Post on 12-Sep-2021
WMHA OPERATIONS MANUAL
Manual of Operations
This organization shall be known as the Welland Minor
Hockey Association.
“Sport for the sports sake and for the greatest number”
Revised June 23, 2006
Table of Contents
Manual of Operations
Definitions
Mission Statement of the Association
Philosophy of the Association
Statement of Equality
Code of Conduct
Code of Conduct
Governance of Welland Minor Hockey Association
Ice Scheduler
Rep Director
Single A Director
Triple A Director
Directors: Pre-Novice, Novice, Atom, Peewee, Bantam, Midget
Commissioner: Select and House League
Bingo Chairman
Registrar
Ombudsman
Rep Division Triple A
Rep Division Structure Triple A
Coaching Personnel Selection…..Triple A
Team Composition Players Triple A
Team Selection Pre-season Triple A
Releasing Players Pre-season Triple A
Mid-Season Releases Triple A
Team Discipline Triple A
Team Operation Structure Triple A
Team Operation Structure Triple A
Affiliated Players Triple A
General and Specific Rule Concerning Affiliated Players
Player and Goaltender Ice Time Triple A
Rep Division Single A
Rep Division Structure…..Single A
Coaching Personnel Selection Single A
Team Composition Team Officials/Personnel Single A
Team Composition Players Single A
Team Selection Pre-season Single A
Releasing Players Pre-season Single A
Mid-Season Releases Single A
Team Discipline Single A
Team Operation Structure Single A
Affiliated Players…..Single A
General and Specific Rules Concerning Affiliated Players
Player and Goaltender Ice Time Single A
House League
House League Structure
Coaching Personnel Selection…..House League
Team Composition Team Personnel House League
Team Composition House League
Team Selection Pre-season House League
Mid-Season Player Movement House League
Team Discipline House League
Team Operation Structure House League
Affiliated Players House League
General and Specific Rules Concerning Affiliated Players
Player and Goaltender Ice Time House League
General Directives for Eligible Bench Personnel…..House League
Niagara District Local League House League
Playing Rules Major Penalties House League
Equipment House League
General Responsibilities of Team Personnel All Levels
A Head Coach shall be solely responsible for the following
A Manager shall be solely responsible for the following
A Trainer shall be solely responsible for the following
An Assistant Coach shall be solely responsible for the following
A Parent Representative shall be solely responsible for the following
Registration All Levels
General Principals of Registration
Non-Payment of Fees
Sick or Injury Reimbursement All Levels
Internal Discipline Report
Affiliated Player Confirmation Form
Notice of Intention: To Sign A Triple A Card
Sick/Injury Report Request for Financial Reimbursement
Article 1.0
Manual of Operations
This manual of operations contains the guidelines that dictate the operation of
Welland Minor Hockey Association and the members of Welland Minor Hockey
Association. Where a conflict arises in any section of this manual of operations in relation
to rules, regulations or bylaws of the Canadian Hockey Association, Ontario Minor
Hockey Association or Welland Minor Hockey Association Bylaw No. 1, the President of
Welland Minor Hockey Association or his/her designee, along with the Board of Directors,
will rule as to which section applies according to the circumstance.
Article 1.1
Definitions
In this manual of operations, the following definitions apply:
“Association” means Welland Minor Hockey Association
“Board” means the Board of Directors of Welland Minor Hockey
Association.
“Constitution” means the contents of Bylaw No. 1 of Welland Minor
Hockey Association.
“CHA” means Canadian Hockey Association
“Coach” means an individual who has been assigned the position of coach or
assistant coach with a team within the Welland Minor Hockey
Association.
“Director” means an individual who has been elected to the
Board of Directors of Welland Minor Hockey
Association.
“Commissioner” means any individual who has been appointed to the
Position of a Commissioner under the direction of a
Director.
“Manager” means an individual who has been assigned the position of
Manager with a team within Welland Minor Hockey
Association.
“Media Liaison means an individual who has been appointed to the
Officer” position of Media Liaison Officer within Welland
Minor Hockey Association.
“Member” means any person associated to Welland Minor Hockey
Association in any capacity including, player, coach,
trainer, referee, timekeeper, Board Member, Parent
representative, volunteer, any parent, guardian, or
responsible person or a player.
“Officers” means the individuals who hold the offices enumerated
in Article 10 of Bylaw No. 1.
“Ombudsman” means the individuals who has been appointed to the
Position of Ombudsman within Welland Minor
Hockey Association.
“OHF” means Ontario Hockey Federation.
“OMHA” means Ontario Minor Hockey Association.
“Player” means any player signed on an OMHA card and on a team
Roster or an affiliated player roster within Welland
Minor Hockey Association.
“President” means president of Welland Minor Hockey Association.
“Registrar” means an individual who has been appointed to the
Position of Registrar within Welland Minor Hockey
Association.
“Rep Director” means an elected individual who holds the position of Rep
Director and is responsible for the administration of
Representative hockey for Welland Minor Hockey
Association.
“Single A Director” means an individual who has been elected to the
position of Single “A” Director and is responsible
for the administration of Single A Representative
Hockey for Welland Minor Hockey Association.
“Trainer” means an individual who has been assigned to the position of
trainer with a team within Welland Minor Hockey
Association.
“Triple “A” Director” means an individual who has been elected to the
position of Triple “A” Director and is responsible for
for the administration of Triple A Representative
Hockey for Welland Minor Hockey Association.
“Vice President” means vice president of Welland Minor Hockey
Association.
Article 1.2
Mission Statement of the Association
The Mission Statement of the Association is defined in Section 3 of the Constitution.
Article 1.3
Philosophy of the Association
The Association has a primary responsibility to:
1. Provide an environment of safe, fun and competitive hockey for the youth of
Welland zone.
2. To foster the progression of skills, knowledge and abilities as it applies to hockey.
3. Encourage participants to develop their overall skills to the highest level that they
are capable of.
4. To provide a hockey program that utilizes the development of these skills and
abilities.
5. To provide a hockey program that includes House League level, Single A level and
Triple A level.
6. Promote fair play.
Article 1.4
Statement of Equality
All persons who are members of Welland Minor Hockey are considered equal, without
prejudice.
No member of the Association shall refer to another member of the Association as
an out of town member, out of zone member or as a non member based on their residency
if the affected member falls within the parameters of paragraphs a) through d). In addition,
no member shall be denied opportunity to participate on any team, based on residency if
the member falls within the parameters of paragraphs a) through d).
This equality extends to the following persons in particular:
1) House League: Any person who is a registered player on a Welland
Minor Hockey Association house league team roster.
Or: any person who is a registered player on a Welland Minor
Hockey Association house league team roster and lives outside
of the boundary of the City of Welland and has consent from
the Board to participate at that level, is deemed to be an equal
member of Welland Minor Hockey Association.
2) Single A: Any person who is a registered player on a Welland
Minor Hockey Association Single A team roster
and resides within the boundary of Welland, as determined by the
OMHA.
Or: any person who is a registered player on a Welland Minor
Hockey Association Single A team roster and lives outside
Of the boundary of the City of Welland and has consent from
OMHA, their home centre and the Board to participate at that
level is deemed to be an equal member of Welland Minor
Hockey Association.
3) Triple A: Any person who is a registered player on a Welland Minor
Hockey Association Triple A team roster and resides within
the boundary of the Welland Triple A zone,
Or: any person who is a registered player on a Welland Minor
Hockey Association Triple A team roster and lives outside
of the boundary of the Welland Triple A zone and has
consent from the OHMA, their home centre and the Board
to participate at that level, is deemed to be an equal member of
Welland Minor Hockey Association.
4) Coach, Trainer, Manager, Board Member, Volunteer etc: Any
person who holds a volunteer position, elected position or paid position within
Welland Minor Hockey Association, regardless of where that person may live, is
deemed to be an equal member of Welland Minor Hockey Association.
Article 2.0
Code of Conduct
General Application for All Members of Welland Minor Hockey
Association
In this section, guidelines pertaining to the definitions of specific Misconduct are
addressed.
Any breach of the Code of Conduct will be dealt with according to the protocol in
the Welland Minor Hockey Association Complaint Policy or according to the protocol
of the Welland Minor Hockey Harassment Policy, unless the specific paragraph in the
Manual of Operations provides its own remedy or sanction.
Misconduct will include:
1. Any conduct be a member that is deemed not to be in the best interest of the
Association.
2. Any conduct by a member directed at another member that is deemed to be an act
of sexual abuse, physical abuse or mental abuse.
3. Any verbal comments directed at another member of the Association that are
meant to be malicious, insulting or degrading and are heard by persons at large.
4. Any falsification or alteration of information or signature, on any official
document associated with the operation of Welland Minor Hockey Association,
for the purpose of misleading anyone. The term, document will include; any
game sheet, team roster, player registration card, affiliated player roster, player
try out form, financial report, written complaint, written statement or any
correspondence to any official of Welland Minor Hockey Association or any
correspondence sent by an official of Welland Minor Hockey Association to
anyone.
5. Any correspondence directed to anyone that implies or accuses a member of any
type of misconduct, and is anonymous or not signed and the implication of
misconduct is unsubstantiated.
6. Any act of theft, fraudulent conversion or fraudulent misrepresentation of money,
property or services belonging to Welland Minor Hockey Association or money,
property or services associated to Welland Minor Hockey Association.
7. Any conduct where a member of Welland Minor Hockey Association unfairly
uses his/her position of authority to advantage himself/herself or another person,
or to disadvantage another person.
8. Any conduct that is deemed to be in contravention of any specific directives set
out by either the OMHA or Welland Minor Hockey Association, without
reasonable excuse.
9. Any intentional damage of any property of Welland Minor Hockey Association,
or private or public property used in conjunction with Welland Minor Hockey
Association. And further, any intentional damage of any public or private
property while acting in the capacity of an active member of Welland Minor
Hockey Association.
10. Any verbal threats directed towards another member of Welland Minor Hockey
Association, or any verbal threats directed towards another person while acting in
the capacity of an active member of Welland Minor Hockey Association.
11. Any physical gesture that implies a threat directed toward another member of
Welland Minor Hockey Association or any physical gesture that implies a threat
directed toward another person while acting in the capacity of an active member
of Welland Minor Hockey Association.
12. Any comment made by a member directly or indirectly toward anyone that is
considered by community standards to be racist. The comment must be made
during a Welland Minor Hockey Association event.
13. Any verbal intimidation that is deemed to be either extreme or beyond the scope
of being reasonable.
14. Any conduct by a parent/guardian or responsible person of a player that is
deemed to be intimidating in nature towards any member of a team or is deemed
to be detrimental to the cohesiveness of team unity. This conduct must be
corroborated by independent evidence prior to any sanctions being levied.
Article 2.1
Code of Conduct
Specific Application for Board of Directors of Welland Minor Hockey Association
1. Any Board member found having breached a position of trust in relation to his/her duties with the
Association shall be permanently barred from holding any position, elected or appointed within the
Association. (Determination of guilt and removal of Board member is by majority vote of a
quorum of the Board).
2. Board members are required to notify the Board of any situation in the execution of duties where a
conflict of interest may exist. This includes, but is not limited to, potential financial gain or
personal involvement to an extent that good judgment may be influenced. The Board as a majority
will determine if the effected Board member will be in conflict.
3. Board members are expected to refrain from publicly criticizing game officials, players, and
coaches before, during or after games. Specific concerns are to be dealt with in the appropriate
and professional manner.
4. Board members are expected to refrain from public criticism of Board policy and/or other Board
members.
5. Board members are expected to carry out their duties in a manner consistent with the Bylaws and
Manual of Operations of the Association, and with the directives of the Board.
6. Members of the Board of Directors can be removed from their duties for non-performance of
duties by a vote of the Board of Directors, in which at least 2/3 majority members vote for
removal.
7. A member of the Board of Directors of the Association who misses three consecutive meetings of
the Board without notice and/or just reason may be suspended for the balance of his/her term
through a majority vote of a quorum of the Board of Directors.
8. Any member missing an executive meeting for the reason of work/employment reason will not
count as absent.
9. A member of the board of directors shall not hold the position of Head Coach for any Single A or
Triple A team. The President may assign a member of the Board of Directors the position of head
Coach for a Single A or Triple A team, in an emergency situation. The Board of Directors must
approve the emergency assignment by majority vote.
Article 2.2
Directives
The President or his designee may issue a Directive to any or all members of the Association. A
Directive will be as follows:
1. A Directive must be issued in print on a prescribed form.
2. The President or his designee will utilize a Directive to all members to comply with specific
directives as prescribed.
3. Members must comply with the contents of all directives.
Article 2.3
Memorandums
Any Member of the Executive may issue a Memorandum to any or all members of the
Association: A Memorandum will be as follows:
1. A Memorandum must be issued in print on a prescribed form.
2. An Executive member will utilize a Memorandum to direct members to be aware of
specific issues as they apply to this Association.
3. An issued memorandum is deemed to have been issued to all members.
Article 3.0
Governance of Welland Minor Hockey Association
Sections 9, 10 and 11 of the Constitution provide the duties and responsibilities of the President, Vice
Presidents, Past President, Treasurer and Secretary
This section provides the duties and responsibilities of Ice Scheduler, Rep. Director, Single A Director,
AAA Director, Pre-Novice Director, Atom Director, Peewee Director, Bantam Director, Midget
Director, Bingo Chairman,
Article 3.1
Ice Scheduler
Eligibility: The President or his designee may nominate any person to stand for this position. The
nominee must posses the following skills and abilities: Above average organizational skills, Above
average communication skills, must be bondable, must be reliable.
Appointment: The Executive will appoint the nominee to this position only after receiving majority
support.
Remuneration: The President will be responsible to negotiate the annual rate for this position. Approval
of any remuneration must receive majority support by the Executive.
Payment: Welland Minor Hockey Association will pay the annual rate in four equal installments. 1st
Installment on August 15th
, 2nd
Installment October 15th
, 3rd
Installment December 15th
, 4th
Installment
March 15th
.
Responsibility: Co-ordinate all ice time requirements for all Welland Minor Hockey Association events
and to co-ordinate the best usage of ice time.
Duties:
1. Schedule suitable game and practice times in consultation with the 1st and 2
nd VP and Rep.
Director.
2. Advise the President and 1st Vice President of any matters requiring consultation with management
of the Welland Arena.
3. Maintain and monitor ice rental usage by all teams, ensuring that ice time is fairly and equitably
distributed.
4. Compile and maintain a master schedule listing all ice times.
5. Ensure that all team officials are notified in reasonable time in any changes or alterations to their
schedule.
6. Schedule sufficient ice time for coach’s clinics, referee clinics, skill clinics, and house league
tournaments, as directed by the Executive.
7. Act as a liaison with ice schedulers from other centers.
8. Attend meeting with South Central AAA, Niagara District A and House League Local League, as
required.
9. Liaison with the Referee in Chief and the Time Keeper scheduler to ensure that referees and
timekeepers are available as required.
Article 3.2
Rep Director
Responsibilities: Fulfill the mandate of Welland Minor Hockey Association as it applies to Triple A
and Single A hockey, providing leadership and direction.
Duties:
1. Appoint Rep Commissioners to assist with the administration of the Triple A and Single A
program.
2. To act as a coordinator for the administration of the Triple A and Single A programs.
3. Monitor all Triple A and Single A teams to ensure that they operate within Welland Minor
Hockey Association and Ontario Minor Hockey Association guidelines.
4. Provide guidance and assistance to team personnel with the administration of any documents,
procedures or protocols that may require during the course of a season.
5. To work in concert with the Single A and Triple A Directors and Rep Commissioners.
6. Sit as chair at monthly coaching personnel meetings.
7. Sit as chair at any Rep Committee meetings.
8. Attend all Board meetings to report on the status of the Triple A and Single A programs.
9. To work in concert with House League Directors in matters that involves player movement or
affiliations with Single A and Triple A teams.
10. To work with Ice Scheduler, Time Keeper Scheduler, Referee in Chief and coaching personnel
to ensure all games and practices are properly conducted and regulated.
11. Act as a contact person between the Ontario Minor Hockey Association, the South Central
Triple A, Niagara District Single A, and Welland Minor Hockey Association.
12. To be responsible for the application of discipline of players, coaching personnel and members
associated with Triple A and Single A programs, as it applies to Ontario Minor Hockey
Association rules and regulations and Welland Minor Hockey Association guidelines.
13. Be responsible for the enforcement of suspensions to players and coaching personnel within
the division and further, have the authority to direct additional suspensions (not to exceed five
games or twenty calendar days) to players and coaching personnel based on any minor breach
of conduct or breach of Ontario Minor Hockey Association rules and regulations or Welland
Minor Hockey Association guidelines.
Article 3.4
Single A Director Responsibilities: Fulfill the mandate of Welland Minor Hockey Association as it applies to Single
A hockey, providing leadership and direction.
Duties:
1. Direct Rep Commissioners to assist with the administration of the Single A program.
2. To act as a co-coordinator for the administration of the Single A program.
3. Monitor all Single A teams to ensure that they operate within Welland Minor Hockey
Association and Ontario Minor Hockey Association guidelines.
4. Provide guidance and assistance to team personnel with the administration of any
documents, procedures or protocols that may require during the course of a season.
5. To work in concert with the Single A and Triple A Directors and Rep Commissioners.
6. Sit as co-chair at monthly coaching personnel meetings.
7. Sit as member at any Rep Committee meetings.
8. Attend all Board meetings to report on the status of the Single A program.
9. To work in concert with House League Directors in matters that involves player movement
or affiliations with Single A and Triple A teams
10. To work with Ice Scheduler, Time Keeper Scheduler, Referee in Chief and coaching
personnel to ensure all games and practices are properly conducted and regulated.
11. Act as a co-contact person between the Ontario Minor Hockey Association, the South
Central Triple A, Niagara District Single A, and Welland Minor Hockey Association.
12. To be responsible for the application of discipline of players, coaching personnel and
members associated with Triple A and Single A programs, as it applies to Ontario Minor
Hockey Association rules and regulations and Welland Minor Hockey Association
guidelines, under the direction of the Rep Director.
13. Be responsible for the enforcement of suspensions to players and coaching personnel
within the division and further, have the authority to direct additional suspensions (not to
exceed five games or twenty calendar days) to players and coaching personnel based on
any minor breach of conduct or breach of Ontario Minor Hockey Association rules and
regulations or Welland Minor Hockey Association guidelines.
Article 3.5
Triple A Director
Responsibilities: Fulfill the mandate of Welland Minor Hockey Association as it applies to Triple
A hockey, providing leadership and direction.
Duties:
1. Direct Rep Commissioners to assist with the administration of the Triple A program.
2. To act as a co-coordinator for the administration of the Triple A program.
3. Monitor all Triple A teams to ensure that they operate within Welland Minor Hockey
Association and Ontario Hockey Association guidelines.
4. Provide guidance and assistance to team personnel with the administration of any
documents, procedures or protocols that may require during the course of a season.
5. To work in concert with the Single A and Triple A Directors and Rep Commissioners.
6. Sit as co-chair at monthly coaching personnel meetings.
7. Sit as a member at any Rep Committee meetings.
8. Attend all Board meetings to report on the status of the Triple A program.
9. To work in concert with House League Directors in matters that involves player movement
or affiliations with Single A and Triple A teams.
10. To work with Ice Scheduler, Time Keeper Scheduler, Referee in Chief and coaching
personnel to ensure all games and practices are properly conducted and regulated..
11. Act as a co-contact person between the Ontario Minor Hockey Association, the South
Central Triple A, Niagara District Single A, and Welland Minor Hockey Association.
12. To be responsible for the application of discipline of players, coaching personnel and
members associated with Triple A and Single A programs, as it applies to Ontario Minor
Hockey Association rules and regulations and Welland Minor Hockey Association
guidelines, under the direction of the Rep Director.
13. Be responsible for the enforcement of suspensions to players and coaching personnel
within the division and further, have the authority to direct additional suspensions (not to
exceed five games or twenty calendar days) to players and coaching personnel based on
any minor breach of conduct or breach of Ontario Minor Hockey Association rules and
regulations or Welland Minor Hockey Association guidelines.
Article 3.6
Directors: Pre-Novice, Novice, Atom, Peewee, Bantam, Midget
Responsibilities: Fulfill the mandate of Welland Minor Hockey Association as it applies to House
League Hockey, providing leadership and direction
Duties:
1. Oversee and control all aspects of the division that the Director is responsible for.
2. Review all coaching applications for the division that the Director is responsible for and
select coaches based on their knowledge, skills and abilities.
3. Provide guidance and assistance to all team personnel with the administration of any
documents, procedures or protocols that may require during the course of a season.
4. To work in concert with Rep Directors in matters that involves player movement or
affiliations with Single A and Triple A teams from House League.
5. Administrate all team rosters and OMHA player cards and OMHA team official cards.
6. Review all game sheets to ensure that all Welland Minor Hockey Association guidelines
are followed.
7. Oversee all team selections, player movements and monitor team progress to ensure a basis
of equality throughout the division.
8. Rule on all disputes with the division.
9. To be responsible for the application of discipline of players, coaching personnel and
members associated within their, as it applies to Ontario Minor Hockey Association rules
and regulation and Welland Minor Hockey Association guidelines.
10. Appoint a maximum of two Commissioners for the division and to work in concert with
those Commissioners.
11. Appoint coaches and mangers at large pursuant to Welland Minor Hockey Association
guidelines.
12. Conduct monthly meetings with coaching personnel within the division.
13. Communicate any information that is deemed important to players, coaching personnel and
parents within the division.
14. Report to the Board, the status of the division.
15. Assist Directors of other divisions when required.
16. Be responsible for the enforcement of suspensions to players and coaching personnel
within the division and further, have the authority to direct additional suspensions (not to
exceed five games or twenty calendar days) to players and coaching personnel base don
any minor breach of conduct or breach of Ontario Minor Hockey Association rules and
regulations or Welland Minor Hockey Association guidelines.
17. Prepare all master schedules for the division.
Article 3.7
Commissioner: Select and House League
Responsibilities: Assist Directors in fulfilling the mandate of Welland Minor Hockey Association as it
applies to Triple A or Single A or House League hockey, providing leadership and direction.
Duties:
1. Assist the Director in the execution of his/her duties as it pertains to the division that the Director
is responsible for.
2. Act as a resource to coaching personnel and players within the division.
3. Attend meeting as directed by the Director.
4. Communicate required information to coaching personnel and players within the division as
directed by the Director.
5. Assume the responsibilities of the Director when required.
6. When directed by the Director, to be responsible for the enforcement of suspensions to players and
coaching personnel within the division and further, have the authority to direct additional
suspension s (not to exceed five games or twenty calendar days) to players and coaching personnel
based on any minor breach of conduct or breach of Ontario Minor Hockey Association rules and
regulations or Welland Minor Hockey Association guidelines.
Article 3.8
Bingo Chairman Responsibilities: Operate and manage the Bingo program as it pertains to Welland Minor Hockey
Association:
Duties:
1. To be in charge of all aspects of the Bingo program, acting as a liaison between any government
regulating agencies, the operators of the bingo facility and Welland Minor Hockey Association.
2. Be responsible for the recruitment and attendance of all personnel required for the operation of the
bingo program.
3. Be responsible for reporting all information pertaining to the bingo program to the Board on a
regular basis.
4. Be responsible for forwarding all monies collected from the bingo program to the Treasurer of
Welland Minor Hockey Association.
Article 3.9
Registrar
Eligibility: The President or his designee may nominate any person to stand for this position. The
nominee must possess the following skills and abilities: Above-average organizational skills, above-
average communication skills and functional computer skills.
Appointment: The nominee will be appointed to this position only after receiving majority support from
the Board of Directors.
Responsibilities: To organize, execute and oversee all duties in relation to the registration of members of
Welland Minor Hockey Association.
Duties:
1. Co-ordinate the registration process for all participants within Welland Minor Hockey Association
and to oversee the proper registration of all team rosters, players’ cards and team official cards.
2. Maintain possession and or control off all player cards, team official cars, team rosters, and
affiliated player rosters.
3. To act as a singing authority on behalf of Welland Minor Hockey Association for the purposes of
player registration ,team official registration and team registration with the Ontario Minor Hockey
Association and any other hockey governing body.
4. To act as the primary authority for Welland Minor Hockey Association in relation to confirming
residential status.
5. To act as the primary authority for Welland Minor Hockey Association for the purposes of the
Privacy Act.
6. To act as a designated person for Welland Minor Hockey Association for the purposes of the
Privacy Act.
7. To have status as a “bone fide” member of the Executive of Welland Minor Hockey Association
on any issues that pertains to the duties of the Registrar.
8. To share information of all registered participants of Welland Minor Hockey Association with the
Treasurer to ensure that all fess are paid within association guidelines.
9. To report the status of all registration matters to the members of the Executive of Welland Minor
Hockey Association in monthly intervals.
Remuneration: The President or his designee shall negotiate an annual rate or disposition with the
Registrar. Any negotiated amount of remuneration must receive approval by a majority of the Board of
Directors. The annual rate or disposition will be paid in four equal installments: August 15th
, October
15th
, December 15th
and March 15th
.
Article 3.10
Media Liaison Officer
Eligibility: The President or his designee may nominate any person to stand for this position. The
nominee must possess the following skills and abilities: Above-average organizational skills, above-
average verbal and written communication skills and functional computer skills.
Appointment: The nominee will be appointed to this position only after receiving majority support from
the Board of Directors.
Responsibilities: To act as a media liaison officer and official spokesperson for Welland Minor Hockey
Association.
Duties:
1. Under the direction of the President or his designee, to act as an official spokesperson for Welland
Minor Hockey Association, as it relates to any coverage with media organizations.
2. To initiate positive exposure of the embers, events and programs of Welland Minor Hockey
Association with media organizations.
3. To provide information to media organizations that provide game and player coverage of Welland
Minor Hockey Association events.
4. To monitor all Welland Minor Hockey Association press releases that identifies an individual
participant by name and or image. And further, to ensure that those press releases meet the
provisions of the Privacy Act.
5. Be responsible for building a rapport and professional understanding with local news reporters.
6. To attend Welland Minor Hockey Association events and identify possible stories of interest
involving association members and to bring these stories of interest to the attention of local news
reporters.
7. To assist team officials with the preparation of press releases, game summaries and other
newsworthy information and to further assist with the proper dissemination to media organizations.
8. To monitor all releases to the media by members of Welland Minor Hockey Association, ensuring
that sponsor’s are properly identified and promoted.
9. Be responsible for establishing a press release protocol for all members of Welland Minor Hockey
Association that will provide for the expeditious and accurate release of information to all media
organizations.
10. To work with local media organizations to better promote Welland Minor Hockey Association and
its members.
Article 3.11
Ombudsman
Overview Philosophy: Ombudsman Welland Minor Hockey Association has put in place a series of
administrative protocols to receive, investigate and conclude complaints by members within the
association. The association also realizes that from time to time, members are reluctant to come
forward with these complaints and concerns. This reluctance is sometimes based on a lack of
understanding of the complaint process, uncertainty that the complaint or concern falls within the
parameters of the association directives or that there is some other factor that makes the complainant
uneasy. To better serve the member of the Welland Minor Hockey Association, the position of
Ombudsman has been established. This advocate position is to assist members in discussing their
complaints or concerns, in an environment outside of Welland Minor Hockey Association structure.
Eligibility: The President or his designee may nominate any person to stand for this position.
The nominee must possess the following skills and abilities: Above-average organizational skills,
above-average verbal and written communication skills and functional computer skills. The nominee
must also have the ability to make sometimes difficult or unpopular decisions based on common sense
applications of written and unwritten protocol. The nominee must have any type of association with
any player, team official or executive member that would impair his/her ability to make fair and
impartial decisions.
Appointment: The nominee will be appointed to this position only after receiving majority support
from the Board of Directors.
Responsibility: To act as unbiased advocate and counselor to any member of Welland Minor Hockey
Association that believes that it is in their best interest to seek independent advice and counsel. To act
as Ombudsman for members of Welland Minor Hockey Association only in situations where a
complaint or concern arises in relation to; the unfair treatment of a member by a team official,
improper conduct of a team official directed at a member, improper conduct towards any member by
another member or a breach of any section of the Manuel of Operations or the Welland Minor Hockey
Complaint Policy.
The Ombudsman shall not called upon to act in any capacity after a complaint has been made to
Welland Minor Hockey Association and the complaint is in any stage of the process.
Duties:
1. To act as advocate for members of Welland Minor Hockey Association only in situations
where there is a complaint or concern that has not yet been reported.
2. To be available to assist any members of Welland Minor Hockey Association in providing
independent and unbiased advise. The Ombudsman shall review the information provided and
make a common sense assessment of the facts.
3. Based on the assessment of the facts, determine the most appropriate course of action for the
member.
4. Determine if a formal complaint should be registered with the Welland Minor Hockey
Association.
5. The Ombudsman will not conduct any structured type of investigation, interview any persons
or gather any type of evidence. The Ombudsman may rely on his/her own non-intrusive
observations to further the decision making process.
6. The Ombudsman may monitor the progression of any incident that he/she is involved with
until its conclusion.
7. The Ombudsman is required to ensure that the rights of all parties involved are respected and
protected.
8. The Ombudsman does not have the right or privilege to discuss with anyone, any information
supplied by the complaint unless the complaint has given direct and specific permission. ( The
exception to this paragraph is when information is deemed to fall under the provisions of the
Family and Children’s Protection Act)
The Ombudsman may make inquiries with members of Welland Minor Hockey Association to
determine the proper application of association rules, policies and protocol.
Article 4.0
Rep Division Triple A
This section will provide guidelines for the operation of the Rep Division as it pertains Triple A
teams. Included in this section are guidelines that apply to players, teams and coaching personnel.
Article 4.1
Rep Division Structure Triple A
Midget AAA
Bantam AAA
Peewee AAA
Atom AAA
Novice AAA
Minor Midget AAA
Minor Bantam AAA
Minor Peewee AAA
Minor Atom AAA
Prior to any minor age group team being organized and approved, the team at the major age at that
level must be organized and approved. ( This term and condition may be overruled based on the
consent of the Board and the District Executive Member of the Ontario Minor Hockey Association).
Article 4.2
Coaching Personnel Selection Triple A
Welland Minor Hockey Association will select all coaches at the Triple A level using the following
process:
1. Prior to February 15th
of each year, notice will be given through the media that applications
will be accepted for Head Coaching positions for the next hockey season.
2. Interviews for the position of Head Coach will be scheduled prior to the commencement of
tryouts.
3. Any person requesting to be considered for a head coach position must complete the
application form, indicating which team or teams he/she requests to be considered for and
forward it to the Board within the specific time line. Once the Selection Board receives the
application, the person shall be referred to as the Candidate.
4. The Selection Board will be made up of five (5) permanent members. The President, 1st Vice
President, Rep Director, AAA Director and A Director. If any of the permanent members
cannot fulfill their duties, they can appoint a designee in their place. Any additional members
of the Selection Board will be mutual selections of the Rep Director and the President. The
President will be the Acting Chair. His / Her duties will include having a written agenda
approved by the Committee, preserve the majorities will, maintain decorum, act as an
impartial overseer in the interview process and act as a tie breaker if such as event occurs.
The other members of the Board will follow the agenda and be responsible for conducting the
interviews. The entire selection board will sign a confidentiality form prior to the interview
process. All candidates will be notified at the conclusion of the selection process as to
whether or not they were successful in securing a team.
5. The Selection Board will review all applications and may disregard any application that is
incomplete or does not meet any standards established by the Selection Board. The Board
may short list Candidates for any or all teams.
6. The Selection Board will interview Candidates to determine if they possess the required
knowledge, skills and abilities to coach at the Triple A level. Other factors that may influence
the Selection Board will be the level length of experience in coaching, prior awards or
commendations pertaining to sports, any previous breaches of conduct, current coach/trainer
certification, and communication skills.
7. A Candidate may declare that a conflict of interest exists with a member of the Selection
Board and request that the affected member of the Selection Board be excused from the
interview process. The Candidate must declare the conflict in writing to the President or his
designee, including the reason for the conflict. The President or his designee will rule on the
request prior to the commencement of the subject interview. A Candidate may only request a
maximum of one Selection Board member to be excused during an interview process.
8. If a member of the Selection Committee cannot make a fair and unbiased assessment of a
Candidate due to any previous conflict or association, the member of the Selection Committee
is obliged advise the remainder of the Selection Committee of the conflict and request to be
excused for that subject interview
9. The Selection Board will treat all Candidates equally during the interview process and make
their decisions based on a predetermined set of evaluating standards.
10. Successful Candidates will be notified by either telephone or written correspondence as soon
as is practicable.
11. Any person requesting to consider as a Candidate for a Triple A team, must declare if he/she
has a child that is eligible to play at that age group.
12. An eligible child is defined as any child that is in the care and custody of the head coach
candidate and is within two age groups of the team that the coach candidate is applying for.
Article 4.3
Team Composition Team Officials/ Personnel Triple A
Triple A teams within Welland Minor Hockey Association will be composed of the following
members.
1. Head Coach must possess a valid coach level certification, Preventive Services certification and
any other required certification as directed by Ontario Minor Hockey Association and a local
police records clearance.
2. Manager must possess a valid Preventive Services certification and a local police records
clearance.
3. Trainer must possess a valid Trainers level certification as directed by Ontario Minor Hockey
Association, Preventive Services certification and a local police records clearance.
4. Assistant Coach must possess a valid coach level certification, Prevention Services certification
and any other required certification as directed by Ontario Minor Hockey Association and a local
police records clearance.
5. Parent Representative must have a local police records clearance.
Article 4.4
Team Composition Players Triple A
Triple A teams within Welland Minor Hockey Association will be composed of the following members.
1. Novice team will be composed of a minimum of fifteen skaters and two goaltenders being placed
on the team roster. For the purpose of development, all Novice teams will have five (5) AP players
and an AP goaltender at practices.
2. Minor Atom team will be composed of a minimum of fifteen skaters and two goaltenders being
placed on the team roster
3. Atom team will be composed of a minimum of fifteen skaters and two goaltenders being placed on
the team roster
4. Minor Peewee will be composed of a minimum of fifteen players and two goaltenders being placed
on the team roster
5. Peewee team will be composed of a minimum of fifteen skaters and two goaltenders being placed
on the team roster
6. Minor Bantam team will be composed of a minimum of fifteen skaters and two goaltenders being
placed on the team roster
7. Bantam team will be composed of a minimum of fifteen skaters and two goaltenders being placed
on the team roster
8. Minor Midget team will be composed of a minimum of fifteen skaters and two goaltenders being
placed on the team roster
9. Midget team will be composed of a minimum of fifteen skaters and two goaltenders being placed
on the team roster
Note: The above team composition may be altered by unanimous consent of the Rep Committee.
Article 4.5
Team Selection Pre-season Triple A
This section applies the fundamental principles of player selections as it applies to the Triple A program
within Welland Minor Hockey Association. Also include in this section are directives that must be
followed in relation to player movement and out of zone players.
1. Team tryouts will commence in either (Spring) March/April or (Fall) August/September). Spring
tryouts are open to all players and fall tryouts are by invitation by the Coach. This does not apply
to the Major Midget program. Notification of these tryouts are to be made through local
newspapers and the WMHA website.
2. Fees for Triple A team try outs are to be determined by the Board on a yearly basis.
3. All players will receive a minimum of three ice sessions during a team try out.
4. Any players who played Triple A the previous season will be allowed to participate in at least one
exhibition game.
5. Any player may try out for an older age group and his own age group simultaneously. Tryout fees
will be applicable for both levels. (Example: A Minor Bantam player may try out for the Minor
Bantam and the Bantam team at the same time.) The player must notify the Director and coaches
of both teams of his intentions. The Coach of the older team must inform the Director if the player
possesses the skills and abilities to play at the older level within two (2) sessions and must
communicate to the Director for an evaluation to occur in order to determine the eligibility of the
player to play at the higher level. Any player that is signed to a team at an older age group must
possess the skills and abilities to be in the top third of the team. The decision of the evaluation
committee is final and cannot be appealed.
6. No coach will either entice or restrict a player from attempting to play at a higher level. WMHA
will follow OMA guidelines if tampering has occurred.
7. Any player that tries out for an older team may be released to his own age level after only one ice
session.
8. During Spring try outs, a coach must offer players that he intends to sign in the fall, the
opportunity to sign an OMHA Letter of Intent within thirties (30) days of the start of try outs. Any
player not offered a OMHA Letter of Intent, will be granted an F1 Release to tryout in another
center.
9. As per SCTA guidelines, any Zone player must participate in tryouts as per OMHA guidelines to
be granted an F1 release by WMHA.
10. Coaches of the teams from Minor Hockey Peewee and below cannot not sign any out of Zone
player to a Triple A card without the consent of the Rep. Director and the Triple A Director.
11. Coaches of teams from Peewee and above may sign an out of Zone player to a Triple A card, if the
player is capable of being an bone fide asset to the team.
12. A Coach that signs a player to a Triple A team in demonstrating his commitment to that player for
the entire season.
13. A player who is signing a card for a Triple A team is demonstrating his/her commitment to that
team for the entire season.
14. No player can be enticed or offered a card on a Triple A team after November 1st as per OMHA
rules without the permission of the Rep Director and the player’s home center, including Welland.
Article 4.6
Releasing Players Pre-season Triple A
This section applies the fundamental principles of player releases as it applies to the Triple A program
within Welland Minor Hockey Association. Also included in this section are directives that must be
followed in relation to player dates and conditions.
Overview Philosophy Pre-season Releases
Releasing a player from a Triple A team can have varying degrees of negative effects, both physically and
psychological. The process of releasing can become a vicious circle for many players who come out every
year to make a Triple A team and then are continually rejected. These players have not achieved the
required skill level and consequent get very little opportunity to with little self-esteem or confidence.
It is, therefore, important that every coach reduce this negative factor by using procedure that
will give player as much positive reinforcement as possible and encouraging the players to take positive
steps to improve their skills and abilities.
Pre-season Releases Procedures:
1. The Head Coach, Director and a member of the coaching staff be in attendance when a player is
released.
2. All releases shall be done in a private area and are to be kept confidential.
3. The release process should be as individualized as possible keeping in mind that every player is an
individual having different anxiety and self-concept levels.
4. Make the player aware that the coaching staff have made observations of his/her skills and abilities
and have identified both the strengths and weaknesses in these categories. Further, advise the
player of methods that would increase his/her skills and abilities to a level that would afford a
better opportunity to make the team in the future.
5. If the player is going to be offered an opportunity to be an affiliated player, he must be informed of
this and given the opportunity to sign an AP sheet at the time of release.
6. Final releases are to be made no later then 6:00 p.m. on the date mandated by WMHA.
7. A player shall not be released on the basis of race, religion, association, gender, residency (
exception See Article 4.5) or financial status.
8. No player will be released by telephone, mail, email, by a third party or posted notice. . However a
release may be granted by a personalized, HAND-DELIVERED letter (which outlines the reasons
for the release) so long as the coach provides the player / parent the opportunity for inquiries
regarding the release.
9. No player will be advised of his/her released by the lack of further communication.
Article 4.7
Mid-Season Releases Triple A
This section applies the fundamental principles pf player releases as it applies to the Triple A program
within Welland Minor Hockey Association. Also included in this section are directives that must be
followed in relation to player dates and conditions.
Overview Philosophy Mid-season Releases
More devastating to a young player then being released in pre-season, is the reality of being released mid-
season. A player who endeavors to make a Triple A team, often makes sacrifices that other children
outside of hockey are never obligated to make. With these sacrifices, a mutual agreement of commitment
between the coach and the player is made, in the understanding that hard work, dedication a desire to learn
will bring success. From time to time, players do not live up to the expectations of their coach and are
released to make room for new players. This type of release is probably the most traumatic that any player
can experience.
It is the directive of this Association that mid-season releases will only occur under certain defined
guidelines, to ensure that each release is in the best interest of the player, the team, the coach and the
Association.
No player will be released after October 15th
of each season unless one of the following conditions
applies:
1. The player is physically incapable of completing the season due to injury or illness and there is no
chance of return during the current season
2. The player requests to be released and moved to a team in a lower division in either Welland or
their home center. This request must be granted by the REP Committee and financial
renumeration will be denied unless the position previously occupied by the player can be filled.
3. The player breaches a major code of conduct, is found to be a severe discipline problem creating
an unhealthy environment for the team and will not comply with team or Associations rules. This
release will only be made after coaching personnel have notified the player and the Triple A
Director in writing of the problem, and no other resolution could be found. This process must be
documented. This release cannot be made without the consent of both the Rep Director and the
Triple A Director. Registration and Rep fees will not be reimbursed for a player being released for
severe disciplinary reasons.
4. The player is to be so lacking in talent that it is unsafe for him/her to continue to play at this level.
This release will only be made after coaching personnel have notified the player and the Triple A
Director in writing of the problem, and no other resolution could be found. This release must be
made with the consent of both the Rep Director and the Triple A Director. A portion of
Registration and Rep fees may be reimbursed under this article if the player is reassigned to a
lower team in WMHA or a team in his home center.
5. No player will be released until an alternative team has been located and agrees to accept the
player.
6. All guidelines as specified by the Ontario Minor Hockey Association Manual of Operations must
be complied with.
Article 4.8
Team Discipline Triple A
The Association realizes that the Triple A hockey program is highly structured and competitive in nature.
Coaching personnel and players realize that the discipline is a necessary concept to achieve both
individual and team goals. Team discipline is part of every coaching strategy and is recognized as a
manner in which rules of conduct can motivate players towards a common goal.
The guidelines concerning discipline at the Triple A levels are as follows:
1. Players are expected to follow team rules and abide by the WMHA & OMHA Codes of Conduct,
whether on ice or off ice.
2. Players who refuse to follow team rules may be subjected to a number of disciplinary acts that
include: minor to major loss of ice time. Documentation of disciplinary action for moderate to
major issues is required and must be forwarded to the Triple A Director & Rep Director.
3. Coaches are expected to utilize a graduated system of discipline that increases the measure of
discipline with the continuation of misconduct, and the decrease in the measure of discipline with
the reduction of misconduct.
4. Coaching personnel are prohibited from using any foul language or muscular force, directly or
indirectly in any form on or towards a player in relation to any corrective measures.
5. Any player who habitually breaches team rules, causes any situation that endangers anyone’s
safety, acts in a violent manner towards anyone or causes a serious injury to anyone, while acting
in the capacity of a participant of a Triple A team, may be released to another team at anytime
pursuant to Article 4.7.
Article 4.9
Team Operation Structure Triple A
The Association recognizes that certain structure and operating procedures must be in place for the smooth
and continuous operation of any team.
Triple A teams shall operate under the following guidelines:
1. All members of Triple A coaching staffs are responsible for knowing the rules and regulations as
set down by Ontario Minor Hockey Association, the Constitution and the Manual of operations of
the Welland Minor Hockey Association and to abide those rules.
2. Coaching personnel will endeavor to improve their skill levels as it pertains to coaching.
3. Each team will carry the minimum number of players pursuant to Article 4.4.
4. Where and when the situation is favorable, coaching personnel may consider signing players above
the minimum number in an attempt to develop more players
5. Coaching personnel shall establish clear and decisive rules concerning the conduct expected from
players, and communicate those rules at the start of the season.
6. Coaching personnel are responsible for the actions of their players while they are at any arena or
facility acting in the capacity of a participant of Welland Minor Hockey Association.
7. Coaching personnel are responsible for the actions of their players while they are at any arena or
facility acting in the capacity of a participant of Welland Minor Hockey Association during any
tournament, however, they are not responsible for the actions of their players while the players are
in the care and custody of responsible adults while not acting as a participant of Welland Minor
Hockey.
8. Coaching personnel will communicate to players the accepted style of dress to be worn during
team functions.
9. The Head Coach and the Parent Rep(s) will meet with the parents of all players at the beginning of
the season and all pertinent information concerning team rules, events and responsibilities will be
disseminated.
10. The Parent Reps will act as co-signers on any team account kept at a financial institution. No
member of the coaching staff shall act in this function.
11. All fund raising done on behalf of the team must be deemed to be legal and conform to conditions
as set down by the Executive Board, the City of Welland and the Ontario Lottery & Gaming
Commission.
12. Expenses for all tournaments are the responsibility of the team.
13. Mileage, meal and room expenses (excluding alcohol) for coaching personnel at tournaments are
to be paid for by the team using the approved fee requisition form located in Appendix D1.0. See
Article 7.5.6 for summary of expenses.
14. The Manager is responsible for submitting all Ontario Minor Hockey Association player cards, all
Ontario Minor Hockey Association team official cards, an Ontario Minor Hockey Association
team roster, an Ontario Minor Hockey Association affiliated list and travel permits to the Triple A
Rep Director within the time lines as specified each year.
15. The Manager is responsible for the submission to the Triple A Director of any monies collected in
relation to Rep Fees by the dates indicated by the Registrar.
Article 4.10
Affiliated Players Triple A
The Association realizes that affiliated players are an important resource to any Triple A team. To this
end, it is required that all Triple A teams will adhere to the following policy:
All coaches will ensure that they sign a minimum of . . .
1. one (1) goaltender
2. one (1) defencemen
3. two (2) forwards
Triple A Coach will:
1. Identify players that are both eligible and willing to be affiliated players on the Triple A team.
2. Contact the eligible player (and parent) and the coach (or manager) of that player’s team ( referred
to in this section as the Base Team) and advise them that the player is being considered as an
affiliated player.
3. After consent from the player, the parent and the coach or manager of the Base Team is given to
the Triple A coach, then an Affiliated Player Consent Form will be completed
4. Upon completion of the Affiliated Player Consent Form, the player’s name will be added to the
Affiliated Player list pursuant to the regulations of the Ontario Minor Hockey Association.
5. The completed Affiliated Player Lists and the individual Affiliated Player Consent Forms will be
forwarded to the Triple A Director for Ontario Minor Hockey Association approval.
Triple A Director will:
1. Review all Affiliated Player Lists to the appropriate Ontario Minor Hockey are complete and all
information is correct.
2. Forward all completed Affiliated Player Lists to Welland Minor Hockey for processing.
3. Collect any affiliated player fees when applicable.
Note: Under OMHA policy, a player can only be affiliated to ONE team per year.
Article 4.11
General and Specific Rules Concerning Affiliated Players
1. Affiliated players may practice will the Triple A team whenever requested by the Triple A coach.
Note* Additional fees may be charged to affiliated players who practice and play with a Triple A
team on a regular basis.
2. The coach of the Triple A team must have the consent of the coach of the Base Team prior to using
any players from that team as affiliated players. It is preferred that 24 hours notice be given to the
player and Base Coach, but 24 hours notice is not required.
3. The coach of a Triple A team can enter into an agreement with the coach of the Base Team that
allows affiliated players to play whenever required for the Triple A team, without continued
notices and requests for consent.
4. Any discrepancies concerning the use of affiliated players will be dealt with by the Triple A
Director and the Single A Director or when they are not available, the Rep Director.
5. Affiliated players must commit to games or practices with their Base Team before they can
commit to the Triple A team, unless one or more of the following conditions apply:
i. i. The affiliated player has the consent of the Triple A Director and the coach of the Base
Team to miss his Base Team’s game or practice.
ii. ii. The affiliated player is permanently playing for the Triple A team and due to a lack of
sufficient Triple A player cards, has been signed and placed on the roster of a lower level team with no
intentions in fulfilling any type of obligations to that team.
iii. iii. The affiliated player has been temporarily placed on the Triple A team to replace and
injured player for an extended period of time.
Article 4.12
Player and Goaltender Ice Time Triple A
The Association believes that the Triple A hockey program can become very
competitive and is often considered being the proving grounds for Junior Hockey. In this spirit, players
and coaches must realize that the rules of equal ice time do not always apply. At this level, hard work
and dedication often result in more ice time; while those participants who choose to exercise less
dedication, sometimes receive less.
The following guidelines are to followed concerning guaranteed ice time for both
skaters and goaltenders’.
Skaters:
1. Ice time during exhibition, tournaments and regular season games should be distributed in an
equitable manner for all skaters on a team. Skaters should receive a minimum of two shifts
per 10 minute and three shifts for a 15 minute period taking into account the normal
progression of the game. Ice time, for Peewee and below, should be distributed in an
equitable manner for all skaters on the team with the exception of the last five minutes of a
close game. This is for the purpose of development
2. Minimum ice time may be suspended if a coach wishes to exercise a measure of discipline as
described in Article 4.8.
3. Minimum ice time may be suspended during playoff games for Bantam and above.
Goaltenders:
1. Ice time during exhibition and regular season games should be distributed in an
equitable manner for all goaltenders on a team. Goaltenders should receive no more
then 60% of the total season games and not less then 40% of the total season games,
playoffs included.
2. No goaltender should be allowed to start more then three games in succession,
unless the other goaltender on the team roster in injured, absent or suspended and is
unable to play.
Article 5.0
Rep Division Single A
This section will provide guidelines for the operation of the Rep Division as it pertains to Single
A teams. Included in this section are guidelines that apply to players, teams and coaching
personnel.
Article 5.1
Rep Division Structure Single A
Midget A Minor Midget A
Bantam A Minor Bantam A
Peewee A Minor Peewee A
Atom A Minor Atom A
Novice A Novice AE
Prior to any minor group team being organized and approved, the team at the major age at
that level must be organized and approved. ( This term and condition may be overruled based on
the consent of the Board and the District Executive Member of the Ontario Minor Hockey
Association)
Article 5.2
Coaching Personnel Selection Single A
Welland Minor Hockey Association will select all coaches at the Single A level using the
following process:
1. Prior to May 15th
of each year, notice will be given through the media that
applications will be accepted for head coaching positions for the next hockey
season.
2. Interviews for the position of Head Coach will be scheduled prior to the
commencement of try outs.
3. Any person requesting to be considered for a head coach position must complete the
application form, indicating which team he/she requests to be considered for and
forward it to the Board within the specified time line. Once the Selection Board
receives the application, the person shall be referred to as the Candidate.
4. The Selection Board will be made up of a minimum of five members. The Rep
Director will select two members of the Selection Board, the President or his
designee will select two members Selection Board and the remaining members of
the Selection Board will be mutual selections of the Rep Director and the President.
5. The Selection Board will review all applications any may disregard any application
that is incomplete or does not meet any standards established by the Selection
Board. In addition, the Selection Board may short list Candidates for any or all
teams.
6. The Selection Board will interview Candidates to determine if they possess the
required knowledge, skills and abilities to coach at the Single A level. Other factors
that may influence the Selection Board will be the level and length of experience in
coaching, prior awards or commendations pertaining to sports, any previous
breaches of conduct, current coach/trainer certification, and communication skills.
7. A Candidate may declare that a conflict of interest exists with a member of the
Selection Board and request that the affected member of the Selection Board be
excused from the interview process. The Candidate must declare the conflict in
writing to the President or his designee, including the reason for the conflict. The
President or his designee will rule on the request prior to the commencement of the
subject interview. A Candidate may only request a maximum of one Selection
Board member to be excused during an interview process.
8. If a member of the Selection Committee cannot make a fair and unbiased
assessment of a Candidate due to any previous conflict or association, the member
of the Selection Committee is obligated advise the remainder of the Selection
Committee of the conflict and request to be excused for that subject interview.
9. The Selection Board will treat all Candidates equally during the interview process
and make their decisions based on a predetermined set of evaluating standards.
10. Successful Candidates will be notified by either telephone or written
correspondence as soon as is practicable
11. Any person requesting to considering as a Candidate for a Single A team, must
declare if he/she has a child that is eligible to play at that age group. A Candidate
who has a child eligible to play at this age level will not be considered if another
Candidate is available and possess equal or superior abilities.
12. If a person is successful in securing the position of Head Coach on team that
his/her child is eligible to play for, pursuant to paragraph 10 of this section; Under
no exception, that person be allowed to hold the position of Head Coach on any
subsequent team that his child is eligible to play on for the duration of the child’s
minor hockey career.
Article 5.3
Team Composition Team Officials/Personnel Single A
Single A teams within Welland Minor Hockey Association will be composed of the following
members.
1. Head Coach must possess a valid coach level certification, Preventive Services certification and
any other required certification as directed by Ontario Minor Hockey Association and a local
police records clearance.
2. Manager must possess a valid Preventive Services certification and a local police records
clearance.
3. Trainer must possess a valid Trainers level certification as directed by Ontario Minor Hockey
Association, Preventive Services certification and a local police records clearance.
4. Assistant Coach must possess a valid coach level certification, Preventive Services certification
and any other required certification as directed by Ontario Minor Hockey Association and a local
police records clearance.
5. Parent Representative must have a local police records clearance.
Article 5.5
Team Composition Players Single A
Single A teams within Welland Minor Hockey Association will be composed of the following members.
1. Novice team will be composed of a minimum of fourteen skaters and two goaltenders being placed
on the team roster. For the purpose of development, all Novice teams will have five (5) AP players
and an AP goaltender at practices.
2. Minor Atom team will be composed of a minimum of fourteen skaters and two goaltenders being
placed on the team roster
3. Atom team will be composed of a minimum of fourteen skaters and two goaltenders being placed
on the team roster
4. Minor Peewee team will be composed of a minimum of fourteen skaters and two goaltenders being
placed on the team roster
5. Peewee team will be composed of a minimum of fourteen skaters and two goaltenders being
placed on the team roster.
6. Minor Bantam team will be composed of a minimum of fifteen skaters and two goaltenders being
placed on the team roster.
7. Bantam team will be composed of a minimum of fifteen skaters and two goaltenders being placed
on the team roster.
8. Minor Midget team will be composed of a minimum of fifteen skaters and two goaltenders being
placed on the team roster.
9. Midget team will be composed of a minimum of fifteen skaters and two goaltenders being placed
on the team roster.
10. Each Single A team has the option of signing a third goaltender to a team roster
11. Each Single A team, comprised of major and minor players in one age group, shall have a team
configuration of a minimum of five minor age skaters and one minor age goaltender.
12. If a coach cannot fulfill the minimum minor player compliment for a Single A team comprised of
major and minor player as defined in paragraph 11, the coach may request relief from that
condition with the consent of the Rep Director.
Article 5.5
Team Selection Pre-season Single A
This section applies the fundamental principles of player selections as it applies to the
Single A program within Welland Minor Hockey Association. Also included in this section are directives
that must be followed in relation to player movement and out of zone players.
1. Team try outs will commence in the ( Fall) August/September and are on an open basis.
Notification of these try outs are to be made through local newspapers and the WMHA website.
2. Fees for Single A team try outs are to be determined by the Board on a year to year basis.
3. All players will receive a minimum of three ice sessions during a team try out.
4. Any player who played Single A the previous season will be allowed to participate in at least one
exhibition game,
5. Any player (of Bantam age or older) who is younger then the team for which he is trying out for,
may at the same time try out for the team at his own age group. ( Example: A Minor Bantam
player may try out for the Minor Bantam and the Bantam team at the same time.) The player must
notify the Director and coaches of both teams of his intentions. The coach of the older team will
inform the Director if the player possesses the skills and abilities to play at the older level within
two (2) sessions and communicate to the Director that he is requesting an evaluation to determine
the eligibility of the player to play at the higher level. Any player that is signed to a team at an
older age group must possess the skills and abilities to be in the top third of the team. This
paragraph includes players who wish to try out for Triple A teams.
6. Any player may try out for a Triple A and a Single A team at the same time. The player must
notify the coaches of both teams of his intentions.
7. No coach will either entice or restrict a player from attempting to play at a higher level.
8. Any player that tries out for an older team may be released to his own age level after only one ice
session. The player will then only be guaranteed two ice sessions at his own age level.
9. A Coach that signs a player to a Single A team is demonstrating his commitment to that player for
the entire season.
10. A player who is signing a card for a Single A team is demonstrating his/her commitment to that
team for the entire season.
Article 5.6
Releasing Players Pre-season Single A
This section applies the fundamental principles of player releases as it applies to the Single
A program within Welland Minor Hockey Association. Also included in this section are directives that
must be followed in relation to player dates and conditions.
Overview Philosophy Pre-season Releases
Releasing a player from a Single A team can have varying degrees of negative effects, both
physically and psychologically. The process of releasing can become a vicious circle for many players
who come out every year to make a Single A team and then are continually rejected. These players have
not achieved the required skill level and consequently get very little opportunity to practice on a regular
basis to improve their overall abilities. This repetitive cycle often leaves a player with little self-esteem or
confidence.
It is, therefore, important that every coach reduce this negative factor by using procedures
that will give player as much positive reinforcement as possible and encourage the players to take positive
steps to improve their skills and abilities.
Pre-season Releases Procedures:
1. The Head Coach, Director and a member of the coaching staff shall be in attendance when a
player is released.
2. All releases shall be done in a private area and are to be kept confidential.
3. The release process should be as individual as possible keeping in mind that every payer is an
individual having different anxiety and self-concept levels.
4. Make the player aware that the coaching staff have made observations of his/her skills and
abilities and have identified both the strengths and weaknesses in these categories. Further, advise
the player of methods that would increase his/her skills and abilities to a level that would afford a
better opportunity to make the team in the future.
5. If the player is going to be offered an opportunity to be an affiliated player, advise the player of
this at the time of the release. A coach should not promise a released player the opportunity to be
an affiliated player if there is not a genuine desire to carry out that plan.
6. Any player who is a Welland resident should be referred to and introduced to the coach or
Director of House League at his/her age level at the time of their release.
7. Final releases are to be made no later then 6:00 p.m. on the last date of signing as directed by the
Ontario Minor Hockey Association.
8. A player shall not be released on the basis of race, religion, association, gender, residency (
exception See Article 4.5) or financial status.
9. No player will be released by telephone, mail, email, by a third party or posted notice. However a
release may be granted at Bantam and above by a personalized, HAND-DELIVERED letter so
long as the coach provides the player / parent the opportunity for inquiries regarding the release.
10. No player will be advised of his/her release by the lack of further communication.
Article 5.7
Mid-Season Releases Single A
This section applies the fundamental principles of player releases as it applies to the Single
A program within Welland Minor Hockey Association. Also included in this section are directives that
must be followed in relation to player dates and conditions.
Overview Philosophy Mid-season Releases
More devastating to a young player then being released in pre-season, is the reality of being
released mid-season. A player who endeavors to make a Single A team, often makes sacrifices that other
children outside of hockey are never obligated to make. With these sacrifices, a mutual agreement of
commitment between the coach and the player is made, in the understanding that hard work, dedication a
desire to learn will bring success. From time to time, players do not live up to the expectations of their
coach and are released to make room for new players. This type of release is probably the most traumatic
that any player can experience.
It is directive of this Association that mid-season releases will only occur under certain
defined guidelines, to ensure that each release is in the best interest of the player, the team, the coach and
the Association.
No player will be released after October 15th
of each season unless one of the following conditions
applies:
1. The player is physically incapable of completing the season due to injury or illness and there is
no chance of return during the current season.
2. The player requests to be released and moved to a team in a lower division in Welland.
3. The player breaches a major code of conduct, creating an unhealthy environment for the
coaching personnel or other players on the team. This release must be made with the consent of
both the Rep Director and the Single A Director.
4. The player is found to be a severe discipline problem and will not comply with team or
Association rules. This release will only be made after coaching personnel have notified the
player and the Single A Director in writing of the problem, and no other resolution could be
found. This release must be made with the consent of both the Rep Director and the Single A
Director.
5. The player is found to be so lacking in talent that it is unsafe for him/her to continue to play at
this level. This release will only be made after coaching personnel have notified the player and
the Single A Director in writing of the problem, and no other resolution could be found. This
release must be made with the consent of both the Rep Director and the Single A Director.
6. No player will be released until an alternative team has been located and agrees to accept the
player.
7. A portion of rep fees may be reimbursed to any player released mid-season and is re-assigned to
a House League team within Welland Minor Hockey Association.
8. All guidelines as specified by the Ontario Minor Hockey Association Manual of Operations must
be complied with.
9. The son/daughter of any parent/guardian or responsible person who was found un contravention
of Article 2.0 paragraph 14 may be moved upon direction of the President or his designee, to
another team either within or outside of Welland Minor Hockey Association. This player
movement cannot be appealed.
Article 5.8
Team Discipline Single A
The Association realizes that the Single A hockey program is highly structured and
competitive in nature. Coaching personnel and players realize that discipline is a necessary concept to
achieve both individual and team goals. Team discipline is part of every coaching strategy and is
recognized as a manner in which rules of conduct can motivate players towards a common goal.
The guidelines concerning discipline at the Single A level are as follows:
1. Players are expected to follow team rules, whether on ice or off ice.
2. Players who refuse to follow team rules may be subjected to a number of disciplinary acts that
include: minor loss of ice time ( benching for several shifts), moderate loss of ice time ( benching
for one period or more), major loss of ice time ( benching for complete game).
3. Any coach that exercises either the moderate or major loss of ice time as referred to in paragraph
2) in this section, is required to document the incident on a disciplinary incident form and
forward a copy to the Single A Director.
4. Coaches are expected to utilize a graduated system of discipline that increases the measure of
discipline with the continuation of misconduct, and the decrease in the measure of discipline
with the reduction of misconduct.
5. A coach may verbally correct a player’s conduct however; a coach is not to intimidate a player in
any face-to-face confrontation.
6. Coaching personnel or players are not to use foul language during any verbal disagreement.
7. All coaching personnel are absolutely prohibited from using any muscular force, directly or
indirectly in any form on or towards a player in relation to any corrective measures.
8. Any player who habitually breaches team rules, causes any situation that endangers anyone’s
safety, acts in a violent manner towards anyone or causes a serious injury to anyone, while acting
in the capacity of a participant of a Single A team, may be released to another team at anytime,
pursuant to Article 4.7.
Article 5.9
Team Operation Structure Single A
The Association recognizes that certain structure and operating procedures must be in place
for the smooth and continuous operation of any team.
Single A teams shall operate under the following guidelines:
1. All members of Single A coaching staffs are responsible for knowing the rules and regulations as
set down by the Ontario Minor Hockey Association, the Constitution and the Manual of
Operations of the Welland Minor Hockey Association and to abide by those rules.
2. Coaching personnel will endeavor to improve their skill levels at it pertains to coaching.
3. Each team will carry the minimum number of players pursuant to Article 5.4.
4. Where and when the situation is favorable, coaching personnel may consider signing players above
the minimum number in an attempt to develop more players.
5. Coaching personnel shall establish clear and decisive rules concerning the conduct expected from
players, and communicate those rules at the start of the season.
6. Coaching personnel are responsible for the actions of their players while they are at any arena or
facility acting in the capacity of a participant of Welland Minor Hockey Association.
7. Coaching personnel are responsible for the actions of their players while they are at any arena or
facility acting in the capacity of a participant of Welland Minor Hockey Association during any
tournament, however, they are not responsible for the actions of their players while the players are
in the care and custody of responsible adults while not acting as a participant of Welland Minor
Hockey.
8. Coaching personnel will communicate to players the accepted style of dress to be worn during
team functions.
9. The Head Coach and the Parent Rep will meet with the parents of all players at
the beginning of the season and all pertinent information concerning team rules,
events and responsibilities will be disseminated.
10. The Parent Reps will act as co-signers on any team account kept at a financial institution. No
member of the coaching staff can act in this function.
11. All fund raising done on behalf of the team must be deemed to be legal and conform to conditions
as set down by the Board.
12. Expenses for all tournaments are the responsibility of the team, except for any money that is
forwarded to the team by the Board.
13. Mileage, meal and room expenses for coaching personnel at tournaments are to be negotiated
(between the parents and coaching staff) at the beginning of the season. An action plan is to be
agreed upon using the approved schedule located in Appendix D detailing the agreement of the
negotiation (signed by the Head Coach, Manager and two Parent Reps), then submitted to the Rep
Committee for approval prior to the start of the season.
14. The Manager is responsible for submitting all Ontario Minor Hockey Association player cards, all
Ontario Minor Hockey Association team official cards, an Ontario Minor Hockey Association
team roster, an Ontario Minor Hockey Association affiliated list and travel permits to the Single A
Rep Director within the time lines as specified each year.
15. The Manager is responsible for the submission to the Single A Director of any monies collected in
relation to Rep fees or registration as the case.
Article 5.10
Affiliated Players Single A
The Association realizes that affiliated players are an important resource to any Triple A team. To this
end, it is required that all Triple A teams will adhere to the following policy:
All coaches will ensure that they sign a minimum of . . .
1. one (1) goaltender
2. one (1) defencemen
3. two (2) forwards
Single A Coach will:
1. Identify players that are both eligible and willing to be affiliated players on the Single A team.
2. Contact the eligible player ( and parent) and the coach ( or manager) of that player’s team (
referred to in this section as the Base Team) and advise them that the player is being considered as
an affiliated player.
3. After consent from the player, the parent and the coach or manager of the Base Team is given to
the Single A coach, then an Affiliated Player Consent Form ( Appendix B) will be completed.
4. Upon completion of the Affiliated Player Consent Form, the player’s name will be added to the
Affiliated Player List pursuant to the regulations of the Ontario Minor Hockey Association.
5. The completed Affiliated Player List and the individual Affiliated Player Consent Forms will be
forwarded to the Single A Director for Ontario Minor Hockey Association approval.
Single A Director will:
1. Review all Affiliated Player Lists and Affiliated Player Consent Forms to ensure that they are
complete and all information is correct.
2. Forward all completed Affiliated Player Lists to the appropriate Ontario Minor Hockey
Association representative for processing.
3. Collect any affiliated player fees when applicable.
Note: Under OMHA policy, a player can only be affiliated to ONE team per year.
Article 5.11
General and Specific Rules Concerning Affiliated Players
1. Affiliated players may practice will the Single A team whenever requested by the Single A coach.
Note* Additional fees may be charged to affiliate players who practice and play with a Single A
team on a regular basis.
2. The coach of the Single A team must have the consent of the coach of the Base Team prior to
using any players from that team as affiliated players. It is preferred that 24 hours notice be given
to the player and Base Coach, but 24 hours notice is not required.
3. The coach of a Single A team can enter into an agreement with the coach of the Base Team that
allows affiliated players to play whenever required for the Single A team, without continued
notices and requests for consent.
4. The Single A Director or the Rep Director will deal with any discrepancies concerning the use of
affiliated players.
5.
6. Affiliated players must commit to games or practices with their Base Team before they can
commit to the Single A team, unless one or more of the following conditions apply:
i. i. The Affiliated player has the consent of the Single A Director and the coach
of the Base Team to miss his Base Team’s game or practice.
ii. ii. The affiliated player is permanently playing for the Single A team and due
to lack of sufficient Single A player cards, has been signed and placed on the roster of a lower
level team with no intentions in fulfilling any type of obligations to that team.
iii. iii. The affiliated player has been temporarily placed on the Single A team to
replace an injured player for an extended period of time.
Article 5.12
Player and Goaltender Ice Time Single A
The Association believes that the Single A hockey program can become very
competitive and is often considered being the proving grounds for Junior Hockey. In this
spirit, players and coaches must realize that the rules of equal ice time do not always apply. At
this level, hard work and dedication often result in more ice time; while those participants who
choose to exercise less dedication, sometimes receive less.
The following guidelines are to be followed concerning guaranteed ice time for
both skaters and goaltenders’
Skaters:
1. Ice time, for Bantam and Midget during exhibition and regular season games should be
distributed in an equitable manner for all skaters on a team. Skaters should receive a
minimum of two shifts per 10 minute and three shifts for a 15 minute period period taking
into account the normal progression of the game. In some circumstances, such as penalties,
curfews and other delays, a coach may not be able to meet this minimum. Ice time, for
Peewee and below, should be distributed in an equitable manner for all skaters on the team
with the exception of the last five minutes of a close game. This is for the purpose of
development
2. Minimum ice time may be suspended if a coach wishes to exercise a measure of discipline as
described in Article 5.7
3. Minimum ice time may be suspended during playoff games for Bantam and above.
Goaltenders:
1. Ice time during exhibition and regular season games should be distributed in an equitable
manner for all goaltenders on a team. Goaltenders should receive no more then 60% of the
total season games and not less then 40% of the total season games, playoffs included.
2. No goaltender should be allowed to start more then three games in succession, unless the
other goaltender on the team roster is injured, absent or suspended and is unable to play.
Article 6.0
House League
This section will provide guidelines for the operation of the House Division as it pertains to all teams.
Included in this section are guidelines that apply to players, teams and coaching personnel.
Article 6.1
House League Structure
Midget Bantam
Peewee Atom
Novice Pre-Novice (Tyke)
Teams will be structured to accommodate players in each of the above Division. The number of teams in
each Division will be in direct relation with the number of players registered at each age level.
Article 6.2
Coaching Personnel Selection House League
Welland Minor Hockey Association will select all coaches at the House League level using the
following process:
1. Prior to September 15th
of each year, Directors of each Division will identify candidates for
the positions of coach, trainer and manager for the expected number of teams in their
respective Division.
2. Interviews for the position of Head Coach by the Director will be scheduled prior to the
commencement of the season.
3. The Director must satisfy himself/herself that the candidate for coach, trainer, or manager,
meets all of the basic core competencies required to coach at this level.
4. The Director will have the exclusive right to determine which candidates will be assigned
teams during that season.
5. All successful candidates for any team position will be required to have their names brought
before the Board for final approval.
6. In additional, to paragraphs 1 through 5, Directors shall recruit a minimum for five
volunteers in each division. Each of these volunteers must obtain the required certification
prior to November 10th
of year. Each coach or trainer at large will be deemed to be on an
official roster and a member of Welland Minor Hockey Association.
Article 6.3
Team Composition House League
House League teams within Welland Minor Hockey Association will be composed of the following
members.
1. Novice team will be composed of a minimum of twelve skaters and one goaltender being
placed on the team roster
2. Atom team will be composed of a minimum of twelve skaters and one goaltender being
placed on the team roster
3. Atom team will be composed of a minimum of twelve skaters and one goaltender being
placed on the team roster
4. Peewee team will be composed of a minimum of twelve skaters and one goaltender being
placed on the team roster
5. Bantam team will be composed of a minimum of thirteen skaters and one goaltender being
placed on the team roster
6. Midget team will be composed of a minimum of fourteen skaters and one goaltender being
placed on the team roster
7. Pre-Novice will not include any teams within the format as described with the older
divisions. Pre-Novice will be deemed as an instructional league for the purposes of this
section. Any team formal team configuration will be conducted under the direction of the
Pre-Novice Director with consent from the Board.
Article 6.5
Team Selection Pre-season House League
This section applies the fundamental principles of player selections as it applies to the House League
program within Welland Minor Hockey Association. Also included in this section are directives that must
be followed in relation to player movement.
Team selection will commence in September and are on an open basis for all evaluation sessions.
Notification of these evaluation sessions is to be made through local newspapers.
1. The Director of the Division will schedule on ice evaluation sessions for all players within
the Division. Coaches and the Director or his designee will attend these evaluation sessions
and rate each player according to skating ability, hockey skills ability, size and stature.
2. All payers will receive a minimum of two ice sessions during the evaluation sessions period.
3. A draft will commence to select teams prior to the start of the regular season. Coaches will
select players according to a set of predetermined rules as prescribed by the Director.
4. Players will be notified as soon as practicable of their assigned teams.
5. A player of younger age group may be moved up to an older division if that player possess
the skills and ability to play at the higher level. No such movement will be permitted without
the consent of the player and the Directors of both affected Divisions.
6. No coach will either entice or restrict a player from attempting to play at a higher level.
7. All players will be instructed at the earliest opportunity in the form of a team meeting, that
player movement from team to team may occur at any time during the season up to
December 10th
. The reason for movement may be for league equality or team realignment.
8. Coaches may trade players at the time of pre-season draft, with the consent of the Director.
These trades may only include one for one-player movements and the players must have
been ranked at a comparable skill level.
9. Any player that is moved to and from subsequently signed to a team at an older age group
must possess the skills and abilities to compete at the higher level. No such movement will
be permitted without the consent of the player and the Directors of both affected Divisions.
10. Teams will carry a proportionate number of minor and major players that are in direct
relation to the number of minor and major players registered in the Division.
11. The Director has the authority to re-align any team that does not comply with these
directives.
Article 6.6
Mid-Season Player Movement House League
Welland Minor Hockey Association realizes that player movement from team to team can be
upsetting to players who have become friends with their teammates. However, equality of the Division is
a paramount concerning to the whole organization. In this section, the guidelines for the movement of
players are addressed.
1. A player may request to be moved to another team on the grounds that he is in serious conflict with
a member of the coaching staff, another player or the parent of another player. In this case, the
request must be made in writing and forwarded to the Director of that Division who will conduct
an inquiry and make a ruling. The ruling of the Director is final and can not be appealed.
2. A player may be moved to another team at the request of the Head Coach, based on the grounds
that he is in serious conflict with the player or the parent of the player. In this case, the request
must be made in writing and forwarded to the Director of that Division who will conduct an
inquiry and make a ruling. The ruling of the Director is final and can not be appealed.
3. A player may be moved if two coaches agree to trade players of equal ability. This movement may
only occur, with the consent of the involved players, involved coaches and the Director and his
designee. Any trade must meet the standard that it was done in the best interest of the Division.
4. The Director may move any player prior to December 10th
if he/she feels that this movement will
increase equality within the Division. No consent from effected coaches or players is required.
5. No player will be moved to another team, without his consent after December 10th
.
Article 6.7
Team Discipline House League
The Association realizes that the House League hockey program is not as highly structured
and competitive in nature as teams in the Rep Division. Coaching personnel and players from all level
do realize that discipline is part of every coaching strategy and is recognized as a manner in which
rules of conduct can motivate players towards a common goal.
The guidelines concerning discipline at the House League level are as follows:
1. Players are expected to follow team rules, whether on ice or off ice.
2. Players who repeatedly refuse to follow team rules may be subjected to a number of
disciplinary acts that include: minor loss of ice time (benching for several shifts), moderate loss
of ice time (benching for one period or more), major loss of ice time (benching for complete
game).
3. Any coach that is considering to exercise either the moderate or major loss of ice time as
referred to in paragraph 2) in this section, is required to document the incident on a disciplinary
incident form and forward a copy to the Director. The Director may make inquiries to
determine if this moderate or major loss of ice time is warranted. The Director of his designee
will then meet with the coach and the effected player and a decision will be rendered at that
time.
4. Coaches are expected to utilize a graduated system of discipline that increases the measure of
discipline with the continuation of misconduct, and the decrease in the measure of discipline
with the reduction of misconduct.
5. A coach may verbally correct a player’s conduct however; a coach is not to intimidate or
indirectly in any form on or towards a player in relation to any corrective measures.
6. Coaching personnel or players are not to use foul language during any verbal disagreement.
7. All coaching personnel are absolutely prohibited from using any muscular force, directly or
indirectly in any form on or towards a player in relation to any corrective measures.
8. Any player who habitually breaches team rules, causes any situation that endangers anyone’s
safety, acts in a violent manner towards anyone or causes a serious injury to anyone, while
acting in the capacity of a participant of a House League team, may be sanctioned by the
Director or his designee as the circumstances warrant.
9. The son/daughter of any parent/guardian or responsible person who was found in contravention
of Article 2.0 paragraph 14may be moved upon direction of the President or his designee, to
another team either within or outside of Welland Minor Hockey Association. This player
movement cannot be appealed.
Article 6.8
Team Operation Structure House League
The Association recognizes that certain structure and operating procedures must be in place for the
smooth and continuous operation of any team.
House League teams shall operate under the following guidelines:
1. All members of House League coaching staffs are responsible for knowing the rules and
regulations as set down by the Ontario Minor Hockey Association, the Constitution and the
Manual of operations of the Welland Minor Hockey Association and to abide by those rules.
2. Coaching personnel will endeavor to improve their skill levels as it pertains to coaching.
3. Each team will carry the minimum number of players pursuant to Article 6.4.
4. Coaching personnel shall establish clear and decisive rules concerning the conduct expected
from players, and communicate those rules at the start of the season.
5. Coaching personnel are responsible for the actions of their players while they are at any arena
or facility acting in the capacity of a participant of Welland Minor Hockey Association.
6. Coaching personnel are responsible for the actions of their players while they are at any arena
or facility acting in the capacity of a participant of Welland Minor Hockey Association during
any tournament, however, they are not responsible for the actions of their players while the
players are in the care and custody of responsible adults while not acting as a participant of
Welland Minor Hockey.
7. Coaching personnel will communicate to players the accepted style of dress to be worn during
team functions when applicable.
8. The Head Coach and the Parent Rep will meet with the parents of all players at the beginning
of the season and all pertinent information concerning team rule, events and responsibilities
will be disseminated.
9. The Parent Rep and one other member of the team will act as co-signers on any team account
kept at a financial institution.
10. All fund raising done on behalf of the team must be deemed to be legal and conform to
conditions as set down by the Board.
11. Expenses for all tournaments are the responsible of the team, except for any money that is
forwarded to the team by the Board.
12. Mileage and meal expenses for coaching personnel at tournaments are to be paid by the them
using the approved fee schedule located in Appendix “D”.
13. The Manager is responsible for submitting all Ontario Minor Hockey Association team roster,
an Ontario Minor Hockey Association affiliated list and travel permits to the Director within
the time lines as specified each year.
14. The Manager is responsible for the submission to the Single A Director of any monies
collected in relation to Rep fees or registration as the case.
Article 6.9
Affiliated Players House League
The Association realizes that affiliated players are an important resource to any House League team.
To ensure that proper procedure is followed, the following protocol will be followed.
House League Coach will: 1. Identify players that are both eligible and willing to be affiliated players on the House League
team.
2. Contact the eligible player (and parent) and the coach (or manager) of that player’s team
(referred to in this section as the Base Team) and advise them that the player is being
considered as an affiliated player.
3. After consent from the player, the parent and the coach or manager of the Base Team is given
to the Triple A coach, then an Affiliated Player Consent Form will be completed .
4. Upon completion of the Affiliated Player Consent Form, the player’s name will be added to the
Affiliated Player List pursuant to the regulations of the Ontario Minor Hockey Association.
5. The completed Affiliated Player List and the individual Affiliated Player Consent Forms will
be forwarded to the Director for Ontario Minor Hockey Association approval.
House League Division Director will:
1. Review all Affiliated Player Lists and Affiliated Player Consent Forms to ensure that they are
complete and all information is correct.
2. Forward all complete Affiliated Player Lists to the appropriate Ontario Minor Hockey
Association representative for processing.
3. Collect all affiliated player fees when applicable.
Article 6.10
General and Specific Rules Concerning Affiliated Players
Article 8.0
Registration – All Levels
This section relates to the general principles concerning registration of players. Included are the
guidelines pertaining to payment schedules, player eligibility and sanctions based on non-payment of
funds.
Article 8.1
General Principles of Registration
1. Registration for participation in all programs offered by Welland Minor Hockey Association
will be advertised in local newspapers and on the WMHA Website in a manner that will allow
an opportunity for all participants to register within the prescribed timeframe.
2. The Board will appoint a Registrar at the onset of each registration year. The Registrar is
responsible for the coordination of the registration process.
3. Fee for basic registration will be determined from year to year by the Board
4. The Board from year to year will determine fee for the REP Program.
5. Registration is open to any eligible person based on the appropriate age and residency as
described in Article 1.4.
6. Any person who is prohibited to participate in the year of registration based on sanctions levied
by either the Ontario Minor Hockey Association or the Welland Minor Hockey Association
does not qualify under paragraph 4.
7. Any player requesting to be registered with the Welland Minor Hockey Association must
provide documentation of a correct date of birth and address and any other information that
may be required by the Ontario Minor Hockey Association. The documentation provided must
satisfy the Registrar.
8. Registering in WMHA indicates that there is a binding contract made on behalf of the player /
guardian / parent for the season that the player is eligible to play for. Any player choosing to
remove themselves from participating with their team after the team has started their
regular season schedule, will forfeit their registration and REP Fees (if applicable)
9. The Payment of basic registration fees must be made by cash or (or line) cheque at the time of
registration and the Welland Minor Hockey Association will provide a receipt indicating the
amount paid, method of payment, date of payment and the name of the registered participant.
10. Any person, who has a (previous) outstanding account for non-payment of fees with the
Welland Minor Hockey Association, does not qualify under paragraph 4 until the Registrar and
Treasurer of the Association is satisfied that the fees have been paid. The onus is on the person
to establish that the fees have been paid.
11. The registrar will hold any registration that lacks full payment until full payment is made or a
contract is drawn up according to paragraph 9.
12. Any person who for financial reasons, is unable to make a full payment at the time of
registration, or for any fees relating to the REP Program, must contact the Registrar and a
contract of payment may be drawn up to arrange a payment schedule that will satisfy the
Registrar.
13. Welland Minor Hockey Association reserves the right to limit the number of registrations it
will take in any particular age group.
14. Any person moving into the jurisdiction of Welland in relation to the Triple A or Single A
Zone must meet all of the requirements as established in Article 1.4.
15. Any player who has been registered with Welland Minor Hockey Association and their
residency has been established via a grand fathering clause, shall be deemed to be in
accordance with article 1.4
16. For HL Players may register up until Dec 15th
provided there is available room on a team at the
age group and there is consent of the Director of that Division. The Registrar will establish
registration fees on a pro rated basis.
17. Any player participating in the REP Program and has not paid their REP Fees in full by the
date established by the Board, will forfeit their ability to be rostered to the team that they may
have been selected for.
Article 8.2
Non-Payment of Fees
1. Any member who fails to pay in full for registration of a player at the time of registration and
has not entered into a contract as defined in Article 8.1.11, or fails to pay any fees relating to
the REP Program – the player that the fees were directed to register may be prohibited from
participating in any Welland Minor Hockey Association function until the matter is resolved to
the satisfaction of the Registrar and the Director of that Division
2. Any member who tenders a cheque for payment of any registration or any fees relating to the
REP Program and the cheque is returned as non-sufficient funds or no account, that member
shall be responsible to the Welland Minor Hockey Association for the reimbursement in the
amount of the cheque and any service charges that may accompany that cheque. Certified
cheque or cash will only be allowed for any reimbursement. The player that the fees were
directed to register, may be prohibited from participating in any Welland Minor Hockey
Association function until the matter is resolved to the satisfaction of the Registrar and the
Treasurer. A member who has issued a worthless cheque becomes ineligible to enter into a
contract of payment.
3. Any member who refuses to pay any registration fee or any fees in relation to the REP Program
in the Welland Minor Hockey Association will be considered in breach of a condition to pay
(and will be prohibited from receiving any further financial assistance) and will have all ice
priveledges suspended until the Registrar and Rep Committee is satisfied that all outstanding
fee(s) are paid in full.
4. In all disputes in relation to non-payment of fees, the onus is upon the member to prove that the
fees were paid. If the member cannot prove payment with clear and convincing evidence, then
it is deemed that payment was not made.
Article 9.0
Injury Reimbursement at all Levels
1. Any player who incurs an injury during a WMHA function and is absent from participating in
any hockey related functions with the Welland Minor Hockey Association for a period in
excess of thirty (30) calendar days, may be eligible for partial reimbursement of registration
and/or REP fees as they relate to the WMHA Program.
2. The Trainer / Manger or Coach shall complete the Injury report and forward it to the Director
of that Division.
3. No consideration will be given unless proper documentation accompanies the request for
reimbursement. The request for reimbursement must be forwarded in writing to the Director of
the players Division.