Hawks Athletic Club

The Hawks Athletic Club
The HAWKS Athletic Club (HAC) is a volunteer organization, registered under the Alberta Society's Act. The HAC Mission statement is as follows:

"The HAWKS Athletic Club is dedicated to providing a quality hockey program for all players, on all teams, at all levels, while striving for fair play, team work and commitment. We are dedicated to developing a better tomorrow." The HAC is one of the governing bodies for minor hockey in the North West Zone of the City of Edmonton. A volunteer Executive Committee is formed to operate and administer the minor hockey program for the HAWKS Athletic Club area. The Executive consists of both elected and appointed members. Elections are held annually at the AGM held in April or May. The Executive meets approximately once per month and all members are welcome to attend. A meeting schedule can be found on the Hawks website. The bylaws by which the HAC operates can also be found on our website. The bylaws were rewritten and adopted at the May, 2002 Annual General Meeting.

Arenas

Agricom	7300-116 Ave	Grand Trunk	13025-112 St
Akinsdale	66 Herbert Rd *	Jubilee Arena	10013-96 Ave *
Ardrossan	RR 222, off Hwy 16 West	KC Twin Arenas	13160-137 Ave
Argyll Plaza	9933 Argyll Road	Kenilworth	8313-68 A St
Bill Hunter	9200-163 Street	Kinex	66 Herbert Rd *
Black Gold	4330 Black Gold Drive *	Kinsmen Twin	19 Ave & 111 St
Callingwood Twin	17740-69 Ave	Londonderry	14520-66 St
Canadian Athletic Club	14640-142 Street	Michael Cameron	10404-56 St
Campbell Twin Arenas	300 Carnegie Drive *	Millwoods Twin	7207-28 Ave
Castledowns Twin	11520-153 Ave	Nait	11762-106 St
Clare Drake Arena	115 St & 87 Ave	Oliver	10335-119 St
Clareview Twin	3804-139 Ave	Parkland	10840-215 St
Confederation	11204-43 Ave	Russ Barnes	6725-121 Ave
Coronation	13500-112 Ave	Sherwood Park	2025 Oak St *
Crestwood	9940-147 St	South Side	10525-72 Ave
Donnan	9105-80 Ave	Spruce Grove	454 King St *
Fultonvale	52029 D RR 224 *	Tipton	10828-80 Ave
Garrison Twin - CFB	97 St North to the Base	W.E.M.	87 Ave & 170 St
Glen Allen	199 Georgian Way *	Westwood	12040-97 St
Glengarry	13340-85 St

*Akinsdale (St.Albert), Black Gold (Leduc), Campbell Twin (Mark Messier / Troy Murray)(St. Albert), Fultonvale (Stratcona County), Glen Allen (Sherwwod Park), Jubilee (Fort. Saskatchewan), Kinex (St. Albert), Sherwood Park (Sherwwod park), Spruce Grove (East / West)(Spruce Grove).

TEAM FORMATION and TIERING
When evaluations are completed, the Evaluation Committee (Evaluation Directors, Category Directors, Hockey Director and Coaches) will place players on teams based on evaluation results.

Team formation can be a very emotional time for parents, players and coaches. Evaluations will initially place players on a "team" with a coach. All pre-season skates are to considered as an extension of the evaluation process. This will allow for a fine tuning of the initial process, give extra consideration of those players who perhaps don't do well in evaluations, and give coaches time to evaluate late registrants. Coaches must be cognizant of this extension period and be clear to the initial players selected for the team, that things are not finalized until the actual hard card is signed. Movement or reallocation of players to accommodate other players can be difficult and emotional. It is important not to raise any false expectations of the players and parents.

The Federation Hockey Council organizes a tiering committee with a chairperson and representatives from each of the operating programs in the city. The committee is responsible for placing teams in divisions of approximate equal abilities. This committee meets prior to the start of the season and after each of three rounds during the season. Teams can be moved to lower and higher divisions depending on their level of play. The purpose of tiering is to group teams at similar competitive levels.

EVALUATIONS
Player evaluations are conducted at the beginning of every hockey season to determine the level at which each child is able to play within his/her age category. Every attempt will be made to ensure that players are evaluated fairly. A ranking can then be established to list players in anticipation of team selection. Players who have obviously been misplaced in an evaluation session may be reassigned to another session with players of similar ability at the discretion of the hockey committee.

Category Directors and Coaches must ensure that teams at any level are balanced and competitive. Although balanced teams are the primary criteria for team selection, consideration will always be given to the players self-esteem and well-being. Accommodation of parent requests for their child to play with a friend will also be considered for players of similar ability in Tier 4 and lower levels. Players selected for the city-wide Tier 1, 2, and 3 teams will be based on the outcome of evaluations and will be adhered to.

In general, players will advance with those players of similar ability and age. As they progress through the categories, they will have the opportunity to build friendships and make new friends year after year.

Parents who are not satisfied with their child's team placement should approach the Category Director as early as possible to determine options available to them. The decision of the Hockey Committee shall be final and binding.

PARENT LIAISON ROLE
Each team must choose a Parent Liaison who will be responsible to provide a communication link between parents and coaches during the hockey season. This person needs to be available to hear concerns and bring forward these concerns accurately and in a calm, clear manner to help resolve team conflicts and problems. A parent liaison's most important duty is to be a good listener. Parents and coaches who have concerns should discuss the concerns with each other whenever possible. The parties involved should let the parent liaison know what has happened. If it is not possible to discuss the concerns with each other, the parent/coach should seek out the Parent Liaison for assistance. The Parent Liaison will seek to understand what the main points of concern are, try to find out how you feel the problem can be resolved and find out what you would like to see done about your concern.

REMEMBER the 24 hour cool down principle: It's simple ... many of the problems we get so excited about or angry about do not seem so important when we've had time to "cool down" and think matters over. The Parent Liaison may suggest the parent or coach take a day to think things over and speak to you again before the issue is brought to the parent or coach. If an issue is not resolved on the team by the Parent Liaison, concerns can be forwarded to the Director of Disputes, Mediation and Arbitration. Any concerns must be expressed in writing. Upon receiving the letter, the Director will call a panel to schedule a meeting to hear the concern. Parties involved will have an opportunity to describe their concerns to the panel andhear and respond to the other parties' statements. At the completion of the hearing, the panel will adjourn and issue a written decision. The panel's decision is final. The Director will not respond to phone calls and will not become involved in trying to resolve the concern. The Director's area of responsibility is to chair a panel to deal with a concern. For more information on the role of Parent Liaison, please check the HAWKS website at www.Hawks.ab.ca

TEAM EXPENSES, FUNDRAISING, SPONSORSHIPS
The Executive reviews the fee structure prior to the start of each hockey season. Registration fees help cover the cost of the regular scheduled games, assigned practices from EMHA, playoff games, insurance, team jerseys, some equipment (such as pucks, goalies equipment, pylons, etc.), referees and other expenses that benefit the participants. In addition to the expenses covered by registration fees, each team is responsible for expenses such as the cost of tournaments, additional practice ice and other expenses such as team clothing, photos, awards, and end-of-the-season parties. Teams should prepare a budget and reach consensus on how they are going to raise the necessary funds.

Each team must appoint a treasurer, open a team bank account, and produce a team budget. Bank accounts must be set up with a requirement for at least two signatures to withdraw funds. Accounts must be closed at the end of the season and are not to be carried over to the following season. If a team receives a sponsorship or donation, please make the President of the HAC aware. The HAC sincerely appreciates the sponsorship and donations it receives and would like to acknowledge the support provided. DID YOU KNOW? The Hawks Athletic Club subsidizes the ice bought by our teams. Ice can cost up to $200.00 per hour. We average out the cost of ice and charge teams $125 per hour regardless of the actual cost. At $125 per hour, ice is still subsidized by the HAC and our Bingo profits.

COMMUNICATIONS
One of the biggest challenges in an organization the size of the Hawks Athletic Club is ensuring people are informed about what is going on. We have a number of avenues available to us to attempt to keep all participants informed - our Club newsletters, individual team newsletters, our website and EMHA's website. This handbook is another attempt to ensure all participants are informed about important aspects of our program. This year we will also try to establish an email address list of our parents and coaches. You will be asked at the time of Registration for an email address so we can create and maintain a data base so we can send out news as it happens. The Hawks Athletic Club also has a notice board at the Castledowns Arena. We will post current information there as well. The majority of our Executive have email addresses and encourage you to send them a message if you have a question, feedback or concerns. You can contact members by clicking on their name in the Executive list on our website. If you have news you think would be of interest to the whole organization please let Marian Pangburn know. She will ensure your news is included in the next newsletter or have it posted on our website.

BINGOS
To help keep the costs of registering your player as low as possible, the Hawks Athletic Club relies on Bingo revenue. As part of your registration fees, you will be required to work 1 or 2 MANDATORY bingos depending on the level of hockey being played. If you choose not to work the MANDATORY bingos, you have the option of paying a higher fee to offset the loss of revenue to the HAC. Once you have signed up for the MANDATORY bingos it is important to keep your commitment. When we are short of workers, the HAC is charged a penalty and we run the risk of losing our bingo license. If we lose a license, we have no option but to raise the registration fees for all our players. If MANDATORY bingos are not worked, the registration fees are deemed NOT TO BE PAID IN FULL. The deposit cheques for bingos not worked will be cashed. Any outstanding fees must be paid in full prior to the registration of a player in the next hockey season. A record of outstanding fees is kept in the EMHA data base and stays with a player even if they transfer to another Club in the City of Edmonton. In addition to the MANDATORY bingos, parents have the option of working EXTRA BINGOS throughout the year. The credits earned at these EXTRA bingos can be used towards activities such as the next year's registration fees, conditioning camp, in-line hockey, or for HAC merchandise. It is important to note that extra bingos DO NOT replace the mandatory bingos signed up for at Registration. As of March, 2002, single bingos are worth $30 credit and double bingos are worth $60 credit.

REGISTRATION
Registration fees are set by the Hawks Athletic Club Executive Committee prior to the start of each season. We are pleased to advise there is no increase in fees for the 2002 - 2003 hockey season. Payment can be made in the form of cash, VISA, Master Card, Cheque and/or bingo credits. Upon registering you must pay a minimum of $50.00 and then you have the option of writing a maximum of three post-dated cheques for the balance. The last date we can accept for a post dated cheque will be October 15, 2002. Any cancellations or withdrawals must be submitted to the Registrar (Janet Hughes) only. Janet can be reached by calling the Hawks Office at 453-3666 or her home 456-2604. There will be NO REFUNDS after November 15, 2002. Refunds prior to that date will be prorated based on the number of ice slots used - preseason and regular season skates - at a rate of $15.00 per hour of ice plus a $50.00 administration fee will be held back.

EMHA POLICY
Notwithstanding anything contained in any bylaw, regulation, or operating directive, or any other rule of the EMHA Board of Directors, Federation, Junior or AA Hockey, registration as a player or member is not a right, but a privilege, and the EMHA Board of Directors reserves the right to refuse or revoke membership and or registration to anyone whose conduct or that of her parent, guardian or family has failed to comply with the values or our mission statement, vision statement or "Good of the Game" conduct requirements.

RECOGNITION AND PREVENTION OF ABUSE
In response to adverse events that have occurred over the past few years, the CHA has developed a comprehensive policy in this area. The CHA and HAC are part of the sporting community in our country committed to seeking better ways to keep our youth safe. Protecting participants from all forms of abuse and neglect, whether emotional, physical or sexual, is an important element of safety. The CHA considers any form of abuse or neglect unacceptable and will do all it cn to prevent this intolerable social problem. To this end, the CHA will promote awareness of all forms or abuse and neglect by providing educational materials and programs for participants, parents, volunteers and staff members. Through the use of these strategies, we will send a clear message to all potential abusers and sexual predators that hockey participants are not easy targets. The CHA is committed to the highest possible standards of care for its participants.

POLICY
It is the policy of the CHA that there shall be no abuse and neglect, whether physical, emotional or sexual of any participant in any of its programs. The CHA expects every parent, volunteer and staff member to take all reasonable steps to safeguard the welfare of its participants and protect them from any form of maltreatment.

UNIFORMS AND EQUIPMENT
The HAWKS ATHLETIC CLUB colors and style are based on designs that were selected by the HAC Executive Committees. These colors and styles are the HAC identity, and as such, substitutions, changes or deviations cannot be made without the consent of the HAC Executive Committee. Each team will be supplied with a set of home and away jerseys for each player as well as one pair of hockey socks. In order to maximize the wear and tear of the uniforms, players ARE NOT ALLOWED to wear these jerseys for practices and must therefore supply their own practice jerseys. The team jerseys shall be carried in the HAC provided garment bags and laundered by appointed parents on the team. JERSEYS ARE NOT TO BE GIVEN TO INDIVIDUAL PLAYERS to look after as they are easily destroyed in player's equipment bags. Jerseys must be returned to the HAC at the end of the hockey season in good and clean condition or the team will be responsible for replacement/cleaning costs - one jersey damaged or lost in a set, renders the set useless for the following season. If a team chooses to put namebars on jerseys, they must be sewn on (not glued or ironed) and removed before they are returned at the end of the hockey season. Any "C's" and "A's" must also be removed from the jerseys so please sew them on as well. Each player is responsible for obtaining the remainder of his or her own equipment. Insurance coverage dictates that each player must be fully equipped with CSA approved equipment. The HAC will supply goaltender equipment (if possible) to goaltenders who do not have their own.

HOCKEY ADMINISTRATION
Hockey is a big organization of volunteers in Canada. This "picture" will give you a sense of how the Hawks Athletic Club fits into the big picture. Canadian Hockey Association (CHA) Administers amateur hockey across Canada Alberta Hockey Association (AHA) Administers amateur hockey leagues in Alberta Edmonton Minor Hockey Association (EMHA) Administers all of AA and Federation leagues in the City Edmonton & Area Federation Hockey Council (FHA) Administers minor hockey on behalf of the Community Leagues and Knights of Columbus programs North West Zone Community Athletic Club Administers the HAC, WWHA, and NWZ Midget and Initiation Programs Hawks Athletic Club Includes all affiliated Community Leagues

CONDUCT AND DISCIPLINE
Why do our players want to play hockey? The most common answer we hear is "because it's fun!" We should not lose focus of this answer as the season progresses and we many not see things that we dislike or disagree with. As parents our role is to support our players and many volunteers who give of their time to help players develop, demonstrate good sportsmanship and make new friends. As parents, let's try to support our players by contributing to the hockey season in a positive and constructive manner. Let's contribute to this atmosphere by making games, practices and any other team activities as free of conflict and unpleasantness as possible. If conflicts arise, let's deal with them in a manner that is constructive and leads to positive resolution. Remember we are all volunteers. Remember to support and encourage efforts made by game officials, team officials, opponents or team mates. Harassment of officials, opponents or team mates is NOT ACCEPTABLE and will not be tolerated. The Hawks Athletic Club strongly supports EMHA's "Good of the Game" initiative. It is expected all players, parents and team officials sign the agreement at the beginning of the season and then adhere to the spirit and intent of the program throughout the season. The Hawks Athletic Club reserves the right to impose "penalties" on those who do not adhere to the values of the Hawks Athletic Club or Good of the Game conduct requirement.

What's Inside

The Hawks Athletic Club

Arenas

Team Formation and Tiering

Evaluations

Parent Liaison Role

Team Expenses,Fund Raising,Sponsorships