Screening Policy

Taylor Minor Hockey Association Screening Policy

Taylor Minor Hockey recognizes that an effective screening policy is an important element of due diligence in the area of safety and risk management, and as required by BC Hockey, must be documented and submitted annually by all member associations. It is understood that failure to comply with this requirement may result in the cancellation of BC Hockey sanctioning for events hosted or operated by any Minor Hockey Association or team. As such, TMHA has at a minimum, adopted the following screening policy.

Taylor Minor Hockey Association will apply the following at an appropriate level of due diligence:

• -  Job Descriptions

• -  Application Forms

• -  Criminal Records Check (CRC) - include vulnerable persons check

• -  Orientation and Training

• -  Supervision and Evaluation

  Job Descriptions - job descriptions have been developed for each position that clearly identifies responsibilities, expectations and screening requirements.

  Application Forms - all coaches must complete an application form that at a minimum includes name, address, work/volunteer history, references and consent to complete a CRC (D.O.B. and CRC’s should only be requested after a person has been recruited).

  Code of Conduct - All coaches must sign both the coaching and volunteer code of conduct

  Criminal Record Checks - criminal record checks may be obtained through local RCMP detachments; alternatively, associations may register with the Ministry’s Criminal Records Review Program (CRRP) at www.pssg.gov.bc.ca/criminal-records-review ; criminal record checks are required every two years.

  Respect in Sport (RIS) - all team officials and on-ice personnel must have current RIS certification.
  Coach Certification - all coaches are required to have relevant coach certification as required by BC

  Hockey and Hockey Canada by established deadlines.

  Fair Play - all volunteers within the organization are required to sign off on appropriate Fair Play Code of Conduct (supplement attached)

FAIR PLAY SUPPLEMENT

Fair Play is a program to enhance and promote safety, respect, and fun for all participants. The Fair Play Program focuses on the premise that hockey programs are designed for the enjoyment of the players and focuses on five basic principles:

• Respect the rules

• Respect the opponents

• Respect the officials and their decisions

• Everyone plays

• Maintain self-control at all times

  Fair Play does not change any rules of the game. Fair Play encourages all players to be as competitive as possible within the rules. BCH promotes the following Fair Play codes:

  Fair Play Code for Players

• I will play hockey because I want to, not just because others or my coaches want me to.

• I will play by the rules of hockey, and in the spirit of the game.

• I will control my temper - fighting and “mouthing off” can spoil the activity for everybody.

• I will respect my opponents.

• I will do my best to be a true team player.

• I will remember that winning isn’t everything - that having fun, improving skills, making friends and doing

  my best are also important.

• I will acknowledge all good performances - those of my team and of my opponents.

• I will remember that coaches and officials are there to help me. I will accept their decisions and show

  them respect.

  Fair Play Code for Coaches

• I will be reasonable when scheduling games and practices, remembering that players have other interests and obligations.

• I will teach my players to play fairly and to respect the rules, officials and opponents.

• I will ensure that all players get equal instruction, support and playing time.

• I will not ridicule or yell at my players for making mistakes or for performing poorly. I will remember that

  players play to have fun and must be encouraged to have confidence in themselves.

• I will make sure that equipment and facilities are safe and match the players’ ages and abilities.

• I will remember that participants need a coach they can respect. I will be generous with praise and set a

  good example.

• I will obtain proper training and continue to upgrade my coaching skills.

• I will work in cooperation with officials for the benefit of the game.

  Fair Play Code for Parents

• I will not force my child to participate in sports.

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

• I will encourage my child to play by the rules and to resolve conflicts without resorting to hostility or

  violence.

• I will teach my child that doing one’s best is as important as winning, so that my child will never feel

  defeated by the outcome of a game/event.

• I will make my child feel like a winner every time by offering praise for competing fairly and trying hard.

• I will never ridicule or yell at my child for making a mistake or losing a competition.

• I will remember that children learn best by example. I will applaud good plays/performances by both my

  child’s team and their opponents.

• I will never question the officials’ judgment or honesty in public.

• I will support all efforts to remove verbal and physical abuse from children’s sporting activities.

• I will respect and show appreciation for the volunteer coaches who give their time to provide sport

  activities for my child.

  Fair Play Code for Spectators

• I will remember that children play sport for their enjoyment. They are not playing to entertain me.

• I will not have unrealistic expectations. I will remember that child athletes are not miniature professionals

  and cannot be judged by professional standards.

• I will respect the officials’ decisions and I will encourage participants to do the same.

• I will never ridicule an athlete for making a mistake during a competition. I will give positive comments

  that motivate and encourage continued effort.

• I will condemn the use of violence in any form and will express my disapproval in an appropriate manner

  to coaches and league officials.

• I will show respect for my team’s opponents, because without them there would be no game.

• I will not use bad language, nor will I harass athletes, coaches, officials or other spectators.