ARTICLE I - NAME

The name of the Association shall be the Bedford and District Minor Hockey Association herein referred to as the "Association" or "B&DMHA" or “BDMHA”.

ARTICLE II - ASSOCIATION BOUNDARIES

The Association Boundaries will be in accordance to the boundaries set out by the Nova Scotia Minor Hockey Council (NSMHC).  The boundaries for the Association are as follows:

I)     Bedford Highway – Highway #1
Starting at #757 Bedford Highway, now known as "Clearwater Fine Foods", running in and through Bedford and ceasing at the junction of the Bedford Highway and the “101” and “102” highways, at the area known as the Bedford Rifle Range.

II)     Route #7 – Dartmouth Road
Starting at the Dartmouth City Boundary (close to Akerley Boulevard) on the Dartmouth end of the Magazine area, and proceeding into Bedford.

III)    Route 213 – Hammonds Plains Road
Starting at the beginning of the Hammonds Plains Road at the Bedford Highway and end where the Hammonds Plains Road meet the Lucasville Road.

IV)    Kearney Lake Road
Commence from the  beginning of the Kearney Lake Road at the Hammonds Plains Road and end at #345 Kearney Lake Road, now known as the "Lebanese Centre">

V)     Highway #2
Starting in Bedford and proceeding up Rocky Lake Drive through Waverley, Fletcher’s Lake and Wellington Station to "Laurie Park" at Grand Lake.

VI)    Waverley
Proceeding through Waverley toward Dartmouth until reaching the old City of Dartmouth boundary line at #1053 Portobello Road.

VII)  Cobequid Road/Fall River
Commence from the beginning of the Fall River Road at Cobequid Road, continue North East to the Kinsac Lake, proceeding through areas known as Fall River, Waverley, Windsor Junction, Fletchers Lake and Wellington to "Laurie Park" at Grand Lake.

VIII)  Lakeview
Starting at Lakeview Drive after the "Bicentennial overpass" (Lakeview Drive from Cobequid Road to Bicentennial overpass is part of the Sackville Assoc.) and continue south to Rocky Lake.

Note: The Association boundaries detailed above are outlined on the map contained in Appendix "A", which is part of this Constitution.

ARTICLE III -  PURPOSE AND AFFILIATION

The Association is established as the governing and administrative body whose purpose is to provide an opportunity for the youth of Bedford and the defined surrounding districts to participate in the Hockey Nova Scotia, the Central Minor Hockey Federation and the Metro Minor Hockey League sanctioned hockey programs.

The Association is bound by the by-laws and rules of the Hockey Canada (HC), Hockey Nova Scotia (HNS), the Nova Scotia Minor Hockey Council (NSMHC), the Central Minor Hockey Federation (CMHF) and the Metro Minor Hockey League (MMHL).

All members of the Association will be bound by the terms of the Code of Conduct which has been passed by the Executive Committee and available for review on the Association website.

ARTICLE IV - COLOURS AND CREST

The Association colours will be the St. Louis Blues colours – royal blue with golden rod and white trim (away colours); and white with royal blue and golden rod trim (home colours).

Any Bedford Blues jerseys, clothing or other paraphernalia must adhere to this colour scheme format.

The Association jackets will be predominately royal blue and must be approved by the Executive prior to ordering.

The form and colouring of the Association's crest will be identical to the one shown in Appendix "B" which is part of this Constituion.

ARTICLE V - MEMBERSHIP CRITERIA

A parent or legal guardian who has a child registered with the Association, and has paid all annual registration fees plus has no other outstanding fees owed within the Association, will be considered a member in good standing of the Association and may exercise the right to vote at the annual general meeting (one vote per family).

ARTICLE VI - EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

 ARTICLE VI - EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

1)     Any member in good standing or who was a member in good standing within the previous two (2) calendar years may stand for positions on the Executive Committee subject to the following guidelines:

a.     Any member standing for the position of President or one of the Vice President roles must have at least one year of experience as a member of the Executive Committee in B&DMHA or in an equivalent role in another minor hockey association.

b.     Any member standing for the position of Vice President Finance must have a professional accounting designation or equivalent experience as determined by the Executive Committee.

2)     Executive Officers are elected for a one (1) year term by majority vote at the Annual General Meeting.  The exception is the Past President who is not elected but serves for the year immediately following the year in which he/she served as President.  No one person can be elected for more than two (2) consecutive one (1) year terms in the same position.  Executive Officers comprise the positions set out below:

* indicates voting member

3)      In the event that the position of President becomes vacant prior to the end of the one year term, one of the Vice-Presidents will be appointed by the voting members of the Executive and assumes the position of President for the remaining portion of that one year term.

4)     In the event that an executive position, excluding that of President, becomes vacant during the term, the Executive may appoint a qualified person to fill the position for the duration of the one year term subject to ratification by the voting members of the Executive.

5)     The Executive Committee may appoint a number of chairpersons to organize and oversee various committees and projects, which may from time to time be required. These appointed chairpersons may, at the discretion of the executive, attend Executive Meetings but shall not have a vote.

6)     An elected Executive Officer may be removed from office for reasons of incompetence or actions that contravene the policies and principles of the Association as described in this constitution. A written complaint against an Executive Officer must be tabled at the Executive Committee Meeting by another Executive Officer. If the complaint and recommendation of removal from office are upheld by a 67% vote of the Executive, then the officer will be removed and a substitute elected by majority vote of the Executive Committee.

7)     The Executive Officers, as listed above, shall be elected at The Annual General Meeting from the candidates nominated by the nominating committee appointed by the current Executive and/or from the candidates nominated by a member in good standing submitted in writing to the President of the Association not less than three (3) weeks prior to the Annual General Meeting.  

ARTICLE VII - MEETINGS

a)  Annual General Meeting
The Association resolves to hold an Annual General Meeting before the end of May each year.  The Annual General Meeting marks the conclusion of the current hockey year and the beginning of the new hockey year.

A minimum of fourteen (14) day’s notice must be provided before any General Annual Meeting.  The notice will consist of a posting upon the association website and/or written articles in the respective community publications and a electronic email notice which shall be circulated to the members by the coaches and managers of their respective teams.  A proposed agenda for the meeting will be included with the website notice along with time and venue of the Annual General Meeting.  Parliamentary rules of procedures (Roberts’ Rule of Order) will govern the Annual General Meeting.

At any Annual General Meeting, the following shall be the approximate order of business:

a)  Call to order by the President
b)  Roll call of the members (circulate sign up sheet)
c)  Reading and Approval of previous minutes
d)  President’s Report
e)  Vice President Operations Report
f)   Division Vice President’s Report
g)  Treasurer's Report
h)  Coordinator's Reports
i)   Presentation and approval of next season’s budget and fee structure
j)   Resolutions and Discussions
k)   Election of Executive Officers for the next season
l)    New business
m)  Adjournment

b)  Executive Committee Meeting
The Executive Committee will meet at least four (4) times yearly or as often as the President deems necessary to facilitate the operation of the Association.  Parliamentary rules of procedure will govern the Executive Committee Meeting.

A quorum will consist of 50% or more of the President and the six (6) Vice President position on the Executive Committee plus at least three (3) other Executive Committee are represented either in person or by written proxy notice of assignment to another Executive Committee member.  Confirmation of the proxy assignment will be documented by the assigning member’s signature on the agenda for that meeting.  The President and/or the Vice President Operations must be in attendance or in exceptional circumstances another Executive Committee member may be given prior written delegation by the President to conduct the meeting.

The Executive Committee meetings will serve as a forum for:

1)  Reporting of the Committee members on their area of activity
2)  Discussing and deciding on courses of action to be taken for the efficient administration of the hockey program
3)  Dealing with all disciplinary matters, complaints and appeals
4)  Dealing with waiver applications and player movement
5)  Determining the number of teams for each division
6)  Recommending policies and procedures plus resolutions for ratification at the Annual General Meeting
7)  Approving the recommended annual budget
8)  Review all other financial matters for the Association and recommending a fee structure for the following season, to be submitted for final approval at the next Annual General Meeting
9)  Any other business of a policy, statutory, procedural or financial nature concerning the Association

It is expected that all members of the Executive Committee attend all Executive Committee Meetings; however no provisions of Article VI, 7 shall be enforced unless the committee member's attendance falls below two-thirds (66%) of all regularly scheduled meetings.

c)  Semi Annual Meeting
The Association resolves to hold a Semi Annual Meeting before the end of the third week of January.   The notice will consist of a posting upon the association website and/or written articles in the respective community publications and an electronic email notice which shall be circulated to the members by the coaches and managers of their respective teams.  A proposed agenda for the meeting will be included with the website notice along with the time and venue of the Semi Annual Meeting.  Parliamentary rules of procedure (Robert's Rule of Order) will govern the Semi Annual Meeting.

ARTICLE VIII - EXECUTIVE JOB DESCRIPTIONS

 ARTICLE VIII - EXECUTIVE JOB DESCRIPTIONS

President

The President is responsible for ensuring the Association’s mission, goals and objectives are met through the effective management and delivery of the minor hockey program.  More specifically, the President’s duties include but are not limited to:

a)     The organization and calling of General and Executive Committee meetings as appropriate. The President will serve as the chairman of such meetings.

b)     Liaison with the CMHF, MMHL, HNS, NSMHC and other related hockey branches and ensure the Association acts in compliance with the rules, regulations and policies of those bodies.

c)     The President will provide a newsletter describing the goals of the Association and other pertinent information with respect to the upcoming season for distribution with the pre-registration package and during walk-in registration nights.

d)     The President shall be empowered to act on behalf of the Association at any meeting or with any matter where representation of the Association is required. 

e)     The President cannot be a Coach, Assistant Coach, Team official or On-Ice Official in the Association (except for provisions under Article XIV b)

f)     The terms of the employment contract of the Hockey Development Professional

Past President

Responsible for ensuring the current Executive benefits from the knowledge and experiences of previous years and will Chair the Nominating Committee whose responsibility it is to ensure a full slate of qualified nominees are presented at the Annual General Meeting for consideration and election.

Division Vice Presidents (Competitive, Recreation, Female and IP/Novice)

The Division Vice Presidents play an integral role in the implementation of the Association's policies and the successful operation of the Association depends largely on the Division Vice Presidents efforts.

While not a prerequisite, previous experience and hockey knowledge (i.e., coaching, managing, etc.) are desirable for the position of a Division Vice President.

The person elected as a Division Vice President must realize that there is a heavy drain on his/her time, particularly at the beginning of the season and should therefore avoid taking on other significant responsibilities.

It is recommended that the Division Vice Presidents not serve for more than two (2) years with the same general group of players.

The Division Vice Presidents will act singularly or in concert on behalf of the Executive Committee as a whole to implement the policies and directives of the Association.

More specifically, the Division Vice Presidents duties include but are not limited to:

1)   Supervise team selections - as per Article XV.

2)   Supervise coach selections - as per Article XIV.   This will include accepting applications from coaching candidates and working with the Vice President Operations, the Hockey Development Professional and the Certification Coordinator in the selection of Coaches.  Guidelines and rules as established by Hockey Canada, HNS, and NSMHC outlining the formal qualifications of coaches must be followed and enforced by the Coaches Coordinator

3)   Recommend to the Executive Committee for approval the number and level of teams within their respective Division.

4)   Ensure that each Coach selects Assistant, Coaches, a Team Manager and other team administrators and that they are approved by the Executive Committee as required.

5)    Ensures that the Registrar supplies each Coach with a list of team players with phone numbers and other relevant information.

6)    Arranges for the distribution of jerseys and equipment to individual teams as required in cooperation with the Equipment Coordinator.  The respective Division Vice President will each assist the Equipment Coordinator with the collection of jerseys and equipment at the conclusion of the season.

7)    Monitors all teams within their respective Division and deals firstly with problems and/or complaints.

8)    Works in conjunction with the Ice Coordinator to ensure all scheduling issues are resolved and with the Vice President Finance to collect any and all outstanding ice rental fees.  In doing so, the respective Division Vice President will follow the principles and policies established in Article X.

9)    Makes periodic reports to the Executive Committee as a whole on the progress and results within their respective Division.

10)   Ensures by assisting the Registrar that each team is properly registered with HC, HNS, NSMHC, CMHF, and MMHL.

11) The Vice President Competitive shall also be responsible for

a) The operation of the Major Bantam franchise

b) The actions of the CMHF Delegate

12) The Vice President Recreation shall be responsible for the actions of the MMHL Delegate

13) The Vice President Female shall represent BDMHA at all Female Council meetings

13) The respective Division Vice President cannot be a Head Coach (except for provisions under Article XIV b) or Official in the Association.

Vice President Operations

Vice-President Operations will support the overall operation of the Association and whose responsibilities will include but are not limited to:

1)     The Vice President Operations shall represent BDMHA in matters relating to the day to day operation of the association including:

a.     Coaching certification

b.     Equipment

c.     Ice requirements and coordination

d.     Facilities

e.     Player and Coach Development

f.      Business Development

g.     Safety

2)     The Vice President Operations will ensure be the Association’s policies and procedures are in compliance with the various hockey-governing bodies, review and make recommendation on Association’s policy and procedures; and, fairly and effectively apply the same. 

3)     The Vice President Operations shall be responsible for the actions of the Referee In Chief and the Hockey Development Professional

Vice President Finance

 The Vice President Finance’s responsibilities will include but are not limited to:

1)  Budgets:

a)  The Vice President Finance will take possession of the Association’s records of account after the elections held at the Annual General Meeting.

b)  The Vice President Finance will supply a financial statement of the past hockey year for review, as well as the Executive Committee's approved budget for the upcoming new hockey year, at the Annual General Meeting.

c)  The Vice President Finance will closely coordinate the expenditure of funds with the President, Vice President Operations, Ice and Equipment Coordinators and will prepare the proposed new hockey year Budget with their assistance. The proposed budget will be presented to and approved by the Executive Committee prior to being presented at the Annual General Meeting for final ratification by the membership.

2)  Bank Accounts:

The Vice President Finance will handle all responsibilities relating to Association bank accounts, and ensuring that the signing authorities are the Vice President Finance and one of the following:

President

Vice President Operations

3)  Accounting:

a)   The Vice President Finance will expeditiously deposit all funds received and account for these funds via financial statements presented as required at Executive Committee Meetings. These statements will report on actual and forecasts as compared to approved budgets.

b)  The Vice President Finance must alert the Executive to any variances of a substantive nature which would require Executive corrective action to be taken.

Note: The Vice President Finance cannot be a Head Coach (except for provisions under Article XIV b) or Official in the Association.

The Vice President Finance shall be responsible for the actions of the Registrar, Controller and Contracts and Risk Management Coordinator.

Controller

a)  The Controller will coordinate payment of all invoices and accounts in a prompt and orderly manner, and report same to the Vice President Finance for inclusion in the financial statements.

b)  The Controller will work closely with the Registrar to ensure all fees are paid and accounted for.

c)   The Controller will be responsible for the collection of delinquent accounts and in consultation with the Vice President Finance will take appropriate action to correct the situation of returned cheques.  An approved fee will be charged to the individual member for all returned cheques. Note: The Controller cannot be a Head Coach (except for provisions under Article XIV b) or Official in the Association.

Registrar

The Registrar will organize, supervise and control all registration procedures and will supply each of the Division Vice Presidents and designated members of the Executive with master registration lists as soon as reasonably possible.

The Registrar will maintain a record and work closely with the Vice President Finance to ensue all funds are collected and accounted for.

The Registrar in conjunction with the President and Vice President Finance will establish a pro-rata refund of Association fees based upon individual circumstances for cases partial membership when the member cannot participate for a full season and wishes to withdraw as per Article IX.

The Registrar cannot be a Head Coach (except for provisions under Article XIV b) or Official in the Association.

Communication Coordinator

The Communication Coordinator will ensure the Association membership is aware of activities, opportunities, successes and relevant issues by effectively using the association website, email communication and other appropriate public media.

The Communication Coordinator cannot be a Head Coach (except for provisions under Article XIV b) or Official in the Association

Secretary

The Secretary shall be responsible for taking a preparing the minutes of the General and Executive Committee meetings.  Copies of the minutes of all meetings shall be supplied as expeditiously as possible to the members of the Executive Committee and such other persons as authorized by the Executive Committee.

The minutes, will be reviewed at the next Executive Committee Meeting and when approved shall be noted in the minutes of that meeting.  The Secretary shall be responsible for the maintenance of an archive of the minutes of all the meeting.

The Secretary will control and issue all Association travel permits and exhibition game numbers.

The Secretary cannot be a Head Coach (except for provisions under Article XIV b) or Official in the Association.

Ice Coordinator

The general responsibility of the Ice Coordinator is to secure the rental of ice facilities for the Association.  In performing this duty, the Ice Coordinator will follow the principles and policies established in Article XI.

The Ice Coordinator's input is critical to the budgeting process and he/she must liaise with the Vice President Finance in the preparation of the recommended budget.  Special attention must be paid to potential inflation of ice rental costs for the upcoming season.

The Ice Coordinator will act as the liaison with the CMHF and ensure the Association acts in compliance with the rules, regulations and policies of those bodies.

The Ice Coordinator cannot be a Head Coach (except for provisions under Article XIV b) or an Official in the Association.

Business Development Coordinator

The Business Development Coordinator will coordinate the fundraising activities of the Association including the solicitation and procurement of corporate team sponsors.  The Business Development Coordinator will be responsible to ensure that all the appropriate licenses and legal requirements are met, and that all expenditures and funds are accounted for.

The fundraising activities of the Association shall be limited to Executive approved activities for the year.  Any departure from this policy should be recommended for approval to the Executive Committee by the Business Development Coordinator.

The Business Development Coordinator will be responsible for approving corporate sponsors for jerseys for the Association's teams.  In conjunction with the Equipment Coordinator, they shall ensure that corporate team sponsors are appropriately recognized by corporate cresting on the team jerseys as per the Association's policy.

The Business Development Coordinator cannot be a Head Coach (except for provisions under Article XIV b) or Official in the Association.

Development Coordinator

The Development Coordinator is responsible for the management of the Association's development program and is the principal contact person within the Association for all skill development activities.

The Development Coordinator will liaise with Hockey Nova Scotia's Development personnel and the Association's Hockey Development Professional (HDP) as outlined in the supplementary policy covering same and will assist in managing the work schedule of the Hockey Development Professional

The Development Coordinator will be responsible for outlining the budgetary requirements for the overall development program and provide the leadership within the Association to achieve the program objectives.

The Development Coordinator cannot be a Head Coach (except for provisions under Article XIV b) or Official in the Association.

Equipment Coordinator

The Equipment Coordinator will perform but are not limited to the following functions:

a)  Maintain an up to date inventory of all jerseys and equipment.

b)  Issue and obtain receipt for all jerseys and equipment at the start of the season and ensure all jerseys and equipment are returned and accounted for in the spring.

c)   Arrange for the repair of jerseys and equipment where necessary.

d)   Recommend purchase of jerseys and equipment to the Executive Committee where applicable.

e)   Arrange through the Vice President Finance, appropriate insurance coverage for protection of jerseys and equipment from loss due to fire or theft.

f)   Assist the Vice President Finance in the preparation of the budget with respect to the jerseys and equipment replacement requirements.

g)   In conjunction with the Business Development Coordinator, will provide recognition to corporate team sponsors by ensuring that advertising crests are attached to the team jerseys appropriately.

h)   Administer the policies as described in Article XII.

The Equipment Coordinator cannot be a Head Coach (except for provisions under Article XIV b) or Official in the Association.

Certification Coordinator

Responsible for administering and tracking coaching certification requirements, communicating certification opportunities, and advising Divisions Directors of those coaches and team staff who are not in compliance with certification requirements as determined by Hockey Nova Scotia.

The Certification Coordinator is responsible for recommending and arranging appropriate training courses for coaches.  The Certification Coordinator should also recommend first aid training and special courses (e.g. power skating) where appropriate.

The Certification Coordinator cannot be a Head Coach (except for provisions under Article XIV b) or Official in the Association.

Referee-In-Chief

The Referee-In-Chief will report to the Vice President Operations of the Association.

The Referee-In-Chief will be responsible for recruitment and training of qualified officials for use by the Association.

The Referee-In-Chief will coordinate the scheduling of Officials within the Association.

The Referee-In-Chief will recommend an Officials’ fee schedule to the Executive Committee for inclusion in the annual budget which will take effect at the beginning of the next hockey season.  The fees will not be paid directly by the Association but rather directly by the individual teams for the competitive team games with reimbursement by the Association to the Competitive teams.  The Association will pay the Official’s fees for all Recreation league games directly to the Officials.

The Referee-In-Chief will maintain a work log on all Association Officials which may be requested from time to time by the Executive.

The Referee-In-Chief will provide to the Executive written evaluations for all Association Officials at least once yearly.

The Referee-In-Chief cannot be a Head Coach, Assistant Coach or Trainer in the Association.

Contracts and Risk Management Coordinator

Responsible for:

1)     Managing BDMHA’s relationships with, suppliers, vendors and any related contracts. 

2)     Ensuring the association is properly insured

3)     Advice to the Executive on actions required to mitigate the Associations’ risk

This position has the authority to bind the association. The person holding this position should have a legal background.

Divisional Coordinators

There shall be Divisional Coordinators selected by the Executive from interested members whose names shall be submitted through an open recruitment process. The Divisional Coordinators shall support communications between the Executive, Coaching/Bench staff and parents. The Divisional Coordinators shall report to the Vice President Recreation and Vice President IP/Novice respectively and shall assist in the evaluation or placement processes at the appropriate level. 

Divisional Directors shall be selected for the following divisions:

IP

Novice

Atom Recreation

Peewee Recreation           

Bantam Recreation           

Midget Recreation             

MMHL Delegate

Liaison with the MMHL and ensure the Association acts in compliance with the rules, regulations and policies of those bodies.

ARTICLE IX - REGISTRATION

Any changes to the registration procedures and dates will be presented at the Annual General Meeting if known at that time.

Pre-registration for returning members shall be conducted by the Association in late July and early August.  This pre-registration will be conducted by mail out (or on-line registration if available) giving registration preference to returning members.  After the pre-registration deadline has passed, walk-in registration shall be conducted if space is available in the Association for new members and for existing members who missed the pre-registration, with preference given to those registering by the earliest date received.

A website notice, by advertising in the community publications (where possible), by roadside signs and by other means at the discretion of the Registrar will serve to alert the community to the walk-in registration venue and date.

The fees to be collected for pre-registration and at the walk-in registration shall be the fees approved by the Executive Committee and the membership at the proceeding Annual General Meeting.

The Association will refund registration fees paid by members under the following formula:

a)  Approved refunds for members withdrawing before the commencement of the season will be subject to an Executive Committee approved administration fee being deducted from the registration refund.

b)  Approved refunds for members withdrawing after the commencement of the season but before the end of October of the hockey year will be subject to a twenty-five percent (25%) reduction in their registration refund.

c)  Approved refunds for members withdrawing after the commencement of the season but before the end of November of that hockey year will be subject to a fifty percent (50%) reduction in their registration refund.

d)  Approved refunds for members withdrawing after the commencement of the season but before the end of December of that hockey year will be subject to a seventy-five percent (75%) in their registration refund.

e)  There will be no refund of Association fees to any member who participates in the program after December 31st of that hockey year, the only exception being for verified medical reason which will be handled on a case by case basis.

A newsletter from the President informing parents and members of procedures and guidelines for the upcoming season will be provided at the time of pre-registration and should be available at the walk-in registration.

ARTICLE X - FINANCIAL POLICY

The BDMHA is a non profit organization, which will endeavour to operate within pre-established budget guidelines. A deficit budget situation is not acceptable. The financial records of the Association are subject to review including audit as directed by the Executive Committee.  Upon written request, the financial statements can be made available to any member of the Association.

ARTICLE XI - ICE ALLOTMENT POLICY

a)         It is the intention of the Association to secure ice rentals to provide each competitive team with weekly for games and weekly or bi-weekly practice ice time. Registration fees should be structured such that this goal can be accomplished but will be based upon the actual ice available.

b)         The Association's hockey program will commence early to mid September with tryout sessions, checking camps, and possibly conditioning camps being offered prior to the commencement of league play.

c)         The hockey program will end approximately mid to late March of each year, and the Association will provide and pay for ice times up until that date.

d)         The Association will not pay for the costs associated with tournaments throughout the year and where Divisional Vice Presidents, coordinators and coaches at the various levels are desirous of holding their own tournament, they must pay for the additional ice time.

e)         Efforts will be made to ensure that each team within the Association will be provided approximately the same amount paid for ice time taking into consideration the difference in registration fees.

f)          It will be the responsibility of the Division Vice Presidents and the respective coaches within that division to ensure that all ice slots allotted to a division are utilized to the fullest extent possible and where, for logistical reasons, certain ice slots are not usable within a division, they shall immediately contact the Ice Coordinator to return the slot for re-assignment.

g)         All communication with the ice arena managers with whom the Association has booked ice, which concern ice rentals, will be the sole responsibility of the Ice Coordinator.

ARTICLE XII - EQUIPMENT POLICY

The Association will ensure that all players are supplied with approved hockey jerseys. Game jerseys are not to be worn in practices or at any time other than game situations or approved team functions. Jerseys will be the responsibility of the team and must be returned in a similar condition at the end of the year, except for normal wear. The coach or manager may decide to collect the jerseys at the conclusion of each game and make them available to players at games only.

Goalie equipment will be available to Novice and House League teams requiring the goalie equipment. Other miscellaneous equipment (water bottles, pucks, pylons, etc.) will be made available under the approval and with the cooperation of the equipment coordinator.

The equipment supplied by the Association shall be of good quality, in good repair, and in the case of goalie equipment, shall provide adequate and safe protection. All equipment orders will be made by the Equipment Coordinator in particular, individual teams may not procure Bedford game jerseys through sponsorship or any other means without the concurrence of the Executive Committee and the cooperation of the Equipment Coordinator. Such jerseys will become the property of the Association at the end of the hockey season.

ARTICLE XIII - COACHES / ASSISTANT COACHES / MANAGERS - DUTIES and RESPONSIBILITIES

a)                 Training

All competitive Coaches, Assistant Coaches and Trainers must be certified to the minimum Hockey Canada standards, i.e. Coach Level or Trainer Level. The Association encourages the training of coaches and will endeavour to assist individual coaches by paying all reasonable and fair costs, as approved by the Executive Committee.

b)                 General Responsibilities

1.       A Coach, Assistant Coach or Manager is expected to conduct themselves in a sportsmanlike manner, remembering that the example they set can influence the players on their team.

2.       A Coach must avoid the use of profanity, intimidation and violence.

3.       A Coach must assume responsibility for the discipline and good conduct of his team, bearing in mind that fair, firm and consistent guidance, coupled with positive reinforcement is the best policy.

4.       To the best of their ability, a Coach must assume responsibility for affording each player an opportunity to participate fairly and equally, regardless of the player’s ability.

Exceptions:

I)       A player may be benched of all or part of a game at the discretion of the Coach for disciplinary reasons, i.e.:

*       For abusive or foul language directed at players, officials or spectators

*       For all actions which are deemed to be detrimental to the welfare of the team as a whole

The reason for the benching must be clearly communicated to the player and where appropriate discussed with the player’s parents.  Any dispute over the benching may be appealed by the procedure outlines in Article XVII.

II)    At the competitive level for PeeWee or higher a Coach may assume responsibility for unequal ice time in the final period of a game in a situation where a loss in that crucial game would significantly affect the opportunity for the team to participate in further competitions, i.e. playoffs or tournament play.  A Coach is encouraged to clearly communicate his reasons, for unequal ice time, to the team at the earliest opportunity.

5.       Coaches are encouraged to emphasize a spirit of good sportsmanship and a healthy, competitive attitude, win or lose.  A team should be judged on its competitiveness, positive attitude and sportsmanship rather than the outcome of any particular game.

c)                Coaches’ Specific Duties

1.       Select:

*      Assistant Coaches (must be approved by the Executive)

*       Manager (must be approved by the Executive)

*       Other team volunteers (i.e. phone, fundraising, treasurer, etc.)

2.       Prepare:

*       Team budgets (must be approved by the Executive)

*       Team registration forms

3.       Distribute to team members:

*       Team phone list

*       Game and practice schedules

4.       In conjunction with the Registrar and appropriate Vice President, registrar the competitive team with NSMHC.

5.       If required, coordinate the issuance of equipment through the Equipment Coordinator and ensure that it is returned in good order at the end of the season.

6.       Work in conjunction with the Division Vice President to ensure that the team follows all the guidelines and policies of the Association – e.g. fund raising, etc.

7.       The coach bears ultimate responsibility for the efficient utilization of ice times.

8.       The Coach has to approach the Executive to use corporate sponsorship on team sweaters.

9.       The Coach must submit a team tournament schedule to the Secretary at the start of the year. Participation in tournament outside Canada must receive prior approval from the Executive.  

ARTICLE XIV - SELECTION OF COACHES

a)  The Coaches Coordinator will be expected to obtain a list of prospective applications interested in coaching in the Association. The applicants will provide written applications indicating their qualifications and experience in coaching. A sub-committee of the Executive Committee made up of the Coaches Coordinator, the Vice President Operations and the respective Division Vice President will review and interview qualified applicants for their respective divisions.

b)   After the interviews have bee completed the sub-committee will provide their recommendations to the Executive Committee for approval. In the event that there are no qualified applicants for coaching positions, the Executive Committee will endeavour to secure coaches from qualified persons known to the sub-committee. In the case where a coaching committee remains unfilled after July 15, the position may be filled by any party as approved by the Executive Committee of the Association. Candidates must be qualified or be in agreement to obtain all appropriate qualifications in a timely manner.

c)  Wherever possible and practical, it is recommended that a Head Coach serves no more than two (2)concurrent with the same general group of players on a team. This is so that the players are provided with exposure to various coaching techniques and philosophies.

d)    Complaints and appeals will be handled in accordance with Article XVII.

e)   A Coach may be removed from their position according to the procedures described in Article XVII for reasons of incompetence or actions which contravene the principles and policies of the Association as described in this constitution. If a Coach is removed, the Division Vice President in conjunction with the Coaches Coordinator will appoint a substitute.

ARTICLE XV - TEAM SELECTION

Every attempt will be made to institute a system for both Recreational and Competitive teams that is fair.  A successful selection process is essential to the overall function of the Association.

Recreation Teams
The Vice President Recreation shall be responsible for implementation of a selection process that ensures the Association's Recreation teams are balanced competitively from the onset of the hockey year.  The Vice President Recreation, along with the Hockey Development Professional and in consultation with the Recreation Coaches shall make adjustments as required to Recreation teams after the selection process is completed in an attempt to achieve this competitive balance.  These adjustments shall normally occur within thirty (30) days of the completion of team selection process.

Competitive Teams
a)  The Association will, to the best of its ability, provide for each participant, the opportunity to participate at a level commensurate with their ability while recognizing that there are a limited number of players able to play at competitive levels.

b)  The movement of players outside of their respective age group or division will be discouraged and will only be effective in exceptional or special circumstances with the approval of the Executive Committee.

c)  Except as provided in Article XV section e) – vi and vii, the placement of players on team will be coordinated by the Division Vice President who will oversee the ranking of the players in accordance with their abilities from the highest to the lowest.

d)  The Division Vice President, in conjunctions with the Vice President Development and the Hockey Development Professional (HDP) will select a evaluation group, consisting of at least two (2) individuals, preferably non-parents with past coaching experience.  These individuals, including the Vice President Operations and the Vice President Development will represent the Executive and engage assist the Coach during the selection process. It is recommended that the Division Vice President choose members for the divisional evaluation group from individuals who do not have players on any team within that division.  In choosing the evaluation group the Division Vice President should consider:

*The hockey knowledge of the candidate

*Someone, if possible, involved with the division the year before i.e., Coach, Assistant Coach, etc.

*The candidate should be prepared to put forward an optimum amount of time for at least one month.

*The President, Vice President Operations and Past President are prohibited from participating on any Selection Committee.

*The candidate must understand that in the event of an appeal, he/she will be required to submit a written evaluation on the player whose case is being appealed.

e)  The following policies governing team selections have been adopted by the Association and will be adhered to wherever possible:

All Divisions – General Policies
I  .The Division Vice President and HDP will meet with the evaluation group and Coaches, and will establish the criteria and method by which the players will be evaluated.

II.  The specific methodology utilized in evaluating the ability level of the players will be determined by the Executive Committee and may vary depending upon the respective divisions, but the following general criteria should be used:

DRILLS – should be used to evaluate basic skills, i.e. skating, puck control, passing, shooting.  Goaltenders are a special case and specific drills must be designed to evaluate the particular skills required by the goaltenders.

SCRIMMAGES and EXHIBITION GAMES should be used to evaluate hockey sense, positional play, hustle, attitude and commitment.

III.  The parents of those players tentatively selected for a “Competitive” team must indicate they are prepared to make the time and financial commitment to the team before the final selections are made.

IV.  Players in their second year within a division, where all other evaluation ratings are equal, should be given preference for the higher team over the first year player.

V.  It is recommended that the expertise and knowledge of the previous year’s Coaches be solicited and the Association will facilitate the gathering of this information.  The information however, will be restricted to the President, Vice President Operations, Division Vice President, the HDP and the Coach of the prospective team.

VI.  In order to facilitate the Selection Process, the Division Vice President will organize his/her Division in such a manner as to minimize disruption to the team(s) on the level(s) below.

VII.  At the discretion of the Division Vice President or the HDP, and with the approval of the Executive Committee, outside expertise may be solicited in evaluating certain players, for example:  two particular goaltenders, etc.

VIII.   All individual player ratings and scores should be held confidential within the selected members of the Executive Committee, evaluation group and Coach.

Midget Division – Special Circumstances
I.       The selection of the Midget AAA team presents a special circumstance as players trying out for High School or Major Midget AAA are often late returning to the Association team.  As a consequence, it is recommended that the final selection of the Midget teams be delayed until after the High School and Major Midget teams are finished their team selections. It should, however, be understood that returning players will not automatically be assured a position on the Midget AAA team.

II.     Players trying out with High School and Major Midget AAA must also register with the Association (as per Article IX) and thereby participate in both tryout processes. Should a player make either High School or Major Midget AAA then his/her Association registration fee will be returned without penalty.

III.  The Registrar should check with the players trying out for High School and Major Midget AAA (or team representatives) to obtain an estimate of the number of players who might be returning to the Association.

ARTICLE XVI - SPECIAL SITUATIONS

a)  Team Registration (AAA Levels)
In accordance to NSMHC Regulations dated June 1, 1996 – Regulation 4, “Registration” – all players, team officials, association executives and other volunteers must annually registrar with the HNS/NSMHC by submitting the appropriate forms and remitting the required registration and insurance fees to their Regional Director before midnight December 30^th of that hockey year.

In the case of the AAA Level Teams, all AAA players and officials must be “carded” with HNS prior to competing in a sanctioned HC/HNS/NSMHC tournaments or any regularly scheduled league game.

The responsibility of carding and registering the players on the AAA teams will be the responsibility of the Coach and the Registrar. The Coach will distribute the cards, ensure they are properly completed, submit to HNS/NSMHC through the Registrar, and review all validated cards when returned.

Note: All cards validated by HNS/NSMHC should be returned to the Coach prior to December 1^st.

b)  Player Movement
The competitive team players must be registered prior to competing in a sanctioned tournament or any regularly scheduled game. If, after a player is registered, the player asks to move to another lower level team, he will not be permitted to do so without the prior approval of the executive. The player’s only option will be to go to one of the Association's Recreation League. The player may appeal this decision in accordance to Article XVII prior to November 30^th.

c)  Call Up of an Affiliate Player

The policy for Affiliate players can be found at this link.

Any player on a team designed as an Affiliate team may be called up to play on a higher level within that division. The Coach of the affiliate team cannot deny the player the opportunity to be called up, except for the following reasons:

*       Discipline, or

*       Injury, or

*       Player’s own request, or

*       Conflicting games, or

*       Suspension

The procedure for calling up a player will be as follows:

i)        The coach of the higher level team will contact the coach of the affiliated team and ask for a player or players the coach would like to be made available to play for their team.  The Coach of the affiliate team will then inform the Coach if the player(s) is(are) available.

ii)      If the player is available, then the affiliate Coach makes the necessary arrangements with the player and confirms the availability of the player with the higher level Coach.

iii)     If the player is not available, then the process outlined in steps i) and ii) above will repeat until a player or players are confirmed.

d)  High School Restrictions
Any player in the Association playing at the Midget Level cannot play High School Hockey at the same time unless:

*The eligible player is called from the highest competitive level Association team up to the High School team and is approved by the Vice President Competitive.

*There are positions available on the Midget Teams, and the Executive approves the High School player’s participation on the Midget Team.

ARTICLE XVII - COMPLAINTS AND APPEALS

a)  Items not related to team selections
All complaints or appeals must be referred to the Executive Committee, in writing. Complaints may appear in person before the Executive Committee if they so desire.

The complainants will state their complaint, however, any discussion by the Committee will be held in-camera and a decision will depend upon a simple majority vote. The complaint and any motion related thereto, as well as a record of the vote, will be maintained in the minutes. The complainants will be advised of any decision verbally or in writing if they so desire.

b)  Appeal of team selections
Every effort to be both fair and objective will be made in the selection of teams. Any member may bring to the attention of the appropriate Division Vice President a complaint respecting team selections. The Division Vice President will attempt to resolve the matter informally. Should it prove to be impossible to resolve the matter informally, the complainant then has the option of referring the complaint to the President, in writing.

Where the President believes a serious breach of the principles and/or policies of the Association regarding team selections has occurred, he or she will call for the matter to be reviewed at an Executive Committee meeting to be convened as soon as is practicable. The complaint will be invited to attend the meeting to state their case, along with the Division Vice President, the members of the evaluation group. Discussions will ensue and the written evaluations of the evaluation group will be examined and retained for inclusion in a written report. The President, Vice President Operations and Past President will act as a triumvirate and will be responsible for making the final decision after duly considering the advice of the Executive Committee. Should a conflict of interest preclude the President, Vice President Operations and/or Past President from occupying the noted positions of the triumvirate, then another member of the Executive Committee will be elected by a simply majority vote of the Executive Committee.

ARTICLE XVIII - RELEASES

It is the policy of the Association to discourage either the release of players from the Association, when the Association provides a hockey program commensurate with the skill of the player. Releases will only be granted in special cases (i.e. The AAA Rule) based upon a simple majority vote of the Executive Committee.   Any complaints/appeals must be submitted in accordance with Article XVII.

ARTICLE XIX - ABUSIVE PARENTS

Any parent who fails to comply with the rule and regulations of the Association and exhibits behaviour that is deemed inappropriate, is subject to disciplinary action by the Officers of the Association.  The Officers of the Association are empowered to suspend the parent(s) from all activities of the Association following a disciplinary hearing of the Association chaired by the Vice President Operations.  A parent(s) who fails to comply with the terms of the reference for the suspension that is determined by the Association may be required to withdraw his/her membership from the Association.  This action may include the cancellation of the membership of all registered players of the parent(s).

ARTICLE XX- SUPPLEMENTARY POLICIES

The Executive of the Association may from time to time develop supplementary policies or guidelines to aid in the excellence of the operation and administration of the Association and association teams.  These supplementary policies or guidelines will be place on the association website.

Supplementary policies will be developed for the following:

        a.   Team financial reporting
        b.   Control of cash revenues
        c.   Fundraising guidelines
        d.   Sponsorship policies
        e.   Logo and colour usage policies
        f.   Hockey sweater, sock and name bar policy
        g.   Tournaments
        h.   Travel
        i.   Medical and first aid policies
        j.   Hosting tournaments
        k.  Hosting Provincial Championship tournaments
        l.   Game cancellation and rescheduling
        m. Awards
        n.  Code of Conduct
        o.  Hockey Development Professional

ARTICLE XXI- AMENDMENTS

This Constitution may be rescinded, altered or added to by extraordinary resolution passed by two-thirds of the attending members entitled to vote at the Annual General Meeting.