LETHBRIDGE
ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION
POLICIES & PROCEDURES
MISSION STATEMENT: To help young people participating in an elite hockey program to have fun and develop positive life skills through positive physical, psychological and social development in a team environment.
The LAA Mission Statement described above is the guiding principle of how the LAA operates and LAA expects that those who participate in LAA will follow it.
THE THREE MAIN OBJECTIVES
To help young people develop
a. Physically, by learning the skills of the sport of hockey, to improve
their physical conditioning, to develop good health habits and a
healthy lifestyle, and to avoid injuries.
b. Psychologically, by learning to control their emotions, develop feelings
of self worth, and interact with others in a positive manner.
c. Socially, by learning cooperation in a competitive context, by developing
team building skills, developing appropriate personal standards of behaviour, developing appropriate life skills and developing sportsmanship.
2. To help young people have fun and have fun with sport.
3. To have a team where all players develop while being competitive and successful in the sport and the game.
The Lethbridge Athletic Association (LAA) operates in cooperation with the Lethbridge Minor Hockey Association (LMHA) for the benefit of young people who have played in the LMHA and the Elite Draw Zone. The LAA operates to develop hockey teams and players in the following categories:
PEE WEE AA 17 players per team – two equal drafted teams
BANTAM AA 19 players
MIDGET AA 19 players
BANTAM AAA 19 players
MINOR MIDGET AAA 19 players
MIDGET AAA 20 players
The LAA teams compete in four different hockey leagues:
South Central Hockey League (SCAHL)
Pee Wee AA
Bantam AA
Midget AA
Alberta Major Bantam Hockey League (AMBHL)
Bantam AAA
Southern Alberta Midget League (SAML)
Minor Midget AAA
Alberta Midget Hockey League (AMHL)
Midget AAA
Players playing on AA teams playing in the SCAHL are players who live in the LMHA boundaries (NO IMPORTS).
Players playing on the Elite Teams hockey teams (Midget AAA, Minor Midget AAA and Bantam AAA) are players from the Elite Draw Zone or other wise designated by Hockey Alberta’s ADM as Non-Residents or Import Players.
The PEE WEE AA teams will be of equal calibre with a minimum of three (3) eleven (11) year olds on each team and who all reside within the LMHA boundaries. Each team will consist of 17 players.
The BANTAM AA team will consist of a minimum of seven (7) thirteen (13) year old players, with the balance being 14 year olds; who are resident in the LMHA boundaries; which have registered in or attended the Bantam AAA tryouts; who have been released from those tryouts and who have a desire to continue to develop their hockey skills.
The MIDGET AA team will consist of a minimum of nine (9) sixteen (16) year olds and the remaining seventeen (17) year old players. Fifteen (15) year old players are eligible for the team, but must tryout for the Minor Midget AAA team and be released prior to trying out for Midget AA. For balancing proposes they would be considered in the balance of 16 year old players.
All players must RESIDE IN THE LMHA boundaries, must have registered for the Midget AAA tryouts, must have been released from those tryouts, and demonstrate a desire to continue to develop their hockey skills.
The BANTAM AAA team will consist of the top nineteen (19) players within the Elite Draw Zone.
All Non Resident players must provide LAA Hockey Alberta’s proper documentation (duly signed by the local minor hockey organization) prior to commencing any tryouts or registration.
The MINOR MIDGET AAA TEAM will consist of the top nineteen (19) players within the Elite Draw Zone.
All Non Resident players must provide LAA Hockey Alberta’s proper documentation (duly signed by the local minor hockey organization) prior to commencing any tryouts or registration.
The MIDGET AAA team will consist of the top twenty (20) players from the Elite Draw Zone as determined by Hockey Alberta. The LAA policy will be that the AAA Midget team will be set as of October 1st and no players will be added to the rosters after this date.
All Non Resident players must provide LAA Hockey Alberta’s proper documentation (duly signed by the local minor hockey organization) prior to commencing any tryouts or registration.
TRY OUT REGISTRATION
The Lethbridge Athletic Association will hold their tryout registration in August. All out of town players must come to registration with their permission to tryout forms, parent declaration and release forms. No out of town player will be allowed on the ice without a signed permission to try out form.
All out of town players at the end of the hockey season are returned to their home association so must come with all their forms for the following year
All out of town players who are cut from the AAA teams must return to their home hockey association. The Lethbridge Athletic Association AA teams are players who reside in the Lethbridge Minor Hockey boundaries. Under Hockey Alberta rules no player can move for the sole purpose of playing hockey.
PLAYERS MOVING UP
The belief of the Lethbridge Athletic Association is that all players should remain and play at their age level category. However, if a player wishes to try out for a team at the
next highest age category, he/she must be evaluated as one of the top five (5) players on the top level team by the Directors of Team and Player Development and an independent third party. If it is a player wishing to tryout at the AA Pee Wee level they must be rated as one of the top ten (10) players as there are two (2) teams at this level.
DRAFTS & TRYOUT CUTS
Drafting of a team must have Head Coaches present. A Coach or Coaches can only protect his/her own children (maximum of 2). All protected players are rated prior to the draft by the Directors of Team and Player Development and the Coaches..
All players must attend three (3) tryouts to be drafted.
Special requests must be considered before any drafting is done. LAA will look at all special requests which are in letter form and are presented prior to tryouts. The LAA Board will examine each request individual and respond prior to the completion of the tryouts.
Prior to the draft commencing all protected players will be slotted into the round agreed upon by the Coaches and the Directors of Team and Player Development. Once protected players are slotted, the coaches will pick numbers out of a hat. The players are then drafted in the order of selection based on the number out of the hat. The order of the draft shall be: (Example) First round 1-2, second round 2-1, to continue in this manner until the draft is completed.
How players are rated and were they go in the draft should not be discussed outside the drafting room.
For the AAA Midget program timely cuts are required and shall be made as soon as practical. The majority of players cut from the Midget AAA program should occur after the pre-season tournament with 15 year olds going to the Minor AAA Midget program and the AA Midgets, if they are within the Lethbridge Minor Hockey boundaries, going to the AA Midget try-outs.
Cooperation is expected between the Minor AAA Midget, AA Midget and AAA Midget coaches to accommodate late cuts from the AAA Midgets.
The Lethbridge Athletic Association requires that players being cut from the AAA Bantam team occur in a timely fashion. Specifically, this means that a 19-player roster shall be determined prior to the first league game and a week before the AA Bantams have to set their final roster for the first league game.
Players being cut from the AAA Bantams, Minor AAA Midgets, and AAA Midgets will
receive a game and one practice tryout with the respective AA team if they are cut from the AAA Programs after the completion of AA and Bantam and AA Midget tryouts. The coach will then review the player ability and inform them and their parents of their decisions in either making or not making the respective AA team. If a 15 yr old player tries out with the Minor AAA Midget team and is cut he/she may then tryout for the AA Midget program.
REGISTRATION AND REGISTRATION FEES
Registration will take place during August of each year, on dates specified by the Board. Registration forms will be made available to players and parents or guardians. These forms will allow players to provide relevant personal information and add hockey related information and records if appropriate. The information shall be made available to the coaching staff of the relevant teams. LAA encourages information concerning statistics, history and other successes of the player to be made available to coaches as part of their assessment process of players for their team.
Registration fees include the costs of practices, games, travel and accommodations. They will also include the cost of tournaments where appropriate. The policy of LAA is to participate in fundraising only on an Association level. No individual team fundraising is allowed or encouraged.
The registration fees are due in full at the parent and player meeting to be held with the LAA president or designate when the team is finalized or before the first league game. Team managers shall collect payments at this time. Payment may be made by equal post dated cheque in five instalments based on the following schedule: (Dated on the first day of September, October, November, December, January of that hockey season). LAA reserves the right to allow individual payment arrangements, if necessary, by prior arrangement with the President of the LAA or designate.
The fee schedules will be set yearly when the budget is set for the coming season. In order to operate the LAA system additional costs will be required for players. Parents or Guardians of LAA players will also be required to work bingos, which can only be staffed by adults, plus participate in various other fundraising efforts including raffles and related ticket sales. In order to ensure that the fundraising efforts are completed each player through his parent or guardian must provide non-dated cheques prior to competing in the first league game. All cheques are payable to the Lethbridge Athletic Association.
Upon completion of the player’s obligation for each fundraising event (including bingos) the cheques will be destroyed without being negotiated or cashed. In the event that a
player has outstanding fees or unpaid fundraising obligations from a prior season, payment must be received by LAA before the player will be allowed to attend the tryouts of the following season.
There will be no other costs to the parents at the team level other than for meals unless prior arrangements have been made with the LAA Board.
LAA BOARD
The LAA Board is composed of volunteers. Board members are not paid for their time or services, and only some of their expenses. These volunteers give of themselves to attempt to develop young people as hockey players and as young adults. The actions and decisions of the Board are made for the greater good of the whole, rather than the individual. The policy of the Board is that each player is important as a young person and as a hockey player. They will be treated as such. The Board will also place expectations upon those young people as indicated above. The policy of the Board is also that participation in LAA is a privilege that is earned, not a right. No player on an LAA team has a guaranteed position on that team or a guaranteed position before the team is selected.
LAA Board of Directors consists of: President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Director of Player Development, Director of Team Development, Non-Voting Past President. These positions must be held by non parents. There is also a Lethbridge Minor Hockey Liaison who sits on the LAA board.
The Board meets monthly on a year-round basis.
Some of the things which the Board does for you, the users of the LAA, include:
• Finding team sponsorships
• Selling advertising in connection with the player responsibilities for the annual program
• Working each Bingo throughout the year. A minimum of 6 Board members work at each bingo, which occurs at least 20 times per year. All Board members participate in working various positions at bingos and all must complete a minimum number of bingos each year as part of their duties on the Board.
• Selling Raffle tickets
• Working at the assigned casino (approximately every 2 years)
• Arranging and organizing the year end Banquet and Awards night
• Assuming responsibility for the ice usage, bus requirements, equipment needs and miscellaneous fundraising.
• Volunteering for various Committees and Board responsibilities and working at tournaments and various other functions each year.
Players and Parents are reminded that approximately 2/3 of the actual cost of operating the LAA comes from annual registration fees. The balance of the cost of running the teams comes from the efforts of volunteers who assist in raising the funds.
Openings do occur on the Board of Directors and applications will be available to those who wish to sit on the Board. Those interested should speak to a Board Member for details.
INDEPENDENCE AND CONFLICT OF INTEREST GUIDELINES
It is presumed and expected that all directors and volunteers will individually accept the responsibility of declaring any conflict of interest they see immediately. An actual or perceived conflict is often determined by individual circumstances, but Directors should not only act with independence regardless of their relationship to player members of LAA but also demonstrate fair and unbiased decisions on all matters, which can be seen as fair and unbiased by any objective observer.
No member of the Board shall act in any capacity with any LAA team, except as a team liaison, while sitting as a Director. Specifically, a Director shall not act as a coach, assistant coach, trainer or manager while acting as a director.
A member of the Executive of LAA and shall not directly or indirectly participate in the selection of a coach / applicant if that person is a related person to them.
Instead, the Committee or Executive shall proceed without the person in conflict and make a decision in accordance with the best interests of LAA and its participants.
LAA PLAYERS
In participating in the LAA development program, all players are required to show a strong dedication to hockey and a strong desire to develop hockey skills. The program will involve weekly scheduled practices, dry land training, regular games, travel, team development, and an expectation of fair ice time. This program is not the same as recreational interest hockey programs. Participating in this program means sacrificing other things in order to develop in the sport of Elite hockey. This includes but is not limited to school sports, other organized sports or teams and various organized winter recreational events. Your attendance is expected.
Failure to abide by these requirements may result in sanctions being taken by LAA or your removal from LAA. You should remember that this organization is for you and you should respect the LAA, those who give their time and talents to operate it, and the privilege of playing in LAA.
Beyond this, the development program emphasizes citizenship growth with a strong emphasis on education, health and social behavior. Each team will function under a consistent set of LAA team rules and obligations, which will be followed.
The goal is for you and your family to be part of the organization and NOT only part of the TEAM. Remember, there is no “I” in TEAM and everyone is expected to be part of the overall organization.
GOAL: To play our game as a team, both on and off the ice, at all times with a sense of fair play consistent with the principals of good sportsmanship, with dedication and commitment and in spirit of friendly competition, while being gracious in victory as well as defeat.
Codes of Conduct
Players Bill of Rights
Players code of Conduct
Harassment and Abuse
Players Bill of Rights
All children participating in the hockey programs of the Lethbridge Athletic Association enjoy the following rights and are entitled to the protection of these rights.
SPORTSMANSHIP: You have the right to participate in a program in which sportsmanship, honesty, and integrity are the cornerstones.
RESPECT: You have the right to the respect of your coaches, your team-mates, the coaches and players of the opposing team, the referees and spectators and each of them has the right to expect the same of you.
PARTICIPATION: You have the right to participate fully in the activities of your team, but not necessarily equally
.
SKILL DEVELOPMENT: You have the right to learn about your sport and develop your skills to the maximum of your potential.
FREEDOM FROM ABUSE: You have the right to say no to physical contact or interaction with any member of the coaching staff or any other person in a position of authority or influence.
FREE SPEECH: You have the right to speak freely without fear of recrimination.
FAIR TREATMENT: You have the right to be treated fairly and with impartiality.
FUN: You have the right to have fun.
Players Code of Conduct:
All members of the Corporation and all invitees, including spectators, shall abide by the following code of conduct. Failure to do so may result in disciplinary measures, including suspension and expulsion.
1. Win or lose, players shall congratulate their team-mates and coaches as well as the players and coaches of the opposing team in a genuine and positive manner. Derogatory comments are absolutely forbidden.
The referees are in charge of the game. Only the captains and alternate captains of the team shall address the referees and then shall do so only in a civil tone. Use of foul or
Abusive language is absolutely prohibited. While explanations
of a referee’s call may be legitimately sought, questioning the referee’s judgment is forbidden. Accept the call and get on with the game.
4. Spectators shall provide only a positive encouragement for the players, coaches, and referees. Derogatory comments aimed at any player, coach, or referee from a spectator shall be addressed with a strong warning on the first offence at any game. Upon the commission of a second offence by the same spectator, that spectator shall be removed form the Arena and forbidden re-entrance during the game and spectator’s identity shall be properly noted. Should any spectator be removed from any three games, that spectator’s removal shall be accompanied by a (one-month) ban attendance at any games held in Lethbridge. Upon a fifth offence, that spectator shall be banned for the balance of the season.
5. The coaching staff shall lead by example and shall adhere in all respects to this code of conduct. In addition, coaching staff shall address their own players, the referees, and the coaching staff of the other team only in a civilized and respectful tone. Coaching staff of the team may not address players of the opposing team except to provide positive encouragement or congratulations.
Discouraging or humiliating remarks, gestures or other communications to players, referees, and opposing team shall be absolutely forbidden. In addition, coaching staff shall at all times, both at practices and games, treat their own players with respect and dignity. Humiliation, belittlement, embarrassment through words, actions or conduct are inappropriate forms of punishment and
ineffective instructional methods and shall be absolutely prohibited.
6. Each child is entitled to the benefit of constructive criticism and instruction in order to develop his or her skills to their maximum potential. Coaching staff must carry out performance appraisals in impartial and objective way based solely on an evaluation of technical skills, play, leadership. sportsmanship and the adherence of the children to the core values of Hockey Alberta. Favouritism, actual and perceived, must be always avoided.
7. No player shall use performance enhancing drugs or other substances from time to time listed on the banned or prohibited substances list prepared by the International Olympic Committee and no member of the coaching staff purchase, sell, supply, administer or otherwise participate in the use by any player of any
performance enhancing drugs or such banned substances. Any player or coach
in breach of this rule shall, on a first offence, be banned from participation in hockey programs of the Lethbridge Athletic Association. for a period of one year and upon a second offence shall be banned for life from participation in the hockey programs of the Lethbridge Athletic Association
.
8. Play hard but play fair. Hockey by its nature is a physically tough game; it shall be played with maximum effort in a sportsmanlike manner within the rules from time to time endorsed by Hockey Alberta. Players shall not set out to intentionally maim or injure another player and the coaching staff, by their actions, words, conduct or inaction, shall not encourage or engage in such behaviour.\
9. Players and coaches alike shall participate in the game of hockey with honesty
and integrity, a player who intentionally participates in any conduct which results in the intentional violation of the rules of eligibility from time to time governing the Lethbridge
Athletic association or otherwise intentionally circumventing the rules of eligibility shall be subject to an immediate one year suspension from participation in the hockey programs run by the Lethbridge Athletic Association. Any person committing a second offence shall be subjected to a lifetime suspension from participation in the hockey programs of the Lethbridge athletic Association.
10. The coaching staff shall at all times honour the Player’s Bill of Rights and ensure that these are upheld and afforded to each and every child participating in the Lethbridge Athletic Association programs. Each member of the coaching staff shall have a positive obligation to expeditiously report to the executive of the Lethbridge Athletic Association any instance of a breach of the rights of any player of which he has specific knowledge or which he has reasonable grounds for believing has occurred.
11. The coaching staff shall strictly adhere to the policies and procedures for coaching the coaching staff established from time to time by the Lethbridge Athletic association.
Harassment and Abuse
When a young person is harassed or abused by an adult occupying a position of trust, the impact can be devastating. A major hurdle to healing the wounds that inevitable result is non-disclosure in order to recover, victims must be heard and believed.
Harassment is understood as encompassing a very broad range of prohibited behaviour, including discriminatory conduct, physical and sexual harassment, emotional, mental, physical and sexual abuse.
Minor Hockey believes that any hockey player should have the ability to discuss any concerns as they might be classified as harassment. Minor Hockey also believes that false allegations can be devastating to a person’s career and personal life.
In view of the incidents of harassment that have affected the sport of hockey, we believe that this is a need for a concerned player, to be able to talk in private and confidentially with our organization.
We do not encourage minor or frivolous concerns which may result from frustration or anger reported or acted upon, however, we are available to talk to your request.
LAA COACHES
The Board and the Organization believe that the coaches of our teams should reflect and represent the philosophy of LAA. The LAA system is a developmental hockey system and philosophies or behavior, which does not emphasize equal development opportunities, will not be tolerated. The organization shall maintain an additional carded and fully qualified coach who will be available if called upon. The additional coach shall take no active part in the operation of any team unless and until another coach is replaced, in which case the additional coach shall be named the head coach and assume responsibility for the operation of the team in question for the balance of the season.
In order to select the best and most qualified coaches for each of its seven teams the Board of LAA shall make the final determination of coach selection based on a rigorous process of selection. The conflict of interest guidelines shall be strictly enforced and applied. In order to best fulfill the purpose of the LAA, the policy of the Organization shall be that coaches and team officials shall be chosen from all applicants.
Any parent who is selected to coach an LAA Pee Wee team shall receive the appreciation of the organization but shall not receive any remuneration or honorarium during his tenure. No Parent Assistant Coaches or Parent Managers can be named until after the AA Pee Wee draft is completed.
In selecting the most appropriate coaches for each of its teams, LAA or designates may advertise for coaching positions for all of its teams in the beginning of April of each year. All applications shall be directed to the Director of Team Development who will advise the Board of the list of applicants received at the deadline established.
LAA will assist teams by attempting to locate and recruit certified trainers for the various LAA teams.
A confidential Board discussion shall occur after the application deadline, fully respecting the independence and conflict of interest policies, concerning all applicants to ensure that the Director of Team Development only offers interviews where appropriate to the most suitable candidates being those who reflect and represent the philosophy of the LAA.
Coaches selected shall not be approved until demonstrating they have completed the appropriate coach ‘level’ for the team in question. Coaches will be only be approved or carded at any time with appropriate coaching training and certification. No exceptions to this procedure shall occur.
All Assistant Coaches, managers, and trainers must be brought to the LAA Board for approval before signing a Hockey Alberta registration card.
Much will be expected of all coaches. Coaches will receive more significant honorariums in recognition of the expectation that these individuals are taking time away from their other commitments. The coaches will be expected to follow and honor the goals, mission and objectives of the LAA. Failure to do so will result in sanctions, removal or both. The LAA will insist on having coaches accept and follow the ‘coach code of conduct’ and the ‘rules’ set out and approved for coaches, as well as these policies and procedures. Coaches will be expected to understand that the LAA is about the players and their development, not their winning percentage.
Guidelines for Hockey Coaches
A coach’s responsibilities include teaching sportsmanship, hockey skills, the game, leadership, and safe and fair play. More importantly is the responsibility of
ensuring that all children are having fun and are respected. These guidelines detail the expectations of a coach so that these responsibilities can be met.
Winning is a consideration, but not the only one, nor the
most important one. Care more about the child than winning
the game. Remember, players are involved in hockey for fun
and enjoyment.
Be a positive role model to your players, display emotional
maturity and be alert to the physical safety of players. Be
optimistic, share the joy of life.
Be generous with your praise when it is deserved, be
consistent, honest, fair and just, do not criticize players
publicly, and be a more effective communicator and coach.
Don’t yell at players, coaches, or referees.
4 Adjust to personal needs and problems of players; be a good
listener; never verbally or physically abuse a player or
official; give all players the opportunity to improve their skills,
gain confidence and develop self esteem; teach them the
basics. Believe in each player, the other coaches, and
administrators.
5 Organize practices that are fun and challenging for your
players. Familiarize yourself with the rules, techniques and
strategies of hockey; encourage all your players to be team
players. Be prepared. Do not ask anything of your players,
other coaches, administrators and parents that you do not
ask and expect of yourself.
6 Maintain an open line of communication with your player’s
parents. Explain the goals and objectives of your
association.
Be concerned with the overall development of your players.
Stress good health habits and clean living.
Work to be the best coach possible.
Be a leader. Be calm yet enthusiastically supportive of your
players, coaches, opponents and referees.
10 Be sincere in your interest in the players. Reward those players who are working hard as team players.
11 Never use profanity or be crude in front of your players or parents.
12 Never criticize your players, parents, administrators,
referees, coaches or opponents.
13 Be appreciative of the efforts of others.
14 Always be available to listen to the concerns of your players, parents or administrators.
15 Don’t get discouraged.
16 A Special Event form must be applied for for an event/activity other than a sanctioned hockey event.
To play the game is great, to love the game is greater.
Remember, IT IS ONLY A GAME.
AFFILIATION
Affiliation in Hockey circles was created to assist the system in allowing teams relief when illness or injury occurs. Affiliation of teams is spelled out as such: A team may have affiliated with it one team only. This team must come from a lower division or category and both teams must be from the same Minor Hockey Association.
The ideal affiliation structure is on a team to team basis. As described above, does not allow a player the right to move down from an upper-bracket team.
Option two would allow you to affiliate or name 19 players from a lower division or
category within your LMHA, provided your organization agrees to it. For example, a Midget team could name 19 players, two (2) of whom must be goaltenders, from their Bantam or Pee Wee teams.
YOU MUST USE ONE OPTION OR ANOTHER, NOT BOTH.
Affiliation must be declared no later than December 15th of each season. At the end of the playing season, affiliations cease to be recognized. For the use of an affiliated player, both coaches must agree that he/she can be moved up to play in the higher division or category. All affiliations must be signed by the local Minor Hockey Association President. If a controversy over a player exists, Hockey Alberta would then recognize a set of facts that no affiliation exists until the matter can be resolved internally.
A list is filed by the LMHA with Hockey Alberta and the player can not play until the affiliation has been filed and approved by Hockey Alberta. Up to January 10 of each season, a player who is properly affiliated may play with his/her affiliated team every night of the week. After January 10, a player may play for a period of five (5) games and should be noted on the game sheet as an “AP”. After his/her sixth (6) game he/she must remain up with the higher level team. Invitational tournaments and exhibition games are not included in games played after January 10th of each season, however League Provincial games and Provincial Tournament games are.
Players who are recorded on Non-Provincial teams and are affiliated may not play Provincial play. Non-Provincial Team affiliation is recognized for league play, invitational tournaments and exhibition games only.
Lateral affiliation is not considered. For example Bantam “D” to Bantam”D”. If you have two teams of so-called equal calibre, you may affiliate only one of these teams, and not both, or name a total of up to nineteen (19) players from the two (2) equal teams to the higher Division/Category Team.
Once an affiliated player has played as an affiliated he/she cannot be affiliated to play as an affiliate with another team unless released from the original team he/she was registered with.
IMPROPER USES OF AFFILIATION ARE:
• Team attempt to create two-teams from the nucleolus of about a team and one-half to try and stay afloat. This does not work as the two coaches in question never can agree on when a player can be used or not.
• Minor Hockey Associations seem to be of a mind that when they register with Hockey Alberta, they are affiliated and this gives them an automatic blanket approach so they may use players from the other teams indiscriminately. This is not correct and may lead to serious problems.
LETHBRIDGE ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION AMENDMENTS:
The Lethbridge Athletic Association will only recognize player to player affiliation not team to team.
Affiliation sheets must be handed into the Lethbridge Athletic Association by November 20 of each year at which time they will be registered with Alberta Hockey. A copy will also be given to Lethbridge Minor Hockey. Affiliation is not legal until they are registered with Alberta Hockey registrar or designate.
To keep affiliation fair and equable within the LAA & LMHA, teams may
affiliate to a maximum of 2 goaltenders, 4 defence, and 6 forwards from within the Lethbridge Minor Hockey boundaries. AAA Midget, AAA Minor Midget, & AAA Bantam teams can affiliate players from within the Elite draw zone.
Affiliated players being brought up must go through the player’s coach before a player or parents are asked.
Affiliated players, if brought up, must play: not sit the bench.
Affiliates will not travel or stay with the team unless they are replacing an injured or suspended player. This affiliation will be on a one on one basis. (1 affiliate for 1 injured or suspended player).
The Lethbridge Athletic Association views affiliation of a player as a reward for excellent and skilful play. Coaches are strongly encourages to work with and support the team and teams with which their players are affiliated. To that end, we expect coaches to do everything with in their power to aid the affiliated player in moving up for those specific games or time period.
The Lethbridge Athletic Association allows affiliates to come up for 5 games, league or provincial, after January 10 but will not allow the team to keep the player after the 5th game unless his regular team is finished for the season.
Healthy scratches are strictly forbidden for all teams except the AAA Major Midgets.
CODE OF CONDUCT
LAA believes that because of its stature in the community, and in fairness to the Association and its members, the sponsors and the sport in general it is reasonable and required to have an enforceable code of conduct. The code will be applied and enforced
by the Board of LAA, who will make the final determination on matters under this heading without further determination. The Code is in place to improve the image of LAA and its participants, and to enlarge sportsmanship in Lethbridge generally. All those who are dealt with under this Code can expect fair and impartial treatment. A copy of each team’s guidelines of discipline must be handed in before the first league game to the Director of Players Development and Director of Team Development. Any on or off ice incidents must be reported to the Director of Player Development and Director of Team Development. LAA will follow Hockey Alberta’s on ice suspensions.
PLAYER, COACH, and MANAGERS DRESS CODE
All players and team officials, excepting only the trainer, are required to wear collared
shirts, ties, jackets if appropriate, dress pants and dress shoes when entering or leaving a rink either prior to or following a game. Track suits and sport shoes are not appropriate and are to be used for warm up purposes after arrival at a game. An appropriate LAA team or Association jacket will be considered part of the uniform and will meet the necessary dress code. It is important to remember that you represent your team, the Association and your city when you travel away from our home rink. You should look neat and tidy to present the proper image to our friends in other cities.
SUBSTANCES
A strict policy exists in LAA against the use of Alcohol, illegal drugs and narcotics. These substances are not allowed to be used by any of the team participants before, during or following a game or practice, on the bus at any time, or in the hotel while you are representing one of the teams of this Association.
A violation of this rule will result in immediate reprimand or dismissal. More specifically, if a player, coach or other team official is found in possession of any illegal drugs or narcotics while representing their team they will be subject to immediate suspension until the Board is able to fully deal with the matter. If those persons be charged with a criminal offence relating to these substances they may be immediately suspended until the outcome of the criminal proceedings. In the event these persons are charged with other criminal proceedings during their time on one of the LAA teams they may also be subject to suspension in the discretion of the Board of LAA.
Board members, coaches and other team officials should also be aware of their responsibility as a role model for your players and should be aware of you social use of alcohol while away at games representing your team and the Association. Excess consumption with other adults or late night activities do not assist in the development of the athletes you are coaching, particularly the next day.
RESPECT FOR PROPERTY OF OTHERS
LAA expects the participants of the Association and all who are associated with LAA to respect its property. Respect for uniforms and other property supplied should be automatic. You are also expected to show respect to the buses and drivers who transport
us to our games. Buses are expected to be clean when they arrive and when we leave them after our trip – players are expected to put the bus back into a clean and litter free condition upon return. Violations of this situation will be monitored by the LAA and will result in reductions of ice time for the team.
You are also expected to show respect for the property of others in other situations – hotel property, rented property such as the arenas we play in at home and away, or the restaurants we may eat in. Your behavior is a reflection on everyone in LAA and abuses will not be tolerated. Violations of this policy or abuses of property will result in severe punishment to the offenders.
You are also expected to show respect and true sportsmanship to others. Hockey is a competitive and intense sport – but it is a game. Situations involving abusive conduct or behavior toward players, team officials, coaches, officials, Board members or others associated with LAA will be dealt with swiftly, severely and finally. Players, coaches and team officials should remember that serious penalties or punishment provided through games or their leagues will be monitored and responded to by LAA.
Game suspensions or behavior which is recorded on game sheets will be followed up by LAA as we expect to maintain a good reputation in the rinks where our teams play. Game suspensions provided by the Leagues will result in additional penalties by the Association. LAA expects that its players and team officials will conduct themselves in a gentlemanly manner at all times.
THIRD LEVEL OFFENCES:
Drugs and Alcohol:
Any player found with drugs and/or alcohol in their possession, or any player suspected to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol while participating in an LAA sponsored activity, will be suspended from further play and practice as follows:
- 1st offense…..dismissal from the ice and a minimum of 1 month suspension.
- 2nd offense….dismissal from the ice and a minimum of a 1 year suspension.
Theft:
Any player proven to have engaged in thievery while participating in an LAA activity will be suspended as follows:
1st offense…..dismissal from the ice and a minimum of a 1 month suspension.
- 2nd offense….dismissal from the ice and a minimum of a 1 year suspension.
Before reinstatement, the player must make a full restitution to the parties involved and offer a written apology.
Vandalism;
Any player proven to have engaged in vandalism or other similar illegal activities while
participating in an LAA activity will be suspended as follows:
- 1st offense…..dismissal from the ice and a minimum of a 1 month suspension.
- 2nd offense….dismissal from the ice and a minimum of a 1 year suspension.
The cost of any damages done by coaches, team officials, players, or a parent will be recovered from those involved. Amounts outstanding will result in the person(s) not being accepted as a member in the following seasons.
Where necessary suspensions will be carried out from one season to the next.
TOURNAMENTS
The LAA Board has elected to have its teams participate in and hold Home tournaments. The exception will be the Midget AAA team who may participate in the Mac’s Tournament only if they qualify under the applicable rules of that tournament or select another tournament to attend but attend only one. If any team doesn’t qualify or can’t make the tournament of their choice there will be no reimbursement of any player fees.
Teams in the LAA will not travel to away tournaments more than 800 K away.
The LAA believes in investing in and developing all of its players. Efficient and prudent use of the funds the LAA receives will assist in these goals.
The Lethbridge Athletic Association will host five (5) tournaments of eight (8) teams each year. The AA Pee Wee in November, AAA & AA Bantam in December and AAA Minor Midget and AA Midget in February. If the AAA Bantam tournament goes to a 16 team tournament it will be organized and ran by an outside committee. All profits will still be turned into the Lethbridge Athletic Association.
Entry fees for the Lethbridge Athletic Association tournaments will be $1,000.00 for all AA tournaments & $1,200.00 for AAA Bantam & AAA Midget Minor tournaments and trophies a $650.00 budget per tournament.
No player’s fees are budgeted to cover any cost of a home tournament.
50/50
The Lethbridge Athletic Association does not allow any of their teams to fund raise. This is done as an organization. The 50/50 money goes to paying the referees and any remaining fund left at the end of the season are to be turned over to the Lethbridge Athletic Association. These funds are not for team functions.
HOTELS
The Lethbridge Athletic Association pays for ten (10) rooms for each of the teams (11 if there is a girl on the team) for Bantam and Midget
3 boys per room with a cot.
1 room for the bus driver
2 rooms for the coaches
AA Pee Wee are allowed eight (8) rooms for each team.
4 boys per room
2 1 room for the bus driver
3 2 rooms for the coaches
If the hotel gives you as complimentary room for the bus driver, you may use the other room for coaching staff or equipment.
Approval to leave a day early for any game must first be approved by the LAA Board and if a team is out of a tournament early they are expected to come home not spend an extra night.
BUS USAGE
NO PARENTS ARE ALLOWED TO RIDE ON THE TEAM BUS unless they are part of the carded coaching team.
We must remember that the use of the buses is a privilege, not a right. As noted above the buses are not the property of LAA and we are guests on the property of other people. Therefore, we insist that there will be no sunflower seeds, chewing tobacco, smoking, illicit drugs or other substances, or liquor carried or used on the buses transporting LAA teams. The cost of any damage which is caused by a person or player on a bus will be paid for by that person, rather than by the LAA. Damage caused to a bus by a player, coach or team official will also result in suspension.
LAA expects that the coaches will assume responsibility for their players from the moment they enter until they depart from each bus. Rowdy abusive behavior will not be tolerated. Bullying will not be tolerated. Reported incidents of this sort of behavior will reflect upon the coaches and will be dealt with appropriately.
The buses must be left in a clean condition when departing. Garbage is to be picked up, bagged and removed. There are no exceptions and repeat incidents will not be
acceptable. The cleanliness of a bus is a team, not an individual responsibility. We strongly encourage and recommend that teams begin a bottle ‘recycling’ program each season to gather their empty bottles and cans to regularly be turned over to a local charity such as the Food Bank for worthwhile uses. The encouragement of such civic and personal responsibility will assist each team throughout the season and will be noticed by LAA. It is hoped that rather than receiving complaints from the bus service providers, LAA will receive compliments each season about how well individual teams behaved or left the buses they traveled on.
PARENT INVOLVEMENT
Parental involvement is important to all minor hockey programs and is no less important in this form of development program.
Parents are asked to support the LAA program and its many responsibilities. We ask that
parents willingly offer to assist with such areas as volunteering to be an off-ice worker in the penalty box or score box, operating the 50/50, assisting with a committee of the team,
helping by volunteering some time as the parent rep for the parent advisory committee, or
offering to help with the tournaments. LAA recognizes that the biggest challenge for any parent is to be supportive of your child as he develops and becomes involved in the program, to be supportive of the program and its objectives, and to be supportive of the coaching which your child receives.
We recognize that there will be various opinions and approaches to the sport of hockey – this is after all the national sport of Canada and one which millions of us feel passionately about. It is also the sport that your son has chosen to pursue and in which he has shown promise and skill. We must remember that it is his game, not his parents’. We urge you to remember that it is imperative to the program that the parents of each player are supportive of the coaching staff and the LAA and its program in order to ensure that the child’s experience will be positive. The LAA urges parents to be cheerleaders for their player and their team.
PARENT CONCERNS
A parent is able to direct his or her concerns to the coaching staff or the team liaison of the child’s team once a “cooling off’ period of 24 hours has passed. LAA recognizes that there will always be “incidents” which happen in the life of every player, team, parent and coach. We ask that you weigh each “incident” and address those that are truly important in an appropriate and parent-like manner.
Concerns may also be passed on to your team’s parent-rep, whose responsibility is to bring it to the Board Executive. Urgent matters will be addressed at a meeting held at any time necessary.
LINES OF COMMUNICATIONS
PARENT
↓
COACH / MANAGER / PARENT REP
↓
LOCAL ASSOCIATION REPRESENTATIVES
LAA Liaison / Director of Team Development /
LAA President
↓
Lethbridge Minor Hockey
↓
HOCKEY ALBERTA
Zone Manager of Operations (Zone 1-9)
↓
HOCKEY ALBERTA MINOR COUNCIL
CHAIRPERSON
↓
HOCKEY ALBERTA STAFF
Guidelines for Hockey Parents
The following guidelines should be used to measure how close you are to the
perfect hockey mom or dad. These guidelines will enrich your enjoyment of the
hockey season and more importantly enrich your child’s experience. Hopefully
you can develop an attitude around these pointers to make our elite hockey
season a rewarding one.
Do not force your children to participate in sports, but
support their desires to play their chosen sport. Children are
involved in organized sports for their enjoyment. Make it fun.
Encourage your child to play by the rules. Remember
children learn best by example, so applaud the good plays of
both teams.
Do not be critical of the hockey program or other players in
front of your children. If you have a problem, speak directly
to the Coach.
7 Do not embarrass your child or the organization by verbally
abusing/insulting players, coaches, other parents, or
officials. By showing a positive attitude towards the game
and all of its participants, your child will benefit.
Emphasize skill development and practices and how they
benefit your young athlete. De-emphasize games and
competition in the lower age groups .
. Rewarding your child for individual performance undermines
team play.
Know and study the rules of the game, and support the
officials on and off the ice. This approach will help in the
development and support of the game. Any criticism of the
officials only hurts.
Applaud a good effort in victory and in defeat and enforce
the positive points of the game. Never yell or physically
abuse your child after a game or practice; it is destructive.
9. Work toward removing the physical and verbal abuse in
youth sports. Recognize the importance of volunteer
coaches. They are important to the development of your
child and the sport. Communicate with them and support
them.
f you enjoy the game, learn all you can about the game, and
volunteer
11 Be positive to all players, coaches, referees and parents.
Welcome visiting teams and treat them as you would like to
be treated.
12. Remember that one of the benefits of youth activities is the
opportunity that the youngsters have to get to know other
adults. Be interested in the players, ask questions.
Congratulate them on their effort and achievements.
Since you are spending a lot of time with your fellow parents,
treat others as you would like to be treated. Don’t criticize
players.
a. Let the players play … Let the coaches coach.
b. If you don’t have anything positive or constructive to
say, don’t say anything at all!
Parent Conduct
As parents or guardians we must be positive in our attitudes toward the game
of hockey and emphasize the cooperative nature of the game. Negative and
rowdy behaviour in the hockey rink reflects directly and poorly on the whole
organization. We must foster good relationships between our young players,
within the Association and with our competitors as well. Children are great
imitators. As parents we must set positive examples for them. The Lethbridge
Athletic Association deems that the following actions are not acceptable:
Yelling at or threatening referees, opposing players or
coaches before, during, or after games or practices.
Direct confrontations with parents or players.
Demonstrations of frustration or anger after a game loss.
Unnecessary or exaggerated celebration of a goal scored or
a game won that would embarrass or demean the opposing
team.
a. Any physical abuse of any other person.
b. Approaching the bench during a game situation unless
summoned by a coach.
Disruptive or abusive parents may be asked to leave the rink and compliance
is expected. Repeat occurrences of such behaviour will result in that person
being banned from Lethbridge Athletic Association events for the remainder of the year.
Parents/guardians are expected to familiarize themselves with the Lethbridge Athletic Association and to abide by those rules.
