TEAM RULES

September, 2009

           HOCKEY CLUB AT THE U OF M-FLINT

                     ORIENTATION-TEAM RULES

             WELCOME TO THE FALL 2009 SEASON

Philosophy:

     The objective is to teach team skills and improve individual skills so as to allow the players to function as a unit.   We want to be disciplined, enjoy playing the game, and represent our team, parents, coaches, and ourselves well.  Remember, you only have one chance to make a good first impression.

Expectations:

1. Form good work habits
2. Play Hard
3. Play Smart
4. Play as a Team
5. Choice-Consequence-Commitment

Game/Practice Agenda:

1. 45 Minutes Prior to Start of Game/ 30 Minutes Prior to Start of Practice: Arrive at arena
2. 35 Minutes Prior to Start of Game/ 25 Minutes Prior to Start of Practice: Off Ice Warm Up
3. 10 Minutes Prior to Start  of Practice/Game:  Be Dressed/Team Meeting
4.   5 Minutes After Practice/Game:  Team Meeting to review what we did that day
5.  At completion of Meeting you may finish putting your gear away and finish dressing.

 Player Rules:

1. When a Coach is talking, you are to listen. 
2. You are responsible to have all of your equipment.  It is to be in good and acceptable condition as prescribed in the rules of the game.      
3. No pushing or tripping or throwing of anything at each other on or off the ice or in the locker room.
4. Always support each other.
5. We want to develop a routine prior to every practice/game.  You are expected to be fully dressed 10 minutes before ice time for the Team Meeting.  When changing from your shoes to skates (and visa versa), watch where you step.  The fingers or toes you save may be your own.
6. IF INJURED, TELL ONE OF YOUR COACH’S IMMEDIATELY.
7. Puck’s are not to be used until told to do so by a coach.  You are responsible for the shot you take.  Look first.  If a goaltender is not ready, don’t shoot at them.  Watch for coaches and other players as well.
8. The locker room, showers, and rest room will be clean before leaving.  All tape/trash is to be properly discarded prior to the last team member’s departure.
9. We expect you to use appropriate language at all times-no swearing.
10. For those old enough to legally drink, alcohol is prohibited 8 hours prior to and during any team function.  When the team travels, the entire trip is considered a team function-no alcohol from 8 hours prior to the time we leave until the time we return.  No drugs are allowed.  As for tobacco, USA Hockey prohibits the use of it in any arena.  In any event, no tobacco where secondary smoke is exposed to those around you in a closed environment, an example of which is when traveling in a car or in a hotel room with other teammates.
11. Hockey is a team sport.  As such, YOU are expected to attend all team functions (practices, games, or meetings).  If YOU cannot attend, YOU are expected to contact one of the Coaches or Manger ahead of time giving sufficient notice by phone, text, or e-mail.  Failure to do so will result in an unexcused absence.
12. No unsportsmanlike conduct.  If addressed by a referee, you will respond with a yes, sir or no, sir.  No talking back.  No arguing the call.  No slamming the stick on the ice, glass, or boards.  One of our team objectives is to avoid taking unnecessary bad penalties (unsportsmanlike, behind the play, etc.).
13. You will not hit another player/opponent from behind.  You are in control of what you do on the ice.  Even if an opponent turns at the last moment, you are responsible to be in sufficient control to avoid hitting them from behind into the boards.
14. No fighting-no retaliating (See DQ Penalty Provisions in NCAA Rules).  We expect you to have respect for your opponent and the game you are priviledged to play.

General Comments:

2. You agree to abide by all ACHA and USA Hockey Policies and Procedures.
3. Ice Bills:  The team expenses are billed to all players; no credits or deductions are allowed if games or practices are missed.  There may be circumstances where a refund could be considered (ie: injury).  There will be no refunds for anyone removed from the team for disciplinary or academic reasons.
4. Team Sanctions:  Any player failing to comply with any of the policies or expectations of the Club will be subject to any or all of the following sanctions;
   1. Loss of playing time during a game/practice
   2. Suspension from entire games/practices
   3. Suspension from the team
   4. Dismissal from the team
5. Fundraising:  Is an essential function of the team’s financial viability and success.  To that end, every player is expected to participate in an equal amount of fundraising activities during the year.
6. Club Equipment:  All players are responsible for returning any equipment issued to them at the end of the season. 
7. Should you have a question or issue with another parent, player, or Coach, we will impose a 24-hour cool down period.  After that period has expired, please feel free to call me and we will address the item.

Game Dress Code:

      Dress collared-long sleeve shirt, tie, dress slacks, dress socks, nice shoes. 

I have reviewed these rules, understand them, and agree to abide by them.

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                      Player Signature

              _________________________

                                 Date