WTM INDIANS etics.com
WTM Youth Hockey
Member Handbook
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
OVERVIEW OF WTM'S PROGRAM & RULES OF PLAY ………… 1
AGE GROUPINGS ……………………………………………………… 3
THE HOCKEY SEASON & GAME FORMATS ……………………..... 4
WHY PLAY SPORTS & ATHLETE SCHOLAR PROGRAM………… 6
TEAM SELECTION PROCESS ………………………………………. 7
COACHES ……………………………………………………………… 9
EQUIPMENT AND JERSEYS ………………………………………… 13
RINKS AND ICE TIMES ………………………………………………. 14
CLINICS ………………………………………………………….……… 15
DIRECTIONS TO RINKS ……………………………………………… 16
LEARN TO SKATE PROGRAM ……………………………………… 19
NOVICE PROGRAM .……………….. 20
COMMUNICATIONS, NEWSLETTER, WEB SITE ……………..…. 21
TEAM MANAGERS ……………………………………………………. 22
PARENTS - WTM NEEDS YOU …………………………………...… 25
PROGRAM COMMITMENT ………………………………………….. 26
FAIR PLAY - RESPECT INITIATIVE ………………………………… 28
INTRODUCTION, PARENTS COMPACT,
COACHES COMPACT & PLAYERS COMPACT
FLUID REPLACEMENT ……………………………………………… 33
PREVENTING SPINAL CORD INJURIES ………………………….. 34
PARENTS GUIDE TO HOCKEY ………………………………….…. 35
REFEREE SYMBOLS FOR PENALTIES ………………………….. 39
WTM BY-LAWS ……………………………………………………….. 40
VIOLENCE AND LACK OF RESPECT HAVE NO PLACE IN YOUTH HOCKEY
ALL COACHES, PLAYERS AND PARENTS
WILL BE EXPECTED TO MAINTAIN
THE HIGHEST STANDARDS OF CONDUCT
& GOOD SPORTSMANSHIP
WHILE REPRESENTING WTM YOUTH HOCKEY ASSOCIATION
AT ANY HOCKEY FUNCTION
OVERVIEW OF PROGRAM
Wilbraham Twin Meadows Youth Hockey Association serves the towns of Wilbraham, East Longmeadow, Longmeadow and Hampden. The purpose of the WTM Hockey Association is to develop athletic proficiency and competitive sportsmanship in the skill of ice hockey, while incorporating the spirit of teamwork. Emphasis by the coaching staff is on teaching, educating and developing ice hockey skills in all the players.
All players must be a registered member of USA Hockey and Massachusetts Hockey before they participate on the ice with the WTM Organization. The WTM registrar will handle this process when your child registers with WTM. All Players and coaches must complete and sign a Medical Release Form, a Waiver of Liability form, and a Code of Conduct form. All WTM coaches, team managers, and board members, must sign a Massachusetts CORI Form, unless it is already on file from a previous year. Players must also be cleared of any financial obligations from the previous year before their registration will be accepted.
RULES OF PLAY
WTM participates in the Greater Springfield Hockey League which operate under the jurisdiction of Massachusetts Hockey and is governed by USA Hockey. Their rules and regulations will be strictly adhered to at all times.
WTM coaches are provided with Massachusetts Hockey Guide Books and a USA Official Playing Rules Book at the beginning of each season. These books contain a complete set of rules,
regulations and standards to follow as coaches and also inform coaches of the USA sanctioned tournaments. If you have any questions about these rules, please contact your head coach, the ACE coordinator, the Coaches Coordinator, or any other member of the WTM Board of Directors.
AGE GROUPINGS
Players are placed on teams grouped by age. A player's age grouping is determined by his or her birth date. These age brackets are set by USA Hockey.
Learn to Skate: usually 3 to 8 years old
For any questions on age groupings, please contact the Registrar
PLAYERS WHO WISH TO MOVE UP AN AGE BRACKET
WTM Hockey allows players to "play up" a division higher that their age category, under certain conditions. Although this is allowed on a case-by-case basis, WTM strongly encourages all players to play within their appropriate age classification. Any player who wishes to "play up" the upcoming season has to submit a request "package" to WTM Hockey which contains:
1. A letter from the player making a request to play up and the reason the request is being made.
2. A letter from the parent or guardian of the player supporting the players' desire to move up a division.
3. A letter from a coach of the team the player was on the prior season recommending that the player be allowed to play up, with the reasons why.
4. Any other pertinent information.
All requests will be reviewed by the entire Board of Directors at the regularly scheduled meeting held in August. Any WTM registered player (or family member of a registered player) is invited to attend this meeting. All requests will be reviewed and voted on during the public meeting. In reviewing these requests, WTM's main concern will be the safety of the child and the ability of the child to play at the higher level. Any player requesting to "play up" is only allowed to move up one division (i.e. a Mite aged player can request to play at the Squirt level). The approval of any request is for the one upcoming season only. If the request is granted, the player will be notified and the player will be instructed to attend the tryout sessions for the approved age level. The player will be evaluated solely as a player at that age level. If the player does not make the team he or she desires, the player WILL NOT be able to move back to the lower age division.
THE HOCKEY SEASON
Playoffs, Playdowns, Championship games, Regular Season
What Does it All Mean?
WTM Youth Hockey players play their competitive games within the Greater Springfield Junior Amateur Hockey League (GSL). Other youth hockey teams that play in the GSL League include:
Amherst
Baystate
Bay West
Brattleboro
Enfield
Franklin County
Ludlow
Nonotuck
Pittsfield
Holy Name
Springfield Caps
Tri City
Westfield
The season schedule is as follows:
Mites through Bantams:
Evaluation Games Starting late September
Regular Season October to March
Playoff Season TBD
Championship Games TBD
Midgets only: games start in August and end in November
Evaluation games are played to make sure that teams are properly classified in the league. For example, teams entered in "A" can really play against other "A" teams, teams entered as "B" or "C" should really be playing at that level and are not beating every other team in that level. At the end of the evaluation games, the GSL members hold a meeting to review if teams appear to be playing at the fairest level.
Regular season games are just that - the regular season. These games are used to determine the standings that are maintained. These standings are published in the Springfield Newspaper for all divisions except Mite B and Mite C. The top team in each division at the end of the season is the regular season champion. These standings are also used to decide how teams are entered during the playoff season. If there is a wide spread in the ability of these teams, the division is split into an upper and a lower for the playoff season.
Playoff season games are used to determine which teams will play the final GSL Championship games. During the month of March, the top two teams in each division will play one Championship game to determine the Champion for the year. These final Championship games are played at Mite "A" and Squirt, Pee Wee and Bantam level. Mite "B" and Mite "C" are still considered instructional hockey and therefore do not play a championship game.
In addition to the games that we participate in at the League, all of our players and our teams are part of USA Hockey. USA Hockey, which is administered by Mass Hockey in Massachusetts, holds a State Championship tournament for Squirt through Midget divisions.
The first step in this tournament is known as Playdowns. During the week of February vacation, our Squirt and Pee Wee teams are entered into these playdowns. Games are scheduled during the daytime hours of that week and are in addition to any regularly scheduled games and practices. Bantam and Midget playdowns are held during the fall because some of these teams only play until December. Mass Hockey charges an entry fee of approx. $150 per team to participate in these playdowns. WTM is one of the few organizations that pays this entry fee for each of its teams. These games are played in a sudden death format. Once your team loses, your team is done.
If your team successfully wins each game during the week, you become the District VI Champs for your division. Since Mass Hockey is divided into 10 different districts, your team now proceeds to the State Championship games to compete against the other district champs. The cost of these state championship games is approx. $700 per team, and again WTM pays these fees for each of its teams. These games are played on various dates and at various locations throughout the state during the month of March. These games are set up with a minimum of 3 games being played, with the better teams advancing to a championship game to determine the State Champion.
These tournament games at the Mass Hockey level are only available to Squirt, Pee Wee, Bantam, and Midget players. Although Mites do not have an opportunity to participate in this state tournament, during February vacation, when our other teams are doing playdowns, our Mite teams participate in a Mite jamboree. The Mite jamboree is set up just like playdowns to determine a District VI champ, but the winners at the Mite level do not move into the state tournaments.
GAME FORMATS
Buzzer: In buzzer hockey, play is stopped at two-minute intervals, for substitutions and line changes. Substitutions can be made only at these intervals. Each team is divided into "lines" of approximately equal skill and ability. Each of the lines is matched against a line on the other team of equal skill. Teams play three equal periods. This type of play in only at Mite 'C' level for the 1st part of the season.
Over the Boards: In over the boards hockey, play is stopped only at the end of periods, when goals are scored, or when infractions, such as off sides, icing, or penalties are called. Substitutions can be made at any time, including while play is in progress. "Lines" may be of mixed ability levels. This is the type of hockey all of our other teams play.
Checking: Body Checking begins at the Peewee level. Players are taught the proper methods of delivering and taking a check. Any checking at the Mite or Squirt level will be treated as a game infraction, and an appropriate penalty will be assessed.
Why play sports?
Here are the reasons why boys and girls participate in sports, ranked according to mean importance:
BOYS
To have fun
To do something I’m
good at
To improve my skills
For the excitement of competition
To stay in shape
For the challenge of competition
To get exercise
To learn new skills
To go to a higher level of competition
GIRLS
To have fun
To get exercise
To stay in shape
To improve my skills
To do something I’m good at
To learn new skills
To play as part of a team
For the challenge of competition
For the team spirit
Isn't it amazing, most of our kids play hockey TO HAVE FUN !!
Let's Keep it Fun for them.
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WTM Hockey Scholar Athlete Program
While acquiring hockey skills is important, WTM also emphasizes scholastic achievement, good sportsmanship and citizenship as well. We believe that stressing both athletics and education helps to develop a well-rounded individual. The ultimate goal of WTM Hockey is to instill in all of our participants keen athletic, citizenship and scholastic skills that will remain with these fine young men and women long after they have left the WTM program.
In order to reward our athletes who also excel in the classroom, we are pleased to honor these scholar-athletes with a custom designed patch.
This patch is available to all WTM athletes who have achieved a final average of either A or B for all of their major subjects during the previous school year.
To qualify for this patch, the student athlete should mail a copy of their final report card to: WTM Hockey, P.O. Box 836, East Longmeadow, MA 01028.
Remember, homework always comes first.
Good students make smart players.
Smart players win games!
TEAM SELECTION PROCESS
WTM is an all-inclusive program. Each year we take on the extremely difficult task of placing players to make up our WTM teams. The evaluation process attempts to group players of similar skill level on the same team. Why is this so difficult? Primarily because, of all of the children in a given age group, they will tend to form a bell curve of talent. A few kids fall at the highly skillful end of the curve and a few fall at the other end, but the majority are very comparable overall. Most of these kids will have some strong skills and some weak skills. It becomes very hard and judgmental to determine, overall, who are the stronger vs. weaker players. Depending on one’s point of view, a variety of placement orders can be rationalized. There are many factors that can be taken into consideration for placing a player, none of which can be viewed as absolutely correct or incorrect. It is with this thought in mind that we ask you first to recognize that we must instill in our children the importance of playing and enjoying the game of hockey rather than worrying about which level team they participate with. Our goal in player selection is to make the process as consistent and as equal as possible.
Tryout Evaluation: Evaluations and team selections are based upon try-outs held at the beginning of the season, starting in September. Age divisions with large numbers of players will be divided into two groups alphabetically, both groups skating different sessions. Emphasis will be placed on ensuring each player is judged by the same criteria as other players, regardless of the session they are assigned. A series of skating, stick handling and aggressiveness drills have been constructed for each child to be evaluated upon. Players are also evaluated on their skills and hockey sense during actual game conditions with a series of scrimmages, such as 5 on 5, 4 on 4, 3 on 3, and so on. A numeric scoring system will be utilized. A rating system of 5 to 1 will be used with five (5) being the highest or best score. All participating players will be evaluated and scored on the various elements of the tryout. Players scores will be confidential. The scores will be used to establish a player ranking that will be used in the selection of teams. Goalies shall be evaluated or scored in a manner similar to that listed above. The only exception is that there will be a different set of criteria and drills in both scrimmage and skills competition. Goalies will be evaluated or ranked amongst each other in each given age bracket.
The evaluators are selected based upon their knowledge of hockey and their coaching experience. The Coaches Coordinator and President shall approve the evaluators. They are volunteers, have no direct relationship to the age group being reviewed, and genuinely try to assess each player according to their skill level. The evaluators shall determine a player's score independent of other participating evaluators. They shall be fair and consistent.
The importance of these evaluations is that it provides an opportunity to review all of the kids that will be participating at that age level as a group in a common manner. The most significant factor influencing player placement is performance at evaluations, but coaches input shall be weighed in team placement when players possess similar scores or ranking. Coaches evaluations may also be used in the selection of players, if it is felt that a player's score is not representative of a player's overall performance. Please note, the coach may have input, but not control, over the team selection process.
In the event that a player misses the evaluation sessions due to an injury, or other circumstances beyond his/her control, the player will be placed on a team based on the evaluation of the existing coaches at the designated age bracket and the Coaches Coordinator. If only a portion of the evaluation is missed, it is up to the discretion of the Coaches Coordinator of how to facilitate a fair placement for the player.
The team classification a child played the previous season does not guarantee the player will be placed at the same level the following season. All players are evaluated on their hockey improvements over the previous season. The total number of players on any particular team may vary based upon the number of registered players per division and individual skill levels. Once placed on a team, players will be assigned positions based on their teams needs and their coaches judgement for the good of the team.
New incoming Mite and Squirt players who lack basic skating skills to play at a team level may be encouraged to go back to our Learn to Skate program. The lack of basic skills is a potential safety issue and each case will be reviewed on an individual basis.
In closing, the evaluation process can be a stressful and confusing time for both the players and their parents. We hope this overview provides a general understanding of the process. As one can easily see, team selection is not an easy task and there is no perfect way to accomplish this effort. No matter what, there will always be differing opinions and potential for error. Although our system is not perfect, it is a fair and effective approach for player placement. A lot of our success will depend heavily upon the quality and honesty of the individuals involved and an understanding from our members that there will always be questionable placements. Like any process, we will need to continue to review its results and look to make improvements each year as we move forward.
COACHES
As many of you know, hockey should be a fun and rewarding experience for all involved - coaches, team managers, player and parents. Coaches face many challenges trying to blend different personalities and skill levels into a cohesive team. The coach should teach the players the fundamental skills of hockey, while having fun. All coaches, team managers, parents, and players should encourage communication in a positive manner. Each WTM team's coaching staff will consist of one head coach and two assistant coaches, as well as a goalie coach, when available.
All of WTM's coaches are volunteers. They range from fathers/mothers with a child on a team to individuals who love the sport and want to teach children. The program's success depends on the quality of its coaching and WTM has been extremely lucky to have had an excellent coaching staff over the years.
There is usually a great deal of talent to draw upon in our community and those interested in coaching should make their interest known. During the summer months, the Coaches Coordinator receives applications from persons interested in coaching a team for the season. He reviews all applications received and interviews most of the individuals who apply. He then ranks these applications based on the experience and background of each individual within each level (mite, squirt, etc.). After players are placed on the appropriate team for their skill level, the Board of Directors will review the possible coaches candidate for each team. After listening to the recommendation of the coaches coordinator, and the rationale for his recommendation, the full 12 member Board of Directors will vote for one head coach for the team. Choosing to volunteer to your time to coach a team will not affect you child's placement on the appropriate team. Your child will never be moved to a different team because we need a coach.
Coaches are responsible to prepare their teams for competitive play, to maintain order and discipline, to work with the designated member of the Board of Directors on all relevant issues and to ensure proper care and availability of equipment provided by the organization. Coaches must be certified by Massachusetts Hockey and must agree to have their criminal history checked in order to deter individuals with a history of abuse of children from seeking access to our members.
Duties and Responsibilities of Coaches
1. Study the handbook, understand and implement WTM Hockey Coaching Philosophies.
2. Expect to spend many hours on the program during the season.
3. Maintain team discipline and take reasonable measures to enforce violations of team rules.
4. Develop each player as much as possible within the limits of his/her physical and mental abilities.
5. Be accessible to player and parents on a reasonable basis to discuss the player’s progress or lack of it, or to clear up misunderstandings.
6. Conduct a parent-coach meeting at the start of the season to discuss objectives & goals for the upcoming season, prior to the first game played. Conduct additional parent meetings, as necessary, during the season.
7. Monitor or make arrangements for monitoring the activity and conduct of the players in locker rooms and arenas. Players should never be left unattended in the locker room.
8. Be responsible for positioning players and forming lines.
9. Strive to keep post-game meetings with players short, constructive and in a general nature.
10. ALL coaches will have two assistants approved by the Coaches Coordinator.
11. Cursing has no place in our hockey program. Respect for our coaches will be enhanced if our coaches set the right example by their own conduct and vocabulary. That is, coaches cannot expect to enforce a rule on a player if they use curse words and demeaning remarks about a player or team.
12. Each player is an individual and has individual needs. Coaches should respect individuality.
13. Under no conditions should a player be verbally or physically abused by anyone.
14. Praise your player and give constructive criticism. The coaches should prevent criticism of players by teammates and set the example through positive encouragement of all players. Never degrade a player and NEVER in front of a teammate.
15. Coaches can expect visits from our Coaches Coordinator from time to time to evaluate coaching techniques and to answer any questions our coaches may have.
16. ALL coaches shall make every effort to attend accredited coaching clinics as necessary to maintain skills.
17. Set a good sportsmanship example.
18. A coach must always be alert to injured players.
19. All coaches refrain from the use of drugs, alcohol, and tobacco before or during games and practices.
General Guidelines for Coaches and Teams
Coach and teammates should treat each other fairly and honestly within the team concept. Teamwork is essential to the success of the team. Be considerate to one another. All Players should be treated equally.
All players should receive an equal amount of playing time. The only exception is the last two minutes of a close game (tied or down by 1 goal). In the case of a close game, the coach has the discretion to use players they think will perform best under the high-pressure situation.
A shift should be 45 seconds to 1½ minutes long.
All Coaches and players should be at the rink at least 30 minutes prior to each game. This will allow time for the coach to make-up the game lines, review any game plans, as well as adhere to league requirements.
All players should be dressed and ready to go 15 minutes prior to each practice. This will allow the coach to review the practice plan with the players.
The coach(s) should have a practice plan prior to each practice. This plan should be reviewed and explained to the players in order to maximize the use of the ice. During this review, the coach should explain the purpose of each drill (i.e., crossovers, puck movement, passing, lateral movement, positioning, zone coverage, skating fundamentals) as well as answer any questions.
During a practice session, only WTM rostered players and official coaches are allowed on the ice or on the bench.
Each team shall have a maximum of three coaches on the ice at any given practice, unless special circumstances prevail.
If a coach is unable to attend a practice or a game, they should make arrangements for a replacement to be present.
If a player is unable to make a game or practice, they should provide the coach with one week’s notice, so an alternate can be planned.
Foul, vulgar, or abusive language is not acceptable in our program by anybody (coaches, players, parents).
No players are allowed on the ice without a coach present. A coach shall be present in order to assume responsibility and to assure order is maintained.
All Peewee and Bantam players are required to wear a mouthpiece when on the ice during either a practice or a game. These rules shall be followed or the player will not be allowed on the ice. (NO EXCEPTIONS)
The goalies to be used have been identified for the various levels. These goalies identified should be used throughout the season.
Unfortunately coaching can also be grueling, difficult and problematic. When faced with difficult issues concerning those involved during a game or practice, each situation should be resolved quickly and properly. The problems we all face can be minimized, and in some cases turned into a positive experience, if we all follow a few guidelines. Problems should not be ignored; they should be addressed immediately with the player and/or parents. If a coach has a problem with a player’s attitude or behavior, the coach should seek a meeting between the player and his/her parents before the next practice or game in order to resolve any issues. The coach should identify the problem as they see it and suggest what is acceptable for the player on his/her team. The coach should notify the Coaches Coordinator as each incident arises. A written explanation of each incident, with parental involvement, shall be provided to the Coaches Coordinator. If more than 1 incident with parental involvement is encountered, the coach can suspend the player from a game or practice. However, if the situation arises that a player is suspended, the Coaches Coordinator, as well as the WTM President shall be notified with a written explanation of the situation.
If a parent has a problem with a coach, the parent should speak to the coach directly, in a non-hostile environment, off the ice and away from the players, in order to explain their concerns. If the parent is not satisfied with any action or non-action taken, a written explanation of the problem should be directed to the Coaches Coordinator. The Coaches Coordinator will then keep a copy of the written problem and forward a copy to the WTM President who may or may not choose further action.
For all parents, your child is officially rostered on one team only. His or her team comes first in lieu of other activities. Your child has a responsibility to his or her teammates. We realize that many of you have very busy schedules and it is only reasonable to assume that conflicts may arise with your child’s hockey schedule. It is important, however, that your coach be notified in advance of your child’s expected absence. The coach has an overall responsibility to the team to be well prepared for both practice sessions and games. “No shows” significantly impact the coach’s ability to do so. It should be understood that we would support a coach’s decision to institute reduced playing time for a player in response to non-excused absences. It only takes a phone call to avoid this situation from ever happening, so please try to make sure that you give your coach enough notice.
Borrowing Players. If a coach has determined that he/she is going to be short players, they shall contact the coach at the next level down to request players. This plan should be conducted well in advance of the scheduled game or practice in question. The coach of the team in which players are being borrowed should take responsibility for identifying which player(s) to be contacted. It is the responsibility of, and our expectation, the coach supplying the players to insure that he/she equitably distributes these opportunities across all appropriate players. It is also this coach’s responsibility to insure that all league and USA hockey rules are being adhered to. No player should take it upon themselves to attend another team’s game or practice unless they have been directed to by their own coach. No coach should take it upon himself or herself to request player (s) without going through the coach of the team for which the player is being borrowed from.
IMPORTANT COACHING EDUCATION PROGRAM INFORMATION
A rule passed by USA Hockey states: Proof of coaching education level will be evidenced by a USA Hockey Coaching Education card with appropriate dated verification sticker. This card must be carried by all coaches for all USA Hockey games. Before the start of each game and in the presence of the referee, each coach must present their card to one another for verification of coaching education level. If a coach cannot produce their current and up to date USA Hockey Coaching Education card prior to the start of the first period, it must be noted on the official game score sheet and signed by the opposing coach.
Prior to the start of the game, all coaches (Head and Assistant) present, from each team, are required to sign the designated area of the score sheet in order to verify the accuracy of the playing roster, as it appears on the score sheet, for that game, In addition, all coaches (Head and Assistant) must include their USA Hockey Coaching Education Program (CEP) card number, their CEP level (1-Initiation, 2-Associate, 3-Intermediate, 4-Advanced, 5-Master) and the year their CEP level was attained The CEP card number, level and year attained shall be printed legibly and next to the signature of each coach.
The ACE (coaching) coordinator will review certification requirements and clinics with all coaches.
EQUIPMENT AND JERSEYS
WTM supplies home & away game Jerseys to all players. The Jerseys will be distributed before and collected after each game by a team coach and washed by a team coach in COLD WATER ONLY and hang dried, NO dryers. WTM issued jerseys should be worn for GAMES ONLY!
Matching home and away game socks (Chicago Blackhawks) are required and may be purchased a local hockey supply stores. Game socks are a required part of the WTM uniform and must be worn with the matching uniform (away jersey-away socks, home jersey-home socks) -- NO EXCEPTIONS!
The WTM organization supplies each team with team Jersey bags, pucks, puck bags, pylons, practice pullovers, medical kit and supplies.
WTM supplies goalie equipment for Learn to Skate, Mite and Squirt level teams that need equipment, such as catcher, blocker, yoke protector, leg pads and one goalie stick per season. The coach of each team is responsible for this equipment.
All other equipment is the responsibility of the individual player. Safety must be a major concern for everyone. Each player is also responsible for getting name bars with the players' name to be able to temporarily attach to the game jerseys during the season.
General Rules for Hockey Equipment
• Shin Pads - Check for proper length so they protect the knee and shin completely.
• Supporter & Cup - Essential protective equipment; check for proper fit.
• Gloves - Check for proper fit with good finger and hand mobility.
• Shoulder Pads - Adjust to fit the individual at time of purchase. Proper fit is extremely important in helping prevent shoulder separation and the shoulder pad should extend to the tip of the shoulder.
• Pants - Held in proper position by suspenders or a belt. Provides protection for lower spine, hips and thighs.
• Elbow Pads - Properly fitted so that they do not slide.
• Skates - Acquire to fit now, with no more than 1/2" for growth. Seek adequate protection in the ankle, toe, and instep areas. Improperly fitted skates will hamper your child's ability to skate. They must be hockey skates. Keep skates sharp.
• Helmet with “cage” or face shield - Must be sized at the time of purchase to fit properly. The chinstrap must always be fastened. Helmets must be HECC approved. Face shields may be either a metal "cage" or a full plastic shield. Periodically tighten helmet screws.
• Mouth Piece - Required in Peewee through Midgets and may be required at Mite and Squirt level in some leagues. Recommended at all levels. If a mouthpiece is used, it must be of a solid color.
• Stick - Length should generally extend from the ice to the players chin (with skates on). Quality and price differ. Beginning players may wish to buy a stick with a straight blade.
• Neck protector - Protect players from cuts from skates or sticks. This may be mandatory in many leagues.
• Socks - Held in place by a garter belt or velcro support.
Any questions - call the Equipment Manager
RINKS AND ICE TIMES
It is WTM's goal to secure ice time for all teams so that each team will be allotted enough ice time to provide a quality hockey experience for all players.
WTM doesn't have a specific ‘Home Rink’. The organization rents ice from the Enfield Twin Rinks, Smead Arena (Blunt Park), Cyr Rink (Forest Park), Fitzpatrick Arena, Springfield Civic Center and the Olympia in W. Spfld. Ice times are not totally consistent from week to week for any team, but the organization tries as much as possible to accommodate each teams requests. Practice times generally start at 5:00 p.m., with the last ice rental starting at 8:30 p.m. The younger teams are usually assigned the earlier ice times. Until the Greater Springfield League evaluation games start, teams will usually practice twice during the week and twice on the weekend. Once G.S.L. evaluation games begin in October, teams will still practice twice during the week, but will play 1-2 games on the weekend.
WTM is required to provide ice times to G.S.L. for the scheduling of games and this prevents the notion of totally fixed schedules for practice and games. With the increase in popularity of ice hockey, prime ice times and rinks are becoming scarce. WTM is always looking for available prime ice as the number of teams continue to grow. WTM provides some of the most consistent practice days and times in Western Mass.
Schedules will once again be posted on the web site as they are available. Scheduling is a very difficult process. Many factors come into play when the schedule is being prepared for each team. Some coaches cannot make practices at certain times. Sometimes we have quite a few younger teams and not many older teams. Our ice scheduler tries to accommodate all teams, and specifically their coaches, with practice times that fit their schedule to the best of his ability. Game schedules are obtained from Greater Springfield Youth Hockey League (GSL). At the end of the evaluation season, at the start of the regular season, and again at the beginning of playdown season, GSL sometimes does not have a game schedule prepared until a day or two before the games begin. Our WTM ice scheduler sometimes stays up until the wee hours of the morning putting these games into our schedules for our teams. Several of the "late schedule" problems encountered last year were beyond our control. WTM HAS NO CONTROL OVER THE SCHEDULING OF GAMES. WE POST SCHEDULES WHEN WE RECEIVE THEM.
Any questions - call the Ice Coordinator
CLINICS
GOALIE CLINICS: WTM provides goalie clinics for WTM Hockey Association's goalies. These clinics are intended to enhance the skills of our goalies and of our coaches to work with our goalies. These clinics are costly for WTM to sponsor but we believe that the commitment to our goalies is very important.
POWER SKATING CLINICS: WTM incorporates power skating clinics into the schedules for all levels.
OTHER CLINICS: WTM is always looking to provide the best services to our players at the lowest cost. If you are aware of any other clinics that you believe WTM should be offering, please contact our ACE Coordinator.
Please watch the newsletter
for the dates and times of clinics to be scheduled.
Any questions, please call ACE Coordinator
DIRECTIONS TO RINKS
Enfield Twin Rinks
Prior Road, Enfield, CT
(860) 745-2461
From East Longmeadow Center - Take Shaker Road, Rte 220 South for 4.7 miles
• Turn right on North Street and go straight for 1.8 miles
• Turn left on Elm St.
• Turn right on Hazard Ave (CT-rte 190) west for about 400 ft.
• Turn left on South Rd. for 1.1 miles
• Turn left on Raffia Rd., Go 1.4 miles to Prior Rd.
• Rink is at the corner of Prior Rd. and Raffia Rd.
Blunt Rink (Smead Arena)
1780 Roosevelt Avenue, Springfield, MA
(413) 781-2599
From Route Mass Pike: Take Exit 6 and turn left at the end of the ramp onto (Rte. 1 291 West) Take the second exit. At the end of the ramp turn right. Go to the first set of lights. Turn left onto Roosevelt Avenue. Rink is on the right behind Central High School. If you get to AIC (American International College) you have gone to far.
Cyr Arena
Forest Park, Springfield, MA 01108
(413) 787-6438
• From Route 91 South: Take Exit 4 (Rte: 83 East Longmeadow) At the bottom of the ramp (lights) take a left. Go through one (1) set of lights and bear right up the hill. At the top of the hill take a left onto Summer Avenue. At 5th set of lights (Dickinson Street) take a right. Take your second right (Trafton Road) Park entrance for Cyr Arena will be on your right approximately 1/2 mile.
• From Route 91 North: Take Exit for Rte 83. Turn right onto Summer Ave and follow directions above.
DIRECTIONS (cont.)
Olympia Center
125 Capital Drive, W. Springfield, MA 01089
(413) 739-7396
Take Rte. I-91 North to Exit 13A (Rte. 5 North). At first set of lights turn right, then first right and an immediate left. Rink is at the end of road on the left.
Fitzpatrick Rink
575 Maple Street, Holyoke MA 01040
(413) 532-2929
From Route 1 91: Take Exit 16 (Rte. 202 North). Just past Rte 5 intersection take a right onto Franklin Street. Rink is at intersection of Franklin & Maple Streets. From Route 1 90: Take Exit 6 (Rte 291 West) to Rte 9 1 North to Rte. 3 91 North, follow to the end and turn left at second (2nd) traffic light. Rink is on the hill.
Orr Rink
Amherst College Campus
Amherst MA 01002
(413) 542-7950
From Route I-91: Take Exit 19, East on Rte. 9 to 116 South - Rink is 1/4 mile on left.
Pittsfield Boys & Girls Club
16 Melville Street, Pittsfield, MA 01201
(413) 447-9380
From the Massachusetts Turnpike: Take Exit 2 (Rte. 20 West) to Rte. 7 North. Follow Rte. 7 to the rotary in the center of Pittsfield. Enter the rotary at 6:00 and take the exit at 12:00 (this should be Main St.) Either 4 or 5 blocks down on the right will be the YMCA. Take a right onto Melville St. Rink on the right.
DIRECTIONS (cont.)
Amelia Park Ice Arena
21 South Broad Street, Westfield, MA 01085
(413) 568-2503
• From the Mass Pike: Take Exit 3: As you exit the tollbooth bear right onto Rte. 202 South.
• Follow Rte. 202 through the center of town (Main Street). After going through a total of eight traffic lights at the next light Rte. 202 will bear off to the right, you shall go straight at this point to the next set of lights.
• The Big Y Supermarket will be on your left and the Post Office on your right. Amelia Park Ice Arena is behind the Post Office.
Lassone Rink @ Williston / Northampton Prep School
Greenwood Court, Easthampton, MA 01027
(413) 527-1520
From Route I 91: Take Exit 17B (Rte. 141 North). Go 5 miles to Easthampton Ctr. Bear left at church (Cottage Street). Go through the center to the first set of working lights. Go straight through the lights (Payson Ave.). Take a left on Park St. Rink is a 1/4 mile on the right.
Greenfield Area Skating Rink
Barr Avenue, Greenfield MA 01030
(413) 772-6891
From I-91 North, take the Route 2 East exit (exit #27), towards Greenfield/Boston. Merge onto MA-2E. Take the US-5/RT-10 ramp towards Greenfield/Bernardston. Merge onto Federal Street and follow to first set of lights (Silver Street). Take a right and follow to Barr Avenue on left (School sign). Take a left on to Barr Avenue, rink is straight ahead.
These directions are only to be used a guide. If you're not sure where a particular rink is located, please obtain accurate directions before you travel to the game.
For a complete listing of all Massachusetts rinks, please go to the Mass Hockey Web Site at directions
LEARN TO SKATE PROGRAM
The WTM Learn to Skate program is designed to teach young children the very basic fundamentals of the game of hockey. These fundamentals include, skating, balance, agility, handling the puck, shooting, passing and basic positional play. Most of all, the program provides positive reinforcement and an enjoyable experience for all the children and parents. The program begins in October and runs through to March, with 20 skating sessions each season.
Equipment is a critical part of any game. Helmets with full cages and ear protection is mandatory along with hockey gloves. However, we also recommend players wear full hockey equipment at all times on the ice (shin pads, elbow pads, and hockey pants). Please be sure that the equipment fits properly. It is designed to protect against injury on the ice. These injuries not only occur in the older ages in contact hockey but can also result from falls and spills in the younger ages.
Players will need a hockey stick. The stick length is important, it should be up to the player’s chin when the stick is held vertically by the player while standing on skates, up to the nose when not on skates. If the stick is longer than prescribed please cut it to the proper length. Also make sure you buy a left or right curved stick depending on your childs' preference - the players dominant hand usually holds the top of the stick.
Skates must be sized properly; this is the most important piece of equipment to every player, it is the foundation for your child's success and improvement. If their skates are too small, they will be difficult to get on and painful to wear. If they are too big the skater will have difficulty with balance. Skates should be kept sharp. They lose their edge depending on how often or frequently they are used and where the player has walked. Skaters should always walk on padded mats, never on concrete or hard floors without skate guards. Typically skates fit 1-2 sizes smaller than shoes, so if your child takes a size 3 sneaker his skate size is probably going to be a size 1 or 2.
Local athletic shops and sports equipment retailers will have beginners package consisting of skates, hockey gloves, helmet and cage.
If you have questions regarding WTM Learn to Skate, please feel free to contact us. The WTM Organization is looking forward to meeting you and wishes you and your children an enjoyable and rewarding season.
NOVICE (CROSS- ICE ) HOCKEY PROGRAM FOR YOUNG PLAYERS
WTM Hockey Association has established a novice program for girls and boys up through age seven, who have a fundamental skating ability, but have never played on an organized hockey team. The program follows the typical hockey season (Sept. through March), with one practice session and one game each week. The program will follow skills progressions developed by USA Hockey's initiation program, where trained on-ice instructors will teach skating skills, puck control, stick handling, position, passing and receiving. Each week will combine an organized practice and one 4-on-4 (plus a goalie) games against other teams in the Greater Springfield Hockey League. The emphasis will be on FUN with all players getting equal attention and time on the ice. Full equipment is required.
WTM added this Novice (Cross Ice) program for the 2003-2004 season to create a competitive environment where young players can focus on the skill aspect of the game. Players and coaches are not concerned with off sides, icing, face offs or structured system play. All games will be played with a 45-minute running clock, where players will be tapped out and replaced on a penalty. No score is kept for any regular season game and the only face off will start the game. The players will generally get 40–45 shifts, the goalies 100 to 150 shots, and the parents are entertained with some outstanding creative play. The amount of times a player touches the puck in this environment much greater in comparison to a full ice game and everybody improves!
COMMUNICATIONS
The Board of Directors makes every effort to keep members informed of ongoing activities and issues. The primary way of accomplishing this is with postings on our web site, the monthly newsletter, and with direct contact with coaches and team mangers. There will be many times during the season when members may feel they have no idea of what is going on or they think they have been ignored , or worse, not informed or misinformed. Sometimes the chaos during the season may seem overwhelming. At those times, please keep in mind that everyone involved in running WTM is a volunteer and has a family, a job or other concerns.
NEWSLETTER
WTM publishes a monthly newsletter which is used as a communication tool for all of its members. This newsletter should be available for distribution through your team manager around the 10th of every month. Watch for it every month. We are hopeful that every team will write an article and be represented in the newsletter each and every month. All articles to be included in the newsletter need to be received by
the 1st of the month in order to be included in that month’s newsletter.
WTM WEB PAGE
The WTM web site is located at and is the source for updated information on the program, including policies and procedures, team practice and game schedules, current year board members and meeting schedule, etc. Please visit this page often. If you have information you would like to be posted on the web-site, please send to: webmaster@.
Other important web sites to visit for information concerning youth hockey and the league:
USA Hockey Web Site:
Mass Hockey Web Site:
Greater Springfield League (GSL) Site: http//
WTM TEAM MANAGERS
Team Managers are an integral position within the WTM Hockey Association. Each team will be responsible for selecting a Team Manager to represent their team. This shall be done as soon as team assignments are completed. Remember, a good Team Manager is an asset and will aide the coaching staff and the parents throughout the season.
Goals and Objectives -- The Team Manager is the critical organizational and communications link between the coaches, players, and parents. The main objective of a having a Team Manager is to focus the administrative aspect of running the Team away from the coaching staff so that we can allow them to do what they have so graciously volunteered to do – coach and develop our sons and daughters. The Team Manager is the off-ice communication link with and between Parents, Players, Coaches, and the WTM Board. As a single focal point, the Team Manager provides a medium for clear, consistent messages to everyone involved with each Team. This function also supports WTM’S objective of placing the resolution of problems, questions and disputes closer to where they can be resolved quickly. Team Manager Communication Goals focus on four main areas:
· Accuracy/Clarity of overall communications
· Consistency of all messages and communications
· Timeliness of information, minimizing "surprises" to all involved
· Integrity as an unbiased, third party to all issues involving players, parents, and coaches
Share the Work - Although the roles and responsibilities of a team manager may seem extensive, it should be noted that this is a list of all potential activities, which support the team throughout the season. WTM is an all-volunteer organization, and our success hinges on the contribution of our volunteers. We encourage the participation of all parents on every team and delegation of responsibility to lessen the burden on any one single parent/Team Manager. Encourage team parents to help out, in a controlled manner, by delegating responsibility.
Assist the Coaching Staff - As stated above, the Team Manager exists to allow the coaches to maximize their time and energies to the on-ice aspects of the team. However, the most important element of team unity or spirit revolves around solid two-way communication with coaches and players/parents. The Team Manager should always be aware of any problems or issues, and be sensitive enough to mediate a resolution wherever and whenever practical. This means the Team Manager must always be fair, objective and honest to all concerned. The Team Manager will always have the support of the Team Manager Coordinator if they ever feel as though a situation is above and beyond their normal function.
USA Hockey Team Rosters And Forms - The first major activity in the fall helping our Registrar to ensure their team is USA Hockey Registered. Our Registrar must submit the team rosters to USA Hockey in the fall once all team positions are final. Our participation in USA Hockey leagues, playoffs and tournaments depends on accurately completed rosters, which are signed by each player and each “patched” (certified) coaches. Team Managers should also make copies of the USA Hockey roster, give one to the head coach, keep one, and return the original to our Registrar.
E-Mails, and Web Communication - At the start of the season, give parents a list of player names, parents’ names, email addresses, and phone number. Plan to frequently check the WTM web site at for updates. The web site has become an increasingly important tool for publishing and distributing program updates.
Newsletter - Each team is highly encouraged to submit monthly articles or news to the Team Manager Coordinator. This is an important part of building team spirit, and is appreciated by players, parents and coaches. The objective is to publicly recognize players who contribute to their team’s efforts regardless of a win, loss or tie. Publicity should not only report individual success (goals and shut-outs), but also highlight team play as demonstrated by hustle and hard work, assists, good passes, excellent saves, excellent defense, etc. After all, hockey is a team sport! Make a conscious effort to spread the “press” as evenly as possible. Each and every player has a unique value to his or her team in some way. As a rule of thumb, try to mention 4 or 5 players in each write-up, rotating through the team from game to game. The newsletter is NOT the place to express opinions about referees, leagues, etc.!
External Tournament Participation – Work with the Coaching Coordinator and Team Coaches to facilitate the preparations for the tournaments. You should work
with the coach to determine how you will collect the funds for the tournament. If you attend a tournament outside of Massachusetts, you need to get a travel tournament permit from MASS Hockey. All tournaments generally require a copy of the signed USA Hockey Team Roster, and some will require proof of age with either a birth certificate or USA Hockey Member Card.
Game Sheets – (Squirt and Up) Team Statistics - Each league game in which our teams participate in uses a multi-part game sheet to track player participation, scoring and penalties. Each coach (or Team Manager) can help fill out the game sheet before the game and the coaches sign it. Some teams have taken their roster and produced printed labels on their PC that are applied to each form on the game sheet, avoiding filling them out by hand. At the end of the game, each coach receives a copy signed by the scorekeeper and referee. It is very important that you save these copies since they are the only official record of each game.
Individual Recognition (Voluntary)
Patches are awarded in three categories:
· Hat Trick – 3 or more goals in one game.
· Playmaker – 3 or more assists in one game.
· Zero Patch – awarded to goalie(s) for a shut out.
The form you need to complete to get these patches is in the Massachusetts Hockey Guide and on-line at the Mass Hockey web site at . Each player can receive only one of each category of patch per season. Submit a copy of the game sheet with the individual's name and statistics (goals, assists, or shutouts) circled along with the form. This is a task where the Team Manager can help off-load work from the coaches.
Year-End Recognition/Get-Together Event - At the end of the season, each team usually gets together to acknowledge all the hard work and dedication of the coaches, players, parents, and of course, the Team Manager. This gives everyone an opportunity to get together in one place for the last time. A parent may volunteer to hold this party or it may be held at one of the local pizza shops. It may also used to present achievement awards such as individual trophies or patches.
Any questions, call the Team Manager Coordinator
PARENTS
WTM parents are asked to support the coaches and encouraged to get involved with their child's team in a positive manner. Each team needs Assistant Coaches, Team Manager, Team Treasurer and Team News Reporter. The sooner the players and parents bond together as a Team, the more fun the season will be for all.
WTM NEEDS YOU
As you probably know, WTM is run entirely by volunteers. To continue to operate as the strong organization that we are, we need to continually have people becoming involved and helping out to accomplish the many jobs that need to be done. WTM was organized in order to provide an opportunity for area youth to participate in playing hockey. As with any sport, the children are not only learning about hockey, they also learn about teamwork, sportsmanship, setting goals and working toward their accomplishment, making choices and scheduling their time. We hope that WTM will continue to be a strong youth hockey group well into the future - but in order to continue as an organization, we need people to get involved. Below are some of the often heard questions about getting more involved and reasons for becoming more involved with WTM:
Why should I help? As an organization, WTM will remain a strong organization only if people are willing to work for the organization. If your child starts skating with WTM when he/she is 6 years old, you may spend 10 years or more with this organization. Wouldn’t you like to develop a better understanding of the different factors that go into the management of WTM?
I don’t know much about hockey. What could I possibly do to help? As with any organization, some jobs are noticed by most people and require special skill to perform successfully. Many people think helping out means being part of the coaching staff. That’s an understandable assumption, since coaching is the “front line” of hockey - that is what most people see and that directly interacts with the children. We’ve been fortunate to consistently have a great coaching staff, but not everyone is, or should be, a coach. We need people with a wide variety of skills to do the “behind the scenes” work that needs to be done. Of course, the more involved you get, the more you learn about how youth hockey works. Even people who have been around youth hockey for a number of years continue to learn something new.
What if my schedule is already busy and I don’t have much free time to contribute? If your schedule is busy, then you are probably already involved with other organizations, work, or family life, indicating that you have certain skills that are in demand. Why not contribute some of those skills to WTM? Some jobs in WTM require a great commitment of time, but there are many others that require limited, but just as important, involvement.
If I’m interested in helping, how do I go about getting involved?
• Attend a board meeting. The next scheduled meeting is listed in each newsletter. Every meeting is open to any member of this organization.
• Contact any one of the Board of Directors if you have any questions or to discuss how you can help.
• Help out with your team. Write a newsletter article, assist with fundraisers, volunteer to be a manager or collector, etc.
• Recommend WTM to someone you know who has a child interested in learning to play hockey.
Remember, if you can provide help, we can use it.
PROGRAM COMMITMENT
There are many benefits to playing youth hockey. Players learn good sportsmanship and self-discipline. They learn to work together and to sacrifice for the good of a team. They learn how to enjoy winning and to accept defeat. They learn to be positive and not to be critical. They enhance their physical skills and get in shape. In order to attain these benefits, it is necessary for all participants – both players and parents -- to be committed to the program.
The Player's commitment and responsibility to his/her team includes:
• Practice Attendance: By not attending practice a child is letting his team down as well as him/herself. As parents, try to reinforce the importance of your child participating in practices. Be on time dressed and ready to go on the ice 15 minutes before practice. Failure to notify coaches of practice absence can result in reduced playing time.
• Game Attendance: Get to the rink at the time requested by your coach (generally 30 minutes before game time). Keep coaches informed if you will not be able to attend a game. If possible, please give your coach at least a week's notice so an alternative player can be arranged. Failure to notify coaches of game absence can result in reduced playing time.
• Respecting Game Officials: Game officials are to be treated with respect. The player should not talk to officials unless asked a question by the official. If the coach and/or parents have any questions about an official, they should direct their question in writing to the WTM Board of Directors. Under no circumstances, should parents voice their opinions to game officials.
• Respecting your coach and teammates: Teamwork is essential to the success of the team. Be considerate of one another. Accept instruction from your coach positively and do not criticize your teammates -- remember they are doing their best.
• Exhibiting Proper Behavior: The coaches' responsibility is to coach a hockey team, not to teach players how to behave. We expect our players to behave appropriately, to listen to their coaches, and to treat the referees, and other players with respect. Excessive misbehavior can result in being excused from practices, reduced game time, or suspension.
• Not using Abusive Language: Foul, vulgar, or abusive language is not acceptable in our program. Continued use will result in discipline and can result in suspension.
• Avoiding Excessive Penalties: Although penalties are part of the game, excessive numbers of penalties will not be allowed. Any player who has excessive penalties, especially game misconduct or intentional penalties, will be reviewed and possible suspension could result.
The Parent's commitment and responsibility includes:
• Be Involved: Support your child by giving encouragement and showing an interest in his or her team. Support the program by volunteering to help out with their team, at activities and fundraisers, etc.
• Be Enthusiastic: Help your child to meet her/his commitments, especially getting to games and practices on time. Coaches work hard to develop players' skills and try to give all players a fair amount of playing time. This is very difficult to do if a player is late to practices or games.
• Be Positive: Parents are not the participants on their child's team, but they contribute to the success that is brought to their child and the team. Parents serve as role models for their children. Show good sportsmanship at all times. Treat coaches, referees, opponents, teammates and also the other parents with respect.
• Be Supportive: Remember that your child is playing hockey. It is important to let him or her establish individual goals. Be careful not to impose your own standards or goals on them. Let them be themselves. Emphasize your child’s strengths, not their weakness. The best way to help children achieve goals and reduce their natural fear of failure is through positive reinforcement. After all, no one likes to make mistakes. If your child does make a mistake -- and they will (remember, they're just kids) -- keep in mind that mistakes are an important part of the overall learning process. Strive to be supportive and point out the things they do well. Make your child feel like a winner.
In The Stands - Parents can take the fun out of hockey by continually yelling or screaming from the stands. Parents should enjoy the game and applaud good plays. The stands are not a place from which parents should try to personally coach their kids. Kids often mirror the actions of their parents; if they see mom or dad losing their cool in the stands, they'll probably do the same on the ice.
Car And Home - Some parents not only spoil the fun for their kids at the ice rink, but also in the car, believing this is the perfect place for instruction. Parents should try to keep things in perspective. There's more to life than hockey, and the car and home are not places to coach. Parents are responsible for supporting and respecting the coach's decisions and abilities. It is unfair to put children in a position of having to decide who to listen to -- their parents or the coach.
At Practice - Parents should remember that if a child wants to improve, they have to practice -- not just play. Even if a child is not the "star" player for a team, practice stresses the importance of teamwork, establishing goals, discipline and learning to control your emotions, all of which are important lessons children can use both in and away from sports.
• Don't Coach from the Sidelines: Encourage and cheer, but refrain from giving directions to players. The coaches work steadily on improving hockey skills and knowledge of the game. Giving directions from the sideline is confusing and distracting to the players. Avoid placing an exaggerated emphasis on winning. A recent survey indicated 72% of children would rather play for a losing team than ride the bench for a winner. The most important aspect of your child's youth hockey experience is for them to have fun while developing physical and emotional skills that will serve them in life. A healthy, risk-free environment that emphasizes the importance of fair play, sportsmanship, discipline and, most importantly, fun will be invaluable for your child as he or she continues to develop a positive self image.
• Respect Coaches And Program Volunteers: Never confront a coach with an issue or concern in public, in front of their team and/or team parents. Find an out of the way, private place to discuss your issues. Our coaches and volunteers are the assets that keep our program going -- so please keep your perspective and treat them fairly and with respect.
REMEMBER
Parents Can Make a Difference!
MASSACHUSETTS HOCKEY
FAIR PLAY - RESPECT INITIATIVE PROGRAM
Sports has a great deal to offer our children and young people. Apart from the satisfaction of physical activity in itself, it offers them an opportunity to develop a sense of self-worth, a knowledge of their own abilities, a chance to work in cooperation with others and an understanding of competition. It offers the occasion to experiment with physical and emotional boundaries in a healthy and safe environment. In short, it gives children and young people the chance to develop some of the skills needed for living in society.
A child's joyful participation in sport may be jeopardized by the inappropriate expectations and attitudes of the adults involved. Many parents and coaches (but not all) have lost perspective of what sports for children is really all about. Too many parents and coaches today have the high pressured professional sports mentality in mind and try to relate this to children's and youth sports. Each week in the news there are more and more incidents involving violent behavior by spectators, parents and participants in youth sports. Parents invest a lot of time and money into youth sports and they begin to feel the pressure of wanting to see results. Coaches also feel the pressure to win is synonymous with being successful. These pressures and distorted outlooks on the sport of hockey have resulted in out-of-control individuals who cross the line between acceptable behavior and unacceptable behavior and end up giving the whole sport a very poor image. This has a very negative effect on the players who no longer find any FUN in the game and many eventually stop playing the game.
What can we do to put a stop to the inappropriate behavior, lack of respect and out-of-control individuals? How can we develop a sense of respect in the game of hockey? USA Hockey has a number of tools in place; Zero Tolerance Policy, pamphlets and videos for parents, Coaching Ethics, Codes of Conduct for parents, coaches and spectators. The Fair Play-Respect Initiative is directed toward educating parents, coaches, players, referees and administrators in order that they will promote an atmosphere in which young players may learn to participate fairly and with dignity and respect and where the adults set appropriate examples to enhance the positive aspects of youth hockey.
The Fair Play-Respect program does NOT TOLERATE VIOLENCE AND CHEATING. It is intended to develop sportsmanship, honesty, integrity, respect for others and fairness in all the young athletes and participants in the program. Violators are suspended from youth hockey activities.
It is important that all the participants in the game work toward the success of the Fair Play-Respect program. Just like in the game of hockey, it will take a team effort to make this program a success. Together our attitudes and actions can ensure high standards of sporting behavior and help to emphasize fun, friendly competition and individual fulfillment. Doug Palazarri, USA Hockey's Executive Director, says," We must be role models for sportsmanship, teamwork and self-control." Hopefully the Fair Play - Respect program will help put the respect and fun back into the game of hockey for everyone involved and give the game back to the children to enjoy for a long time to come.
WTM views the "Fair Play-Respect Initiative" program as support and confirmation to the many excellent volunteers, coaches, officials, and parents, who are in the majority and who have always practiced and subscribed to the fundamental principles of fun, respect and positive development of the game of hockey. We see this program as a vehicle to assist them to further these values and make the game of hockey even better and more enjoyable. One could view the "Fair Play-Respect Initiative" program as a celebration of the positive elements of the game of hockey that will overwhelm those negative elements that have unfortunately tainted the reputation of the game today. Those few who may question the program are the very ones that many of the elements of the program are aimed at and are indicative of a problem and not a solution. It is not a time to be defensive, but rather offensive and proactive in advocating a program that is totally positive. We encourage the majority to confidently come forward with energy and support the "Fair Play-Respect Initiative" program to make the game of hockey even better.
Our objective is to provide a program which plays a significant role in the development of a young person's values, morals, social maturity, physical fitness and mental fitness. We want to promote acceptable conduct which provides:
➢ Respect for persons
➢ Protection from harm
➢ Development of ethical conduct toward others
➢ Notions of justice, fairness and equity
➢ Caring attitudes
➢ Freedom to enjoy and flourish
➢ Respect for the game
It is a must that every participant abides by theses principles. A participant is defined as (but not limited to) a player, coach, official, or spectator. This program is not intended to be a new process for complaints about officiating or general hockey rules. The objective is to promote and insure acceptable behavior.
The enclosed Compact forms for each participant are attached. Please review these forms and sign them. Parents and players must sign the respective Compact form before inclusion in the WTM hockey program is allowed.
ALL COACHES, PLAYERS AND PARENTS
WILL BE EXPECTED TO MAINTAIN
THE HIGHEST STANDARDS OF CONDUCT & GOOD SPORTSMANSHIP
WHILE REPRESENTING WTM YOUTH HOCKEY ASSOCIATION
AT ANY HOCKEY FUNCTION.
MASSACHUSETTS HOCKEY FAIR PLAY - RESPECT INITIATIVE
PARENTS COMPACT
It is the intention of this compact to promote Fair Play and Respect for all participants within Massachusetts Hockey. Please read the Fair Play and Respect Code and continue throughout the year to observe and follow all the principles contained within the following code:
1. I will not force my child to participate in hockey. I will try to make it FUN!
I will remember that my child plays hockey for his or her enjoyment, not mine.
2. I will encourage my child to play by the rules and to resolve conflict without resorting to hostility or violence.
3. I will teach my child that doing one's best is as important as winning so that my child will never feel defeated by the outcome of the game.
4. I will make my child feel like a winner every time by offering praise for competing fairly and hard.
5. I will never ridicule or yell at my child for making a mistake or losing a game.
6. I will remember that children learn by example. I will applaud good plays by both my child's team and their opponents.
7. I will never question the official's judgment or honesty in public. I recognize that officials are being developed in the same manner as players.
8. I will support all efforts to remove verbal and physical abuse from youth hockey games.
I will respect and show appreciation for the volunteers who give their time to hockey for my child.
9. I will never yell, taunt, threaten or inflict physical violence upon any player, coach, official or spectator at any youth hockey activity.
10. I will not be critical of, or embarrass any player, including opposition players.
11. I will leave the coaching to the coaching staff. I will encourage my child to play in a manner consistent with the team's strategy or plans.
12. I will communicate my concerns to the Team Manager.
13. I agree that school should take precedence over hockey.
14. I realize that my child is responsible for his / her own equipment.
15. I will refrain from the use of abusive or vulgar language at any time at the rink or any youth hockey function.
16. I will emphasize skill development and a serious approach to practices and explain how skill development will benefit my child.
17. I will attempt to learn about the game of hockey (USA Hockey rules, equipment, levels, skills, etc.)
18. I will refrain from throwing objects of any kind on the ice or leaning over and pounding on the glass.
19. I will insist that my child plays in a safe and healthy environment. I will support a sports environment that is free of alcohol, drugs or tobacco and I will refrain from their use at all youth sports events.
20. I understand the benefits from participation in a team sport, the commitment, the discipline and the social skills learned and acquired.
21. I will support the whole team concept.
I agree to abide by the principles of the FAIR PLAY AND RESPECT CODE as established by Massachusetts Hockey and supported by my local Association.
____________________________________________ _________________ __________________
Parent Signature(s) Date Player's Name
MASSACHUSETTS HOCKEY FAIR PLAY - RESPECT INITIATIVE
COACHES COMPACT
It is the intention of this compact to promote Fair Play and Respect for all participants within Massachusetts Hockey. Please read the Fair Play and Respect Code and continue throughout the year to observe and follow all the principles contained within the following code:
I will be reasonable when scheduling games and practices remembering that young athletes have other interests and obligations.
1. I will teach my athletes to play fairly and to respect the rules, officials, opponents and teammates.
2. I will ensure all athletes receive equal instruction, discipline, support and appropriate, fair playing time.
3. I will not ridicule or yell at my athletes for making mistakes or for performing poorly. I will remember that children play to have fun and must be encouraged to have confidence in themselves.
4. I will make sure that equipment and facilities are safe and match the athlete's ages and ability.
5. I will remember that children need a coach they can respect. I will be generous with praise and set a good example.
6. I will obtain proper training (certification) and continue to upgrade my coaching skills. I will make a personal commitment to keep informed on sound coaching principles and the principles of growth and development of children.
7. I will be organized and prepared for all practice sessions and games to maximize and optimize all scheduled ice time.
8. I will not be openly critical of any official, opposing player or other coach.
9. I will emphasize respect, teamwork, FUN, and attempt to nurture a passion for the game of hockey and sports with all my players.
10. I will establish a philosophy that is in agreement with USA Hockey, Massachusetts Hockey and my local association.
11. I will work to serve the needs and welfare of my athletes. I realize that the athletes come first and winning is secondary.
12. I will respect other coaches in our association and work with them to ensure the maximum benefits for our players.
13. I will respect the Player's Bill of Rights.
14. I will accept final responsibility for the performance and behavior of the players that I coach.
15. I will never solicit covertly or overtly, athletes who are playing on other teams to join our team.
16. I will remember to respect the image of the coach and continuously maintain the highest standards of personal conduct, reflected in both the manner of my appearance and my behavior. I hope to be a Good Role Model.
17. I will never smoke nor consume alcoholic beverages while coaching or in the presence of the players.
18. I will refrain from the use of obscene and vulgar language or gestures in my coaching duties.
19. I will not throw any objects on the ice, at any players or in the stands.
20. I will not try to distort or claim ignorance concerning any rules or regulations established by USA Hockey, Massachusetts Hockey or my association / league.
21. I recognize that there will be times when I will disagree with the decisions made by on-ice officials. I will strive to maintain my composure at all times to minimize any tensions that may develop. I will accept the official's decision as final and not seek to provoke any further disagreement or cause any delay of the game.
I agree to abide by the principles of the FAIR PLAY AND RESPECT CODE as established by Massachusetts Hockey and supported by my local Association.
____________________________________________ _________________ __________________
Signature(s) Date Team
MASSACHUSETTS HOCKEY FAIR PLAY - RESPECT INITIATIVE
PLAYERS COMPACT
It is the intention of this compact to promote Fair Play and Respect for all participants within Massachusetts Hockey. Please read the Fair Play and Respect Code and continue throughout the year to observe and follow all the principles contained within the following code:
I will play hockey because I want to, not because others or coaches want me to.
1. I will play by the rules of hockey and in the "Spirit of the Game".
2. I will control my temper - fighting or " mouthing-off" can spoil the activity for everyone.
3. I will respect my opponents and their fans.
4. I will do my best to be a true team player. I will encourage good team play.
5. I will remember that winning isn't everything - having fun, improving skills, making friends and doing my best are also important.
6. I will remember that coaches and officials are there to help me. I will accept their decisions and show them respect.
7. I realize that school will take precedence over hockey.
8. I will not use vulgar or profane language toward teammates, coaches, officials, opponents or spectators.
9. I will refrain from banging my stick, trash-talking and hot-dogging during the course of a game.
10. I will behave and hold myself accountable at all times when representing my team in all public places, especially when traveling during away games.
11. I will respect my coach's decisions regarding instructions, ice time, practice, etc.
12. I will have FUN, but not waste valuable practice time and instruction time before and after games.
13. I will respect others' property and belongings and the facility in which I play. I will leave the locker room in orderly condition.
14. I agree that alcohol, tobacco products and banned substances have NO PLACE in HOCKEY!!
15. I agree not to endanger or create any safety hazards by throwing any objects haphazardly on or outside the playing surface or bench area.
16. I agree that there is no place for violent or overly aggressive play in hockey, where the obvious intent is to injure or harm another player.
17. I agree to do my best in all my endeavors on and off the ice and to conduct myself with class and dignity.
I agree to abide by the principles of the FAIR PLAY AND RESPECT CODE as established by Massachusetts Hockey and supported by my local Association.
____________________________________________ _________________
Signature(s) Date
FLUID REPLACEMENT
Is it necessary for athletes to drink fluids during exercise, or will this fluid cause the athlete to "drag," that is, not to perform as well ? Restricting fluids during exercise could actually cause a DECREASE in the athlete's performance, and could cause serious medical problems to an athlete. Some investigators have found that having the athlete drink fluids before exercise and during exercise can actually IMPROVE the athletes performance.
Fluid replacement is very important for athletes. An eighteen year old who is not vigorously exercising needs approximately 2.5 quarts of replacement water every day. This is needed to replace water excreted via urine (1.3 quarts), the skin (0.85 quart by perspiration), and the lungs (0.35 quarts by exhaled air). To replace this water, the average individual consumes a minimum of 1.2 quarts (38 ounces or five glasses) of fluid each day, and an additional 1.0 quarts in foods, such as fruits and vegetables, which contain large amounts of water. In addition, 0.3 quarts of water is formed when food molecules are degraded for energy. With vigorous exercise, there will be an increase in the loss of fluid from the skin (from up to 3.0 to 5.0 quarts) and from the lungs (up to 0.7 quarts). This increased loss of water will make the player dehydrated unless replaced; the athlete needs to drink several quarts of water to prevent dehydration.
During exercise, the body works hard at performing, which produces a large amount of heat internally. The core temperature of the body rises, and there is a need for the body to dissipate this additional heat. The major way that the body handles this additional heat is by sweating and evaporation of perspiration from the skin. Also, players lose additional water during exercise from exhaled air in the lungs. The body can react unfavorably to fluid lose. An athlete can experience early muscle fatigue, loss of coordination, irritability, and a inability to perform at an appropriate level if he/she becomes dehydrated.
How, when, and with what should this water be replaced ? The thirst mechanism is triggered by an abnormally high concentration of salt (sodium) in the blood, which can result when you sweat. As you sweat, you lose water from the blood. The remaining blood becomes more concentrated and has a high salt (sodium) level. This triggers the thirst mechanism and increases your desire to drink. To quench your thirst, you drink water and other fluids to decrease the blood concentration of salt (sodium). However, this thirst mechanism does not always work early enough for athletes undergoing strenuous exercise. If an athlete waits until the thirst mechanism kicks in, the player is probably already dehydrated. Water replacement should start before the game or practice, continued during the activity, and include post activity hydration.
Plain water, preferably cold, is the best fluid replacement. Cold water leaves the stomach faster than warm water, and will decrease bloating. Plain water leaves the stomach much faster than drinks containing glucose (sugar), such as Coca Cola, Pepsi, Gatorade or Exceed. The purpose of hydration in sports is to get water to the working muscles and cells as soon as possible. During exercise lasting less than ninety minutes, there is no evidence that a carbohydrate-electrolyte drink (such as Gatorade) is any better than plain water. In addition to the fact that sugared drinks leave the stomach slower than plain water, players should avoid highly sugared drinks (greater than 5% glucose) and chocolate bars within one hour of a game or practice for another reason. This sugar load will cause the body to secrete a hormone (insulin) that will actually cause a decrease in the blood level of carbohydrate about thirty to forty minutes after the ingestion of the sugar. This decrease in the blood level of carbohydrate can cause the players to experience a sluggish feeling when they step out on the playing field or ice surface.
Water is a must during games and practices. Players should have their own water bottles, to eliminate the risk for spreading communicable disease. Also, the water bottle should be held in some sort of receptacle that prevents the bottle from falling on the floor and becoming contaminated. Drinking water before a game or practice, even cold water, will not cause cramps. In fact, there is a good possibility that cramps can result from dehydration due to drinking to little water.
PREVENTING SPINAL CORD INJURIES
Taken from information distributed by USA Hockey and Massachusetts Hockey.
This short, catchy phrase is designed to bring to players and parents attention the risk of serious neck and spine injury as a result of an impact between the player's heard and the boards surrounding the playing surface and how to minimize such risk.
Basic principles of Heads Up Hockey:
1. Rule One: Heads up—Don’t duck!
2. Hit the boards or goal posts with an arm, a leg or anything but your head first. When going into the boards, try to put up your hands, arm, or shoulder to cushion your collision.
3. If you are unable to get your hand, arm, or shoulder up to cushion your collision, then be sure to keep your head up.
4. Skate into the boards on an angle to dig out the puck.
5. Taking a check: Keep your head out of it. Skates parallel to the boards, knees bent, low center of gravity. Skate through the check and get away quickly.
6. No checking from behind. It’s illegal, dangerous and bad hockey. Don’t do it!
7. Wear a snug-fitting, HECC-certified helmet in good shape, plus full facial protection.
8. Use a mouth guard every time you’re on the ice.
Important Points to Remember:
In its normal, neutral position, the spine has a natural curvature and some spacing between the vertebrae. Neck injuries occur when a player’s head makes contact with the boards, goal posts, or with
another player with the neck slightly flexed (chin near chest). This position results in the neck vertebrae being lined up in a straight line with little or no space between them, allowing the force hitting the top of the head to be transmitted to the vertebrae, and can result in the fracture or breaking of one of the cervical vertebrae. This can cause paralysis. When the neck is in the hyper-extended position there is greater spacing between the vertebrae and this type of injury is much less likely to occur.
There is no equipment that will prevent a cervical spine injury. Helmets may reduce concussions, but will not prevent cervical spine injuries. Neck laceration protectors will not protect the player from this type of injury.
Spinal cord injury is very infrequent in ice hockey. To reduce the occurrences as much as possible, USA Hockey has implemented rule changes and asks coaches to stress neck strengthening and flexibility exercises, NO CHECKING FROM BEHIND, and Heads Up, Don’t Duck!
WTM has a 13 minute video prepared by Dr. Alan Ashare demonstrating how a serious injury takes place and how the player can attempt to minimize the risk of same. It is sobering and very informative. It may be borrowed by any parent who would like to view it and discuss the issues raised with their children. Please contact the President to secure the tape. We also have brochures on the topic available for any interested parent.
Hockey is a very popular sport and justifiably so. It a great experience for boys and girls. In order to prevent injures, players and their parents need to be aware of the dangers inherent in the sport.
Parent’s Guide To Hockey
The following is a quick overview of hockey, basic skills, information on teams and rules, and a glossary of hockey terms.
The Game of Hockey:
Ice hockey is played on a rink, a sheet of ice which is approximately two-thirds the size of a football field, usually between 185 and 200 feet long and about 85 feet wide. The game is played in three periods of equal length; 20 minutes for each period at most levels, but often 12 or 15 minutes in youth classifications. The sport involves four basic skills: skating, passing, stick-handling and shooting. These skills can be learned at any age, and the good hockey player continually works to improve and refine his or her skills. Physical size is not an important factor in becoming a skilled and successful hockey player. Every player has an opportunity to be a part of the action, given the speed of the game, the number of players on a team and the size of the surface upon which the game is played.
The Four Basic Skills of Hockey:
▪ Skating is the skill that makes hockey unique, and it's something that players at all levels of the sport continually strive to improve. Without adequate skating ability, players are less able to perform the other essential skills of the sport.
▪ Stick-handling is perhaps the most difficult of the basic skills to master. It allows a skilled player to maneuver around opponents and create better offensive opportunities.
▪ Passing is what makes hockey a true team sport and helps make the game fun. Passing gets everyone on the ice involved in the action and turns scoring into a team effort. Helping teammates experience success is what the game is all about, and passing allows the thrill of scoring to be shared.
▪ Shooting is the end result of an offensive team play and is the action that produces a goal. Many players spend most of their time practicing shooting because they believe scoring is the most fun. Players should, however, place an equal emphasis on the other basic skills of hockey, given the fact most players generally take fewer than six shots in an entire game.
The Team:
A team is comprised of a maximum of six players on the ice at any one time (see "penalties"). The goaltender is responsible for guarding the team's goal and preventing the opposing team from scoring. The primary responsibility of the defensemen (two) is to prevent the opposing team from having a good shot at the goal. The defensemen also attempt to gain possession of the puck and pass to teammates to initiate an offensive scoring opportunity. The primary responsibility of the forwards (three: right wing, center and left wing) is to score. However, forwards also assist the defensemen by back-checking after their team has yielded control of the puck to the opposition.
The Playing Zones:
The ice surface is divided by blue lines into three zones: defensive, offensive and neutral. The defensive zone is the area in which a team protects its own goal and attempts to keep the opposition from scoring. This same zone is the opposing team's offensive zone, or the area in which they are attempting to score. The neutral zone is the area between the two blue lines.
The Officials:
At higher levels of ice hockey competition, three officials, one referee (identified by an orange arm band) and two linesmen, are utilized. At the youth level, two officials, both of whom are referees, are common. The referee is the ultimate authority during the game and is primarily responsible for calling penalties and determining if goals have been legally scored. The primary responsibilities of the linesmen include determining violations of off-side and icing while assisting the referee in enforcing the rules of the game.
The Rules:
The playing rules of hockey are divided into three basic categories:
1. Violations that result in a face-off
2. Violations that result in a player being awarded a penalty shot
3. Violations that result in a player being sent to the penalty box for a specified period of time
The following is a brief explanation of each category or type of violation. Naturally, there are technical aspects of each rule that will, at various times, determine whether or not the violation is called.
Violations that result in a face-off:
• Off-Side: An offensive player may not precede the puck across the blue line into the offensive zone.
• Off-Side Pass: The puck may not be passed from a team's defensive zone to a player of the same team who is beyond the center red line (applies only to Junior B and above).
• Icing: A team, when both teams have an equal number of players on the ice, may not shoot the puck from behind the center red line over their opponent's goal line (except if the puck goes into the goal). In Junior B and above, a player from the defensive team must first touch the puck before icing is called.
Violations that result in a player being awarded a penalty shot:
A penalty shot is most commonly awarded if:
• A player, while in a scoring position, is fouled from behind and deprived of a scoring opportunity; or
• A defensive player grabs or falls on the puck when it is in the goal crease.
To take a penalty shot, an offensive player takes control of the puck at center ice and tries to score against the opposing goaltender. All other players are removed from the action.
Violations that result in a player being sent to the penalty box:
For the following penalties, the penalized team must play minus the number of players serving such penalties, with one exception: the penalized team can have no fewer than four players, including the goaltender, on the ice (delayed penalty):
• Minor Penalty: Two minutes. If a team is scored upon while they are shorthanded because of a minor penalty, the penalty shall terminate immediately.
• Major Penalty: Five minutes. Does not terminate early for any reason.
• Match Penalty: Five or ten minutes, depending upon the violation, and is served by a teammate. If assessed a match penalty, the offending player is ejected for the balance of the game and may not play in future games until league administrators have reviewed the case.
For the following penalties, the team will replace the penalized player on the ice immediately:
• Misconduct: Ten minutes. Served in the penalty box.
• Game Misconduct: Ejection for the balance of the game and the player or coach will serve an additional one game suspension.
• Gross Misconduct: Ejection for the balance of the game and the player may not participate in any future games until the case has been reviewed by league administrators.
The following is a quick list of penalties and their definitions:
• Slashing: Hitting or swinging at an opponent with the stick.
• Holding: Impeding the progress of an opponent by using the hand, stick or any other means.
• Elbowing: Checking an opponent with the elbow extended.
• Hooking: Using the stick to impede the progress of an opponent.
• Tripping: An action against an opponent's leg which causes the opponent to fall.
• Charging: Body checking an opponent at an excessive speed; checking or pushing from behind.
• High-Sticking: Carrying the stick above normal shoulder-height. If the violation results in an injury to an opponent, a major penalty should be assessed.
• Interference: Impeding the progress of an opponent who is not in possession of the puck.
• Cross-Checking: Checking an opponent with the stick across the body.
• Checking From Behind: An extremely dangerous action characterized by a player checking an opponent directly from behind. Parents, players, coaches and referees must all work to eliminate this infraction from our sport.
Glossary Of Hockey Terms, A to Z:
• Assist: An assist is credited in the scoring record to the offensive player or players involved in the play immediately preceding a goal. Maximum of two assists per goal.
• Back Check: The action of the forwards skating back into their defensive zone to break up the opposing team's offensive play.
• Body Check: Using the body to impede an opponent who has possession of the puck to break up or disrupt an offensive play.
• Breakaway: A scoring opportunity that occurs when there are no defending players between the puck carrier and the opposing goaltender.
• Breakout: Movement of a team in possession of the puck out of its defensive zone.
• Changing On The Fly: Substitution of players without a stoppage in play.
• Clearing The Puck: Shooting the puck out of the defensive zone or away from the front of the goal.
• Delayed Penalty: A team shall not be shorthanded on the ice more than two players at any one time because of imposed penalties. Therefore, should a team receive a third penalty, that penalty shall be delayed in its start until one of the preceding penalties has terminated. Also, the referee will not call a penalty until the offending team has touched the puck.
• Delayed Whistle: When a violation occurs, the official will not blow the whistle to stop play as long as the non-offending team is in possession of the puck. The moment the offending team touches the puck, play will be stopped.
• Face-Off: Dropping the puck between one player from each team to initiate play.
• Forechecking: Pressuring the opponent when they control the puck in the neutral or defensive zone.
• Goal Crease: The area marked off in front of the goal. An offensive player may not enter the goal crease unless the puck is already inside this area.
• Goal Judge: An off-ice official who sits behind the goal, outside the boards, and determines if the puck enters the goal. Should there be a difference of opinion, the referee will have the final decision.
• Hat Trick: Term referring to a player scoring three goals in a single game.
• Icing: A team, when both teams have an equal number of players on the ice, may not shoot the puck from behind the center red line over their opponent's goal line (except if the puck goes into the goal). In Junior B and above, the puck must first be touched by a player from the defensive team before icing is called.
• Minor Officials: More commonly referred to as "off-ice officials." Includes the goal judges, game timer, and penalty timer and official scorer. Not all positions are utilized in youth games.
• Off-Side: When an offensive player precedes the puck across the blue line and into the offensive zone. For an offside violation, a face-off will be conducted in the neutral zone.
• Off-Side Pass: In Junior B and above, the puck may not be passed from a team's defensive zone to a player of the same team who is beyond the center red line.
• Poke Check: Using the blade of the stick to knock the puck away from an opponent.
• Power Play: An attempt to score by a team, which has a numerical advantage in players due to a penalty or penalties.
• Referee's Crease: A restricted area, marked by a red semi-circle, in front of the timer's table, which a player is prohibited from entering while the referee is reporting a penalty.
• Screen: Offensive players positioning themselves to block or shield the opposing goaltender's view of the puck.
• Shorthanded: When a team is playing with one or two fewer players than their opponent due to penalties.
• Slap shot: A sweeping motion with an accentuated back swing to shoot the puck (similar to a drive in golf).
• Slot: An unmarked area in front of the goal approximately 10 to 15 feet in diameter.
• Wrist shot: The motion of shooting the puck with the puck directly against the blade of the stick.
• Zamboni: A machine used to resurface the ice.
REFEREE CALLS
FOR
PENALTIES
Do you know what is happening when the referee stops play and makes a penalty call? If you don't, then you're missing an important part of the game. The referee can call different penalties that result in everything from playing a man short for two minutes to having a player kicked out of the game.
Here are some of the most common referee signals.
-----------------------
ZERO TOLERANCE RULE
The game will be stopped by on-ice officials when the parents / spectators displaying inappropriate and disruptive behavior, interfere with other spectators or the game. The on-ice officials will identify violators to the coaches for the purpose of removing parents / spectators from the spectators viewing and game area.
The game clock will continue to run, unless there is less than a three-goal differential in the final two minutes of the game, until the parents / spectators are removed. Once removed, play will resume. Lost time will not be replaced and violators may be subject to further disciplinary action by the local governing body. If the zamboni enters the ice surface while inappropriate and disruptive behavior is being displayed, the game shall be suspended subject to action by the local governing body.
This inappropriate and disruptive behavior shall include:
• Use of obscene or vulgar language in a boisterous manner to anyone at any time.
• Taunting of players, coaches, officials or other spectators by means of baiting, ridiculing, threat of physical violence or physical violence.
• Throwing of any object in the spectators viewing area, players' bench, penalty box or on ice surface, directed in any manner as to create a safety hazard.
The intention of the rule is: To require all parents / spectators to maintain a sportsmanlike and educational atmosphere before, during, and after all USA Hockey sanctioned games.
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