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Shelburne County Minor Hockey Association
Shelburne County Minor Hockey Association

Handbook

   

SCMHA HANDBOOK

 

Introduction

This handbook has been prepared by Shelburne County Minor Hockey Association to be used as a guide for the SCMHA Executive in the management and delivery of the Minor Hockey Program in Shelburne County.

It should be noted that the Shelburne County Minor Hockey Association is a member of Hockey Nova Scotia and MUST follow various regulations; policies and procedures as defined by the HNS. This handbook has been developed to address the various policies and procedures that are specific to the SCMHA and in no way is to be confused with the HNS Regulations.

Any Motion that is passed by the executive on policies and/or procedures should be incorporated into the handbook at the next update.

Registration

The registration fee for all players/goalies in SCMHA shall be as advertised at the beginning of each season. Include mention of fundraising fees as in addition to registration fees.

All registration inquiries after the registration deadline should be forwarded to the Registrar to ensure consistency in addressing the inquiries. Any player/goalie not registered by the registration deadline will be placed on a waiting list and will only be placed on a team if needed.

In order to register, a child must have reached the age of four by December 31st of the current hockey season. As an example, for a child to register for the 2026-2027 hockey season the child must be at least 4 years of age on or before December 31, 2026.

A child may only register in one group within any division.

All minor hockey player/goalies must be registered in the appropriate group according to their ages. Any player/goalie wanting to play in a group or level either above or below their age level must be evaluated by evaluators elected by SCMHA. Parents must fill out request form. The SCMHA President will forward the request and the evaluations to HNS Regional Director. Decision will be made by HNS.

Players/goalies that switch to player/goalie during the season will have registration fees re-evaluated and pro-rated to refect what's actually being played. This intended to ensure registration fees are being fairly charged, this is not intended to restrict children from changing their minds about being a player or goalie during the season.

Refunds

If a minor hockey player or goalie withdraws from the SCMHA program the following procedures are to be followed:

  • Within 30 days from the start of the program – 80%
  • Between 30 – 60 days – 50 % refund
  • Between 60 – 90 days – 25% refund
  • Greater than 90 days – No refund

The “start of the program” is defined as the first minor hockey ice time each division. No “fundraising” fees shall be included in the refund.

Releases

If a SCMHA player or goalie wishes to be released from the association, their parent can email shelburneflames@gmail.com with the player/goalie's name, date of birth and the team and association they are trying out for. The release will be granted by the President of the Association for the following reasons;

  • SCMHA does not offer that particular level (U11/13/15/18 A/AA/AAA) and the player/goalie has the opportunity to play in that level. Example if SCMHA does not offer U18, players/goalies are released to play U18 at another association. Additional example, if SCMHA does not offer U11A or U11AA then players/goalies can request releases to tryout for those levels at another association. Releases do not apply to B level, as per HNS regulations. Release do not apply to U7 and U9 as per HNS Regulations.
  • the player/goalie moves from Shelburne County to a residence under the jurisdiction of another Association, refer to HNS Regulations regarding Residency.

If a player/goalie is released from tryouts they return to their home association and pay SCMHA registration fees.

**New in 2026/2027 do not pay SCMHA registration fees if requesting a release. 

 

SCMHA HOCKEY SYSTEM

1. The U7 Timbit Division shall be comprised of players aged 4, 5 & 6, divided into groups based upon abilities, size, etc.

2. The U9 Novice Division shall be comprised of players/goalies aged 7 & 8.

3. The U11 Atom Division shall be comprised of players/goalies aged 9 & 10.

4. The U13 Peewee Division shall be comprised of players/goalies aged 11 & 12.

5. The U15 Bantam Division shall be comprised of players/goalies aged 13 & 14.

6. The U18 Midget Division shall be comprised of players/goalies aged 15, 16 & 17.

7. SCMHA in its endeavour to promote female participation shall release females players/goalies to the region's female hockey program freely, see Riptides.

8. All Divisions: The coach is encouraged to use the online lessons, drills and plans provided through HNS.

9. Players in U15 and U18 A or AA divisions will be required to take a Checking Clinic prior to playing a game.

10. All Coaches at all levels must take the coaching level courses required by the HNS at the first available opportunity.

11. A Division Director cannot serve as a coach or assistant coach within his or her division. Division Directors cannot direct in a division in which their own child is playing.

“REP” TEAM SYSTEM

1. The SCMHA shall advertise via facebook for all “Rep” team coaches. The Executive will decide on the successful candidates following coaches interviews.

2. All Rep coaches are to ensure all players and goalies on their respective teams receive “equitable” playing time over the course of the season except in tournament play, provincial play downs and/or playoffs. 

3. All monies remaining in the Rep team’s account at the completion of the season must be re-distributed to the parents/guardians who had previously fund-raised to help secure the funds initially. This does not include any registration fees. Registration fees will be used by the team, no monies will be refunded to a team not using all of their registration money.

Team treasurer is required to provide, to their team and the SCMHA Board, a detailed financial report twice/year (end of December and at the end of the season – to be handed in by annual general meeting in April).

COACHES RESPONSIBILITY

  1. The Coach will report to the Division Director of the respective level.
  2. The Coach will keep SCMHA informed of the progress or regress of his/her team by communication with the Division Director.
  3. The Coach and the Division Director should work with the Development Coordinator to review and suggest new strategies to develop the players/goalies.
  4. The Coach will continue to upgrade and/or review his/her coaching levels.
  5. The Coach will respect the right of the individual hockey players/goalies and provide a positive image to the players/goalies
  6. The Coach, at the U15 and U18 levels, shall involve the players/goalies in goal setting and game strategies.
  7. The Coach shall keep players/goalies and parents informed of upcoming games or events and any concerns that may arise, or may delegate to the team manager.
  8. The coach shall follow the “Fair Play Program” as adopted by SCMHA.
  9. CSA approved helmets will be required for all coaches and players/goalies on the ice during games, practices or other events sanctioned by minor hockey for the entire hockey season.

CODES OF DISCIPLINE

1. SCMHA shall follow Hockey Nova Scotia's “Code of Discipline” for all infractions that are called by the Officials. When an infraction does occur the following actions should be taken:

  • Official informs the Coach of the player/goalie involved in the infraction
  • Official writes up an “incidents” report and forwards to HNS.
  • Coach of the “ejected” player/goalie informs the Division Director who in turn informs the President/board.
  • HNS e-mails a copy of the suspension to the SCMHA President
  • The Division Director will be informed by the President of what the suspension is and the length of the suspension
  • The President then informs the Coach of the length of the suspension who in turn relays the information to the player/goalie and parent/guardian.
  • If there are any discrepancies between the lengths of the suspension given by SCMHA and HNS the later will be the final decision.

2. All off-ice problems will be dealt with in the following manner (except when there is a discrepancy with HNS policies):

  • Verbal or physcial abuse of Coach by any player/goalie
  • Fighting between players/goalies off ice
  • Destruction of property
  1. 1st occurrence – Warning by the Coach
  2. 2nd Occurrence – One (1) Game Suspension
  3. 3rd Occurrence – Written report to be forwarded to the Division Director who shall bring it to the attention of the Executive for the appropriate action.

Note: In the case of “destruction of Property”, the Arena Staff shall be notified if the property is part of the Barrington or Shelburne Arena.

 

Fundraising

All teams and participants have a responsibility to project a positive image of the team, our Association and Minor Hockey.

Parents and players/goalies will be expected to fundraise to meet team expenses.

  1. Direct public support can be requested through activities such as candy sales, car washes, the SCMHA 50/50 draws, etc. Provided that they are in good taste.
  2. All fundraising programs must be well supervised and controlled.
  3. Fundraising programs should be carried out within Shelburne County.
  4. All plans for team fundraising must be discussed and approved at a team level. SCMHA Executive has the right to verify amounts raised and refuse fundraising events.
  5. The team fundraising representative is responsible for ensuring the Association guidelines are followed.
  6. Teams may plan, budget and fundraise only for the following purposes included:
    • Tournament registration fees
    • The cost of hotel/motel room or rooms for coaching staff at any away games or tournaments if they are not parents of players/goalies on the team.
    • Additional ice time
    • Referees for exhibition games
    • Other team expenses
    • Fundraising for any other items not mentioned above must be approved by the SCMHA Executive.