Coaches and Managers Meeting 2025

Agenda

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• Welcome
• Risk (Risk Coordinator - Amanda)
• Season Structure and Regulations (VP Hockey Ops - Matt)
• Goalie Development (Goalie Coordinator - Janis)
• Development (Development Coordinator - Tim)
• Fair Play (VP - Kim)
• Equipment (VP - Kim)
• Managers and Treasurers (VP - Kim and Financial Assistance - Jennifer)
• Financial (VP of Finance - Justin)
• Ice (Ice Scheduler - Lissa)
• Questions

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Risk

risk@metroeastinferno.ca

What is the role of Risk Management?

Risk Management is the process by which our Association reviews its activities, programs and operating procedures (including buildings and staff) to identify, understand and ensure against the everyday risks in operating an organized hockey program.

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Contact information: Amanda Messervey Hall risk@metroeastinferno.ca

Parent and Player Requirements

One parent in every Hockey Canada family, one time only, requires:

• Respect in Sport
• Instructions

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All parents/guardians and players at the start of every season, require:

• Fair Play Contract

Hockey NS Requirements for U7 and U9

• All volunteers require a current CRC/VS
• All new volunteers require The Shift Forward
• One bench staff requires Hockey Canada Safety Course
• One bench staff requires CPR Level C and Emergency First Aid
• All coaches require Coach 1 course (online)
• All coaches require a seasonal Fair Play Contract

Please note that coaches who have already taken Intro to Coach will not be required to take the Coach 1 or Coach 2 clinic. Hockey Nova Scotia will honour their Intro to Coach clinic.

Hockey NS Requirements for U11and U13

• All volunteers require a current CRC/VS
• All new volunteers require The Shift Forward
• All coaches and managers require Hockey Canada Safety course
• One bench staff requires CPR Level C and Emergency First Aid
• All coaches require Coach 2 course (online)
• All coaches require a seasonal Fair Play Contract

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Please note that coaches who have already taken Intro to Coach will not be required to take the Coach 1 or Coach 2 clinic. Hockey Nova Scotia will honour their Intro to Coach clinic.

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Hockey NS Requirements for U15 and U18

• All volunteers require a current CRC/VS
• All new volunteers require The Shift Forward
• All coaches and managers require Canada Safety course
• One bench staff requires CPR Level C and Emergency First Aid
• U15A, U18A Head Coaches and Assistant Coaches require Coach 2 course (online)
• U15AA, U15AAA, U18AA Head Coaches require Development 1 course, while Assistant Coaches require only Coach 2
• All coaches require a seasonal Fair Play Contract

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CRC/VSC Requirements- $30

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All volunteers require CRC/VSC. This is valid for 3 years expiring in August.

There are 3 ways to complete:

1. Submit an existing CRC/VSC completed within the last 6 months. Scan and email to risk@metroeastinferno.ca

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• Take the letter supplied from HNS to a RCMP detachment. Scan and email to risk@metroeastinferno.ca

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• Reach out to risk@metroeastinfero.ca and an invitation will be sent to complete online. When the VSC portion is complete select to share with MEI. DO NOT SHARE WITH HNS DIRECTLY.

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CPR Level C and Emergency First Aid

During the 2025-26 hockey season, the following will be required:

At least one (1) approved on-ice bench staff member is required to have CSA Basic First Aid (often called Emergency First Aid by providers), CPR (Level C), and AED certification. This volunteer must be on the ice at all times, and present for all team events and activities.

Email certification to info@hockeynovascotia.ca with your full name, DOB and hockey association.

First aid kits are available

*First Aid Course offered soon

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Coaching Courses

Coach 1 -$75

Hockey Canada Coach 1 program was designed to review the basic tools coaches need in leadership, communication, teaching skills and lesson planning. This is taught with special considerations of the youngest athletes in mind. Hockey Canada Coach 1 addresses the core knowledge every new coach must have as they begin their coaching career.

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Coach 2-$75

Hockey Canada Coach 2 program follows the competency-based education and training method of learning and is an excellent course for all new and recreational-level coaches. The Hockey Canada Coach 2 program introduces player development, effective communication and supporting athletes in the team, training, practice and game environments.

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Development 1-$55

The Development 1 Coaching Clinic is part of the Competition Introduction Stream of the National Coach Certification Program (NCCP). It is a competency-based program designed for coaches working with players entering the competitive levels of hockey.

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Additional Requirements

• Hockey Canada Safety-$50

This three hour online program is an introduction to team safety, injury recognition, fair play code and code of ethics, safety at the rink, injury management and the Emergency Action Plan. The team’s Safety Person receives the information and confidence needed to be the go-to person on your team for health, wellness, injury recognition safe and proper recovery, and Return to Play procedures.

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This training is valid for three seasons from the date of completion (expiring on Sept 1). Once expired, one must retake the online course.

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Additional Requirements

• Shift Forward - $25

The Shift Forward is an enhanced education program that was created following an extensive consultation process with stakeholders in Hockey Canada-sanctioned programs to understand how education and training can better support participants and the key objective of changing unhealthy behaviours in the game.

This replaces Respect In Sport for Activity Leaders- all volunteers will be required to complete once their RIS course expires.

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• Criminal Record Check (with the Vulnerable Sector Check) - $30

Instructions are here.

On-Ice Volunteers vs On-Ice Helpers

On-Ice Volunteer

• Someone who only assists on-ice during practices.
• Require all the same qualifications as any other coach on the team.
• It is recommended to list them as an assistant coach in case they are required on the bench at some time.

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On-Ice Helper

• Policy
• Registered players that help with younger age groups on the ice.
• Not required to be on the team list of the team they help out with.
• Must wear helmet and neck guard
• Not permitted on the bench during games.

Team Volunteers

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• Hockey Canada Safety Program

This four hour online program is an introduction to team safety, injury recognition, fair play code and code of ethics, safety at the rink, injury management and the Emergency Action Plan. The team’s Safety Person receives the information and confidence needed to be the go-to person on your team for health, wellness, injury recognition safe and proper recovery, and Return to Play procedures.

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This training is valid for three seasons from the date of completion (expiring on September 1). Once expired, one must retake the online course.

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• Shift Forward

The Respect in Sport Activity Leader program is Hockey Canada’s official online course for the prevention of abuse, bullying and harassment, creating a safer, more ethical hockey environment.

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• Criminal Record Check (with the Vulnerable Sector Check)

Instructions are outlined here.

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Team Volunteers

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• Hockey Canada Safety Program

This four hour online program is an introduction to team safety, injury recognition, fair play code and code of ethics, safety at the rink, injury management and the Emergency Action Plan. The team’s Safety Person receives the information and confidence needed to be the go-to person on your team for health, wellness, injury recognition safe and proper recovery, and Return to Play procedures.

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This training is valid for three seasons from the date of completion (expiring on September 1). Once expired, one must retake the online course.

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• Shift Forward

The Respect in Sport Activity Leader program is Hockey Canada’s official online course for the prevention of abuse, bullying and harassment, creating a safer, more ethical hockey environment.

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• Criminal Record Check (with the Vulnerable Sector Check)

Instructions are outlined here.

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Dressing Room Chaperones

Female Dressing Room Chaperones as per Policy #16.0 - Dressing Room Supervision

Supervise players in the dressing room as outlined by Hockey Canada.

“A lone personnel member should never be in the dressing room with players at any time, especially when players are showering or changing: two adults should be present together, this is called the “Two Deep Method” of supervision. Supervising personnel must be members of the team staff or adults who have completed either “Speak Out” or the “Respect In Sport” for volunteers and have submitted their record checks (CRC] to their MHA. Parents of all players should be made aware of the “Two Deep Method” and avoid letting their children into unsupervised dressing rooms.”

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No photos/videos/cell phone use in the Dressing Room as per Team Rule #1 in Policy #14.0 - Social Media Policy/Hockey Canada Rules

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Under no circumstances is picture taking within the dressing room permitted at any time. Failure to comply with this policy could result in the offenders’ expulsion from MEIFHA. Cell phones only to be used for controlling music.

IMPORTANT

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Any team staff that does not have their required certification completed by DECEMBER 1 will be automatically suspended by Hockey Nova Scotia. This means that you cannot be on the ice or fulfill your duties until all certifications are completed.

Insurance and Volunteer Requirement Costs

Additional Notes re Requirements

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• If you receive a message from the Risk Management Coordinator that your or one of your volunteers requires a Critical Waiver Signed or Requires HC Profile Updated the volunteer will need to log into their HCR account to complete.

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• If you have volunteers doing ‘double duty’ such as Treasurer AND Dressing Room Chaperone, please let the Registrar and Risk Management Coordinator know when submitting your roster. Their qualifications will fall under the role that requires more.

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• Reminder that some requirements take time so encourage your volunteers to complete their qualifications as soon as possible.

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• Teams no longer require a Safety Representative

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Suspensions

For a suspension during any game, contact risk@metroeastinferno.ca immediately following the game

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• Include Division, Team Name, Game Time, Opposing Team and Location, (game number if you know it)

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• The MEIFHA Risk Management Coordinator will then advise you about how to proceed

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• HNS Code of Discipline (Revised Feb 2023)

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• Hockey Canada Minor/Female Minimum Suspensions (Updated June 2025)

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Injuries and Emergencies

Be aware of emergency procedures at the home and away rinks, keeping handy the phone numbers for ambulances and other emergency service. Your team MUST have a first aid kit.

• Hockey Canada Emergency Action Plan
• NCCP EAP Form

In the event that an injured players is transported to the hospital without the presence of his/her parent, the Manager must ensure a responsible adult accompies the player, with the necessary. Player medical information form and an injury report form available for completion by the attending physician.

Ensure the injury report form is filled out and delivered to the Treasurer as soon as possible anytime a player/coach sustains an injury. This should be done in conjunction with the coaches as necessary.

Complete the HC Team Injury Log.

Rostered injured players may be on the bench as long as they are fully dressed, Injured players and APs cannot exceed the maximum rostered amount of 18 skaters and 2 goalies.

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Injuries and Emergencies

Hockey Canada concussion policy

Hockey Canada concussion information

CAC Concussion Awareness

Hockey Canada concussion awareness app

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Additional Resource Links

HNS Safety Policies

MEI Policies and Procedures

Hockey Canada Safety

Hockey Canada Safety Requires Teamwork

Emergency Action Plan info

Arena Safety Checklist

Safe Sport

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Hockey Nova Scotia: Season Structure & Regulations

Hockey Nova Scotia

Seasonal Structure Chart: 2025-2026 Season

https://hockeynovascotia.ca/admin-member/seasonal-structure

HNS Affiliation Regulations for Female Hockey

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• Higher division/category teams must obtain consent from the lower division/category team prior to using an affiliate player. Failure to comply may result in the suspension of the offending team’s head coach.

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• A maximum of three affiliates may be used by one team within one game. Teams may use players from any combination of teams allowed within their club system affiliation.

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• C level can AP across levels (ex U11C Ice to U11C Fire)

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• Goalies are a challenge and may require approval from FC so give as much advance notice as possible if an affiliate is not available

REGULATION SIX - AFFILIATION

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F6.2. Female Teams will use the club system of affiliation:

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2. A player of a team of a lower Division or level of the same club may affiliate to a team or teams of higher Divisions and levels at any time, to a maximum of ten (10) games per season. However, if the player’s registered team completes its regular season and playoffs before the player’s affiliated team or teams, the player may thereafter affiliate an unlimited number of times. Exhibition and tournament games, which are not part of preseason, regular season, or playoff games, are excluded from the maximum of ten (10) games per season.

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A maximum of three affiliates may be used by one team within one game.

REGULATION 2 - COMPETITION

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F2.19. The maximum number of games to be played by division shall be as follows:

• U9 Development - Maximum 30 Half ice game

• U9 Intermediate - Maximum 30 Half ice games

• U11 Maximum 45 games

• U13 Maximum 60 games

• U15 Maximum 65 games

• U18 Maximum 65 games

Games noted above are defined as all exhibition, preseason, regular season, and tournament games. A tournament would count as three games. The above cap would include all hockey games except for Regional, Conference, League, and Provincial Playoff games.

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F2.14. To start a game, teams require a minimum of 12 players, one of whom must be a goaltender.

Number of League Games/Teams

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U11AA: 24 games ---- 5 teams

U11A: 20 games ---- 9 teams

U11C: 14 games (TBC) ---- 7 teams

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U13AAA: 24 games ---- 7 teams

U13AA: 24 games ---- 4 teams

U13A: 18 games ---- 10 teams

U13C: 14 games (TBC) ---- 8 teams

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U15AAA: 30 games ---- 7 teams

U15AA: 24 games ----- 7 teams

U15A: 20 games ---- 9 teams

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U18AA: 24 games ---- 9 teams

U18A: 21 games ---- 10 teams

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Development

Goalie Development

Goalie Development Sessions

• Bi-Weekly Tuesdays @ Shearwater 6-7 pm (Moved to later time slot to avoid U18 conflict with High School Games)
• 12 Sessions / 10 Remaining
• Attendance / Sign Up Sheet (26 Goalies / 6 nets/ 3:1 Coach/Goalie ratio).
• Shooters (U15 + or Coaches) - Proposed schedule for volunteers

In Practice Goalie Coaching

• Bi-weekly minimum / alternate with development sessions.
• Additional resources available. Average $50/hr.
• Double up

Goalie Coaching Clinic

• TBD through HNS

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Gear

Development Plan and Schedule

3 Hours of Development ice time/week for the Association

• Tuesday - Shearwater 5:00 - 6:00 & 6:00 - 7:00
• Thursday - Zatzman 6:30 - 7:30 am

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Tuesday Ice times - Shared practices with 2 teams, skill based sessions lead by Keifer House

Thursday ice times - Optional skates and open to the full age division (U11/U13/U15/U18)

• Focused on Power skating at start of season

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Additional Opportunities

Off ice development/Training

• There is an opportunity for MEI to support some off ice training and development sessions as well for teams if they are interested.

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Gym schedule - FREE

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• Starts October 22nd.
• Teams were sent a link via email Oct 20th.
• Teams use the link and sign up for two sessions to start - make sure you’re getting the attendance you hope for!
• Be reasonable with your bookings, remember we have MANY teams!

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Other Development Ideas

• Teams calling up players for practices from lower teams (Potential AP players) - Great way to to create development opportunities for players.

FAIR PLAY

POLICY #17.0 – FAIR PLAY CODES

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COACHES

• 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 build confidence in the players and remember that players play to have fun.
• I will work in cooperation with officials for the betterment of the game.

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PARENT

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• I will remember children learn best by adults setting positive examples
• I will never ridicule or criticize officials for judgement / integrity
• I will respect and show appreciation for volunteers who give their time to coach hockey for my child

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PLAYER FOCUSED CONVERSATION

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• I will show respect to all teammates, opponents, coaches, parents & fans
• I will work hard to be a true team player and always try my best to improve
• I will remember that winning is not everything - fun, skills, friends and effort are just as important
• I will remember that coaches and officials are there to help me .

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Effort - Performance - Belonging

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Belonging - Effort - Performance

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Equipment

Equipment

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• Home jerseys - Blue
• Away jerseys - White
• Practice jerseys
• Jersey carriers
• Pinnies

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Manager & Treasurers

Role of Financial Manager and Treasurer

• Metro East Inferno has all the duties listed under Coach/Manager

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Manager

Meetings, communications, collecting forms, creating schedules, finding team volunteers, OFF ICE EXPERIENCE ☺

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Treasurer

Money, budget, making sure that it all works out.

(You don’t want too much or not enough ☺)

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Financial Assistance

Role of Financial Assistance Coordinator

• Financialassistance@metroeastinferno.ca

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• Bank account letters
• Proposed budget, interim budget, final budget approvals

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• Answer all any and all questions related to fundraising, budget and invoices

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POLICY 20

WHAT DO YOU NEED TO VOTE ON?

• Teams have the option to draw upon Parent Contributions in lieu of Fundraising Activities to support their hockey season program. If this option is exercised, the majority of the parents must be in favor, by way of vote. In order for the vote to be valid, a minimum of 75% of the team families must participate.

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POLICY 20

BUDGET RULES

• All Teams must provide a Preliminary Budget, Mid-Year and a Final Budget Report to the families (do have maximums on all non development activities)

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• Team Player banks should be made payable in a minimum of three installments with the final installment due by Feb 15th of the season.

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• Seed money is recommended at $200 with a maximum ask of $350. Seed funding cannot be returned to families until final budget approval is granted

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• Jersey Sponsors - One sponsor per jersey at a rate of no more than $200 per jersey.

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PLAYER BANK VERSUS TEAM BUDGET (not part of the policy)��

• Player Bank – Everyone is assigned a total, you track their portion of funds brought in
• Team Budget – Everyone works together to achieve the goal, minimum usually set for each fund raiser

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Communication is key

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POLICY 20

FUNDRAISING RULES

• Four Team Fundraising Activities are 4 per season

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• Corporate sponsors and the Association 50/50 fundraiser does NOT count as one of the four (4) Team Fundraising Activities

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• All fundraising MUST be approved by the MEIFHA Financial Assistance Coordinator . You need a lotto license. (You cannot sell tickets on alcohol/ doing gaming nights). License are very easy and linked in the policy https://novascotia.ca/sns/access/alcohol-gaming/forms-permits.asp

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POLICY 20

ASSOCIATION 50/50

• Association 50/50 proceeds sold by Team members will be sent from the Association to the Team Treasurer.
• Funds are to be applied to Team totals and/or individual Player banks; whatever is decided by the Team at the beginning of the season. The Team decision must be documented in an email to the Team.
• These are the only fund-raised funds that can be applied or carried over to next years registration. All other fund-raised money needs to be spent in the year, within budget guidelines or returned to the association at the end of the season

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POLICY 20

ODDS and ENDS

• For accounts, two signatories cannot live in the same household.

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(Policy 3 expands)

• The Team Treasurer and Team Manager cannot be the same person or related.
• Team Manager and Team Head Coach cannot be the same person or be related
• In no case shall the Team Treasurer be the same person as the Head Coach or Team Manager, or related to them.

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• Non-Parent Coach Expenses: Maximum $2000 (need to ask for approval for higher)

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BUDGET – Invoices from MEI

• Teams will receive two invoices from MEI: an interim invoice in January for 80% of the expected team bill, and a final invoice in March/April for the remainder. Invoices will include the following:
• Ice bill - see following slide for details
• Jersey fee - $600 per team
• Hockey Nova Scotia fee - $300 per team
• Volunteer insurance in excess of designated thresholds

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BUDGET - CALCULATING YOUR ICE BILL

• Registration Fees include the base ice allotment of twenty (20) 1-Hour On-Ice practices, and the first hour of each Regular Season and Playoff home Game
• To ensure equity between age groups given that different divisions have different numbers of games, consistent with previous seasons, for the purposes of calculating ice bills, there will be sixteen (16) deemed home games.
• This results in an ice allotment per team of thirty-six (36) hours, as reflected in the budget templates that have been circulated.
• Based on the average ice cost of $225, this results in $8,100 of ice time per team.

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• Teams will be billed for any ice time in excess of 36 hours.
• Each hour of shared ice is billed as half an hour of ice.
• Teams are NOT billed for team development sessions.

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Ice

SELLING YOUR ICE

Teams are responsible for the cost of all assigned ice unless you sell it

Emailing the Ice Scheduler DOES NOT absolve you of the responsibility for the ice

• If you sell ice to another MEI team email ice@metroeastinferno.ca with the details listed below for invoice updates and so rinks can be informed of who is using the ice. Cost will be taken care of at the end of the year when invoices go out.
• Team name
• Name of team taking ice (if applicable)
• Date of ice
• Time of ice
• Rink
• Ice pad (if applicable)
• If teams sell their ice to an outside organization (MHA; HCL ringette etc.) the transaction is completed at the team level with the buyer of the ice. This means that the buyer pays the team for the ice time. The ice will still be on your end of year invoice from MEIFHA.
• Once you have sold your ice let the ice scheduler know the details and they will inform the rinks of the changes.
• There is no giving back of ice, it is not uncommon for a team to end up paying for ice time they do not use. Keep this in mind when preparing a budget.

Ice contracted to MEI cannot be sold to private individuals, it must be sold to a youth sports organization

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TRADING ICE

Master Schedule: https://metroeastinferno.ca/l/79/Metro-East-Inferno/schedule/

• MEI has a group chat on whatsapp
• link has been sent to all coaches/managers

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KEEPING ICE IN HOUSE AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE IS IMPORTANT FOR FUTURE SEASONS

GAMES - Rescheduling

• to reschedule a HOME game please email ice@metroeastinferno.ca with the following;
• Home team (ie. u15a Ice or u18A Blaze)
• away team
• game number
• current dates
• proposed dates (2 weekends is ideal)
• Please reach out to the away team and find two weekends that work for both teams prior to reaching out to me.
• If you need an away game rescheduled, reach out to the home

teams coach/manager

• 2 weeks minimum notice is appreciated - from the RIC

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GAMES - Exhibition

• to schedule a HOME exhibition game please email ice@metroeastinferno.ca with the following;
• Home team (ie. u15a Ice or u18A Blaze)
• away team
• proposed date or if using an already existing practice slot

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• Game will be loaded into grayjay for you - Officials will be assigned and billed to your team directly (End of year invoice)
• DO NOT add ANY games in to Grayjay

WEEKEND PRACTICES

• Every team gets weekend practices
• will be loaded into grayjay once all division game schedules are released

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Reasons NOT to have a weekend practice -

• regular season games

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*Exhibition away games do not count. you will still be responsible for selling the ice if you don’t use it.

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If you have extenuating circumstances - please reach out to me - I will do my best to help

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Additional Development Opportunities

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CSI Atlantic: https://csiatlantic.ca/

• VIP Coach: https://csiatlantic.ca/coaching/support4sport-vip-coaching-program
• Coach NS E-Learning Modules (The Locker): https://www.coachingns.com/nccp-e-learning-modules
• The Locker: https://thelocker.coach.ca/

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Canadian Women and Sport: https://womenandsport.ca/

Get Girl Coached: https://keepgirlsplaying.ca/

Questions