The Henniker Youth Hockey Association’s mission is to provide a foundation for the growth and development of HYHA participants, designing programs aimed at improving skills and providing a responsible environment for the conduct of youth hockey.

Primary emphasis is on the development of skills, sportsmanship and teamwork, and a de-emphasis on excessive competition and a win-at-all-costs attitude.

The values on the following page have been adopted by HYHA with this philosophy in mind to guide the association’s members in their planning, programming and play, both now and in the future.

Our Values

Sportsmanship - Foremost of all values is to learn a sense of fair play. Become humble in victory, gracious in defeat. Foster friendship with teammates and opponents alike.

Integrity - Seek to foster honesty and fair play beyond mere strict interpretation of the rules and regulations of the game.

Respect for the individual - Treat all others as you expect to be treated.

Pursuit of excellence - Each member of the organization, whether player, volunteer or staff, should seek to perform each aspect of the game to the highest level of his or her ability.

Teamwork - We value the strength of learning to play together. The use of teamwork is reinforced and rewarded by success in the hockey experience.

Enjoyment - It is important for the hockey experience to be fun, satisfying and rewarding for all participants.

Coaches Code of Conduct

It is HYHA policy that all coaches adhere to the following code of conduct suggested by USA Hockey:

• 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, 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 them 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.

Players Code of Conduct

HYHA coaches strive to teach players the following values recommended by USA Hockey:

• 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 for practices and games.

• Learn the rules and play by them. Always be a good sport.

• Respect your coach, your teammates, and your parents, opponents and officials.

• Never argue with an official’s decision.

How Are HYHA Coaches Selected?

In order to coach in the HYHA, you are required to be "patched" (successfully attended a Coaching Education Program conducted by USA Hockey) for the level of play you wish to coach. Individuals who are interested in coaching in the HYHA are also required to complete an application prior to the start of the season, which includes a description of your experience as a player and/or coach, your training for the role (patches and other credentials) and, if you are applying for a Head Coach position.

Coaches are selected by the Coaching Committee, a committee comprised of HYHA members, using the information provided in the coaching application and past performance, if any. The coaching committee presents their selections to the Board of Directors for approval.

Coaching Coordinators

Coordinators are selected to oversee the coaching programs at each level of play. The role of the Coordinator is to ensure that each coach for the level he/she oversees has the equipment and information necessary to effectively perform his/her duties as a coach. The Coordinator is also responsible for ensuring that each coach is providing the leadership and direction needed to be effective and in keeping with HYHA philosophy, values and objectives. Coordinators are selected by the Coaching Committee.

Coaching Education Guidelines

These Coaching Education Guidelines are recommended for all USA Hockey coaches and instructors.

Player Evaluations

Each head coach is responsible for evaluating his/her players at the beginning and end of the season to identify the strengths and weaknesses of each child. At the beginning of the season, this information is helpful in designing effective practices, which will develop the skills in which players are weak. End of season evaluations are used in the try-out process for the next season.

Tryout Process

HYHA has developed a try-out process, which is intended to place players on teams matching the individual skills and competitive level of each child. At HYHA try-outs, great care is taken to ensure that the process is impartial. Players wear "pennies" to ensure anonymity and judges who do not know the players are sought to provide the evaluations. Participants are evaluated while executing drills designed to test each skill, and ability in a game situation. And, the final step in the process is to put all the evaluations together, along with the player evaluations from the end of the previous year (if available), to determine the child’s overall skill rating.

The evaluations are then used for the selection of players for teams by the Head Coaches, Coordinators for each level and the Coaching Committee.

Questions and comments should be directed to the Coaching Committee.

Moving Players

It is the policy of the HYHA that you may move a player to another level. If you have a player who is having difficulty at the level he/she has been placed, you may request the Board of Directors to move that child to another level. It is important that you work with the child to develop his/her skills as best you can. Also, it is our policy that all players be treated equally and fairly. Therefore, the player should be given the same opportunity to practice and play as his/her teammates. The child always comes first, not the score or outcome of the game.

Equipment

Coaches are responsible for ensuring that their players wear the minimum protective equipment required by USA Hockey (HEEC approved).

Learn-to-skate and Initiation Program participants are required to have hockey skates, gloves, neck guard and a helmet with full face cage. Initiation Program participants are also required to have a hockey stick. HYHA strongly recommends that all children be outfitted with full protective gear. Participants in the Mite level and above are required to wear the full complement of protective equipment, listed below:

• helmet with full face cage
• mouth guard
• neck protector
• shoulder pads
• elbow pads
• hockey gloves
• cup and athletic supporter
• shin guards
• hockey pants
• jersey
• socks
• hockey skates
• stick

Game jerseys, game socks, goalie pads and gear, a first aid kit and water bottles (for travel teams only) are issued to each Head Coach at the beginning of the season. It is your responsibility to:

• Track shirts issued to players by shirt number and player name.
• Provide to the Equipment Manager your team roster with the name of each player on your team, the # of the shirt assigned to each player, and the player’s home telephone number.
• Ensure that every player has the sponsor plate attached to his/her shirt immediately after issue, as we have promised our sponsors. As this is of vital importance to the continued support of our sponsors, children will not be allowed to play until this is done.

The Head Coach of each team will be held responsible for any and all equipment that is not returned at the end of the season.

These requirements to track and return equipment are intended to help reduce losses, which result in higher costs to the association. Your efforts will be beneficial to all and are much appreciated.

Practices

Practice Policy
It is the policy of HYHA that every team receives the same amount of ice time for practices. As a result, coaches must watch their time on the ice very carefully. Practice time must be limited to 55 minutes, the last 5 minutes used to remove players and equipment from the ice. Be respectful of the team following yours--be prompt in leaving the ice, don’t use their valuable time.

Practices
Practices are the most important element of any youth hockey development program. Games are for fun, practices are where individual skills are honed, competition is transformed into sportsmanship and hard work leads to success and self-confidence.

Don’t forget to have fun during your practices, treat each player equally and to provide each child the same opportunity to develop his/her skills and self-esteem.

Ice utilization is extremely important to the HYHA program because of the limited availability of ice time. We must get the most out of every minute we are on the ice. Practices should be planned and written out before you go on the ice. Discussing your plan with Assistant Coaches and players prior to entering the ice will also optimize your ice time. Practice the six Ps: Proper Positive Planning Prevents Poor Performance.

Two teams of the same age group share practice ice. It is imperative that the coaching staffs of both teams jointly develop and implement drills that effectively utilize the entire ice surface. Working together to plan and run full ice drills will significantly enhance the effectiveness of your practices.

A good practice consists of a 5 minute warm up, 25 minutes of individual skill development, 20 minutes of competition drills and the last 10 minutes of fun and games.

Provide accurate and positive feedback to players. Accurate feedback is needed for the child to learn. Positive feedback gets the player’s attention. Yelling only makes the child tune you out.

The keys to a successful practice are effective communication, clear and concise drill explanation, good demonstration (seeing is better than hearing), provide accurate and positive feedback and never forget about safety.

Lastly, remember: you are the role model, you set the example. Be early for games and practices, greet your players be enthusiastic and dress like a coach. If you are into it, the kids will be into it... "A child doesn’t care how much you know until he knows how much you care."

Designing Practices

Practices should be designed to develop skills and abilities that are appropriate for the child. To assist you in determining which skills and abilities are appropriate for the level at which you are coaching; the following pages contain a list of performance areas that are appropriate for each age group. This is not to say that other skills and abilities should not be practiced, simply that these performance areas should receive more emphasis as the child at that level should be capable of developing those skills listed. Your goal as a coach should be to develop a solid foundation or mastery in the skills and abilities listed for the level of the children that you are coaching.

Skills for All Levels

Development in the following skills and abilities are appropriate at all levels.

Skills for Mites

Skating Edge control Ready position Forward start Forward stride Control stop Backward skating Backward stop Control turn Forward crossovers Checking Poke check Hook check Lift the stick check Common Infractions Un-sportsmanlike conduct Cross-checking High sticking Holding Tripping Goal Keeping Basic stance Parallel shuffle Lateral T-guide Forward moves Backward moves Stick saves Body saves Glove saves Conditioning Warm-up Cool-down Stretching

Puck Control Lateral dribble Forward-back dribble Diagonal dribble Attacking the triangle Forehand shift Passing/Receiving Forehand Backhand Receiving (stick) Shooting Wrist Backhand Rules Offsides Icing Penalties Minor Major Team Play Position offense Offense and defense Face-offs Territorial defense 1-man forechecking Basic defensive coverage Breakout play Muscular Flexibility Hamstrings/Back Hip Arm/Shoulder Lower Leg

Skills for Squirts

Skating Edge control Ready position Forward start Forward start right/left Forward stride Control stop Backward skating Backward stop Control turn Forward crossovers Checking Poke check Hook check Lift the stick check Covering Common Infractions Un-sportsmanlike conduct Boarding Charging Cross-checking Elbowing Falling on puck High sticking Holding Hooking Interference Tripping Goal Keeping Basic stance Parallel shuffle Flexibility Lateral T-guide Forward moves Backward moves Stick saves Body saves Glove saves Leg saves Skate saves Stacking pads V drop Rebounds Conditioning Warm-up Cool-down Stretching Light calisthenics

Puck Control Lateral dribble Forward-back dribble Diagonal dribble Attacking the triangle Forehand shift Backhand shift Change of pace Passing/Receiving Forehand Backhand Flip Receiving (stick) Receiving (skate) Shooting Wrist Backhand Rules Face-offs Offsides Icing Penalties Minor Major Match Penalty Shot Team Play Offense in defensive zone Defense in offensive zone 2-1-2 Power play Position offense Offense and defense Face-offs Territorial defense 1-man forechecking Backchecking (neutral zone) Basic defensive coverage Man short situations Breakout play Muscular Flexibility Hamstrings/Back Hip Arm/Shoulder Lower Leg

Skills for Peewees

Skating Edge control Ready position Forward start right/left Forward stride Backward skating Backward stop Control turn Forward crossovers Checking Poke check Hook check Lift the stick check Covering Common Infractions Un-sportsmanlike conduct Boarding Charging Cross-checking Elbowing Kneeing Falling on puck High sticking Holding Hooking Interference Tripping Goal Keeping Basic stance Parallel shuffle Flexibility Lateral T-guide Forward moves Backward moves Stick saves Body saves Glove saves Leg saves Skate saves Stacking pads V drop Rebounds Playing angles Situations Conditioning Warm-up Cool-down Stretching Light calisthenics

Puck Control Lateral dribble Forward-back dribble Diagonal dribble Attacking the triangle Forehand shift Backhand shift Change of pace Slip through Slip across Puck off board's Passing/Receiving Forehand Backhand Snap Flip Receiving (stick) Receiving (skate) Receiving (hand) Shooting Wrist Backhand Snap Flip Slap Rules Face-offs Offsides Icing Checking Penalties Minor Major Match Penalty Shot Team Play Offense in defensive zone Offense in neutral zone Defense in offensive zone 2-1-2 Power play Position offense Offense and defense Face-offs Territorial defense 1-man forechecking Two-man forechecking Backchecking (neutral zone) Center on point coverage Wing on point coverage Basic defensive coverage Man short situations Breakout play Muscular Flexibility Hamstrings/Back Hip Arm/Shoulder Lower Leg

Skills for Bantams

Skating Edge control Ready position Forward start right/left Forward stride Backward skating Backward stop Control turn Forward crossovers Checking Poke check Hook check Lift the stick check Covering Shoulder check Hip check Common Infractions Un-sportsmanlike conduct Boarding Charging Cross-checking Elbowing Kneeing Falling on puck High sticking Holding Hooking Interference Tripping Goal Keeping Basic stance Parallel shuffle Flexibility Lateral T-guide Forward moves Backward moves Stick saves Body saves Glove saves Leg saves Skate saves Stacking pads V drop Rebounds Playing angles Situations Conditioning Warm-up Cool-down Stretching Overload Adaption Progression Nutrition Pre-game meal Energy Production Aerobic

Puck Control Lateral dribble Forward-back dribble Diagonal dribble Attacking the triangle Forehand shift Backhand shift Change of pace Slip through Slip across Slip around Puck off board's Fake shot Spin around Stop and go Passing/Receiving Forehand Backhand Snap Flip Receiving (stick) Receiving (skate) Receiving (hand) Shooting Wrist Backhand Snap Flip Slap Rules Face-offs Offsides Icing Checking Penalties Minor Major Match Penalty Shot Team Play Offense in defensive zone Offense in neutral zone Defense in offensive zone 2-1-2 Power play Position offense Offense and defense Face-offs Territorial defense 1-man forechecking Two-man forechecking Backchecking (neutral zone) Center on point coverage Wing on point coverage Basic defensive coverage Man short situations Breakout play Muscular Flexibility Hamstrings/Back Hip Arm/Shoulder Lower Leg

Skills for Midgets

Skating Edge control Ready position Forward start right/left Forward stride Backward skating Backward stop Control turn Forward crossovers Checking Poke check Hook check Lift the stick check Covering Shoulder check Hip check Common Infractions Un-sportsmanlike conduct Boarding Charging Cross-checking Elbowing Kneeing Falling on puck High sticking Holding Hooking Interference Tripping Goal Keeping Basic stance Parallel shuffle Flexibility Lateral T-guide Forward moves Backward moves Stick saves Body saves Glove saves Leg saves Skate saves Stacking pads V drop Rebounds Playing angles Situations Conditioning Warm-up Cool-down Stretching Overload Adaption Progression Nutrition Pre-game meal Energy Production Aerobic Anaerobic Muscular Strength Neck Shoulders/Back Shoulders/Chest Upper arm Forearm Chest Abdomen Upper leg Lower leg

Puck Control Lateral dribble Forward-back dribble Diagonal dribble Attacking the triangle Forehand shift Backhand shift Change of pace Slip through Slip across Slip around Puck off board's Fake shot Spin around Stop and go Double Shift Grandstand Passing/Receiving Forehand Backhand Snap Flip Receiving (stick) Receiving (skate) Receiving (hand) Shooting Wrist Backhand Snap Flip Slap Rules Face-offs Offsides Icing Checking Penalties Minor Major Match Penalty Shot Team Play Offense in defensive zone Offense in neutral zone Defense in offensive zone 2-1-2 Power play Position offense Offense and defense Face-offs Territorial defense 1-man forechecking Two-man forechecking Backchecking (neutral zone) Center on point coverage Wing on point coverage Basic defensive coverage Man short situations Breakout play Muscular Flexibility Hamstrings/Back Hip Arm/Shoulder Lower Leg Muscular Endurance Neck Shoulders/Back Shoulders/Chest Upper arm Forearm Chest Abdomen Upper leg Lower leg

Game Responsibilities

Granite State League Rules
Granite State League rules are distributed to all HYHA travel team coaches. Please become familiar with them before the season starts.

Score Sheet
Head Coaches are responsible for completing an official Granite State League Score Sheet for each game. The Score Sheet must be completed accurately and legibly and must be signed by the head coaches of each team, the time-keeper/score-keeper and all referees. The white copy of the completed Score Sheet must be mailed to your Granite State League Division Vice President within 72 hours after the game. Failure to do so will result in a fine to HYHA.

Time- and Score-Keeper
Head Coaches are responsible for finding and training a responsible adult volunteer to operate the time clock and keep score at each home game.

Visiting Teams
On the day of a home game, Head Coaches are responsible for greeting the visiting team, showing them to an appropriate locker room and ensuring that the coaches and players of that team have everything they need. Please help us to make HYHA a class program. It starts with you!

Player Substitutions

Coaches of travel teams can use substitutions for missing players provided that the substitute is in the same or a lower level than the missing player is. When this is done, you must include the substitute player’s name on your game roster, marked by an asterisk and a footnote, which identifies the team to which he/she is officially registered. Also, if a player’s name appears on the roster for the higher level team more than two times, he/she becomes a permanent member of the higher level team and is no longer eligible to play at the lower level. In addition, if a child moves up to a higher level team, he/she must play at least 50% of the games for that team to qualify for participation in playoffs.

It is the responsibility of the Coach of the team for which the player is to perform as a substitute to clearly inform the player’s parents and his/her regular team coach of these consequences. You should also inform the substitute player’s regular team coach before you invite his/her player to play as a substitute for your team. Coaches are encouraged to allow their players to move up when the opportunity arises, provided there are no major game schedule conflicts.

Safety

As coaches, safety is our most important responsibility. Parents are entrusting us with their children and we must take every precaution to ensure that they are safe at every event, on and off the ice. It is every HYHA coach’s responsibility to promote safety and provide a safe environment both at practices and games.

Medical Forms

Each head coach must have a completed medical form for each player. These forms must accompany the team at every game and practice and be readily available if needed.

Medical Injury Forms

Each head coach is required to have a supply of Medical Injury Forms at all games and practices. This form must be completed for any and all injuries and promptly submitted to the Coaching Manager and President of HYHA.

Assistants to Coaches

Parent volunteers or other adult assistants are not allowed on the ice without having the appropriate patch and USA Hockey insurance.

Players from higher levels who are utilized to help with practices or to provide demonstration may do so provided that they are actively involved in the practice. Any inappropriate behavior will not be tolerated.

At no time should coaches or coaches helpers shoot the puck at the boards. This behavior is disruptive and unsafe. Therefore, anyone doing so will be asked to leave the ice and will not be allowed to return.

Utilize your valuable ice time to it’s fullest.

Officials

Although it may difficult at times to control our frustrations during a game, officials must be treated with utmost respect. HYHA will not tolerate verbal or physical abuse of the officials. If you have a complaint regarding an official, please address it with our Referee-In-Chief.

Public Relations

Game scores and results are to be telephoned to the HYHA Public Relations Representative by 9:00 PM Sunday evening for inclusion in the local newspapers. Goals, assists and standouts should also be communicated. Please ensure that each child is mentioned in the newspapers a few times throughout the season.

Lee Clement Arena

We are fortunate to have a quality facility such as the Lee Clement Arena in which to practice and play the sport of hockey. It is essential that we do everything within our ability to keep it clean and in good condition.

Locker Rooms
HYHA coaches are required to ensure that the locker rooms used by your team are always left clean. At home games please also check the locker room after the departure of the visiting team to ensure that it is clean as well.

General
Please don’t allow anyone to shoot pucks or other items (such as soda cans, etc.) around inside the arena as this is dangerous and damages the facility.

Insurance and Coaching Clinic Fees

Although it would be greatly appreciated if you could donate your fees for insurance and coaching clinics, reimbursement for these costs is available by written request to the HYHA Board of Directors, provided that you have participated in the HYHA program for the entire season. Requests must be submitted prior to the annual meeting.

HYHA Library

HYHA has a library of videos and books on a variety of hockey-related subjects. These materials are stored in the concession stand and are available to HYHA coaches on a sign-out basis.

Parents

The parents of HYHA participants are encouraged to actively participate in our program. It is important that you, as a coach, respect and communicate openly with the parents of your players and involve them in their child’s hockey experience. HYHA requires it’s coaches to hold a Parent/Coach meeting at the start of the season to introduce yourselves, discuss your plans for the season, outline parent responsibilities and answer questions. It is also important that the channel of communication between you and your players’ parents remain open throughout the season. Parents are also members of the team. They play a vital role in their child’s life. Coaches and parents must work together to make the program a rewarding one for all -- especially for the children.

Parent Coordinators

To assist you with the many tasks we require of you as a coach, HYHA asks parents to volunteer as Parent Coordinators. You should recruit one or several Parent Coordinators at the start of the season. Parent Coordinators are responsible for communicating team-related news and information to the other parents of the players, coordinating fund-raising efforts, and organizing team events. Parent Coordinators relieve you and your coaching staff of these important tasks, which allows you to focus on coaching. Take the time to thank them for this much-needed role.

Sponsors
To encourage our sponsors to continue making their generous and much needed contributions to HYHA; we require each team to maintain communication with their team sponsor. We recommend that you assign this responsibility to a Parent Coordinator and suggest the following as a minimum:

• Send your team sponsor a team roster and a game schedule.
• Invite your team sponsor to attend your games.
• Send newspaper clippings.
• Send hand drawn/written thank you notes from the children.

Revised 2002