Around the Rink – Policies and Guidelines

OVSS has a number of policies designed to ensure player, parent and spectator safety, preserve OVSS equipment, and ensure OVSS provides a productive and positive learning environment for our young hockey players.

General Policies and things you need to know!

Parents and Family

· Parents,unless they are team officials, are not permitted on the bench or the ice at anytime!

Siblingsare not permitted in the dressing room and hallway or anywhere near the bench. Keep small children away from the dressing room doors.

Do -

Get to the rink on time
Ensure the player is prepared physically:
Hydrated
Well rested
All of the necessary equipment
Ensure the player is prepared mentally:
- Is it a practice or a game?
- Length of practice? One hour? Two hours?
Set the standard that effort is essential
Support the coach
Remember why your kid plays
Be a good listener and encourager
Praise hard work rather than emphasizing outcomes

Don’t –

Put unreasonable expectations on your child
Be negative about your child’s performance
Say anything, least of all, anything negative about other player’s performances
Let your competitive side ruin the game
Pay your kids for goals
Contact the coaches before the 24-hour rule has passed

Parents should not discipline or critique other players; any on-ice or off-ice behavioral issues must be brought to the coaches’ or manager’s attention and can only be dealt withby team officials, the Director of Hockey or board members.

All parents in OVSS are reminded, they are parents. They are not the coach; they are not the referee.

How can you help as a parent?
·      Model good sport behaviors – they still look at adults, and coaches and parents matter
·      Minimize negative comments and actions...players are always watching
·      Be respectful of opponents and referees, even when it is hard...they’re still watching
·      Be intentional about the positive actions you want to see from your kids
·      Be supportive
·      Help players appreciate the work that everyone is doing as a part of the team
·      Make sure they are having fun!

ReadandknowtheParent’sCodeofConduct:

http://silversevenhockey.com/page.php?page_id=76856

Uniforms

Game jerseys are not to be worn during practices;
OnlyOVSS-issued socks can be worn during games;
The association’s helmet colour is black, gloves are expected to be predominantly black as are skates. Laces are white, no neon or bright colors.
OVSS Equipment Memo: http://silversevenhockey.com/page.php?page_id=76884

Dressing Room

The Locker Rooms, Playing areas and the Arena are like classrooms in a school. They are places of learning. The Locker room rules are in effect to ensure a safe environment where learning or preparation to learn can take place. If you choose to break any of the listed rules on the website, disciplinary action against you will be taken. We will not tolerate behaviour problems in our Locker Room, Arena or on the ice.

No cell phones or cameras in the dressing room.
While Dressing rooms must be supervised at all times by team officials or designated parents the expectation is players behave according to the Code of Conduct, and Discipline Guide.
Our dressing rooms are nut aware. Please avoid bringing or consuming foods with nuts or nut products in the dressing rooms.
Players should never walk around the dressing room without skates or shoes on.
Goalies must wear gloves when lying on the floor having their pads laced.
Do not dress your child in the lobby, the stands or on the bench.
Parents (unless they are team officials or supervisors) are not permitted in the dressing rooms at Peewee and above.
For more information, see Locker Room Rules http://silversevenhockey.com/page.php?page_id=117991

Players’ Conduct

Players shall read the Players’ Code of Conduct and abide by it
- http://silversevenhockey.com/page.php?page_id=76855
Players are not to go on the ice without a Coach.

Playersshallberespectfulofcoachesandteammatesatalltimes.

On the ice, OVSS players shall “take a knee” promptly when told to do so and refrain from horsing around and otherwise disrupting practices.

Players should remember to volunteer to pick up pucks and equipment at the end of practice.

Players should be mindful of thanking their coaches after each practice.

‘24 Hour’ Rule & Parent to Coach Communication

As members of the Silver Seven Hockey Club we may encounter situations which require assistance. It is important that we follow the chain of command and direct questions or complaints to the appropriate individuals within our club so they can be handled appropriately.

Hockey Team Related Issue

1) Adhere to the 24-Hour Rule
If you find yourself wanting to bring a hockey-issue forward, the first step is to abide by the 24 hour rule- take a step back and don't do anything until you have exercised this rule.

2) Speak with your Head Coach
If you have a complaint that is hockey related to your player’s team, please talk to your Head Coach first. Provide the coach the chance to understand the details surrounding your issue and the opportunity to respond.
*If your issue is in regards to your Head coach and/or a member of the coaching staff please address your concerns directly to the OVSS Director of Risk & Discipline for consideration.

3) Escalate
If your issue isn't addressed to your satisfaction, then contact the Director of Risk & Discipline and submit the issue in writing. The Director of Risk & Discipline will engage other Board Members as necessary on your behalf.

Representing OVSS

All players, team officials and parents must recognize that they are representatives of both our Club and our greater community seven participating communities. As Ambassadors of the program at all events including when travelling out of town for tournaments at hotels, everyone is expected to adhere to the Code of Conduct.
Due to the competitive environment created by sport, an atmosphere of negative behaviour/conduct can occur from time to time. As members of the Ottawa Silver Seven Hockey Club (OVSS) all of our parents, players, coaches and volunteers are reminded that any breach of the Code of Conduct may result in disciplinary measures being taken. As an Executive, we strive to maintain a high level of professionalism and respect within our Association and as such, we take a ZERO TOLERANCE approach to any conduct deemed unbecoming of an OVSS member.

As a result, the OVSS Executive retains the right to sanction disciplinary measures against anyone who violates any code of conduct policy or otherwise acts in a manner that is deemed to be unacceptable or in direct contrast to any of the core values and positive playing environment we are striving to create.
Parents and spectators at OVSS functions are responsible for their own conduct. They must endeavour to NOT exhibit any disorderly conduct before, during or after any activities involving OVSS teams. The list below may result in a 30 - 90 day suspension from the club.

use of obscene language or abusive behaviour to any person on or off the ice
disrespect towards OVSS team officials
continual disruptions which may cause a delay of game
repeated disrespect for rulings of an official

Social Media Policy

OVSS recognizes and appreciates the value of social media and the importance of social networking to all of its stakeholders. OVSS also respects the right of all Teams and Association personnel to express their views publicly. At the same time, we must be aware of the dangers social media and networking can present. Please see the OVSS Social Media Policy - http://silversevenhockey.com/page.php?page_id=118233

‘Team First’ and Life Skills

We dedicate ourselves to the advancement of our players not just as hockey players, but also as individuals within the seven participating communities.
All too often our children are denied enjoyable sporting experiences because we fail to protect the environment and the very principles on which the game is built.

Hockey is more than a game; it is an education. It is also an important part of their upbringing and the success of future generations depends on how well we teach life skills today.
Membership is a PRIVILEGE not a right and with that membership come inherent responsibilities and obligations to protect the sport and most importantly the growth and development of our children.

All participants’ players, parents/spectators/volunteers, coaches, officials, and sport administrators are equally responsible PARTNERS in this endeavour. Every individual involved must examine his/her attitudes, actions and behaviours and make a personal commitment to the principles of Fair Play RESPECT, INTEGRITY and FAIRNESS. There can be no lesser expectation and no greater responsibility as a condition of membership in OVSS.

All OVSS parents are required to sign the Code of Conduct included as part of the E-PACT registration system.

Parent codes of conduct and resources are also available at: http://silversevenhockey.com/page.php?page_id=76856