Team Formation

Handbook

For Players, Parents, Evaluators and B oard Members

APPROVED July 24, 2013

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Olds Minor Hockey Mission Statement The Olds Minor Hockey Association in active partnership with players, coaches, families and the community is committed to fostering the values of fairness, sportsmanship, safety, and leadership to all members of the OMHA.

1. Team Formation Objectives • Create tiered teams as required by league regulations – Novice through Midget. • To place all players on the team for which they are best suited, in a manner which is standardized, fair and transparent using a series of evaluation sessions. (The responsibilities of the various parties are also detailed in the appendices of the Positive Participation Policy.)

2. Olds Minor Hockey Board Responsibilities • To increase public awareness of the team formation process. • To oversee the process. • To administer the process including ensuring that all documentation has been received and all fees have been paid before players participate in the sessions. • To eliminate political manoeuvrings and interference from the player selection process and let players be evaluated on their individual skills and development. • To ensure the confidentiality and integrity of the information collected during the process. • To post team formation results in a timely manner. • To destroy confidential information after an appropriate time period. • To deal with all submitted grievances through adopted procedures.

3. Individual Board Member Responsibilities • To assist with the process in whatever appropriate manner possible. • To excuse themselves from any situation involving their child(ren). • To excuse themselves from any situation in which they are in conflict of interest. • To keep information confidential. • To support the decisions of the Committee/Board.

4. Parent Responsibilities • To ensure their child attends every session. • To encourage their child to perform to the best of their abilities. • To support their child. • To ensure that their child has all proper equipment and that it fits properly and is in good working order. • To research the expectations of the evaluation process and ensure that their child is prepared and aware of same. Drills will be posted on the Association website and/or on the wall across from the Association office prior to evaluations. • To ensure that they and their child are ready for the level of commitment expected at the each level. Generally speaking, “A” teams require a greater level of commitment than “B” teams and so on.

5. Player Responsibilities • Attend every session.

• Ensure that they perform to the best of their ability. • To realize that their level of effort and performance during evaluations determines their placement for the year. • Follow the session leader instructions to the best of their abilities. • Be ready on time, at least 15 minutes before their scheduled ice time.

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6. Evaluator Responsibilities • Remain impartial during the evaluation process. • Maintain fair, consistent, and comprehensive evaluation of a player’s total hockey skills. • Maintain confidentiality of player scores and rankings at all times. • Ensure the confidentiality and integrity of the information collected during the process. • Communicate only with the President, Vice President, or specific designate.

7. Evaluation Format • Player placement is based on evaluators input only. • Olds Minor Hockey will secure the services of external evaluators to maintain the impartiality of the process. • Evaluation sessions will consist of skills/drills sessions, some game situations plus scrimmages and/or an inter-squad game. • There will be four sessions for each set of evaluations. • Goaltenders will be provided with one extra separate session. • Team roster will be posted (alphabetically by player last name) on the Association website within 24 hours of the final session. • The drills to be used during the evaluation sessions will be posted on the Association website before the evaluation sessions begin. • If necessary, to provide a manageable process when player numbers are very large, the evaluators may move players to the next level of evaluations following the second session. • NOVICE – All players will skate out for evaluations. Goalies will not be evaluated. Players must make team as skaters.

8. Coach Selection • The Head Coaches of teams competing in the SCAHL will be selected prior to evaluations. • All other coaches will be named after Team Formation is completed.

9. Team Sizes Final team sizes and player distribution will be determined by the board when registration numbers have been finalized.

10. Circumstances a) Resident Player Attending Out of Town Tryouts LATE ARRIVAL: If a duly registered Olds Minor Hockey player is attending out of town tryouts (AAA or as approved by the president) and is unable to attend any portion of the Olds Minor Hockey's evaluations, s/he will be allowed to participate in any remaining portion of the process. The head evaluator may, if deemed necessary, request a spot be held on the team being formed to further evaluate the late arriving player. From subsequent evaluation sessions or team play the held spot will be filled by the late arrival or the last cut from the team being formed.

MISSED ENTIRELY If a duly registered Olds Minor Hockey player is attending out of town tryouts (AAA or as approved by the president) and is unable to attend Olds Minor Hockey's evaluation sessions in their entirety, then a spot will be held on the team being formed pending the return of the player (scenario A) or notification that the player will not be returning as they have been successful in making the out of town team (scenario B).

scenario A If the player returns they will be placed on the lowest tiered team and evaluators will be asked to evaluate the player against the last cut from the next higher team (comparison player). This could be during a practice or game or both. No player movement will occur until the evaluator is confident they have seen enough to make a good decision. If the returning player is selected to move up, then the process will begin again on the next higher team.

Once a Comparison Player is selected to move up, then the last cuts from each team will move up a level.

scenario B All last cuts move up a team.

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(The resident player must have registered with the Association, paid outstanding fees (including team formations fees if applicable) and received permission to try out to participate in out of town sessions.) b) Illness or Injury Any illness or injury which prevents participation in the team formation process must be reported to the Division Coordinator immediately. A doctor's note and/or other documentation will be required as part of notification . Prior to the player participating in the process or any Hockey activities, a “RETURN TO PLAY” note will also be required from the doctor. Note: Team Spots cannot be held indefinitely.

LATE INJURY ARRIVAL: If a duly registered Olds Minor Hockey player is injured or ill and is unable to attend any portion of the Olds Minor Hockey's evaluations, s/he will be allowed to participate in any remaining portion of the process. The head evaluator may, if deemed necessary, request a spot be held on the team being formed to further evaluate the late arriving player. From subsequent evaluation sessions or team play the held spot will be filled by the late arrival or the last cut from the team being formed.

MISSED ENTIRELY DUE TO ILLNESS OR INJURY If a duly registered Olds Minor Hockey player is injured or ill and is unable to attend Olds Minor Hockey's evaluation sessions in their entirety, then a spot will be held on the team being formed pending the return of the player. When the player returns they will be placed on the lowest tiered team and evaluators will be asked to evaluate the player against the last cut from the next higher team (comparison player). This could be during a practice or game or both. No player movement will occur until the evaluator is confident they have seen enough to make a good decision. If the returning player is selected to move up, then the process will begin again on the next higher team.

Once a Comparison Player is selected to move up, then the last cuts from each team will move up a level.

(The ill or injured player must have registered with the Association, paid outstanding fees (including tryout fees if applicable) and have provided a doctors note.)

c) Other Circumstances

Any other circumstance not covered in a) or b), but which prevents participation by a player must be brought to the attention of the Committee immediately. The Committee will rule on the legitimacy of the circumstances and may choose to impose mediating conditions or not.

11. Resident/In Town Players

Resident players are those players living within the boundaries of the Olds Minor Hockey Association, as defined by Hockey Alberta, or grandfathered into the program.

12. Non-resident / Out of Town Players

Players who do not meet the Association's residency requirements are considered "imports" for the purposes of team formation. OMHA will accept applications from import players for male, top tier teams in Peewee, Bantam, and Midget and all female teams – Atom, Peewee, Bantam, Midget. All imports must present the appropriate, completed Hockey Alberta player movement form prior to skating.

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13. Underage Players

• The Olds Minor Hockey Association (OMHA) does not actively support or promote the "fast tracking" of players upwards between Age Divisions . • The Board will only consider fast tracking under exceptional circumstances, not on a routine basis. • Size alone is not determinate if a player has the capabilities to succeed at an advanced age Division • The player must clearly exhibit maturity beyond that of his peers • The player's skill level must be at a stage where they exceed the minimum requirements for the next age division. • It is expected that upon evaluation, the player should easily be a top-echelon player on the second tiered team, if not placed directly on the top tiered team . • Underage applications will not be accepted for male import players • The decision of the Board will be final and not subject to appeal

Applicat ions must be received a minimum of 14 days prior to the start of the Team Formation Sessions. The following supporting documents are required: 1. Player Resume - list of teams and category - list of additional programs or clinics attended 2. Previous Coach's Endorsement Detailing - skills assessment (both acquired and lacking) - summary of player development through season - team systems and situational awareness 3. Previous Age Coordinator Report - player maturity and conduct - rapport with other players - any discipline issues - level of parental involvement

14. Other Administrative Matters

All players must have their registration completed and fees paid in advance and all player and parent Positive Participation Policies signed and handed in prior to being allowed to participate in evaluation sessions.

Evaluation scores from one level do not carry into the next level of evaluations. In other words, evaluation results from A level sessions will not carry into the B level sessions.

The deadline for registration in order to be included in the team formation process is SEPTEMBER 1.

In the case of identical evaluations, a second year player (third year player in Midget) should be given preference over a first year player (second and first year player in Midget) and a resident player must be given precedence over a non-resident player.

In the event of surplus players in a particular division, a resident player will be guaranteed a place ahead of a non-resident player.

15. Grievances/Breaches of Conduct

Concerns with respect to the evaluators, the evaluation process or any other related matter must be submitted to the Board in writing within ten days of the occurrence of the alleged incident.

Do not approach evaluators during this time.

The Team Formation Committee will forward grievances and written reports of attempts to approach, influence or interfere with any evaluator(s) before, during or after the evaluation phase of the process to the Grievance Committee Chair for investigation.

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Disclaimer: While every attempt has been made to provide, clear, accurate and detailed information, Olds Minor Hockey reserves the right to make changes as circumstances warrant.

16. Additional Information about Team Formation

"To provide a fair, consistent and comprehensive evaluation that will result in players participating at a level that is based upon their skill level, when compared to athletes of the same age and category"

The primary of the evaluation process is to provide the very best possible conditions for the players to showcase their skills. At the best of times, evaluations are a very subjective endeavour. The best you can do is provide a fair opportunity for the player to be seen as often as possible and in as many situations as possible.

What Will Be Evaluated At Each Ice Session?

Skating Skills: • Forward & Backward Skating • Starting & Stopping • Pivots &Turns

Puck Control Skills: • Passing & Receiving • Puck Handling & Shooting

Work Ethic: • Does the player work his or her hardest at all drills or is their work ethic inconsistent or less than 100%? • Does the child perform the drill as described? • What is the child's attitude towards the evaluations and drills? • Do they listen to the directions? Do they want the puck and do they work hard to get it? • Do they work hard at getting to openings and/or participating in the play? • Does the child only work when he/she has the puck, or only when on offense?

FACTS ABOUT PLAYER EVALUATIONS IN MINOR HOCKEY

1. The evaluation process should include: • Specific individual drills as well as testing of technical skills. • Competitive drills designed to test work ethic and determination. • Teaching to see which players understand, listen and can apply to the drill situation. • Scrimmage or game situations.

2. You will never satisfy everyone because we are all biased to our own needs and wants whether we are coaches, parents, or directors!

Therefore we can only be seen as fair and open and know that the process will stand scrutiny.

Editable File Location: \Google Drive\OMHA Executive Files\Bylaws P&P

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Evaluator Biographies NSD Staff

Rick Alexander, B. A. Physical Education NSD - Director of Hockey & Head Coach | 2000 Elite | 2001 Elite Rick Alexander’s hockey experience is extensive: after playing Junior and University level hockey, he played and coached professionally in Europe for over 25 years. As an educator, Mr. Alexander ran his own hockey schools in Germany and Switzerland. Since 2001, he has specialized in elite hockey development for all ages here in . He has a degree in Physical Education from the University of Calgary. Through his abilities as a coach and mentor, Mr. Alexander has seen many of his players go on to professional careers in hockey.

Scott Binner, Diploma of Applied Sciences in Business Development NSD - Director of Hockey Development & Head Coach | 2005 Elite | 2006 Future Stars Scott Binner has an extensive hockey background and holds his Level 1 and Level II NCCP coaching certificates. He has played hockey at the WHL level with Moose Jaw, as well as, in the SJHL with the Humboldt Broncos. He spent time in the ECHL with the Erie Panthers and has played both at the Senior A and AAA levels in Saskatchewan. He was also a member of one of the teams that competed for the Allan Cup. Complimentary to his hockey acumen, Scott is also a professional power skating instructor. He has taught power skating for 20+ years and was the owner/operator of his own power skating company. Scott has worked with players of all ages and abilities from Tyke to Pro levels. His programs have helped players reach the WHL and SJHL junior leagues.

Travis Fleury NSD Spring Hockey – Head Coach | 2001 Elite Travis Fleury, the younger brother of Theoren Fleury, brings a widespread playing and coaching portfolio to the program. Travis played his minor hockey in Russell, Manitoba. He went on to play Semi-Pro hockey with the New Mexico Scorpions in the Central Hockey League. Travis’s coaching career speaks to different age groups, including at the Junior B level with the Northwest Calgary Athletic Association. He also instructed at several hockey schools and has been key in hockey development to kids of all ages. Travis is in his 3 rd year with the NSD Spring Hockey Program.

Matt Strong NSD Spring Hockey – Head Coach | 2003 Premiere Matt Strong is one of the twelve original kids that NSD was founded upon, along with Joe Colborne, Brandon Kozun and Tyler Myers. Matt brings an extensive playing career, coupled with three years coaching experience with the NSD Spring Hockey program. Matt played his Midget AAA hockey at the esteemed hockey factory in Wilcox, Saskatchewan – Notre’ Dame. Matt was drafted by the Everett Silvertips of the WHL in the 3 rd round of the 2005 draft. He played his first game with Everett as a 15 year old. In 2007, Matt was one of 6 defenseman named to represent Team Alberta at the Canada Winter Games, where they took the silver medal. After 2.5 years with Everett, Matt was traded to Chilliwack where he played until his 19 year old season and an early season shoulder injury forced Matt to the sidelines for the majority of the season. Matt finished his 20 year old season with the Okotoks Oilers in 2010/11 and was an assistant captain. He also won the prestigious Rock Solid Award. Currently, Matt is using his WHL scholarship to attend Mount Royal University. He is in his first year, majoring in Business and also playing for the MRU Cougars Men’s Hockey Team.

Paul Tarnasky NSD Spring Hockey – Head Coach | 1999 Elite Paul Tarnasky’s hockey experience is noted through his career both as a player and a coach. Paul played in Rocky Mountain House for his minor hockey years through to quadrant where he played with the Midget AA (98-99) team. As a coach, Paul has worked with the SSAC - Midget AAA (06/07) team, Fort Saskatchewan Rangers – Midget AAA (07-09) teams, and the Calgary Royals – Midget AAA (10-11) to date. Paul was a coach with NSD last spring and is looking forward to returning for another great season.

Collin Baustad NSD Spring Hockey – Head Coach | 2002 Premier Colin Baustad has an extensive playing and coaching portfolio inclusive of playing at the Midget, Junior, University and Professional levels, in addition to coaching for 12 years. As part of the Midget AAA Buffaloes, Colin was part of a bronze medal winning team at an Air Canada Cup. The next year he was involved with playing for the Calgary Canucks, going to the Western Canada finals. Moving on to university, Colin in his last year with the University of Lethbridge won a National Championship. Colin then went on to play professional in the CHL and WPHL for 4 years.

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In his first year coaching he was part of a coaching staff that was named staff of the year for the Calgary Northstars organization. Five years later, led the Bantam AAA Bisons to the city finals. From there Colin went on to coach the Midget AAA Northstars. Colin is currently part of the Blackfoot Hockey Association taking on the role of Hockey Development Coordinator.

GDI Staff

Kevin Swanson General Manager

Kevin began coaching goaltenders in 2003 following his retirement from professional hockey. Kevin played four years of Major Junior hockey in the WHL with stops in Prince George and Kelowna. As a Kelowna Rocket, was twice named a WHL All-Star. While playing for the Rockets in 1999 Kevin was drafted by the Vancouver Canucks in the 7th round, 189th overall of the NHL Entry Draft. He played two years in the Canucks farm system. He has expertise in the instruction of numerous goalkeepers at the NHL, Minor Pro, Major Junior and NCAA levels of play. Also, Kevin spent 6 seasons as the Goaltending Consultant with the Swift Current Broncos of the WHL.

Justin Cardinal Assistant Manager

Current Goaltender Consultant for the Prince George Cougars of the WHL. Justin also spent 5 seasons as the Goaltending Consultant for the Kootenay Ice of the WHL winning the 2011 WHL Championship and representing the WHL at the Memorial Cup. Justin joined forces with GDI following 7 years of consulting youth goaltenders in the Southern Alberta area. He generated and maintained a clientele in the area, and was doing over 200 private sessions each month alone. He has guided the development of goaltenders from Novice through to the Pro ranks.

Nic Degaetano Head Instructor

Nic has been coaching goaltenders in Calgary for over 5 years. He was the Goaltending Consultant with the Brooks Bandits last season as they won the AJHL Championship in his second season there. Nic is very well liked by his students and has a great on- ice demeanor and grasp of goaltending techniques.

Todd Ford Head Instructor

Current Goaltender Consultant for the Calgary Mustangs in the AJHL. Recently Todd retired from Professional hockey where he spent the last 8 seasons after a 4 year WHL career. He has played Pro in AHL, ECHL and in Germany and was under contract by the and Washington Capitals during that time. He is currently the Goalie Consultant for the Calgary Mustangs in the AJHL. Todd is able to pass along that experience to his students and is a very well-liked coach. His experience as a goalie and coach make him a valuable asset to GDI.

Alex Sirard Head Instructor

Alex is a Head Instructor for GDI during the off season. He recently completed his 1st year at Selkirk College where he won BCIHL Championship, Top Goalie and Playoff MVP. He is a true student of the game and very knowledgeable. Alex's great demeanor allows him to connect well with his students.

Kyle Moir Head Instructor

Kyle has recently joined the GDI Staff and is a former WHL standout for the Swift Current Broncos where he played for 5 years. He went on from there to play 4 years with Lakehead University in the CIS. After finishing his education with an Honours Bachelor Degree in Kinesiology he played 1 year of Pro in the Netherlands and has now returned to Calgary to continue his coaching career. Kyle has experience at high levels of hockey and is a former Nashville Predators Draft Pick in 2004. He has incredible knowledge to pass on as well as a great demeanor for working with aspiring goaltenders.

Brent Williams Head Instructor

Brent is a former WHL goalie and then went on to play College hockey. He has been a goalie instructor in and around Calgary for the past 10 years. He has a great demeanor and gets the most from his students.

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Team Formation Policy When numbers in a specified age division warrant that more than one team needs to be created, Olds Minor Hockey will designate players to those teams as per the following specified methods:

Tyke : The objective is to have teams as equal to each other as possible. To that end, the Division Coordinator will chair a Committee of no less than three people to establish those teams .

Novice and above: The objective and league requirement is to create tiered teams . To that end, Olds Minor Hockey will implement a team selection process that is standardized, fair and transparent. Olds Minor Hockey may choose to establish a committee of no less than three people to manage this process . Olds Minor Hockey will contract the services of independent third parties to assist with all or part of the process . Olds Minor Hockey will strive to achieve the following team sizes: Novice: 11 - 14 skaters Atom: 12 - 15 skaters Pee Wee: 13 - 16 skaters Bantam: 14 - 17 skaters Midget: 15 - 17 skaters

Olds Minor Hockey will publish the procedures to be used at least two weeks before the selection process is implemented.

Import and Underage Players The parents or guardians of non-resident and underage players must apply in writing to the Association for permission to participate in its team formation process. The President of the Association may grant permission to non-resident players to participate. Applications from underage players must be received by the Board at least two weeks before the start of evaluations. The Board must approve requests from underage players. All things being equal, a second year player (third year player in Midget) should be given preference over a first year player (second and first year player in Midget) and a resident player must be given precedence over a non-resident player. In the event of surplus players in a particular division, a resident player will be guaranteed a place ahead of a non-resident player.

Administration of the Team Formation Process All documentation must be submitted and fees paid before a player is allowed to participate in the team formation process. In the event that a quorum board meeting is not possible, a committee of no fewer than five Board members will implement the policy and make the specific decisions needed at each stage of the process. Those members will sign the official copy reflecting their decisions. Those copies will be submitted to the Association Secretary for inclusion in the records. Evaluation scores will not be shared with general members of the Association and will not normally be shared with any Board member outside the Team Formation Committee . The exception is that in the case of a review of a grievance, that information will be shared with the Committee established for that specific purpose .

Annual Review Olds Minor Hockey will review its team formation procedures annually .

Board Approved July 24, 2013

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