Tulsa Youth Hockey Association

Tulsa Youth Hockey Association www.tyha.com Guidelines and Rules 2011-2012 TULSA YOUTH HOCKEY ASSOCIATION GUIDELINES and RULES TABLE OF CONTENTS P...
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Tulsa Youth Hockey Association www.tyha.com

Guidelines and Rules 2011-2012

TULSA YOUTH HOCKEY ASSOCIATION GUIDELINES and RULES

TABLE OF CONTENTS PROGRAM PHILOSOPHY

PAGE 1

PARENTS' DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

PAGE 1

PLAYERS' DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

PAGE 1

REGISTRATION AND FEES

PAGE 2

AGE GROUPS OF PLAYERS PLAYING DOWN/UP

PAGE 2 PAGE 2

EQUIPMENT

PAGE 2

CONDUCT PENALTIES/SUSPENSIONS

PAGE 3 PAGE 3

PARENT INVOLVEMENT

PAGE 4

COACHES GUIDELINES SELECTION PROCESS CERTIFICATION CONDUCT COACH/PARENT RELATIONSHIP COACH/PLAYER RELATIONSHIP DISCIPLINE POLICY GRIEVANCE POLICY

PAGE 4 PAGE 4 PAGE 5 PAGE 5 PAGE 5 PAGE 5 PAGE 6 PAGE 6

TYHA BOARD OF DIRECTORS

PAGE 7

PLAYING RULES ATTENDANCE INDIVIDUALS ON THE ICE

PAGE 7 PAGE 7 PAGE 7

IN-HOUSE LEAGUE PLAYING TIME

PAGE 7 PAGE 7

HIGH SCHOOL LEAGUE

PAGE 7

TRAVEL LEAGUE PURPOSE NUMBER OF TEAMS DEDICATED TEAMS PULL UP TEAMS FINANCING TEAM TYPE AND SIZE PLAYING TIME TRYOUTS/SELECTION PROCESS SELECTION COMMITTEE TRAVEL CONTRACTS

PAGE 8 PAGE 8 PAGE 8 PAGE 8 PAGE 8 PAGE 8 PAGE 9 PAGE 9 PAGE 9 PAGE 10 PAGE 10

AMENDMENTS

PAGE 10

TULSA YOUTH HOCKEY ASSOCIATION GUIDELINES and RULES

PROGRAM PHILOSOPHY This program is for youth ages 4 to 18. It is an educational and recreational program to:  Provide an opportunity for group fun and competitive recreation.  Provide physical activity.  Teach sportsmanship.  Teach fundamentals and rules of hockey.  Promote development of a participant's hockey skills.

PARENTS' DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES        

Do not force your children to participate in sports, but support their desires to play their chosen sport. Children are involved in organized sports for their enjoyment. Make it fun. Encourage your child to play by the rules. Remember that 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 athlete: De-emphasize games and competition in the lower age groups. 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 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 of 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 the game, and volunteer!

PLAYERS' DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES        

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 for practices and games. Learn the rules and play by them. Always be a good sport. Respect your coach, your teammates, your parents, your opponents, and officials. Never argue with an official's or coach's decision.

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TULSA YOUTH HOCKEY ASSOCIATION GUIDELINES and RULES

REGISTRATION AND FEES REGISTRATION POLICY AND FEES shall be determined by the TYHA Board of Directors and published to all members prior to annual registration. REQUIRED FORMS AND BIRTH CERTIFICATE must be provided for registration. No one will be allowed on the ice for any TYHA activity until all required registration documents are received and fees are paid. OUTSTANDING DEBT - Any player with any outstanding debt from prior seasons will not be allowed to register, tryout or participate in any TYHA activity until such debt has been paid in full.

AGE GROUPS OF PLAYERS Age divisions in accordance with USA Hockey guidelines: Division

Age

MITES SQUIRTS PEE WEES BANTAMS MIDGETS

8 and under 10 and under 12 and under 14 and under 18 and under

PLAYING DOWN - No player may play in an age group younger than the proper group for their age pursuant to USA Hockey rules. PLAYING UP – TYHA encourages all players to play at their appropriate age division. No player will be allowed to play up more than one year in age. Example: a 9 year old would not be allowed to play up in the 12 and under division, consideration may be given to a 10 year old to play up in the 12 and under division. All requests to play up must be submitted in writing to the TYHA Board of Directors and will be considered on a case by case basis.

EQUIPMENT FOR ALL PLAYERS All players must wear a H.E.C.C. approved helmet with full face mask, a colored mouth guard that must be attached to the helmet, neck guard, shoulder pads, elbow pads, gloves, an athletic supporter with protective cup for boys, padded hockey pants, and shin guards. NO PLAYER WILL BE ALLOWED ON THE ICE FOR ANY GAME, PRACTICE OR WARM-UP WITHOUT THE SPECIFIED EQUIPMENT.

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USA Hockey and the TYHA Board of Directors highly recommend that all coaches wear appropriate protective gear relevant to the practice environment. All coaches must wear a helmet at all times while on the ice.

CONDUCT Member(s) agree to abide by all the rules and regulations of the TYHA and further agree to abide by any disciplinary action taken by the TYHA against a player, coach, parent(s) or guardian(s). Member(s) further specifically understand and agree that TYHA may, at any time and at its sole discretion, return a prorate portion of the registration fee submitted by member(s) or terminate the member(s) association with, and participation in TYHA if it should be determined by the Board of Directors of TYHA that the member(s) or associated party engaged in conduct which is disruptive of TYHA or which interferes with the goals and purposes of TYHA. Automatic Suspensions - Suspensions automatically issued as part of an infraction of the USA hockey playing rules shall be noted on the score sheet and then be treated as if the Discipline Committee had imposed them. Game Misconduct Penalties - If any player or team official receives a total of three game misconduct penalties in a single TYHA fiscal year, they shall be suspended pending a hearing by the Discipline Committee with the player, either their parent(s) or guardian(s), and/or the team official as appropriate. Such a hearing shall be held within (7) days if possible or as immediately as possible thereafter, of when the infraction was cited.

GENERAL CONDUCT No person, whether player, coach, parent(s), guardian(s) or spectator shall engage in any conduct detrimental to TYHA. Any violation of this rule shall be the subject to review by the TYHA Board of Directors, which shall take action, as it shall deem necessary at its sole discretion. CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES - Use of tobacco material, alcohol, or the illegal consumption or possession of a controlled substance by any TYHA participant or member on the premises during any game, practice, or activity, is strictly prohibited and will be subject to disciplinary and/or legal action. Any suspected or confirmed use of the above will be dealt with in the following manner: 

Suspected use and possession reported to coaches, team parents or members of the TYHA Board of Directors will be immediately relayed to the parent(s) and player(s) involved in a confidential meeting if the information appears reliable.



Confirmed use or possession of the above products by any TYHA player may result in the suspension from play for a minimum of one month. The length of suspension, and/or the possibility of expulsion from the team in the instance of use of a controlled substance

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will be determined in a confidential meeting between the parent(s) or guardian(s) player, coach, and a representative of the Board of Directors. DAMAGE TO PROPERTY - Destruction or defacing property by any person, whether player, coach, parent, guardian or spectator, shall be a violation subject to review by the Rules Committee. The Rules Committee shall take such action, as it deems necessary in its sole discretion to rectify or resolve the issue. STEALING - Any player, coach, or member of TYHA who steals anything (including equipment and jerseys) from a fellow player, coach, or member of TYHA or their family, TYHA itself, any of the organizations providing and overseeing the ice used by TYHA, spectator, visiting team or spectator, or ice rink, shall be suspended from the association for one year. A second violation of this rule shall result in a permanent suspension. ACADEMICS - TYHA recognizes that students' commitment to education should take priority over their desire to play hockey. Hard work in school is an attitude that will help a hockey player become self-confident and self-disciplined. All TYHA players are expected to maintain academic eligibility consistent with the established policy of the school district where they are registered.

PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT In addition to those serving on the Board of Directors, Coaches and Assistant Coaches, parent volunteers are needed in other capacities in order for the operation to run smoothly and provide as good a hockey experience as possible for the youth. Volunteers are needed for various duties such as webmaster, banquet, newsletter, advertising, fundraising, scorekeepers, timekeepers, team managers and penalty box attendants. IN-HOUSE TEAM MANAGER - Each team will select a parent/guardian to serve as In-House Team Manager. That person will assist the coach in contacting team members about practices and games and other tasks the coach may request. Team Managers will be responsible to record game statistics on our website. TIMEKEEPERS, SCOREKEEPERS & PENALTY BOX ATTENDANTS - Each team is required to provide two adult volunteers for each game to serve as timekeeper, scorekeeper and penalty box attendants.

COACHES' GUIDELINES SELECTION PROCESS - Perspective coaches must submit a completed Coaches Application form to the TYHA Board of Directors. The TYHA Board of Directors will review all applications and make their final selections. COACHES CONTRACT - Persons selected and approved by the TYHA Board of Directors agree to sign a Coaches Contract and consent to background check. 4

TULSA YOUTH HOCKEY ASSOCIATION GUIDELINES and RULES

CERTIFICATION - USA Hockey Certification is required to be completed no later than December 31st of the current season. Proper certification is mandatory under USA Hockey rules and insurance requirements. Failure to be properly certified puts the coaches, players, and the TYHA at legal risk. No coach will be allowed to participate without the required certification. Certification also insures the continued growth and development of coaching skills and philosophy. Coaches are encouraged to continue acquiring additional skills and knowledge of the game, and are expected to take advantage of available resources through USA Hockey and their developmental program. COACHES' CONDUCT POLICY - The value of any organized team sport depends greatly on the social environment in which it occurs. Typically the most influential person in creating this environment is the coach. In addition to teaching hockey skills, coaches are important role models and leaders. The values displayed and taught by a coach during the course of a season are generally the ones that the team and each individual player will reflect upon. All coaches are expected to remain consistent with USA Hockey and TYHA coaching ethics, guidelines, and principals. A course of conduct that is not beneficial to the TYHA program and its players will be subject to review. (See Grievance Policy – Page 6) COACH/PARENT RELATIONSHIP - The relationship between coaches and parents can play a big part in the player's hockey experience and can seriously influence the coaching process. In addition, coaches and parents may approach the season with very different objectives. Coaches need to maintain a broad perspective of organized youth sports and focus on the development of all players as individuals and as contributing members of a team. Many of the problems that can occur between coaches and parents can be minimized or eliminated by coaches and parents maintaining open communication throughout the season. COACH/PLAYER RELATIONSHIP - Coaches assume the responsibility of doing everything possible to ensure that all of their players receive quality ice time in a safe environment. Successful coaches stress the development of both personal and hockey skills in each of their players, and teach players to play the game with respect and concern for the safety of everyone. Focus should be on the improvement and mastery of skills throughout the season and on giving ones best effort. While TYHA believes that striving to win is important, a team's win-loss record should not happen at the expense of an athlete's well-being, development and enjoyment of the game. A well-organized team will teach good work habits, discipline and a sense of responsibility. Effective coaches set appropriate team and individual goals for the season. These goals should include both technical skill development and personal development. Concern over the personal development of players does not conflict with technical skill development or vice versa, since each occurs best when they occur together. This is what makes a true "athlete". The ability to develop "athletes" is part of the leadership needed from an effective youth coach.

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TULSA YOUTH HOCKEY ASSOCIATION GUIDELINES and RULES

DISCIPLINE POLICY - Coaches are responsible for team and player discipline during TYHA activities. Discipline is not the same as punishment. Punishment includes yelling, berating, sarcasm, threats, and physical force. Punishment emphasizes an athlete's failures, destroys self-esteem and confidence, and creates a fear of failure in players. Discipline involves setting limits on behavior, making rules clear and consistent, and being a role model. Discipline helps an athlete know what is expected, become responsible for their behavior, and increases feelings of self-worth and self-confidence. GRIEVANCE POLICY - TYHA is committed to providing parents and other concerned adults with a mechanism for reasonable and legitimate complaints to be heard. The TYHA Board of Directors is determined to minimize any disruption to a coach from performing their primary duties and responsibilities by undue influence or harassment. Therefore, any parent or concerned adult who has a complaint against a coach is required by this policy to the following procedures: 1.

Communicate your complaint with the coach and attempt to resolve the problem. If unable to reach a mutually acceptable resolution, proceed to the next step.

2.

Direct your complaint to the appropriate League Representative in writing signed and dated. An unsigned letter or complaint will not be accepted.

3.

The League Representative will review all of the issues of the complaint and will serve as a facilitator in resolving the issues and reaching an understanding between the parties involved.

4.

If the League Representative cannot resolve the complaint, the League Representative will forward the complaint to the TYHA Board of Directors for review. The Board will notify the parties involved of their conclusions. Written notice will be sent to all concerned parties and will constitute a letter of understanding for future behavior.

TYHA BOARD OF DIRECTORS 

The Board of Directors for the TYHA may consist of up to 15 elected or appointed members, but should have no less than 5 members at any time.



Each board member serves a three-year term. The term office will commence at the time of their election.



Each board member must be in good financial standing with the TYHA.



Each board member present will have one vote.



Board members are expected to be present at each board meeting and participate in the activities and operation of the association, if two consecutive board meetings have been missed, or if there has been no participation or involvement, the member will be given

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notice. If three consecutive board meetings have been unattended and there has been no participation or involvement, the member will have surrendered their position. The remaining members of the TYHA Board of Directors will take nominations and vote to fill the vacancy with a new member to serve for the remainder of the term as it was originally voted. 

A written resignation must be presented to the TYHA Board of Directors if a board member will no longer be able to serve out their term. The remaining members of the TYHA Board of Directors will take nominations and vote to fill the vacancy with a new member to serve for the remainder of the term as it was originally voted.



In discussions of the TYHA policy or any other issues with our members of the Association, board members are to clearly differentiate to the member what is the Board's policy and position and what is their personal viewpoint.

PLAYING RULES – All USA Hockey Rules shall govern. PLAYER ATTENDANCE - All players are expected to be present and on time at all games and practices. It is the player/parent(s) to notify the coach of any anticipated absences prior to games and practices. Tardiness and absences disrupt coaches' planning, the team concept, and player development. COACHES ATTENDANCE - A coach is expected to be at all games and practices. If a coach is unable to attend, it is the coach’s responsibility to find a suitable replacement prior to the game or practice time. INDIVIDUALS ON THE ICE - Only the practicing team(s) its coaches and assistants shall be on the ice at practice sessions. No player(s) shall be on the ice during a TYHA sanctioned function unless a certified coach is present and available to go onto the ice.

IN-HOUSE LEAGUE EQUITABLE PLAYING TIME IN-HOUSE LEAGUE - Every player shall participate in every in-house league game for which they are eligible to play. It shall be the responsibility of the coach to attempt to provide equitable playing time for each player present. A coach shall have the right to bench a player for a portion of the game for disciplinary reasons.

HIGH SCHOOL LEAGUE Guidelines and Rules for the TYHA High School League can be accessed at: http://www.eteams.com/thsh/files/TYHAHSRulesAmended9-09-09.pdf

TRAVEL LEAGUE

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TULSA YOUTH HOCKEY ASSOCIATION GUIDELINES and RULES

PURPOSE - The Travel Program provides the opportunity for players and teams to develop and compete at the highest levels consistent with capability and desire. The TYHA strives to provide a Travel Program to develop potential players interested in future Junior or college hockey. NUMBER OF TRAVEL TEAMS - The number of travel teams depends on the talent available and interest of the membership. Usually there is one travel team for each age division. If there is sufficient interest by the membership and enough qualified coaches and players available, the TYHA Board of Directors may authorize the formation of an additional travel team for an age division. Typically a second Travel Team in the age group is classified as a Pull-Up Team. DEDICATED TRAVEL TEAMS - The philosophy of offering dedicated travel teams is to make available to the participants of the youth hockey program a more competitive program for skaters with above average talent and the desire to play at a more competitive (not recreational) level. Participants will be selected annually for teams that will compete against like teams from other cities and states. The program will emphasize the discipline, individual responsibility and independence, team play, and the development of the participant's skating and hockey skills. One dedicated team will be allowed in the Midget and Bantam age groups. Consideration by the TYHA Board will be given for the Peewee and Squirt age groups depending on the number of participants in the program, interest at the competitive level and will be reviewed each year. Peewee and Squirt age players will be required to participate in the In-House program. Travel expenses, out of town tournament fees, jerseys and socks will be an additional out of pocket expense incurred by the players. PULL-UP (NON-DEDICATED) TRAVEL TEAMS – Pull-Up Travel Teams offer some of the same opportunities as a Dedicated Team; however, often there are less demanding travel commitments for players and their families. Peewee and Squirt age players will be required to participate in the In-House program. Travel expenses, out of town tournament fees, jerseys and socks will be an additional out of pocket expense incurred by the players. FINANCING - Each travel team will be self-supporting. Money to operate the team will be obtained by the following methods: 1. 2. 3.

Players' fees Sponsors of teams Fundraising events

BUDGETS – Team treasurers, managers and coaches will prepare preliminary budgets based upon ice time and the number of tournaments they expect to attend. These budgets will be provided to prospective team parents at tryouts or will be presented for approval at the first parent meeting. A team, once selected, may modify their budget (e.g. adding or deleting tournaments or ice time) if the parents agree to such modification. All budgets shall be submitted to the TYHA Travel Coordinator, TYHA Treasurer and TYHA Scheduler. TREASURER - Parents of each travel team will select a team treasurer and financial reports must be provided monthly to avoid conflicts of non-payment of funds. Players are responsible

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for keeping their accounts current. NO participation will be allowed on any TYHA team or activity until all past due fees are paid in full. If a player leaves the team the following rules apply: 1.

If a player leaves for extenuating circumstances they are to notify the Head Coach, Manager and Treasurer in writing. Travel fees will be prorated up to the date of resignation.

2.

If a player is injured and cannot return, travel fees will be prorated up to the time it is determined the injury will prevent him/her from playing the rest of the season.

TEAM TYPE AND SIZE – Each team may roster up to eighteen (18) players and two (2) goalies, for a total of twenty, (20). Travel teams are encouraged to carry a full roster if the talent pool is available. The objective of our youth travel program is to develop as many players as have the desire and ability to advance. PLAYING TIME - Travel teams are playing in competitive hockey programs (not recreational); therefore playing time is not guaranteed. The amount of playing time a player receives is at the discretion of the coaching staff. TRYOUTS – The TYHA Travel Coordinator will schedule the dates for Travel Team tryouts, in coordination with the coaches. All players wishing to tryout must have submitted all required registration forms and paid all fees prior to tryouts in order to be allowed to tryout. Tryout fees may be paid at the time of tryouts. At tryouts players are to wear plain jerseys without any identifying names. Numbers will be distributed and will be attached to their jerseys so judges are can identify the individual. SELECTION PROCESS - Only an individual who attends tryout(s) will be considered for travel team selection. Vacancies will not be held for individuals who do not attend tryout(s). EXCEPTIONS 1.

With the approval of the Travel Coordinator players who have presented a legitimate excuse, (i.e.; illness or injury) in writing no later than the day of the last scheduled tryout dates for which the player is eligible to tryout, will have their name presented to the appropriate age group coach for consideration. The coach may arrange a time/location as soon as the player is able to watch the individual skate.

2.

Player's can be recruited after travel team rosters are filled to replace vacancies created by injury, relocation, or shortage. Individuals who move into the Tulsa Metro area during the course of the season call also be considered for addition to the roster up until December 31st of that year. Any exception will have to be submitted to the Travel Coordinator in writing for approval by the TYHA Board of Directors.

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TULSA YOUTH HOCKEY ASSOCIATION GUIDELINES and RULES

CUTS - No individual will be cut until all tryout sessions are completed. SELECTION COMMITTEE - Travel Coaches will utilize a committee of judges in the selection of their team. The committee will be selected by the TYHA Board of Directors and consist of at least three (3) non-partial members. These individuals will be selected from qualified coaches or players from Tulsa or the local community who do not have children trying out for the age group to be evaluated. The Selection Committee will consider team selection on the basis of fitness and ability and shall use consistent measurable criteria in the selection process. They will rank the players from highest to lowest. They will also rank the goalies from highest to lowest. Team members will be selected by majority vote. The Selection Committee will select the first five (5) skaters and the top goalie for the team. The head coach will choose the balance of the team. The following information will be considered when making team selections: 1. 2. 3.

Skating skills (as measured at tryouts). Game sense (demonstrated in tryout scrimmage). Special Circumstances - Any member of the selection committee aware of special player considerations (i.e.; injury, physical limitations, etc.) will make those considerations known to the selection committee.

NOTIFICATION - The Selection Committee and Head Coach will complete team selection within 72 hours of the last tryout and will prepare a roster of those selected for the team listed in alphabetical order. The Selection Committee and/or the Head Coach will submit the roster to the TYHA Board of Directors and the TYHA Travel Coordinator for posting on the TYHA website. The Head Coach will notify all players of their placement on the team. TRAVEL CONTRACTS - After players have been selected for the team and the selected players and their parents/guardians have accepted a spot on the team, players, parents/guardians required to sign a Travel Contract. This acknowledges their responsibilities along with financial and time commitments to the team. Team Managers will retain a copy of the signed Travel Contracts submitting the originals to the Travel Coordinator.

AMENDMENTS These rules and guidelines may be changed or waived by the TYHA Board of Directors if in their judgment it is in the best interest of a player and the association.

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