SCHOMBERG Minor Hockey Association
Rules of Operation
Adopted by the Schomberg Minor Hockey Association Board
February 10, 2004
FIRST REVISION:FEBRUARY
22, 2005
SECOND REVSION:
THIRD REVISION:
- Levels
- Philosophy
- Definitions
- All Members
- Coaches and Team Officials Code
- Parents Code
- Players Code
- Spectators Code
- Boundaries
- Eligibility
- Registration of Players
- Birth Certificates
- Registration Dates
- Permission to Skate
- Registration Fees and Refunds
- Insurance
Section 4 - Equipment, Uniforms, and Colors Page 11
- Equipment
- Uniform
- Colours
Section 5 - Tryouts and Player Movement Page 12
- Tryouts
- Underage Player Movement
- Permanent Player Movement
- Affiliated Player Movement
- Player Relief
- Player Release
- Facilities and Equipment
- Alcohol, Drugs, Smoking
- Teams
- Body Checking
- Playing in Other Leagues
- Situations
- Complaints and Sanctions
- Philosophy
- Recruiting
- Selection of Coaches
- Team Officials
- Responsibility of Coaches
- Responsibilities of Trainers
- Responsibilities of Managers
- Coaches and Teams
- Coaches and Parents
- On Ice Officials
- Timekeepers
- Association
- Team
- Games
- Playdowns
- Tournaments
- Exhibition Games
- SMHA Tournaments
- LL Tournaments
- Rep Tournament
Section 14 - Awards
Section 15 - Appendix Page 25
- Forms
1.
GOVERNANCE AND SCOPE
1.1
Governance: Schomberg Minor Hockey
Association is incorporated under the Corporation Act of Ontario and operates
under the governance of its By-Law Number One and Rules of Operation in
conjunction with the Manual of Operations of the Ontario Minor Hockey
Association and the Official Rule Book of Hockey Canada.
1.2
Scope: Through the various programs
set by the Association, the SMHA is attempting to provide an opportunity for all
participants to play in the level where the caliber of play is equal to their
ability and provides a wholesome environment and an experience for personal
growth in team play.
a)
Levels:
i)
Recreational Hockey – Local League: The Local League will provide the
grass roots development base for minor hockey in Schomberg.
This level will provide an opportunity for fun and physical exercise in a
team environment. Emphasis will be on improving skills, learning rules of the
game, and fair play. The LL will
encourage any system to ensure equal ice time for all players. The LL teams will play in the SRMHL. All players will abide by the rules and regulations of the
Association and its governing bodies.
ii)
Representative Hockey – York Simcoe Minor Hockey League: Representative
teams will be comprised of players who desire a high level of competition and
are willing to make a tremendous commitment to the operation of the team.
These players will try out and the successful candidates will be chosen
to represent Schomberg in the Novice through Juvenile age categories.
The Rep team will play locally in the YSMHL and will enter OMHA playdowns
in January. All players will abide
by the rules and regulations of the Association and its governing bodies.
b)
Philosophy
i)
Local League: The philosophy of the SMHA is based upon a recreational
hockey theme. The Association will
endeavor to provide recreational hockey with an emphasis on skill development
and fair play. To that end, the
Association will provide programs in which each participant may maximize their
potential as an athlete and a human being.
The development of highly skilled hockey players is not the
priority or goal of the recreation based program.
It is hoped that through the various programs offered, players will
develop, who by choice, can progress to the more competitive teams.
ii)
Representative Hockey: The representative teams will be comprised of
players, coaches, and parents who desire a high level of competition, and are
willing to make a tremendous commitment. High
levels of competition are an integral part of Rep. Hockey.
Player ice time during games is “EARNED” based on skill, performance,
attitude, commitment, and practice attendance.
Coaches will strive to combine team progress with individual player
development.
c)
Definitions
i)
“AGM” means Annual General Meeting
ii)
"Association" means Schomberg Minor Hockey Association (or such
other name as the Association may in the future legally adopt)
iii)
"Board" means the Board of Directors of the Association
iv)
"Corporations Act" means the Corporations Act
R.S.O. 1990, Chapter 38, and any statute amending or enacted in substitution
therefore, from time to time
v)
"Director" means an individual who has been elected or
appointed to the Board of Directors of the Association and who holds the offices
enumerated in Bylaw 1 Article 11
vi)
"HC" means Hockey Canada (formerly the Canadian Hockey
Association) or such other name as they may in the future legally adopt
vii)
“HTCP” means Hockey Trainers Certification Program
viii)
“Initiation Programme (IP)” means to provide a safe and positive
experience to make youngsters, ages 4 to 7, first contact with hockey memorable.
ix)
"Letters Patent" mean the Letters Patent incorporating the
Association, as from time to time amended by Supplementary Letters Patent;
x)
“LL” means Local League.
xi)
“Members” means all classes of membership in the Association as
provided for in By-law 1 section 5.
xii)
“Member in Good Standing” means any member as defined in By-law 1
Section 5 with no monies owed to the SMHA and no disciplinary action currently
taken against them.
xiii)
“NCCP” means National Coach Certification
Program
xiv)"OHF"
means the Ontario Hockey Federation (or such other name as the OHF may in the
future legally adopt);
xv)
"OMHA" means Ontario Minor Hockey Association (or such other
name as the OMHA may in the future legally adopt);
xvi)"Policies"
means written statements governing issues affecting the affairs of the
Association, which have been considered and approved by the Board of Directors
of the Association.
xvii)
“Registered Player” means a player registered
with SMHA, paid up to date, and playing with SMHA or a AAA affiliate according
to the OMHA guidelines.
xviii)
“Rep” means Representative.
xix)
“SMHA” means Schomberg Minor Hockey
Association
xx)
“SRMHL” means the Simcoe Region Minor Hockey League (or such other
name as the SRMHL may in the future legally adopt).
xxi)
“YSMHL” means the York Simcoe Minor Hockey
League (or such other name as the YSMHL may in the future legally adopt).
2.
CODE OF CONDUCT AND ETHICS
Purpose:
To establish and maintain standards for members of the Association.
The standards are comprised of, but not limited to, the following
principles, as displayed in the Arena lobby.
2.1
All Members
a)
This Code for Conduct identifies
the standard of behaviour which is expected of all OMHA members and
participants, which for the purpose of this policy shall include all players,
guardians, parents, coaches, officials, volunteers, directors, officers,
committee members, convenors, team managers, trainers, administrators, and
employees involved in OMHA activities and events.
b)
The OMHA is committed to providing
an environment in which all individuals are treated with respect.
Members and participants of the OMHA shall conduct themselves at all
times in a manner consistent with the values of the OMHA which include fairness,
integrity and mutual respect.
c)
During the course of all OMHA
activities and events, members shall avoid behaviour which brings the OMHA or
the sport of hockey into disrepute, including but not limited to abusive use of
alcohol, use of non-medicated drugs, use of alcohol by minors and use of
profanity.
d)
OMHA members and all participants
shall at all times adhere to OMHA operational policies and procedures, to rules
and regulations governing OMHA events and activities, and to rules and
regulations governing any competitions in which the member participates on
behalf of OMHA.
e)
Members and participants of the
OMHA shall not engage in any activity or behaviour which interferes with a
competition or with any player or team’s preparation for a competition, or
which endangers the safety of others.
f)
Members of the OMHA shall refrain
from comments or behaviours which are disrespectful, offensive, abusive, racist,
or sexist. In particular, behaviour
which constitutes harassment or abuse will not be tolerated, and will be dealt
with under the OMHA Harassment policy.
g)
Failure to comply with the OMHA
Code of Conduct may result in disciplinary action in accordance with the
Discipline Policy of the OMHA. Such
action may result in the member losing privileges which come with the membership
in the OMHA, including the opportunity to participate in OMHA activities and
events, both present and future.
h)
Should communicate and co-operate
with other sports organizations, non-sport organizations, medical practitioners,
and educational institutions in the best interest of the players.
i)
Are expected to consistently
display high personal standards both professionally and personally and should be
clear as to what is to be regarded as confidential information and not divulge
any such information without the expressed approval of the individuals
concerned.
j)
Have a responsibility to themselves
and the Association to maintain their own effectiveness, resilience, and
abilities.
k)
Should not display any affiliation
with any business or organization in a manner that falsely implies sponsorship
or accreditation by that organization.
l)
The SMHA reserves the right to reject membership in such cases where a
previous record of behaviour, unbecoming a member of the SMHA, has been evident.
m)
Membership may be revoked at any time to an individual who has been
deemed by the Board to be in contravention of the Constitution or Operating
Procedures. Such action shall only
result after a fair hearing, recommendation of the Executive Committee, and a
majority vote of the Board.
2.2
Coaches and Team Officials Code
a)
Lead by example. Teach and
practise co-operation, self-discipline, respect for officials and opponents, and
proper attitudes in language, dress and deportment.
Rules are mutual agreements, which no one should evade or break.
b)
Recognize individual differences in athletes and always think of the
athlete’s long term best interests. Aim
for excellence based upon realistic goals.
The activity undertaken should be suitable for the age and abilities of
the players.
c)
Be a resource person able to assist the athlete to develop his/her
athletic potential and self-dependency.
d)
Make sport challenging and fun. Skills
and techniques need not be learned painfully.
Ensure that equipment and facilities meet current safety standards.
e)
Be honest and consistent with athletes.
They appreciate knowing where they stand.
f)
Be prepared to interact in a positive manner with administrators, league
officials, and parents.
g)
Be responsible people who are flexible and willing to continually learn
and develop.
h)
Encourage athletes to be fit all year, every year, and not just for the
season.
i)
Follow the advice of a physician when determining when an injured player
is ready to play again.
j)
Set and monitor boundaries between a working relationship and friendship
with their players. Team officials
should realize that certain situations or friendly actions could be
misinterpreted, not only by the player, but by others motivated by jealousy,
dislike, or mistrust and could lead to allegations of misconduct or impropriety.
k)
Be respectful of other SMHA Coaches, their players, and their ability to
compete within their designated age group with regards to player selection and
affiliated player use.
2.3
Parents Code
a)
Do not force an unwilling child to
participate in sports.
b)
Remember children are involved in
organized sports for their enjoyment, not yours.
c)
Encourage your child always to play
by the rules.
d)
Teach your child that honest effort
is more important than victory so that the result of each game is accepted
without undue disappointment.
e)
Turn defeat to victory by helping
your child work towards skill improvement and good sportsmanship.
Never ridicule or yell at your child for making a mistake or losing a
competition.
f)
Remember that children learn best
by example. Applaud good plays by
your team and by members of the opposing team.
g)
Do not publicly question the
officials’ judgement and never their honesty.
h)
Support all efforts to remove
verbal and physical abuse from children’s sporting activities.
i)
Recognize the value and importance
of Volunteer Coaches and Board Members. They give their time and resources to provide recreational
activities for your child.
j)
Set an example by supporting and
respecting your child’s coach. When
problems arise, communicate on an individual basis.
Public comments are not appropriate.
It is encouraged to wait 24 hours before communicating with the Coaching
Staff, Board Members, OR YOUR CHILD.
2.4
Players Code
a)
Play for the “fun of it”, not just to please your parents or coach.
b)
Remember that you are representing yourself, your parents, your team,
your Town and your Sponsor at all times, to and from the arena.
c)
Play by the rules.
d)
Never argue with the officials’ decisions.
Your Coach through the Captain or Assistant Captain will ask any
necessary questions.
e)
Control your temper – no “mouthing off”, breaking sticks, and
throwing gloves or other equipment.
f)
Work equally hard for yourself and your team – your team’s
performance will benefit and so will your own.
g)
Be a good sport. Cheer all
good plays, whether your team’s or your opponents.
h)
Treat all players, as you yourself would like to be treated.
Don’t interfere with, bully or take unfair advantage of any player.
i)
Remember that the goals of the game are to have fun, improve your skills
and feel good.
j)
Co-operate with your Coach, teammates, and opponents, for without them,
you do not have a game.
2.5
Spectators Code
a)
Remember that children play organized sports for their own fun.
They are not there to entertain you, and they are NOT miniature pro
athletes.
b)
Be on your best behaviour. Don’t
use profane language or harass players, coaches, or officials.
c)
Applaud good plays by your own team and the visiting team.
d)
Show respect for your team’s opponents.
Without them there would be no games.
e)
Never ridicule or scold a child for making a mistake during a
competition.
f)
Condemn the use of violence in all forms.
g)
Respect the officials’ decisions.
h)
Encourage players always to play according to the rules.
3.0 ELIGIBILITY, REGISTRATION, AND INSURANCE
3.1 Boundaries
a) With Nobleking Minor Hockey Association per OMHA agreement Jan 21/98:
i) North from the 17th sideroad from Bathurst Street to the Caledon/King Townline.
ii) The right of choice area shall be the block from Hwy 400 east to Bathurst Street and Hwy 9 south to the 17th Sideroad.
iii) It is agreed to Grandfather any families presently playing in either Association.
b) With TNT Minor Hockey Association per OMHA agreement Jan 21/98:
i) East from the 10th sideroad of New Tecumseth from Hwy 9 to the 5th line of New Tecumseth.
ii) South from the 5th line of New Tecumseth from the 10th sideroad of New Tecumseth to HWY 27.
iii) Residences fronting the 10th sideroad and the 5th line have a right of choice.
iv) It is agreed to Grandfather any families presently playing in either Association.
c) With Caledon Minor Hockey Association
i) It is understood that this boundary is the Caledon/King Townline from the 17th sideroad to Hwy 9.
d) With Aurora Minor Hockey Association
i) It is understood that this boundary is Bathurst Street from the 17th sideroad to St. John’s Sideroad.
e) With Newmarket Minor Hockey Association
i) It is understood that this boundary is Bathurst Street from St. John’s Sideroad to Green Lane.
f) With Bradford Minor Hockey Association
i) It is understood that this boundry is as follows;
ii) South from the 5th line of West Gwillimbury from Hwy 27 to Hwy 400
iii) West from Hwy 400 from the 5th line to Canal Road
iv) South from the Canal Road from Hwy 400 to Ansnorveldt
v) West from Dufferin from Ansorveldt to Green Line
vi) South from Green Lane from Dufferin to Bathurst
g)
It is understood that in sections c) to f) above their shall be a
“choice-of-centre” area per the OMHA Manual of Operations Rule 18.
3.2
Eligibility
a)
SMHA players must reside within the area described per section 3.1.
b)
Priority will be given for players, within the boundaries described in
3.1.
c)
It shall be the perogative of SMHA to refuse registration or cancel same
upon a player’s persistent abuse or misuse of his/her team privileges.
d)
A registration form must be filed with the Registrar, accompanied by the
appropriate fee, before any player can participate in any activity sponsored by
the SMHA. The SMHA Board of
Directors is empowered to prohibit any player from practising or playing until
the fees are paid in full.
3.3
Registration of Players
a)
Subject to registration numbers, the following series of player groupings
will be operated by the Association as per the OMHA Guidelines:
Division
Age as of December 31st
i)
Initiation Programme
4 & 5
ii)
Tyke
6 & 7
iii)
Novice
8
iv)
Atom
9 & 10
v)
Pee Wee
11 & 12
vi)
Bantam
13 & 14
vii)
Midget
15, 16, & 17
viii)
Juvenile
18, 19, + 20
b)
All players must be registered on a designated registration form as
issued by the SMHA. At registration
a parent or legal guardian must sign the SMHA registration form where
designated.
c)
Players must be registered in their proper age group and program.
d)
If in the opinion of a majority of the Board, a minimum roster must be
set for a SMHA team so as to not adversely affect the rest of the teams in the
grouping, they will do so and inform the affected coach via the First VP before
tryouts commence. The affected team
will not be allowed to operate below this minimum roster without approval of the
majority of the Board.
e)
Final “Team Rosters” must be received by the SMHA and registered with
the League prior to the 1st league game. Players may be added or removed, or teams balanced (Local
League) until the dates set out by the Leagues.
f)
Players must sign a HC registration card before participating in any game
of the team's regular playing schedule.
3.4
Birth Certificates
a)
Satisfactory proof of birth will be submitted with every initial
registration of players. Players
must be registered and fees paid in full before participating in any game,
practice or try-out.
3.5
Registration Dates
a)
The Board shall set registration dates and fees in March for the
following hockey season. Registration
procedures will be organised and co-ordinated by Registration Committee.
b)
Registration will take place at the April Year End Banquet.
This will be followed by advertised open Registration to be conducted in
early June.
c)
Following the June Registration the Board will determine the number of
openings still available per division. These
openings will be filled on a 1st-come-1st-serve basis.
d)
A waiting list will be established in any full division based on the date
a completed Registration form has been received by the Treasurer.
e)
If a player does not register per 3.5 b) and c) a request for Relief or
Release will not be considered by the Board.
3.6
Permission to Skate
a)
No player will be granted a AAA
Permission to Skate form from SMHA without first registering with the SMHA.
3.7
Registration Fee and Refunds
a)
The registration fee and rep fee for each player grouping shall be
determined based on the current years actual costs and any anticipated
increases.
b)
Registrations received after a date predetermined by the Registration
Committee shall be subject to an administration/late
fee, as set out in the Registration fees, with the exception of IP players and
first year Tykes that register before October 1. Previously registered players regardless of
category will be subject to this administration/late fee on the second
occurrence. A
reduced Registration fee may only be allowed if late registration is justified
and approved by the SMHA Board of Directors.
c)
Families registering three or more players will receive a 50% discount on
the 3rd, 4th, … players. The
discounted fees will be on the youngest player(s).
d)
Any player requesting a refund from
Schomberg Minor Hockey due to Medical reasons or relocation must submit a
completed Request For Refund form (appendix
15.1 d), to the Treasurer. This
must then be approved by the SMHA Board of Directors.
e)
Refunds will be granted according to the date the written application is
received by the Treasurer and the following table: (season
commences Sept 1st)
i)
Up to September 30
-
90%
ii)
During the month of October
-
75%
iii)
During the month of November
-
50%
iv)
After November 30th
-
0%
No administration fee or rep fee will be refunded.
f)
A refund can only be obtained upon the return of sweaters or any other
equipment belonging to the SMHA in the same condition that it was issued.
g)
Any player who registers with SMHA but signs
a Junior Playing Card will be entitled to a full refund as long as they did not
participate in a SMHA tryout, practice, or game. If they participate in an SMHA activity the refund will be
granted as per table 3.7 e).
3.8
Insurance
a)
The Town of Schomberg, the Township of King, the Schomberg Community and
Agricultural Arena, the Schomberg Minor Hockey Association and its agents,
undertake no responsibility for player injuries or any other liabilities
whatsoever. This shall be stated on
all player registration forms.
b)
The insurance program described by the OMHA Manual of Operations shall
cover all players and officials of the SMHA.
4.0
EQUIPMENT, UNIFORM, AND COLOURS
4.1
Equipment
a)
All players are required to provide and wear full hockey equipment which
will be current CSA approved and per current HC, OMHA, or any group to whom the
SMHA may be affiliated. Any player not suitably outfitted will not be allowed on
the ice for any game or practice. The following would be defined as a minimum
required but not limited to:
i)
Approved OMHA facemasks with full-face protection, an approved mouthguard,
and C.S.A. approved headgear including properly fastened chinstrap.
ii)
Approved skates.
iii)
Approved athletic support and cup or “jill”.
iv)
Approved hockey gloves.
v)
Approved hockey shin pads.
vi)
Hockey pants, shoulder pads, and elbow pads.
vii)
Regulation hockey stick
viii)
Approved Neck guard.
b)
Goalkeepers must wear, in addition to the above equipment, a HC facemask
and C.S.A. approved helmet, chest pad, goalie gloves, goalie pads, neck guard,
throat protector, and must use a regulation goalie stick.
c)
The SMHA will not be liable for any equipment loaned to any members.
d)
All equipment shall be of appropriate size to properly fit and protect
the player they are to be worn by.
e)
Team officials or assistants must wear CSA approved helmets, properly
fastened, and approved skates, during all practices, as per the OMHA rules.
4.2
Uniform
a)
The SMHA will supply two (2) sets of game sweaters to all teams, and one
pair of hockey socks for each player. The
sweaters are to be returned to the SMHA in good condition at season’s end.
b)
Game sweaters are not to be worn in practices or at any
non-Association-approved functions without the permission of the board. It is
suggested that the socks provided be used only for games.
4.3
Colours
a)
The official colours of SMHA shall be red & white.
b)
The home game sweaters shall be “red on white” and the visiting game
sweaters shall be “white on red”.
c)
The official jacket of the SMHA shall be “white on red”.