Prospective players must complete all necessary EIHA registration documents and read and sign this document and ensure all relevant payments are made before membership can be confirmed.

Players agree to keep their registration and subscription payments up to date. Membership automatically ceases in the event of subs becoming more than one month overdue.

Payment of subscriptions is by monthly standing order. This requirement will be only be varied in exceptional circumstances and at the sole discretion of the Club Treasurer.

No transfer documents will be authorized where subs or other amounts are owed. The Club Secretary also requires a minimum 7 days notice of intended transfer.

Training schedules, fixtures and other details may change at short notice and parents and players are encouraged to regularly check the club notice board for updated information.

Club Officials

A Management Committee consisting of a Chair, Vice Chair, Secretary and Treasurer approved by rink management and the Head Coach runs the Club. In addition here are annually elected parent representatives for each age group.

Each team also has a Lead Coach, Assistant Coach(es), Team Manager and other off-ice helpers. A full list of officials can be found on the Club notice board.

Note - all volunteers give up considerable amounts of their own time to help the Club and the continued cooperation of parents and players is vital to its ongoing success.

The Club has a duty to protect it’s officials from personal abuse and action will be taken against offending parents and/or players where considered appropriate.

Discipline

Players and parents are ambassadors for WBIHCJD and are expected to demonstrate appropriate behavior at all times and refrain from doing anything which may bring the Club into disrepute.

Players are expected to leave dressing rooms and buses clean and tidy. Failure to do so may result in disciplinary action.

Rink management do not allow ball or puck games around the rink or in the car park.

Rink management, independently of the Club, may deal with misconduct on, and damage to, the rink premises. Members will be personally liable for any fines or compensation payable as a result of any damage caused.

Match officials will deal with serious on-ice offences. This could result in a player being suspended by the EIHA and the Club being fined. In such cases, the player and/or their guardian may be responsible for paying the fine.

The Club also reserves the right to take further supplementary action.

Other serious breaches of discipline include theft, fighting, bullying, swearing, dissent, smoking, consuming alcohol or drugs, causing damage and bringing the Club into disrepute by any other means.

WBIHCJD will not tolerate such behavior, at the rink or elsewhere when representing the Club e.g. travel to and from away fixtures, at service stations, other rinks, and in overnight accommodation at tournaments.

Team Managers and/or Coaches will deal with minor disciplinary issues.

Major issues or complaints against, or by, members will be dealt with in accordance with the Club’s Disciplinary Policy, a copy of which will be provided on request.

Child Protection

WBIHCJD considers Child Protection to be of paramount importance.

The Club has a suitably qualified Child Protection Officer (CPO) who can be approached in confidence at any time.

All on-ice officials are also subject to Criminal Records Bureau checks in accordance with EIHA vetting procedures.

To assist with child protection the following guidelines must be observed:

Parents must not enter dressing rooms that are in use. Children must come out of the dressing room for assistance (i.e. to have skates tied).

There should never be fewer than two Coaches, Managers or other Club officials in a changing room where children are present.

For the protection of valuables and to avoid potential child protection issues, mobile phones, cameras, personal stereos and all other valuables must NOT be taken into changing rooms. Neither the Club nor the rink operator will be held responsible for the loss of such items.

Training and Games

Ice time is at a premium and should be treated as such.

Players should be dressed in full kit at least 15 minutes prior to each training session. Coaches may refuse access to any player who is late.

On match days, players must be at the rink one hour before face off, or as otherwise instructed by Coaches. This is to allow team officials sufficient time to prepare.

Transport to / from away games outside the North East is included in subscription fees.

Under 18s must be accompanied by a responsible adult at all times while traveling, spaces for other family members are however limited and will be allocated by Team Managers.

Players are expected to be at the rendezvous point 15 minutes prior to departure and to behave in an appropriate manner and to follow instructions of Club officials or the bus driver at all times.

The Club operates a ‘no train – no game’ policy. Players are expected to train regularly at scheduled times and failure to attend practices without prior notice may result in a player being excluded.

Coaches will decide on the amount of ice time each player gets based on their assessment of the game, team tactics and personal judgment.

Ice hockey is a team sport and while every effort will be made to balance individual player development with team objectives it is inevitable that some players will get more ice time than others. Parents and players alike must accept these variations.

Any issues in relation to on-ice matters should be addressed to the Team Manager in the first instance.

Fund Raising

Ice hockey is a comparatively expensive sport.

WBIHCJD endeavors to keep costs to a minimum and relies on volunteer help and a variety of fund raising initiatives, both at Club and team level. Parents are asked to support these where possible.

Monthly subs cover the cost EIHA league and play off fixtures only. Challenge game and tournament costs have to be funded by participating teams.

Responsible Adults

While WBIHCJD relies on players observing the rules of the Club, parents and family members also have a vital role to play and can positively influence behavior;

• Avoid forcing your child to participate in a sport. Remember that your child their enjoyment, not yours.
• Encourage your child to play by the rules and to resolve conflicts without resorting to violence.
• Support efforts to remove verbal abuse from within and beyond the sport.
• Teach your child that although it’s fun to win, trying hard and doing one’s best is more important.
• Never ridicule or yell at your child for making a mistake or losing. Always be constructive and offer encouragement. Don’t shout ‘at’ your child – shout for them.
• Support your Coach and team officials. They are dedicated volunteers who are committed to ensuring the best possible experience for your child.
• Remember that children learn by example. Applaud good play from both teams and never question match officials’ judgment or honesty.