Start of Season
You’ve agreed to be the team manager, now what? The following outlines the primary tasks that managers should focus on as soon as possible:
Whether you are a paper person or an electronic file person, getting everything into one spot is a great place to start.
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Official team roster (will receive from the association) – this is a document which lists all the players and team officials for your team and the information is imported into Spordle. This is also where you can find your team ID which you will need to gain access to Spordle. You will receive this once you submit your team information sheet (see Complete your team information sheet section 3 sections below for more information)
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Hockey Canada Medical Information form from all players and on-ice coaches.
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Hockey Canada Injury report form – this form needs to be completed and kept by your HCSP for each case where an injury is sustained by a player, spectator or any other person at a sanctioned hockey activity.
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PCAHA / BC Hockey memos and bulletins - various documents will be posted onto the PCAHA and BC Hockey websites throughout the season.
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TeamSnap access for you as a team manager to have access to contact information for all players.
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Working with your head coach, ensure the team equipment and jerseys are picked up as directed by your Division Manager. If you are asked to pick it up from the SDMHA equipment room, this is located on the south side of the South Delta Recreation Centre accessed from the parking lot.
We do not require a jersey deposit however jerseys not returned at the end of the season will be invoiced $100 to the player assigned the number.
Only association issued game jerseys may be used in games (including exhibition or tournament games). Any other unofficial jerseys can only be used in practices. Third jerseys may only be used if you receive written permission from the SDMHA Board.
Name bars are not permitted on any SDMHA provided jerseys. Note that if a team adds them, they will be charged $100 per jersey that show any damage from the name bar. C's and A's are permitted but must be hand stitched lightly and never ironed on.
SDMHA takes its code of conduct very seriously.
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Team Official Code of Conduct - the association will track all submitted forms through this link and let you know if anyone is missing but be sure to remind everyone you add to the team information sheet to complete this as soon as possible.
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U11 - U21 Player Code of Conduct - this was completed during registration but is linked here for your reference.
SDMHA Hockey expects players, officials, and parents to conduct themselves in an ethical, appropriate manner at all times. As a Team Manager you are not only responsible for upholding the code of conduct personally, but for being vigilant that the code is not being abused by your players, parents, and other team officials. Parent and player code of conduct forms were signed at time of registration within TeamSnap, and therefore do not need to be collected by the manager.
The SDMHA administrator will send team managers a list of who has completed their Code of Conduct. Those who have not submitted will not be allowed on the ice and/or bench until completed.
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To allow the association to create your official team roster as quickly as possible, team managers are asked to complete the team information sheet and send it to our registrar. You need to have your official team roster completed prior to playing in any games in order to generate your Hockey Canada team # that is required to login into Spordle Play.
You may not have all of the information initially (eg jersey numbers) but you can update the information sheet a second time if required - it is most important to get the official roster generated prior to your team's first game.
Team staff roster caps: SDMHA allows for the following team staff to be rostered for each team
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1 Head Coach
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Assistant Coaches - 2 for U7, 3 for U9 and older
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1 Team Manager
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2 HCSPs
If you would like to include additional rostered staff, your team will be required to reimburse the association $55 each to offset the registration and insurance costs incurred. Remember only those on the official team roster are permitted on the ice during practices or on the bench during games.
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All members of the team staff (including the team treasurer) are required to have a current criminal record check on file with the association and have or obtain certifications for the Respect in Sport (RIS) and the Concussion Awareness Training Tool (CATT). Coaches will also require specific coaching levels to the division they are coaching. HCSP volunteers will require the HCSP training.
The association will inform the team manager what each member of the team staff requires (if anything). It will be important that you pass that information to the team staff members. If you add a team staff member at any point, you must inform the association so they can do a certification check for them as well.
The more involved your parent group is, the easier your season will be. This is your chance to delegate early and set the tone so the other families do more than just show up for the games.
Each family is expected to volunteer in some manner to assist their team and the association. The SDMHA is very appreciative and protective of our team managers and does not want to put you in a position where you are required to "police" volunteer hours or navigate a hostile team environment, so your role is simply to encourage parents to volunteer and provide ample opportunities.
Here is a list of parent volunteer roles that are most common (click here). Sometimes parents have special skills that can be applied so additional roles are always possible.
Work with your head coach to determine preferred tournament options, possible team apparel, additional skill coaches or other on-ice related costs they would like, and any team building activities they would like to have everyone involved in. Using this information, develop your first draft of your team fees to discuss with the parents. Click here for sample budgets.
Rep teams are required to have a separate team bank account that requires two signatories. It is recommended that any recreational teams requiring a team fee more than $200 per player also open a separate bank account. For lesser fees a separate team account may not be necessary, but it is recommended that the treasurer does not use their standard personal account and sets up a separate personal account to run all team finances through. This allows for a printout to be available to any parent who may request to see the team finances. While this is rare, it does happen and it is best to be prepared. Any costs associated with a bank account should be covered by the team fees.
Teams are permitted to find sponsors and/or engage in team fundraising opportunities (eg FlipGive, bottle drives, 50/50 draws, etc). When approaching sponsors, team members are expected to be a positive representative of SDMHA and we ask that teams avoid any businesses on the SDMHA Sponsors list - unless they are a parent on the team and wish to support over and above what they do for the association. Ensure sponsors are appropriate for youth organizations. If you aren’t sure, contact your division manager for assistance. Any fundraising element that requires a gaming license from the BC Government MUST go through the association to apply on the team’s behalf.
The budget must be approved by the parent group before the collection of any team fees is started, and for any team fees that require more than $75 from families, the division director must provide approval. This is to ensure a consistent approach to protecting families from unnecessary extravagance from an overly excited coach or manager. When seeking approval from the parents, typically a simple majority is sufficient for the base budget but away tournaments should have a minimum of 75-80% of your team to attend so you may consider voting on that element separately. If you have a family who requires financial assistance, contact your division manager to discuss options to help ensure the team can operate. Note that only those attending tournaments or significant team activities should be expected to contribute towards the payment of those specific costs.
Referee Costs
SDMHA pays for 10 games worth of referee expenses for U11 – U21 divisions during season. No additional funds will come from the association so if you and your Head Coach are planning exhibition games, be sure to add the cost to your team budget. U9 division managers will work with your division manager and referee in chief to determine your referee needs.
Referees are paid according to the PCAHA referee allowance chart (scroll down to find the chart).
A cheque will be made out to each team once we receive your completed Team Information Sheet and is based on the current PCAHA expense allowances. Ref money will not be supplied if your team paperwork has not been received.
Please ensure that your Referee money (in correct denominations) is present at the beginning of the game and be prepared to adjust from 3 to 2-man systems, on occasion.
Getting your parents together early will be the best way to set expectations and start a good flow of communication from the team staff to the rest of the parent group. The meeting will generally take ~ 30 minutes and should be done when the coaches can be present either before or after one of the first team practices. If possible, have a couple parents whose partner can attend the meeting look after the players in the dressing room or, if they are old enough, set up a scavenger hunt or some fun activity for the players to do to give you a bit more time to do the meeting without the players pulling their parents away.
The coaches should outline their expectations of the players AND parents and the communication protocols should be discussed. Parents will need to know they can reach out to the coaches:
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at an appropriate time (ie never before 24 hours has passed or when the coaches are preparing for a practice/game or with the team)
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in a respectful manner
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if a set rule has not been sent, not typically about ice time.
Note PCAHA rules require equal ice time (as closely as possible) in each game for all recreational “C” teams (Section E.12) and U11 rep (Addendum #3 B.6). Rep U13 and older should follow a “fair” allocation, but does not require "equal" ice time recognizing the importance of overall player development while allowing for the introduction of additional team strategy elements.
This meeting is also your opportunity as team manager to talk about the plan for the season (eg tournaments, apparel options, team activities, etc) and fill any remaining volunteer roles. Following the meeting, send out a written recap of the meeting so parents and you have something to refer to if any issues arise during the season.
Find a sample parent meeting agenda in the team manager's Tool Box.
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TeamSnap will be the one spot all your families should be able to access the schedule of all team activities, communicate with the team or specific individuals via the team chat option and gain access to any files (eg team budget, upcoming tournament rules, etc) or photos that have been uploaded for the team. It will also be your best tool for keeping the team organized and making sure the flow of communication happens regularly. You can also add assignments into each home game to schedule the scorekeepers, timekeepers and music DJ along with any other assignments your team may want to add.
You will be added to your team as a non-playing team member by the association and given manager access.
Do:
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Add any other team staff to your TeamSnap roster and check the “non-playing member” option.
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Provide your HCSPs with manager access so they have access to the contact information of all the players.
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Confirm with your division manager if it will be you or them adding your team practices and/or games to TeamSnap. If they want to let you have full control and add them yourself, full instructions are included in the cheatsheet linked below.
Do NOT:
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Add or delete players from the roster – if there is an adjustment in your players for any reason, the association will make the appropriate move.
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Adjust the player names until the association confirms it has completed the roster upload to Hockey Canada.
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Set up a separate team account – use the association provided one for all communication and scheduling information.
Click here for a team manager's cheat sheet for using TeamSnap.
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Each division will have a scheduled meeting for coaches and team managers with your PCAHA Managing Director and league managers. They will provide an overview of the season and procedures such as obtaining tournament permissions and timing on game schedules. At least one coach (ideally the head coach) and the team manager should attend this meeting.
The date/time information for this meeting will be sent to you from the association but it can also be found on the PCAHA website calendar (click here).
Team managers will need to register to access the backend of Spordle Play, the online game sheet program. To register, you will need your personal Hockey Canada ID (HCID) number and your team ID number (both can be found on your official team roster). Go to the Spordle Play login page and click register at the bottom. Enter the information and follow the steps.
Once you are registered and connected to your team, you will be able to access the contacts from all teams within your assigned PCAHA group. You will also see all your scheduled games to allow you to confirm your lineup prior to each game and see if referees have confirmed attendance.
The scorekeeper side of Spordle Play is the program used to enter all game information during the game. While it is a user friendly program, a full guide can be accessed here as a resource to you and your scorekeepers.
Note for U9 Major teams: While there is no recording of goals or penalties in the U7 - U9 Minor divisions, each game will need to have the lineup entered by each team, start the game and then end the game to make an official record. That is the extent your teams will be required to utilize the Spordle Play program.
Tournaments are often one of the most memorable experiences of the season and does take some work to make it happen. Depending on the division, there may not be many options so doing some research early and getting onto lists can make this fun element possible. You can only enter Hockey Canada or USA Hockey sanctioned tournaments. You can find BC Hockey sanctioned tournaments here. You can also look at other Hockey Canada provincial members if you want to travel further or the USA Hockey tournament site. Note that U6 teams are not permitted to enter tournaments.
Do NOT pay for a tournament unless your parents have confirmed they are willing to go, and that you have enough players unless the fee is fully refundable if you withdraw. If you need to pay for a tournament prior to collecting team fees to cover the fee, you can request a promissory note from the association. Complete this form and submit your request to Tracey.
Once you decide on a tournament and the organizer confirms you have been accepted, you require PCAHA permission to attend. You will need to send an email to your league manager at least 7-10 days in advance of the tournament but not more than 30 days, and attach the appropriate form from the list below based on the tournament host's location.
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PCAHA host - click here for the form.
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Interdistrict (within BC but not PCAHA MHA host), out of province or USA Hockey sanctioned tournament – click here and follow the instructions on this checklist. To obtain the SDMHA President signature, complete the form and send it to Tracey. She will get it signed and return it to you to submit.
Note for any form that requires a signature from the SDMHA President, complete the form and send it to Tracey. She will get it signed and return it to you.
The following teams should plan to participate in the SDMHA hosted tournaments:
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U15 A1 and U18 A1 - Tim Jardine Tournament - Nov 8-11, 2024
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U11-U18 Recreational - Ken Elmer Memorial Tournament - Family Day Weekend
Affiliate players for recreational teams - Tournaments
According to BC Hockey Policy 7.12, a Minor Hockey Association may apply for player relief/replacement for a recreational team that has insufficient players (twelve or fewer skater or fewer than two goaltenders) to a maximum of fifteen players (including goaltenders) to attend a recreational tournament for a maximum of three tournaments per season. If you wish to add affiliate players for a tournament,
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Complete the BC Hockey Application for Recreational Player Relief
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Page 1 – by Association (including signature from President)
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Page 2 – by Parent of the player being affiliated
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Send the following to your League Manager
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Completed BC Hockey Application for Recreational Player Relief
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Hockey Canada roster for the team showing players who are unable to participate
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Tournament permission letter
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Once games start, things become mostly about focussing on the practices and games with the ability to add some fun elements for the players.
During the Season
Teams may plan exhibition games should they wish. If your team wishes to host an exhibition game, you will need to:
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confirm an ice time, or if you are planning to use an assigned practice slot, ensure the division manager is not planning to share the ice time between two teams
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contact the other team to confirm they are able to play at the available ice time
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contact your league manager to request a game number
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inform the referee assignor of the added game (if applicable)
Exhibition games carry the same rules for home team responsibilities. If you are the visiting team but playing a team outside of the PCAHA district, you will still be required to request a game number from your league manager and upload the information into the Spordle Play game sheet.
Note that for exhibition games early in September, Spordle Play may not be fully operational. Ask your league manager if it will be ready to be used. If the answer is no:
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bring a printed copy of the game sheet to the game (click here for a pdf version to print). It is recommended to bring this whether you are home or away team to ensure there is one onsite.
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Home team scorekeeper will record the game on the printed copy and have the referees, timekeeper and scorekeeper sign the paper version at the conclusion of the game. They will then give the sheet to the team manager.
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Team manager should scan/take a clear picture of the game sheet and send it to the league manager immediately after the game. The home team manager should either send a copy to the away team manager or have them scan/take a picture of the sheet onsite.
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The home team manager will need to keep the paper version until Spordle Play is active and they ensure the game is uploaded to the electronic game sheet system.
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Your coaches may wish to bring in additional skills providers over and above what the association provides. If this cost has been approved by your parents as part of the team budget, note that all third party skills providers must be cleared by the association in order to ensure they have the proper certifications, a criminal record check and insurance coverage. Do NOT book any provider before confirming via email with Tracey.
For the 2024-25 season, SDMHA U7-U9 minor teams will participate in a full in-house league. Division managers will create a schedule adhering to Hockey Canada guidelines for game play in these divisions.
For the 2024-25 season, SDMHA U9 teams will participate in the PCAHA league against other associations. Note that SDMHA relinquishes scheduling to the PCAHA and teams will participate in home games as well as travel to other participating associations within the Fraser Valley West league.
Schedules will be uploaded to the PCAHA games schedule site.
PCAHA Managing Directors and league managers will create game schedules for U11 and above for all PCAHA leagues. All games MUST be played – cancelling games are not permitted for any reason.
Schedules will be uploaded to the PCAHA games schedule site.
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Tiering (rep) and Balancing (recreational) rounds will be the first group of games and will be released as soon as the number of teams and their home ice times have been provided to PCAHA. These are a small number of games that will be used to create flights (rep) or groups (recreational) for regular season play.
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Regular season schedule will be released shortly after the conclusion of the tiering/balancing round. Teams should be prepared to begin play at any point with minimal notice.
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Rep flights may be adjusted (typically after the winter break) if a team is not competitive. Teams may request consideration through the association.
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Adjustments to recreational groups is rare during regular season but groups will typically be adjusted for the playoffs.
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Playoff schedules will be released shortly after the conclusion of the regular season.
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Rep playoffs will be outlined by PCAHA bulletins that will be distributed to the teams.
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Recreational playoff groups will be determined taking into consideration the competitive level during the regular season.
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PCAHA uses a scheduling program that does not always alleviate conflicts from occurring and they require the involved teams to work together to find a solution. With every round of games released, look for any games that are marked “conflict game”. Teams may also have a need to change a scheduled game (eg tournament or, on rare occasions, a very special team event that cannot be changed) and can connect with the other team to treat the game in the same manner as a conflict.
If you are the visiting team, you will need to wait for the home team to contact you with options – however if they haven’t done so within a couple days of the schedule being posted, if their contact information is posted in Spordle Play, you can send them a note asking if they have any options to provide. If you are the home team:
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Obtain 1-2 options for alternate game ice. Check to make sure it does not conflict with another game for your team or your opponent.
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For recreational teams, contact your division manager.
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For rep teams, contact Tracey.
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Confirm with your coaches they can have enough of them present at the new option. If you only have one goaltender, consider ensuring the option works for them.
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If the above are good, send the new option to your opponent.
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If they accept, send the new date/time/location to your PCAHA league manager for them to update the online schedule. For divisions U9, U11, U13 and U15 (C only), send an email to the SDMHA ref assignor to let them know of the change.
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If they do not accept, you will need to request another option for an ice time.
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Notes:
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Teams are allowed to decline any option that creates a new conflict and are allowed to say no if a time/date really does not work for them. It is the hope that teams all work together to accept the first option if possible. Ice time is not always easily available, and some associations may have very limited options to offer. If teams cannot agree, as per Section G.13, the PCAHA Managing Director shall mediate the dispute and his/her decision shall be binding on both teams.
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Most PCAHA league managers will not provide tournament permission numbers until all game conflicts are resolved so you will want to get these resolved as soon as possible.
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U7-U9
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For all games, running time will be used for a 1 hour games as follows:
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5 minute warm-up
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24 minute running time period
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2 minute break
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26 minute running time period or (time remaining less 2 minutes)
Notes:
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For all U7, the two minute buzzer will be used to indicate a line change.
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No score is kept or posted on the score clock.
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The goal limitation rule is not in effect.
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Timing may be adjusted slightly to allow for set-up of the playing surface(s) with equipment.
U11 and above
As per PCAHA Rulebook Section G.7:
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1.25 hr game: Period 1 - 15 minutes, Period 2 - 15 minutes, Period 3 - confirm with referee
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1.5 hr game: Period 1 - 15 minutes, Period 2 - 20 minutes, Period 3 - confirm with referee
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As the home team, you will need to make sure everything is set up to run smoothly.
Pre-Game
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Send an email to the visiting team a few days in advance to confirm jersey color and pass along any venue specific information that may be helpful (eg if there is special parking restrictions or if the dressing room entrance is not marked). At the beginning of the season, it also helps to remind them to have their lineup confirmed on Spordle Play (hisports.app) 30 minutes prior to the game so your scorekeeper can log in and be set up for game time.
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Ensure you (or your volunteer coordinator) have volunteers lined up to:
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Scorekeep (for U7/U9 - this role is simply ensuring the lineups for both teams are entered, the game is started and ended)
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Timekeep
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Music (if desired)
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Confirm that referees are assigned to your game (viewable through Spordle). It is a good idea to start checking this at least a couple days in advance to ensure you have referees coming for the game.
Game Day
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Ensure money to pay the referee/linesman fees is at the scorekeeper’s bench at the start of the game. Separate envelopes for each official with the correct amount is required.
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Ensure you have finalized your lineup in Spordle Play for the game.
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Monitor off ice conduct of parents and players.
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Ensure everyone is following arena protocols, along with HSCPs.
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Confirm Scorekeeper and timekeeper are in the box prior to the start of the ice time and set up for the game.
* Be prepared in the event only two officials show up to the game and ensure you could provide the correct amounts.
Click here for the referee fees by division (scroll down for the chart).
Post Game
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Ensure the dressing rooms are left clean and that your team is vacating within 30 minutes post-game
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U11 and older: Ensure your scorekeeper confirms that any major penalties or game misconducts have been entered correctly and period times were added.
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Ensure Referees sign off on Spordle Play digital game sheet and submit.
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Pre-game
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If you haven’t heard from the home team, send their team manager an email a few days in advance to confirm jersey color.
Game Day
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Ensure you have finalized your lineup in Spordle Play for the game.
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Monitor off ice conduct of parents and players.
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Ensure everyone is following arena protocols, along with HSCPs.
Post Game
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Ensure the dressing rooms are left clean and that your team is vacating within 30 minutes post-game
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If your team incurred any major penalties, game misconducts or gross misconducts, check with the scorekeeper to ensure it has been entered in correctly prior to the referee signing off. League manages do not change penalties once the referee has signed off on the game.
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An affiliate player is defined as a registered player who is temporarily included on the playing roster of a team in a higher division or category within the association. See PCAHA rules Section C.25 for the chart of applicable rules by division.
Note tournaments follow different rules and are guided by BC Hockey. Click here for that process.
Rep Hockey
Applicable PCAHA Rules
U11 Integrated - Section C(27)
U13 and above Integrated - Sections C(26). C(29)
Head Coaches can work together to identify players who possess a skill level that could successfully play at a higher level if needed. Typically players are identified via the tryout process but as players develop at different speeds, a player who may not be at a high enough skill level in September may significantly improve by the affiliate deadline and be considered. As well some athletes choose to play recreational hockey due to involvement in another activity or high level sport but their overall hockey skills would place them at a rep skill level and they can be utilized as affiliate players at the level they best fit (ie not necessarily the lowest rep team).
Once a player is added to a rep team as an affiliate player on the official roster, permission from the PCAHA league manager is NOT required each time you want them to play, but team managers should track the number of games each AP is used to ensure they do not go over the allowable limit (see division specific PCAHA rule).
If your head coach wishes to add a player as an official AP for your team:
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Complete the SDMHA Hockey player affiliate form. You will need written permission from your Head Coach, the player's parent/guardian, and the Director of Rep.
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Send to Tania, the SDMHA registrar. They will add the player to your official team roster and send you an updated version.
Players should not be asked to play for another team if their own team has a game. Note that the head coach of the desired player must be asked for permission prior to the player or their family being asked to play. Permission should be granted when possible unless a coach knows a player is dealing with an injury or is involved in a disciplinary situation.
Recreational Hockey U11 - U18
Applicable PCAHA Rules
Non-HC carded Female teams - Sections C(28), C(29)
U11 - Sections (30) a, b and e
U13 and above - Sections C(29), C(30) a, b and d
Affiliate players for recreational teams must receive approval prior from their league manager to every game as they are not assigned to any specific team. For example, U11 Johnny can be used as an affiliate player for U13 C1 one week and U13 C3 the next week – but you need to help your division manager track the total number of games each player plays to ensure they do not go over the allowed number of games in the season. You must request approval from your league manager BEFORE an affiliate player can play with your team. Try to give them at least 24 hours notice as they are a volunteer and may not see your request immediately. If you have not received approval, you CANNOT have the player play the game. If they do, suspensions to the head coach and potential other discipline will be applied.
Players should not be asked to play for another team if their own team has a game. Note that the head coach of the desired player must be asked for permission prior to the player or their family being asked to play. Permission should be granted when possible unless a coach knows a player is dealing with an injury or is involved in a disciplinary situation.
When can you use an AP?
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You can add APs up to the lesser of your official roster number, or the maximum of 13 skaters or 1 goaltender
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players must be drawn from a lower age division EXCEPT goaltenders may come from the same age division's other recreational teams.
U7-U9 Divisions
You must request approval from your league manager BEFORE an affiliate player can play with your team. Try to give your PCAHA league manager at least 24 hours notice as they are a volunteer and may not see your request immediately. If you have not received approval, you CANNOT have the player play the game. If they do, suspensions to the head coach and potential other discipline will be applied.
Players should not be asked to play for another team if their own team has a game. Note that the head coach of the desired player must be asked for permission prior to the player or their family being asked to play. Permission should be granted when possible however if a coach knows a player is dealing with an injury or is involved in a disciplinary situation.
Notes:
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Players can be drawn from the same division to provide the best option for similar skilled players to be utilized.
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A maximum total of three (3) league, playoffs, tournament/jamboree or exhibition games as an Affiliate player, or if the player has not played any league, playoff, tournament/jamboree, or exhibition games as an affiliate player, then the player can be affiliated for one (1) complete sanctioned tournament/jamboree.
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You will find over the years that some teams you are a part of want to do it all: fundraising, tournaments, parties, while others are more low-key. It is important to take the pulse of the group at the start of the season to see what the consensus is.
These additional duties can be delegated, but as they all represent team expenditures, you must ensure you or your team treasurer are kept informed.
A discussion point early in the planning is if the team will also cover costs for coaches or other parents who act as supervisors for the team during the activities.
Insurance Considerations for Team Activities – Special Events
The Hockey Canada Insurance Program is extended to all registered players and officials. Please note, however, events that fall outside of “regular hockey programming” are, for insurance purposes, considered “Special Events”.For each of these events, teams must ensure that a Special Event Sanction Request Form is submitted to the BC Hockey office at least 7 to 10 business days prior to the start of the event in order to request to have Hockey Canada Insurance Program coverage extended to the event. This includes additional dryland training, whether that be weekly sessions with a trainer, or a twice-yearly visit to The Grind. Be sure you and your HCSP person are aware of all the insurance issues for your team. Most parents are unaware of what the Hockey Canada Insurance Program does or does not cover and will expect their coaches and managers to have that information.
You must be aware of current suspension guidelines and keep track of all serious penalties, including those players on your team that incur penalties while playing as affiliates for another team. Failure to follow the proper suspensions for any player or team official could result in the player and the entire team official staff being suspended.
It is the responsibility of the team to know about and track any suspensions of your players. If a suspended player is entered onto a game roster (whether they play or not), the coach is subject to discipline.
Be careful - the "last 10 minutes of the game" could include part of the 2nd period if the third period wasn't 10 minutes long.
It is up to you and your coaches to be familiar with the PCAHA Rulebook. If you have any doubts, contact your PCAHA League Manager AT LEAST 24 HOURS PRIOR TO YOUR NEXT GAME for clarification but do not send an email asking what the suspension should be. The expectation is that the Team Manager or Head Coach should know. Be cognizant of accumulated suspensions (eg head contact penalties) as it can affect the Head Coach who may also receive suspensions in some cases.
Please check the PCAHA Rulebook for their Summary of Penalty Types and Automatic Suspensions and BC Hockey’s Annual Minimum Suspension Guidelines for any serious penalties/suspensions.
Head Contact - Accumulation Penalties
All minor and double minor penalties for Head Contact need to be carefully tracked by all team managers against the 20 minute/32 minute/44 minute sanctions as per BC Hockey’s Annual Minimum Suspension Guidelines.
Major Penalties
For both home and away games, if a serious penalty is incurred, verify in Spordle Play immediately after the game BEFORE the referee signs and submits the game sheet to ensure the recording of the penalty was correct, with the period, time and length of the penalty, infraction and that the correct player was noted. Any errors must be reported to the Referee before the final results are submitted.
Suspensions
It is the responsibility of the Head Coach and Team Manager to ensure suspended players do not play in games. A player is considered to have played in a game if his/her name appears in Spordle Play for the game, so ensure that any suspended player has his/her name unchecked from your roster for the game.
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A suspended player is not allowed near or on the bench at any game until the suspension is served.
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A suspended player must not be in the dressing room before and after a game(s).
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The suspended player is allowed to practice with the team (*there may be exceptions on suspensions longer than 30 days and this will be communicated in the letter of suspension).
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A suspended player is not permitted to participate in any sanctioned game, including playing as an affiliate player for another team, or officiating a game as a Referee or Linesman.
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Players receiving a suspension while playing as an affiliate player for a higher category or division must serve their suspension based on their regular team’s game schedule.
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The hockey season spans several months, and it will be key to keep the parent group informed. In addition to the basics of when and where team activities are, you are the main source of information for your parent group so don’t be shy to share what information you know – even if it’s not fully complete. This is especially true around the timing of schedule releases or changes to games. Families are incredibly busy, and it will make things smoother if you are as transparent as possible on things that may impact their time. It is a good idea to post a mid-season budget update that shows the expenses incurred to date and the remaining balance from the collected team fees.
You will also have the best pulse if there are any issues stirring that may require a coach/parent meeting. Small fires are easy to put out but if parents are allowed to keep talking amongst themselves without getting clear information, it can become a difficult situation that impacts the overall enjoyment of the whole group. It will also be critical that you keep things discussed with you confidential.
SDMHA requires all of our parents and guests to be good representatives of the association while attending any team activities. Sadly, we know that emotions can create an environment that sometimes leads to poor actions. Parents are responsible for themselves and anyone they bring to the rink. The team staff, including the team manager, are responsible for ensuring the parents remember that.
We do not condone anyone speaking in a derogatory or inflammatory manner towards players, coaches, game officials or other fans. At the first sign of potential issues, the team staff are expected to calmly remind the person(s) of the expectations. If they refuse to listen, they can ask for assistance from other members of the team staff or venue staff to assist in the moment. If you are not comfortable with that type of confrontation, talk to the parent group at the team meeting to identify support person(s) who are willing to assist should the situation arise. Allowing it to simply happen is not an acceptable response.
The Association organizes an annual Picture Day for all interested teams. Players that attend will receive a Memory Mate at no cost. Various additional packages are made available for purchase. The date of picture day will be communicated to all Team Managers once it is finalized along with the process for booking your time will be communicated at that time. Once you get the information on the process from the association, add the date into your TeamSnap calendar along with the jersey color players should wear.
For room bookings please email Katie Dunn at kdunn@delta.ca. The City of Delta requires payment BEFORE the room is used, and last-minute cancellations will still be billed as applied. Please try to book well ahead of the date required. SDMHA does not cover the cost of rooms that are booked for team functions, this will need to be covered within the team budget.
Before you know it, the final game will be here and it will be time to wrap up a great season.
End of the Season
In the final two weeks of game play, finalize the budget expenses and identify if any funds will be remaining. Unless specified by the association, all remaining funds collected by team fees are to go back to the parents UNLESS you include a caveat with the initial budget the parents approve setting a minimum level per player to receive the money back otherwise the remaining funds can go to the final wrap up party or donated to a charity on behalf of the team (eg less than $20 per player).
The association will send out an email with the date and time for teams to return their association provided equipment and jerseys at the end of the season. Work with your team staff and/or parent equipment coordinator to ensure all jerseys and equipment are returned in the manner requested.
Ensure all jerseys are returned washed, on hangers and in numerical order.
Teams usually try to end the season with a final gathering or activity of some sort. You can ask for ideas, delegate to other parents, or just keep it simple and reserve a spot at a restaurant following your final game. Depending on what you set your team budget for, you can determine if you provide a small memento for the players and/or coaches that is given out at the year-end party.
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Helping sport take care of business