Coaches Corner

Whether you are new to coaching within the BMHA, considering coaching or have coached before, this section should provide you with the necessary information to assist with your season.

Annual Events

The BMHA hosts a number of events each season which all coaches should be aware of. These events include:

• Coaches Kick-off Meeting (beginning of season)
• Clinics for Volunteers (Speak Out Clinic, Coach Clinic, Trainer Clinic)
• Goalie Clinics (approx. 3 per season)
• Volunteer Appreciation Night (end of the season)
• End of year Awards (Coach of the Year and Volunteer of the Year)

Coach Certification

Coach certifications have been revised by Hockey Canada, allowing Coaches to enter into the “stream” that’s relative to the level they will be coaching in. For more information see http://www.odha.com/Pages/Programs/CoachingEquivalences.php. Here are the main changes:

• The “IP Instructor” is now “Intro Coach”
• “Coach Level” is now “Coach Stream”
• “Intermediate Coach is now “Developmental 1”

Coach Selection Procedure

If you wish to be a head coach for any BMHA team, you must complete a Coach & Volunteer Application form and submit it to the relevant Division Convenor and copy it to the Vice President - Operations by September 10th.

The BMHA executive will determine coaches based on a Coach Selection procedure as outlined in by-law #15 of the BMHA By-Law document listed on the BMHA Constitution page.

Fair Play Code

Playing hockey is about having fun. In order to ensure everyone enjoys themselves at the rink please keep in mind these Hockey Canada Fair Play Code guidelines for Coaches.

• I will be reasonable when scheduling games and practices, remembering that players have other interests and obligations.
• I will teach my players to play fairly and to respect the rules, officials and opponents.
• I will ensure that all players get equal instruction, support and playing time.
• I will not ridicule or yell at my players for making mistakes or for performing poorly.
• I will remember that players play to have fun and must be encouraged to have confidence in themselves.
• I will make sure that equipment and facilities are safe and match the player's ages and abilities.
• I will remember that participants need a coach they can respect. I will be generous with praise and set a good example.
• I will obtain proper training and continue to upgrade my coaching skills.
• I will work in cooperation with officials for the benefit of the game.

Team Equipment

At the start of the season each team will be provided with a set of equipment:

• pucks
• set of pylons
• set of team jerseys (home & away)
• set of goalie equipment (younger teams - IP/Novice/Atom)
• Trainers Kit

Useful Links

There are a number of useful pages on our website to assist coaches. Here is a list of the essential links:

Rule Changes Recent rule changes to be aware of	Executive Listing List of convenors and other board members	Forms Coaching application, injury report, suspension report, etc.
Police Record Checks Information on how to proceed	Clinics Information on BMHA hosted clinics	Ice Schedules Game and Practice schedules
Teams List of BMHA teams and team contacts	Managers Valuable information for managing your team	Arena Maps Maps to local arenas
BMHA Documents, Procedures & Policies Important documents on roles and responsibilities of the BMHA	Scoring/Timekeeping Important information for Timekeepers and Official Scorers

Here are some other links of interest for coaches:

GHA Team Officials Guide

Referee Exhibition and/or League Change Request Form

ODMHA Documents, Procedures & Policies

OMHA Coaches DrillBook