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)

Dates and times for the above events can be found on our Calendar of Events when they become available.

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”

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 of Hockey 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.

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.

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

The BMHA Equipment Manager will contact teams for a time to pick-up the equipment. The jerseys can have name and/or sponsor bars sewn on, but they all must be removed at the end of the season before returning them. Jerseys may NOT be taken home by players, a team equipment manager should be assigned and responsible for the care of the team jerseys.

At the end of the season (after playoffs are over) the coach will have the responsibility of returning all equipment. This includes the pucks, pylons and jerseys, trainers kit, and any assigned goalie equipment. Please ensure you have all jerseys (both home and away) with matching numbers returned in order within labeled garmet bags.

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