1. PeeWee Parent Meeting October 10, 2018
Leanne Morris, PeeWee ALD
West Madison Polar Caps

2. Agenda Introductions Tryout Process Parent and Player Expectations
Coaching Philosophy – ADM
Team Organization / Other Topics
Safety Issues
Volunteer Hours / Fundraising
Wrap - Up

3. Tryout Process
Majority of Independent Evaluators – meaning, no child playing at level
Night 1 – focus on basic skills
Nights 2 and 3 – focus on game play
Coaching Committee with input from evaluators and coaches determines teams.
No conspiracy…only goal – place kids on like-skill team to best develop

4. Parent / Player Expectations
Family and school are more important than hockey
Responsibility – please communicate with coaches if your player will be absent from practice or game
Read and understand the Code of Conduct
Polar Caps will enforce the Code
No yelling at coaches/refs/players from the stands- this will be seen as a violation
You will be notified via of violations

5. Coach Expectations Fun!
We focus exclusively on USA Hockey’s American Development Model. Please familiarize yourself -
Structured/safe environment to individually develop your child. Foster passion for game.
We praise work ethic and growth mindset
We encourage creativity and failure on ice.
We focus on process/effort - NOT results.
NOT about winning. Winning is byproduct of point above.

6. Related to Coaching
Playing time will be equal for all kids unless disciplinary issues arise
Kids will play different positions throughout the year
Accept the decisions of Coaches
Direct questions first to the team rep, then coaches
Leave coaching to Coaches. On walk to car, talk about hockey. After that, STOP! Only ask if the kids are having fun and let them be kids.
If you have questions, just ask!

7. Locker Room Policy
Locker room policy is designed to maintain personal privacy as well as to reduce the risk of misconduct in locker rooms
A coach or voluntary parent locker room monitors will need to be present directly outside of the locker rooms and changing areas
It is discouraged at the PeeWee level for parents to be in the locker room unless it is truly necessary.
If your player needs assistance with uniform or gear, are injured and have a disability that warrants assistance, let the coach know beforehand so that someone is available to help your player
Polar Caps adhere to USA Hockey’s SafeSport Program as a means to protect its participants from physical or sexual abuse and other types of misconduct including bullying, threats, and harassment.

8. Locker Room Policy cont…
Co-ed locker rooms. Players are asked to arrive at the rink wearing hockey base layers under their street clothes when entering the locker room. If your player is unable to do this ahead of time, then I would suggest they use a restroom to put on their base layers.
Cell phones or other mobile devices with recording capabilities, including voice recording, still cameras and video cameras are NOT permitted to be used in the locker rooms.
The ONLY exception is for players or coaches to play music through their mobile device or via connected speakers.
Pictures or video recordings may be taken by coaches or locker room monitors IF all players are fully dressed in their hockey uniform.
Parents and volunteers may be subject to disciplinary action for violation of the locker room policies or for engaging in any misconduct or abuse that violates the USA Hockey SafeSport policies

9. FAQ How often and when does the team practice and play?
Typically: 2 or 3 practices during the week and 2 games each weekend.
Practice times and days of the week vary considerably
There are typically around games during a season… about 9-10 home games, away games, and 6-8 tournament games
Game times vary from early morning to late afternoon
Not all games are scheduled at start of year. Some may be added as the season goes along!
Are all the practices held at MIA?
No! Practices are NOT always at the same time, so check the Polar Caps Calendar.
Other locations include the UW Shell, and Verona/Hartmeyer if needed
Subcribe to ical feed on PC website!
How many tournaments?
Varies by team but typically it is 2 tournaments, most likely three or even four this year. One is usually in Madison area or within an hour drive. One is away (overnight stays in hotels… leave on Friday evening and come back on a Sunday afternoon) and potentially the state tournament in March. Individual Teams may also schedule additional tournament
How frequently does the team travel?
Usually once a weekend on average -- Games are usually located within greater Dane County, but could potentially include areas as far as Milwaukee, Beloit, Reedsburg, and Dubuque
Will our teams have dry land practices?
Yes!

10. Parent Volunteer / Team Org.
Each team will need:
A Team Rep to schedule games, arrange tournaments, and prepare weekly updates.
A Social Director to organize food and fun, particularly at tournaments.
Some teams have additional roles such as Treasurer and Off-Ice Official Organizer (see next bullet).
Plenty of opportunities to get involved!
Off-Ice Officials volunteers needed at all home games.
Official scorekeeper
Penalty Box door operator (may be needed at away games also)
Scoreboard operator
SignUpGenius.com is a good way to get these spots scheduled/filled
Learn to do these functions… and they can be fun!
What is the Slush Fund?
In the past, the slush fund was used to pay for tournament entry fees and coaches end-of-the-year gifts.
Since tournament fees were included in Registration Fees this year. The slush fund amount will be much less as in years past.
It is up to each team to determine the amount for their slush funds.

11. Safety
Safety: Ensuring that your skater has the proper equipment is the best way that you as a parent can help minimize your skater’s risk of injury.
Be certain equipment is in good shape and fits properly.
Helmets: Get a good one and make sure it fits well. Must have sticker verifying it is not expired!
Mouth Guards
If you aren’t sure about whether something fits or if it's appropriate, ask
Concussion Awareness:
_Checklist_for_Parents.pdf df
Athlete_Acknowledgement_Form.pdf
WAHA Rules to be aware of:
Charging/Boarding/Contact to the Head will all be misconduct penalties. Two misconducts in a game will result in a Game Misconduct
HECC Helmet Rule – A player can be removed from the ice if he/she does not have the sticker with a date that is within the 8 year window.

12. Volunteer Hours/Miscellaneous
Must work 12 hours during the season.
GET YOUR HOURS DONE EARLY… DON’T WAIT UNTIL THE END OF THE SEASON
You will be charged $30/hour for each hour not worked.
How to Sign Up
Use DIBS system on Polar Caps website.
Fundraising-Main Event
Skate-A-Thon
Friday, November 30th
Remember:
We are an ALL VOLUNTEER organization. Coaches are NOT paid. We have a fantastic 4-5 month program for your child and we need your help!
Miscellaneous:
LiveBarn will be live at MIA as of next week- it has a microphone and picks up voices in the stands

13. Questions?