VGIH Handbook 2010/2011
Eligibility
Registration is open to all female players residing in the City of Vancouver. As permitted by PCAHA, where no age or division appropriate female team exists in an adjacent district, players can register with VGIH. Conversely, a player residing in Vancouver cannot register with a female association in another district. If in doubt, please contact VGIH’s registrar.
Age Categories
Age categories as approved by Hockey Canada are as follows:
Division |
Year of Birth |
Division |
Year of Birth |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tyke | 2004-2005 |
Peewee | 1998-1999 |
|
| Novice | 2002-2003 |
Bantam | 1996-1997 |
|
| Atom | 2000-2001 |
Midget | 1993-1995 |
|
| Juvenile | 1990-1992 |
VGIH strongly recommends that players play within their own age group. Players may play in a higher division provided they have the requisite technical skills; however such a move requires a performance evaluation, parent, coach and VGIH Board approval.
VGIH Allocation of your fees
The Association covers the cost of: ice rental, insurance, referee fees, administration and team equipment (such as first aid kits, pucks, coaching tools, team jerseys). Ice for regularly scheduled games is paid for by the Association, as are practices. Ice times are usually allocated in 1 hour and 15 minute blocks and the following can be used as a guideline for number of games and practices per week:
| Tyke | Limited games after Xmas | One Practice |
| Novice/Atom | One game | One Practice |
| Peewee/Bantam/Midget | 2 games (1 Home + 1 Away | One Practice |
| Juvenile | 1 game (Home or 1 Away |
We cannot guarantee which day of the week teams play as it is subject to ice that will be allocated to VGIH. VGIH will however endeavour to standardize ice times to the greatest extent possible.
VGIH game jerseys and goalie equipment must be returned to the Team Manager immediately after the last game of the season.
Team jerseys are NOT to be worn at practices.
Registration Form
All players must complete a VGIH 2010/2011 Registration Form and submit along with the fees and a copy of a Canadian birth certificate (new players only) to the Registrar of the Association before stepping on the ice. In the case of a foreign birth certificate proof of residency is required. For clarification contact the VGIH Registrar.
All new registered players must provide proof of residence, for example, a bill addressed to the parents’ current address, parents’ drivers license or a bank statement.
Players who have not registered and paid the required fees are NOT permitted on the ice for any tryout, evaluation, practice or game.
Registration deadlines are final. All registrations must be postmarked or received by the set deadlines in order to be eligible for the early registration discount. Placement on a team is not guaranteed if the registration package is incomplete or received after the regular registration deadline, June 30, 2010.
The Treasurer, Registrar and/or President are authorized to refuse registration processing to players or parents who have not paid or are not in good standing from previous season(s). In addition, the Registrar is authorized to refuse registration processing or to terminate a membership at any time during the season for players or parents who submitted a falsified registration form (e.g., wrong address, birthdate).
The Treasurer, Registrar and/or President are authorized to refuse registration processing to players or parents who are known to abuse cheque writing privileges until such time as said fees have been paid in cash or the cheque has cleared.
The Association will levy a $25 penalty for all NSF cheques.
Any player whose cheque to the Association in payment of fees is returned by the issuer’s bank (NSF) or because the issuer has stopped payment will immediately be considered not to have registered with the Association. Except in the case where it is clearly the result of a bank error, payment will only be accepted in the form of cash or certified cheque.
Jerseys will not be distributed to a player unless a jersey deposit has been received.
Player Movement Fees
VGIH will cover all Player Movement Fees except for those out-of-town players who are trying out for a VGIH team due to “No Team in Category” in their home Association and who have not played with the VGIH last season. The fee for such players is $10.
Refund Policy
The deposit (cheque #1) is non-refundable. It will cover mandatory insurance and administration fees.
For cancellations on or after September 2, 2010 – 50% refund
No refunds after October 26, 2010
Cancellations are defined as being for any reason including but not limited to residential moves, deciding to tryout for a Major Midget team or not being successful in qualifying for a certain team. Out of town players who were not successful in making a Tier 1 team and are required to return to their association due to BC Hockey/PCAHA regulations will receive a full refund except for the “Tryout” fee or, if applicable, the $10 player movement fee. Cancellations due to medical reasons are considered on a case by case basis and require Board approval.
It is the responsibility of the parent or player to apply in writing for any refunds. If a player is expelled or suspended, no refund shall be granted.
Additional fees
1. VGIH covers referee fees for all Home, Tiering, League and Playoff games. It does not include referee fees for Exhibition Games. During the season the Treasurer will provide the Team Manager funds to cover referee fees. Individual teams are then responsible for paying the referees at Home games.
2. If a player decides to try out for a Peewee/Bantam/Midget Tier 1 (Rep) team, a $60.00 non-refundable fee is due with the registration.
3. Teams are also responsible for the costs of tournaments, travel, additional practice ice (if any) and/or social events. This can be done through team fundraising. Decisions in this regard are to be made at a team meeting and must be documented by the Team Manager and distributed to all team parents. The Coach is instrumental in such decisions.
4. Players on all “Rep” teams are required to pay an additional $120 at the beginning of the season. These funds will be exclusively used to pay for additional ice, dry land and/or player development.
Equipment
The following equipment is Mandatory for every player:
Helmet (CSA approved complete with face mask)
Neck protector (BNQ approved)
Shoulder pads/ Elbow pads
Hockey gloves
Hockey pants
Pelvic Protector (“Jill”)
Shin/Knee pads
Garter belt (unless wearing Velcro shorts)
Skates
Stick
Goalies have added requirements
Mouth Guard
A properly fitted “Mouth guard” is strongly recommended.
Stop Patches
The Association will ensure that the mandatory STOP patches are affixed to the back of the jersey directly above the number. These are affixed and supplied with the jersey.
Coaches – Equipment
All coaches must wear a CSA approved hockey helmet while on the ice
Minor-aged “Certified and Rostered” coaches must wear a helmet and gloves while on the ice
Minor-aged “Non-certified” coaches (helpers) must be insured by Mutual Aid and wear full equipment while on the ice. If on the Bench (i.e., Junior coach) a minimum of helmet with cage and neck guard is required.
Medical Information
All players will be asked to complete a medical information form at the beginning of the season. The forms will be held by the Team Safety Coordinator in the First Aid Kit and by the Team Manager. Discuss with your Team Safety Coordinator any medical conditions which may require special attention by Team Management in a crisis situation (e.g., history of concussion, diabetes, asthma, allergies). If you have any questions, please contact the Association’s Risk Manager. The Board reminds all parents that Team Officials are generally unqualified in dispensing medication. All teams will have a comprehensive First Aid Kit available at the bench. Please contact the Equipment Manager if you require one.
Mutual Aid Insurance
All players and coaches are insured (Mutual Aid) against injury during all approved on-ice activities. This insurance is mandatory for all players, coaches and their assistants. No person shall be permitted on the ice surface or at the bench until they are mutual-aided (insured). Insurance is automatically issued upon a player’s registration, whereas for team officials the Registrar needs to submit the team officials list to BC Hockey to ensure coverage. The insurance coverage is void if the players are on the ice without the coach being present. The Team Manager must always confirm insurance coverage for any off-ice events before allowing the team to participate. A BC Sanctioned Event Form needs to be completed, submitted and approved by BC Hockey.
Mutual Aid insurance is meant to cover items not covered by your own BC Medical or extended medical plan. The maximum payable is determined by BC Hockey annually. Any accident or injury should be reported as soon as possible to your Team Safety Coordinator who will have the appropriate team forms.
VGIH Harassment Policy, Discipline and Procedures
VGIH is committed to providing a nurturing and enjoyable environment for all members. In this spirit, and to uphold the outstanding Reputation of VGIH, parents, players and coaches have established this policy in regard to behaviour at VGIH sanctioned events. The VGIH Board wishes to emphasize a zero tolerance policy with respect to abuse and harassment. The consequences for violating abuse and harassment policies include:
1. The filing of an incident Report
2. A hearing with the VGIH Board
3. Possible temporary suspension from the team, arena or Association
4. Possible permanent expulsion from the team, arena or Association
The following are all reviewed with zero tolerance by the VGIH Board and apply to all parents/spectators, players, coaches and officials at all VGIH sanctioned events, home and away and all locations of VGIH sanctioned activities (e.g. rinks, hotels, restaurants, fundraising locations):
Sexual abuse/harassment
Emotional abuse/harassment (in the form of name calling, threatening, ridiculing, isolating, hazing or ignoring)
Physical abuse/harassment (injuring or threatening to injure)
Neglect (improper attention to injuries, inadequate or unsafe equipment, or improper road trip supervision)
Obscene language directed to any person at any time
Racial slurs
Taunting of players, coaches, officials, or other spectators (by means of baiting, ridiculing, threats of physical violence or actual physical violence)
Retaliation and/or intimidation against any individual who has filed a complaint
Any player caught under the influence (or in possession) of alcohol or drugs will be immediately suspended pending a hearing. Under no circumstances should coaches interact with players if under the influence of alcohol, and coaches should not engage in any alcohol consumption around players including at hotels during tournament travel.
Game violations are subject to PCAHA and BC Hockey rules and regulations. A coach may suspend, for discipline, a player for up to one game. Suspensions of more than one game must be approved by the VGIH Board.
Parents and coaches should note that the proper channel for game complaints about referees and linesmen is in writing through the VGIH Board. It should also be noted that actions directed toward officials after a game may be perceived as threatening or intimidating and may, thus, constitute harassment.
Profanity
Swearing and the use of obscene language by parents, team officials and players are unacceptable and will not be tolerated by the Association. Where “players” are involved, the Team Coach will be responsible to ensure that it is discontinued. If such behaviour continues it will be handled by the Risk Manager. A reminder that such behaviour will also not be accepted on the bench, in the dressing room or at any sanctioned event.
“Two-deep” Policy
A “Two-deep” policy has been put into place for the safety of all VGIH players and team members (parents and coaching staff).
“Any time an adult enters a dressing room, there must be two adults present (‘two-deep’ method). If one adult is male, he must be accompanied by a female adult”.
VGIH recommends each team should have a female adult (aka “Team Mom”) present in the dressing room at all times.
VGIH ice is to be used by VGIH players (teams only). It cannot be shared with another Association unless approved by the Board. This is for insurance and safety purposes.
The use of any form of camera, video camera, camera phone, or personal digital assistant (pda) is PROHIBITED in any recreational facility change rooms during any BC Hockey sanctioned event.
Scores
As per PCAHA rules, scores will not be shown on the Scoreboard for all Tyke or Novice games. A game sheet will however be maintained and scores recorded.
Exhibition Games vs. Boys teams
The Board supports teams having exhibition games against “suitable” Boys teams as determined by the Team Coach. The Head Coach and Risk Manager need to be advised in advance of any such exhibition game. Rules will be in accordance with the female game and absolutely NO BODYCHECKING will be allowed.
Team Selection
Overview
Based on the number of registrations, player ages, the skill level and diversity of experience, players may be asked to participate in evaluations or tryouts.
Under PCAHA, female hockey is Tiered 1, 2, 3 & possibly 4 with Tier 1 being equivalent to a “Rep”, “Carded”, or “AAA/AA/A” team for Peewee and older division. Tiers 2 through 4 Represent “House”, “Recreational” or “C” level teams. Tier 2 traditionally includes players of a higher skill level than Tier 3 and Tier 3 includes players of higher skill level than Tier 4.
If VGIH has more than 1 House team in a division, they are tiered “2, 3 or 4”. We do not equalize the teams – rather we place the stronger players on the higher tier and the less skilled and experienced on the lower tiers.