2020-21

Pittsburgh Vengeance Billet Guide

ALPHA ICE COMPLEX 66 ALPHA DR W

PITTSBURGH, PA 15238 412.828.4919 www.vengeancehockey.com Table of Contents ABOUT US ...... 2 MISSION STATEMENT ...... 2 GENERAL OVERVIEW ...... 2 WHAT IS A BILLET FAMILY? ...... 3 BILLET FAMILY EXPECTATIONS...... 3 PLAYER EXPECTATIONS ...... 4 COMPENSATION ...... 5 DISPUTES and DISAGREEMENTS ...... 5 Billet (Player) Information ...... 7 Billet (Host) Information ...... 8 PLAYER Emergency Contact Card ...... 9 BILLET FAMILY Emergency Contact Card ...... 9

ABOUT US The Pittsburgh Vengeance is a non-sanctioned junior ice hockey team located less than 15 miles outside or Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The teams’ game and practice facility is the Alpha Ice Complex in Harmer. The Pittsburgh Vengeance Premier Junior team is entering their third season in the United States Premier Hockey League Premier Division (USPHL.com), which is the premier Tier 3 junior hockey league on the East Coast. During the last two seasons, we qualified for the National Playoffs.

MISSION STATEMENT The Pittsburgh Vengeance Hockey Club exists to provide youth players with a pathway to college and professional hockey. Our youth teams play independent AAA schedules against the top competition at their age level, culminating in our U16 and U18 age groups in the USPHL Midget divisions. The Vengeance Junior A team plays in the USPHL Premier division, allowing players to showcase their talents to NCAA programs, as well as Tier 1 and Tier 2 Junior teams.

Our organization believes young adults need to be constantly challenged to improve, and we provide the environment to do so. Our balanced schedule of 40-50 games and multiple weekly practices allows players to focus on improving on ice skills while developing a greater understanding of the game under superior coaching. Our strength and conditioning program teaches proper technique and training methods to ensure young players are physically prepared for advancement to the next level of hockey.

The Vengeance specifically take pride in developing not only good hockey players, but good people. We will not tolerate anything less. The top levels of hockey demand not only the skills and smarts of a talented hockey player, but a dedication to the game with unquestionable work ethic and commitment to continued growth. We believe these characteristics are vital not only as a hockey player, but as a person. As an organization, we promise that our coaches and staff have dedicated themselves to the on- ice and off-ice development of each and every one of our players.

We believe our program is the best avenue for all AAA and Junior players who want to improve their game and unlock their maximum potential for advancement in hockey.

– General Manager, David Dorsey

GENERAL OVERVIEW Each spring and summer, athletes from throughout the United States, Canada, and Europe compete for the opportunity to play for the Vengeance. Players, ages 16-20, that are selected for a team need a place to call home during the season.

Players arrive in the Pittsburgh area in mid to late August and will stay through the end of the hockey season in mid-March. High School players may stay through the end of the school year to continue their education and off-season training. WHAT IS A BILLET FAMILY? Hosting, or “billeting”, is a hockey tradition. From youth players in Canada, to junior players in the United States, to the AHL, and the NHL, the billeting tradition has helped many young athletes get acclimated to their new cities, schools and teams. Host families from the local community, by opening up their homes to young athletes, provide these players the opportunity to pursue their dreams in a supportive and nurturing environment.

The role of a billet family is instrumental in providing a complete junior hockey experience for these young hockey players. Our players are here in search of their dream to play hockey at the collegiate and professional level. This is not possible without the support and generosity of our host families. Host families provide structure, authority and become an extended family for these young players, thus providing an ideal environment for them to remain focused and compelled to achieve.

Hosting a Pittsburgh Vengeance player is a great experience, whether you have a house full of kids or you live alone. Our junior players can help host families with weekly tasks associated with younger family members. Cooking meals, babysitting, tutoring, street hockey and driving kids to and from activities. They will bring energy and excitement to your home, and you will get to know a great bunch of parents and families that are part of our unique organization.

BILLET FAMILY EXPECTATIONS Our coaching staff works hard at identifying young men with not only hockey talent, but strong moral and ethical values as well. For the most part, our players are good people and you should expect the players to be respectful and helpful in your presence and in your home.

The Billet Coordinator along with the coaching staff try to make the best fit with a family as possible (i.e. kids, pets, allergies, etc.). It’s a good idea to touch base with the player’s parents and establish a relationship with them to gain an understanding of what is expected of their son.

When a player arrives at your home, it is important that they know your house rules. Clearly define your expectations and ask the player for his expectations of you and your home.

 Provide a furnished room for the player or a furnished room to share with another teammate (not any other household member)  Provide nutritious meals for the player or have food on hand that the player can prepare on his own. You are not expected to cook all the meals for the player, but you are expected to have the food available so they can make meals for themselves  Allow the player to use amenities in the home such as Internet, TV, washer, dryer, etc…  Comply with USA Hockey screening requirements  Provide a clean, family atmosphere for the player  Transportation is to be provided by the player(s), but this is not possible for international players. If transportation is not available from the billet family, the player will arrange for ride(s).

 Respect the player. They will be experiencing all kinds of different emotions while being away from home. For some of these young adults, this will be there first time away from home. The players need their own ‘space’; however they also require reinforcement, trust and encouragement from their Billets. The rule of thumb is to provide the same kind of care and attention that you would extend to a member of your own family  Players are considered “one of the family”, not just a boarder. So, we ask that the host family provide structure for the player by creating “home rules” and helping enforce team rules relating to curfew, visitors and standards of behavior.

Some things that should be discussed and agreed upon with your player(s)

 The use and care of appliances  The upkeep and cleanliness of common areas in the house and identify any areas that are out of bounds (i.e. home office, liquor storage)  Rules and usage of computer and internet  Your refrigerator and food rules should be clearly defined. Ask your player for any food preferences and allergies to establish suitable eating arrangements  You are not expected to provide ‘junk food’  Billets are not expected to wait up for players  Players are not to be used as childcare providers. Any arrangements made in this area should be clearly discussed with the players and mutually agreeable. Players are not ‘Built In Babysitters’  Do not lend money to your player. If you do it is at your own risk  Players do most of their own laundry. Your willingness to help out with small loads is much appreciated but not expected  Duties and household chores you expect your billet to perform should be clearly defined and within reason. The players are expected to help out with household chores and are expected to keep their living areas clean (bedroom, bathroom, etc.)

Each household operates differently and hopefully mutually agreeable arrangements can be made. The most important thing is to keep the lines of communication open. Should problems arise, or situations that make you feel uncomfortable, please feel free to contact the Billet Coordinator.

PLAYER EXPECTATIONS  Keep in mind that it is not a right to live at a billet’s home but a privilege. Always project a positive image of yourself and your team.  Have their own spending money for day-to-day expenses.  Supply your own personal hygiene products (i.e. toothpaste, shampoo, etc)  Players must notify the billet family regarding their whereabouts and are expected to follow all curfews and to advise their billet family if they will be out late.  Sleepovers with partners are not permitted. Overnight guests must be approved by the billet family.  Report concerns with their Billet Family to the Billet Coordinator as well as to their parents.  Advise their Billet Families of their team practice and game schedule.  Show respect and consideration towards all family members. If any house rules are broken, the player may be released from the Pittsburgh Vengeance.  Provide their own bed and bath linens, personal care items, cell phones and computers.  Provide for their own transportation unless arrangements have been made with the billet family.  Take care of their room, including keeping it clean and doing their own laundry.  Notify the host family of their whereabouts and stay in the billet home each night unless traveling with the Pittsburgh Vengeance.  When traveling to away games, players are responsible for their own meals.  Seek part-time employment or take high school or college courses in their free time.

COMPENSATION Host families will receive a monthly monetary stipend ($350 USD) to offset expenses incurred by hosting, but the real benefit to host families is the lasting relationships formed with these young players and their families.

 Billet Families with receive $350 per month  Payments are made by the Player or Player’s family  Method of Payment will be provided to you by the Billet Coordinator  Payments are due the 1st and NO LATER THAN the 5th of each month for the current month  Pittsburgh Vengeance Season Tickets for Home Games (Immediate Family)  Player Family “Saturday Night Game Tailgate”

If you are interested in hosting a Pittsburgh Vengeance player, please contact us via email at [email protected].

DISPUTES and DISAGREEMENTS The key to a successful billeting experience is GOOD COMMUNICATION. This means with all parties involved; Billets, Players, Parents, Billet Coordinator and Coaches. If problems arise, they should be addressed immediately. Your first contact should be the Billet Coordinator. The Billet Coordinator will try to resolve the issue quickly and may get the coaches involved if need be.

Please respect this ‘Chain Of Command’ as our coaching staff is usually very busy throughout the year.

Pittsburgh Vengeance Billet (Player) Information Please complete this form in its entirety. The information gathered will assist us with matching families and players. We may also share this information with the Billet Family to assist with your transition. THIS INFORMATION IS FOR: DOB: / / PLAYER First Name and Last Name (PLEASE PRINT)

Mobile Phone: Email Address:

HOME ADDRESS: Street Address: City: State: Postal Code: Country: PARENT/GUARDIAN: Parent/Guardian # 1 Relationship to player (mother, father, etc.): ______First Name: Last Name: Preferred contact method: Call  Text  Email  Home Phone: Mobile Phone: Email Address: Parent/Guardian # 1 Relationship to player (mother, father, etc.): ______First Name: Last Name: Preferred contact method: Call  Text  Email  Home Phone: Mobile Phone: Email Address: HEALTH AND WELLNESS: Any allergies (food or environmental) or preexisting medical condition? Yes  No  If yes, please list: ______Are you taking any prescription medications that will need to be continued during the season? Yes  No  Have you had a baseline concussion screening? Yes  No  If yes, when (date): ______Would you object to a flu shot? Yes  No  If yes, please provide reason (allergy, personal, other): ______

PLAYER LIVING/TRANSPORTATION ARRANGEMENTS: Do you have younger siblings at home? Yes  No  Would you mind living with younger children? Yes  No  Have you billeted or lived away from home before? Yes  No  Do you prefer a smoke free home? Yes  No  Do you prefer a pet free home? Yes  No  Can you cook simple meals? Yes  No  Can you do your own laundry? Yes  No  Will you be bringing a car? Yes  No  During free time do you plan to: Attend High School  College Courses  Work Part-Time  Volunteer 

SIGNATURE: Player Name: Date:

(PLEASE PRINT) Player Signature: Pittsburgh Vengeance Billet (Host) Information Please complete this form in its entirety. The information gathered will assist us with qualifying Billet Families and matching families and players. We may also share this information with the players’ parents/guardians to alleviate any concerns they may have about their son’s living arrangements. THIS INFORMATION IS FOR THE BILLET FAMILY: (Family Last Name) PLEASE PRINT

PLACE OF RESIDENCE:

Street Address: City: State: Zip Code: PARENT/GUARDIAN: Parent/Guardian # 1 First Name: Last Name: Does Parent/Guardian #1 work outside the home? Yes, full-time  Yes, part-time  No  If yes, occupation: ______Home Phone: Work Phone: Mobile Phone: Email Address: Parent/Guardian # 2 First Name: Last Name: Does Parent/Guardian #2 work outside the home? Yes, full-time  Yes, part-time  No  If yes, occupation: ______Home Phone: Work Phone: Mobile Phone: Email Address: FAMILY MEMBERS/OTHER OCCUPANTS: Child’s Name: Age: Child’s Name: Age: Child’s Name: Age: Child’s Name: Age: Child’s Name: Age: Child’s Name: Age:

Other Occupant Name: Relationship: Other Occupant Name: Relationship:

PLAYER LIVING/TRANSPORTATION ARRANGEMENTS: A player should not share a bedroom with any other family member. Two players may share a bedroom. Transportation is to be provided by the player(s), this is not possible for international players. If transportation is not available from the billet family, the player will arrange for ride(s). Will the player being billeted have a bedroom of their own? Yes  No  If no, are you planning to billet multiple players? Yes  No  Anyone smoke in the home? Yes  No  Is transportation available? Yes  No  Any pets in the home? Yes  No  If yes, list what kinds of pet(s): ______

SIGNATURE: Parent/Guardian Name: Date:

(PLEASE PRINT) Parent/Guardian Signature: Pittsburgh Vengeance PLAYER Emergency Contact Card Head Coach: Phone : Assistant Coach: Phone : Assistant Coach Phone :

Billet Family Contact: Phone : Parent Emergency Contact: Phone : Billet Coordinator: Phone : General Manager: Phone :

Pittsburgh Vengeance BILLET FAMILY Emergency Contact Card Player’s Name: Phone :

Insurance Company Name: Policy Number: Player DOB: IMPORTANT MEDICAL INFORMATION:

Head Coach: Phone : Assistant Coach: Phone : Assistant Coach Phone : Parent Emergency Contact: Phone :

Billet Coordinator: Phone : General Manager: Phone :