POLICY

Photo: Dave Holland

Our Mission

GHC provides individual growth, team development, and the opportunity to play female hockey at the appropriate age and skill levels within a safe, healthy and fun environment.

Our Vision

We are the hockey association of choice for girls in Calgary. We achieve this through strong leadership and the pride of our membership.

Our Governance

GHC is governed by the following policies, as well as the rules and regulations of Hockey Calgary, Hockey Alberta, Hockey Canada.

Association policy and guidelines

GHC is governed by various internal and external rules, regulations, and policies. The purpose of these policies and guidelines is to:

Provide safety and protection to all participants.

Provide fairness and integrity to the game of hockey.

Provide guidance in the management and operation of the Association.

GHC Policy Manual

The GHC Policy Manual is designed for players and parents, and embodies the beliefs, commitments, values and vision of Girls Hockey Calgary Association (GHC). Policies and procedures are formally made and approved by the Board of Directors in accordance with association bylaws.

The association also follows the policies and procedures set forth by the leagues in which our teams participate, Hockey Alberta and Hockey Canada.

Code of Conduct & Ethics Policy

The purpose of the Code of Conduct and Ethics Policy (GHC Policy Manual, Section 18) is to ensure a safe and positive environment within GHC programs, activities and events, by making all individuals aware that there is an expectation of appropriate behaviour at all times.

The Code of Conduct and Ethics applies to all members of the association, which includes athletes and their guardians.

GHC Bylaws

Girls Hockey Calgary Association (GHC) Bylaws direct the Board of Directors in their work to oversee the association, and specify the duties and responsibilities of an organization's members.

Bylaws define our associations's purpose, official identity, officers' titles and responsibilities, requirements for membership, and standard operating procedures.

Safety policy and protocols

Hockey Canada Concussion Policy

If a participant is suspected of having a concussion, GHC Members must follow Hockey Canada's Concussion Policy. Additional resources:

"Safety Requires Teamwork" Guide

Hockey Canada is committed to providing safe environments for everyone involved with the game.

Safety Requires Teamwork is Hockey Canada's information guide for parents and guardians to understand Hockey Canada’s risk management and insurance programs, as well as a guide to understanding bullying, harassment and abuse.

Hockey Canada Safety Program

The Hockey Canada Safety Program (HCSP) is a development initiative of Hockey Canada that focuses on injury prevention and safety. The three-hour program is available online at Hockey University.

All Hockey Alberta teams must have a minimum of one team official who has completed the HCSP and present at all games. Timbits and Novice teams are required to have one certified person per 10 players.

Member Responsiblities (COMMUNITY)

Respect In Sport (RIS) for Parents

GHC members are required to provide proof of current Respect in Sport (RIS) for Parents certification before registering. This one-hour online program is designed to encourage positive sport behaviours, empower parents to ensure the safety of their children, and encourage positive and effective communication. Recertification is required every four years.

Volunteer Committment

GHC Community members are required to complete volunteer credits.  Fulfillment of credits must be a combination of association and team credits.  Families who do not complete their required volunteer commitment will be invoiced $500.  The member will be consider "Not in Good Standing" until the payment is received.  Please visit our Volunteer page for more information and opportunities.

Jersey Deposit

GHC requires a jersey deposit of $200 per jersey. GHC Jerseys must be returned clean and in undamaged condition. Families who do not return GHC supplied jersey(s) by end of season will be invoiced the $200 bond amount, applied directly to the player’s Hockey Canada Player Profile. Failure to pay this amount will result in “Not in Good Standing” status and may affect future registrations and releases.

Player Medical Information Sheet

GHC members are required to submit a completed Player Medical Information Sheet during registration for the season. Before a player participates in a hockey program, any medical condition or injury problem should be checked by that individual’s family physician.

Personal information used, disclosed, secured or retained by GHC will be held solely for the purposes for which it was collected and in accordance with the National Privacy Principles.

Parent Engagement Guide

Hockey Alberta’s goal is to ensure all parents, coaches, and families are engaged, educated and supported in all areas of hockey. They have created this guide to enjoying hockey in Alberta for parents and players. Parents are also encouraged to check the Hockey Alberta website regularly, under the Parents Tab, for links to articles and videos to you support your athlete.

Member Responsiblities (ELITE)

Respect In Sport (RIS) for Parents

GHC members are required to provide proof of current Respect in Sport (RIS) for Parents certification before registering. This one-hour online program is designed to encourage positive sport behaviours, empower parents to ensure the safety of their children, and encourage positive and effective communication. Recertification is required every four years.

Calgary Fire Member Handbook

It is the goal of GHC to promote good sportsmanship, overall personal development and the pursuit of excellence.

It is the responsibility of all members (players, parents, coaches, staff and volunteers) to read and understand the contents of this handbook. GHC and its Board of Directors will ensure that all policies contained herein are administered and adhered to.

Volunteer Committment

GHC Community members are required to complete volunteer credits.  Fulfillment of credits must be a combination of association and team credits.  Families who do not complete their required volunteer commitment will be invoiced $600.  The member will be consider "Not in Good Standing" until the payment is received.  Please visit our Volunteer page for more information and opportunities.

GHC Elite families are required to fulfill an additional volunteer positions for the annual Calgary Firestarter Tournament. Families that do not meet the required volunteer position spots will be assessed an additional $600 on their registration fees.

Player Medical Information Sheet

GHC members are required to submit a completed Player Medical Information Sheet during registration for the season. Before a player participates in a hockey program, any medical condition or injury problem should be checked by that individual’s family physician.

Personal information used, disclosed, secured or retained by GHC will be held solely for the purposes for which it was collected and in accordance with the National Privacy Principles.

Jersey Deposit

GHC requires a jersey deposit of $200 per jersey. GHC Jerseys must be returned clean and in undamaged condition. Families who do not return GHC supplied jersey(s) by end of season will be invoiced the $200 bond amount, applied directly to the player’s Hockey Canada Player Profile. Failure to pay this amount will result in “Not in Good Standing” status and may affect future registrations and releases.

For more information on Calgary Fire equipment guidelines, please see the Calgary Fire Member Handbook.

COMMUNICATION PROCESS

All issues concerning the operation of a team shall be communicated using the following process. The purpose of this process is to establish a standard approach to communication so GHC members can resolve difficulties or misunderstandings in a timely and transparent manner.

At no time should a GHC parent or player contact a member of Hockey Calgary, Hockey Alberta or the Central Zone Referee Committee for a resolution to a team issue. This is in accordance with the communication policies for these governing organizations.

If a GHC member wishes to report an incident to the GHC Board, it must be done so in a formal manner in accordance with GHC's Conflict Resolution Policy. The complaint must be signed and in writing, and must be filed within fourteen (14) days of the incident. Anonymous or third party complaints will not be accepted.

1

Parent and/or Player

In issues that provoke an emotional response and/or risk of hostile confrontation, please honour the 24-Hour Rule. This is an effective way to validate the facts and collect your thoughts.

2

TEAM MANAGER AND COACH

Parents must first work on a resolution with the Team Manager and Head Coach. If necessary, arrange a face-to-face meeting to discuss the issue. The goal of this meeting is to solve the problem.

3

AGE GROUP COORDINATORs

If the issue cannot be resolved, please consult your Age Group Coordinator. AGC will consult with the appropriate Board member(s) and GHC Policies to work towards a satisfactory conclusion.

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