U9 RAMBLERS PROGRAM

CAHL

• The Central Alberta Hockey League (CAHL) is a youth hockey league in Alberta that spans communities from Oyen to Didsbury, Banff, Fort Macleod, and Brooks, offering programs for players from U9 to U18
• CAHL has an extensive Board that meets regularly before, throughout and following the season and governs the league.
• Each division of hockey has a variety of tiers and each tier has a Governor. Governors create and distribute schedules for the tier they are looking after, keep the tier website up to date with all relevant information and game statistics.
• Every association has a CAHL representative who must attend mandatory meetings as they are scheduled. The CAHL rep sits on the Association Board and keeps the Association apprised with necessary CAHL information.
• CAHL hosts a mandatory managers’ meeting to review essential league operations, including the use of the RAMP App, game verification procedures, appointed CAHL Governors, weather-related cancellations, and other important updates.
• Managers must familiarize themselves with the CAHL website.

CRITICAL DATES

The DMHA Registrar is responsible to look after critical dates for teams and players within associations.

These include:

• November 15th Final date for team registration re: provincial eligibility’
• November 15th Final date to submit provincial host bid applications
• December 15th Final date to affiliate
• January 10th Final date to register players

CAHL WEBSITE: https://cahlhockey.ca/

U9 CONDITIONING & EVALUATIONS

Conditioning camps will start TBA for the 2025/2026 season.

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 / League Compliance

• Coordinate with the CAHL Governor for your tier, ensuring that home game sheets and rescheduled game details are submitted.
• Manage and submit Game Change Forms (available on the CAHL website) for approval before any game changes.
• The manager will communicate with the DMHA’s Ice Scheduler regarding all ice time requests, changes, and cancellations.
• 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.

Team Administration

• Keep players and parents informed about all team schedules, activities, and events throughout the season.
• Assign and schedule off-ice officials (50/50 sellers, game sheets, time keeper and board set-up) for all home games.
• Communicate with DMHA's Equipment Manager for locker access and team equipment.

Required Forms & HA Sanctions

Initial Team Meeting

During the first week of practices, you will likely want to organize a sit down with your team's parents to discuss your upcoming season. It's critical that you start the year off 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

Head Coach Responsibilities

• 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 the rules and regulations set by CAHL. 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.

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.

Minor Assistant Coach Program

The "JR Coach" program is available for U7 to U11 teams and offers players within DMHA an opportunity to be mentored as assistant coaches. The program aims to develop future coaches by enhancing key skills such as communication, game analysis, and observation, under the guidance of experienced mentor coaches.

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.

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 instalment 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