Welcome Parents and Players We are pleased to welcome you to the AMHERSTBURG STARS for the 2010-2011 season. We are expecting an exciting hockey season with emphasis on hard work, respect, safety and most importantly FUN. It is the continued goal of the coaching team to bring out the very best in our young hockey players in a positive and encouraging environment.
Players
As a member of the team, your player will be given the opportunity to play and practice with a quality group of individuals. Each team practice is designed to enhance your player’s individual skills, to teach team tactics, and increase your player’s physical condition. Each game will have a strategy and plan to allow your player to use their skills to achieve their own goals and the team’s goals.
Parents
Your involvement is crucial to the success of the season. Financially, supportively and as a fan to the game we understand and respect your involvement. Guidelines are in place that will streamline the communication between all members of the organization at key times throughout the season. We are looking forward to your involvement, your support, and your satisfaction with this year in hockey.
Agenda
1. Introductions
2. Coaching Philosophy and Expectations – a) Player Training b) Goals c) Season Plan
3. Discipline – “3 strike rule”
4. 
Medical Information Sheet - have them completed and into Tony Salvati by Saturday September 11th.
5. Complaint Process – Parent Liaison (Brandi Peddie)
6. Tournaments
7. Fundraising (Senga Salvati)
8. Sponsorships – Banner volunteer
9. Team Goal Setting – Richmond Hill Tournament
10. Budget
11. Closing Remarks
Coaching Philosophy
Kids are competitive by nature. It is our goal as coaches to give them the best opportunity to be successful. This does not necessarily mean winning. Winning is part of the game, and so is losing. Winning is an expectation, but it is not within a person’s control. As a team, we will focus on expectations and values that are controllable – winning may be a potential outcome from that focus. There are lessons to be learned from the win and the loss. The character trait we are looking for is “effort” – if they do their best, they will never hang their heads.
“Ask nothing – get nothing”. There will be expectations placed on your player – effort, hard work, team camaraderie, respect, discipline, trust, commitment, punctuality, co-operation, perseverance, integrity, patience, concern.
Motto
“Practice like Champions – Play like Champions”
Flexible Objectives
1. Have more shots for than against
2. Play disciplined, penalty-free games
Fixed Objectives
1. Have FUN and make friends
2. Skill development – the foundation of any good hockey player is individual skill
3. Continued development of player’s character
4. Team Play – build TEAM concept – team effort
5. Emphasize the importance of school
6. RESPECT – rules, opponents, officials, parents, coaches, and each other
7. Teach the importance of goal setting
8. Learn to win and lose
9. Lead by example
10.Out work our opponent.
Complaint Process
We do not expect any problems to arise throughout the hockey season, but fully understand that certain decisions made by the coaching team may not always agree with parent philosophy. We ask everyone to refrain from verbalizing your negative thoughts with fellow parents, and in front of the players. The coaching team is willing to discuss their strategies, coaching philosophy and decision making at an appropriate time.
Steps to Follow:
There will be a waiting period of 24 hours or cool down time before approaching the team liaison representative.
Step 1: After the time period has passed, approach the liaison (Brandi Peddie) in a civil and respectful manner. Amha expects the majority of all issues will be resolved at this juncture. If you feel the issue is not resolved:
Step 2: Approach the Convener for the division (Tommy Welsh) in a civil manner to discuss your issue and work toward resolution. If you feel the issue is not resolved:
Step 3: The Convener will advise the VP Travel (Paul Tonietto) and the VP will work toward resolution. If the issue is not resolved to your satisfaction, the Disciplinary Risk Management Director will investigate the issue and make the final decision.
Team Goal Setting
The players working with the “end in mind” is paramount to success. At the Richmond Hill tournament we will take some time to demonstrate the benefit of working as a team instead of as individuals. We will establish at that time our team goals, and how we will achieve our goals.