U7 RAMBLERS PROGRAM

U7 EVALUATIONS

If more than one U7 team is required, DMHA's Evaluation Committee will organize evaluations in early October. The goal in U7 is to create equal skilled teams so that players of various ages to develop their skills together.

Evaluation dates will be set up through the TeamSnap App.

TEAM MANAGERS

Communication Liaison

• Act as the main point of contact between the coach and parents, ensuring smooth communication both ways.
• Serve as the liaison between DMHA and the team for all relevant updates and requirements.

Scheduling Responsibilities

• The 2&27 League host will be responsible for creating the U7 schedule. The league generally runs from November to the end of February and a year end tournament will be hosted by the league host at the beginning of March.
• All exhibition games and tournaments for the team are organized by the team manager. This must be communicated with DMHA's Registrar.
• A TeamSnap premium subscription is provided free of charge and is mandatory to be used by all teams. It is the manager's responsibility to update the team schedule and relay all important information through the app.
• The manager will communicate with the DMHA’s Ice Scheduler regarding all ice time requests, changes, and cancellations.

League Compliance

• The 2&27 League host will provide the rules to you at the beginning of the season.
• The manager will communicate with DMHA's 2&27 League Representative for all information from the league host.

Team Administration

• Keep players and parents informed about all team schedules, activities, and events throughout the season.
• Assign and schedule off-ice roles (50/50 sellers, time keeper and board set-up) for all home games.
• Maintain or cause to maintain a record of team monies (by appointment of the team treasurer or the manager themselves).
• Communicate with DMHA's Equipment Manager for locker access and team equipment.

Required Forms & HA Sanctions

• Parent/Player Pledge Forms – These are completed online during registration. Contact DMHA's Registrar for further information.
• 2&27 League requires a sanction number for all home games and a travel permit for all away games. Teams cannot travel outside the Association without a permit (this is a major insurance requirement).
• Exhibition Games – Travel permits are no longer required, but the home team must apply for a sanction number.
• Tournaments Outside Your Association – Travel permits are still required per Hockey Alberta regulations. Request these at least one week in advance from DMHA's Registrar, providing the sanction number, location, and date.

DMHA's Start of Season Meeting

Coaches and managers are required to attend a mandatory meeting. organized by the DMHA Coach-in-Chief. This meeting takes place after evaluations and is attended by all coaches, managers and applicable board members. It provides important information and handouts for everyone in attendance.

Initial Team Meeting

During the first week of practices, you will likely want to organize a sit down with your team parents to discuss your upcoming season. It's critical that you start the year of right and review the key learnings from the respect in sport course that everybody has completed. Please ensure your team understands the 24 hour complaint rule.

Other things to discuss during this team meeting:

• Number of tournaments the team is interested in attending
• Fundraising vs. Cash call amount and deadline
• Volunteering for home games
• Selecting a team treasurer
• Extra Activities (ie - Christmas and End of Season party options)

TEAM COACHES

COACHING REQUIREMENTS: Click Here

Head Coach Responsibilities

• Designing practices that engage and challenge players at their level.
• Provide positive encouragement to all players to promote sportsmanship and develop hockey skills.
• Foster a positive team environment, emphasizing rules, teamwork, and a strong work ethic.

Coaching Staff Management

• Work with DMHA's Coach-In-Chief to select Assistant Coaches as needed.

Communication & Coordination

• Maintain regular communication with the team manager regarding:
  • Game and practice schedules
  • Tournaments
  • League updates
  • Any other team-related matters
  • Relay all pertinent team information to players and parents as needed.
• Communicate with DMHA's Equipment Manager for locker access and team equipment.

Rules & Regulations Compliance

• Understand and enforce the rules and regulations set by the 2&27 League Host.
• Ensure strict adherence to these rules throughout the season.

Game & Practice Responsibilities

• Attend as many games and practices as reasonably possible.
• Plan and implement effective practice sessions to develop player skills.
• Make final decisions regarding all aspects of the team, ensuring a fair and structured environment.

Start of Season Meeting

Coaches and managers are required to attend a mandatory meeting. organized by the DMHA Coach-in-Chief. This meeting takes place after evaluations and is attended by all coaches, managers and applicable board members. It provides important information and handouts for everyone in attendance.

Assistant Coach Responsibilities

• Promote positive skill development and attitudes among all players.
• Assist the Head Coach in all planning aspects, including practices and game strategies.
• Step in as the acting Head Coach when the Head Coach is unavailable.

RESPECT IN SPORT

The Respect in Sport Parent Program establishes a standard of behaviour for parents, fostering a safer, more respectful, and rewarding environment for everyone involved. Parents play a crucial role in supporting their children, and Respect in Sport equips them with the tools to do so effectively.

This one-hour online program reinforces a parent’s role in their child’s activities, promotes positive sportsmanship, and empowers parents to ensure their child’s safety, encourage positive and effective communication and enhance their child’s enjoyment and sense of camaraderie in sports

Respect in Sport (RIS) Certification is a mandatory requirement for the Didsbury Minor Hockey Association and Hockey Alberta. Parents and Coaches/Team Officials would be required to re-certify their Respect in Sport every four seasons.

We are confident that Respect in Sport will continue to positively impact the game, and we remain committed to building a culture of respect and integrity in youth sports.

MANDATORY EQUIPMENT

• Helmet (must be CSA-certified)
• Neck guard (must be BNQ-certified)
• Shoulder pads
• Elbow pads
• Gloves
• Groin guard (jock/jill/cup)
• Hockey pants
• Shin pads
• Hockey socks
• Skates
• Hockey stick
• Practice jersey
• Equipment bag

DMHA - Making Hockey More Accessible

Hockey—and everything that comes with it—can be a significant investment. To help ease the financial commitment, Didsbury Minor Hockey Association offers a payment installment plan by credit card.

KidSport Alberta

KidSport is a national non-profit organization dedicated to removing financial barriers that prevent children from participating in organized sports. They provide financial assistance for registration fees and access to equipment for kids up to the age of 18.

Their mission is simple: No kid should be left on the sidelines—every child deserves the chance to experience the positive benefits of organized sports.

Learn more and apply: KidSport Alberta

Jumpstart

Jumpstart is a national charity committed to supporting local communities. Recognizing the importance of organized sports in connecting kids to their communities, Canadian Tire Corporation ensures that all general administrative expenses are covered—so 100% of customer donations go directly to helping kids in need.

Learn more and apply: Jumpstart

We believe that every child should have the opportunity to play, grow, and thrive through hockey. If cost is a concern, explore these resources to see how they can help.