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SPRMHA Coach Selection Policy

Sherwood Parkdale Rural Minor Hockey Association (SPRMHA) Coach Selection Policy and Process
 
Introduction
By age 13, around 70% of kids will quit organized sports. Why? Despite all the research showing youth sports' benefits, kids say, “It’s just not fun anymore.” We believe that coaches can play a pivotal role in creating an environment where kids find hockey more enjoyable and manageable so they keep playing longer.
 
The Sherwood-Parkdale Rural Minor Hockey Association is committed to implementing the Let’s Make it Fun Again Program and recommits us to promote and honour the values of fun, respect and positive development in the game of hockey for all participants. SPRMHA sees a need to address these fundamental values both generally and within the SPRMHA. We see the game of hockey as having arrived at a critical point that requires us to refocus on these core values.
 
Recognizing the pivotal role coaches play in upholding the Let’s Make it Fun Again Program, SPRMHA has established a comprehensive Coach Selection Policy. This policy aims to ensure a fair, transparent, and efficient process for the selection and appointment of dedicated coaches, enhancing the overall quality and fun of the hockey program.
SPRMHA Objectives
  1. Respect for Persons: Recognizing the inherent value of every individual within the hockey community, treating them with dignity, respect, and kindness.
  2. Protection from Harm: Prioritizing the safety and well-being of participants to create a secure, healthy, and fun environment.
  3. Ethical Conduct Toward Others: Encouraging integrity, responsibility, and fairness in interactions among athletes, coaches, and parents.
  4. Justice, Fairness, and Equality: Ensuring equitable treatment and equal opportunities for all participants, regardless of their background or abilities.
  5. Caring Attitudes: Fostering a supportive atmosphere emphasizing empathy, compassion, and teamwork.
  6. The Freedom to Enjoy and Flourish Within the Game: Providing an environment where participants can explore, enjoy, and reach their full potential on and off the ice.
  7. Respect of the Game: Upholding the spirit, traditions, and rules of hockey, honouring the integrity of the sport.
Coach Selection Committee Objectives
  1. To recruit, select, and retain the individuals to serve as coaches who will best uphold the objectives of the Let’s Make it Fun Again program.
  2. To ensure all coaches align with SPRMHA's values of teamwork, respect, integrity, and personal growth.
  3. To provide clear guidelines for the selection process, ensuring transparency and fairness.
Coach Selection Committee
A Coach Selection Committee (CSC) shall be formed annually, comprising of no less than three (3) individuals:
  • At Least One Executive Member of the Association Board of Directors
  • Divisional Directors (as relevant to the application pool)
  • At least one parent member of the association to ensure impartiality
Coach Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
  1. Submit a completed Coach Application Form by the specified deadline.
  2. Hold or agree to obtain the coaching certifications outlined by Hockey Canada and SPRMHA by December 1 of the playing season.
  3. Undergo a criminal background check.
  4. Review and adhere to all SPRMHA’s Policies, including the Let’s Make it Fun Again Program.
  5. Adhere to the Fair Play Pledge.
  6. Acknowledge that not completing or adhering to any part of this eligibility criteria may result in your removal or your coaching responsibilities.
Selection Process
  1. Call for Applications & Solicitation of Coaches: SPRMHA will invite coaching applications well before the upcoming season. We will encourage anyone interested in coaching to apply.
  2. Review of Applications: The Coach Selection Committee will review all submitted applications against the eligibility criteria.
  3. Interviews: Shortlisted candidates may be invited for an interview to discuss their coaching philosophy, experience, and plans.
  4. Reference and Background Checks: Conduct thorough checks to verify the candidate's suitability.
  1. Reference checks will be done by contacting three past players/parents and officials. If the applicant has volunteered with SPRMHA in the past, reference checks will be done anonymously and randomly. If the applicant is new to coaching or has coached in another jurisdiction, references will be provided by the applicant.
  1. Selection: The Coach Selection Committee will select coaches based on coaching philosophy, qualifications, experience, interview performance, past reviews, and background checks.
  2. Notification: All applicants will be notified of the selection outcomes. Successful candidates must agree to the SPRMHA eligibility criteria. Without the agreement, the Coach Selection Committee will move to other applicants.
Coach Selection Criteria
  • Coaching certifications and continuous professional development.
  • Previous coaching experience, with a preference for those with positive evaluations from past seasons.
  • A coaching philosophy that aligns with SPRMHA's values and objectives.
  • Commitment to player development, fair play, and positive sportsmanship.
  • Ability to communicate effectively with players, parents, and SPRMHA officials.
Appointment
Coaches are appointed for a single season. Reappointment for subsequent seasons requires a new application and adherence to the selection process.
 

 
COACH SELECTION
DEFINITIONS
  1. SPRMHA - Sherwood-Parkdale Rural Minor Hockey Association
  1. SPRMHA Team(s) – Teams categorized under the following levels within SPRMHA:
  1. U7
  2. U9 - AA, A
  3. U11 - AA, A, B
  4. U 13 - AAA, AA, A
  5. U 15 - AAA, AA, A
  6. U 18 - AAA, AA, A
  1. Association Skill Evaluation – A process where players are ranked by Third Party Evaluators based on a series of evaluations involving standardized on-ice drill sets. This evaluation aims to create an impartial total score for each player, administered and overseen by the SPRMHA Division Director.
  2. Team Selection – The methodology employed to select final rosters for each Rep team, adhering to established policies and guidelines. This process is coordinated and overseen by the SPRMHA Division Director.
  3. Parent Coach – A prospective coach with children, dependents, or other immediate family members participating in the age group they are interested in coaching.
  4. Non-Parent Coach - A prospective coach with no children or dependents participating in the age group they wish to coach. This category can extend to immediate family members at the discretion of the SPRMHA Division Director.
  5. Returning Coach – A coach who served as the rostered head coach in the previous season for a specific age category and level.
  6. Non-Returning Coach – A coach who was not the rostered head coach in the previous season for a particular age category and level.
  1. COACH SELECTION POLICY
  1. Approval – All prospective coaches and assistant coaches must receive annual approval from the SPRMHA Board of Directors. The coach selection process dictates this, and the division directors put forward their nominations to the board of directors each year. The final decision for coach recommendations will be that of the Division Director.
  2. Preference – No preference will be given to either Parent or Non-Parent coaches. SPRMHA is committed to providing quality volunteers at all levels. In instances of conflict at a given level, the following priorities will guide the selection of the successful candidate:
  1. A Returning Coach will be prioritized over a Non-Returning Coach at the SPRMHA Board of Directors' discretion, based on positive end-of-season evaluations and previous experiences with the individual. Exceptions include cases of abuse, policy non-conformance, and disciplinary issues.
  1. For a Parent-Returning Coach, their child, dependent, or relative must have played at the highest level for their age category in the previous year (AAA, AA) to be appointed to the team for the current season.
  1. All Non-Returning Coaches, including Parent and Non-Parent coaches, as well as Parent Returning Coaches at levels lower than the highest for a given age category, will be considered after the SPRMHA Skills Evaluation is completed.
  2. If a Parent-Returning Coach's child or dependent remains at the same level as the previous season, they will be given priority.
  3. Coaches indicating interest in a specific age category will be evaluated and scored on various criteria, with the highest-scoring individual given priority. Criteria include coaching qualifications, experience, and a qualitative score based on previous experience and evaluations.
  1. Hockey PEI Coaching Qualifications
  1. Respect in Sport Coach (1 point)
  2. Coach 1 - Intro Coach (2 points)
  3. Coach 2 - Coach Level 2 (2 points)
  4. Coach - Development 1 (2 points)
  5. Coach - Development 2 (5 points)
  6. High Performance 1 (5 points)
  7. High Performance 2 (10 points)
  8. Additional points at the discretion of the SPRMHA division directors
  1. Coaching Experience - Max 10 points
  1. Two (2) points given for each year a person has been a rostered Head coach of any sport
  2. One (1) point given for each year a person has been a rostered assistant coach of any sport
  1. Coaching Performance Evaluations
  1. Average scores compiled from end of season coaching evaluations (1-5 points)
  1. Coach Interviews
  1. Average scores compiled from evaluators during in person interview (1-5 points)
  1. Scores will be provided to coaches upon request
  1. APPEAL
  1. Applicants who wish to contest a non-selection decision may submit a written appeal to the Coach Selection Committee within 14 days of notification. The Coach Selection Committee will review the appeal, and a final decision will be made within 30 days.
  1. A prospective coach may request a summary of their scoring and interview notes
  2. A prospective coach may request a debriefing of rationale for the scoring
  1. A prospective coach may make an Appeal to the SPRMHA Executive on the basis of inaccurate information. In the event of a discrepancy of scoring which could have changed the selection of a prospective coach for a given team, at their discretion, the Division Director may present this to the SPRMHA Board of Directors. Only the Board of Directors has the ability to rescind an appointed Coach.
Policy Review
This policy will be reviewed annually to ensure it remains effective and aligned with SPRMHA's objectives and Hockey Canada's guidelines.
By implementing this Coach Selection Policy and Process, SPRMHA aims to uphold the highest standards of coaching excellence, ensuring a rewarding and enriching experience for all players and coaches involved in the association.
 
Frequently Asked Questions
 
Q: If I volunteer to coach in the recreational league, will it affect my child's chances of being selected for more advanced teams?
A: No, volunteering as a coach at any level will not impact your child's chances of being selected for more AA and AAA teams. Selection for AA and AAA teams is based on the player's skills, performance, and potential, not on their parent's coaching position.
 
Q: Do I need to have a background in hockey to be a coach?
A: While having a background in hockey can be beneficial, it is not a requirement. The most important qualities for a coach are a passion for the sport, a commitment to player development, and a willingness to learn and follow the coaching guidelines set by the organization.
 
Q: Can I coach if I have a full-time job?
A: Yes, most coaches balance coaching with full-time jobs. It's important to communicate with your team and the organization about your availability and to ensure that you can commit to the required time and responsibilities.
 
Q: How much time commitment is required for coaching?
A: The time commitment can vary depending on the level and age group you are coaching. Generally, it includes weekly one hour practices, games, and additional time for planning and communication. It's important to understand the expectations and commitments before agreeing to coach. It’s a lot of work, but it’s very rewarding work.
 
Q: Will I receive any training or support as a coach?
A: Yes, we provide training and support for coaches, including coaching clinics, resources, and mentorship opportunities. This helps ensure that all coaches are equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to create a positive and effective coaching environment.
 
Q: Will I be evaluated as a coach?
A: Yes, many organizations have a process for evaluating coaches to ensure that they are meeting the standards and expectations set by the organization. This feedback is valuable for your development as a coach and for the overall success of the team.
 
Q: I've heard that all coaches must agree to the Association Ice Time Policy but that some create their own rules for ice time during games. Is this allowed?
A: No, coaches are expected to adhere to all association policies, which includes the Fair Play Pledge and Ice Time Policy. Creating your own rules for ice time that contradict the association policies is not acceptable and can lead to disciplinary action.

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