Minor Hockey DOCUMENTATION

The following by-laws were adopted for LANDMARK MINOR HOCKEY ASSOCIATION (“LMH”) to be part of LMH’s Constitution as it continues to be formulated. These by- laws can be added to or altered at LMH’s Annual General Meeting.

Date adopted: September 4, 2018

President: Spike Gordon

Article 1

This Organization shall be known as LANDMARK MINOR HOCKEY ASSOCIATION. In later articles and discussions it will be referred to as LMH.

Article 2

The objectives of LMH shall be to promote, improve and govern organized minor hockey in the community of Landmark.

Article 3

An annual general meeting (“AGM”) shall be held to elect new officers at a time after regular season games, but before March 31st. The new committee shall assume office after the AGM.

Article 4

Officers will be elected to fill the following LMH Board Member positions:

∙ President elect ∙ Vice-President ∙ Treasurer ∙ Secretary ∙ Registrar ∙ Ref-in-Chief ∙ Ice convener ∙ Canteen representatives

Article 5

Additional (x) members will be elected to complete the governing body.

Article 6

An elected member of LMH or any duly appointed representative of LMH shall remain for a three (3) year period. If he/she wishes to be re-elected or re-appointed, it will be on a year to year basis.

Article 7

Any elected or appointed member of LMH not conducting themselves in a proper manner as deemed proper by the majority of the elected members of LMH will be held accountable for their actions and may be relieved of their position in LMH for the remainder of their term.

Article 8

a) At the creation of a vacancy in the elected body, the remaining elected body will fill the vacancy at their discretion.

b) Any resignation must be in writing and presented to the LMH Committee.

c) Any appointed representative of LMH wishing to resign must remain until an adequate replacement is found. Circumstance will be taken under advisement.

Article 9

a) Elected members who are not excused for a meeting by the President must attend all regular meetings.

b) Any elected member who is absent without the President’s excuse for two (2) consecutive meetings may be requested to resign.

c) A quorum of 60% or more is needed to pass any motion.

Article 10

a) In the event there is more than one immediate family member holding a Board Member position as stated in Article 4 then only one family member can have signing authority.

b) In the event there is more than one immediate family member holding a Board Member position as stated in Article 4 then their vote will only count as one vote toward any motion to be passed.

Article 11

Decisions made at LMH meetings will be documented in the meeting minutes and are open to the public, upon request.

Article 12

a) LMH will take under advisement only those complaints presented in writing to the President for the next regular meeting. This person may be requested to make a personal appearance before the Committee.

b) Any unrequested appearance at an LMH Committee Meeting must be accompanied by written request prior to that meeting. The agenda may not allow time.

Article 13

The President of LMH will delegate duties to the other members.

Article 14

Persons interested in coaching or assisting a coach must provide that request in writing to the appointed member of LMH preferably prior to or at the time of Player Registration.

Article 15

LMH will assign coaches to each team. LMH will encourage and support non-parent coaches. Assistant coaches will be selected by the assigned coaches and must be approved by LMH.

Article 16

a) In the event of a two (2) team system per level, a decision as to how the teams will be selected i.e.: an “A” and a “C” team, two equal teams, or a major team and a minor team (grouped by age) will be arrived at by LMH as per league. Tryouts will take place (from Novice age and older) where an outside evaluator identifies the players in the top tier and bottom tier as well as those players who fall in the middle (the “bubble kids”). The coaches will then decide which team the bubble kids will be assigned to. Coaches will be finalized after the evaluation.

b) Once placed, players will not be allowed to move from team to team. Only the League can overrule player placement.

c) LMH reserves the right to make appropriate adjustments up to mid-season, only where necessary and in the best interests of the child. LMH decision will be final.

Article 17

The LMH Committee shall have the right to appoint sub-committees when required and dissolve that committee upon completing its purpose.

Article 18

LMH Coach, Team, Parent and Player Responsibilities

1) LMH Association assigns players to teams to maintain an adequate level of players per team.

2) Registration to be paid in full at the time of registration. Postdated cheques will be accepted as per approved payment schedule by the board.

3) All players attending practices/games must be in full dress as per Hockey Manitoba (“HMA”) regulations.

4) Use of foul language by coaches or players in the dressing room or in the arena shall not be tolerated and will be subject to disciplinary action by LMH.

5) Parents are responsible for all willful damage done by their sons or daughters and must settle with LMH before the next regular game.

6) LMH may take further action on any incident resulting in a suspension from Eastman Minor Hockey.

7) All players on the bench must be assigned to a line. A chance for equal participation must apply and shall be checked periodically by the Minor Hockey Committee. This rule is mandatory up to the midget category.

NOTE: The last 5 minutes of a game should belong to the coach.

8) Any suspensions or repercussions may jeopardize a player’s chance for out of town travel / tournament play.

9) Coaches are responsible to maintain the diplomatic character of their team towards player opponents, parents, or custodians of all players in LMH.

10) All players must co-operate during practice and instruction time to avoid injuries.

11) Team equipment (ie. goalie equipment) from Initiation up to Peewee Level, will be assigned to the manager of the team or another member assigned by the team. This equipment is only for use in LMH practices and games. Jerseys are to be assigned to a team representative and will be distributed and collected by that person. If there is damage to any jersey, the team will recover all costs of replacement.

12) Registration fees are for league associated games, referee fees, for game and practice ice and Provincial play downs.

13) All coaches are required to obtain proper certification as specified by HMA. The costs for said required certification will be paid for by LMH.

14) Teams will be responsible to appoint a Team Manager and a Parent Representative, if requested by a coach.

15) All teams are responsible for completing regular season games. Any team who has not fulfilled its obligations will be responsible for the fine levied by the League.

Article 19

LMH encourages goalies to continue to rotate until the Peewee level. At that time permanent goalies may be assigned.

Article 20

In the event there are three (3) goalies on a team LMH will advise based on the best interest of the child.

Article 21

Only players of the team assigned to the practice slot will be allowed on the ice during that time, unless approved by LMH.

Article 22

All proposed changes to the constitution must be submitted in writing to LMH two weeks prior to the AGM for review by LMH.

LMH POLICY

A. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

1) To develop the youth by offering a recreational and athletic curriculum which promotes, encourages, and teach social and athletic skills, discipline, teamwork and camaraderie.

2) To ensure that all youth, regardless of ability, sex, race, colour or age will be provided the opportunity to participate in amateur hockey.

B. MEMBERSHIP

In general, members shall be those persons and their families who reside within the boundaries of LMH.

C. PHILOSOPHY

LMH is committed to providing the opportunity for the development of character, good sportsmanship, individual, social and team skills that playing amateur hockey can offer.

D. GENERAL INFORMATION REGARDING LMH

MEMBERSHIP PARTICIPATION AND FEES

1) Members may participate in any organized activity provided

accommodation in the activity is available;
members register before the registration cut-off date; ∙
members pay a registration fee.

2) The registration fee is determined by the Board Members and is used to help offset activity costs such as:

league registration fees;
insurance costs;
equipment costs;
uniform costs;
administrative costs;
referee costs;
facility costs.

3) Members may cancel their participation in any activity at any time by contacting the appropriate Board Member (See Refunds).

SPORTS POLICIES

1) Registration

No player may participate in a practice or a game before having completed registration. NSF cheques will not be tolerated and any fees or penalties incurred as a result of an NSF cheque must be recovered in full.

2) Late Registration

Registration for sporting activities occurs in September. Members registering after published registration dates but before the final cutoff date will be required to pay a late registration penalty (determined annually by the Board Members). However, such members cannot be guaranteed a playing spot on the team of their choice.

3) Refunds

A refund of the registration fee will be provided on a pro-rated basis less the insurance portion. After December 31st no refunds will be granted.

4) Protective Equipment

The proper protective equipment as specified by the respective sport association must be worn at all games and practices: i.e.: helmets, facemasks, throat guards, etc.

5) Age Advancements

Normally age advancements will not be allowed. Where it would permit the formation of a team otherwise not feasible, age advancement will be considered on its individual merit and will be for one sport season only. All age advancements must be approved in writing by the player, the parents and LMH. All age advancements must be made for the betterment of the team and the association as a whole.

6) Transfers

All transfer requests, other than regional team requests, must be approved by LMH.

a) Transfers In

Where players have the opportunity to play at their home club, transfer requests will not normally be considered except as directed by the area association. When warranted, once players are transferred in, they will be assigned to a team suitable to their ability level.

b) Transfers Out

Players residing in the area that request to play at another center will not automatically be granted that request. LMH must give consideration to all roster needs of its own teams and the transfer requirements of the sports associations concerned. After these concerns are addressed, the Board Members will consider approving a transfer request.

NOTE: A request for a transfer out or a transfer in from a member who has recently moved will be strongly considered.

7) Players’ Discipline

Coaches have the responsibility of maintaining just and reasonable discipline within their teams. Disciplinary action must be taken in the following situations:

• poor sportsmanlike behaviors;

• refusing to follow instructions;

• failure to attend practices/games without adequate notice or reason;

• jeopardizing the safety of himself/herself or others;

• Any other infractions deemed unacceptable.

Disciplinary action may include:

• extra skill-oriented drills;

• dismissal from a practice or game;

• suspension from future game(s);

• dismissal from the team.

Coaches must make a reasonable attempt to inform the player’s parents of the difficulties being encountered and of the disciplinary plan being pursued. Suspension from future game(s) will occur only after consultation with the Board Members of LMH.

8) Playing Time

All players are to be granted reasonable equal playing time. There will be no discrimination against players for any reason, including ability. Coaches have the discretion to use players during a game in accordance with game circumstances. While coaches may not be able to provide equal playing time for each player in every game, they must however, endeavor to equalize playing time over the course of a season exclusive of disciplinary situations outlined in 7 above.

All players registered to LMH must comply with the "Team" component of Fair play, this meaning; all players are obligated to attend the majority of all scheduled practices. Majority meaning; at least 90% unless player(s) have a bona fide reason for their absence. For example, sickness, family emergency or Family vacation. Failure to comply can affect your ice time participation in regular season games and/or Playoffs at the discretion of the coaches. Your LMH Board Members must be informed of all planned discipline prior to it being enforced.

9) Coaching Discipline

Anyone who feels that a coach is not following the guidelines as listed, must submit their concern in writing to LMH. Disciplinary action may be required in some situations:

• poor sportsmanlike behaviors – abuse of officials, coaches, opposition, team players, spectators, etc.

• refusing to follow LMH policies;

• jeopardizing the safety of himself and/or others;

• not treating his players in a fair and equitable manner.

Disciplinary action could be:

• a written warning;

• Possible suspension: game, season or indefinitely.

10) Tournaments

Each team is required to host a tournament. The LMH tournament fee for each level is as follows:

• Initiation: $500

• Novice $1,000

• Atom $1,000

• Peewee $1,000

• Bantam $1,000

• Midget $1,000

Teams are also encouraged to enter their teams in other local tournaments. This should be done with the approval of the participants’ parents.

E. CODES

LMH adheres to the following codes:

∙ Players’ Code; ∙ Coaches’ Code; ∙ Parents’ Code; ∙ Spectators’ Code.

PLAYER’S CODE

1) Play for the ‘fun of it’, not just to please your parents or coach.

2) Play by the rules.

3) Never argue with the officials decisions. Let the captain or coach ask any necessary questions.

4) Control your temper – no ‘mouthing off’, breaking things, throwing sticks or other equipment.

5) Work equally hard for yourself and your team; your team’s performance will benefit and so will your own.

6) Be a good sport. Cheer all good plays by your team or your opponents.

7) Treat all players as you yourself would like to be treated. Don’t interfere with, bully, or take unfair advantage of any player.

8) Remember that games are to have fun, improve your skills and feel good. Don’t be a show-off or always try to get the most points or penalties.

9) Co-operate with your coach, teammates and opponents, for without them you would not have a team or a game.

COACHES’ CODE (ETIQUETTE, DISCIPLINE AND RESPONSIBILITIES)

1) Develop player skills and abilities.

2) Be reasonable in demands on the young player’s time, energy and enthusiasm. Remember they have other interests.

3) Group players according to age, height, skill and physical maturity whenever possible.

4) Avoid over-laying the talented players. The ‘just average’ players need and deserve equal time.

5) Remember that children play for fun and enjoyment. Winning is only part of why they play, an important part, but so is the ‘fun’. Never ridicule or yell at the children for making mistakes or losing.

6) Ensure that equipment and facilities meet safety standards and are appropriate to the age and ability of the players.

7) Scheduling and length of practice times and competitions should take into consideration the maturity level of the children.

8) Develop team respect for the ability of opponents, as well as for the judgment of officials and opposing coaches.

9) Follow the advice of a physician when determining if an injured player is again ready to play.

10) Remember that children need a coach they can respect. Be generous with your praise when deserved and set a good example.

11) Make a personal commitment to keep yourself informed on sound principals concerning the growth, development and coaching of children. 12) Try to maintain good parental conduct at games.

13) Each Coach or Coach Representative must appear at the Annual Coaches Meeting to receive a package.

14) Coaches are obligated to read and follow instructions provided in the Coaches Package.

15) All Coaches are to follow and abide by the MHA Rules.

PARENTS’ CODE

1) Do not force any unwilling child to participate in sports or other unwanted activities.

2) Remember that children are involved in organized sports for their enjoyment not yours. They are not miniature pro athletes.

3) Encourage your child always to play by the rules.

4) Teach your child that honest effort is as important as victory so that the result of each game is accepted without undue disappointment.

5) Turn defeat into victory by helping your child work towards skill improvement and good sportsmanship. Never ridicule or yell at your child for making a mistake or losing.

6) Remember that children learn best by example. Applaud good plays by your team and by members of the opposing team.

7) Do not publicly question the officials’ and/or coaches’ judgment and/or honesty.

8) Support all efforts to remove verbal and physical abuse from children’s sporting activities.

9) Recognize the value and importance of volunteer coaches. They give of their time and resources to provide recreational activities for your child.

10) Be on your best behavior. Be a good role model. Don’t use profane language or harass players, coaches or officials.

11) Show respect for your team’s opponents. Without them there would be no games.

NOTE: The coach/manager has the right to approach the referee and/or LMH to report inappropriate behavior by any person attending a game or activity.

12) When dealing with a complaint, after a 24 hour cool-down period has expired:

1. speak with the Parent Representative, if not satisfied;
2. speak with the Manager, if not satisfied;
3. meet with the Coach, if not satisfied;
4. write a letter to LMH.

SPECTATORS’ CODE

1) Remember that children play organized sports for their own fun. They are not there to entertain you and they are not miniature pro athletes.

2) Be on your best behavior. Don’t use profane language or harass players, coaches or officials.

3) Applaud good plays by your own team and the visiting team.

4) Show respect for your team’s opponents. Without them there would be no game.

5) Never ridicule or scold a child for making a mistake during a competition.

6) Condemn the use of violence in all forms.

7) Respect the officials’ decisions.

8) Encourage players always to play according to the rules.

F. SUCCESS

Success at LMH may be measured in any number of ways, all equally valid. The Board Members are responsible for evaluating the success of the hockey programs offered, and ensuring that a balance is maintained in striving for “success”; that winning at all costs is not success, but successful participation and improvement by individuals and teams is the true measure of success.

G. FINANCES / VOLUNTEERS

The LMH Board is formed on a volunteer basis, by members of the community. The Board Members are responsible for developing policy, administering policy, managing funds and overseeing the association’s financials.

Board meetings are held when necessary. The meeting is held to review the general day to day business of LMH and to consider new ideas and methods to further the aims and objectives of LMH.

H. CANTEEN

The Landmark Recreation Association (“The Rec Board”) allows LMH to use the canteen to raise funds to lower the annual hockey registration fees. LMH is very appreciative for this privilege. The Rec Board and the volunteer canteen representatives assist LMH with various tasks to maintain the canteen and a parent/adult family member assists by volunteering for canteen shifts. All members will be notified when they are required to sign up for their canteen shifts once registration is complete.

I. LMH OFFICIAL COLORS / LOGO

The official colors of LMH cannot be changed without prior approval at the AGM.

1) Official home color is blue. Official away color is white. 2) Logo must include the “Blues” logo. 3) Sponsorship logo placement must be approved by LMH.