PROGRAM OVERVIEW, POLICIES & PROCEDURE
1. Purpose
The purpose of the Junior Bison Hockey Club (JBHC) policy and procedure manual is to provide a source of information that can be used by the club, parents, coaches, managers and players. These policies guide the operations and conduct of the Junior Bison Hockey Club.
2. General Philosophy
The purpose of the Junior Bison Hockey Club is as follows:
-To provide athletes with the opportunity for advanced levels of skill development in the sport of hockey.
-To organize, administer and coordinate appropriate opportunities in the sport of hockey for selected age groups in the community.
-To obtain and manage the necessary finances, personnel and equipment to operate the organizations hockey programs.
3. Mission and Objectives
The mission of JBHC is: To be the instructional and high performance organization of choice for hockey players and coaches who seek and promote personal and team development skills, while raising the level of awareness and competitive play in junior high, high school, club and league environments.
The objectives of JBHC are:
1. Introduce and provide much needed hockey programs for young athletes aged 7-18
2. To create an opportunity for continued participation in hockey and the development of advanced hockey skills and knowledge
3. Produce university and international caliber athletes through the high performance club hockey program.
4. Create and develop relationships with players and parents in the community and expose them to the life of a “Bison Athlete”
5. To develop and mentor female hockey coaches and allow for coaching opportunities at an elite level.
4. Commitment
The focus of JBHC is to build excellence in competitive hockey. JBHC supports and provides an avenue for players to participate in their age group and level of ability. JBHC recognizes that players participate for a variety of reasons. JBHC will attempt to satisfy as wide a range of players as possible in the 10U, 12U and 14U level based on the availability of resources to do so. However, in the 17U division, a higher level of commitment and excellence is expected.
5. Playing Time
JBHC is committed to developing all of its players. Every player shall receive fair playing time. NOTE: FAIR playing time is different than EQUAL playing time. Playing time decisions will be based on the following factors: attendance at practice, athlete readiness, attitude, injuries, and team composition and needs. Playing time will be determined at the coach’s discretion.
6. Attendance at Practices and Competitions
Attendance at all practices, competitions and other meetings is encouraged, as it is critical to the success of the player’s development and the development of the team. JBHC recognizes that players may be involved in a variety of other activities that can affect player attendance. Players shall notify their coach of all conflicts, absences etc. ahead of time so coaches are prepared accordingly for practices and competitions. The higher the level of competition, the higher the expectations with regard to attendance. Attendance at practices will be considered in decisions regarding playing time. The coach will keep an attendance log of all practices and competitions.
JBHC supports involvement in other competitive activity, provided that there is not a significant overlap and conflict with the hockey season. Any scheduling conflicts need to be communicated as soon as possible to all coaches involved. It is expected that JBHC will make every effort to accommodate other activities, particularly during play-offs and final competitions, and JBHC athletes will make every effort to commit to the hockey season. Some degree of conflict is inevitable for multi-sport athletes, who may have to prioritize their sports at higher levels of competition.
7. Uniforms and Apparel
All JBHC Players are required to purchase the club apparel prior to the start of the season. JBHC official colors are brown and gold. Players are asked to wear JBHC apparel at all hockey events. Teams may purchase additional clothing at their own personal expense and with the agreement of all players and parents on the team, however, any additional clothing will be the coach’s responsibility to pay for and collect the money from your team members. This clothing must be in the club-sanctioned colors of brown and gold and must be pre-approved by the Junior Bison Coordinator prior to purchase. Any use of the Bison logo or Bison Club Hockey name requires permission from the University as these are trademark brands.
8. Fee Payment
JBHC fees will be broken into 3 areas: Player Fees, Apparel Fees and Travel Fees. Player fees includes: ice and facility rental, coaching services, strength and conditioning, tournament entry and administration costs. This fee will be determined and set prior to the parent meeting in January of each year. This larger fee is payable in one lump sum or can be paid in 3 equal installments (January, February, March). The apparel fee includes: Game Jersey and socks, team jacket, shorts and t-shirt and team bag. The full apparel fee is due at the parent meeting in January. The travel fee includes: player hotel expenses and coaches travel and accommodations expenses. This fee will be due by April 15th of each year as this fee depends on tournaments entered, locations, travel etc.
In order to practice and compete, all players must be in good standing with JBHC by paying their registration fees by the final due date. Registration fees may be refunded for valid medical reasons. Decisions regarding the refund amount will be made on a case-by-case basis, and will include such factors as length of season played and fixed costs already paid out (i.e., Ice rental, admin costs etc.)
9. Supervision
A responsible adult, such as the coach, manager, or a parent, must be present on the ice before players are allowed to practice or compete. It is recommended that coaches have another adult present during all practices and competition.
10. Tournament Entry Fees
JBHC registration fees will cover the cost of entry fees to attend 1-3 tournaments per team depending on age.
11. Out of Town Conduct
When traveling and attending out of town competition, teams must remember that they are representing JBHC and their community, and it is expected that they will conduct themselves both on and off the court in a manner that is consistent with the Parent, Player and Coaches’ Code of Conducts.
12. Club Tryouts
JBHC team tryouts take place every year in December. Registration for the try outs is online. All tryouts and evaluations will be made over a minimum of two on-ice try-outs. Following the evaluation process, the team coach will notify the players who were selected for each team via the JBHC website and/or personal email.
13. Coaching Qualifications
JBHC is committed to selecting and hiring coaches and assistant coaches that are trained, qualified and adhere to and believe in the philosophy, mission and objectives of the Club. JBHC expects all coaches in our program to act in a professional, responsible, sportsmanlike manner at all times. You are not only a coach, but a role model for these young athletes and we want to make sure we are always modeling appropriately in all settings.
All coaches and assistant coaches are required to complete the “Respect in Sport” Online Course via Sport MB and are required to submit a Criminal Record Search and Child Abuse Registry Check in accordance with the University of Manitoba Screening Policy requirements. All coaches are required to obtain the required NCCP Certification levels as determined by Hockey MB and Hockey Canada:
DIVISION/CATEGORY HEAD COACH ASSISTANT COACH
Female Atom, Peewee, Bantam Coach Coach
Female Midget AAA HP1 Dev. 1
JBHC is committed to building the qualifications and training of all of its coaches and welcomes all requests to attend courses and certifications to further their expertise. JBHC will fund as many of these courses and trainings as the budget allows per year.
14. Parent Liaisons
Each age class team head coach will appoint a parent liaison who is responsible for off-ice activities and to act as a liaison between parents and coaches in the event of questions, issues or conflicts.
15. Parent Communication
The JBHC holds a club wide Parent/Athlete Meeting every January following the tryout process. All players and parents who have committed to JBHC are required to attend this meeting. This meeting is very informative and includes staff and coaching introductions, season outlines, practice schedules, tournament dates, costs for the season and apparel fittings for athletes and coaches.
16. Strength & Conditioning
JBHC strongly believes in training athletes both on and off the court. As part of our club hockey program each player has a small portion of their fee that will go towards Strength and Conditioning staff and facilities. JBHC Strength and Conditioning will differ depending on age group in regards to exercises, duration and frequency of the activities.
All S&C session will be developed and administered by a Certified Strength & Conditioning Professional hired by JBHC.
17. Emergency Procedures
All University of Manitoba Buildings and Facilities are staffed with key staff that play a vital role in emergency procedures. All JBHC Staff and coaches have been informed to follow the lead of trained buildings and facilities staff at all times in the event of an emergency.
All JBHC players are required to fill out the Player Medical Form at the time of registration. It is the head coach’s responsibility to make sure these forms are on them at all times (practices, games, tournaments) in case of emergencies or injuries.
18. Team Budgets
All JBHC team budgets include: ice and facility rental fees, coaching service fees, tournament entry fees, administration fees and strength and conditioning fees. Parents, players and coaches must understand that team budgets do NOT include club apparel fees and travel fees (i.e. mileage, gas, hotels, flights, meals, coach’s travel expenses). All JBHC team budgets are finalized prior to the parent/athlete club meeting in January of each year.
19. Practice Schedules
All club teams practice 2 times per week for 1-1.5 hours at a time. Detailed team practice and strength & conditioning schedules will be finalized and handed out at the parent meeting in January of each year and will be uploaded to the website by February 1st, of each year. PLEASE NOTE: We do pay an hourly rate for these practice times. If coaches/teams know they are going to be out of town for a tournament or not using ANY of their practice times please be diligent and let the Club Coordinator know ASAP! If coaches/teams cancel 10 days prior to scheduled rental the club gets refunded that rental rate and therefore saves the program, athletes and parents money. If teams are unable to make any of their practice times and another team is willing to switch times, teams are welcome to swap out practice times. Again, just make sure teams are using the time allotted as it is expensive and hard to come by.
PLEASE NOTE: All team practice schedules, tournament schedules and strength and conditioning schedules are posted on the JBHC website.
20. Discipline Issues
Coaches, managers, players and parents are expected to follow the JBHC Code of Conducts as signed prior to each club season. Coaches, managers and players can be suspended from a team for disciplinary reasons. Prior to suspending a player, coach or manager, the situation will be reviewed by the Junior Bison Club Coordinator and recommendations for action will be made. During out of town competition, or when the Club Coordinator is not available, the head coach has the discretion to temporarily suspend a player for a serious violation of the Player Code of Conduct. The coach will complete a player incident report and submit it to the Coordinator immediately upon returning home. The Coordinator will review the incident, in consultation with the coach, to determine any ongoing action. The Coordinator is authorized to review parents’ actions regarding abusive or otherwise unacceptable behavior directed towards coaches, officials, JBHC or opposing players, or other spectators. Appropriate action will be taken depending on the severity of the behavior. JBHC reserves the right to deny access of parents to the facility in which competitions and practices occur for inappropriate behavior.
21. Complaint Procedure
Players are encouraged to communicate directly with their coach. Parents are encouraged to help their children to communicate appropriately with their coach. If a parent becomes concerned about controversial issues such as fair playing time, they are strongly encouraged to give themselves the “24 hour rule”, and to discuss with the coach privately, after the heat of the moment has subsided. Parents should not direct any complaints to coaches during competition. Parents should show respect by not complaining publicly about the coach, particularly during competition. In the event parents or players have concerns, issues or complaints the JBHC Complaint Process goes as follows:
1. Player---------------Coach
2. Parent---------------Parent Liaison----------Coach
3. Parent---------------Junior Bison Coordinator
JBHC reserves the right to exclude the person from JBHC activities prior to resolution of the complaint if there is a concern for safety or potential liability.
Junior Bison Hockey Club Policies and Procedures Manual
1. Purpose
The purpose of the Junior Bison Hockey Club (JBHC) policy and procedure manual is to provide a source of information that can be used by the club, parents, coaches, managers and players. These policies guide the operations and conduct of the Junior Bison Hockey Club.
2. General Philosophy
The purpose of the Junior Bison Hockey Club is as follows:
-To provide athletes with the opportunity for advanced levels of skill development in the sport of hockey.
-To organize, administer and coordinate appropriate opportunities in the sport of hockey for selected age groups in the community.
-To obtain and manage the necessary finances, personnel and equipment to operate the organizations hockey programs.
3. Mission and Objectives
The mission of JBHC is: To be the instructional and high performance organization of choice for hockey players and coaches who seek and promote personal and team development skills, while raising the level of awareness and competitive play in junior high, high school, club and league environments.
The objectives of JBHC are:
1. Introduce and provide much needed hockey programs for young athletes aged 7-18
2. To create an opportunity for continued participation in hockey and the development of advanced hockey skills and knowledge
3. Produce university and international caliber athletes through the high performance club hockey program.
4. Create and develop relationships with players and parents in the community and expose them to the life of a “Bison Athlete”
5. To develop and mentor female hockey coaches and allow for coaching opportunities at an elite level.
4. Commitment
The focus of JBHC is to build excellence in competitive hockey. JBHC supports and provides an avenue for players to participate in their age group and level of ability. JBHC recognizes that players participate for a variety of reasons. JBHC will attempt to satisfy as wide a range of players as possible in the 10U, 12U and 14U level based on the availability of resources to do so. However, in the 17U division, a higher level of commitment and excellence is expected.
5. Playing Time
JBHC is committed to developing all of its players. Every player shall receive fair playing time. NOTE: FAIR playing time is different than EQUAL playing time. Playing time decisions will be based on the following factors: attendance at practice, athlete readiness, attitude, injuries, and team composition and needs. Playing time will be determined at the coach’s discretion.
6. Attendance at Practices and Competitions
Attendance at all practices, competitions and other meetings is encouraged, as it is critical to the success of the player’s development and the development of the team. JBHC recognizes that players may be involved in a variety of other activities that can affect player attendance. Players shall notify their coach of all conflicts, absences etc. ahead of time so coaches are prepared accordingly for practices and competitions. The higher the level of competition, the higher the expectations with regard to attendance. Attendance at practices will be considered in decisions regarding playing time. The coach will keep an attendance log of all practices and competitions.
JBHC supports involvement in other competitive activity, provided that there is not a significant overlap and conflict with the hockey season. Any scheduling conflicts need to be communicated as soon as possible to all coaches involved. It is expected that JBHC will make every effort to accommodate other activities, particularly during play-offs and final competitions, and JBHC athletes will make every effort to commit to the hockey season. Some degree of conflict is inevitable for multi-sport athletes, who may have to prioritize their sports at higher levels of competition.
7. Uniforms and Apparel
All JBHC Players are required to purchase the club apparel prior to the start of the season. JBHC official colors are brown and gold. Players are asked to wear JBHC apparel at all hockey events. Teams may purchase additional clothing at their own personal expense and with the agreement of all players and parents on the team, however, any additional clothing will be the coach’s responsibility to pay for and collect the money from your team members. This clothing must be in the club-sanctioned colors of brown and gold and must be pre-approved by the Junior Bison Coordinator prior to purchase. Any use of the Bison logo or Bison Club Hockey name requires permission from the University as these are trademark brands.
8. Fee Payment
JBHC fees will be broken into 3 areas: Player Fees, Apparel Fees and Travel Fees. Player fees includes: ice and facility rental, coaching services, strength and conditioning, tournament entry and administration costs. This fee will be determined and set prior to the parent meeting in January of each year. This larger fee is payable in one lump sum or can be paid in 3 equal installments (January, February, March). The apparel fee includes: Game Jersey and socks, team jacket, shorts and t-shirt and team bag. The full apparel fee is due at the parent meeting in January. The travel fee includes: player hotel expenses and coaches travel and accommodations expenses. This fee will be due by April 15th of each year as this fee depends on tournaments entered, locations, travel etc.
In order to practice and compete, all players must be in good standing with JBHC by paying their registration fees by the final due date. Registration fees may be refunded for valid medical reasons. Decisions regarding the refund amount will be made on a case-by-case basis, and will include such factors as length of season played and fixed costs already paid out (i.e., Ice rental, admin costs etc.)
9. Supervision
A responsible adult, such as the coach, manager, or a parent, must be present on the ice before players are allowed to practice or compete. It is recommended that coaches have another adult present during all practices and competition.
10. Tournament Entry Fees
JBHC registration fees will cover the cost of entry fees to attend 1-3 tournaments per team depending on age.
11. Out of Town Conduct
When traveling and attending out of town competition, teams must remember that they are representing JBHC and their community, and it is expected that they will conduct themselves both on and off the court in a manner that is consistent with the Parent, Player and Coaches’ Code of Conducts.
12. Club Tryouts
JBHC team tryouts take place every year in December. Registration for the try outs is online. All tryouts and evaluations will be made over a minimum of two on-ice try-outs. Following the evaluation process, the team coach will notify the players who were selected for each team via the JBHC website and/or personal email.
13. Coaching Qualifications
JBHC is committed to selecting and hiring coaches and assistant coaches that are trained, qualified and adhere to and believe in the philosophy, mission and objectives of the Club. JBHC expects all coaches in our program to act in a professional, responsible, sportsmanlike manner at all times. You are not only a coach, but a role model for these young athletes and we want to make sure we are always modeling appropriately in all settings.
All coaches and assistant coaches are required to complete the “Respect in Sport” Online Course via Sport MB and are required to submit a Criminal Record Search and Child Abuse Registry Check in accordance with the University of Manitoba Screening Policy requirements. All coaches are required to obtain the required NCCP Certification levels as determined by Hockey MB and Hockey Canada:
DIVISION/CATEGORY HEAD COACH ASSISTANT COACH
Female Atom, Peewee, Bantam Coach Coach
Female Midget AAA HP1 Dev. 1
JBHC is committed to building the qualifications and training of all of its coaches and welcomes all requests to attend courses and certifications to further their expertise. JBHC will fund as many of these courses and trainings as the budget allows per year.
14. Parent Liaisons
Each age class team head coach will appoint a parent liaison who is responsible for off-ice activities and to act as a liaison between parents and coaches in the event of questions, issues or conflicts.
15. Parent Communication
The JBHC holds a club wide Parent/Athlete Meeting every January following the tryout process. All players and parents who have committed to JBHC are required to attend this meeting. This meeting is very informative and includes staff and coaching introductions, season outlines, practice schedules, tournament dates, costs for the season and apparel fittings for athletes and coaches.
16. Strength & Conditioning
JBHC strongly believes in training athletes both on and off the court. As part of our club hockey program each player has a small portion of their fee that will go towards Strength and Conditioning staff and facilities. JBHC Strength and Conditioning will differ depending on age group in regards to exercises, duration and frequency of the activities.
All S&C session will be developed and administered by a Certified Strength & Conditioning Professional hired by JBHC.
17. Emergency Procedures
All University of Manitoba Buildings and Facilities are staffed with key staff that play a vital role in emergency procedures. All JBHC Staff and coaches have been informed to follow the lead of trained buildings and facilities staff at all times in the event of an emergency.
All JBHC players are required to fill out the Player Medical Form at the time of registration. It is the head coach’s responsibility to make sure these forms are on them at all times (practices, games, tournaments) in case of emergencies or injuries.
18. Team Budgets
All JBHC team budgets include: ice and facility rental fees, coaching service fees, tournament entry fees, administration fees and strength and conditioning fees. Parents, players and coaches must understand that team budgets do NOT include club apparel fees and travel fees (i.e. mileage, gas, hotels, flights, meals, coach’s travel expenses). All JBHC team budgets are finalized prior to the parent/athlete club meeting in January of each year.
19. Practice Schedules
All club teams practice 2 times per week for 1-1.5 hours at a time. Detailed team practice and strength & conditioning schedules will be finalized and handed out at the parent meeting in January of each year and will be uploaded to the website by February 1st, of each year. PLEASE NOTE: We do pay an hourly rate for these practice times. If coaches/teams know they are going to be out of town for a tournament or not using ANY of their practice times please be diligent and let the Club Coordinator know ASAP! If coaches/teams cancel 10 days prior to scheduled rental the club gets refunded that rental rate and therefore saves the program, athletes and parents money. If teams are unable to make any of their practice times and another team is willing to switch times, teams are welcome to swap out practice times. Again, just make sure teams are using the time allotted as it is expensive and hard to come by.
PLEASE NOTE: All team practice schedules, tournament schedules and strength and conditioning schedules are posted on the JBHC website.
20. Discipline Issues
Coaches, managers, players and parents are expected to follow the JBHC Code of Conducts as signed prior to each club season. Coaches, managers and players can be suspended from a team for disciplinary reasons. Prior to suspending a player, coach or manager, the situation will be reviewed by the Junior Bison Club Coordinator and recommendations for action will be made. During out of town competition, or when the Club Coordinator is not available, the head coach has the discretion to temporarily suspend a player for a serious violation of the Player Code of Conduct. The coach will complete a player incident report and submit it to the Coordinator immediately upon returning home. The Coordinator will review the incident, in consultation with the coach, to determine any ongoing action. The Coordinator is authorized to review parents’ actions regarding abusive or otherwise unacceptable behavior directed towards coaches, officials, JBHC or opposing players, or other spectators. Appropriate action will be taken depending on the severity of the behavior. JBHC reserves the right to deny access of parents to the facility in which competitions and practices occur for inappropriate behavior.
21. Complaint Procedure
Players are encouraged to communicate directly with their coach. Parents are encouraged to help their children to communicate appropriately with their coach. If a parent becomes concerned about controversial issues such as fair playing time, they are strongly encouraged to give themselves the “24 hour rule”, and to discuss with the coach privately, after the heat of the moment has subsided. Parents should not direct any complaints to coaches during competition. Parents should show respect by not complaining publicly about the coach, particularly during competition. In the event parents or players have concerns, issues or complaints the JBHC Complaint Process goes as follows:
1. Player---------------Coach
2. Parent---------------Parent Liaison----------Coach
3. Parent---------------Junior Bison Coordinator
JBHC reserves the right to exclude the person from JBHC activities prior to resolution of the complaint if there is a concern for safety or potential liability.
Junior Bison Hockey Club Policies and Procedures Manual