Ashland Youth Hockey Association Member Handbook

AYHA PO Box 169

Ashland, WI 54806 www.ashlandhockey.org

Revised: June 2020

AYHA Mission Statement

It is the mission of Ashland Youth Hockey Association to promote positive hockey experiences that provide all players, coaches, officials, and spectators the opportunity to develop and grow physically, socially, mentally, and emotionally

AYHA Vision

That all Players who participate in the Ashland Youth Hockey Association continue to enjoy hockey for their lifetime, pay it forward by making contributions to grow the game of hockey, and to become productive and respectful members of the community off the ice

AYHA Values

Teamwork

Sportsmanship

Dedication

Respect

Fun

Leadership

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Member Handbook Table of Contents

Welcome…………………………………………………………………………4 History……………………………………………………………………………4 Hockey Associations……………………………………………………………..5 League Affiliations ………………………………………………………………6 AYHA Bylaws……………………………………………………………………..6 AYHA Board of Directors………………………………………………………...6 Player Development Committee………………………………………………...7 Blue Line Club…………………………………………………………………….7 Registration………………………………………………………………………8 Levels of Play……………………………………………………………………..9 Practice, Games and Tournaments……………………………………………...11 Locker Room Policy……………………………………………………………...12 Tournaments………………………….………………………………………….13 Volunteer Hours………………………………………………………………….15 Volunteer Work Positions………………………………………………………..16 Team Manager Position………………………………………………………….20 Fundraisers……………………………………………………………………….22 Coaches…………………………………………………………………………..23 Coaches Code of Conduct……………………………………………………….23 Parent / Coach Relationship……………………………………………………..24 Parent Involvement / Conduct…………………………………………………..24 Spectators………………………………………………………………………..25 Equipment………………………………………………………………………..26 Care of Equipment……………………………………………………………….27 Discipline Code…………………………………………………………………...27 Communication / Grievance……………………………………………………..28

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Welcome Members Welcome to Ashland Youth Hockey Association (AYHA). You and your

child have joined a group of people who love the game of hockey. Our goal is to provide an opportunity for your child to learn about hockey and to have fun. When you register your child to play for AYHA, you become a member of our association. We hope that you enjoy your time with AYHA – this is your association and every voice counts! If you have any questions, concerns, or suggestions, please contact any Board Member. Board Members attend parent meetings at the beginning of the season, attend monthly board meetings, and are available to you as you need them. All board member contact information is listed on our website at www.ashlandhockey.org. Welcome to AYHA!

History AYHA was created in the mid-1970’s with the original purpose of handling

player registration, scheduling games, and raising the money necessary to operate a hockey program. During these early years, all hockey was played on an outside rink which was often located in a different location each year with sites including Hodgkins Park, the East end skating rink, land across from the Dodd Gymnasium, and on the corner of 3rd street and Sanborn Avenue. Eventually, a permanent site became available on Binsfield Road where the Lake Superior Elementary School is now located. A warming house was built at this location and a typical season would run December through February depending on weather conditions. Making and maintaining the outdoor ice required many hours with a fire hose and a handmade ice resurfacer that consisted of a 55 gallon drum and a piece of felt. It was not unusual to have players practicing on one section of ice while parents were shoveling or snowblowing the other end of the rink.

As AYHA grew, the need for an indoor rink also grew and a downtown site was chosen. Within two years the Bay Area Civic Center (BACC) was built with a combination of private and local business donations along with a room tax that would go toward building debt service. Originally the BACC opened and still used natural ice – artificial ice was added a short time which consisted

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of a mat cooling system that was made by AYHA members. The system would be rolled out each season and the ice would be made on top of the mats. Making ice was a very labor intensive process which took over a week. Taking the ice out at the end of the season took just as long. In 1996 the BACC, along with AYHA, upgraded the ice making system by installing permanent tubing in a concrete overlay on the floor. New boards and glass were also added at this time. These improvements greatly reduced the time and effort needed to put ice in and out. It also made keeping ice more energy efficient.

Hockey Associations AYHA is a member of both USA Hockey and the Wisconsin Amateur

Hockey Association (WAHA). USA hockey sets standards for hockey programs throughout the country and defines rink specifications, team guidelines, playing rules, and officiating guidelines. USA Hockey requires all players over the age of 7 to purchase USA Hockey’s insurance coverage on an annual basis which provides insurance protection for excess accident, catastrophic, and liability coverage. All AYHA skaters are required to pay for USA Hockey insurance at the time of AYHA registration. You can view additional details and information regarding USA hockey on their website at www.usahockey.com.

WAHA governs hockey within the state of Wisconsin. The main purpose of WAHA is to:

1. Encourage, improve, and promote the standards and extent of ice hockey in the state of Wisconsin

2. To conduct ice hockey tournaments and to select representative teams for competition in regional and national tournaments

3. To encourage youth in the development of high school hockey 4. To do any and all acts necessary or desirable in the furtherance of the

foregoing purposes

The WAHA mission statement is: “WAHA exists to provide the foundation for all players of all ages and all skill levels to learn and love the game of ice

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hockey.” You can view additional details and information regarding WAHA on their website at www.waha-hockey.com.

League Affiliations AYHA is a guest member of Minnesota Hockey’s District 11 league. This

league includes all Minnesota Youth Hockey teams between Moose Lake and Silver Bay. As a guest in this league, AYHA is required to follow MN Hockey rules when playing scheduled league games. Detailed District 11 rules are posted on the AYHA website and are provided to coaches and team managers at the beginning of the season. League games are almost always weeknight games both home and away. Although AYHA realizes there are some occasions in which skaters have late night games in the Duluth area on a school night, participation in this league helps ensure we remain competitive at the game of hockey. The AYHA scheduler works closely with the league to ensure game times are appropriate for the various age levels.

Although there is no official league with Wisconsin teams, the AYHA scheduler works hard to schedule home and away games with Wisconsin teams that are within a reasonable driving distance to Ashland. These games are most often scheduled on weekends both home and away.

AYHA Bylaws Parents of AYHA players automatically become members of the

association upon registration. The election of the Board of Directors takes place at the end of year banquet/annual membership meeting at the conclusion of each hockey season. All association members carry voting privileges to determine the representative of these positions as well as any proposed Bylaw changes. The AYHA fiscal year runs from June 1 to May 31. Financial reports are available at every board meeting. The detailed AYHA Bylaw document is posted on the AYHA website.

AYHA Board of Directors AYHA is governed by a Board of Directors that is elected at the end of

year banquet/annual membership meeting. The following positions are elected by the AYHA membership: President, Vice President, Treasurer, Blue Line President, Registrar/Secretary, Director/Raffle Coordinator, and

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Director/Equipment Manager. The following positions are appointed by the Board President upon approval of the Board: Scheduler, Player Development Chair and Tournament Director. All nine positions (with the exception of the tournament director) have voting privileges at AYHA Board meetings and representatives in each position must be in compliance with WAHA requirements. Board meetings are open to all AYHA members and meeting date, time and location will be posted on the AYHA website. Association members can request agenda items by notifying the AYHA secretary one week in advance of the meetings. Board member contact information and the detailed AYHA Bylaw document are available on the AYHA website.

Player Development Committee The Player Development Committee ensures that AYHA players are

gaining the proper fundamentals they need to progress through the age levels and help promote the development of a life-long interest in hockey. The Committee serves as a liaison between coaches, parents, players, and the AYHA Board of Directors. The Committee will focus its attention on skill development, overall team atmosphere, attitude and sportsmanship. The Committee must have the approval of the AYHA Board in order to carry out any actions or to implement programs. The Player Development Committee will consist of the Player Development Chairperson (who is appointed by the Board President and approved by the Board of Directors), AYHA President, AYHA Vice-President, and all AYHA rostered coaches. The Committee meets monthly and the Chairperson will provide a Player Development update at each Board Meeting. All AYHA members are encouraged to participate in the development of our players. If you are interested in being a part of the committee or would like to attend a meeting to present hockey ideas, please contact the Board President.

Blue Line Committee The Blue Line (BL) is an auxiliary committee of AYHA. The committee

consists of the Blue Line President who is elected by the AYHA membership,two appointed members, and representatives from each team (the team manager or another team member). The following positions are appointed by the Blue Line President upon approval of the Board: Blue Line

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Committee Assistant and Blue Line Committee Secretary. The Committee must have the approval of the AYHA Board in order to carry out any actions or to implement programs.

Running a profitable concession stand, hosting successful events, managing membership volunteer hours, and fundraisers are a major focus of the Blue Line Committee. The BL facilitates operations during all AHYA home games, Ashland High School games, Northland College games, public open skating sessions and special events. The revenue generated from the concession stand sales are a great source of income for our association. The BL is committed to ensuring all functions of concessions run smoothly.

Association members are encouraged to attend Blue Line meetings. Blue Line meetings are held monthly at the BACC – dates and times are posted on the AYHA website. The Blue Line Committee has the following roles and responsibilities:

● Organizing the end of year banquet ● Organizing apparel orders ● Training concession workers ● Setting up, pricing, and stocking concessions ● Organizing concession clean up at the end of the season ● Organizing and coordinating all volunteer hours ● Organizing the season fundraising and sponsorships based on financial

needs identified by the Board of Directors ● Coordinate SQT, PW, and BTM fundraisers for away tournament/team

money ● Coordinate U8 fundraiser to off set jamboree/tournaments ● Providing a monthly update to the Board

Registration All skaters must register in order to become a member of AYHA. No

skater will be allowed on the ice without completion of the required registration documents and payment of appropriate fees - including USA Hockey insurance. AYHA utilizes our website to complete the registration process which is organized by the association Registrar/Secretary. The

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registration window opens late summer/early fall prior to the start of the hockey season. Skaters must register for their age appropriate level based on their birth year as guided by USA Hockey rules. Registration fees are posted at the beginning of the season for each level. The fees help support AYHA by covering facility rental costs, rink utilities, equipment, jerseys, and the end-of-year banquet. AYHA works hard to ensure reasonable registration fees for all skaters; however there are additional expenses incurred each year that are not covered by registration alone. As a volunteer organization, AYHA requires parents/guardians to participate in fundraisers and work groups to help offset expenses required to run a successful organization (see Volunteer Hours below).

Levels of Play AYHA welcomes players with all levels of talent to learn and enjoy the

great sport of hockey. Coaches and Player Development work hard to encourage every player to improve and advance their skills as they move through the levels of play and to increase their knowledge of the game. In addition, Coaches promote good sportsmanship and provide opportunities for all players to be successful. The younger levels focus on developing fundamental hockey skills. At the older age levels where team concepts become more important and the level of competitiveness increases, playing time may vary depending on game situations.

Players at all levels are expected to follow USA Hockey’s Player Code of Conduct which is as follows: ● 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. ● 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.

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Learn to Skate (LTS): The learn-to-skate program is for all new skaters starting at any age. LTS practice twice a week. LTS players will be taught the fundamentals of skating, including stride development, turning and stopping. As these children advance in their skill development, they may be moved to a more advanced age appropriate group to continually challenge them. AYHA will provide all protective equipment free of charge to all players. Players are only required to supply hockey skates. Stick handling will be introduced later in the LTS season and skaters will then need to obtain a hockey stick. U6 – Mini Mite: The mini mite team consists of 4 - 5 year old players who continue to work on stride development, balance, starting and stopping, edges and stick handling. The use of all required protective gear will be provided free of charge by the association. You must supply only skates and a hockey stick. Mini mites practice twice a week. As ice schedules allow, a third practice may be added in which the mini-mite practices with the older mites. U8 – Mite: The mite team consists of 6 – 8 year old players that continue to develop their skating and stickhandling skills and are introduced to the game of hockey. The use of all required protective gear will be provided free of charge by the association. You must supply only skates and a hockey stick. Mite practice 2 days a week on varying days with a third practice incorporated as ice time allows. Squirts (SQT): The squirt team consists of 9 – 10 year old players who are introduced to full ice hockey games where positioning and team play are developed and enhanced. Players are challenged to skate faster, harder and cleaner. Players often discover preferred positions and comfort levels. Coaches work with players, improving individual skills and building game knowledge. Squirt practice 2-3 days a week on varying days along with some scheduled off ice sessions.

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PeeWee (PW): The PW team consists of 11 – 12 year old players who continue to advance their knowledge of the game. Games become more competitive at this level. Team first attitude, off-ice expectations and representation of the association take on a greater meaning for all players. PeeWees practice three days a week on varying days along with some scheduled off-ice sessions. Bantams (BTM): The bantam team consists of 13 – 14 year old players and are the oldest level in the association. Bantam players fine-tune their positions while developing physically. Bantams are safely pushed to their limits in an environment that encourages team play and constructs bonds that carry into their high school careers. Development of team and individual skills is practiced. Bantams practice three – four days a week on varying days along with some scheduled off ice sessions.

Practice, Games and Tournaments Game and practice schedules are posted on the AYHA website under the

section titled “Calendar.” The online schedule is kept current and parents, team managers, and coaches will receive an electronic update with any changes. If your child is going to miss a practice or a game, please contact the team manager or coach as early as possible so they can plan accordingly. The AYHA scheduler works hard to ensure all teams have adequate practice time during the week; however this is often a challenge with one sheet of ice and multiple teams at a variety of different levels including youth, high school, and college. With limited ice time, skaters are expected to be on the ice in full gear and ready to participate in practice on time. If practice is scheduled to start at 7:00 pm, skaters are expected to be on the ice promptly at 7:00 and not in the locker room getting ready. Coaches will inform skaters how early to arrive at the rink prior to a scheduled game. AYHA has established regular season game limits for the upper age levels that will be scheduled by the AYHA Scheduler

● Bantam (U14): 35 games ● Pee Wee (U12): 32 games

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● Squirt (U10): 28 games In addition to these regular season games, SQT, PW and BTM will also participate in one away tournament, one home tournament, state playdowns, and possibly the state tournament. Teams can request permission from the BOD to attend additional tournaments as teams desire. Away tournament fees are covered by parents/fundraising with the exception of playdowns and state which will be paid by AYHA. Away tournaments need to be coordinated with the AYHA Scheduler. AYHA has established jamborees and tournaments for the U8 age levels and will be scheduled by the AYHA scheduler:

● Mite (U8) o One Day Jamborees: 6 home/away o Overnight Jamboree/Tournaments: 3 per year (3+ with board

approval)

o Distance: 90 miles (BOD required for 90+ miles) o Fees: All jamboree/tournament fees paid by AYHA and offset by

one U8 fundraiser

● Mini Mite (U6)

o One Day Jamborees: 4 home/away

o Overnight Jamboree/Tournaments: 1 per year (1+ with board approval)

o Distance: 90 miles (BOD required for 90+ miles)

o Fees: All jamboree/tournament fees paid by AYHA and offset by one U8 fundraiser

Locker Room Policy AYHA supports the USA Hockey Locker Policy. The policy is attached as

an addendum (Addendum A) to this handbook as well as posted on the AYHA website. Team coaches and managers are responsible to ensure the policy is followed.

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Skaters are provided a locker room to get into hockey gear for practices and games. The locker room schedule will be posted daily on the screen near the entrance to the rink. With a busy rink, locker rooms might not be available until 30 minutes prior to the start of practice or a game. Skaters should follow the posted locker room schedule to ensure a smooth transition between practices and games.

In addition to the development of our hockey players and enjoyment of the sport of hockey, the safety and protection of our participants is central to AYHA’s goals. AYHA adheres to USA Hockey’s SafeSport Program as a means to help protect its participants from physical abuse, sexual abuse and other types of misconduct, including emotional abuse, bullying, threats, harassment and hazing.

AYHA prohibits all types of physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, bullying, threats, harassment and hazing, all as described in the USA Hockey SafeSport Handbook. Participants, employees or volunteers in AYHA may be subject to disciplinary action for violation of these locker room policies or for engaging in any misconduct or abuse or that violates the USA Hockey Safe Sport Policies. Reports of any actual or suspected violations, you may email USA Hockey at SafeSport@usahockey.org or may call 1-800-888-4656.

Tournaments Home tournaments

AYHA hosts several different types of tournaments each year including team tournaments, jamborees, playdowns and the tournament tournament (as assigned by WAHA). Tournaments are one of the major sources of income for the association and each team will be expected to host at least one home tournament during the season that will be scheduled by the AYHA scheduler and AYHA tournament director. Tournament Responsibilities

Each AYHA team will host an invitational tournament during the hockey season. Team managers should collaborate with the Blue Line President to organize the tournament food and necessary supplies as well as to ensure the tournament sponsor guidelines are being followed. Families of the host team

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are responsible for covering work groups for all of the tournament games. The AYHA tournament director and the Blue Line president will provide the team manager a link to Volunteer Spot to help coordinate the work group positions in ample time prior to the tournament. Having a well-run tournament helps spread goodwill among visiting teams and encourages them to return in future years.

The Tournament Director will recruit all teams at each level for invitational tournaments. In addition, the Tournament Director will provide all home and away team managers with a welcome letter, the game schedule, locker room assignments, and tournament rules prior to the tournament weekend. Each home team must designate a tournament contact person who collaborates with the Tournament Director on all aspects of the tournament. This person must be available throughout the weekend to address tournament issues as they arise. The tournament contact person may be the team manager or another parent of the team that has been appointed by the manager.

During seasons that AYHA has been awarded a playdown game/tournament, the team level that is hosting the games must work the event. For example if the bantam team is awarded regional playdowns, the bantam families are responsible for all work groups. If AYHA has been awarded a state tournament, all members of AYHA will be expected to help work the tournament. The Tournament Director will help coordinate the work groups and the game schedules for both of these events and will also make certain all WAHA rules are followed.

The Tournament Director will create a general program that will be used for all home invitational tournaments that will include the rules, game schedule, rosters, and tournament sponsors. The program will be sent to the team manager prior to the tournament for printing. AYHA will present tournament trophies to 1st, 2nd, 3rd and consolation championship teams at the conclusion of their final game. In addition, AYHA will award USA Hockey hat trick, play maker, and zero club patches to each player who has earned them during the tournament. Only one patch per player per tournament will be awarded. The Tournament Director will collaborate with the Registrar/Secretary and the Treasurer on ordering trophies and patches at the

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beginning of each season. All trophies and patches will be given to the team’s tournament contact person prior to the tournament weekend. Tournament Sponsor Guidelines

AYHA works hard over the course of the off-season as well as the current hockey season to secure tournament sponsors to help off-set the costs of our home tournaments. Teams are not permitted to recruit additional sponsors for home tournaments. If a business is interested in sponsorship, please refer them to the Blue Line President. We value everyone’s hard work but want to prevent businesses being asked more than once to sponsor AYHA events and thus have streamlined the sponsorship recruitment process. The Tournament Director will provide each team manager with a program template that will include the tournament sponsors.

Running a successful home tournament does incur expenses and the tournament sponsorship should help cover those costs which include: Ashland’s home team tournament fees, referee wages, and additional rink costs associated with running a tournament (utilities, etc.). Each team will be given $100 from sponsorship money that teams can use as they choose to create posters, gift bags, etc. Expenditures above $100 will have to be mutually agreed upon by the whole team and the extra cost will be split equally amongst all families. Teams will not be required to cover the cost of specialty food items for their tournament weekend (example: soup, walking tacos, brats, donuts, etc.). The team manager should coordinate food with the Blue Line President.

Volunteer Hours Every hockey family, with the exception of Learn to Skate, must

volunteer throughout the hockey season. Some of the volunteer hours you will sign-up for and some hours are worked during your child’s team games or home tournaments. These hours are critical to the successful operation of AYHA. Without this help, the association would have to hire people to operate the program. Our goal is to keep registration fees as low as possible and volunteer hours help offset costs of running our program and the building itself.

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To create revenue, AYHA families work at Ashland High School home hockey games, Northland College home hockey games, public open skating, and school skating field trips. AYHA collects door admission fees at high school games and open skate. AYHA runs the concessions at high school games, Northland College games, and open skate with all profits going to AYHA. AYHA utilizes www.volunteerspot.com, which is an online website, that allows parents to sign up for games and open skates that work with their schedules. Detailed information on using Volunteer Spot is found on the AYHA website under the Blue Line tab in the top menu bar. An email is sent out to association members at the beginning of the season when the sign-up window is open. The email will include detailed directions on how to sign-up as well as how many work spots are required for each family for the season which is generally 6-7. Once the sign up window has closed, parents are not able to make changes to their work schedule. If a change is needed, parents must find their own replacement and coordinate this change with the Blue Line secretary.

In addition to required work hours, parents volunteer at their child’s home games and home tournaments. These hours are not assigned and each team works together with their team manager to determine the best way to divide these hours equally. If everyone takes turns, parents are able to watch their kids play while still helping to fill necessary work spots.

Volunteer Work Positions There are many different positions that are needed during home games

and open skates. Parents should sign up for positions they have been trained for and are comfortable working. The Blue Line committee will offer training sessions to teach parents the different roles. The following positions are needed with the assigned volunteer hours and for each youth home game: Door: AYHA collects admission fees at home high school games and during open skate (admission fees are not collected for youth games or tournaments). Door responsibilities include: counting the door start up bag, collecting admissions through the end of the second period for games and until after the Zamboni break for open skate, closing out the start-bag, assisting in

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concessions once admissions are complete, checking garbage at the end of the night, bringing garbage outside to the dumpsters, wiping down tables, sweeping the warming room area, shutting off upstairs lights, turning off music and locking up the booth, and verifying that the bathrooms are empty. Penalty Box: two penalty box workers are needed for all home high school and youth games. Individuals who work in the penalty boxes are considered off-ice game officials who must be neutral observers of the game. Penalty box workers are not able to cheer for either team, make any suggestions to players on the bench, on the ice, or in the box, and cannot make comments towards the referees. The role of the penalty box worker is to open the door for penalized players as they enter and leave the box. It is important to have an understanding of the penalty clock since you will be required to open the door at the correct times. In addition to staffing the box, it is the role of the penalty box worker to set the game nets at the beginning of the game. During intermission when the ice is being resurfaced, the penalty box worker moves the nets for the Zamboni driver, shovels the ice by the Zamboni door, and replaces the nets when the ice has refrozen. The nets also need to be removed from the ice at the end of the game for resurfacing. Concession Worker: The concession stand is open during all home games at every level as well as open skate. For assigned hours during high school and college games, there are 2-3 people assigned to this role for the entire game. For youth home games, parents usually take turns working one period each game so that they are able to watch the remainder of the game from the stands. It is important the team works together to divide the time in the concession stand to meet the needs of each game. Some games are busier than others and teams can decide how many parents are needed. Intermission between periods is often the busiest time in concessions where more volunteers may be needed. For assigned hours in concessions, the arrival time will be posted in your Volunteer Spot sign-up. Concession workers must arrive early to open up in

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order to be ready at the beginning of the game. There are detailed directions posted in the concession area that outline what food needs to be made, how to make each item, and how much to make. There are also directions on how to open and close the till. All concession workers must stay the entire length of the game and need to follow the closing procedures that are posted in concessions. Everyone must help clean up. For home youth games, you should plan to arrive at least 45 minutes prior to the start of the game to open concessions. The team managers will have keys to the front concession door. Teams can decide what parents will come early to open and which parents will stay after the game to close concessions. Game Clock Worker: The high school and college games have appointed game clock workers. AYHA parents are required to provide a game clock worker for all youth home games. A Game Clock Worker must have an understanding of how to run the clock and should have a general understanding of the game itself. It is important to have proper clock training prior to filling this position. The clock worker needs to manage the game time, penalty times, and to post shots-on-goal. Attending a training session or working with an experienced clock worker is strongly encouraged until you are comfortable with the position. Game Score Keeper: The high school and college games have appointed game score keepers. AYHA parents are required to provide a game score keeper for all youth home games. The official scorer is considered an off-ice official and must follow rules outlined in RULE 505 in the USA Hockey handbook. The rules state:

(a) Before the start of the game, the “OFFICIAL SCORER” shall obtain from the Manager or Coach of both teams a list of all eligible players of each team. The Official Scorer shall secure the names of the Captain and Designated Alternate(s) from the Manager or Coach of each team and will indicate each by placing the letter “C” or “A” opposite their names on the scoresheet.

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Prior to the start of the game, the Official Scorer shall obtain on the scoresheet the signatures of all coaches of each team, one of whom shall be designated as Head Coach, along with the CEP card number, CEP level and the year the CEP level was attained for each coach. This procedure is usually done by handing the score sheet to the ref who brings the sheet to each coach. The Official Scorer should verify the signatures have been obtained (b) The Official Scorer shall keep a record of each goal scored by indicating those player(s) who are credited with scoring the goal and any assists. The official scorer can then announce the goal over the public address system. No request for changes to the officials scoring shall be considered unless they are made at or before the conclusion of the game. He shall indicate on the scoresheet those players from each team who actually participated in the game. He shall note on the scoresheet the time any substitute or temporary goalkeeper has entered the game and designate any goal scored when the goalkeeper has been removed from the ice.

(c) Upon the immediate conclusion of the game, the Official Scorer shall also prepare the Official Scoresheet for signature by the Referee and forward it to the proper authorities.

The official scorer, along with the clock worker, should keep track of the

shots-on-goal for both teams. The shots-on-goal are listed on the official score sheet and can be placed on the game clock throughout the game. The Official Scorer must have a strong understanding of the game. Attending a training session or working with an experienced score keeper is strongly encouraged until you are comfortable with the position. Zamboni Driver: The high school and college games have appointed Zamboni drivers. AYHA parents are required to provide a Zamboni driver for all youth home games and team practices. In addition, a Zamboni driver position is

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available for volunteer at open skates through Volunteer Spot. All drivers must have the necessary training in order to operate the Zamboni. It is helpful if each team has more than one Zamboni driver to help with games and practices. Final note: it is the responsibility of everyone signed up to work a high school game, a college game, or open skate to stay after the game to clean up the rink. There is a detailed checklist in concessions that must be completed before everyone leaves.

Team Manager Position The team manager for AYHA is one who coordinates details for the team

and functions as a communication link between parents, coaches and Blue Line. The team manager will be appointed by the Head Coach of each team. All Team Managers are subject to background verification prior to the start of position. Essential Tasks of a Team Manager are outlined below. Coordination of Team Managers responsibilities with Coaches:

1. Create a written team information list, which states: ● Team Roster ● Parents names ● Contact information (phone/email)

2. Organize score sheet labels for home and out of town games (4 labels needed per game). Give a supply to the coaches for instances when you are unavailable.

3. Assist Coaches in communicating information with the team and designating individuals on the team to perform tasks as may be needed by the coaches (ie: wash water bottles).

4. Make sure locker rooms are being cleaned after practices and games.

Coordination of Team Managers responsibilities with Blue Line: 1. The Team Manager will attend the monthly Blue Line Meetings. The first

part of the meetings will be designated to Team Manager updates. Team

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Managers will be expected to coordinate with Blue Line and assist with determining if work group obligations are being met and contacting parents as needed/requested.

2. Work with Blue Line and communicate Work Group, Home Game and Tournament expectations to your team. Organize parents to cover the off-ice official positions and concessions as needed. Assuring team parents/guardians understand the tasks expected of them and how to perform them. Training individuals on various tasks as needed.

Coordination of Team Managers responsibilities with Scheduler: ● The game scheduler will notify the team manager if there is a change in

game schedules, particularly cancellations. The team manager will ensure the team is aware of the change.

● The team manager is responsible for reporting home District 11 final game scores and penalty minutes to Clarke Coole (DAHA District Scheduler) by the first Wednesday following the game. The game score and penalty minutes will be entered into a spreadsheet provided by the AYHA scheduler at the beginning of the season and will be emailed to Clarke. Failure to email the DAHA game information will result in association fines.

Coordination of Team Managers responsibilities with Team Parents/Guardians:

1. Communication is key- make sure all members on your team have the same information. Be available to them for questions or concerns.

2. Facilitating discussions regarding Team Home Tournaments and assist Blue Line/Tournament Director/Team Parents in organization of Rink Coverage, Posters, Programs, Extras, etc. as decided by Team.

3. Obtain the out of town tournament schedules and make hotel reservations (blocks of rooms) for the team and parents. Distribute the information to the parents, who then can make their own individual reservations within the block of rooms. It is helpful to type the details in written format so everyone has the same information. Communicate directions/maps or addresses/phone numbers for out of town

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rinks/hotels, carpooling needs, restaurant selections, etc. Use your discretion as to what needs your team may need.

The team manager will serve as a facilitator for parent concerns among

Coaches and/or Scheduler, Player Development, Blue Line. Be positive. Many things can arise and it is important that you handle the situation with a positive and understanding attitude.

Fundraisers Fundraisers are another way AYHA helps to keep registrations costs low

and the rink running efficiently. The success of our fundraisers and the hard

work of parent volunteers keep our registration costs at a reasonable level.

Early season raffle ticket sales is the major fundraiser of AYHA. Each AYHA

family is required to sell 15 raffle tickets at $20 each. Tickets are handed out to

parents by the Raffle Coordinator at the beginning of the season. Raffle ticket

money is due back to AYHA in mid-December. Detailed instructions, including

dates, will be provided to parents at the time of ticket hand out. Parents must

sell all 15 raffle tickets – unsold raffle tickets will not be accepted by AYHA.

Parents will receive reminders about raffle money due dates. If raffle money is

not turned in, it may lead to players having to refrain from ice time until money

is submitted.

During the off season, the Blue Line committee determines additional fundraisers that AYHA will participate in during the season based on financial needs identified by the BOD. These fundraisers will be presented to parents at the beginning of the season at parent meetings. These additional fundraisers will help supplement items AYHA needs to improve our association. For example, money raised may be used to purchase jerseys, equipment, or updates to the rink.

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Coaches Anyone interested in coaching should contact the Player Development

Chair at the beginning of the hockey season and complete the coaching form on the AYHA website. Coaching applications are reviewed by the Player Development Committee which will subsequently provide recommendations for coaches at each level to the Board of Directors for approval/selection. Coaches must be certified by USA Hockey in order for their teams to participate in tournaments and must complete a one-day training course offered by USA Hockey. Coaches are required to pass a law enforcement background check as required by USA Hockey and must complete Safe Sport training. All coaches are volunteer positions with AYHA.

Coaches Code of Conduct AYHA Coaches are guided by the USA Hockey Code of Conduct which is

as follows: ● 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 your 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 players 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 team players.

● Maintain an open line of communication with your players’ parents. Explain the goals and objectives of your association.

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● 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

Parent / Coach Relationship A positive relationship between parents and coaches is an important part

of a successful program. The coach must be concerned about all players on the ice and the coaches are in charge of all on-ice interactions with players. Parents must remain off the ice surface unless the coach asks them to be there. Coaches and parents are encouraged to talk about player’s progress and to discuss activities that may help a child improve his/her skills. Parents and coaches’ support and encouragement of players are important to each child’s enjoyment, improvement, and continued participation in hockey. Any comments or questions can be directed to the coach, team manager, player development committee, or Board member.

Parent Involvement / Conduct As a parent, you play a special role in contributing to the needs and

development of your skater. Through your encouragement and good example, you can help assure that hockey players learn good sportsmanship and self-discipline. Young people learn to work together, to sacrifice for the good of the team, to enjoy winning and to lose gracefully – all while becoming physically fit and healthy. Best of all, they have fun.

AYHA encourages all parents to follow the USA Hockey Parent Code of Conduct outlined here: ● 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. De-emphasize games and competition in the lower age groups.

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● 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 youth 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.

Spectators Promoting a fun, safe and positive hockey experience is a priority of

AYHA. It is expected that spectators at all AYHA events support the mission, vision, and values of AYHA. Heckling of coaches, players, officials, or opponents will not be tolerated. AYHA expects all spectators to follow USA Hockey’s Spectator Code of Conduct which is as follows: ● Display good sportsmanship. Always respect players, coaches and

officials. ● Act appropriately; do not taunt or disturb other fans; enjoy the game

together. ● Cheer good plays of all participants; avoid booing opponents. ● Cheer in a positive manner and encourage fair play; profanity and

objectionable cheers or gestures are offensive. ● Help provide a safe and fun environment; throwing any items on the ice

surface can cause injury to players and officials. ● Do not lean over or pound on the glass; the glass surrounding the ice

surface is part of the playing area. ● Support the referees and coaches by trusting their judgment and

integrity. ● Be responsible for your own safety – be alert to prevent accidents from

flying pucks and other avoidable situations.

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● Respect locker rooms as private areas for players, coaches and officials. ● Be supportive after the game – win or lose. Recognize good effort,

teamwork and sportsmanship.

Equipment The following equipment is required for all AYHA players:

● Helmet with mask ● Shin pads ● Elbow pads ● Shoulder pads ● Hockey gloves ● Mouth guard ● Breezers ● Protective cup ● Hockey skates ● Hockey stick ● Bag suitable for carrying equipment ● Practice jersey – U8 and below

All protective gear except a mouth guard and protective cup is provided

to skaters through the Mite Level. AYHA does have some limited gear available for the SQT and PW level if needed – see any board member for assistance. No player will be allowed to play in any game or practice without a mouth guard and no player will be allowed on the ice at any time without a helmet. Neck guards, while not mandatory, are strongly recommended. AYHA provides goalie gear to younger levels. Players who are interested in continuing in the goalie position usually start purchasing their own gear as a second year PW.

AYHA provides all skaters in the LTS program a practice jersey that players can wear for all practices. AYHA provides all U8 players a practice jersey for weekly practices and as well as a game jersey. AYHA provides SQT, PW, and BTM players home and away game jerseys. Skaters at these older levels need to wear their own practice jersey . A deposit is collected from all

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players at the beginning of the season for AYHA supplied jerseys that is returned when jerseys are handed in at the end of the season.

Care of Equipment The most important factor to consider in caring for hockey equipment is

to dry it thoroughly after each use. Equipment that is not dried will rot, mold and smell! Skate blades should be dried and then covered with a skate guard made of fabric, not plastic. Plastic skate blade covers tend to rust the blades. Toe protectors can be purchased from a sporting-goods store to help keep the toe of the skate from wearing away prematurely.

Hockey skates need to be sharpened on a regular basis. AYHA provides skate sharpening free of charge to all AYHA players. Non-AYHA hockey players and skaters attending open skate pay a fee for AYHA to sharpen their skates. Fees are payable in the concessions area. Only those people who have been properly trained on the skater sharpener are allowed to sharpen skates. If you are interested in learning how to sharpen skates, ask a Board Member to assist you with setting up training.

Because of the high cost of replacing game jerseys, AYHA strongly encourages players to take special care of game jerseys. Game jerseys should be kept either in a garment bag or at the very least, separate from the other equipment in the equipment bag. Velcro on shoulder, elbow and leg pads should be reattached. Skate blade cuts and Velcro sticking to jerseys are the two most common elements that can ruin a jersey. Depending on the use, game jerseys should be washed at least weekly for the older players and every few weeks for the younger players. If the jersey is not washed out, it needs at least to be dried after the game. Players are not allowed to wear game jerseys at practices.

Discipline Code The AYHA Discipline Code was created to stress to our athletes that good

discipline off the ice is just as important as good discipline on the ice. Please be sure that you and your child understand this policy. The following rules are applicable during the hockey season, from the first practice through the final game.

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1. The use of tobacco (including chewing tobacco), alcohol, or narcotics will not be tolerated. 2. Players involved in theft or destruction of property, whether that of AYHA or any other facility, will be held financially responsible for replacement, repair, or clean-up.

Penalties for violation of these rules are as follows: • First offense: The player will be suspended for two weeks. During this time, the player will not be allowed to participate in any game. The player will attend all practices. • Second offense: The player will be immediately suspended from all AYHA activities for the remainder of the season.

The penalty for a violation of the discipline code shall be applied immediately when discovered by a coach. If someone other than a coach reports the violation, the AYHA Board will conduct a hearing within 5 days of the reporting of the offense. If the Board feels that the offense occurred, the penalty will take effect immediately. All AYHA players should conduct themselves in a manner that will bring credit to himself or herself, the team, and the community. Unsportsmanlike behavior includes, but is not limited to:

1. Obscene gestures 2. Fighting before, during or after games (outside of USA Hockey jurisdiction). 3. Swearing 4. Not participating in a “sportsmanlike” handshake with the opposing team. Players who violate this policy three times will be suspended from

the next game. Communication / Grievance Process

AYHA parents, board members, coaches are encouraged to have open communication at all times. In the event of a significant concern between AYHA members, volunteers and coaches, the Grievance Process should be followed. It is the intent of the AYHA Board of Directors to provide an

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opportunity for members (coaches, parents, players) to express their concerns and receive a timely and appropriate response. In order to ensure a respectful and professional experience, the board insists that coaches, parents, players and board members follow the Grievance Process as presented.

1. Cooling off period. There are to be no spontaneous grievance related conversations immediately following a game or practice. Players and parents agree to wait at least 24 hours after a game or practice prior to initiating a conversation with a coach or board member. Coaches, parents and board members agree to not participate in any conversations where the Grievance Procedure has not been followed.

2. Grievance form. Prior to any conversations being held between a parent and a coach or board member in regards to the significant concern, a Grievance Form must be completed by the complainant. The Grievance Form is found on the AYHA website. The complainant should email the completed Grievance Form to the AYHA Vice President (submission information located on the AYHA website). The AYHA Vice President will be responsible for delivering the form to the appropriate party – which will allow the party the opportunity to be prepared to discuss the issue.

3. Initial Meeting. The Vice President will help arrange a meeting between both parties in order to resolve the issue. The Vice President will facilitate the initial meeting between the two parties in hopes that the significant concern can be resolved without further intervention. Both parties agree to conduct themselves professionally and respectfully at all times.

4. Second Meeting. In the event the significant concern is not resolved between the two parties at the initial meeting, the Vice President will forward the issue to the appropriate AYHA group. Issues related to players and the game of hockey will be referred to the Player Development Committee, issues related to the business side of hockey will be referred to the Board of Directors, and issues related to work groups and fundraising will be referred to the Blue Line Committee. The Vice President will facilitate the second meeting between the complainant and the appropriate AYHA group in order to resolve the issue

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5. Decisions/Resolutions: If the significant concern was able to be resolved at the initial meeting, the Vice President will document the outcome of the meeting on the Grievance Form and the grievance will be considered closed. If the grievance requires a second meeting, the leader of the group involved will complete the Grievance Form once a resolution has been made (Blue Line President, Player Development Chair, or the Board President). At the conclusion of all grievances, the completed form will be stored with the association secretary.

6. Final Thoughts. In the interest of protecting the family oriented environment of AYHA, it is imperative that this policy be followed by all. All grievances will be kept confidential with the parties involved. The AYHA Board of Directors wants to have open communication with all members of the association. Should any questions or concerns arise during the season that aren’t necessarily a grievance, the Board encourages parents to attend a board meeting to discuss the topic at hand. Being open and transparent will help promote a successful organization.

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Addendum A: USA Hockey Locker Room Policy Youth players are particularly vulnerable in locker rooms, changing areas and

restrooms due to various stages of dress/undress and because they are often less supervised than at other times. Athlete-to-athlete problems, such as sexual abuse, bullying, harassment or hazing, often occur when a coach or other responsible adult is not in a position to observe – this is especially true in locker rooms. Adherence to a locker room policy enhances privacy and reduces the likelihood of misconduct. Proper supervision of the locker room areas also helps ensure that players that may have suffered an injury during a game or practice have an adult present to confer with regarding such injury.

Locker Room Supervision

USA Hockey is concerned with locker room activities between minor participants; minor participants and adult participants; adults being alone with individual minor participants in locker rooms; and with non-official or non-related adults having unsupervised access to minor participants at team events.

It is the policy of USA Hockey that all USA Hockey Member Programs have at least one responsible screened adult present monitoring the locker room during all team events to assure that only participants (coaches and players), approved team personnel and family members are permitted in the locker room and to supervise the conduct in the locker room. Acceptable locker room monitoring could include having locker room monitors in the locker room while participants are in the locker room, or could include having a locker room monitor in the immediate vicinity (near the door) outside the locker room that also regularly and frequently enters the locker room to monitor activity inside. If the monitor(s) are inside, then it is strongly recommended that there be two monitors, both of which have been screened. A local program or team may impose or follow stricter monitoring requirements. Any individual meetings between a minor participant and a coach or other adult in a locker room shall require that a second responsible adult is present. The responsible adult that monitors and supervises the locker room shall have been screened in compliance with Section III of this Handbook.

Further, responsible adults must also secure the locker room appropriately during times when minor participants are on the ice.

It shall be permissible for a local program or team to prohibit parents from a locker room. However, in doing so the team shall be required to have properly screened adults monitoring and supervising the locker room as required above. With younger players, it is generally appropriate to allow parents to assist the player with getting equipment on and

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off before and after games or practices and they should be allowed in the locker room to do so.

Cell phones and other mobile devices with recording capabilities, which includes voice recording, still cameras, and video cameras, increase the risk for some forms of abuse or misconduct. As a result, the use of a mobile device’s recording capabilities in the locker rooms is not permitted at any USA Hockey sanctioned event, provided that it may be acceptable to take photographs or recordings in a locker room in such unique circumstances as a victory celebration, team party, etc., where all persons in the locker room are appropriately dressed and have been advised that photographs or recordings are being taken.

All local programs shall publish locker room policies to the parents of all minor participants that are specific to the facilities they regularly use. The local program’s policies shall include the program’s (a) practices for supervising and monitoring locker rooms and changing areas; (b) permission or lack of permission for

parents to be in the locker rooms; (c) prohibited conduct, including at least all forms of abuse and misconduct prohibited by USA Hockey; and (d) specific policies regarding the use of mobile electronic devices and phones and prohibiting the use of a device’s recording capabilities. A sample locker room policy form may be found at www.usahockey.com/safesport.

For each team, the coach and/or team administrators shall be responsible for compliance with the locker room supervision requirements of this Policy. A coach and/or team administrator that fails to take appropriate steps to ensure the Locker Room Policy is adhered to, and any USA Hockey participant or parent of a participant who otherwise violates this Policy is subject to appropriate disciplinary action.

Co-Ed Locker Rooms

As a team sport in which youth teams can often include both male and female players, special circumstances may exist that can increase the chance of abuse or misconduct. If the team consists of both male and female players, both female and male privacy rights must be given consideration and appropriate arrangements made. It is not acceptable under USA Hockey’s Sexual Abuse Policy for persons to be observing the opposite gender while they dress or undress. There are a variety of ways to comply with the above tenets, and what works may depend on the locker rooms that are available at a particular facility. Where possible, the male and female players should undress/dress in separate locker rooms and then convene in a single dressing room prior to the game or team meeting. Once the game is finished, the players may come to one locker room and then the male and female players proceed to their separate dressing rooms to undress and shower

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(separately), if available. If separate locker rooms are not available, then the genders may take turns using the locker room to change and then leave while the other gender changes. Where possible, when both male and female players are together in the locker room, there should be at least two adults in the locker room that have been properly screened in compliance with USA Hockey Screening Policy.

The USA Hockey SafeSport website (www.usahockey.com/safesport) contains sample approaches that may be used by a local program depending on the facilities available at a particular arena. Additionally, reference USA Hockey’s Co-Ed Locker Room Policy set forth in the USA Hockey Annual Guide, which also addresses gender equity and the need to provide equal exposure to coaching and instruction as it may be impacted by a program’s Co-Ed Locker Room Policy.

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