SYHA Policy

SIMSBURY YOUTH HOCKEY ASSOCIATION (SYHA) STATEMENT OF PURPOSE

Simsbury Youth Hockey Association (SYHA) is organized to provide a recreational amateur hockey program with an emphasis on skill development and competition. SYHA serves a core geographic area including the towns of Simsbury, Granby, East Granby, Canton, Bloomfield, Suffield, Burlington, Hartland, Barkhamsted, New Hartford, Colebrook, Winchester, Torrington, and Harwinton; residents of other towns may register as participants in SYHA subject to the limitations and requirements of Registration policy.  Prospective members of SYHA should read our policies closely. House and Girls team registrations will be open to all players regardless of town or residence.

SYHA recognizes a broad range of abilities and commitment among its participants and strives to provide appropriate instruction and competition within the constraints of cost and available ice time. SYHA does not discriminate on the basis of gender, race, national origin, or religious affiliation and seeks to place enrolled players with similar desires and assessed abilities together on teams or in similar groups to maximize enjoyment for all participants. 

Our policies are a statement of purpose of the experience, philosophy, and procedures governing the operation of SYHA and supplements its By-Laws. Policies are definitive and any deviations or changes shall be initiated through the Policy Committee and shall be approved by the Board. Occasionally, it is necessary for the Board of Directors of SYHA or its representatives to take additional action(s) not specified in Policy. They are empowered to do so at their discretion in support of SYHA’s stated goals and the policies outlined here. 

SIMSBURY YOUTH HOCKEY ASSOCIATION (SYHA) CORE GEOGRAPHIC AREA

For the purpose of Policy, SYHA’s Core Geographic Area is defined to include the towns of Simsbury, Granby, East Granby, Canton, Bloomfield, Suffield, Burlington, Hartland, Barkhamsted, New Hartford, Colebrook, Winchester, Torrington, and Harwinton.

No exceptions will be made to this definition. The Board may, at its sole discretion, amend or redefine the Core Geographic Area in the best interests of the program prior to the beginning of the next registration cycle. 

For the purposes of the registration Process, “SYHA Players” are defined as:

1. All players, returning or new registrants, residing in SYHA’s Core Geographic Area, and
2. Siblings of current SYHA players from outside the Core Geographic Area.

House and Girls registration will be open to all players regardless of town or residence.

Potential travel team (Mite through Midget) players from outside the Core Geographic Area will be considered Alternate Applicants.  Soon after the registration deadline and based on the numbers of registered SYHA players, SYHA will determine the number of teams it will support for each Division for the upcoming season and its ability to accept Alternate Applicants. Decisions regarding the acceptance of Alternate Applicants will be made at the sole discretion of SYHA according to the needs of the program. There is no guarantee that Alternate Applicants will have a spot in SYHA for the upcoming season.

July 2011

SIMSBURY YOUTH HOCKEY ASSOCIATION (SYHA) DIVISIONS

Revision approved September 1, 2017 (amends Policy Paper Sections 1.1, 1.2, 1.5 through 1.8)

USA HOCKEY AGE CLASSIFICATIONS

SYHA will divide its players by the age classifications promulgated by USA Hockey from time to time, unless otherwise approved by the Board of Directors. Players on Travel Teams (defined below) will skate at their age level. SYHA strongly discourages exceptions to this policy, as past experience has demonstrated that the negative effect on SYHA as a whole outweighs the benefit afforded any individual player. SYHA does realize there will be special circumstances that require review. The President, the Division Directors of both affected divisions, and the Director of Coaching will review each individual case. If the decision is made to stay in the appropriate age group then no Board intervention is required. If it is deemed appropriate for a player to participate in an older division, serving both the needs of the organization and those of the individual player, both Division Directors and the Director of Coaches, in consultation with the player's family, will initiate an exception to SYHA policy. The Board will review this proposal and by a majority vote approve or deny any proposed exceptions to this policy brought to it by the Division Directors and Director of Coaching taking into account the player's assessed skills, maturity, desire, and the special circumstances related to both the player and the organization.

COMPOSITION OF DIVISIONS

SYHA will subdivide each Division into travel teams and recreational/developmental (‘house’) groups based on the following factors: the number of players in the Division, the ages of the players in the Division, the general level of skill and desire of players in the Division, and such other factors as shall advance and serve the philosophy of SYHA. The Divisions may be subdivided as follows, but such subdivision is ultimately at the discretion of the President, the Vice President of On-Ice Operations, and the Division Director(s) in their determination of the best interests of the program, and may change from year-to-year based on the needs and best interests of the program:

SYHA believes strongly that the emphasis in the Mite U6/U8 Division is and should remain primarily skill development. SYHA recognizes that competition is a necessary adjunct to skill development for all skaters, but believes that skill development is best achieved for skaters other than those on the Travel Teams through practices and intra- program competition. Often, there is sufficient player enrollment to subdivide the House Programs into equal numbered groups of approximately equal skill level in order to implement effective teaching and intramural competition. 

The Squirt U10, Pee Wee U12, Bantam U14 and Girls Division Directors, in consultation with the President and the Vice President of On-Ice Operations, determine the annual structure of their divisions based on enrollment and have the discretion to restructure their divisions as necessary in the best interests of the program.

The Midget U18 Division is for participants grouped in the USA Hockey-defined Midget age group. The division is divided into “A” and “B” Travel Teams based on player skill levels and commitment. Midget players may come from the SYHA’s Core Geographic Area with exceptions made based on the needs of the program at the discretion of the Division Director, the Vice President of On-Ice Operations, and the President. The Midget season will run from September through Mid-November. At the end of this “split season” the Division Director will determine if there are enough players to register a Midget team for the remainder of the winter season.

Elite Midget Team. At the discretion of the Midget Division Director, the President, and the Vice- President of Operations, in consultation with the Board, SYHA may offer an open Tier 1 Midget team available to all interested participants and is not restricted to SYHA’s Core Geographic Area. The goal of the Tier 1 team is to compete in the USA Hockey Regional and National Tier 1 tournaments. Participants who tryout, but are not selected for, the Tier 1 Midget team and are not from SYHA’s Core Geographic Area may not try out for the Midget “A” or Midget “B“ teams.

SYHA includes a Girls Division for those who wish to participate in girls-only competition consistent with the CHC Hockey Girls Division age guidelines. The Division Director, in consultation with the Head Coaches in the Girls Division, has broad discretion to structure the Division based on enrollment and the best interests of the program. The Division Director will base competitive schedules on the ages and skill levels of the girls enrolled in the program and the particular structure of the Division in a given year. The Girls program shall follow the SYHA policies and procedures unless waived by the President and the Vice President of On-Ice Operations. Girls of Mite age are strongly encouraged to participate in the Mite Division as SYHA believes this will best meet their needs in terms of skill development.

The House (Recreational) Program in each Division is comprised of those players who do not wish to participate in a competitive hockey program or were not selected for a Travel Team after the completion of the tryout and selection process. The emphasis of the House Program in each Division is the development of hockey skills (skating, passing and receiving, stick handling and shooting) through practice drills and intramural competition. Minimal travel to play games against other local CHC programs is required (Squirt / PeeWee House and Girls Limited Travel Divisions only).

GOALIES

In the Mite U6/U8 Divisions (House and Travel), SYHA will expose as many players as possible to the goalie position, encouraging all players to experiment with goaltending. All players interested in trying the goaltender position will get an opportunity to do so through team play and the SYHA Goalie Skill Sessions. At this age it is important for all players, even players with a strong goalie interest, to develop their skating skills.

In the Squirt U10, PeeWee U12, Bantam U14, Girls U12/U14, Midget U18 Divisions, SYHA will continue goalie development with skill-based teaching through team coaches and SYHA Goalie Skill Sessions.  Only players in these divisions will be given the opportunity to tryout as a Goalie.

TEAM SIZE

Travel Teams in the Mite U8 Division will adhere to USA Hockey American Development Model (ADM) recommendations for team size and cross ice play.

Travel Teams in the Squirt U10, PeeWee U12, Girls U12/U14, and Bantam U14 Divisions will consist of a target size of 15 players up to the maximum allowed by Connecticut Hockey Conference or Connecticut Girls Hockey League (CGHL) guidelines. The final roster size of the team will be at the discretion of the Head Coach, the Vice President of On-Ice Operations, and the Division Director. If a team consists of fewer than 20 regular players, additional players may be added to the roster (to the CHC division maximum) as alternates to be called up in the case of injury or unavailability of regular players.

STATE TOURNAMENTS / NUMBER OF GAMES

Each Travel Team will register for the CHC State Tournament for its Division. The Girls Program teams will also register for the CGHL State Tournament. Registration fees for the CHC and CGHL tournaments are included in the SYHA participation fees for such teams and shall be paid by SYHA. During the regular season, the pronounced goal of SYHA is for Travel Teams to play two games a weekend, excluding tournaments, to ensure that such teams will have played the minimum-required number of games with registered opponents by the CHC tournament cutoff date to qualify for participation in the appropriate CHC tournament. As a matter of policy, the targeted start date for SYHA travel teams to begin games is mid- October.

SYHA will adhere to all post season state tournament guidelines as set by the Connecticut Hockey Conference. Squirt U10, PeeWee U12 and Bantam U14 teams will play as non-tiered and will be ranked periodically throughout the season by www.CTHockeyRatings.com. The end of season rankings will determine team placement for CHC Tier 2, Tier 3, and Tier 4 state tournaments.

Annually, the Midget Division Director, in consultation with the President and the Director of Coaching, and after consulting with division coaches and reviewing the prior season for all teams in their division, will recommend to the Board an appropriately competitive level of play for the Midget division for the upcoming season. An open discussion at a Board meeting in the late spring or early summer (prior to the required CHC declaration deadline), followed by a simple majority vote, will then determine the assumed level of play for the upcoming season.

CHC and CGHL State Tournaments. Players on registered teams are expected to participate in approved CHC and CGHL State Hockey tournaments and to participate in regional and national play if the team advances that far. SYHA will support all teams that advance with the coverage of tournament registration fees. Individual expenses related to the tournament such as hotel, food, and mileage are the responsibility of each family. In recognition of the additional and unplannded expense, families in need may submit a financial hardship request to support individual travel expenses directly to the League President for consideration. The application will be reviewed in strictest confidence by a three member sub-panel of the SYHA Board consisting of the President, VP of On Ice Operations, and Treasurer. Requests will be approved based on financial need and at the discretion of the sub-panel committee.

SIMSBURY YOUTH HOCKEY ASSOCIATION (SYHA) PLAYING TIME POLICY

Revision approved September 1, 2017 (amends Policy Paper Sections 1.3 through 1.4)

The "A" Travel Team in each Division is comprised of those players displaying the highest level of overall skill and competence and a commitment to play at the most competitive level in the Connecticut Hockey Conference (CHC) or Connecticut Girls Hockey League (CGHL). The "A" Travel Team emphasizes competition in conjunction with skill development. Equitable playing time is strongly encouraged and will be implemented over the course of the season, but equal playing time is not mandatory.

The Travel Teams Below the “A” Level (A1 and B) in each Division will emphasize skill development while allowing the player to compete at a level commensurate with his/her abilities. While equal playing time is ideal, equitable playing time is the pronounced goal at this level and will be implemented over the course of the season, giving due consideration to the developmental needs of individual players and the Head Coach’s determination of the needs of the team.

Goalies on House or Limited Travel Teams (Mite U6/U8, Squirt U10, PeeWee U12) – Interested players will rotate when goalie play is introduced.  Coaches will use discretion to encourage the rotation of all players to play in the goalie position during practices and games.

Goalies on Travel Teams (Squirt U10, PeeWee U12, Bantam U14, Girls U12/U14, Midget U18) – The number of goalies in a Division will determine the goalie count on a particular team. Two or more goalies may be assigned to a team. In this scenario, equitable playing time is strongly encouraged and will be implemented over the course of the season, but equal playing time is not mandatory.

Those players (skaters and goalies) who desire to compete on a Travel Team (A, A1 or B) should understand the playing time policies above. Head Coaches are the final authority on what constitutes equitable playing time and players must agree to abide by this policy if selected.

GOALIE / SKATER POSITION ROTATION

It is the position of SYHA that all players who tryout and are placed on travel team as either a skater or goalie will hold that respective position for the entire season. As a general standard, Goalies should not expect to ‘skate out’ (play forward) in games during the season.

SYHA provides Goalie and Skater Skills Clinics for Developmental, Intermediate and Advanced Levels. Clinics will be offered throughout the season.

• Skaters that demonstrate interest in trying the Goalie position are encouraged to participate in scheduled SYHA Goalie Skills Clinics to further develop his/her goalie skills.
• Goalies that demonstrate interest in a forward position are encouraged to participate in SYHA Skater Clinics to further develop his / her skating skills.

SYHA recognizes that periodically there may be scenarios in which a goalie / skater rotation is appropriate or necessary. Head Coaches may use discretion to rotate a goalie / skater throughout the season for reasons such as, but not limited to, absence, illness, or other reasons as deemed reasonable by the Head Coach.

At the discretion of the Head Coach, exceptions to grant a long term goalie / skater rotation (i.e., a more regular or permanent net sharing arrangement) must be presented to the Division Director, who will then share the request for exception with the President, Vice President of Operations, Vice President of Policy and Director of Coaching for final approval.

SIMSBURY YOUTH HOCKEY ASSOCIATION (SYHA) REGISTRATION 

Policy Paper Sections 2.1 through 2.5 (Amended April 2019)

REGISTRATION

Registration Periods. See Appendix B below: Registration and additional information provided periodically on the SYHA website.

New Players. See Appendix B below: Registration and additional information provided periodically on the SYHA website.

Recruiting. SYHA supports and endorses CHC's policies and by-laws that prohibit the recruitment of players from other CHC programs. Players who move out of town may elect to continue in the SYHA program, regardless of whether their new town has an ice hockey program.

Releases from SYHA. SYHA may grant, at its discretion in the best interests of the program, a formal USA Hockey and/or CHC release to any player in good standing who applies to the Registrar in writing. Such good standing includes, but is not limited to, full payment of all fees and other monies owed to SYHA. The Registrar may consult the President and the appropriate Division Director(s) as necessary. If, in the Registrar’s determination a release cannot be granted, the matter will be referred to the President who will render a decision, at his/her discretion.

Space Available. See Appendix B below: Registration and additional information provided on the SYHA website.

Fees. Annually, the President, the Treasurer, and the Vice President of On-Ice Operations will present to the Board for their approval the required participation fees for players on each team and in each Division of SYHA, together with the due dates and any applicable late fees for any installment(s), based upon the ice expenses, referee costs, and a share of all other SYHA costs. Fee and geographic footprint exceptions for goalies may be made based on the needs of the program at the discretion of the Division Director, Treasurer, Vice President of On-Ice Operations, and the President. Fees for participation in tournaments, for additional games or practices not originally scheduled by SYHA, and for jerseys may be included within the original fee assessment or separately assessed at the Board’s discretion.

Installment and Budget Payment Schedules. The President and/or Treasurer are authorized to negotiate installment or budget payment schedules in cases of financial hardship or unique circumstances. It is the responsibility of players and parents to request and finalize budget plans before the due date of the second installment of the current season year. Any player who has been declared in arrears with respect to registration fees (or any negotiated budget plan) by the Board will be ineligible for the remainder of season and for post-season play, practices, and registration for the following year until such fees are paid in full or the budget plan is made current. This policy is intended to ease the financial burden of fees on a very few affected families and is not a general offer of installment or budget payment plans. Any such exceptions to the regular installment schedule are arranged and authorized by the Treasurer, in consultation with the President as required.

Refunds. When registration is submitted to and accepted by SYHA, it represents a firm commitment between the player and the player’s family and SYHA for the entire season. SYHA in turn makes a variety of contractual financial commitments based on the number of registered players. As a consequence, cancellation of registration may represent a financial loss or hardship to SYHA. The registration partial first installment, the balance of the first installment due by September 15th, and all subsequent installments assessed, whether or not paid, pursuant to the full balance of the annual fee as set by SYHA are non-refundable. Exceptions to this policy may be requested of the Treasurer, the Vice President of On-Ice Operations, and the President in special circumstances such as serious injury or relocation. Choosing not to play or moving to another program are not, in the view of SYHA, bases for requesting a refund. The Treasurer, the Vice President of On-Ice Operations, and the President will act on such requests at their sole discretion, and all decisions of this group in such matters are final. See also Appendix B below: Registration and additional information provided on the SYHA website.

Refunds for Long-term Absences from Play Resulting from Serious Injury. By registering with and participating in SYHA programs, players and their families acknowledge that hockey is a physical and contact sport and that the risk of injury, including serious injury, is real. SYHA and SYHA Coaches take all reasonable precautions, consistent with USA Hockey guidelines, to insure that players are instructed properly to minimize the risk of injury to SYHA players and their opponents. However, injuries do occur and players do miss practices and games as a consequence of injury.

In the event of a season-ending absence from practices and games resulting directly from participation in SYHA programs, players and their families may request a partial refund of fees paid, or an abatement of fees remaining outstanding, subject to the following guidelines: if the season-ending injury occurs before November 15th, the player and the player’s family will not be assessed any additional fees scheduled to be paid or assessed after that date; if the season-ending injury occurs after November 15th but before December 15th, 1/3rd of the full season fee will be refunded or, if not yet paid, the assessed fee will be abated 1/3rd; if the season-ending injury occurs after December 15th, no refund of fees paid or abatement of fees assessed will be made. No refunds of fees paid or abatement of fees assessed will be made for non-season-ending injuries regardless of the number of practices and/or games missed. All such requests must be submitted, in writing, to the President of SYHA with appropriate supporting medical documentation of the season-ending injury and specifically prohibiting participation in the SYHA program and must be substantiated by an SYHA injury report submitted by the player’s Coach and the Division Director. Refunds for fees paid may be made in the form of direct cash reimbursements or as credits to be used for subsequent years’ fees for the player or other players in the player’s family at the sole discretion of the Treasurer, the Vice President of On-Ice Operations, and the President of SYHA. The Treasurer, the Vice President of On-Ice Operations, and the President will act on such requests at their sole discretion, and all decisions of this group in such matters are final.

Refunds for Relocation of Players Outside the Core Geographic Area. SYHA understands that family circumstances change and that not all such changes are predictable or anticipated. In the event that a player or a player’s family moves outside of the Core Geographic Area after Registration, refunds of fees paid or assessed may be requested of the Treasurer, the Vice President of On-Ice Operations, and the President. Choosing not to play or moving to another program are not, in the view of SYHA, bases for requesting a refund. The Treasurer, the Vice President of On-Ice Operations, and the President will act on all such requests at their sole discretion, and all decisions of this group in such matters are final.

Particular Provisions for Bantam/Midget/Girls U14 Registration. Bantam, Midget, and Girls U14 players will register during SYHA’s open registration period (detailed in APPENDIX B: Registration). Players in these Divisions understand and agree that SYHA must select, roster, and register teams with CHC at a time when selections for high school/prep school teams are not final. Players may simultaneously tryout for SYHA and high school/prep school teams. Those players who are selected for a high school/prep school team will be entitled to an appropriate, equitable, and proportional refund of registration fees at the Treasurer’s discretion, in consultation with the President. Players who do not register with and try out with SYHA and who are not selected for a high school/prep school team cannot and will not be guaranteed an SYHA roster place. SYHA strongly recommends that high school freshmen who are not selected for a high school varsity team and remain age eligible to play at the Bantam/Girls U14 level play on a Bantam/Girls U14 team and not on a junior varsity team.

Dual Rostering for High School Players. The Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Conference and other high school governing bodies prohibit boys from ‘dual rostering’ on both a high school/prep school team and with CHC, and SYHA strongly discourages girls from ‘dual rostering’ on a high school/prep school team and a SYHA team. If a player wishes to dual roster, the Division Director, in consultation with the President and Vice President of On-Ice Operations, will determine whether to accept the registration based on the needs of the division and space availability.

Dual Rostering for All Other Players. CHC / CGHL rules prohibit players from rostering on more than one CHC-sanctioned team. Further, SYHA strongly discourages all players from rostering for both SYHA and other youth hockey organizations. If a SYHA player wishes to play for another team in addition to SYHA, SYHA will require that player to make their SYHA commitments – both practices and games – a firm priority. If a player is unable to make that commitment – or if their attendance at SYHA games and practices as reported by the Head Coach to the Division Director suggests that they have not made that commitment – the Head Coach, the Division Director, the Vice President of On-Ice Operations, and President will assess the value of that player’s continued participation in SYHA. If, in their sole discretion, the Head Coach, the Division Director, the Vice President of On-Ice Operations, and the President determine that such player’s continued participation in SYHA is detrimental to the needs of the team and of the program, such player’s participation in SYHA will be terminated. In such cases, the player will be entitled to an appropriate, equitable, and proportional refund of registration fees at the Treasurer’s discretion, in consultation with the President.

The James A. Stover Memorial Hockey Scholarship Fund

Purpose. The fund, managed by SYHA but independent of the SYHA operating budget, provides scholarships for players whose particular family financial circumstances would otherwise preclude the player from participating in SYHA’s programs. SYHA conducts a variety of fundraising activities dedicated to raising money for the scholarship fund. These activities are in addition to and complement SYHA’s other fundraising efforts, and specific donations to the fund are always welcome and gratefully accepted.

Criteria. Full or partial scholarships will be awarded based strictly on financial need. A committee consisting of the President, the Vice President of On-Ice Operations, and the Treasurer will review scholarship applications and award scholarships based on available monies in the scholarship fund. Scholarships are awarded at the final discretion of the committee named above, which acts as representatives of the Board. Families applying for a scholarship should contact the Treasurer and complete the required application; applications are due by July 1st for consideration for the upcoming season. 

APPENDIX B

The SYHA registration process for the boys Squirt, Pee Wee and Bantam Divisions (see below regarding Mites and Midgets) and for all Girls Divisions is as follows:

For the purposes of the registration Process, “SYHA Players” are defined as:

1. All players, returning or new registrants, residing in SYHA’s Core Geographic Area, and
2. Siblings of current SYHA players from outside the Core Geographic Area.

House and Girls registration will be open to all players regardless of town or residence.

SYHA Players will have from an opening date until a deadline established by the Board of Directors (“spring registration deadline”) to register online and pay a partial first installment, the amount to be determined and announced by the Board of Directors. All amounts owed to SYHA, for any reason, must be resolved to the full satisfaction of SYHA prior to completing registration for the upcoming season. Registration will not be complete until SYHA has received the partial first installment. SYHA will make every reasonable effort to publicize this registration period prior to the opening date; however, SYHA will not contact SYHA players individually who have not registered by the spring registration deadline. Those not completing registration by the spring registration deadline are at risk of losing a spot in SYHA for the upcoming season.

Potential travel team players from outside the Core Geographic Area will be considered Alternate Applicants (*See amendment for goalies). Soon after the registration deadline and based on the numbers of registered SYHA players, SYHA will determine the number of teams it will support for each Division for the upcoming season and its ability to accept Alternate Applicants. Decisions regarding the acceptance of Alternate Applicants will be made at the sole discretion of SYHA according to the needs of the program. There is no guarantee that Alternate Applicants will have a spot in SYHA for the upcoming season.

Goalie Amendment - April 2019: Fee and geographic footprint exceptions for goalies may be made based on the needs of the program at the discretion of the Division Director, Treasurer, Vice President of On-Ice Operations, and the President. 

The balance of the first installment for SYHA players will be due in mid-September. Those registering in the spring registration period, but having failed to fully pay the first installment by that date (or having failed to make alternative payment arrangements satisfactory to SYHA) may be consider withdrawn for the upcoming season.

Violations of this registration policy may result in a player losing their spot in SYHA.

HOUSE: House registration will open on May 1st and remain open into the season. There will be no distinction between SYHA players and other players for the purposes of House registration, and House registration will be open to all players regardless of town or residence.

GIRLS: Girls registration will open on May 1st and remain open into the season. There will be no distinction between SYHA players and other players for the purposes of Girls registration, and Girls registration will be open to all players regardless of town or residence.

MIDGETS: Midget registration will open on May 1st in alignment with the spring registration deadline. The partial first installment will be applied to the fee for the entire season. The full fee will be announced in July and the balance due in mid September. There will be no distinction between SYHA players and other players for purposes of Midget registration. 

SIMSBURY YOUTH HOCKEY ASSOCIATION (SYHA) COACHING

Policy Paper Sections 3.1 through 3.4 (July 2011)

For coaching resources and information on coach certification, refer to the For Coaches section

Director of Coaching. SYHA is a volunteer organization and makes every effort to provide quality instruction and coaching to its participants. SYHA expects that its coaches work to become more knowledgeable about the game of hockey so that the level of instruction throughout the program is consistently high. The Director of Coaching guides and assists all Division Directors and coaches in this effort. SYHA strives to develop a common general philosophy regarding player instruction and development that is consistent through all levels of the program. This does not imply, however, that every coach will coach every team the same way; coaches are expected to develop practice plans and game strategies that will best serve the needs of their team both in terms of skill development and competency and in the context of the team’s level of competition. Prior to tryouts and team selections each fall, the Director of Coaching will conduct a coaches meeting, which will be attended by all potential coaching candidates. The Director of Coaching will discuss the philosophy of SYHA and its expectations for the conduct of coaches in their role as the primary representative of SYHA to players and parents. On-ice clinics will be held each fall and all assigned coaches are strongly advised to attend.

Selection of Coaches. All interested persons may apply to the Director of Coaching. The Director of Coaching, the Vice President of On-Ice Operations, and the appropriate Division Director will constitute a Committee with the responsibility and authority to make all coaching assignments. The decision of this Committee will be final. SYHA's policy is to select the most qualified Head Coach from among all interested candidates, regardless of whether a candidate is the parent of a child participating in the program. In all situations the candidate Head Coach will possess coaching qualifications consistent with the level of skill and competition of the players to be coached. Coaches are required to attend the pre-season coaches meeting for the level they expect to coach. Other key factors are the ability to relate well to players of that age level, the ability to communicate effectively with parents, the ability to exercise fair and independent judgment and the ability to support SYHA policies and procedures. Coaching assignments will be reviewed annually. A Division Director may not be a Head Coach in the division in which they are the current Director. The single exception to this provision is in the Midget Division, provided the coaching candidate receives majority approval of the President, Vice President of On-Ice Operations, and Director of Coaching.

USA Hockey Certification of Coaches. All coaches above the Mite House Division will hold the appropriate level USA Hockey Coaching Achievement certification consistent with USA Hockey guidelines. Ideally, coaches will be appropriately certified at the beginning of the SYHA season in October, but all coaches will be certified by January be removed by the Board and will not be permitted to participate in on-ice or game-coaching activities. It is mandatory for CHC State Tournament-eligible team coaches to hold the appropriate USA Hockey certification. All SYHA coaches are strongly encouraged to earn Level III certification. For additional information on USA Hockey’s Coaching Achievement certification programs, see the USA Hockey website at www.usahockey.com

USA Hockey/CHC Required Screening of Coaches. USA Hockey and CHC require that all SYHA personnel (coaches, managers, Board members, instructors, etc.) with routine access to minor players clear a background screen by a CHC-sanctioned organization. To facilitate this process, CHC has contracted with an independent screening organization operating an on-line screening application. All such SYHA personnel must complete this screening process, and SYHA must receive independent confirmation that the applicant has passed that screening process, before the applicant will be allowed to participate in SYHA events. The website address for the screening process will be provided by the Director of Coaching, Registrar, or the appropriate Division Director upon request.

On-Ice Participation. Generally, only Head Coaches, assistant coaches, and players who are registered and insured by SYHA and assigned to that particular team will be on the ice during practice times. Occasionally, at the Head Coach’s discretion, additional personnel may be invited to practices. In all such cases, additional personnel will assist the coaches and advance the practice plan. All on-ice coaches must obtain the necessary level of certification as outlined above.

Parents' Meeting. Each Head Coach will conduct a mandatory meeting for players and parents immediately after team selections. The Head Coach will appoint a team manager who will be in charge of team administrative matters, and the Head Coach will discuss the philosophy, policies, and procedures of SYHA applicable to the team or parents’ group. 

SIMSBURY YOUTH HOCKEY ASSOCIATION (SYHA) TRYOUTS AND SELECTIONS

Revision approved September 1, 2017 (amends Policy Paper Sections 4.1 through 4.2.3)

Each year in the early Fall, Simsbury Youth Hockey Association (SYHA) conducts a tryout process for those players wishing to participate on a Travel team. SYHA reserves the right to conduct Spring tryouts for the Girls division only. At SYHA Tryouts, every player is evaluated and assigned to a team based on his or her skill level at a particular position. The emphasis is to appropriately place all players, skaters and goalies, with like-skilled players. 

Tryouts are open to all fully registered players of appropriate age, as defined by USA Hockey and the Connecticut Hockey Conference (CHC). The goal of the process is to fairly evaluate the abilities of each player to ensure that each player is selected for the appropriate level team.

SYHA will select teams for each division after a weeklong evaluation process during which each player will be evaluated at least twice and in the vast majority of cases three times. Dates and times for the tryouts are posted on the SYHA website (http://www.simsburyhockey.com) and announced via email to the parents/guardians of all registered players.

SYHA fields two or three travel teams in each division (Mite U8, Squirt U10, PeeWee U12, Bantam U14, Midget U18, Girls U10/U12/U14). The number of teams fielded depends entirely on registration for the given season. Travel teams are registered with the Connecticut Hockey Conference (CHC) and are designated as A, A1 and B. Girls travel teams may be registered with the Connecticut Girls Hockey League (CGHL) and are designated as U10, U12, and U14.

TRYOUT FORMAT

Those wishing to try out for a travel team will skate from the beginning of the process. Those not wanting to play travel, or those who are not assigned to a travel team after evaluations, will be assigned to a House team. A post-tryout evaluation session may be scheduled by the Division Director.

Selections will be made based on skill and ability to play at a particular level (travel or house), and not with an objective of building for the future. If all other things are equal, placement preference will be given to the older player. 

Only players in the Squirt U10, PeeWee U12, Bantam U14, Girls U12/U14, Midget U18 Divisions may tryout as a Goalie. SYHA requires a player trying out for a goalie position to declare prior to tryouts if they intend to tryout as a goalie. Declaration can be made through Program Registration, or by contacting your Division Director prior to the first evaluation session.

A player’s status on past year’s teams in no way guarantees placement on that team for the current season. Example: A player assigned to the A team in 2018/19 is not automatically assigned to the A team for the 2019/20 season. However, a player not selected by the evaluation team for at least the same team as the prior year will be discussed and final decision on the roster placement will be finalized by a committee that includes President, VP's of Operations and Policy, Director of Coaching and the Division Director.

On the first night of tryouts, Goalies will participate in both tryout sessions (Sessions 1 and 2) to initiate evaluation for their respective level of play. Goalies may also be asked to attend all sessions on nights 2 and 3, or may be assigned to attend sessions in a different pattern as outlined above at the discretion of the Evaluation Team.

The exact number, order and nature of the sessions may be subject to minor revisions if a Division Director determines, pursuant to SYHA policy, to use a format other than A, A1, B and House format.

After the final tryout session, the Evaluation Team will review player performance at all sessions in addition to any information deemed relevant by the Evaluation Team (e.g., prior season coach feedback) to assign players to the appropriate level within the division. The decisions of the Evaluation Team, in conjunction with the Division Director, are final and no appeals will be considered.  

Team assignments will be posted to the SYHA website at a date and time announced by the Division Director. Each player will also receive a phone call or email from the coach of the team to which they have been assigned as soon as practical after assignments are complete.

ABSENTEES

A player must attend the sessions they are assigned to; there will be no exceptions. If a player is unable to attend one assigned session from among sessions 1-4 (or session 1 for Midget/Mite/Girls) due to illness, injury or other good cause, the excused player will be assigned to a subsequent session as determined by the A Team Coach and Division Director.

If a player is unable to attend their assigned session from among sessions 5-6 (or session 2 for Midget/Mite/Girls) the player will be placed on a team determined by the Evaluation Team and approved by the Vice-President of On-Ice Operations.

If a player misses two or more assigned sessions, the player will be placed on a team determined by the Vice President of On-Ice Operations, the Division Director and the Director of Coaching after consultation with that team’s coach.

SPECTATOR ATTENDANCE AT TRYOUTS

In general, parents and others are welcome to observe tryouts and support the players. Players should remain focused and attentive to the instructors at all times. As such, SYHA suggests that all spectators sit in the bleachers during each session and not stand along the glass.

It is the responsibility of the Director of Coaching to conduct tryouts in a positive and healthy atmosphere. If the presence of parents or others at the tryout is determined to be a distraction or disruption, the Director of Coaching may, in consultation with the President, close tryouts to parents or others.

TRYOUT PROCESS, PERSONNEL, ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITES

Evaluations and team assignments for each division will be the responsibility of an Evaluation Team made up of the A team Coach and 2-4 evaluators. Evaluators will be chosen from within and outside SYHA by the A team Coach and the Division Director and are approved by the Director of Coaching. Outside evaluators will be used to the best extent possible. Inside evaluators will not have any children in the division being evaluated. The Director of Coaching may participate as a member of the evaluation team.

The following information summarizes the roles & responsibilities for the key people involved in the tryout process including the President, Division Director, Director of Coaching, the A team Coach and Evaluators:

PRESIDENT:  The President provides leadership and oversight to the tryout process for the Evaluation team as well as the entire SYHA community.

• Sends an email to entire community at the start of the season to communicate tryout information and review SYHA tryout philosophy.
• Conducts a meeting with Director of Coaching, each Division Director and A team Coaches (can be one group meeting) to review and plan for the upcoming tryout season, ensuring consistency among all divisions.
• Is available for parent questions during and after tryouts

DIVISION DIRECTOR:  The Division Director will organize the off-ice components of the tryout, provide additional information requested by the Evaluation Team and makes sure that all SYHA tryout policies and procedures are followed.

• Communicates tryout logistics (dates, times) to parents prior to tryouts. 
• Holds a parent meeting on the first night of tryouts, or at minimum, is available to answer questions and educate parents on tryout procedures, including information on the session evaluators.
• Assists the A team Coach with lining up evaluators (2-4 required at each session) and on-ice support. Coordinates tryout logistics – i.e., pinney assignment and distribution, creates identical evaluation pages for evaluators, etc.
• Collects and records evaluation results from evaluators
• Acts as a liaison between the A team Coach and evaluators if the evaluators are requesting certain drills during a session
• Provides website administrator with postings for player tryout assignments after each session and final team assignments

DIRECTOR OF COACHING: The Director of Coaching provides leadership and oversight for the Evaluation team, ensuring that SYHA tryout policies and procedures for player ratings and team selection are consistently followed across all divisions.

• Meets with the Division Directors, President, the A team Coach and Evaluators to review and plan for the upcoming tryout season, ensuring consistency among all divisions.
• Attends as many tryout sessions as possible in his/her capacity to assist coaches and Evaluators, but does not participate as an Evaluator.
• Assists the A team Coach with lining up on-ice support and evaluators (2-4 required at each session)
• Is available for parent questions during and after tryouts

A TEAM COACH:  The A Team Coach will organize all on-ice components of the tryout, provide additional information requested by the Evaluation Team and makes sure that all SYHA tryout policies and procedures are followed.

• Attends meeting with the above prior to tryouts to make sure he/she is fully aware of responsibilities during tryouts
• Selects qualified evaluators who will preferably be available all 3 nights
• Researches players by obtaining feedback from prior year’s coaches
• Makes sure he/she is prepared with an on-ice plan for tryouts
• Makes sure he/she has adequate on-ice help so he/she can spend maximum time watching players instead of only running drills
• May add observations to assist in the final roster selections
• Contact team members via phone or email to congratulate them and welcome to the team after the team is posted on the website

EVALUATORS:  Evaluators will attend all division sessions to the extent possible. The A Team Coach will run the on-ice sessions and can enlist whatever on-ice assistance the coach desires.

Evaluators will be given specific instructions for conducting their evaluations and what they are looking for with each player. Evaluators will be instructed to:

• Review, in advance, all of the drills and skills to be observed so that they are clear on the on-ice process
• Review the evaluation criteria prior to the process to ensure that all evaluators are evaluating the same skill with the same intent
• Stay separate from the other evaluators and the spectators during the entire on-ice process
• Review their evaluations at the end of each session for accuracy and provide additional input as necessary to qualify their ratings

GOALIE EVALUATORS:  Goalies will be evaluated by the Evaluation Team at each session. The Evaluation Team reserves the right to add an additional or dedicated evaluator(s) to the Evaluation Team, at any point in the process, to focus on goalies. Evaluators will rank goalies at each division level, submitting a final ranking to the Evaluation Team at the conclusion of tryouts for final placement.

OTHER COACHES: If coaches for the A1 and/or B team are named during the tryout process, those coaches will join the Evaluation Team and may participate in subsequent on-ice sessions. To allow for A1 and/or B team coaches (who are not named until after the tryout sessions are complete) to have input as to the final composition of the team they will be coaching, final decisions on those rosters will be made in the day or two following the final session so that those coaches can be included in the discussions.

GENERAL EVALUATION CRITERIA (SKATERS)

The following are the general areas of skill that the evaluators are looking at during the tryout process:

SKATING – SPEED, QUICKNESS, TECHNIQUE

♦ Forward and Backward

♦ Turn both directions

♦ Stop both directions

♦ Is the player in a good position for stability and strength?

PASSING – TECHNIQUE, CONTROL, VISION

♦ Forehand and Backhand

♦ To both moving and stationary targets

♦ Vision – does the player take a look and select best option

♦ Advanced – board passes, chips, saucer passes

PUCK CONTROL – TECHNIQUE, OPEN ICE, CONFINED SPACE

♦ Open carry with speed

♦ Execute dekes and fakes on the 1 on 1

♦ Can the player handle the puck in traffic and tight space

♦ Ability to maintain control while being poke-checked or body checked (age appropriate)

SHOOTING – TECHNIQUE, ACCURACY, VELOCITY

♦ Forehand and backhand

♦ Wrist shot, snap shot, slap shot

♦ Velocity

♦ Accuracy

♦ Shot Selection – does the player select the best shot for the opportunity?

GAME UNDERSTANDING – PRINCIPLES OF OFFENSE AND DEFENSE

♦ Player understands positional play

♦ Player supports the puck on the defensive and offensive side of puck

♦ Player communicates with teammates

♦ Player has the ability to read and react

SIMSBURY YOUTH HOCKEY ASSOCIATION (SYHA) GOALIES

Approved September 1, 2017 

In the Mite U6/U8 Divisions (House and Travel), SYHA will expose as many players as possible to the goalie position, encouraging all players to experiment with goaltending. All players interested in trying the goaltender position will get an opportunity to do so through team play and the SYHA Goalie Skill Sessions. At this age it is important for all players, even players with a strong goalie interest, to develop their skating skills.

In the Squirt U10, PeeWee U12, Bantam U14, Girls U12/U14, Midget U18 Divisions, SYHA will continue goalie development with skill-based teaching through team coaches and SYHA Goalie Skill Sessions.  Only players in these divisions will be given the opportunity to tryout as a Goalie. 

GOALIE TRYOUTS (Squirt U10, PeeWee U12, Bantam U14, Girls U12/U14, Midget U18)

At SYHA Tryouts, every player is evaluated and assigned to a team based on his or her skill level at a particular position (goalie or skater). The emphasis is to appropriately place all players, including skaters and goalies, with like-skilled players. 

SYHA requires a player trying out for a goalie position to declare prior to tryouts if they intend to tryout as a goalie. Declaration can be made through Program Registration, or by contacting your Division Director prior to the first evaluation session.

On the first night of tryouts, Goalies will participate in both tryout sessions (Sessions 1 and 2) to initiate evaluation for their respective level of play. Goalies may also be asked to attend all sessions on nights 2 and 3, or may be assigned to particular sessions at the discretion of the Evaluation Team. 

Goalies will be evaluated by the Evaluation team at each session. The Evaluation Team reserves the right to add an additional or dedicated evaluator(s) to the Evaluation Team, at any point in the process, to focus on goalies. Evaluators will rank goalies at each division level, submitting a final ranking to the Evaluation Team at the conclusion of tryouts for final placement.

Goalies will adhere to all other parameters as outlined in the SYHA Tryout Policy.

GOALIE PLAYING TIME

House and Limited Travel Teams (Mite U6/U8, Squirt U10, Girls U10, PeeWee U12):

• Interested players will rotate when goalie play is introduced.  Coaches will use discretion to encourage the rotation of all players to play in the goalie position during practices and games.

Travel Teams (Squirt U10, PeeWee U12, Bantam U14, Girls U12/U14, Midget U18):

• The number of goalies in a Division will determine the goalie count on a particular team. Two or more goalies may be assigned to a team. In this scenario, equitable playing time is strongly encouraged and will be implemented over the course of the season, but equal playing time is not mandatory. 

Those players who desire to compete as a goalie on a Travel Team in any Division (A, A1 or B) should understand the playing time policies above. Head Coaches are the final authority on what constitutes equitable playing time and players must agree to abide by this policy if selected. 

GOALIE / SKATER POSITION ROTATION

It is the position of SYHA that all players who tryout and are placed on travel team as either a skater or goalie will hold that respective position for the entire season. As a general standard, Goalies should not expect to ‘skate out’ (play forward) in games during the season.

SYHA provides Goalie and Skater Skills Clinics for Developmental, Intermediate and Advanced Levels. Clinics will be offered throughout the season. 

• Skaters that demonstrate interest in trying the Goalie position are encouraged to participate in scheduled SYHA Goalie Skills Clinics to further develop his/her goalie skills.
• Goalies that demonstrate interest in a forward position are encouraged to participate in SYHA Skater Clinics to further develop his / her skating skills. 

SYHA recognizes that periodically there may be scenarios in which a goalie / skater rotation is appropriate or necessary. Head Coaches may use discretion to rotate a goalie / skater throughout the season for reasons such as, but not limited to, absence, illness, or other reasons as deemed reasonable by the Head Coach.

At the discretion of the Head Coach, exceptions to grant a long term goalie / skater rotation (i.e., a more regular or permanent net sharing arrangement) must be presented to the Division Director, who will then share the request for exception with the President, Vice President of Operations, Vice President of Policy and Director of Coaching for final approval.

SIMSBURY YOUTH HOCKEY ASSOCIATION (SYHA) CODE OF CONDUCT

Policy Paper Sections 7.1 through 7.6 (July 2011)

CODE OF CONDUCT – COACHES, PLAYERS, AND PARENTS

General Code of Conduct. All coaches, players, and parents will display good sportsmanship in their conduct at all SYHA activities and will at all times conduct themselves appropriately. Players, parents and coaches must adhere to the SYHA Code of Conduct and abide by all provisions at all times or be subject to disciplinary action by the Board. In particular, but not exclusively, the following standards of conduct shall be observed:

• Foul, disrespectful, or abusive language or gestures by any SYHA player, coach, parent, or associated spectator will not be tolerated
• Harassment of officials, players, coaches, or spectators by any SYHA player, coach, parent, or associated spectator will not be tolerated
• Currently-promulgated USA Hockey rules, including without limitation policies on sexual and physical abuse, shall govern the conduct of all SYHA coaches, players, parents, and associated volunteers unless the rules and regulations of SYHA impose a higher standard of conduct. Copies of USA Hockey rules and regulations are available upon request by the President.
• Any behavior, whether specifically associated with SYHA activities or distinct from them, deemed inappropriate by the Board, in its sole discretion.

Players' Conduct. In addition to the general standards of conduct set forth above, players shall observe any reasonable, non-discriminatory, and fairly-applied team rule clearly communicated to players and parents by a coach. In particular, but not exclusively, players may be disciplined for:

• Continued unexcused absences from practices
• Insubordination
• Hazing or other abusive treatment of other players
• Stealing property or equipment
• Destruction or damage to another person's property
• Destruction or damage to facilities used by SYHA and it’s opponents
• Use of alcohol or other controlled substances, including illegal drugs of any kind
• Lack of adherence to player code of conduct in locker rooms - Locker Room Policy

Enforcement. Head Coaches and Division Directors will be responsible for enforcing SYHA standards of conduct expected of players, parents, and associated spectators and will attempt to resolve minor violations involving the general standards of conduct mentioned above at the team level. All violations of standards of conduct (coaches, players, parents), will be reported in writing by the Head Coach to the Division Director, who will then share the report with the Director of Coaching, the Vice President of On-Ice Operations, the Vice President of Policy, and the President. The Division Director, the Director of Coaching, the Vice President of On-Ice Operations, the Vice President of Policy, and the President will have the power, after notice and hearing, to suspend the offending party from practices or games for any reasonable term, or to end further participation in the SYHA program depending, at their sole discretion, upon the severity of the offense. Their decision in all such disciplinary matters is final.

The Vice President of On-Ice Operations, the Division Director, and the Director of Coaching will be responsible for enforcing standards of conduct expected of coaches, and will attempt to resolve minor violations of the standards of conduct. If the matter is unresolved, the Division Director will notify the Vice President of Policy and the President in writing and schedule a meeting with the Head Coach, the Division Director, the Director of Coaching, the Vice President of On-Ice Operations, the Vice President of Policy, and the President. The Division Director, the Director of Coaching, the Vice President of On-Ice Operations, the Vice President of Policy, and the President will have the power, after notice and hearing, to suspend the offending party from practices or games for any reasonable term, or to end further participation in the SYHA program depending, at their sole discretion, upon the severity of the offense. Their decision in all such disciplinary matters is final.

Parent Participation. SYHA is an all-volunteer organization. Parents are instrumental in all aspects of SYHA’s operations: as Board Members, as coaches, as team managers, as game-timers and scorers, and in many other ways. Simply put, SYHA could not function without the on-going commitment of parent volunteers. During the year SYHA organizes and runs various events – often fund-raising efforts - to benefit all participants in the organization. All parents are asked to donate their time and energies and to help with these events as much as possible.

Parents are invited to attend SYHA Board meetings; this invitation will be specifically reiterated annually in the President's welcoming letter. Parents may question policies or procedures of SYHA at any time and are invited to address any comments or questions to the appropriate Division Director and/or Head Coach who shall attempt to address any concern in a manner consistent with the philosophy of SYHA.

The Division Director or Head Coach will promptly refer all concerns not addressed to the satisfaction of the parent(s) affected to the Vice President of Policy. If the matter remains unresolved to the satisfaction of the parent(s) affected, the Vice President of Policy will notify the President. The President will consult with all affected and interested parties and render a decision at his/her sole discretion. The decisions of the President in all such matters are final.

President's Letter. The President will prepare an annual letter to be sent to parents at the beginning of the season. This letter will communicate the broad goals and philosophy of SYHA, the standards of conduct required of all participants, and refer parents to this Policy Paper for further information about SYHA’s program, policies, and procedures. 

SIMSBURY YOUTH HOCKEY ASSOCIATION (SYHA) LOCKER ROOM POLICY

Revision Approved August 8, 2017 (amends Policy Paper Sections 7.3 and 8.9)

In addition to the development of our hockey players and enjoyment of the sport of hockey, the safety and protection of our participants is central to SYHA goals. Simsbury Youth Hockey Association adheres to USA Hockey’s SafeSport Program, a requirement for all adult coaches, managers, and volunteers, as a means to help protect its participants from physical abuse, sexual abuse and other types of misconduct, including emotional abuse, bullying, threats, harassment and hazing. To help prevent abuse or misconduct from occurring in our locker rooms, SYHA has adopted the following locker room policy. This policy is designed to maintain personal privacy as well as to reduce the risk of misconduct in locker rooms.

Simsbury Youth Hockey offers locker rooms at our three practice / game locations – Simsbury Farms (4), Westminister School (2), and International Skating Center of CT (8). Teams in our travel program will also regularly travel to play games at other arenas where locker rooms and facilities will vary from location to location. At arenas for which you are unfamiliar, parents should plan to have extra time and some flexibility in making arrangements for their player to dress, undress, and shower if desired.

SUPERVISION OF LOCKER ROOMS AND OTHER TEAM FACILITIES USED BY SYHA

SYHA has predictable and limited use of locker rooms and changing areas (e.g., generally 30-45 minutes before and following practices and games). This allows for direct and regular monitoring of locker room areas. While constant monitoring inside of locker rooms and changing areas might be the most effective way to prevent problems, we understand that this would likely make some players uncomfortable and may even place our staff at risk for unwarranted suspicion.

A sweep of the locker rooms and changing areas is conducted before players arrive. If the coaches are not inside the locker rooms, either a coach or voluntary locker room monitors (each of which has been screened) will be posted directly outside of the locker rooms and changing areas during periods of use. Doors will be left open only when adequate privacy is still possible, so that only participants (coaches and players), approved team personnel and family members are permitted in the locker room. Team personnel will also secure the locker room appropriately during times when the team is on the ice.

In accordance with USA Hockey’s guidelines regarding meetings between minor players and coaches or other SYHA adult personnel, any individual meetings between a player and a coach or other SYHA personnel in a locker room or other isolated space shall include, at a minimum, a second responsible adult. There will be no exceptions to this rule.

PROHIBITED CONDUCT AND REPORTING

SYHA prohibits all types of physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, bullying, threats, harassment and hazing, all as described in the USA Hockey SafeSport Handbook. Participants, employees or volunteers in SYHA may be subject to disciplinary action for violation of these locker room policies or for engaging in any misconduct or abuse or that violates the USA Hockey SafeSport Policies.

Reports of any actual or suspected violations, you may email USA Hockey at SafeSport@usahockey.org or may call 1-800-888-4656. You may also contact Paul Melanson, President at Melanson207@hotmail.com and/or Tom Mason, VP of Policy at tbmason@icloud.com.

PLAYER CONDUCT IN LOCKER ROOMS

In addition to the general Code of Conduct set forth above, players will adhere to following locker room standards of behavior.

Players are expected to listen and follow the instructions of the designated locker room monitors at all times. Locker rooms, both home and away, will be left clean and in good condition. In particular, but not exclusively, players may be disciplined for:

• Defacing or destroying property belonging to any individual, team, association, or rink
• Wrestling, boxing, shoving, or engaging in physical contact of any manner
• Throwing items in the locker room
• Touching any equipment or clothing that does not belong to that player
• Yelling, screaming, or shouting. Conversation is to be kept at a comfortable level at all times
• Stickhandling or performing other hockey warm-up drills inside the locker room. Hockey warm-up drills are only to be performed in areas designated by Head Coaches
• Exhibiting disrespectful behavior to fellow players, coaches or team representatives

PARENTS IN LOCKER ROOMS

Except for players at the younger age groups [Hockey Stars and Mites], SYHA discourages parents from entering locker rooms unless it is truly necessary. If a player needs assistance with his or her uniform or gear, if the player is or may be injured, or a player’s disability warrants assistance, then we ask that parents let the coach know beforehand that he or she will be helping the player.

Naturally, with our youngest age groups it is necessary for parents to assist the players getting dressed. We encourage parents to teach their players as young as possible how to get dressed so that players will learn as early as possible how to get dressed independently. In circumstances where parents are permitted in the locker room, coaches are permitted to ask that the parents leave for a short time before the game and for a short time after the game so that the coaches may address the players. As players get older, the coach may in his or her discretion prohibit parents from a locker room.

MIXED GENDER TEAMS

Some of our teams consist of both male and female players. It is important that the privacy rights of all of our players are given consideration and appropriate arrangements made. During the regular season, all players on mixed gender teams are required to arrive at the rink wearing their hockey base layers or shorts and tee shirts (in good condition – no holes or tears in clothing) under their street clothes.  All members of the team must have this minimum attire before entering a co-ed locker room so that no player of one gender has the opportunity to see players of the opposite gender in a state of dress / undress.

CELL PHONES AND OTHER MOBILE RECORDING DEVICES

Cell phones and other mobile devices with recording capabilities, including voice recording, still cameras and video cameras, are not permitted to be used in the locker rooms. If phones or other mobile devices must be used, they should be taken outside of the locker room. [it may be permissible to have team manager collect phones]

This policy shall be reviewed annually by the board of directors. Any changes to the policy shall be communicated accordingly.

SIMSBURY YOUTH HOCKEY ASSOCIATION (SYHA) CANCELLATION POLICY

Amended October 2020

PRACTICES

Inclement Weather:  Practices cancelled by the rinks due to inclement weather will be communicated to impacted teams by the SYHA Master Scheduler  Coaches and team managers are asked not to contact rinks directly.

NOTE: Rinks will rarely cancel ice due to inclement weather. In this scenario, practices will be held at the discretion of the Head Coach. Families should always use personal discretion. 

Any decision to cancel a practice (for any reason) should be communicated to the SYHA Master Scheduler as soon as possible so that ice can be reallocated accordingly.

GAMES

Please refer to 2020-21 CHC Declaration Rules for game cancellation rules and impacts to tournament eligibility. 

• Head Coach/Game Scheduler needs to communicate with visiting team as early as possible. Please make every attempt to cancel games more than 48 hours in advance of the game to avoid IHONC cancellation fees and allow for reallocation of purchased ice.
• For HOME games that need to be canceled, notify the SYHA Master Scheduler immediately so that referees can be cancelled and ice can be reallocated. 
• If canceled game is mandatory CHC league game, the game scheduler needs to work with the visiting game scheduler and/or SYHA Master Scheduler to look for available make up dates and ice.

SIMSBURY YOUTH HOCKEY ASSOCIATION (SYHA) WHISTLEBLOWER POLICY

Approved August 8, 2017 (new policy as required by USAH)

The SYHA Whistleblower Policy:

1. Encourages directors, SYHA members, and volunteers to come forward with credible information on illegal practices or serious violations of adopted policies of SYHA.
2. Specifies that SYHA will protect the person from retaliation.
3. Identifies where such information can be reported

ENCOURAGEMENT OF REPORTING - SYHA encourages complaints, reports or inquires about illegal practices or serious violations of SYHA policies, including illegal or improper conduct by SYHA itself, by its leadership, or by others on its behalf. Appropriate subjects to raise under this policy would include financial improprieties, accounting or audit matters, ethical violations, or other similar illegal or improper practices or policies. Other subjects on which SYHA has existing compliant mechanisms should be addressed under those mechanisms. This policy is not intended to provide a means of appeal from outcomes in those other mechanisms.

PROTECTION FROM RETALIATION - SYHA prohibits retaliation by or on behalf of SYHA against directors, SYHA members, and/or volunteers for making good faith complaints, reports or inquires under this policy or for participating in a review or investigation under this policy. The protection extends to those whose allegations are made in good faith but prove to be mistaken. SYHA reserves the right to discipline persons who make bad faith, knowingly false, or vexatious complaints, reports or inquires or who otherwise abuse this policy.

As far as possible, the confidentiality of the whistleblower will be maintained. However, identity may have to be disclosed to conduct a thorough investigation, to comply with the law and to provide accused individuals their legal right of defense.

WHERE TO REPORT - Complaints, reports or inquiries may be made under this policy on a confidential or anonymous basis. They should describe in detail the specific facts demonstrating the basis of the complaints, reports or inquires and be directed to the SYHA President or Vice President of Policy immediately. SYHA will conduct a prompt, discreet, and objective review or investigation. Directors, SYHA members or volunteers must recognize the SYHA may be unable fully evaluate a vague or general compliant, report, or inquiry that is made anonymously.

Complaints may be submitted in writing via email to Paul Melanson, President at Melanson207@hotmail.com and/or to Kelle Becconsall, VP of Policy at kellebecc@gmail.com or via hardcopy to SYHA, P.O. Box 62, Simsbury, CT 06070. All responses will be addressed promptly and confidentially.

This policy shall be reviewed annually by the board of directors. Any changes to the policy shall be communicated accordingly.

Policy Paper Sections 5.1 through 5.5 (July 2011)

Director(s) of Scheduling. Whenever in this Policy Paper the term Director of Scheduling is used, it will mean those Board member(s) or person(s) so appointed holding that position, or, in the event that ice scheduling and game scheduling are assigned to each Division, the person in the Division responsible for ice scheduling and/or game scheduling. The Director(s) of Scheduling shall schedule practices and games for SYHA teams and Divisions subject to the provisions of this Policy Paper and in consultation with the President and with the Vice President of On-Ice Operations. 

Opponents. All SYHA teams will play teams in the same age classification. This will not preclude scrimmages between SYHA teams in adjacent Divisions, provided that USA Hockey rules for the younger Division shall apply (e.g., no checking in a Squirt-Peewee scrimmage). 

Practice to Game Ratio. The Director of Scheduling will prepare a Master Schedule of home ice allocation by Division, and will schedule all practices and home and away games for the travel teams in all Divisions. SYHA believes that both practices and games are essential to player development, and that hockey and other player and family commitments must be appropriately balanced. Each year, the Director of Coaching, in consultation with coaches and Division Directors, will evaluate the ratio of games and practices and work with the Director of Scheduling to create appropriate overall guidelines for SYHA. 

SYHA recognizes the constraints of the cost of participation, CHC game requirements for tournament eligibility, the relatively late start of the SYHA season, and limited ice availability all have an impact on this ideal ratio. Each Division Director will assist the Director of Scheduling to allocate ice time within the Division so that travel teams attain a minimum 1:1 ratio. To the extent practical, the Director of Scheduling will attempt to minimize periods during which several games are played without intervening practice time. SYHA endorses the use of half-ice practices as the most practical way to maximize the utilization of ice time and achieve the desired practice to game ratio. Occasionally, the Director of Scheduling may make full-ice practice times available to Travel Teams. 

Cancellations; Schedule Changes. The Head Coach may, in consultation with the Division Director, cancel a game or practice. The Head Coach or team manager will notify the Director of Scheduling as soon as possible, who then will facilitate the cancellation of any scheduled home or away Travel Team or House team game. The Director of Scheduling is the only person authorized to change the Master Schedule or to reschedule lost ice time. 

Game Frequency. As a general rule, teams should play games only on weekends, and only play one game per day. While not encouraged, occasional local weekday games are permitted. 

Simsbury Youth Hockey Association (SYHA) Record Retention Policy

Approved August 8, 2017 (new policy as required by USAH)

Policy – Simsbury Youth Hockey Association (SYHA) shall retain records in an orderly fashion for time periods that comply with legal and government requirements.

Record Retention Guidelines – The information listed in the retention schedule below is intended as a guideline and may not contain all the records SYHA may be required to keep in the future. Questions regarding the retention of documents not listed on this chart should be directed to the SYHA President. The following holding periods shall be used for the maintenance of the documents listed below:

Accounting Records

Accounts Payable - 7 Years

Accounts Receivable - 7 Years

Audit Reports - Permanent

Chart of Accounts - Permanent

Expense Reports - 7 Years

Financial Statements (Annual) - Permanent

Fixed Asset Purchases - Permanent

General Ledger and General Journals - Permanent

Purchase Requisition & Orders - 7 Years

Tax Returns and Working Papers (IRS 990) - Permanent

Bank Records

Bank Reconciliations - 3 Years

Bank Statements - 7 Years

Canceled Checks - 7 Years

Electronic Payment Records - 7 Years

Petty Cash Vouchers - 3 Years

Corporate Records

Board Minutes - Permanent

Bylaws, Articles of Incorporation - Permanent

Business Licenses - Permanent

Contracts – Major and Minor - 7 Years

Software Licenses and Support Agreements - 7 Years (Post Obligation)

Legal & Tax Correspondence - Permanent

Insurance Policies, Accidents, Claims Life + 4 Years

SIMSBURY YOUTH HOCKEY ASSOCIATION (SYHA) CONFLICT OF INTEREST POLICY

Approved September 12, 2017 (new policy as required by USAH)

SECTION I – PURPOSE:

It is in the best interest of the Simsbury Youth Hockey Association (SYHA) to be aware of and properly manage all conflicts of interest. This Conflict of Interest Policy is designed to help board members, staff, and volunteers of the SYHA identify situations that present possible conflicts of interest and to provide a procedure whereby such potential conflicts may be reviewed by an appropriate party when necessary. This policy is intended to supplement but not replace any applicable state and federal laws governing conflict of interest applicable to nonprofit and charitable organizations.

The board and its officers have the responsibility of administering the affairs of SYHA honestly and prudently, and of exercising their best care, skill, and judgment for the sole benefit of SYHA. Those persons shall exercise the utmost good faith in all transactions involved in their duties, and they shall not use their positions with SYHA or knowledge gained for their personal benefit. The competing interests of Simsbury Youth Hockey must be the first priority in all decisions and actions.

SECTION II – PERSONS CONCERNED:

This statement is directed to directors and officers, coaches, managers, volunteers and any other parties who may play a role in the organization’s management or has access to proprietary information concerning SYHA. For example, this would include all who make purchasing decisions or are involved in team formation, fundraising, or rate setting. 

SECTION III – AREAS IN WHICH CONFLICT MAY ARISE:

Conflicts of interest may arise in the relations of those identified in Section II with any of the following third parties:

1. Persons and firms supplying goods and services to SYHA.

2. Competing or affinity organizations.

3. Donors and others supporting SYHA.

4. Agencies, organizations. and associations which affect the operations of SYHA.

5. Family members, friends, and other employees.

SECTION IV – CONFLICT OF INTEREST DEFINED:

A conflicting interest may be defined as an interest, direct or indirect, with any persons or firms mentioned in Section III. Such an interest might arise through:

1. Owning stock or holding debt or other proprietary interests in any third party dealing with SYHA.
2. Holding office, serving on the board, participating in management, receiving remuneration, or being otherwise employed with any third party dealing with SYHA or competing organization.
3. Receiving remuneration for services with respect to individual transactions involving SYHA.
4. Using SYHA’s time, personnel, equipment, supplies, or good will for other than SYHA approved activities, programs, and purposes.
5. Receiving personal gifts or loans from third parties dealing or competing with SYHA. Receipt of any gift is disapproved except gifts of a value less than $50, which could not be refused without discourtesy. No personal gift of money should ever be accepted.

SECTION V – INTERPRETATION OF THIS STATEMENT OF POLICY:

The areas of conflicting interest listed in Sections II and III, and the relations in those areas which may give rise to conflict, as listed in Section IV, are not exhaustive. Conflicts might arise in other areas or through other relations. It is assumed that the directors, officers, and management will recognize such areas and relation by analogy.

SECTION VI – DISCLOSURE POLICY AND PROCEDURE:

It is the policy of the board that the existence of any of the interests described in Section IV shall be disclosed before any transaction is consummated. It shall be the continuing responsibility of those parties identified in Section II to scrutinize their transactions and outside business interests and relationships for potential conflicts and to immediately make such disclosures.

Transactions with parties with whom a conflicting interest exists may be undertaken only if all of the following are observed:

1. The conflicting interest is fully disclosed
2. The person with the conflict of interest is excluded from the discussion and approval of such transaction
3. The board or a duly constituted committee thereof has determined that the transaction is in the best interest of the organization or will not negatively impact SYHA.

Disclosure in the organization should be made to the President or Vice President of Policy. 

A committee consisting of the President, Vice President of Policy, and Vice President of On-Ice Operations will review the information – in strictest confidentiality - to determine whether a conflict exists and in the case of an existing conflict, whether the contemplated transaction may be authorized as just, fair, and reasonable to SYHA. The committee may, at their full discretion, include additional board members in resolution discussions based on the subject matter of the disclosure. 

The decision of the committee, which acts as representatives of the Board on these matters, will rest in their sole discretion, and their concern must be the welfare of SYHA and the advancement of its purpose. The committee reserves the right to discipline or remove any member who is found to have violated the Conflict of Interest Policy or Board directive regarding conflicts.

The committee will disclose all matters of identified conflict, and their resolution, to the Board in a timely manner while exercising respect and confidentiality of all parties. 

This policy shall be reviewed annually by the Board of Directors. Any changes to the policy shall be communicated accordingly.

NON SEASONAL PLAY

Policy Paper Sections 6.1 through 6.5 (July 2011)

Pre-Season. Pre-season skating sessions scheduled and supported by SYHA will occur before team selection and are the only pre-season sessions affiliated with SYHA. These sessions are strictly voluntary and will not be used for team selection. If pre-season scrimmages are held, they will be non-checking. An SYHA coach, or an outside coach selected by the Director of Coaching, will run the pre-season program. All registered SYHA players will be notified of the pre-season program, for which SYHA reserves the right to charge a nominal fee. Registration, if required, for pre- season sessions is on a first-come, first-served basis. Every reasonable effort will be made, however, subject to financial constraints and in the best interests of the program, to accommodate all who wish to participate.

Post-Season. SYHA endorses a short period of USA Hockey-approved post-season tournament competition. SYHA does not sponsor or endorse any tournaments after the conclusion of the CHC and USA Hockey tournaments. Non-endorsed teams who elect to play in outside tournaments may not use SYHA jerseys, the SYHA logo, or other SYHA equipment. SYHA may, at the discretion of the Division Director, the Vice President of On-Ice Operations, and President, endorse additional tournament play that clearly represents a continuation or completion of the regular season. Such tournament play may include district, regional, or national tournaments.

CHC and CGHL State Tournaments. Players on registered teams are expected to participate in approved CHC and CGHL State Hockey tournaments and to participate in regional and national play if the team advances that far. SYHA will support all teams that advance with the coverage of tournament registration fees. Individual expenses related to the tournament such as hotel, food, and mileage are the responsibility of each family. In recognition of the additional and unplannded expense, families in need may submit a financial hardship request to support individual travel expenses directly to the League President for consideration. The application will be reviewed in strictest confidence by a three member sub-panel of the SYHA Board consisting of the President, VP of On Ice Operations, and Treasurer. Requests will be approved based on financial need and at the discretion of the sub-panel committee.

Spring Hockey. The SYHA season ends at the conclusion of CHC and USA Hockey tournaments. SYHA does not sponsor spring hockey teams directly or indirectly by providing jerseys or other equipment to players or teams, and participation in spring hockey shall have no bearing on team selection in the following year. SYHA strongly encourages coaches and parents to open spring or other out-of-regular-season hockey opportunities to all players interested.

Summer Skills Sessions. At the Board’s discretion and subject to facilities availability, player interest, and cost concerns, SYHA may hold voluntary summer skills sessions and reserves the right to charge a nominal fee for such sessions. The sessions will be for hockey skill enhancement and will not be used in player evaluation or in team assignments for the following year. 

GENERAL

Policy Paper Sections 8.1 through 8.8 (July 2011)

Publicity. Individual statistics will not be published for any player, team, or Division. General newspaper coverage of teams is encouraged; however, such coverage should not include individual statistics and should focus on the team overall. Any deviation from this policy must be discussed with the President, whose decision in the matter will be final.

Referee Scheduling. The Director of Scheduling shall manage the scheduling of referees for all home games through Ice Hockey Officials of Northern Connecticut (IHONC).

Goaltenders' Clinics. Ice time may be scheduled specifically for goaltender development clinics. A goaltender coach may be selected by the Director of Coaching to work with all players interested in the position of goaltender. The Director of Coaching may, at his discretion, make other arrangements – subject to facilities availability and budget concerns – to support the development of SYHA goaltenders.

Equipment Purchases. No ‘standard issue’ equipment (including game jerseys, goalie equipment, and so forth) will be purchased by anyone other than the Director of Equipment. All such purchases require prior Board approval. In the Mite and Squirt Divisions, and in the Girls Division, SYHA will provide teams or goaltenders with a blocker glove, chest protector, catcher glove, leg pads, goalie stick, and goalie neck guard as available from the SYHA equipment inventory. Players are responsible for providing all other equipment. SYHA will then make available remaining goaltending equipment to skaters in other divisions. A skater not satisfied with the fit or quality of SYHA-provided goaltending equipment will bear the responsibility of providing his or her own equipment. All of the foregoing equipment remains the property of SYHA and will be cared for appropriately and returned directly to the Director of Equipment at the end of the season. Players are responsible for the condition of all loaner equipment, with the exception of normal wear associated with use in SYHA-approved play .

Purchase of Ice Time. No SYHA team or affiliated group will purchase ice time prior to or during the season outside of the SYHA program. All ice used during the season will be coordinated through the Director of Scheduling. The Division Director and/or the President must approve all exceptions to this policy. At the conclusion of the regular season and prior to participation in post-season tournament play, teams may purchase additional outside ice time to prepare for such tournaments at their own expense with proper insurance coverage.

Game Jerseys. Game jerseys are the property of SYHA. Players will not alter game jerseys in any way, and will not affix names to jerseys. Jerseys will be returned to the Director of Equipment at the end of the regular season or after the last sanctioned post-season tournament game in good condition, with the exception of ordinary wear in SYHA-approved play. Any other damage to the jersey is the responsibility of the player and will be assessed at the current replacement cost of the jersey.

Team Connecticut Recommendations. The Director of Coaching will make Team Connecticut nominations, in consultation with the appropriate travel Head Coaches and Division Directors, and forward them to CHC.

Team Manager/ Team Coordinator. Head Coaches will appoint a team manager who will be responsible for performing administrative functions for the team, uniform distribution and collection, establishment of an information phone chain, schedule information distribution, publicity, special events, communications, off-ice issues, contributions to the website, and so forth.