USA Hockey Implements New Standard of Play. USA Hockey is implementing a new Standard of Play and Rules Enforcement throughout the country in 2006-07. While this new Standard of Play does not involve any rule changes, it does change the way our current rules will be called by referees in relation to hooking, holding, tripping and interference. Please visit their website at www.usahockey.com and take the time to watch the video presentation they have developed that explains what is and is not acceptable under the new Standard of Play. It's a terrific piece that will help everyone understand what to expect. With the new standards, players will be rewarded offensively and defensively for their use of speed, skill, and strength.

SMAHL's Honor Roll Program. SMAHL acknowledges your young player for outstanding academic achievement. Your hockey player will get his/her name recognized for their hard work and great grades! We recognize that great performance off the ice is just as important as their performance on the ice. So, print the attached document, sign it, and then give to your player's coach!

Parents Code of Conduct

USA Hockey and The Coaching Education Program have developed a PowerPoint presentation to help familiarize members with the tenants of raising a child in the sport of hockey. Among the slides: USA Hockey's Philosophy -- which is to focus on growth and development, increase participation, skill development, safe environment and fun/enjoyment., suggested behavior to incorporate in the stands, in the car and at home, at practice and at the rink. The underlying message is that, "If all parents, guardians, coaches and officials can IMPROVE their outlook on the GAME, the TRUE winner of our sport will be the KIDS." Click here to get the PowerPoint Presentation.

Adults who have their children in the sport of ice hockey want the ability to make decisions based on facts. Currently, there is information available on every facet of hockey. Accessing that information and understanding the content is a continuing problem. This course is intended to consolidate existing information in a format that is educational, understandable, and self-evaluating. Click here to learn more about the H.E.A.R. (Hockey Education Adult Resource) program (pdf document).

Recognizing that "organizations need volunteers," this presentation stresses available educational materials, including Introduction to Hockey and Establishing a Good Relationship Between Coach and Parent brochures, as well as a Parents in Hockey video, Awareness Acknowledgement Form and Administrators' Guide. The best way to turn difficult parents into your best volunteers, according to USA Hockey's Director of Youth Hockey Kevin McLaughlin, who designed the presentation, is through early education of volunteer opportunities and expectations. Click here to get the PowerPoint Presentation.

NATIONAL COUNCIL OF YOUTH SPORTS. "The National Council of Youth Sports (NCYS) is a nonprofit organization representing the youth sports industry to advance the values of participation; and educate and develop leaders." It's motto is, "Enhancing the youth sports experience in America," and its vision is to lead professional development and advocacy for the youth sports industry.

Character Counts. The most widely implemented approach to character education — embraced by thousands of schools, communities, public agencies and nonprofits. Promotes the Six Pillars of Character: trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, citizenship. The national office develops and supports local activists with training programs, special projects, materials and consulting. Click here for more information.

Sports Esteem Cares. Sports Esteem Cares is an industry-leading parent education program. It provides your organization with a comprehensive solution that gives parents the education they need to support their kids and gives affiliate administrators the tools they need to communicate with the parents. Click here for more information.