Chapter 3:

Policies:

	This chapter describes the general philosophy adopted by the Area Centres.
Philosophy:	Westdale Community Centres' hockey program provides high quality recreation for young people in our community. The program is committed to giving as many young people as possible the opportunity to play benefit from the development of character, high ideals of fair play and individual and team skills. The focus is on participation and fun, not on winning or losing. The principles of Westdale Community Centre are: 1. Every player plays. 2. Children should play with others of the same skill level. 3. Misbehavior by players and/or parents will not be tolerated to protect the enjoyment of all participants
Fair Play Codes	McDonalds restaurants, with the General of Winnipeg Community Centres and the Coaches Association of Manitoba, have developed a Fair Play program that works toward putting Fair Play and fun back into sports for our young athletes. This program establishes a solid model for coaches, parents and players. Westdale Community Centre endorse the Fair Play program, and recommends that all athletes, coaches, spectators, and parents take time to review the following Fair Play Codes.
For the Players:	I will participate because I want to, not because my parents or coaches want me to. I will play by the rules, and in the spirit of the game. I will control my temper. Fighting and mouthing off can spoil the activities for everybody. I will respect my opponents. I will do my best to be a true team player. I will remember that winning is not everything. Having fun, improving skills, making friends and doing my best are also important. I will acknowledge all good players and performances, those of my team and of my opponents. I will remember that coaches and officials are there to help me. I will accept their decisions and show them respect.
For Parents:	I will not force my child to participate in sports. I will remember that our children play sports for their enjoyment, not for mine. I will encourage my child to play by the rules and to resolve conflicts without resorting to hostility or violence. I will teach my child that doing one's best is as important as winning, so that my child never feel defeated by the outcome of a game or event. I will make my child feel like a winner every time by offering praise for competing fairly and trying hard. I will never ridicule or yell at my child for making a mistake or losing a competition. I will remember that children learn best by example. I will applaud good plays and performances by both my child's team and their opponents. I will never question the officials' judgment or honesty in public. I will support all efforts to remove verbal and physical abuse from children's sporting activities. I will respect and show appreciation for the volunteer coaches who give their time to provide sport activities for my child.
For Coaches:	I will make sure that all athletes have a reasonable opportunity to perform to the best of their abilities within the limits of the rules. I will avoid or stop any situation that threatens the safety of the athletes. I will maintain a healthy atmosphere and environment for competition. I will not permit the intimidation of any athlete either by word or by action. I will not tolerate unacceptable conduct toward myself, other officials, athletes, or spectators. I will be consistent and objective in calling all infractions, regardless of my personal feelings toward a team or individual athlete. I will accept my role as a teacher and role model for fair play, especially with young participants. I will handle all conflicts firmly but with dignity. I will be open to discussion and contact with the athletes before and after the game. I will remain open to constructive criticism and show respect and consideration for different points of view. I will obtain proper training and continue to upgrade my officiating skills.
For Spectators:	I will remember that children play sport for their enjoyment, they are not playing to entertain me. I will not have unrealistic expectations. I will remember that child athletes are not miniature professionals and cannot be judged by professional standards. I will respect the officials decisions and I will encourage participants to do the same. I will never ridicule an athlete for making a mistake during a competition. I will give positive comments that motivate and encourage continued efforts. I will condemn the use of violence in any form and will express my disapproval in an appropriate manner to coaches and league officials. I will show respect for my team's opponent, because without them there would be no game. I will not use bad language, nor will I harass athletes, coaches, officials, or other spectators.

	General Policies:
Age advancements:	Age advancements are not encouraged and are rarely granted.

Discipline:	Coaches may apply equal discipline when players do not attend practices and games, especially when the player has not given notice or provided an excuse, or when the player fails to make an effort, refuse to follow instructions, or does not conduct themselves accordingly to the principles of fair play. All players are to be treated equally. Normally, discipline includes having a player sit out or dismissing a player from a game or practice. In extreme circumstances, a coach may dismiss a player from a team, with the approval of the Hockey Director of Convener where the team is based.
Games between centre teams:	Teams registered at the same community centre are discouraged from playing one another, especially across skill level or age groups.
Insurance:	All coaches, referees and other volunteer workers have comprehensive insurance coverage under CHA while volunteering for Are Centres. All players are insured under CHA. For more information about areas of liability that are covered, see Safety Requires Teamwork, available from the MAHA office at 200 Main Street, or by telephone at 985-4242. You must have accident report forms in your team's community centre office within 90 days after an accident. If you need to report an accident, get a form from the office as soon as possible.
Late Registration:	Late registrants are not guaranteed playing spots unless they are newcomers to the area soon after regular registration is complete. There is a late registration fee. Late registration is discouraged.
Participation Fees:	Westdale Community Centre participation fees are part of registering to play hockey.
Playing Time:	Coaches will use their best efforts to give every player equal playing time, except in disciplinary situations.
Registration:	Players may participate in a tryout, practice, or game only after they have completed a registration card and paid the required fees. Coaches can not allow anyone to play who is not on their list of registered players. Players must register at their home community centres
What Registration Fees Cover:	Ice time for team selection. Outdoor practice ice. Fees of the hockey associations, which include administration expenses, ice for League games, referees, timekeeper for league and playofF games, awards, and insurance. Sweaters, goalie equipment, cleaning and repair. Other expenditures such as clinics and coaching materials.
What Registration Fees Does Not Cover:	The cost of extra ice for extra practices, games, or tournaments. Jackets, sweaters, etc. Tournaments and exhibition games and trips.
Extra Team Fees:	Teams are allowed to collect additional amounts from parents/guardians to cover extra ice, tournaments, etc. It is recommended a team budget is prepared and advised to everyone. This budget is to be reviewed with everyone during the season of the teams fund status.
Documents:	Copies of birth certificates are required when the player registers. Other documents are occasionally needed for the following. Parents are informed when these are required. Inter-branch transfers WMHA transfers Age advancements Certification as to residency
Resolving Disputes:	Westdale Community Centre Hockey Program has its own dispute resolution process. Parents with a dispute with a coach or convener should use the dispute process of the centre hosting their child's team. In extreme and unusual situations it the dispute is not resolved through the normal procedures, parents should contact the convener from their home centre. The home convener then acts on their behalf.
Roster Size:	Association rules say that the minimum number of players on a team is 13 skaters plus one or two goalies. Under unusual circumstances, fewer players may be allowed with approval of the Hockey Conveners (House League ages 5-8 often has this exception to this rule). For older teams, coaches are encouraged to carry 14 skaters plus one or two goalies. The numbers depend on the number of players in each age group and the number of teams being formed. Generally, the maximum number of players on a team is 17, with two goalies and 15 skaters. At the Midget level, this may be increased to ensure enough players for games, because of the expanded outside interests of the older players. Players can temporarily play five games each as call ups to higher age or division team. Therefore, it is often best for A2 and A3 teams to have rosters.
Skating Skills	Players are encouraged to enroll in power skating or other skating skills programs.
Temperature:	Outdoor games cannot be played if wind-chill exceeds 1750 or if the temperature is -25C or below.
Temporary Players:	The Convener responsible for a team may give permission for temporary players on the team. This permission is subject to the requirements for association teams playing under WMHA rules.
Traveling Teams:	Members of traveling teams (Al level) are not normally eligible to play on house league teams.
Transfers:	Transfers of players in and out of any community centre are governed by the regulations of the Winnipeg Minor Hockey Association, which are: All players must register at their home community centres by the initial registration date. Transfers are granted only under exceptional circumstances. Transfers are granted for only one year. After that year, players must again register at their home community centre. A community centre cannot transfer a player in while transferring a player out in the same age category. Transfers are not normally granted at the same time as an age advancements. A transfer cannot be granted after December I. A player wishing to transfer must complete an Application for transfer. The application must be approved by both the community centre and the APHA President, for transfers within the APHA. Transfers to or from another association must also be approved by the other association president and the WMHA. Each community centre always considers the needs of its own teams before approving a transfer.
What Is Expected Of Parents:	Parents are expected to: Get players to scheduled games and practices dressed and at the times requested by the coach. Let coaches know when players can't be at games or practices. Follow the Fair Play Codes. Help wherever possible.