Central Vermont Skating Association

Policies and Procedures

Revised August 11, 2011

Revised September 28, 2011

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Table of Contents Introduction……………………………………………………………………..Page 3

Mission Statement……………………………………………………………Page 3

Organization………………………………………………………………..…..Page 3

Volunteers……………………………………………………………………..…Page 4

Concession Stand Policy……………………………………………………Page 5

Program Descriptions and Levels of Play…………………………..Page 6

Selection of Coaches…………………………………………….…..………Page 7

Player Safety Policy…………………………………………………………..Page 8

Petition up Policy……………………………………………………………..Page 9

Tryout Policy….………………………….……………………………………..Page 12

Goalie Tryout Policy……………………………………………………….…Page 14

Playing Time Policy…………………………………………………………..Page 15

Equipment & Jersey Policies……………………………………..….….Page 16

Codes of Conduct………………………………………………..…………..Page 17

Doug Vasseur Sportsmanship Award……………………………....Page 20

Due Process Policy…………………………………………………………..Page 21

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Introduction to CVSA The Central Vermont Skating Association (CVSA) is an org anization formed in 1974 for the purpose of

teaching interested children the game of ice hockey. The primary towns that CVSA serves as

designated by the Vermont State Hockey Association include Berlin, Calais, East Montpelier, Middlesex,

Montpelier, Plainfield, Woodbury, and Worcester.

CVSA is a non-profit corporation governed by a Board of Directors consisting of parents of CVSA

players. The Association functions entirely through the hard work and dedication of its many

volunteers.

Mission Statement CVSA’s mission is to promote, supervise, and assist in the development of youth skating and hockey

programs, by providing the best possible experience for all participants, including spectators. The

cornerstone of this experience is advanced through discipline. CVSA continually strives to meet the

highest levels of citizenship, sportsmanship, teamwork, physical well being, and in particular mutual

respect for others.

Board of Directors The CVSA Board of Directors is comprised of volunteers serving staggered 1, 2 and 3 year terms and

officers include a President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treas urer.

Board meetings are open to the public. Please check the CVSA website, www.cvsahockey.org, for

dates, times, and locations. The CVSA Board welcomes and encourages your attendance and

participation.

For more information on youth hockey, please visit these sites:

CVSA: www.cvsahockey.org

Vermont State Amateur Hockey Association: www.vthockey.org

USA Hockey: www.usahockey.com

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Volunteers CVSA is a 100% volunteer run organization, without volunteers the organization would not be able to

survive. There are many ways to volunteer at CVSA:

Operational Volunteers: Board members, Registrar, Scheduler, Coaching Director, Parent

Coordinators, Coaches, Head Referee, etc.

Game Day Volunteers: Timekeeper, scorekeeper and staffing the penalty boxes. Staffing the

concession stand is mandatory, please see the Concession Stand Policy for more information.

Fundraising: Every year about 50% of the money required to operate CVSA comes from

registrations with the remainder raised through volunteer fundraising. This is the only way to

keep hockey affordable.

Each year the CVSA Board of Directors develops a series of fundraising activities. We encourage

you to participate fully in order to keep cost under control. Past programs include corporate

fundraising, the Calcutta cash raffle dinner, a skate-a-thon and, importantly, the concession

stand.

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Concession Stand Policy #A8 Adopted 8/11/2011 CVSA is an organization run solely by the volunteer efforts of parents. Fundraising subsidizes

registration fees by 50% and our biggest fundraiser is our concession stand. Due to the amount of

volunteer hours needed to run it, CVSA has a mandatory participation procedure.

For each child enrolled in CVSA, a family member must work 10 shifts at the concession stand

throughout the season. These shifts can be completed during CVSA games, high school games or

various tournament games. For families with more than two children enrolled in CVSA a cap on the

amount of shifts will be determined.

You will decide when you work your concession stand hours by signing up at the rink. There will be a

sign up sheet posted on the bulletin board. You will also need to sign your name in the red book in the

concession stand to verify that you worked your shift. There will be 2 pare nts required for CVSA

games. There will be 4 parents required for high school games. No one under the age of 15 shall work

in the concession stand.

Once you sign up for a shift you are responsible for that shift. If you cannot work it, then you must find

a replacement. If your replacement doesn’t show up then you will still be charged as if you did not

sign up.

Failure to participate in the appropriate number of shifts will result in having to pay a fee at the end of

the year.

In advance of the season, if you feel you cannot work, you may choose to pay for your concession

stand shifts at registration. The fee will equal your child’s registration fee. (In cases of families with

multiple children, the fee will equal each child’s registration fee.)

At the end of the season, there will be a charge $25 for shifts not worked. You child will not be able to

skate in the next season until that fee is paid.

If you cannot meet this obligation please contact a CVSA Board Member. The CVSA Board will

consider extenuating circumstances and consider alternative volunteer arrangements on a case by case

basis.

Parents will sign a commitment letter at the time of registration.

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Program Descriptions and Levels of Play

Intro to Hockey is an introduction to hockey including skating and stick handling. CVSA participates in the OneGoal program therefore each participant will receive a hockey bag, helmet, chest pads, elbow pads, hockey pants and shin pads. This program will run for approximately 8 weeks and will practice for one hour twice a week. This level does not participate in games. Children ages 3 to 13 are eligible to participate in this program.

In-House Mites is the first level of hockey that focuses primarily on the basic skills of skating, stick handling, passing and shooting. This program practices for one hour twice a week. In January the In-House Mites may host or travel to local hockey associations to play some 3 on 3 cross ice games.

Mites – This is a non-competitive, non-checking level for boys & girls 8 years of age and under. This program practices for one hour twice a week and participates in approximately two 3 on 3 cross ice games each weekend.

Squirts - This is an associate competitive, non-checking level for boys & girls ages 9 & 10. This program practices for one hour twice a week, participates in approximately two games each weekend and participates in the year end State Peewee Tournament.

Peewees – This is an intermediate competitive, non-checking level for boys ages 11 & 12. This program practices for one hour twice a week, participates in approximately two games each weekend and participates in the year end State Peewee Tournament.

Bantams - This is an intermediate competitive, checking level for boys ages 13 & 14. This program practices for one hour twice a week, participates in approximately two games each weekend and participates in the year end State Peewee Tournament.

Girls – This is an intermediate competitive, non-checking level for girls. The group may be split into “Under 12” and “Under 14” pending registration numbers. This program practices for one hour twice a week, participates in approximately two games each weekend and participates in the year end State Peewee Tournament.

Midgets – This is split season high school level hockey ranging from incoming freshmen to seniors. Checking is permitted and practice will occur twice a week. Although cosponsored by CVSA, it is run as a separate program by the Coaching Director. Questions regarding tryouts, scheduling, and other organizational matters, should be directed to the Coaching Director.

Team/Player Eligibility – Prior to the State Championship Tournament each team must have competed

in at least 20 games during a season and each player must have competed in at least 10 games as a

member of that team. Girls teams must have completed at least 14 games as a team during a season

to qualify. Each player must have competed in at least 10 games as a member of that team. The State

Board can approve fewer games.

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Selection of Coaches The Coaches and Board of Directors actively seeks candidates for head and assistant coaching positions

both from within and outside of CVSA.

The Coaching Director, in consultation with the Board of Directors, will contact and interview most

prospective coaches over a period of several weeks in late summer. The committee begins to identify

potential Head Coaches for the teams in the competitive programs. We usually are fortunate to have

many candidates interested in coaching, and in many cases, i nterested in the same position. As a

result, considerable discussion on these choices is necessary, and the decisions are difficult. Another

difficulty is that until players are selected for a team, it is not clear which parent/coach will be available

to coach a specific team.

This process of selecting coaches continues throughout tryouts. The Coaching director, in consultation

with the Board of Directors, will select a Head Coach for every team before or shortly after the

conclusion of the tryouts. The Coaching director in consultation with the Head Coach selects the

Assistant Coaches, with the CVSA Board of Directors approval.

CVSA mandates that each coach attend the appropriate level training conducted through VSAHA on a

regular basis for both initial certification as well as re-certification. CVSA also requires that all coaches

successfully complete a background check.

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Player Safety Policy A1 Adopted 8/11/2011

This Policy is intended to provide coaches and parents with a mechanism for players to be placed in an appropriate level based on the player’s skills and a safe but competitive environment.

If a CVSA coach believes a player is not at an acceptable skill level to safely compete with other

members of the team, the Coach will notify the parent(s) that he/she intends to request from the

Coaching Director an evaluation of the player’s abilities and recommendation of appropriate team

placement. The Coaching Director will evaluate the player at team tryouts if applicable or during the

first three practices of the season. The Coaching Director’s recommendation will be made to the Coach

and parents of the player in question.

If the Coaching Director determines that the player cannot safely compete at his/her age level the

following three options will be available to the parent(s) of the player in question.

1. The parent(s) may move their child to an appropriate level, where applicable.

2. The parent(s) may allow their child to practice with the team where the player was

originally placed and to play during games with that team as the necessary skills develop to

play safely. Based on the Coach’s judgment or a parent request, a second evaluation can be

requested of the Coaching Director to secure a recommendation of the player’s skills and

the same procedure followed.

3. The parent(s) may remove their child from the CVSA program and their registration would

be refunded on a pro-rated basis.

In such cases that the above does not satisfactorily place a player in question, the non -satisfied party

may request that the CVSA Board of Directors convene with those interested parties to discuss

relevant issues and determine player placement.

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CVSA Policy & Process for Players to Play above their Birth Year Placement

Policy A4 Adopted 8/11/2011 General Policy

There are generally two processes for a player to play above their USA Hockey birth year placement:

A player, through his parent(s), asks to be allowed to play at the level above his or her normal

birth year placement. Any player in good standing within CVSA may "p etition up" to play at a

level they are USA Hockey eligible. Players may only petition up to the level above their normal

birth year placement.

CVSA may recruit players to play above their birth year placement when the organization needs

flexibility to create full or balanced teams. Examples of this include but are not limited to :

o The peewees have only ten players registered and the squirts have more than enough

players for a team.

o The peewees have nineteen players registered and need a few more player s in order to

roster two teams.

o The peewees have enough players registered for a full team but have no goalie.

Process The process for evaluating and placing players will be open and fair. Coaches or other CVSA

personnel are not permitted to make any promises or commitments to players or parents in regard

to what team a player is to be placed. In all cases the player must tryout at both levels to ensure a

roster spot at the appropriate level. The Board will set a deadline for requests to play-up. The

deadline will be after player registration has closed but early enough to allow time to set -up the try-out

process. A written request must be submitted by the player to the board prior to the deadline. Coaches are not permitted to make any promises or commitments with players as to which team

they will be placed on.

Player request to petition up With Pending Tryouts: Any player who petitions up to a level that will undergo a formal tryout process

will be evaluated along with the other players. If the “petition-up player” is slotted on the higher lever

team he/she shall be offered a spot on that team. If the “petition-up player” is slotted on the lower

lever team the tryout evaluation committee will decide whether the player makes the lower level team

or plays with his/her age appropriate team. The tryout evaluation committee may evaluate the player

practicing with his/her age appropriate team before making a decision.

Without Pending Tryouts: The Board will appoint a committee to evaluate any player(s) who petition

up to a level that will not be subject to a formal tryout process. The committee will be 1 to 3 impartial

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evaluators. The CVSA Coaching Director will generally be offered a spot on the committee unless

he/she has a conflict. Coaches or potential coaches of teams impacted by the placements of these

evaluations or with players on the impacted teams shall not be on the committee. The committee will

make sure that the evaluation sessions include a similar mix of drills and scrimmage time that would be

present in a tryout process. Generally, team try-outs are done during the second week of practice,

these evaluations should also be held during the second week of practice to allow skaters ice time

before evaluations. The team Head Coach and Assistan t Coaches will generally be the on-ice tryout

coordinators.

Evaluation Criteria

The primary evaluation criteria for the player’s placement shall be his/her level of play as

demonstrated during tryouts. In order to make the higher level team the player should be as

“solid” player on that particular team. He/she should not be in the bottom third of the team.

If the player is “on the bubble” the evaluation committee may solicit input from former and

current coaches.

At the peewee and bantam levels the ability and desire to play a needed player position, such

as defense may be considered.

Goalie/Skater- CVSA is in a unique position in that even at the squirt and peewee levels kids

often play as both goalies and skaters. Goalie/Skater at the squirt, peewee and bantam levels

will be evaluated on both their goalie and skating skills.

Relative team size should be considered if a player “on the bubble”. For example, if the squirts

have 15 players and the peewees 10 players it favors moving the player up to peewees. The

“bubble” may expand or contract based on team size, i.e., it will be harder for a player to make

a team that already has 15 players than one that has 11. This section does not apply if CVSA

has an organizational request for players to move up.

Goalies- In an ideal world each team would have two goalies. Unfortunately there is often a

shortage or surplus of goalies at a particular level. The evaluation committee may put more

weight than normal on team makeup in slotting goalies.

Bantams- The likelihood that some players may make their High School team may be

considered in evaluating bantams.

A situation where a player is injured, ill or otherwise cannot make tryouts or fully participate

will be handled on a case-by-case basis.

CVSA Organizational Request for Players to Petition-up As a small organization CVSA may from time to time need players to move to a higher level in order to

balance the number of players on a team or to make two teams at a particular level. In such cases, the

Board shall solicit requests to petition-up.

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Solicitation Process

After annual player registration has closed the Board shall meet to discuss and decide the need for

player movement above their birth year placement. Should the Board decide the need for player

movement it shall solicit position-up requests from all players at the level below the needed level. The

Board shall also state the reason for the request, e.g., we want to make two squirts teams; the

peewees need a goalie; the squirts have 16 players and the peewees 9. As a small organization it is

possible to anticipate the need for player movement but no decisions on the need for player

movement should be made until registration has closed. Coaches and other CVSA officials are not

permitted to make any promises or commitments to players, parents or potential players in regard to

player placement.

Try-out Process The try-out process for CVSA Organizational requests to move-up will be the same as the player

petition process except that the goal of this process is t o find players to move up.

Player Placement Decision Once the evaluations are completed the evaluation Committee(s) will make their recommendations to

the Board. The Board will have the final decision. However, the Board is not to second guess the

Committee(s) evaluation of the player(s) talent and skills. The Board’s job is to make sure the process

was fair and was followed and may overrule the Committee(s) on such things as team size or number

of teams.

Appeal Process A player’s parent may appeal a player placement to the Board. However, unless the appellant can

show the process was not followed or the outcome was unfair the appeal will be denied. Second

guessing the Committee’s evaluation of the player’s talent and skills is not a basis for appeal.

Grievances or complaints regarding team placement should be made in writing and sent to the CVSA

Board, PO Box 1055, Montpelier, VT 05602, or email to the CVSA President, within 5 days of team

rosters being announced. The President, Coaching director or other board member will contact the

grievant to schedule a time for the Board to hear the complaint if appropriate.

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Tryout Policy #A3 Adopted 8/11/2011 Central Vermont Skating Association (CVSA) has developed an evaluation process for tryouts, which is

intended to place players on teams matching the individual skills and competitive level of each child.

CVSA utilizes individual evaluators from outside the organization to objectively evaluate each of the

players whenever possible. However, when needed, an evaluator may be selected within the

organization as long as that person has no “ties” to the team he/she is evaluating.

Each player is given the opportunity to perform at their highest level, in a fair and open chance to

compete for a position on each team, which they are eligible. CVSA adheres to an open tryout process

at all levels. A player is not guaranteed a position on their previous year’s team. If a player is unable to

tryout due to injury or other absence then their placement will be determined on a case-by-case basis.

If a player does not tryout, then that player will be automatically placed on the B team.

The Coaching Director of CVSA manages tryouts. If the Coaching Director has a conflict the Board will

appoint a replacement. The Coaching Direc tor will be required to attend the entire tryout process to

provide oversight. The Coaching Director will select a “Head Tryout” coach and assistants for each age

group to run tryouts. The Coaching Director will develop drills and guidelines to be used du ring

tryouts.

There will be 3 independent evaluators that will be chosen by the Coaching Director. They will be

chosen for their experience and knowledge of ice hockey. The independent evaluators that are chosen

will be required to participate throughout the process. They will do this on a volunteer basis.

Players are identified by numbers only. At no time will Evaluators have access to player’s names.

During tryouts, all non-participants, including all family members, need to clear the benches by the ice,

benches by the locker rooms, as well as the locker rooms. Coaches will be available in the locker rooms to assist younger players in getting dressed. Tryouts can be viewed from the spectator bleachers or the snack bar area.

Procedures

The tryout process involves 2 warm-up sessions and 2 tryout sessions. Tryout session 1 consists of drills

that emphasize forward and backward skating, passing and shooting. Players are evaluated the entire

time they are on the ice. Session 2 consists of a scrimmage where skaters are applying those skills and

drills from the previous session. Scrimmage teams are balanced to provide the greatest opportunity for

players to display their skills. Drills are weighed more heavily at the lower levels and scrimmages are

weighed more heavily at the higher levels.

Evaluator’s rankings will be turned over to the Coaching Director after each tryout session and will be

kept confidential. After the 2nd session, rankings will be combined with other evaluators to determine the final ranking. Jersey numbers are placed in ranking order and teams are formed. Once teams are formed then, and only then, will player’s names be attached to the numbers. If skaters are “on the

bubble” evaluators will discuss, as a group, the individual skater’s skills and abilities and make a final decision as to where to place him/her. No one, under any circumstances, is allowed in the evaluation

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room for any reason except the Coaching Director, Evaluators and prior year’s coaches if input is

required.

Team selection will be based on:

1. Skill level and game ability of the skater based on drills and scrimmages during tryouts.

2. Input from the skater’s prior year’s coaches and the other qualified evaluators when a

player’s ability appears to be near or borderline between 2 levels of a team. At no time shall

a coach be permitted entrance into the evaluation room if their child’s placement is being

discussed.

3. Preference will be given to a second year skater over a first year skater, when a choice

cannot be clearly made on skills and ability.

4. Goalies-See attached goalie tryout policy.

Determination of a player's placement is made after the tryout process occurs. Team rosters will be posted prior

to the next practice.

Appeal Process

A player’s parent may appeal a player placement to the Board. However, unless the appellant can

show the process was not followed or the outcome was unfair the appeal will be denied. Second

guessing the Committee’s evaluation of the player’s talent and skills is not a basis for appe al.

Grievances or complaints regarding tryouts should be made in writing and sent to the CVSA Board, PO

Box 1055, Montpelier, VT 05602 or email to the CVSA President within 5 days of team rosters being

announced The President, Coaching director or other board member will contact the grievant to

schedule a time for the Board to hear the complaint if appropriate.

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Goalie Tryout Policy #A3a Adopted 9/28/2011 As an organization CVSA encourages goalies to develop their skating and other hockey skills by also

“skating out” in games that they are not in net. This is particularly true at the mite and squirt level.

We have developed players who are both strong skaters and strong goalies. This has allowed them to

play both disciplines until peewee or bantams. However, this policy can complicate the process of

slotting players when there is more than one team at a level of play, i.e., tryouts.

Since there are a number of possible different goalie/skater scenarios, each tryout process will be

handled on a case-by-case basis using the following guidelines:

The general guidelines of the CVSA Tryout policy also apply to goalies.

Before tryouts commence potential goalies should be identified. Goalie means a player who

wishes to play goalie on a regular basis. It also includes any players that are petitioning-up.

Before tryouts commence a meeting should be held with all potential goalies, their parents, and

the coaching director. The purpose of the meeting is to gather information to develop a

framework for the tryout process. A situation in which there are two players who intend to try

out as goalies is less complicated than one where there goalie/skaters who intend to tryout as

skaters

Players can tryout as a skater, a goalie, or both goalie/skater.

No player will be forced to tryout as or to be slotted as a goalie. If there are three or more

goalies one or more may be double rostered until teams need to be set for the state

tournament at which time they will placed on the appropriate team.

All players who try-out for goalie will need to be evaluated as such at team tryouts. If there is

only one player trying out as a goalie he/she is not guaranteed a place on the A/B team.

Goalies are allowed to petition-up to teams undergoing tryouts either as an individual or

organization request.

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Playing Time Policy #A6 Adopted 8/11/2011 The overriding philosophy of the organization is to develop the individual skills and the confidence of

each player. At each level of play it is intended that over the course of the regula r season all players

will receive fairly equal ice time. CVSA recognizes that the desire to compete and win also comes into

play. This could mean that in close games the stronger players will skate more in the third period.

Certain teams will have “power play units” which may have more of an opportunity to play during

power plays, the same holding true in “man down” situations. However, over the course of the

season, all players should receive fairly equal ice time, adjusted for games missed due to illness , injury

and other reasons. No player should be “benched” for an entire period, unless it is for disciplinary

reasons or injury. It is the responsibility of the coach to balance the desire to win with the

developmental needs of players. This is especially true at the mite and squirt levels.

At the squirt, peewee and bantam levels teams play in the state tournament. During tournament

games coaches may “shorten the bench” and give stronger players more ice time. Each team dynamic

is different and coaches are given latitude in determining playing time. However, no player should be

benched for a whole game without good cause. Where the opportunity exists weaker players should

be given reasonable playing time.

As a smaller organization, there may be times when a team has an unusually large number of players.

In such cases, the coach may have a number of players not participate in some games in order to

provide suitable ice time for participating players. Over the course of a season each player shall be

given the opportunity to play in roughly the same number of games. CVSA will strive to schedule more

games for such teams to allow players the opportunity to play in a sufficient number of games.

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Equipment Players, with the exception of goalies, are require d to provide all of their own equipment. All players

must have hockey skates, stick, legal helmet with facemask, elbow pads, shin pads, hockey pants, and

gloves. In an effort to increase player safety, CVSA requires that all players at the In -House level and

above wear and approved neck guard and a visible (non-clear) mouth guard at all times. Each item

should be clearly marked with the player’s name.

Jersey Policy #A7 Adopted 8/11/2011 Players may only wear CVSA approved and supplied jerseys. No additi ons or modifications will be

allowed to the game jerseys without prior approval from the Board of Directors.

1. CVSA jerseys will be cared for by individual players. Players and parents will be responsible for

any abnormal wear and tear and/or stains.

2. CVSA jerseys will be carried to and from games on plastic hangers and will be covered by a

garment bag or other protection or jerseys will be transported in a hockey bag as long as the

jersey is folded and stored in a separate compartment or container so that i t is protected from

other hockey gear.

3. CVSA jerseys will not be worn outside the Arena and are only to be used during actual games

and scrimmages. With prior approval CVSA jerseys can be worn to CVSA events such as the 4 th

of July parade and other CVSA fundraising activities and to other local hockey events such as

youth hockey day at Norwich and USA hockey wear your jersey day.

4. CVSA jerseys will be turned in by the date set by the CVSA Board (generally within one week)

after the winter season has concluded. Winter season includes post season tournaments.

5. Parent Coordinators will be responsible for their team jersey collection at the end of the season

and also the return of the jerseys to CVSA.

6. If a player/parent chooses not to turn in the CVSA jersey within the set time, a bill of

$100.00 will be sent to the individual family.

7. If the missing jersey bill is not paid in full by the start of the next season, the individual family

will no longer have skating privileges through CVSA until the bill is paid.

8. Coaches will be provided extra jerseys. The same charges will apply if lost or misplaced.

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CVSA Hockey Player Code of Conduct Adopted 8/11/2011 It is the intention of this compact to promote Fair Play and Respect for all participants within

CVSA. It is expected that all players of CVSA read and understand the Player's Code of Conduct

and continue to observe and follow all the principles contained within this code throughout the

year.

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.

Come prepared. Make sure you have all your equipment. Also make sure that you are

prepared by eating well and are receiving adequate sleep.

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

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

Never argue with an official’s decision.

Understand that poor sportsmanship can carry the following consequences.

First offense verbal warning.

Second offense dismissal from the game.

Third offense dismissal from the next two games.

Fourth offense dismissal from the team and team activities.

Player's name Player's signature

Team

Date

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CVSA Coaches Code of Conduct Adopted 8/11/2011

CVSA recognizes that all coaches are valuable volunteers who are generously giving their time

to work with our children. Working with these young people is both a responsibility and a

privilege. The following is a list of a coach’s responsibilities:

Sportsmanship should be emphasized at all times.

Lead by example. Be a positive role model. Be alert to the physical safety of the players.

Stress the importance of teamwork.

Treat all players equally.

Stress fun and skill development.

Be consistent, honest, and fair.

Be an effective communicator and coach. Maintain an open line of communication with

players, their families, and other adults coaching with you.

Be responsible for knowing, understanding, and following all the rules of the game.

Coaches are responsible for the conduct of their players. If unsportsmanlike behavior is

exhibited, it is the responsibility of the coach to address the behavior in a positive and

constructive way. Do not criticize player(s) publicly.

If a discipline issue occurs, for example, the player(s) is/are not following directions or has violated a rule:

Have a player(s) take a time out on the bench. This will allow the player(s) as well as the coach to cool down.

Talk with the player(s) about the issue with another coach or adult present.

Remember to stay calm and be clear. You need to hear their side of the story too.

Contact the player or player’s family in a timely manner to let them know about the

incident and course of action taken.

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CVSA Hockey Parent's Code of Conduct Adopted 8/11/2011

It is the intention of this compact to promote Fair Play and Respect for all participants within

CVSA. It is expected that all parents of CVSA participants read and understand the Parent's

Code of Conduct and continue to observe and follow all the principles contained within this

code throughout the year.

1. I will encourage my child to play by the rules and to resolve conflict without resorting to hostility or violence.

2. I will remember that children learn by example. I will applaud good plays both by my child's

team and their opponent's. I will not be critical of, or embarrass any player, including

opposition players.

3. I will never question the official's judgment or honesty in public. I recognize that officials are

being developed in the same manner as players.

4. I will respect and show appreciation for the volunteers who give their time to hockey for my child.

5. I will never yell, taunt, threaten or inflict physical violence upon any player, coach, official or

spectator at any youth hockey activity. I will refrain from the use of abusive or vulgar language,

racial, ethnic or gender-related slurs at any time at the rink or any youth hockey function. I will

support all efforts to remove verbal and physical abuse from youth hockey games.

6. I will leave the coaching to the coaching staff. I will encourage my child to play in a manner consistent with the team's strategy or plans.

7. I will attempt to learn about the game of hockey (USA Hockey rules, equipment, levels, skills,

etc.) so that I may best support my child's development in the game.

8. I will communicate all and any concerns regarding inappropriate behavior to the Coach, Parent Coordinator, or Head Coach.

9. I will remember that my child plays hockey for his or her enjoyment, not mine.

I have read and understand the above Code of conduct, and agree to abide by its guidelines

at all team and league activities. I understand that if I do not follow this Code of Conduct, I

may be asked to leave the league activity (such as a game or practice) or I may be asked to

withdraw my child from the league.

Player's Name:

Date:

Print Parent Name:

Signature:

Print Parent Name:

Signature:

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Doug Vasseur Sportsmanship Award The Doug Vasseur Sportsmanship Award is in memory of Doug Vasseur, a CVSA parent, coach,

volunteer and friend who gave his heart to hockey and committed endless hours to the sport. A plaque will be located at the Central Vermont Memorial Civic Center in honor of Doug. Each

year the player who is chosen for the award will have their name added to the plaque.

The sportsmanship ward is based on the following criteria:

Team Play

Positive Attitude

Good sportsmanship

Attendance

Locker room behavior

By January 15th each year the Head Coach of the Squirt, Peewee and Bantam teams will

nominate a candidate for consideration for this award. The Coaching Director will make a

recommendation to the CVSA Board of Directors and the Board will approve the Coaching

Directors nomination for the award.

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Due Process Policy

The adoption of policies will be made at public meetings convened and conducted consistent

with Roberts Rules, USA Hockey, and Vermont statutes.

Written agreements made with groups, group representatives, or individuals will be honored if

previously approved by the CVSA Board of Directors.

On matters relating to hockey players, coaches, parent coordinators, or families, the Board will

conduct hearings upon the request of any party directly involved in the proceeding only after

discussions have been conducted with:

a. The Parent Coordinator;

b. The parties primarily or directly involved.

Hearings conducted at any level shall allow for:

a. Advanced notification including date, time, place, and purpose of hearing;

b. Notice of any changes; c. Right to have a witness present and be heard;

d. Right to a prompt hearing and decision.

A CVSA Board decision is final. On cases of formal hearings the CVSA Board will seek the advice

and counsel of its attorney.

A record of proceedings before the CVSA Board will be made upon a hockey player’s or hockey

player’s parents or guardians written request, received by the board Chair.

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