Coaches Pledge (Guelph Minor Hockey Association)

    Guelph Minor Hockey Association
Coaches' Pledge 


All rep coaches need to read and acknowledge the GMHA coaches pledge. It is the intention of this pledge to promote fair play and respect for all participants within the Guelph Minor Hockey Association. When a coach applies for a position at GMHA he accepts this pledge and must follow these principles at all times during hockey activities and events.

Alcohol & Drugs
I will demand a sports environment that is free from drugs and alcohol and will refrain from their use at all games and practices. I will never coach a game or conduct a practice if I am under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Behaviour and Respect
I will have a positive attitude and will always praise my players for trying hard, playing fair and doing their best, regardless of the outcome of the game. I will not criticize or yell at any player for making a mistake or losing a game. I will not tolerate physical or verbal abuse in youth sports. I will remember that children need a coach they can respect. I will be generous with praise and set a good example. I shall refrain from comments or behaviours which are disrespectful, humiliating, demeaning, offensive, abusive, racist or sexist. Behaviour which constitutes bullying, harassment or abuse will not be tolerated.

Budgets
I will ensure that our proposed team budget is presented to all parents on my team before a blind vote to accept it as a group. A 51 per cent majority of parent votes is required to accept our team budget, and it must be approved by the GMHA Rep Director before implementation.

CEO
Being appointed the head coach is the same as being appointed as the CEO. I am responsible for everything that happens with this team.

Communication
I will maintain an open line of communication with my players' parents. I will explain my goals and objectives for the team, as well as the rules of the game and the policies of the league, whenever requested or necessary, to the best of my ability.

Emotional Maturity
I will never ridicule or yell at my athletes for making mistakes or for performing poorly. I will remember that children play to have fun and must be encouraged to have confidence in themselves. I acknowledge that emotional, negative outbursts are unacceptable at any time while coaching and leading young athletes.

Fairness & Equity
I will ensure all athletes receive equal instruction, discipline, support and appropriate, fair playing time. I will follow the GMHA's provision of Fair Ice Time (FIT) for all players, as documented in the Association's Rules of Operation. I specifically understand that: a) all players pay the same fee to participate in GMHA programs; b) all players are selected in tryouts to be a member of a team; c) minor hockey is a developmental activity, physically, mentally and socially; d) winning is an “end result”, development is the “means” and statistically, very few players will go on to play professionally. I will strive to use all players in all situations, including the Power Play, Penalty Kill, and “goalie-out” situations

GMHA meetings
I will attend and participate in the GMHA's Annual General Meeting if at all possible.

Handbook
I will provide all parents and the Dir. of Rep with a copy of a team handbook. The handbook will include team rules including team discipline.

Officials
I will teach my athletes to play fairly and to respect the rules, officials, opponents and teammates. I will not challenge judgement calls by officials in an aggressive or threatening manner. I understand it is acceptable to challenge the interpretation of a rule, but only in a courteous and non-confrontational manner. I will not confront any official at the rink before, during or after a game. If necessary, I will take the time to calmly and rationally discuss any situation or call made during a game with a league official or by utilizing the GMHA Referee Complaint Form.

Parent Meetings
I will hold 2 parent meetings in the season. One at the beginning of the season to introduce the staff and the handbook and one in December to address how the season is progressing and any concerns

Roster
I shall carry a minimum of three skaters and one goalie as Affiliated Players. I will ask the AP players’ coach for permission to utilize the player and realize that the rostered team has first right of refusal.

Safety
I will make sure that equipment and facilities are safe and match the athlete's ages and ability. I will ensure that all players and coaches, including myself, will wear the proper safety equipment at all times.

Schedule
I will be reasonable when scheduling games, practices and tournaments, remembering that young athletes have other interests and obligations.

Supervised Dressing Rooms
I will follow OMHA and Hockey Canada Rules and Regulations for dressing room supervision. I will ensure that coaches and staff must supervise players at all times. I understand that cell phones should be prohibited from dressing rooms, to avoid inappropriate use of cameras. Behaviour that is disrespectful, humiliating or offensive will not be tolerated in our dressing room.

Suspensions
I will ensure that any disciplinary suspensions to anyone affiliated with my team (coaching staff, players, and parents) will be reported immediately by email to the GMHA Rep Director. ([email protected])

Tournaments
I will ensure that our proposed team tournament schedule is presented to all parents on my team before a blind vote to accept it as a group. A majority of parent votes is required to accept our tournament schedule, and it must be approved by the GMHA Rep Director before implementation.

Training
I will obtain proper training and continue to upgrade my coaching skills. Whenever possible I will participate in GMHA Development's coaching clinics throughout the year. I will ensure that GMHA Development’s training methods (e.g., play-practice drills; small-area games) constitute a consistent and significant portion of all my team practices.

Website
I will use the GMHA website for all scheduling, try outs, updating of my teams scores and any necessary forms.

Winning & Losing
I know that winning is a consideration, but not the only one, nor the most important one. I will be humble in victory and gracious in defeat.