East Smoky Minor Hockey Association - Policies and Procedures 2022/2023
GENERAL
1 - EAST SMOKY MINOR HOCKEY ASSOCIATION
This document provides the executive and members of the East Smoky Minor Hockey Association with the basis from which decisions are made. The manual contains a summarized version of the Bylaws that provide the operating structure for the East Smoky Minor Hockey Association, and outlines of the specific job responsibilities of its Directors and Individual Teams.
2 - POLICIES & PROCEDURES MANUAL
All Executive members are responsible for ensuring this Manual is up to date. The President is responsible for custody of the master copy of this manual and distributions of updates. The President and the secretary are responsible for destroying all records/documents in the ESMHA office that are over seven years old to date.
3 - SANCTIONED HOCKEY EVENTS
ESMHA will follow Hockey Alberta’s guidelines for all sanctioned events.
4 -POSITIONS OF THE EXECUTIVE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
All positions named must complete their term stating and ending at the Annual General Meeting as per the Bylaw Manual. The positions of the Executive Board are as follows:
President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer, Registrar, League Director as stated in ESMHA Constitution.
5 - BOUNDARIES AND PLAYER ELIGIBILTY
The boundaries for the ESMHA are established by the MHA’s. Players registering with ESMHA must reside in the boundaries of the East Smoky Minor Hockey district. Please see attached Boundary map.
6 - AGM
The Annual General Meeting is held in the spring at the end of the hockey season, usually in March of each year. The order of business is as per the ESMHA Bylaws, Positions are held for at least one full year with the exception of the President’s position until the following AGM.
7- YEAR END
ESMHA will have and annual windup in March/April. It will be decided on by the board on a yearly basis.
7.1 Gift Cards to Coaches and Board Members
Teams will be allotted $150.00 in gift cards (decided at board meeting), usually allotted to Head Coach, Assistant Coach and Team Manager.
All sitting Executive Board members receive a gift card of $50.00 each.
If sitting in two positions, two $50 gift cards will be given.
8 - GENERAL OPERATIONS OF ESMHA
8.1 Board Meetings
Board Meetings are held once a month and the date is decided at the end of the prior meeting. Members will be notified by Facebook, community calendar and through managers. All teams must have representation at each meeting. A Coach and Team Manager Director attend. Any team concerns are dealt with at this meeting. As per Bylaw 3.01. Items are to be submitted to the Secretary at least one week prior to the meeting.
8.2 Team Rules
8.2.1 General
Teams are allotted ice times and it is decided per team if they want to hold practice or games on their designated times.
8.2.2 Selection of Manager
Team Managers are selected by the Coach and team. This position may be split- Team Manager (books all games, refs, organizes team) and Tournament Manager (organizes home tournament). Mangers must be organized and have very good communication skills. This person must also communicate with coach constantly.
8.2.3 Team Meetings
The Coach & Manager will have a team meeting to kick off the season and choose a jersey person. All team rules will be set out. Team meetings are held as often as decide by each team. (Recommended monthly after the general meetings to update your team).
8.2.4 Away Tournaments
If teams decide to go away to tournaments they will have to find funding or a sponsorship for the entry fee. If a team chooses to host a tournament the board will sponsor their away tournament entry fees up to $1500.00. If teams pull out of away tournaments after commitments/payments have been made the team will refund the board.
8.3 Team Photos
The Board Secretary will book the team photos in the fall. Teams will be designated a time to be dressed and ready to go on the ice. Order pamphlets will be given to team managers in advance.
8.4 Power Skating & Goaltending Clinic
Each year it will be decided if the Board can fund Power Skating. If the funds are available the board Secretary will book Power Skating for the fall of each season. Each team will be allotted ice tie and sessions.
9 - REGISTRATION
9.1 General
ESMHA players must reside within the boundaries as set in the policies & Procedures Manual. All transfers between Associations must be approved by the releasing and receiving Associations.
The teams are determined by the player’s age as of the 31st day of December of the current year as per Hockey Canada rules.
| Level | Age |
| U7 | 4-6 years |
| U9 | 7-8 years |
| U11 | 9-10 years |
| U13 | 11-12 years |
| U15 | 13-14 years |
| U18 | 15-17 years |
Registration fees are set by the ESMHA Executive committee on and annual basis. One pair of hockey socks is included with each paid hockey fee. The 2022/2023 fees are set as follows.
| Level | Age | Fee | Late Fees |
| U7 | 4-6 years | $350.00 | $500.00 |
| U9 | 7-8 years | $400.00 | $550.00 |
| U11 | 9-10 years | $425.00 | $575.00 |
| U13 | 11-12 years | $425.00 | $575.00 |
| U15 | 13-14 years | $450.00 | $600.00 |
| U18 | 15-17 years | $450.00 | $600.00 |
Due to Hockey Alberta Regulations, no player may participate in practices or games until the registration form has been completed, fees have been paid and RIS Parent online course completed. Registration must be paid on or before August 31st and players CAN’T touch ice until fees are paid in full. Late fees come into effect on September 1st.
Registration fees shall cover all ESMHA assigned practice ice, assigned game ice or allocated extra ice costs including referee expenses, insurance, league fees, Provincial play downs fees and other budgeted operating expensed.
Managers and Coaches MUST ensure players respect and abide to the above rule. Manager must correspond with the Treasurer and registrar closely at the start of the season.
Fundraising- Policies and Procedures - ESMHA
Fundraising expectations when applicable
Tournaments:
Each team will receive a loan of $1000.00 from the association to fund their tournament raffle table.
Season Windup:
9.2 Refund of Fees
All requests for refunds must be provided in writing to both the Registrar and Treasurer.
Any NSF cheques must be cleared prior to player taking part in the first game. A minimum fee of $25.00 plus bank charges will be applied.
9.3 Contents of Registration Package
The registration package contents may vary slightly year by year but shall contain the following at a minimum:
9.4 Player Release
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary as contained in the Regulations of the Governing Bodies, ESMHA will only release players when any of the following conditions apply
9.5 Player Movement
All players must register in their appropriate age level. If a player wants to play up a level it must be agreed upon with coaches of both teams and also needs to be reviewed by the board. If there is not a team iced (lack of player) a player may apply for overage status and be brought to the board level.
9.6 Tryouts with AA or AAA teams
Players wishing to try out for AA or AAA must register with ESMHA first with payment. The permission to try out form is signed by the President. Players that are selected for teams will be reimbursed full fees. Refund request must be submitted in writing to the Registrar and Treasurer.
9.7 Affiliation
Team to team affiliation will take place if agreed upon with the coaches and board. Affiliations completed to allow extra players on a team to prevent League fines and in case a flu bug hits a team. A parent meeting with coaches should be held to explain this procedure and find out which players/parents are interested. Affiliation also gives a player the opportunity and experience of playing at another level of play. Coaches must discuss this before a player is affiliated. It is understood that the player’s first commitment is to the team they are registered with. The number of games played as an affiliated will not exceed the regulations of the Governing Bodies. Any affiliations will only be approved that have been defined within the Hockey Alberta/Hockey Canada Regulations. Team using affiliated players must first contact that player’s coach for permission as playing more than allotted games will result in an ineligible player and coach suspension. Extra fees may apply to affiliated players to offset the extra ice use. The registrar will than inform the president and board of the affiliation. Disputes arising from requests for affiliated players must be brought to the attention of the Board and a special meeting will be called to discuss and resolve the issue. Decision of executive members will stand. Upon Board discussion abuse of affiliation policy will not be tolerated.
10 - PURCHASING POLICY
From time to time the ESMHA needs to make purchases on behalf of the board and its members. All purchases made on behalf of the Board must be made with the best interests of the Association in mind and therefore the following policy and procedure has been created and approved by the ESMHA board.
All purchases to be made on behalf of ESMHA are to be brought to the Board attention either via a monthly report or as new business or round table discussion in ADVANCE of the purchases being made whenever possible.
All Purchases in excess of $250.00 shall be placed on the next meeting agenda and voted on. Purchases less than $250.00 shall be noted into the minutes. The purchases do not need a vote simply the notation into the meeting minutes. In the event that ESMHA needs to expend an amount greater than $250.00 the party responsible for the purchases shall obtain 3 written quotes for the purchase and follow the procedure set forth below. All written quotes shall be provided to the secretary for entrance into the monthly meeting minutes and kept as a matter of course. The board shall then vote upon the need and validity of the purchase and determine if funds are available to make the purchase.
11 - ASSOCIATION LOGO, COLOURS AND CLOTHING
Mike Shell created an updated version of our Rustler which is on all Jerseys. All Logos, Crests or Art Work designs are the property of ESMHA and any use must be approved by the board of Detectors.
ESMHA has an ice stencil which is put in the ice each year by Crooked Creek Recreation Board Caretaker.
ESMHA colors are black, red and white.
Team Mangers can organize clothing purchases for the team but must include ESMHA colours and or logo. It is up to individual teams if they want to find a corporate sponsor to cover these items or a parent/guardian cost.
12 - EQUIPMENT
The chart below is the listed inventory with approx. value as per our insurance Policy:
East Smoky Minor Hockey Inventory List 2022
| Team | Goalie Pads | Goalie Helmet/Stick | 1st Aid Kits | Jerseys (Home & Away) | Total Value for Team |
| U7 | $150.00 | $150.00 | $75.00 | $3000.00 | $3375.00 |
| U9 | $383.22 | $225.00 | $75.00 | $4500.00 | $5183.22 |
| U11 | $375.00 | $225.00 | $75.00 | $4500.00 | $5175.00 |
| U13 | None | None | $75.00 | $4500.00 | $4582.00 |
| U15 | None | None | $75.00 | $4500.00 | $4575.00 |
| U18 | None | None | $75.00 | $4500.00 | $4575.00 |
| Security Vest/Pucks/Tourney Supplies/Old Jersey Inventory/Hockey Socks/Nets/ Dividers |
|
|
|
| $6000.00 |
| Total Value: | $908.22 | $600.00 | $450.00 | $25 500.00 | $27465.22 |
12.1 General
All equipment issued by ESMHA shall be clearly marked and it becomes the responsibility of the “borrower” to maintain and care for this equipment.
Damage/loss of equipment over and above normal wear and tear is the responsibility of the borrower.
All keys distributed for the equipment room will be assigned to a board member and a master key will be kept by the board President. Keys may be assigned to designated persons as per board approval.
The Board will purchase games socks in Rustler colors which will be given to each player as part of their registration fees. Additional socks may be purchased through the team manager. Monies collected must be submitted to the treasurer through the Team Manager.
12.2 Goal Tending
It is the policy of the ESMHA to provide necessary goal tending equipment (excluding sticks) for all teams up to Atoms level. Goal tending equipment will NOT be loaned unless written request is given to the secretary, brought to a board meeting and decided on. If approved the borrower will be assessed replacement/repair cost for any equipment lost, stolen or damaged. A $100.00 damage deposit is required on all loaned equipment.
12.3 First Aid Kits
ESMHA will provide all teams with appropriate First Aid Kits. Kit content may vary depending on level of play. Ex-Hotdog-Midget
12.4 Pucks
ESMHA will provide pucks and puck bags/pails for the use of each team at the start of the season. Additional pucks are the responsibility of the individual teams. All pucks MUST be approved by the CCRB- some makes of pucks are prohibited in the arena.
12.5 Water Bottles
Water Bottles are the responsibility of the individual.
13 SWEATERS
13.1 General
ESMHA will ensure all teams have a minimum of one set of sweater and sweater bags at commencement of the season.
All sweater purchases must be coordinated through the sweater committee and approved by the Board of Directors. All new sweaters shall be ordered in Red and White/Red & Black with the approved Rustler Logo on the front. All sweaters purchases will be numbered 2-18, goalies 1, 31 & 35. A parent volunteer should be assigned the job of jersey parent and these jerseys are to be their responsibility during the season. Jersey’s lost or damaged must be reported to the board, after review the player may be responsible to pay for a replacement.
13.2 Sponsorship
Sponsors wishing to purchase a complete set of sweaters may have their name placed on the back of each sweater for the life of the sweater. For info from past orders A full set of Jersey’s were $1500.00 for away and $1500.00 for home = $3000.00 for a full team. Also shoulder patches were sponsored to help offset the cost of the sweater. (The last orders ere through Ernie’s Sports 2015/2016)
14 - FUNDRAISING
14.1 Sponsorship
Sponsorship of individual teams is required for the home tournament to run (see fundraising policy and procedures for more detail).
14.2 Individual Teams
Individual teams will get $1000.00 from board to use toward their home tournament.
14.3 Support
All parents, players and teams are expected to support the fundraising activities initiated by the ESMHA. ESMHA has the right to withhold certain privileges, including ice time from teams failing to support fundraising activities and restricting away tournament entry fees.
15 - ICE ALLOCATION
15.1 Practice Times and Game Times
U7: 2 weekday-45 minute practice Sat- 1hr game time
U9: 2 weekday-1hr practice Sat-1hr game time
U11: 2 weekday-1hr practice Sat-2hr game time
U13: 2 weekday-1hr practice Sat-2hr game time
U15: 2 weekday-1hr practice Sat-2hr game time
U18: 2 weekday-1:15hr practice Sat-2 ½hr game time
League teams Saturday Ice time is for games only.
15.2 Trades
Practice trades can be made directly with team managers/coaches but the CCRB care taker must be notified.
16 - LEAGUE GAME / PROVINCIALS PLAY
League games are determined at the League meeting in October for the season. All league games must be allotted 2hr ice times with the exception of Midgets which needs 2.5 hrs. All game sheets must be handled in the correct procedure, as per Hockey Alberta Guidelines. Team’s wishing to play league must have at least 3 games prior to the scheduling league meeting. All game sheets must be submitted to the league rep to help determine tiering. Also, if #’s are too low it is the discretion of the board to remove the team from league play to avoid Association fines. If coaches/manager DO NOT follow league protocol and fines are issued, individual team fines may be the responsibility of the team in question.
If a team makes it to Provincial Play Downs the board will cover up to $1000.00 towards Tournament cost.
17 - HOSTING HOME TOURNAMENTS
17.1 General
ESMHA is known for their home tournaments. Each team is responsible for fundraising for their home tournament. The Team Manager is responsible for making sure the home tournament runs smoothly and coordinates with CCRB so they know what time the tournament will start, the date, how many days etc. The CCRB requires the dressing rooms and upstairs to be left as it was found. Tournament dates will be picked by the board before APL scheduling meeting and completed before APL playoffs.
The kitchen must be notified for donated lunch during the home tournament. Managers are to discuss with the kitchen. Coaches must be given dressing room keys and they are asked to make sure the rooms are kept locked when they are not in them.
18 - DUTIES OF DIRECTORS
18.1 Coach
BENCH STAFF CAN NOT STEP ON THE ICE UNLESS ALL COPIES OF CERTICATES ARE PROVIDED OR NEW TRAINING IS SCHEDULED.
The selection of coaches is completed before hockey season starts (September). The following criteria will be used in the “Coach Selection Process”
All head Coaches must have “Coach Level” certification. ESMHA will absorb the cost for obtaining this training.
All teams must have at least two people with Respect and Sport Coach Online course and be on the bench at all times.
All teams must have 2 people with Hockey Canada Safety Program (team trainer) and at least 1 is at the games.
At first practice if there is more than one person who wants to position of head coach, there will be a vote. One vote per family.
If a concern is brought forward via and Incident Report it will be reviewed by the ESMHA Board Members. (See Discipline Procedures)
COACH EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS AS PER HOCKEY ALBERTA
All coaches and trainers must have their training by November 15th of the current playing year. Coaches must produce copies to the Registrar immediately after training.
ESMHA refer to Hockey Alberta to determine what level of coaching each team needs
ESMHA states Assistant Coaches do not have to be certified to assist at practices but bench staff must have coaching certification and RIS coach course. You must have a criminal record check done if you are new to coaching in the association
Course registration fees will be reimbursed by the board, please submit to the Treasure. Each team may have a head coach and up to two assistant coaches, 2 trainers. If further team’s officials are required it must be presented to the board for approval. The registrar will affiliate coaches with appropriate certification on team rosters.
All coaches MUST wear certified helmets on the ice during practice. No one is allowed on the ice unless they area a member of the bench staff and registered on the ESMHA team roster.
Coaches are responsible for enforcing rules and discipline of their team. A coach will attend all practices and games. If unable to attend, the Coach is to arrange for their Assistant or someone else to take charge that is registered on the ESMHA team roster.
The coach shall supervise the conduct of players and team officials during practiced. Games and team functions.
The coach will make attempts to ensure players are wearing CSA approved equipment/
Coaches in league play must educate themselves of the All Peace League rules and regulation.
The Coach should become aware of any medical problems with players and will encourage medical treatment when required. It is encouraged but not expected for each team to have a coach or trainer with first aid certification.
18.2 Manager
The Team Manager is selected at the initial team meeting. The Team Manager position may be split into two position: (these two persons must have and open line of communication and be able to work together)
Head Team Manager:
Tournament Manager
Manager Duties for League Teams: U11, U13, U15 and U18
Managers are a volunteer position and must follow Hockey Alberta Rules & Regulation Team Manager section
18.3 League Director
The League director should try to attend all League meetings for the season. Approximately 5 meetings. Ridgevalley is over the probation period as ESMHA has only been in the All Peace League a few years. If ESMHA does not have any teams registered in the League the League Director MUST attend the meetings or we can be suspended from the League and it would take two years before ESMHA could register another team. The first meeting is in the fall - September. Two weeks later the Coaches and managers attend the league scheduling meeting (ESMHA has two votes, two people should attend) All HOME TOURNAMENTS MUST BE KNOWN AT THIS TIME SO LEAGUE GAMES CAN BE SCHEDULED AROUND THEM. The league Playoff meeting is in January, Provincial playoff meeting in March and the last meeting for the season is in April. Ice Director must attend the ice user meeting in September at the CCRB to determine ice times and schedules with a board Executive.
18.4 Fundraising Director
The Fundraising Director is selected at the AGM. This position is in charge of all major fundraising projects. All ideas and plans must go through the board.
19 - REFREES
19.1 General
All Referees must be carded in current year with Hockey Albert. A referee should be at least two years older than the age of the players they are assigned to. All Referees shall provide their own equipment.
19.2 Payment
ESMHA will provide payment for all Referees and Linesmen for all games.
League and Provincial games rescheduled by the Governor in accordance with Hockey Alberta rules and beyond the control of the team will have officials provided by ESMHA. Managers are to ensure referee forms are to be completed, signed by referee and manager and submitted to the Treasurer for payment. For league games when outside referees attend signed cheques may be issued, but forms MUST be submitted with cheque information completed on the forms. Referee payments are based on Hockey Alberta Rates
DISCIPLINE PROCEDURES
20 - CODE OF CONDUCT AND ZERO TOLERANCE POLICY
The ESMHA had adopted a Conduct Management Plan and Code of Conduct. Membership and participation in the ESMHA is a privilege, not a right Members, player, team officials, volunteers, executive committee, members, coaches, volunteers, officials, parents and spectators are required to abide by the Bylaws and Policies and Procedures of the ESMHA as well as the Rules and Regulations set forth by Hockey Alberta and the ESMHA. Any inappropriate conduct, threats, harassment or abuse (including the use of profanity) directed towards game of team officials, members, players, volunteers, Executive Committee members, coaches, volunteers, parents, and spectators or damage to the property of the Association will not be tolerated.
All members, fans and participants of the Association shall respect the game of hockey and shall behave in a manner so as not to make travesty of the game.
Violation of any provisions set forth in the ESMHA’S Code of Conduct will result in disciplinary action
The Association will not tolerate loud, obscene, obnoxious Coaches, Manager, Assistants, Players, Parents, or Fans. Such individuals will be subject to disciplinary action as per ESMHA Policies & Procedures.
Parents and fans are not permitted in the dressing rooms except as expressly permitted by the respective Head or Assistant Coach to assist their child in changing before or after a game.
In no circumstances is a parent or fan to enter the opposing team’s dressing room.
Coaches and other team officials, players, parents and fans are not permitted in the officials’ dressing room, nor are they permitted to confront game officials about the game.
Upon receiving a written complaint on the ESMHA Incident Report Form, the executive shall take the necessary action, which may include suspending the right to attend games at the Ridgevalley Arena.
I understand that the game of hockey is a team sport and I will encourage teamwork and being a team player.
I understand that playing a sport involves a commitment to the team. I will make every attempt to always get my child to every game and practice on time. Where this is not possible, I will contact my coach/manager in advance.
20.1 Discipline
Any player, coach, manager, trainer, official, volunteer, member, parent, spectator that is guilty of unacceptable conduct or violating the Code of Conduct or any other rule, regulation, or ruling of the ESMHA Board on or off the ice is subject to discipline or suspension
** A verbal reprimand
** A written reprimand
** A demand for an apology, either written or verbal, to any affected party
** A suspension from participation in or at Association activities, which may include barring of the attendance to the Ridgevalley Arena
**A recommendation for an expulsion from the Association
**A combination of two or more of the above
21 - TROPHIES / BANNERS
All banners created by ESMHA for such things as League Championships etc. will be created in ESMHA colors and be uniform size and shape of current banners in the arena. Trophies and memorabilia will be displayed in the trophy cabinet.
ESMHA colors and be uniform size and shape of current banners in the arena. Trophies and memorabilia will be displayed in the trophy cabinet.