Below is a list of policies set out by the board of STEMHA. These will be reviewed and updated on a regular basis.
PARENT CODE OF CONDUCT POLICY
AS A HOCKEY PARENT, I WILL:
- Gain an understanding of the STEMHA 24-Hour Rule to deal with team complaints and adhere to it.
- Understand that coaches and managers are unpaid volunteers and I will carry realistic expectations, and I will be patient and understanding when I disagree with a decision, and use appropriate communication when disagreements take place.
- Exhibit a high degree of sportsmanship, teamwork and positive attitude at all times when representing my child and the Association.
- Respect and adhere to the ideals, policies, and rules determined by Hockey Canada, Manitoba Hockey, St. Eustache Minor Hockey (STEMHA) and my child’s team.
- Encourage my child to attend as many games and practices as reasonably possible in a timely manner. Notify the coach/manager ahead of time of any absences.
- Refrain from posting any defamatory or negative comments on social media regarding any event, person or incident related to STEMHA.
- Refrain from yelling at or threatening referees, opposing players or coaches before, during, or after games or practices.
- Refrain from approaching the bench during a game situation unless summoned by a coach.
- Understand my role and not cross lines with the 4 pillars of a successful team: Coaches Coach, Players Play, Referee’s Ref, and Parents Support.
Please note: If any complaints of inappropriate behavior are received by the STEMHA board, they will be investigated and if confirmed, possible disciplinary actions may occur.
Coaches CODE OF CONDUCT POLICY
AS A Coach, I WILL:
- Abide by the STEMHA 24-Hour Rule.
- Keep an open line of communication with the parents and routinely discuss team and individual goals for their player.
- To teach my athletes to play fairly and to respect the rules, officials, opponents and team mates.
- To ensure all athletes receive equal instruction and support, appropriate and fair playing time, in accordance with the STEMHA’s Coach’s Fair Play Policy for Players’ Ice Time (where implemented).
- Not ridicule or yell at any players, game officials or other team officials for making (perceived) mistakes or for poor performance.
- Remember that children play to have fun and I will create an environment where they will develop self-confidence, trust, and respect.
- Not question the game official’s judgment or honesty in public.
- Make sure that equipment and facilities are safe and match the athlete's ages and ability.
- Remember that children need a coach they can respect. I will be generous with praise and I will set a good example.
- Obtain proper training and continue to upgrade coaching skills.
Please note: If any complaints of inappropriate behavior are received by the STEMHA board, they will be investigated and if confirmed, possible disciplinary actions may occur.
STEMHA
24-HOUR RULE Policy
St. Eustache Minor Hockey (STEMHA) is committed to providing a positive learning environment where all individuals are treated with respect. Being a member of this association should be a positive, rewarding, and beneficial experience for all - players, coaches, parents, officials, and volunteers.
To ensure that all members of our association are treated fairly and with respect, we encourage everyone to communicate in a positive manner and to follow certain guidelines when discussing issues about practices and games. STEMHA fully endorses our Codes of Conduct, and encourages all members to follow proper procedures when dealing with sensitive issues.
We understand that hockey can be an emotional sport for many and we want to ensure that our players and members interact in a fair and safe environment. Unfortunately, there have been some incidents when members have acted in a negative and less than professional manner.
As a result, STEMHA adopted the following:
24-Hour Rule
Unless there is an immediate safety issue, parents/guardians of players must wait 24 hours prior to contacting the team’s coach/manager following the game or practice of incident related to their child. The 24-hour period is a time to logically assess the situation and afford a "cooling off" time for all parties so things can be discussed in a calm, unemotional manner and not "in the heat of the moment".
Failure to abide by this guideline will result in the following penalties (on a per season basis):
· 1st offense - Verbal and written warning to the individual(s) in question.
· 2nd offense - Removal from all STEMHA activities for two weeks. That means that the individual(s) in question cannot be at practices, games, or any other events.
Further offenses will be reviewed and assessed by the STEMHA Board.
STEMHA
Fair play Policyies
The Coach’s Fair Play Policy for Players’ Ice Time sets STEMHA guidelines for coaches to manage players’ ice time and it will assist coaches in setting expectations to players and parents. Coaches are expected to administer this policy and communicate it and their intentions to their players and parents.
Fair Ice Policy (U7-U9)
• STEMHA mandates that all players receive balanced amounts of ice time and opportunity on a game-to-game basis. All players are to participate in special teams (power play, penalty killing) on a frequent basis over the course of the season.
• Except for the purposes of discipline, a coach will be seen as being negligent in his/her responsibilities, if they deny a player the opportunity to receive an equitable amount of playing time.
• STEMHA expects coaches to discipline the behavior of all players both on and off the ice. It is therefore acceptable for a coach to use playing time as a consequence of inappropriate behavior – when used as a last resort strategy only. It is recommended that a summary log of when and why a player was benched be kept. Unacceptable behavior may include unsportsmanlike conduct, being disrespectful, inappropriate behavior that is disrespectful of team goals, selfishness, actions that cause or have the intention to cause harm to individuals.
• Under some conditions, it may be necessary for a player to receive less ice time for health/safety considerations, or simply when the player is too tired and requires a rest.
• It may become necessary for a coach to use benching as a wakeup call if a player demonstrates an “I don’t care attitude” through a consistent lack of effort or focus on a task that is reasonable for that player’s ability.
• Goaltenders must receive equitable ice time throughout the year. It is recommended that a log of playing time be kept. At the U7 and U9 levels, willing players should be given an opportunity to be a goaltender. No player should be encouraged to play in net for more than their desire or against their will.
Competitive Fair Ice Policy (U11-U18)
STEMHA subscribes to a Competitive Fair Ice Policy for players of the U11-18 age groups. It is the coaching staff’s responsibility to ensure that all players receive “fair ice time”, however this does not always mean “equal ice time” each period or game.
- Ice time for all players will balance-out over the course of the season. All players will be taught, and used on even-strength, power play and penalty killing opportunities. The goal is to develop the ability of all players to play in all situations.
- This policy allows “shortening the bench” in key situations that could impact placement in the standings, extend participation in a tournament or extend life in the playoffs.
- Players need to be made aware of the circumstances that may affect their playing time.
- Notwithstanding the above, coaches may reserve the option to “bench” players for disciplinary reasons at any point (e.g. behavior, attendance etc.)
- Coaches must exercise good judgment for determining player rotations during close, critical games and key situations. “Shortening the Bench” is the coach’s decision but an age appropriate rotation must be implemented. The coach must define his/her intention of this practice to the parents and players prior to the start of the season and prior to entering playoffs and tournaments. “Shortening the Bench” must only be implemented for a short duration during the game. Coaches are encouraged to look for additional opportunities for players whose ice time is adversely affected in these situations. “Shortening the Bench” is to be an exception, not the norm, throughout the season (e.g. implemented only when a team is facing elimination from competition – playoffs or tournaments). It is recommended that a summary log be kept of when and why the bench was shortened.
Conclusion: Communication and the practice of setting expectations are vital to the success of a program. The Competitive Fair Ice Policy’s intention is to inform coaches on how to treat players fairly so that players receive a balanced amount of ice time over the course of the hockey season. The Fair Play policy is one of many tools and initiatives that the STEMHA has developed to assist in fostering the relationships between, coaches, players, parents, and officials and to create an enjoyable and productive hockey experience for everyone.