ONTARIO HOCKEY ASSOCIATION 2007-2008 Player Information Booklet Edition 8 Date: _________________________ I __________________________________________ acknowledge that I have been provided with the Ontario Hockey Association Player Information Booklet. I also agree to read and familiarize myself with the information contained in the booklet and adhere to the Rules, Regulations and Policies. _____________________________ Signature IMPORTANT CONTACT INFORMATION Team Prevention Service Co-ordinator Name: ____________________________ Phone #: ____________________________ Kids Help Line: 1-800-668-6868 E-mail: [email protected] ONTARIO HOCKEY ASSOCIATION Glenn Crichton OHA Development Coordinator Toll Free Phone: 1-800-463-7962 ext. 3 Email: [email protected] O.H.A. PREVENTION SERVICES COMMITTEE MEMBERS John Kopinak (519)-354-2212 Kathryn Mifflin (905)-640-0655 Bob Harvey (519)-666-1513 Local Police: ___________________ TABLE OF CONTENTS PREVENTION SERVICE CO-ORDINATOR. 2 MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT. 4 O.H.A. PURPOSE & PHILOSOPHY. 5 MISSION STATEMENT. ..5 CODE OF CONDUCT. 5 HAZING . 6 POLICY ON ALCOHOL. .6 DRUG POLICY . .9 TOBACCO POLICY . 9 INTERNET POLICY . 10 HOCKEY AND ITS PEOPLE. 10 DUTY OF CARE . 10 O.H.A. POLICIES AND PROCEDURES . 12-18 DUTY TO REPORT . .. 19 BEREAVEMENT COUNSELLING . .19 CONCUSSIONS . 20-21 OHA CHAMPIONS TEAM PICTURES. 22-26 THE STRUCTURE OF HOCKEY . 27 OHA HIGH PERFORMANCE PROGRAM. .28 PROGRAM OF EXCELLENCE. 29 HOCKEY CANADA INSURANCE PROGRAM. 30 NEGLIGENCE . 30 WHAT IS JUNIOR HOCKEY?. 31 FINANCIAL COMPENSATION . .32 DATES TO NOTE AND REMEMBER. 32 TRY-OUTS. .33 RESIDENCE RULES/IMPORTS. 35 HIGH SCHOOL HOCKEY. .35 SCHOLASTIC HOCKEY . .35 EDUCATION & HOCKEY . .36 HOW TO BE RECRUITED . 37 NCAA - KNOW THE RULES. 38 NCAA AMATEURISM ISSUES . 40 CIS/NCAA COLLEGE INFORMATION ON THE INTERNET. 41 PROSPECTIVE STUDENT - ATHLETE ACTION PLAN . 42 OFFICIATING PROGRAM . 43 QUESTIONS PLAYERS MIGHT ASK (FAQS) . 44 QUESTIONS PARENTS SHOULD ASK (FAQS). .45 PLAYER OF THE YEAR AWARDS. 46 A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT… Welcome to the Ontario Hockey Association. You are now entering into a very important phase in your hockey career. Hopefully, with hard work and dedication your skills will improve and you will enjoy the game and achieve your goals. The perspective of playing Junior hockey can be an exciting one. It can also be disappointing if decisions are made without having the proper information, or not surrounding yourself with people who can become a positive influence in your hockey decisions. The purpose of this Player Information Booklet is to assist parents and players to make an informed decision as to when and where to play Junior hockey and how to recognize good organizations and proper role models. While this Player Information Booklet may not include an answer to every question you may have about playing Junior hockey, we have attempted to answer the more popular questions people have and to provide you with information on where to source out answers to other questions you may have about playing Junior hockey. We have a tremendous group of volunteers within the OHA who work hard to ensure your experience in Junior hockey is both a quality and affordable experience. You may contact us for further information through our web site at www.ohahockey.org. Take it from us, it’s a great way to avoid disappointment! Sincerely, Brent Ladds President 4 THE ONTARIO HOCKEY ASSOCIATION PURPOSE AND PHILOSOPHY The Ontario Hockey Association is a member of Hockey Canada, the governing body of amateur hockey in Canada, which is affiliated with the International Ice Hockey Federation. The O.H.A. is a member of the Ontario Hockey Federation. The O.H.A. governs Senior and Junior Hockey in that part of Ontario not covered by the Hockey Northwestern Ontario and the Ottawa District Hockey Association and the Northern Ontario Hockey Association. Its objectives are to foster and encourage the sport of amateur hockey within the territory under its control. The Association conducts competition in the various categories established from time to time, and provides for affiliations of other hockey organizations within its territory. MISSION STATEMENT The Ontario Hockey Association is an organization of volunteers that fosters, promotes, and administers the sport of amateur ice hockey. The O.H.A. is committed to a leadership role in providing an environment that allows everyone to safely enjoy the game at their level of interest and ability. The Association encourages the values of fair play, fun, and respect for all participants. 5 CODE OF CONDUCT ARTICLES PURPOSE AND EXPECTATIONS: The Code of Conduct identifies the standard of behaviour which is expected of all O.H.A. members and participants, which includes all players, parents, coaches, officials, volunteers, directors, officers, committee members, convenors, team managers, trainers, administrators and employees involved in O.H.A. activities and events. Failure to comply with this Code of Conduct may result in disciplinary action in accordance with the Discipline Policy of the O.H.A. Such action may result in the member losing the privileges which come with membership in the O.H.A., including the opportunity to participate in O.H.A. activities and events, both present and future. 1. The OHA is committed to providing a sport environment in which all individuals are treated with respect. 2. During the course of all OHA activities, athletes, coaches, parents, directors, volunteers, staff, chaperones and others within each of the OHF Member Partners: a) Shall conduct themselves, at all times, in a fair and responsible manner and refrain from comments or behaviours that are disrespectful, offensive, abusive, racist or sexist. In particular, the OHA will not tolerate behaviour that constitutes harassment or abuse or bullying, and; b) Shall avoid behaviour which brings the OHA and/or it’s Member Partners, or the sport of hockey into disrepute, including but not limited to the abusive use of alcohol and/or non-medical use of drugs, and; c) Shall not use unlawful performance enhancing drugs or methods, nor shall they engage in activity or behaviour that endangers the safety of others, and; d) Shall at all times adhere to Hockey Canada, OHA and OHF Member Partner’s operational policies, procedures and any rules governing any competition in which they participate on behalf of the OHA and/or OHF Member Partner. 3. Failure to comply with this Code of Conduct may result in disciplinary action, including, but not limited to, the loss or suspension of certain or all privileges connected with the respective Member Partner and/or OHA including the opportunity to participate in OHA and it’s Member Partner activities. Such discipline may include the removal or ban from an arena, games, practices and other team activities. 6 7 HAZING AND POLICY ON ALCOHOL HAZING The Association takes a strong stand as it relates to initiations and hazing of players, including rookie hair cuts. Any player, team official, executive member of a team, club or association having been party to or having had knowledge of any degrading Hazing or Initiation rite shall be automatically suspended for a period of not less than one year from playing or holding office with any team, club or association affiliated with the O.H.A./Hockey Canada POLICY ON ALCOHOL The Ontario Hockey Association supports the Laws of Ontario as they pertain to the control, consumption and distribution of alcoholic beverages. The law is clear that it is contrary to the laws of the Province of Ontario, to consume alcohol at games or practices, in or about dressing rooms or team buses, or anywhere that is not a private residence or licenced establishment. Teams need to be reminded of their exposure to liability and prosecution where issues of procurement of alcohol by minors, or the negligent supervision of alcohol product distribution are involved. All members of the Association must respect the laws regarding the consumption of alcohol in their jurisdiction. Underage drinking will not be tolerated. Team officials, administrators, coaches, volunteers and parents are discouraged from consuming alcohol during any hockey event. If alcohol is legally and responsibly consumed during the event, the individual must ensure that this consumption does not interfere with their ability to perform their duties, or to be involved in the event as a volunteer or a spectator. No team member, team official or team parent shall be intoxicated at any time while participating in a hockey event. Alcohol is not appropriate: • In arena dressing rooms • In team settings where minors are attending • In hotel rooms when young players are left unsupervised while the team’s adults attend hospitality type setting in guestrooms or meeting rooms • In hospitality situations where minors are present and alcohol is not controlled by a server therefore becoming available to minors • Open in buses or cars when travelling to or from an event • If being made available to minors in public facilities • In a team environment while travelling without parents to tournaments, championships,etc. • At team player parties hosted by other players, parents or team officials, regardless ofthe age of players. 6 7 POLICY ON ALCOHOL CONT... • If forced on another person • If used for “chugging” contests or as a form of hazing or initiation for rookies Any formal complaints received by the OHA regarding these issues will be referred to the local police authority. Follow-up may include: • Police investigation and charges relative to the appropriate statutes being violated. • Upon findings of the police investigation, appropriate disciplinary action may be taken in accordance with the OHA Policy on Drugs, Alcohol, Abuse and Harassment. There are certain situations when the responsible use of alcohol is acceptable assuming the implementation of responsible parameters. The following guideline will assist you in ensuring these parameters: • Reasonable amounts of food and nonalcoholic beverages must be available at the same place and featured as prominently as alcoholic beverages • Alcoholic beverages must not be served to minors.