal number of shifts with the forward and defense pairings rolling through one after the other. Depending on game circumstances, i.e. penalties, injuries, and number of players in attendance at the game (thus unbalanced lines), it is possible that your child may miss a shift or have the lines or pairings altered. Rep hockey requires a significant commitment. Chronic absence from practice and tardiness for games will affect ice time. This will be addressed in a fair and objective manner It is the coaching staff s intention to play everyone as equally as possible. until the last 5 minutes of each game. This is when the coaching staff, depending on the circumstances, may shorten the bench and play those players who are performing the best in that particular game. Although It is our preference not to shorten the bench, however, this right will be reserved. - 3 -
Goalies will play a full game or split with their partner. Goalie rotation will be equal during all league games, exhibition games, and tournament round robins. However during playoff and elimination tournament games there will be no predetermined rotation, these situations will be entirely at the coach s discretion. If you feel your child is being shorted on ice time it is important for you to reach out to the parent rep or coach to voice your concerns. Don t suffer in silence Player Conduct Occasionally we will have problems with players. We will try to resolve this with your knowledge but not necessarily your involvement. If that fails we will ask the parent to sit in on a meeting between the coach(s) and player to resolve the matter. Problems may also arise between players. Please remember that at 10 years of age, your buddy can be your worst enemy at one moment and be your best friend the next. Also, at this age, players will be consistently inconsistent. This is true for all players regardless of their skill. Although this can be frustrating; parents and coaches have to recognize this and be patient. Players are asked to respect the following standards of conduct at all games, practices and team functions: o Show respect to your coaches, referees, team-mates, and opponents. o Work hard and be attentive. Ask questions if you don t understand. o Unselfish Play. Hockey is a team game and players are expected to play for their teammates. Selfish play (eg. Puck hogging, extended shifts, undisciplined penalties) will not be tolerated. o Refrain from horseplay, bullying and criticism. This behaviour will not be tolerated in the dressing room or on the ice. o Refrain from abusive or profane language. Players who do not respect this code of conduct will be dealt with on an individual basis in a fair and consistent manner. All incidents will be addressed firmly and respectfully. Repeated incidents may result in disciplinary action being taken (i.e. loss of ice time). Parents will be kept informed by team officials of any incidents and disciplinary action. Parent Conduct Children have feelings and emotions and that we must respect. Before speaking, remember that the player whose ability or intelligence you may be about to question is someone s child. It is especially important that you do not make negative comments about other players to your son. This becomes divisive as the comments will materialize back in the dressing room. We have come together as a group to watch our children have fun and learn to play hockey. For us to have a successful season, the coaches require the support of ALL the parents. Now that you have joined the team, you share the responsibility for the well-being and happiness of all the players. You are now a TEAM PARENT. The coaches need to have the players attention during the game. Please do not encourage your son to look for direction from the stands (ie. Coaching from the Stands ). We can assure you that if you saw something that needs to be corrected, one of the coaches will have also made the observation. The best time to correct is not when the player is in the middle of his shift but when he returns to the bench. Please make sure your suggestions and/or comments are consistent with the coaches instructions. If you are not sure, ask the coach. - 4 -
Parents and friends are encouraged to cheer loudly and positively during games. Supporters of our team should strive to celebrate the successes of all the players on the ice. Public display of criticism of individual players, coaches, trainers, officials, and managers damages the team spirit that we are all working to develop and maintain. Please remember, these are 10 year old boys who will have both good games and bad games. Mistakes will happen! The parents role is not to chastise or be negative but to encourage and be supportive. The most constructive feedback we can give is feedback that is immediate and positive. There will be issues that will surface during the year! It is naïve to think there won t be. When issues do arise, don t be surprised and be prepared to deal with them in a mature and non-confrontational manner. Be respectful of each other (be hard on the issues and not on the people). Don t make things personal. While we don t all have to be best of friends, we must all strive to get along with each other. BLOMHA Harassment and Abuse policy Players, coaches and parents represent BLOMHA and the City of Burlington while on and off the ice. In 2000, BLOMHA set forth a Harassment and Abuse Policy. This document includes a lengthy and detailed code of conduct for BLOMHA coaches, team personal, officials ( BLOMHA referees) and the organization, as well as for players and parents. Please review this policy to understand the expectations of everyone associated with the team. If you do not have a copy, please let the coach or manager know and we will get you one. Understand that violation of this policy may result in removal from the program. http://blomha.com/public/documents/harrassment%20abuse%20bullying%20policies_including%20cod es%20of%20conduct%20revised%20june%202011.pdf Please remember that all members of the coaching staff and the volunteers that help out at games and tournaments are parent volunteers. Please respect the time these individuals have committed to help our players enjoy a positive hockey experience. Similarly, please be supportive of the players at all times. They will make mistakes, but they will also learn from them. Communications Information bulletins will be handed out from time to time as the need arises. If you think you may have missed a hand out, please speak to the team Manager. E-mail will serve as the primary point of communication as well as developing a website. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask the parent rep or team manager. If any issues arise, please observe the 24-hour rule. You may then discuss them with the manager or parent rep who will follow up with the coaching staff. Every effort will be made to resolve issues to everyone s satisfaction. Please avoid arguments inside or outside the dressing room or in front of the players. Captains/Assistants Early on, captains / assistants may be appointed by the coaching staff on a game by game basis. Captains and assistants will be chosen based upon performance, discipline and leadership abilities. Permanent appointments may (or may not) be made or altered as the season progresses. - 5 -
Health and Nutrition Players should be well rested and properly fed prior to games and practices. This includes proper hydration before and during activities. Sugary snacks and drinks should be avoided prior to all physical activity. Any recent illness or injury must be reported to the team trainer prior to all on ice activities. (Alternate) A.P. Players The Burlington Bulldogs Hockey Team will be carrying 15 skaters and 2 goalies. Alternate players will be asked to join the team and will be participating in games if a regular player is unable to attend. Alternate players can be called upon from either the Atom MD or Minor Atom AA/A teams. It is expected that alternate players are to abide by the team s dress code. Alternate players will be a part of the team both on and off the ice. In addition, our players may be asked to fill in for absent players from the Minor Peewee AA/A team (Games or Practices). PRACTICE & GAME Times The time commitment for REP hockey goes from August to mid April. Exhibition games, tournaments and extra practice will be laid out on a schedule and distributed to via email (and hopefully team website). Our regular practice times are as follows: Monday Nights from 7 PM 7:50 PM => Mountainside Wednesday Mornings from 6 7:20 AM => Appleby 2 We will swap ice time with other teams when necessary and also pickup ice time from our team budget. The master game schedule will also be available on our web site: http://blomha.com/teams/1006/ which should be considered as the most up to date. Note that arena directions can be obtained at www.arenamaps.com. It is the players and parents responsibility to insure that the players are at the rink on time and ready for games (minimum 45 minutes prior) and practice. Although it is sometimes difficult to make it to practice due to traffic, sudden illness or emergencies, it is the expectation that all players and parents commit to being at all practices on time or even a little early to avoid the stress and pressure that rushing and being late brings. Failure to meet this requirement will effect game / ice time. TOURNAMENTS 1. Motown Cup Detroit MI September 21 st 23 rd, 2012 2. Oktoberfest International Kitchener ON October 19 th -21 st, 2012 3. Three Rivers Challenge Pittsburgh PA November 23 rd -25 th, 2012 4. Niagara Regional Silverstick Pelham ON - December 27 th -29 th, 2012 5. Toronto Aeros Winter Challenge Toronto ON January 11 th -13 th, 2013 (Tentative) TEAM FINANCES Fundraising will be a requirement to achieve our budget projection of $12,500 which works out to be over $700 per player. BLOMHA fees do not cover tournament costs (>$1,000 per tournament etc.). We will also need to cover the costs of travel permits, referees, extra ice time and exhibition games etc. Families will be asked to initially contribute tournament and ancillary costs of $250 / player. We hope to recover - 6 -
all of these costs thru fundraising (Banner Sponsors, Events etc.). Finances and fundraising will be the responsibility of the team manager. TEAM RULES The team represents BLOMHA and the City of Burlington. The conduct of team members including the coaching staff, players and families is a reflection of both. As such, everybody should act with integrity and dignity. If everyone does what is right at all times, the rules outlined below should not become an issue. In circumstances where an applicable rule is not in place or where the BLOMHA charter or harassment policy mandates an action, the charter/policy takes precedence. 1) School Work Always complete your schoolwork. Problems with school can affect your participation on the team. The coaching staff fully supports this objective. 2) Attendance Players are expected to attend all games and practices. Players must notify the Head Coach or Manager at least 48 hours in advance for known absences and as soon as possible for unforeseen incidences (i.e. sickness). Activities and commitments outside of hockey are recognized as being an important aspect for overall player development. 3) Arrival Players are required to arrive at the rink 1 hour prior to game time and be in the dressing room 45 minutes prior to game time. They must be ready to go on the ice 15 minutes prior to game time. Once a player starts to get dressed for a game, they are to remain in the dressing room until it is time to start the game unless they are allowed to do so by the coaching staff. Players are required to be ready for practice sessions (including individual stretching) 10 minutes prior to the start of the session. Parents may remain inside the dressing room while players are changing up to 15 minutes prior to game / practice time. (BLOMHA Harassment and Abuse Policy). 4) Pre- and Post-Game/Practice Routines For the most part, players are expected to change into and out of their equipment themselves (with the exception of skate tightening). Coaches (and Parents) must observe the two deep rule at all times and if a parent is needed to assist, they will be requested by the coaching staff. 5) Parents At least one parent or guardian is to be present at the arena with their child at all times. Should the parent choose to assign this responsibility to another willing parent, arrangements must be made and the coaching staff notified. We will attempt to have a team staff member in the dressing room at all times but cannot guarantee it. Parents are ultimately responsible to supervise their children outside the coach s time (=>10 minutes prior to game time /Zamboni Time / Coaches talk and 5 minutes after game time). Note also that there will be no dressing room supervision (from coaching staff) before or after practices. Parents are expected to behave in a professional manner. Furthermore, criticism or arguments inside or outside the dressing room or in front of players is not constructive and will not be tolerated. Any parental concerns regarding the team are to be discussed with the Head Coach (Manager or Parent Rep) in private after a 24 hour cooling off period. We as parents are the ultimate role models for the players and we must act accordingly. Especially in terms of - 7 -
on ice officials, referees are human and make mistakes. calls (or non calls) as this can often work against the team. Please refrain from criticizing referee 6) Concerns that players have, especially in regards to these rules or player safety should be immediately brought to the attention of a member of the coaching staff so that appropriate action can be taken. 7) Attitude Hockey is a team game that requires a team attitude and a solid work ethic. Bullying, horseplay or criticism in the dressing room or on the ice will not be tolerated. Dressing room safety will be paramount. Players will be held accountable to maintain a safe environment (no shooting pucks, throwing ice / tape, horseplay with skates on, etc. will be tolerated) In addition, players are required to conduct themselves in an appropriate manner prior to and after all practices and games and during out of town trips. 8) Language Abusive/profane language will not be tolerated 9) Discipline No player will physically or verbally abuse another player or official on or off the ice. The other team and game officials are important participants in games. 10) Penalties Penalties are part of the game. However, excessive penalties will not be tolerated. All players will respect all game officials and any player receiving a penalty must go directly to the penalty box. Suspended players are expected to attend all suspended games as a spectator. Retaliatory penalties will not be tolerated. Note that BLOMHA has additional consequences for certain penalties. 11) Sweaters/Socks Team sweaters are to be hung up and maintained in a separate individual garment bag at the end of every game. Team sweaters must be washed regularly and maintenance / damage are the responsibility of the each individual player. Team socks are to be properly dried after each game and laundered as necessary. Game socks are not to be worn during practices. 12) Dress a. On Ice All players must wear a navy blue helmet and navy blue pants. Players should have two sticks available for each game with their personal identification (i.e. sweater number) clearly marked on the top portion of the stick. Skates should be in good condition and it is recommended that they be sharpened after every 5 to 7 times that they are on the ice. Use of skate guards or separate skate pouches in bags will help protect blades from damage during transport. For home games, players will wear red sweaters and socks. For away games, players will wear white sweaters and socks. Always bring both jerseys and sets of socks to each game. NEW BLOMHA POLICY -> Only black or white skate laces are permitted. Only black or white tape is permitted on players sticks (blade) goalies must be white. b. Off Ice All players and bench staff must be properly and cleanly dressed for all games, tournaments and team functions. Players are expected to look like a team and dressed - 8 -
per BLOMHA dress code policy (Jacket, Team Tie, and White Dress Shirt). Players are to supply dress pants (black) and black (dress or running) shoes to be worn to all games. 13) Equipment It is the players responsibility to have all required equipment at each game/practice. The equipment should be maintained in safe working order. Equipment should be properly aired after each game or practice. There will be no sharing of water bottles at anytime. Team water bottles will be supplied for all games. 14) Injuries On or off the ice injuries that require medical attention must be reported to the team Trainer. Concussions and head injuries are serious and it is critical to the coaching staff that all head injuries be reported as physical symptoms may not be present until later. Any illness or injury where medical attention has been obtained requires a doctor s note prior to the player returning to the team. 15) Vacations Rep hockey requires a significant financial and time commitment that is not without sacrifices. Please be considerate when booking vacation by minimizing the vacation impact on the TEAM. We will make our best efforts to provide scheduling (Tournaments etc.) as far in advance as possible and be especially cognizant of playoff time (February thru A pril 15 th OHF s). Note BLOMHA Policy #23 -Vacations during the Rep/MD program - If a decision is made by a Rep/MD participant to miss any games during the month of March, the MD Championships and OHF's in April, except for (injury or illness), that decisi on will result in the player(s) not returning to the team for that season. Playoffs are scheduled during this time and it is not fair to the rest of the team. 16) Jewellery Jewellery is not allowed in the dressing room or on the ice. Preferably, jewellery should be left at home. 17) Electronics No cell phones or cameras in the dressing room per OHF, Alliance and Blomha By-Laws. Also players are not permitted to bring any of the following into the dressing room without prior approval from the coach; DS, DSi, DSXL,PSP, ipods, iphones, etc. Please thoroughly read complete list of BLOMHA Policies: http://blomha.com/pages/2141/blomha_policies/ - 9 -