Sydney Bears Ice Hockey INC. Guidelines

Issued: November 2007

The aim of this document is assist Coaches in carrying out the tasks that they may need to perform in a season and to let parents/players know the general guidelines/ethos of the Club. It is hoped that commonsense will prevail at all times. These guidelines will be updated from time to time.

Team Selections
A selection panel of three should be used to oversee selections. This panel will be made up of:

The Coaching Director (or his/her representative)
The Coach
A Club member who holds a minimum of current Level 1 Coaching accreditation (selected by the Coaching Director)

Ideally the team will be made up of 15 Players and 2 Goalies. Atoms, being development driven, may accept more players.

If a given age group has an abundance of eligible players, this number may be increased at the Coaching Director’s/Committee’s direction.

The “Selectors” will consider the following areas when selecting a team:-

Player’s previous club history. Previous year players will be given preference.
The ability of the player to play safely in the level they are trying out for.
Playing ability.

Playing Up
If a team is unable to form a full team (15 Players, 2 Goalies), then players can be invited to “play up” from a lower age division. All relevant association rules must be followed and all paperwork is to be correctly submitted.

Playing up is done at the Coach’s discretion. The coach of the lower grade can recommend for or against a player to play up.
If a player is on two teams and a conflict arises on a particular game, the coaches will decide which game the player will attend. The guiding principle is that the player will generally be expected to play their age level. It is not the player’s or parent’s discretion to decide.

Training Up
Training up during the season is a good way to challenge and improve young players and is highly recommended.
Training up is always at the coach’s discretion. When training up is to take place, coaches should

be careful to ensure the following:-

Players involved are of a suitable skill level and size;
That the parents and coach of the player both consent and are fully informed of what is involved;
That there is no ill effect on other players of the grade the player is training up to; and
That the Coaching Director is informed and kept up-to-date with development of the player and any difficulties that have to be addressed.

Ice Time During Games
Atoms:- Ice time must be equal as stipulated in the IHNSW Members Handbook.

The coach should inform parents of his/her Ice Time policy, but generally should aim to maintain a level of fairness that allows less experienced players to gain valuable game time but still maintain the team’s competitiveness in important games.

In Bantam level and above, game ice time may be used as a training incentive (dedication, discipline, attendance, punctuality etc.). Consideration should be made for other commitments (school activities, study etc.).

Training
The Coach should endeavour to provide drills and activities that promote a safe and enjoyable environment that is appropriate to all players.

Coach Selection
Prospective coaches should hold a minimum of an IHA Level One Accreditation and submit their interest to the Coaching Director.
The coaching Director will submit the final Coaching Staff list to the Committee for final approval.

Parent Communication
Line of Communication for a parent should be:

Team Manager
Team Coach
Coaching Director
Player Parent Representative
Full Committee