Member Handbook 2019/20

MEMBER HANDBOOK 2019/20

TABLE OF CONTENTS

NORTH OLMSTED HOCKEY CLUB 3 Overview 3 Board of Trustees 4 Directors & Liaisons 4 Skill Coaches 4

PROGRAMS 5 Mitey Mite Learn to Play (Ages 4-10) 5 8U Mite ADM (Ages 4-8) 6 10U Squirt (Ages 9-10) 6 12U PeeWee (Ages 11-12) 6 14U Bantam (Ages 13-14) 7 18U Options (Ages 15 and older) 7 Spring Teams 8

FEES & PAYMENTS 9

EVALUATIONS & PLACEMENTS 10 Registration 10 Participation 10 Assessment 11 Assignment 11 Introduction 11

PLAYER REQUIREMENTS 12 Documents 12 Equipment 12 Jersey Kits 12

POLICIES 13 NOHC Fee Agreement 13 NOHC Liability Waiver 13 NOHC Complaints & Grievances 13 NOHC Locker Rooms 14 USA Hockey Codes of Conduct 15 USA Hockey Zero Tolerance 17 USA Hockey Registration 19 Ohio Department of Health Lindsay’s Law 19 Ohio Department of Health Return-to-Play Law & USA Hockey’s Concussion Management Program 19

2 NORTH OLMSTED HOCKEY CLUB

Overview

North Olmsted Hockey Club (NOHC) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing children in the City of North Olmsted and its surrounding communities with opportunities to learn and play the sport of ice hockey.

Our teams compete locally in the Cleveland Suburban Hockey League (CSHL) and are governed by Mid American District Hockey, Inc. (MidAM), under the rules and guidelines of USA Hockey.

Website & Calendar www.nohc.net Registration & Payment leagues.bluesombrero.com/nohc Facebook www.facebook.com/NOHCEagles Twitter twitter.com/NOHCEagles Spirit Wear & Jersey Kits www.rycosports.com/north-olmsted-hockey-club Scoreboard Tutorial www.youtube.com/watch?v=84MsNpUrDqk Home Rink www.north-olmsted.com/parks-recreation-department 26000 Lorain Road | North Olmsted, Ohio 44070 | 440.734.8200

3 NOHC is a 501(c)(3) organization staffed by volunteers and governed by a board of trustees elected by membership each April.

Board of Trustees President Ed Garrity [email protected] Vice President Jeff Kerkay [email protected] Treasurer Bill Prada [email protected] Secretary Jen Chandler [email protected] Trustee Tracy Albers [email protected] Trustee Cathy Fievet [email protected] Trustee Paula Novak [email protected] Trustee Christine Carlson [email protected] Trustee Anne Marie Gilliam [email protected] Trustee Steve Schwecke [email protected] Trustee Zack Walczak [email protected]

Directors & Liaisons Head of Program Ed Garrity [email protected] Hockey Director Steve Seymour [email protected] ADM Mite Hockey Director Denny Miller [email protected] Mitey Mite Hockey Director Zack Walczak [email protected] 8U Mite Liaison Steve Schwecke [email protected] 10U Squirt Liaison Christine Carlson [email protected] 12U PeeWee Liaison Anne Marie Gilliam [email protected] 14U Bantam Liaison Zack Walczak [email protected]

Skill Coaches Player Development Russ Sinkewich Ohio Hockey Project Goalie Jim Keserich (Coach K) Keserich Goaltending

4 PROGRAMS

NOHC programs provide boys and girls, ages 4-14, with proper instruction and a positive environment to learn hockey skills, good sportsmanship, fair play, and respect for others.

Our youngest players typically enter our Mitey Mite Learn to Play (10 and under) program, then transition to our more competitive 8U Mite ADM (ages 8 and under) and 10U Squirt (ages 9-10) travel teams. Older children play on our 12U PeeWee (ages 11-12) and 14U Bantam (ages 13-14) travel teams.

We encourage players to enroll in a Learn to Skate program before starting organized hockey. Additional information on youth hockey is available at the Cleveland Monster’s Learn to Play Hockey Parents Guide.

Questions or Concerns ➔ Contact the Hockey Director regarding any program.

Mitey Mite Learn to Play (Ages 4-10) NOHC Mitey Mites, a Cleveland Monsters Certified Learn to Play Program, is designed to introduce boys and girls to the fundamentals of hockey in a fun and exciting environment. Sessions are held at the North Olmsted Recreation Center at 11:45am on Sundays, October through February.

October sessions are free and include skate rental. No hockey equipment is needed, although helmets (hockey / bike / baseball) are encouraged. Coaches and parents are able to evaluate skating ability and hockey skills without commitment.

November through February sessions are $40 per month. The fee includes skate rental, straight stick, Mitey Mite jersey, and hockey socks. Full equipment (helmet, shoulder pads, elbow pads, gloves, garter belts, hockey pants and shin guards) is required and can be rented or purchased directly from NOHC for $150.

During the paid sessions, players are evaluated and placed in groups according to specific skating and hockey skills. Once coaches feel the players are comfortable on the ice and in their equipment, the players start playing each other in 3v3 or 4v4 games.

5 At the end of the February sessions, game-ready players may participate in our in-house Mite Spring League and play local teams from Elyria, Rocky River, Parma, etc.

8U Mite ADM (Ages 4-8) Mites are divided into coed teams based on the skills demonstrated during Fall Evaluations. ● Red teams are for advanced players. Games are played 4v4 with goalies on half ice. Practices are Monday and Wednesday evenings beginning in September and continuing through February. In-season skill clinics are coached by Russ Sinkewich (Ohio Hockey Project) and Jim Keserich (Keserich Goaltending). Teams compete locally in the CSHL and travel to tournaments. ● White teams are for intermediate players. Games are played 4v4 with goalies on half ice. Practices are Monday and Wednesday evenings beginning in September and continuing through February. In-season skill clinics are coached by Russ Sinkewich (Ohio Hockey Project) and Jim Keserich (Keserich Goaltending). Teams compete locally in the CSHL and may travel to tournaments. ● Blue teams are for beginning players. Games are played 4v4 without goalies on cross ice. Practices are Monday and Wednesday evenings beginning in November and continuing through February. Teams compete locally in the CSHL and do not travel to tournaments.

10U Squirt (Ages 9-10) Squirts are divided into coed teams based on the skills demonstrated during Spring Evaluations. Games are played with goalies on full ice in three 12-minute periods. Practices are Monday and Wednesday evenings beginning in August and continuing through February. In-season skill clinics are coached by Russ Sinkewich (Ohio Hockey Project) and Jim Keserich (Keserich Goaltending). Teams compete locally in the CSHL and travel to tournaments.

12U PeeWee (Ages 11-12) PeeWees are divided into coed teams based on the skills demonstrated during Spring Evaluations. Games are played with goalies on full ice in three 12-minute periods. Practices are Monday and Wednesday evenings beginning in August and continuing through February. In-season skill clinics are coached by Russ Sinkewich (Ohio Hockey Project) and Jim Keserich (Keserich Goaltending). Teams compete locally in the CSHL and travel to tournaments.

6 14U Bantam (Ages 13-14) Bantams are divided into teams based on the skills demonstrated during Spring Evaluations. Games are played with goalies on full ice in three 14-minute periods. Body checking is permitted. Practices are Monday and Wednesday evenings beginning in August and continuing through February. In-season skill clinics are coached by Russ Sinkewich (Ohio Hockey Project) and Jim Keserich (Keserich Goaltending). Teams compete locally in the CSHL and travel to tournaments.

18U Options (Ages 15 and older) Players who have aged-out of NOHC programs have several options for continuing their hockey careers.

Pre / post programs play in the fall / spring before / after the regular season. Most teams play 3-4 local tournaments over the course of two months. Popular programs include Cleveland Sharks, Rock City Steel Kings (formerly Lake Erie Benders), Ohio Prospects, Team Ohio, and Cleveland Crusaders.

The Greater Cleveland High School Hockey League (GCHSHL) provides interscholastic hockey competition among its 35 member high schools. Teams are sanctioned by the Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA) and grouped by quality and competition level into Red (top), White (transitioning) and Blue (developing) divisions. Programs boasting former NOHC Eagles include North Olmsted, Olmsted Falls, Avon, Avon Lake, Westlake, and Amherst Steele.

The Great Lakes Hockey League (GLHL) provides interscholastic hockey competition among its member high schools. Teams are sanctioned by the Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA) and include Gilmour, Holy Name, Lake Catholic, Padua, St. Edward, University School, and Walsh Jesuit. St. Ignatius left the GLHL in 2017 to compete as a prep program.

The North Coast High School Hockey League (NCHSHL), a division of the CSHL, provides varsity hockey competition among its member club teams. Teams are sanctioned by USA Hockey and are divided into American and National divisions. Clubs include Cleveland Wildcats, Elyria Panthers, Harborcreek Huskies, Kent Cyclones, Medina Bees, North Royalton Bears, Northcoast Collision, and Wooster Oilers.

7 Spring Teams NOHC organizes optional Spring Teams for our 8U - 14U players. Registration opens in February, and teams are assigned in early March. Players compete at next-season’s age level. ● The $75 Mite fee includes a team jersey, a team practice at North Olmsted in March, and 6-8 games at North Olmsted starting in early April and running through early May. ● The $100 10U Squirt / 12U PeeWee / 14U Bantam fee includes a team practice at North Olmsted in March, and 8 games at OBM Arena (Strongsville) starting in late March and running through early May.

8 FEES & PAYMENTS

Updated 3/19 Level Player $ Skater $ Goalie $

Mitey Mite Learn to Play $40 per month n/a n/a

8U Mite Red $650 per season n/a n/a

8U Mite White $650 per season n/a n/a

8U Mite Blue $650 per season n/a n/a

10U Squirt n/a $925 per season FREE

12U PeeWee n/a $950 per season FREE

14U Bantam n/a $1025 per season FREE

Mitey Mite Learn to Play Payment is due at the first session of each month, payable to NOHC by check or cash. ● October sessions are free; November through February sessions are $40 per month.

8U - 14U Travel Teams Online payments can be made with Visa / Mastercard only until September 15. All other payments are payable to NOHC by check or cash. Failure to pay all fees in full by November 15 may result in a player’s removal from the ice and official team roster. ● A $50 registration fee and $100 season deposit are due at time of registration. ○ A player will receive a season deposit refund only if the Board of Trustees cannot assign the player a team. ○ A goalie’s season deposit will be returned if the goalie is added to the official team roster by December 31. ● A $35 non-resident fee will be added to the accounts of any player not residing within the 44070 ZIP code.

Questions or Concerns ➔ Contact the Board Treasurer regarding fees, payment plans, and player releases. ➔ Access your account at https://leagues.bluesombrero.com/nohc.

9 EVALUATIONS & PLACEMENTS

NOHC assigns players to teams based on age, ability level, and performance during the evaluation process. On-ice evaluations are held in the Spring for all 10U Squirt, 12U PeeWee and 14U Bantam players, and in the fall for all 8U Mite players. Dates and registration information are posted on the club website and social media pages.

Questions or Concerns ➔ Contact the Hockey Director regarding evaluations and placements. ➔ Contact the Board Secretary regarding online registration. ➔ Contact the Board Treasurer regarding fees, payment plans, and player releases.

Registration All players must register and pay online to participate in evaluations at https://leagues.bluesombrero.com/nohc.

A $50 registration fee and $100 season deposit are due at time of registration. A player will receive a season deposit refund only if the Board of Trustees cannot assign the player a team. A goalie’s season deposit will be returned if the goalie is added to the official team roster by December 31.

No player will be allowed to enter the ice until the registration process is complete, and any previous season balance is paid in full.

Participation Players are encouraged to attend all three age-appropriate sessions for complete assessment by our independent evaluators. ● Bring a white jersey and a dark jersey to all sessions. NOHC jerseys with names are not permitted. ● Arrive early at check-in to receive an evaluation number and the day’s jersey color. ● No player will be allowed to enter the ice until the online registration process is complete, and any previous season balance is paid in full.

10 Assessment Players will be asked to exhibit the following skills in a series of drills, small area games, and full ice scrimmages: ● Skating - Stride, Edges, Speed, Crossovers, Forward & Backward Skating ● Puck - Handling, Shooting, Passing, Control ● Hockey Sense - Playing Position, Getting Open, Play Making ● Effort - Small Battles, Forechecks, Backchecks ● Tenacity

Assignment Team rosters will be posted on the club website and social media pages by evaluation number approximately one week after evaluations end.

In order to be placed on a team, a player must attend at least one evaluation session and / or receive an exception from the Board of Trustees.

No player will be permitted to skate up an age group, except by recommendation of the Hockey Director and with the approval of the Board of Trustees.

After rosters have been posted, moves and / or late additions will be accommodated only at the recommendation of the Hockey Director and with the approval of the Board of Trustees. No assigned player will be bumped from a roster to accommodate a move or late addition.

Introduction Players should receive an introduction email from the coach and / or team manager by summer. Team practices usually begin in late August. Details will be posted on the club website and social media pages.

11 PLAYER REQUIREMENTS

Documents Players must provide team managers with the following documents three weeks before regular season games begin and before they can be added to official team rosters. ● USA Hockey Registration printout (new registration required every year) ● Copy of Birth Certificate (if not previously submitted to NOHC) ● Player Release Form (if transferring from another club)

Equipment Players must wear full equipment, including mouth and neck guards, to enter the ice. ● Helmets require visible HECC Certification stickers with valid certification dates. ● Skates should be sharpened after every 6-8 hours of ice time.

Jersey Kits Starting in the 2018/19 season, players will compete in newly designed NOHC jerseys. These jerseys can be worn as long as they still fit. New jerseys can be ordered starting in June from Ryco Sports at 7072 Columbia Road in Olmsted Township.

Jersey kits (socks and two jerseys) are expected to cost $140 + tax. Contact the Hockey Director to inquire about jersey number assignments.

12 POLICIES ✎ During player registration you are required to provide the electronic equivalent of your signature and assert that you and / or your player have reviewed, understood and agreed to the following policies:

NOHC Fee Agreement I agree to pay all current fees and outstanding balances assessed by the North Olmsted Hockey Club related to participation in any and all programs operated by NOHC. I understand failure to pay will result in my player’s removal from the official team roster. I understand that any fee arrangement made outside of the provided fee schedule may be revoked at the discretion of NOHC. I understand any player joining NOHC from another club must present a Player Release Form from the former club stating no outstanding financial debts, equipment, records, or other pertinent information is owed by the player to the releasing organization.

NOHC Liability Waiver It is hereby acknowledged and agreed that North Olmsted Hockey Club, its coaches or their sponsors or the heirs of the assignees of any of the former, individually or collectively, or anyone connected in any way with its management, supervision, direction or sponsorship, shall not be considered or held liable for any injury to anyone participating in NOHC programs or activities, whether these minor or major injuries or fatality are directly or indirectly attributable to participation in NOHC programs or activities.

NOHC Complaints & Grievances All NOHC complaints and / or grievances must be presented to the Board President in writing. Verbal complaints or grievances will not be accepted. A special committee will review the written complaint and make a recommendation for action within two weeks of filing.

13 NOHC Locker Rooms Adapted from: USA Hockey SafeSport Program

The NOHC locker room policy is intended to maintain personal privacy and reduce the risk of misconduct in locker rooms.

Locker Room Monitoring NOHC has predictable and limited use of locker rooms and changing areas. This allows for direct and regular monitoring of locker room areas. If the coaches are not inside the locker rooms, either a coach or team parent will be posted directly outside of the locker rooms and changing areas during periods of use, and leave the doors open only when adequate privacy is still possible, so that only participants (coaches and players), approved team personnel and family members are permitted in the locker room. While constant monitoring inside of locker rooms and changing areas might be the most effective way to prevent problems, we understand that this would likely make some players uncomfortable and may even place our staff at risk for unwarranted suspicion.

Parents in Locker Rooms Except for players at the younger age groups (Mitey Mite, Mite, Squirt), we discourage parents from entering locker rooms. If a player needs assistance with his or her uniform or gear, if the player is or may be injured, or a player’s disability warrants assistance, then we ask that parents let the coach know beforehand that he or she will be helping the player.

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

Mixed Gender Teams Some of our teams consist of both male and female players. It is important that the privacy rights of all of our players are given consideration and appropriate arrangements made. Where possible, NOHC will have the male and female players dress / undress in separate locker rooms and then convene in a single locker room before the game or team meeting. Once the game or practice is finished, the players may come to one locker room for a team meeting and then the male and female players proceed to their separate locker rooms to undress and shower, if available. If separate locker rooms are not available, then the players will take turns using the locker room to change. We understand that these arrangements may

14 require that players arrive earlier or leave later to dress, but believe that this is the most reasonable way to accommodate and respect all of our players.

Cell Phones and Other Mobile Recording Devices Cell phones and other mobile devices with recording capabilities, including voice recording, still cameras and video cameras, are not permitted to be used in the locker rooms. If phones or other mobile devices must be used, they should be taken outside of the locker room.

USA Hockey SafeSport Violations

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

Reports of any actual or suspected violations should be reported to USA Hockey at [email protected] or 1-800-888-4656.

USA Hockey Codes of Conduct Adapted from: USA Hockey Rule Book

All players, parents / spectators, coaches, officials and administrators should maintain a sportsmanlike and educational atmosphere before, during and after all USA Hockey sanctioned games.

Player's Code of Conduct ● Wear your NOHC jersey with pride to scrimmages and games only. ● Play for fun. ● Work hard to improve your skills. ● Be a team player – get along with your teammates. ● Learn teamwork, sportsmanship and discipline. ● Be on time. ● Learn the rules and play by them. Always be a good sport. ● Respect your coach, your teammates, your parents, opponents and officials. ● Never argue with an official’s decision.

15 Parent's Code of Conduct ● Do not force your children to participate in sports but support their desires to play their chosen sports. Children are involved in organized sports for their enjoyment. Make it fun. ● Encourage your child to play by the rules. Remember, children learn best by example, so applaud the good plays of both teams. ● Do not embarrass your child by yelling at players, coaches or officials. By showing a positive attitude toward the game and all of its participants, your child will benefit. ● Emphasize skill development and practices and how they benefit your young athlete. De-emphasize games and competition in the lower age groups. ● Know and study the rules of the game and support the officials on and off the ice. This approach will help in the development and support of the game. Any criticism of the officials only hurts the game. ● Applaud a good effort in both victory and defeat, and enforce the positive points of the game. Never yell or physically abuse your child after a game or practice – it is destructive. Work toward removing the physical and verbal abuse in youth sports. ● Recognize the importance of volunteer coaches. They are important to the development of your child and the sport. ● Communicate with them and support them. ● If you enjoy the game, learn all you can about hockey – and volunteer.

Spectator's Code of Conduct ● Display good sportsmanship. Always respect players, coaches and officials. ● Act appropriately; do not taunt or disturb other fans; enjoy the game together. ● Cheer good plays of all participants; avoid booing opponents. ● Cheer in a positive manner and encourage fair play; profanity and objectionable cheers or gestures are offensive. ● Help provide a safe and fun environment; throwing any items on the ice surface can cause injury to players and officials. ● Do not lean over or pound on the glass; the glass surrounding the ice surface is part of the playing area. ● Support the referees and coaches by trusting their judgment and integrity. ● Be responsible for your own safety – be alert to prevent accidents from flying pucks and other avoidable situations. ● Respect locker rooms as private areas for players, coaches and officials. ● Be supportive after the game – win or lose. Recognize good effort, teamwork and sportsmanship.

16 Coach's Code of Conduct ● Winning is a consideration, but not the only one, nor the most important one. Care more about the child than winning the game. Remember, players are involved in hockey for fun and enjoyment. ● Be a positive role model to your players. Display emotional maturity and be alert to the physical safety of players. ● Be generous with your praise when it is deserved; be consistent and honest; be fair and just; do not criticize players publicly; learn to be a more effective communicator and coach; don’t yell at players. ● Adjust to personal needs and problems of players; be a good listener; never verbally or physically abuse a player or official; give all players the opportunity to improve their skills, gain confidence and develop self-esteem; teach players the basics. ● Organize practices that are fun and challenging for your players. Familiarize yourself with the rules, techniques and strategies of hockey; encourage all your players to be team players. ● Maintain an open line of communication with your players’ parents. Explain the goals and objectives of your association. ● Be concerned with the overall development of your players. Stress good health habits and clean living. ● To play the game is great, to love the game is greater.

USA Hockey Zero Tolerance Source: USA Hockey Rule Book

In an effort to make hockey a more desirable and rewarding experience for all participants, USA Hockey instituted a zero tolerance policy beginning with the 1992-93 season. This policy requires all players, coaches, officials, team officials and administrators and parents / spectators to maintain a sportsmanlike and educational atmosphere before, during and after all USA Hockey sanctioned games. Thus, the following points of emphasis must be implemented by all referees and linesmen:

Players A minor penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct (zero tolerance) shall be assessed whenever a player: 1. Openly disputes or argues any decision by an official. 2. Uses obscene or vulgar language at any time, including any swearing, even if it is not directed at a particular person.

17 3. Visually demonstrates any sign of dissatisfaction with an official’s decision. Any time that a player persists in any of these actions, they shall be assessed a misconduct penalty. A game misconduct shall result if the player continues such action.

Coaches A minor penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct (zero tolerance) shall be assessed whenever a coach: 1. Openly disputes or argues any decision by an official. 2. Uses obscene or vulgar language in a boisterous manner to anyone at any time. 3. Visually displays any sign of dissatisfaction with an official’s decision including standing on the boards or standing in the bench doorway with the intent of inciting the officials, players or spectators.

Any time that a coach persists in any of these actions, he / she shall be assessed a game misconduct penalty.

Officials Officials are required to conduct themselves in a businesslike, sportsmanlike, impartial and constructive manner at all times. The actions of an official must be above reproach. Actions such as “baiting” or inciting players or coaches are strictly prohibited.

Officials are ambassadors of the game and must always conduct themselves with this responsibility in mind.

Parents / Spectators The game will be stopped by game officials when parents / spectators displaying inappropriate and disruptive behavior interfere with other spectators or the game. The game officials will identify violators to the coaches for the purpose of removing parents / spectators from the spectator’s viewing and game area. Once removed, play will resume. Lost time will not be replaced and violators may be subject to further disciplinary action by the local governing body. This inappropriate and disruptive behavior shall include: 1. Use of obscene or vulgar language in a boisterous manner to anyone at any time. 2. Taunting of players, coaches, officials or other spectators by means of baiting, ridiculing, threat of physical violence or physical violence. 3. Throwing of any object in the spectators viewing area, players bench, penalty box or on ice surface, directed in any manner as to create a safety hazard.

18 USA Hockey Registration Source: USA Hockey Registration

USA Hockey Registrations must be renewed online each year. All players and coaches must provide team managers with printed USA Hockey receipts three weeks before regular season games begin and before they can be added to official team rosters.

Ohio Department of Health Lindsay’s Law Source: ODH Lindsay’s Law

Lindsay's Law is a state requirement that all youth athletes and their families watch a video and review a handout about the nature and warning signs of sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) prior to participating in an organized sports activity. ● Watch the video ● The Parent / Athlete Signature form (page 20) does not need to be signed and returned to NOHC. You provided your electronic signature at time of registration.

Ohio Department of Health Return-to-Play Law & USA Hockey’s Concussion Management Program Source: ODH Youth Concussions and USA Hockey

Ohio’s Return-to-Play Law and USA Hockey’s Concussion Management Program both require that any youth athlete who is suspected of sustaining a concussion must be removed from all training, practice or game activity. Any athlete held out for concussion evaluation or who has been diagnosed with a concussion must provide a written Return-to-Play form from a qualified medical provider allowing them to return to any training, practice or game activity with no restrictions. The parent and coach must sign the form and file with the NOHC Secretary. ● The Concussion Information Sheet (page 21) describes the signs, symptoms and recovery process of a concussion. ● The Medical Clearance Form (page 23) should be used after an athlete has been removed from an athletic activity due to a suspected concussion.

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