League policies are rules specific to our Association and are drafted by the House League Committee (HLC), and approved by our Board of Directors. These policies are in place to augment our Constitution and By-Laws and those of ALLIANCE Hockey. These policies are updated and added to on a regular basis throughout the season.

Team Officials (Policy #01)

This policy includes the number of persons allowed on rosters, or side agreement, age of persons, and accreditation requirements. Please also refer to Policy #022 relating to the need to confirm that all team officials have met the accreditation guidelines.

Development Program Team List
A maximum of eight (8) persons are allowed to be rostered to a team. Only six (6) of these eight (8) people are allowed to be on ice at one time. These six (6) people include the Head Coach and five (5) Assistant Coaches. A Parent Rep is required to be appointed for each team as this person is one of two people allowed to vote at General Meetings (the other being the Head Coach). The office must be advised of the Parent Rep’s name, separately from the roster. Parent Reps are not allowed on the ice or on the bench. Only those persons named on the team list/roster are allowed on the ice or on the bench. The Head Coach must have attended, at a minimum, the in-house coaching course run by BLOMHA, and ALL team officials must have successfully completed the Speak Out course and provided a valid Vulnerable Sector Screening Police Clearance certificate within the period of time as established by the House League Committee (HLC). Currently, this has been established as November 30.

House League Rosters
A maximum of four (4) persons are allowed to be on these rosters. These four (4) people include the Head Coach, Assistant Coach, Trainer, Manager and/or Parent Rep. The Parent Rep is not allowed on the bench or ice. If a team elects to roster a Manager, by separate letter, the BLOMHA office is to be advised of the Parent Rep's name, as this person is one of two per team allowed to vote at General Meetings (the other being the Head Coach). Only those persons identified on the roster are allowed on the ice or on the bench. Head Coach must have at a minimum, Level Coach or Development Stream 1, CBET accreditation, or equivalent and Speak Out. Trainer must have recognized trainer accreditation and Speak Out, and the Assistant Coach and Manager must have completed the Speak Out course at a minimum.

REP/MD Teams
A maximum of five (5) persons are allowed on these rosters. These five (5) people include the Head Coach, two (2) Assistant Coaches, Trainer and Manager. The Parent Rep's name has to be given to the BLOMHA office, as this person is one of two per team allowed to vote at General Meetings (the other being the Head Coach). A third Assistant Coach, who is only able to assist with practices, is to be advised to the office also by a side letter and the office will submit the names of these persons as a group to the Alliance for insurance coverage purposes. Only these persons, either on roster or covered by side agreement, are allowed on the ice. In certain instances, the HLCC can approve the temporary addition to on-ice persons, to cover such cases as utilizing the services of power skating instructors, hitting/checking instructors, etc. All Coaches, including Assistant Coaches and practice-only Coaches, must have Level Coach accreditation, or Development Stream 1, CBET accreditation or equivalent (including Speak Out) and including body checking portion for those teams where this is permissible. The Trainer must have recognized trainer accreditation and the Trainer and Manager must have Speak Out, at a minimum.

General Guidelines for all Team Officials
Any individual wishing to be an Assistant Coach must be at least 16 years of age, and at least 18 years of age to be either a Head Coach or a Trainer.

Vulnerable Sector Screening Police Clearance Guidelines (VSSPC)
Guidelines are recorded in By-Law One, B (7) (page 20) of the Constitution and By-Laws booklet, which states that all Team Officials listed on a BLOMHA roster must provide a vulnerable police screening clearance certificate to the BLOMHA office prior to taking a position on the bench and it must be updated every two (2) seasons.

On-Ice Help guidelines are recorded in Policy #002.

Approved by Board of Directors - (Revised September 8/09)

On-Ice Help (Policy #02)

Only those individuals listed below are permitted to be on the ice during practices. These individuals must be at least 16 years of age for Assistant Coaches and 18 years of age for Head Coaches and Trainers. BLOMHA will cover the registration and insurance fees of the individuals listed below and outlined in Policy #001. CSA-approved helmets, with chin strap done up properly, are mandatory for all Team Officials when participating on the ice.

Development Program
At a maximum, all Team Officials listed on the team list/roster, and who are properly accredited according to policy as established, are allowed on the ice, to a maximum of six (6) at any one time. These individuals must be at least 16years of age for Assistant Coaches and 18 years of age for Head Coaches and Trainers.

House League
The Head Coach, Assistant Coach and Manager, if listed on the official roster, are allowed on the ice, subject to each having the proper up-to-date  Hockey Canada/Alliance accreditation and vulnerable sector screening police clearance. Trainers for this group are allowed on the ice for practices.These individuals must be at least 18 years of age.

REP/MD
The Head Coach, Assistant Coaches and Manager are allowed on the ice, in addition to one practice-only Assistant Coach, whom has been advised to the office by a separate letter. If an individual is listed on the roster as a Trainer, that person is only allowed on the ice to attend to an injury.These individuals must be at least 18 years of age.

Approved by Board of Directors - (Revised Septemberr 8/09)

Physician's Clearance (Policy #03)

Players that are removed from a game or practice due to an injury are required to complete a Hockey Injury Report (HIR). These reports must be filed within 30 days after the incident. Failure to meet the deadline will result in the player losing coverage for that particular injury or any other related injuries. Players must provide a written clearance from a physician prior to returning to the ice in the following cases:

• Following an injury that occurred on-ice and that required the player to be removed from play.
• For any player who has recurring or persistent complaints of pain about an injury that did not occur during hockey.
• For any player with any condition that prevents him/her from participating fully in a practice or game with the exception of colds and flu.

Approved by Board of Directors - (Revised October 30/09)

Registration Discounts (Policy #04)

Any family registering three (3) or more (House Leage) players in a given season will be charged the following:

1.$250.00 each for the third and subsequent members of the same family household.

Approved by Board of Directors - (Revised May 1/09)

Approved by Board of Directors - (August 1/09)

Refunds and Resignations (HOUSE LEAGUE) (Policy #06)

ALL REFUNDS must be requested in person at the BLOMHA office using the Refund Request Form. NO REFUND will be processed otherwise. Once the office has been contacted and informed that the player is resigning from the league, the player must return his/her jersey and socks to the office. Refunds will only be given if the player withdraws prior to October 31. Prior to September 30, a full refund less a $50.00 administration fee will be given. Withdrawals during the month of October will be given a 50% refund. A $50.00 refund will be issued to players who have withdrawn after October 31 and before December 1st, upon return of their jersey and socks. No refunds will be provided to players who are also registered with other sanctioned hockey associations and fail to request a refund from BLOMHA by October 1. Players who are found to be playing in a non sanctioned league such as The Wave and Blomha at ther same time shall be removed from ther Blomha program without any refunds.

Approved by Board of Directors - (Revised May 01/09)

Parent Rep Responsibilities (Policy #07)

A Parent Rep is the voice/communication liaison between BLOMHA, team parents, and the Coach. Responsibilities include:

Attending General Meetings (approximately three [3] per season). At these meetings Parent Reps are expected to present new business from their teams' points of view, return after these meetings and provide the parents on the teams with a summary of the meeting's results, represent the teams' vote by majority along with the Team Officials as per By-Laws.

Looking after any complaints from parents. If the complaint is in regards to the Coach, Trainer, etc., Parent Reps will talk to the individual on behalf of the team. If the matter cannot be resolved in this manner, the Parent Rep is to contact BLOMHA for further assistance.

Ensuring that everyone involved with the team (Coaches, Manager and parents) are aware of all activities concerning the team.

Collecting and distributing information to parents for their team (i.e., picture applications, team pictures, or any other information from the league to be distributed to parents).

Looking after fundraising activities and general co-ordination of activities for the team. Must ensure that the guidelines pertaining to fundraising activities are followed.

Ensuring that both parents and players have fun during the season.

Approved by Board of Directors - (Revised September 8/09)

Dry Land Training - Rep/MD (Policy #08)

Rep/MD teams that participate in a body-checking program, are recommended to participate in a dry land training program.A program will be provided for each team, that will be conducted at the arena (s) prior to each and every on ice event (home/away).Each trainer for their respective team is expected to ensure that the program is followed in an effort to reduce injuries.

Approved by Board of Directors - (Revised September 8/09)

Rostered Players Position (Policy #09)

Players are only allowed to participate at the position that they have been rostered, namely goalies as goalies and skaters as either forward or defence. This policy is applicable for all events, whether regularly regularly scheduled House League games, practices, exhibition games, tournaments, etc.

It remains BLOMHA policy that all players will have the opportunity to rotate through a goalie position if they wish for all divisions up to but not including Atom.

Approved by Board of Directors -(Revised September 8/08)

NSF Cheques (Policy #10)

Each NSF cheque received by BLOMHA must be paid in full plus a $40.00 administrative fee. When a NSF cheque is received, the individual will be contacted immediately via telephone or mail, requesting payment of the NSF cheque. If the NSF cheque is for the first half of the fees then the second half of the fee will also have to paid in full at this time. If payment of the full amount is not received within one (1) week of initial contact, a subsequent letter will be sent to the individual once again detailing the required payment and due date. The individual will be informed that failure to meet this payment deadline will result in their child(ren) not being permitted on the ice. Convenors will be notified via both telephone and email of any player who is not permitted on the ice until the NSF payment has been received at the BLOMHA office. Once payment is received, the Convenor will be contacted again and informed that the player may return to the ice.

Approved by Board of Directors - (Revised September 8/09)

Goaltender Playing Restrictions (Policy #11)

Team rosters upon which goaltenders are registered (Atom to Midget) shall be clearly marked as goaltenders. 

Coaches in the Minor Atom, Atom, Minor Peewee and Peewee divisions may permit a designated goaltender to play out ONLY if the number of skaters is BELOW fifteen (15). Any coach who allows either of the goaltenders to play any position other than goaltender in the Minor Atom to Peewee divisions when there are fifteen (15) or more skaters shall automatically be suspended pending a disciplinary hearing.

Players marked as goaltenders in the Minor Bantam to Midget divisions shall not ever be permitted to play any other position.  Any coach who allows either of the goaltenders to play any position other than goaltender in the Minor Bantam to Midget divisions shall automatically be suspended pending a disciplinary hearing.

In the Tyke to Novice divisions the goaltender position is assigned on a rotational basis and the above policies do not apply.

Approved by Board of Directors - (Revised October 29/09)

Player Evaluations (Policy #12)

It is highly recommended that prior to the completion of player evaluations, individual Coaches are to be shown examples of each skill level (rated on a scale of1-35) calibre so that these examples can serve as a Coach's guidelines when completing their own player evaluations. All examples used for demonstration purposes are to be agreed upon beforehand by the respective Assistant Director and the Coaches experienced at evaluating. Respective Assistant Directors of each division along with a Director, if appropriate, and a few experienced Coaches are to review all player evaluations. A consensus between evaluators can result in amendments made to the evaluations if deemed necessary.

Approved by Board of Directors - (Revised September 8/09)

House LeagueTournaments (Policy #13)

House League Tournaments

In order to enter a Tournament you must have at minimum ten (10) skaters and one (1) goalie from your team.   Teams with only one (1) goalie are permitted to substitute the goalie if the one (1) goalie cannot attend.  The replacement goalie must be from the same division or lower.

Once a team has been accepted into a Tournament, players can only be added to the roster if the team drops below ten (10) skaters and one (1) goalie.  If such a situation arises, players are to be recruited from either the same division or lower. The Head Coach must submit a request in print to their respective House League Director, President and the BLOMHA office. Approval of all replacement player(s)/goalie(s) will be confirmed in print back to the Head Coach. HOWEVER, FINAL APPROVAL OF A TEAM'S ROSTER IS GIVEN BY THE OFFICIALS OF THE HOSTING TOURNAMENT ORGANIZATION.

Approved by Board of Directors - (August 1/09)

Banishment of Parents (Policy #14)

In the event that a parent is banished from any games and/or practices, such suspensions are applicable to the entire ice facility including lobbies, dressing rooms, and any other common areas of the ice facility. This is applicable to both single and twin pad facilities.

Approved by Board of Directors - (Revised September 8/09)

Equipment (Policy #15)

Equipment checklists for Tyke and up are to be completed and submitted to the office by November 1. Helmet/Face Guard checklists are to be completed by the team Trainer and also submitted to the office no later than November 1. The Development Programs are exempt from the helmet/face guard checklist deadline, as they will be assisted by the Trainer Mentorship Group at the end of October. All helmets/face guards are required to be CSA or HECC approved as indicated by the appropriate stickers. Players that do not have a CSA or HECC approved sticker on their helmets/face guards will not be permitted on the ice. BLOMHA will provide goalie equipment for the Development divisions and up to the Minor Atom division (players aged 4 to 9 years of age).

Approved by Board of Directors - (Revised September 8/09)

Rep/MD Tryouts - Player Injury (Policy #16)

Player Injury
Any player injured at a tryout who is not able to complete that tryout must get a written physician's clearance before returning to the tryouts. It is the Trainer who writes the HC Injury Report (HCIR) and submits it to the hockey office. BLOMHA faxes this report on to the ALLIANCE. The coach must support the Trainer's decision.

If a player arrives to the tryouts with an injury that occurred elsewhere and demonstrates that he is incapable of participating fully in the tryout, he/she will require a written physician's clearance to resume the next tryout. In this case, no hockey injury report needs to be filled out by a BLOMHA Trainer, but a written physician's clearance is still required.

Approved by Board of Directors - (Revised September 8/09)

Rep/MD Tryouts - Trainer Position (Policy #17)

Trainers designated for the Rep/MD tryouts must be approved by the Technical Director of Trainers. Wherever possible, the Trainers will be selected from the parental group of the players attending that division's tryouts. At least one trainer on the bench must have Rep/MD experience. Both Trainers must have valid certification numbers with the ALLIANCE. As the minimum number of players per tryout per division is approximately thirty (30), two (2) Trainers are required for each division. There will be one Trainer responsible for the home bench and the other for the visiting bench. Trainers will be responsible for the following:

Injury response on-ice and on the bench
Only Trainers on the bench are to respond to player injuries. Helpers on the ice with trainer certification are recognized as on-ice helpers, not Trainers. Trainers on the bench will respond to and complete all necessary documentation (e.g., HC Injury Report). The Trainer is responsible for ensuring that families provide written physician's clearance to return an injured player to the tryouts. Coaches must support the trainer's request for written clearance to allow a player to resume tryouts. A verbal clearance by a physician does not satisfy our insurance policy with Hockey Canada.

Water bottle supervision and management on the bench
Trainers are responsible for controlling the bench and minimizing the possibility of players sharing water bottles. All bottles on the bench are to be clearly labeled with the players' names. Trainers are to ensure that unmarked bottles are properly labeled. Trainers will use hand-sanitizing gel before and after handling players' bottles. Player assignment to the home or visitor bench will be determined by the Coach when the player arrives to register.

Bench supervision prior to the tryout
Players must be supervised while the zamboni is clearing the ice. Water bottles are not allowed on the boards until the zamboni has left the ice. Gate are not to be opened until the light is turned off. Players are to pass through the gates to get on the ice. Climbing over or sitting on the boards is not permitted.

Meet with Technical Director of Trainers At least one meeting with the Director of Trainers prior to and/or during the tryouts is mandatory. Trainer responsibilities and expectations will be reviewed at that time.

Approved by Board of Directors - (Revised September 8/09)

Waiting List (Policy #18)

• Waiting lists will be prepared by the BLOMHA office staff for each division when the division has reached capacity.
• Application to be placed on the waiting list must be made in person at the BLOMHA office.
• No fees will be charged to be placed on a waiting list.

Information recorded on a waiting list includes the player's name, position, and telephone number and if and where they played the previous year (this is to include an indication of the level or calibre of hockey).

Players must be placed in the proper age group and division. Any player movement between divisions (e.g., a player moves off a Minor PeeWee list to fill an opening in PeeWee) will only occur if the receiving division has no one on the waiting list and must be approved by the House League Committee.

Criteria for moving a player from the waiting list include filling an identified need within the division (e.g., goalie for a goalie), if a parent of the player is a volunteer in BLOMHA (e.g., Coach, Assistant Director or Trainer) and then on a first-come, first-serve basis. Please note that being a Coach, Assistant Director or Trainer does not guarantee that your son/daughter will be placed on a team. It is acknowledged that the organization requires a significant number of volunteers to run efficiently and effectively. Non-Burlington residents will be placed at the bottom of the "list" and will only be admitted after September 1, if space is available.

The office staff will contact the player and request their attendance at the office within 48 hours to register. After September 1 the full registration fee is required. Prior to September 1, 50% at time of registration and 50% post-dated to September 15. If the player does not respond to the office within 48 hours they will be returned to the waiting list and the next person will be called.

The office will notify the Assistant Director and Director when the new player is registered and the Assistant Directorwill advise the player of the name and telephone number of his/her coach where applicable.

Players who remain on the waiting list will be moved to the top of the list the following season and given first priority for available positions.

Approved by Board of Directors - (Revised September 8/09)

Team Requirements (Policy #19)

 This policy addresses the need to monitor and confirm that all Team Officials have met the accreditation guidelines.

House League and Development Program

Only volunteers with the full and proper accreditation, as decided by the Board from time to time, will be declared eligible to become a Team Official in the capacity of Head or Assistant Coach, Trainer, Manager or Parent Rep. The accreditation particulars will be verified and confirmed acceptable by the office prior to the declaration of eligibility.

Rep/MD

As is the case with all carded teams, the Alliance confirms the accreditation of all Team Officials.

Approved by Board of Directors - (Revised September 8/09)

Rep Alternate Player (AP) (Policy #20)

AP players for the Rep teams will come from the respective MD team. It is expected any request from a Rep team will be honoured by the respective player and/or MD team notwithstanding if there is a conflict with the MD schedule.

Approved by Board of Directors - September 8/09)

MD Alternate Player (AP) (Policy #21)

Cost - $350.00 ($175.00 Goalies)
Teams may carry a maximum of five (5) A/P players which includes one goalie (when available).
Players will be provided with a Bulldog practice jersey to keep. Players are required to attend all team practices. If there is a conflict with a House League practice, players are required to attend their "MD" practice. Housle league regularly scheduled games and tournaments take priority. Goalies are reminded that if they are called up to their team that it will likely result as a backup to the "starting goalie". This is why the fee for goalies is reduced. When time permits, whenever a team falls below fourteen (14) skaters they must call up A/P players to bring their rosters back to at least fourteen (14) skaters. Players are reminded that their playing time maybe limited. Players should be rotated equally depending on the vacant position i.e. (forward-defence).

Playoffs - Once playoffs commence, teams will only call up players when their rosters fall below thirteen (13) skaters. Rotation of A/P players is not mandatory. A/P players are reminded that they are limited to no more than five (5) games after January 10th of each year as per Alliance rules. A/P players will be welcomed to attend all "team events". All A/P players may purchase a winter jacket, and (track suit) if applicable at their own expense.


Approved by the Board of Directors - May 01/09)

Scrimmages at Practices (Policy #22)

A scrimmage is allowed at a practice providing it is no longer than ten (10) minutes in duration and can be done when there is only one team on the ice.

Scrimmages between two or more teams on the same ice at the same time is strictly forbidden.

Approved by the Board of Directors (Revised September 8/09)

Playoff Format and Minor Hockey Day Games (Policy #23)


TBA

Power Skating and Hitting Clinics (Policy #24)

BLOMHA Rep and MD teams who request additional hitting and/or power skating instruction must satisfy the following requirements as recommended by Hockey Canada.

Instructor requirements include:

1. The instructor carries a minimum of $2,000,000 in liability insurance and lists BLOMHA in the additional insured section of their policy. BLOMHA is to retain a copy of this policy.
2. BLOMHA establishes a business contract with the instructor and dictates or approves the curriculum to be followed. The instructor should submit an outline of the program for BLOMHA to review.
3. The instructor should also submit a list of their credentials and certification(s) as a qualified instructor.

Team requirements includes:

1. A copy of the team roster listing all player participants.
2. A signed letter of consent from each parent which provides information about the additional instruction, for what purpose and the cost per family.
3. A team outline of the number and dates of instructional sessions along with times and location

Approved by Board of Directors - (Revised September 8/09)

Honourary Volunteer (Policy #25)

The term honourary volunteer applies to individuals who BLOMHA recognizes as ambassadors to the game of hockey. These individuals will receive a distinct recognition that permits their participation with player activities such as a team practice or a specified on-ice event. This title of recognition precludes their required submission of police clearance or Speak Out. This honourary title will be for a limited date and time as decided by the Board. Their name will be listed with our official volunteer roster with the date, time and location of their volunteer hours.

Approved by Board of Directors - (Revised September 8/09)

Pre-Game Warm-ups and Practices (Policy #26)

BLOMHA players must be supervised by coaching staff while on the ice for pre-game warm-ups and practices. During the pre-game skate, coaching staff must supervise from the bench.

Players are not permitted on the ice until the red light is shut off by arena staff, which indicates that the nets have been properly positioned, the zamboni door is shut and all arena staff/equipment has left the ice surface.

During practice, players are permitted on the ice when coaching staff are ready to skate with them. Players are not permitted on the ice unless accompanied by a member of this staff.

While the zamboni clears the ice, player behaviour is again the responsibility of coaching staff. During this time the doors of the bench are to remain shut and the boards are to be kept free of water bottles and players

Approved by Board of Directors - (Revised October 29/09)

Photography at Hockey Activities (Policy #27)

Only those individuals sanctioned as a BLOMHA officials may take photographs in exposed areas such as the penalty box. All other parents and team officials must take photographs from the stands or behind the glass.

Approved by Board of Directors - (Revised September 8/09)

Tournaments and Additional Insurance (Policy #28)

For any out-of-province tournament, no matter how long in travel time or duration, the Head Coach of the team is responsible for ensuring that suitable additional non-government medical insurance is purchased for each player and a copy of same provided to the Blomha office prior to the event taking place. This must accompany a travel permit which is available on line or at the office.

Approved by Board of Directors - (Revised September 8/09)