SAFE REP
HOCKEY LEAGUE
MANUAL
MISSION STATEMENT
The SAFE REP HOCKEY LEAGUE offers NO BODY CHECKING REP HOCKEY to
players in Atom, Pee Wee, Bantam and Midget divisions.
We provide a safe and friendly environment for our players and families.
Our philosophy, “it’s just a game”, allows our children to play the game with no undue
pressure.
We are committed to investing in our team of coaches, trainers and league officials to
ensure our children receive the best possible instruction.
The SHRL will continue to build a strong foundation for our players based on fundamental
skating and hockey skills, while developing team skills and strategies.
Our goal is that through fair play and sportsmanship our children will learn that the key to
success is self-confidence and respect.
We will strive to keep hockey affordable for all.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Policies ………………………………………………………………………………3,4
Job Description Head Coach, Assistant Coach and Trainer………………………… 5
Job Description Convenor, Program Description…………………………………… 6
Rules & Regulations….………………………………………………………… 6, 7, 8
Penalties and Suspensions.…………………………………………………………. 8, 9
Coaches Code of Conduct ……………………………..……………………………...10
Parents Code of Conduct……………….……………………………………………...11
Players Code of Conduct………………………………………………………………12
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SRHL
POLICIES
The purpose of this document is to clearly state the expectations of players, coaches and parents
for the season ahead. We encourage open dialogue with all parents and players should
any issue arise throughout the season. Please remember why we participate in the SRHL and
most importantly, why children participate in sports. Review this document with your child to
ensure that everybody involved fully understands his/her responsibilities on the team. If you have
any questions or concerns throughout the season, do not hesitate to ask.
SPORTSMANSHIP
Good Sportsmanship is expected and required of all players, coaches, parents, spectators and
referees. All SRHL Hockey League rules will be strictly enforced.
All players will treat their own teammates and their opponents with respect. Players will not
criticize their teammates, but will be courteous, supportive and cheer in a positive manner.
Parents will not focus on winning or losing, but rather the growth and development of their child.
APPROPRIATE CONDUCT / ALCOHOL
There should be no consumption of alcohol in any arena, team bus or in the presence of team
players. Any person affiliated with the team who appears intoxicated at any team function, game
or practice, will be asked to leave the facility, the police will be notified and parents will be asked
to arrange alternative transportation for their child. Parents should remember that there is a time
and a place for everything. Minor hockey and alcohol do not mix.
ICE RESURFACING
When the ice is being resurfaced between skating sessions, no player shall step on the ice until
the resurfacing machine has left the ice and the doors to the machine (Zamboni) storage doors are
closed. No players are allowed to enter the ice surface until they are supervised by a referee who
is present or on the ice. At the conclusion of a practice or game players are expected to leave the
ice surface in an appropriate and organized manner. No pushing, shoving,
verbal abuse or slamming of sticks will be tolerated.
ARRIVAL TIMES
From time to time we understand that daily schedules do not always run according to plan, and
parents do their best to have children on time. If you’re going to be late for a game or practice,
please communicate to the coach or manager prior to or on arrival at the rink. The parents of
players who habitually arrive late maybe asked to meet with team officials to resolve the
situation.
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PLANNED ABSENCE FROM PRACTICE, GAME OR TEAM EVENT
The team manager or head coach shall be notified as soon as the parent / player knows they are
unable to attend any game, practice or team function. Players who may not be able to participate
in games, shall notify the team 24 hours prior to the scheduled game.
BULLYING
The SRHL Hockey League has a Zero Tolerance for any form of bullying. Any accusation of
bullying will be brought forward to the executive of the SRHL Hockey League. If the complaint
is found to have merit, a hearing will be convened with the party or parties involved, team
officials and the representatives from the SRHL Hockey League. Consequences for bullying may
include suspension and removal from the league.
COMMUNICATION WITH THE COACHES
Parents shall not approach the coaches before, during or after games or practices until a period of
24 hours has passed to discuss issues about their child. Congratulations and other general remarks
are appropriate but DO NOT discuss negative issues when emotions are high. The coaching staff
endorses the code of conduct and encourages all parents to utilize the proper procedures when
dealing with sensitive issues. All parents, coaches and players are expected to communicate in a
positive professional manner. Parents are reminded that it is a coach’s job to coach, and his/her
decisions are made in the best interest of the team.
DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS
Fighting of any kind will not be tolerated on or off the ice. Any breach of the code of Conduct,
abusive language, and violent conduct, disrespect of coaches, officials and peers will not be
tolerated. The coach will handle such problems with the players/parents directly but if the
problem continues, the coach may request a meeting with the player/parents, team officials and
league representative. It is the intention of team officials to find amicable resolutions to all
problems that may arise, but some issues may be resolved by disciplinary actions such as,
suspensions, loss of playing time or removal from the team. Parents that directly interfere with
the running of the team or the team’s philosophy, or refuse to abide by the teams code of conduct
will be considered problematic, and requested to meet with team officials or association
executive. Any personal attack verbal or physical on any team official will not be tolerated and
the parent or player involved will be removed from the team.
WEATHER: No game or practice will be cancelled due to inclement weather unless you hear
from your convenor.
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JOB DESCRIPTION FOR HEAD COACH:
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Serve as the official spokesperson on behalf of the team
Delegate responsibilities to the assistant coach and manager
Plan on and off ice activities in consultation with the assistant coaches
Plan, implement and control pre-game preparation and communication with the team
Design the practice plans in consultation with the assistant coaches
Coach the team in all games and practices
Establish rules for the team and oversee the supervision of the players
This year all coaches will be required to take an on-line coaches certification course
through the Amateur Athletic Union prior to the start of the season. Included in the
modest fee will be a police check.
¾ More details will be coming soon about this program.
JOB DESCRIPTION FOR THE ASSISTANT COACH:
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Assist with planning, organizing and conducting practices
Assist with pre-game preparation
Assist with the operation of the team during the games
Assist with the supervision of players on and off the ice
Assist with the preparation of a game plan
Report to the head coach
JOB DESCRIPTION FOR THE CERTIFIED TRAINER:
¾ Ensure that the arena is safe for all of the players
¾ Report all unsafe situations immediately to arena staff
¾ Ensure all players have all of the required hockey equipment at all times including a
mouth guard and neck guard.
¾ Have a complete trainer’s bag including first aid supplies available at all times
¾ Attend to any on and off ice player injury
¾ Have a completed medical questionnaire including OHIP numbers with you at all times
for all team members
¾ If an injury on the ice results in medical attention, the trainer must fill out the accident
report form and submit it to the league office within 48 hours.
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JOB DESCRIPTION FOR THE CONVENOR
¾ Ensure that all players, coaches, parents and spectators are following the appropriate Code
of Conducts. If necessary, the convenor will take the necessary steps to deal with any
breech of the Code’s of Conduct.
¾ Ensure any and all player suspensions are adhered to.
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The SRHL is a no body checking rep league. The regular season and playoffs will include 30
games. All games are 15-15-15 stop time periods. The Midget division will include a 16 game
schedule.
RULES AND REGULATIONS:
The SRHL is sanctioned by the Canadian Independent Hockey Federation and the Amateur
Athletic Union in the United States. We are not in any way affiliated with Hockey Canada/USA
Hockey or the OMHA. The SRHL utilizes the majority of the rules as laid out in the Hockey
Canada rule book but does have exceptions and additions. Players can go back and forth between
leagues on an annual basis.
1. Start of Games: A three-minute warm up is all that is permitted. Referees will be
instructed to start the game on time. Any delays by either team will result in a delay of
game penalty. The home team is required to provide pucks for the game. The home
team is also required to provide one timekeeper and one scorekeeper. One time out
is permitted during games.
2. Game Sheets: Every coach will be given enough game sheets for all home games during
the season. The home team is required to provide the game sheet. The home team
coach is encouraged to fill out the game sheet at home before the game. Please make sure
all of the required information is listed including: players, coaches and trainers names,
game location, team names, division, start time and curfew time. The home team must
provide the visiting team the game sheet no later than 20 minutes prior to face-off.
At the conclusion of the game, the home team must collect the game sheets from the
referees. One copy goes to the home team, one copy to the visiting team and one
copy to the league. This year coaches will be able to input game scores and stats
directly on the website. More information will be coming soon about the new system.
3. No coach or bench member may step on the ice surface with the exception being when an
injury occurs. Team officials are not allowed to cross the ice to get to the bench before or
after games.
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4. No member of the coaching staff shall yell at or abuse an on ice official at any time. If a
coach would like to speak with an official regarding a call, they are asked to have the
captain or assistant captain request the referee speak to his/her coach at the bench.
Coaches must be professional and respectful at all times. Failure to due so may result in a
penalty or ejection. A referee’s decision is final. They will not change a call based on a
conversation with a coach. The referees are required to give their decision and judgment
on any call. If a coach disagrees with a referee’s call, they may bring the call to the
convenor’s attention and the convenor will look into it.
5. No parent or spectator in the stands may shout instructions to their child on the ice.
No coaching from the stands. Every team has a bench coach and they will instruct
the players as they see fit. No parent or spectator is permitted to shout obscenities or
make disparaging remarks about the referee’s. Any parent or spectator who is
breaking this rule or a rule from the Code of Conduct may be asked to leave the
arena by the referee, a convenor or league official. Any parent or spectator who
verbally abuses a convenor or league official will be subject to a mandatory hearing
with league officials. They may face suspension or expulsion from the arena.
6. All players will shake hands prior to the start of every game. Coaches will remain on their
bench.
7. All players will wear a mouth guard. This will help reduce the risk of a concussion.
8. All coaches must wear a CSA approved helmet while on the ice with the players. Only
persons 18 years of age are permitted on the ice with the teams. All designated practice
time must be used for team training. No other activities may be planned without the
written approval of the their league official. Teams are not permitted to book ice time on
their own. If a team requires additional ice time, they must contact their league official
and make a formal request. This will ensure the practice is covered by league insurance.
9. Coach Certification:
All coaches are required to register with the AAU (Amateur Athletic Union) and complete
the on-line coaches course (Level 1). The AAU registration will include an international
police check. The coaches’ on-line courses are free with an AAU membership.
10. Dressing Room Guidelines:
• There should be 2 coaches (with approved police checks) in the dressing room
with all players under the age of 18 at all times.
• Only players and coaches should be in the dressing room both pre and post game.
• SRHL volunteers are never to shower with players.
• Teams are responsible for leaving the dressing rooms clean. Any damages to a
dressing room caused by a team or a team member are the responsibility of the
team and coaching staff.
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11. Playoff Format and Tie Breakers:
Every team makes the playoffs. A round robin will be conducted and once completed all
teams will be seated from first to last. In the event of a tie in the standings after the round
robin, the following tie-breaking formula will be used:
1. Winner of the head to head games.
2. Most Wins.
3. Goals for goals against differential. (Goals for minus goals against)
4. The team with the fewest goals allowed.
5. The team with the fewest penalty minutes.
12. PENALTIES AND SUSPENSIONS:
A. Any player who receives 3 minor penalties in a game will be ejected for the
remainder of that game only. A 4-minute body-checking penalty is considered 1
penalty. If the 3rd minor penalty occurs in the last 5 minutes of the game, the player
will receive an automatic 1 game suspension.
B. BODY CHECKING RULE: (PLEASE READ CAREFULLY)
If a player checks another player by dropping his shoulder and stepping into the opponent
and does not cause this player to fall to the ice, the player will receive a 4-minute penalty.
If a player checks another player by dropping his shoulder and checks the opponent
aggressively into the boards deliberately, that player will receive a 5-minute major
penalty and game misconduct. The team will play short handed for 5 minutes. If a player
deliberately checks an opponent in an open ice situation aggressively and causes the
player to fall to the ice, the player will be assessed a 5-minute major and game
misconduct. If a major penalty occurs in the last 10 minutes of the game, that player
will receive an automatic one game suspension. If a player deliberately checks an
opponent and causes a significant injury, a match penalty will be called with an automatic
3 game suspension and a hearing with the league. If a referee feels that contact was
accidental, he may assess a 2-minute minor penalty for interference.
C. Player and or Coach Suspensions:
If a player or coach is under suspension, they are not permitted in the dressing room, the
dressing room area, or on the players’ bench before, during or after a game. A player can
practice with his team while under suspension but cannot play a game until the suspension
has been served. Any player or coach who is serving a suspension must be listed on the
game sheet as serving game 1, game 2 etc. of his/her suspension. If a player receives a
suspension in an exhibition or tournament game, the suspension will carry over to the
next regular season or playoff game.
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D. List of Suspensions:
The SRHL uses the Hockey Canada and OMHA Suspension List as a guideline for its
decisions on suspensions. The SRHL looks at each case individually and the
circumstances surrounding the incident and then renders a decision on a suspension.
One suspension is automatic. If a player receives a 10-minute misconduct in the last ten
minutes of a game, the player is automatically suspended for the next game. There is no
appeal of this rule.
E. Complaint Procedure:
If you have a concern or problem with your child, put it in writing and deliver it to the
team manager. (Email will be satisfactory) No problems will be addressed unless they are
received in writing first.
Step One:
Adhere to the 24-hour rule.
Step Two:
Put it in writing and deliver it to the team manager after 24 hours.
Resolution or
Step Three: Meeting with the team manager and coaching staff.
Resolution or
Step Four:
Meeting with the team manager, head coach, and league officials.
Step Five:
Resolution.
If the issue is deemed to be Abuse or Harassment it must be referred to the Directors of
the SRHL. Once the complaint has been received a date will be selected to have a hearing
into the matter where all parties can attend. Each party will be given the opportunity to
present their arguments and then the President will review the information with both
parties and then render a decision. The President may defer the ruling for a few days if
more information is required.
F. Equipment Policy:
It is mandatory that all players in the SRHL wear approved hockey equipment as stated. This
rule shall be in effect at all times when involved in any game or practice, including
tournaments and exhibition play. Failure to comply with this rule may result in a player
suspended from participation until the approved equipment rule has been satisfied. Further
failure to comply with this rule may result in suspension of the player and team officials by
the Division Convenor. This rule will also be in effect for all team officials assisting or
participating in any on-ice activity (must wear CSA approved helmet with chin strap done
up).
All coaching staff and on ice helpers are required to wear CSA approved helmets with chinstrap done up when on the ice.
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SAFE REP HOCKEY LEAGUE
COACHES’ CODE OF CONDUCT
This Code of Conduct is intended to promote fair play and respect for all participants within
the SRHL. All coaches must sign this pledge before being allowed to take control of their
team and must continue to observe the principles of the Code of Conduct.
CODE OF CONDUCT FOR COACHES
1. I will recognize and respect that players and families have other interests and obligations
and may not be able to attend every game and practice.
2. I will teach my players to play fair and to respect the rules, officials, opponents and
teammates.
3. I will ensure all players receive equal instruction, ice time, discipline, and support.
4. I will not ridicule or yell at my players for making mistakes or for performing poorly. I
will remember that children play to have fun and must be encouraged to have confidence
in themselves.
5. I will make sure that equipment and facilities are safe and match the players’ ages and
ability.
6. I will remember that children need a coach they can respect. I will be generous with
praise and set a good example.
7. I will obtain proper training and continue to upgrade my coaching skills.
8. I will never use profanity or argue a call with a referee while on the ice or in the hallway
after a game. If I would like to discuss a call with a referee I will act in a calm and
professional manner and accept the referee’s judgment. I understand that the use of
profanity will result in an automatic 1 game suspension.
I agree to abide by the principles of the COACHES’ CODE OF CONDUCT as set by the SRHL.
I also agree to abide by the rules, regulations and decisions as set by the SRHL.
I understand that failure to abide by the above-mentioned rules and regulations may result in
suspension or dismissal.
PRINT NAME:____________________________
DATE:__________________
SIGNATURE:__________________________________________
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SAFE REP HOCKEY LEAGUE
PARENTS’ CODE OF CONDUCT
Incidents of violence and abuse are on the rise in our hockey rinks; not with players on the ice,
but parents in the stands. In order to establish a safe and enjoyable environment for everyone,
parents are expected to follow the league’s code of conduct.
1. I will respect my child’s identity on the ice and let them enjoy his/her own successes.
2. I will encourage my child to participate, work hard and listen to the coaches.
3. I will refrain from criticizing my child and instead promote the principle that doing
your best is important as winning.
4. I will support the coaching staff. If I have a concern, I will approach the coaching staff
directly and professionally.
5. I will be respectful of the referees, coaches, all players, parents and spectators at the rink.
6. I will ensure that my son/daughter has the proper equipment to play the game
safely.
7. I will refrain from shouting directions from the stands.
8. I will not use profanity at the rink.
9. I will not enter the dressing room or wait for my child immediately outside the
dressing room door.
10. I will show appreciation for the volunteer coaches who give their time to coach
hockey for my child.
I agree to abide by the principles of the PARENTS’ CODE OF CONDUCT as set by the SRHL.
I also agree to abide by the rules, regulations and decisions as set by the SRHL.
I understand that failure to abide by the above-mentioned rules and regulations may result in a
request to leave the arena. Failure to comply with this request may lead to forfeiture of the game,
further suspensions and police may be called.
PRINT NAME:____________________________
DATE:__________________
SIGNATURE:__________________________________________
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SAFE REP HOCKEY LEAGUE
PLAYERS’ CODE OF CONDUCT
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I will play hockey because I want to, not just because others or coaches want me to.
I will play by the rules of hockey and in the spirit of the game.
I will respect my opponents.
I will control my temper – fighting and mouthing off can spoil the activity for everyone.
I will do my best to be a true team player.
I will remember that winning isn’t everything and that having fun, improving skills,
making friends and doing my best are also important.
I will acknowledge all good plays/ performances – those of my team and my opponents.
I will remember that officials are there to help me. I will accept their decisions and
SHOW THEM RESPECT.
I will make a commitment to my team at all times by attending all practices, games,
meetings, special events, and by playing to the best of my ability.
I will respect my coaches at all times and remember that my Coaches are providing me
with the opportunity to learn and play the game of hockey.
If I feel strongly about something and wish to discuss it with the coach I will do so in the
dressing room before or after a game so that the outcome of a game is not affected.
I acknowledge that respect for authority is a valuable life lesson.
I will not argue with a referee after a whistle since arguing will NOT change his or her
decision.
I will share pertinent health issues with team management.
I will wear all proper equipment during games and practices.
I agree to abide by the principles of the PLAYERS’ CODE OF CONDUCT as set by the SRHL.
I also agree to abide by the rules, regulations and decisions as set by the SRHL.
I understand that failure to abide by the above-mentioned rules and regulations may result in
suspension or dismissal.
PRINT NAME:____________________________
DATE:__________________
SIGNATURE:______________________________________
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