Initiation Program Draft September 4, 1997

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Initiation Program Commitment

Approved March 3^rd, 1999

The Terrace Minor Hockey Association commits itself to the goals and aims of the CHA Initiation Program. The Initiation Program shall be the Association’s primary method of instruction for all players nine (9) years of age and younger. The Executive Committee may modify the program to fit ice time and instructor availability.

(TMH Constitution)

Initiation Program Goals

The Initiation Program is designed to introduce players to the game of hockey through fun and physical activity, and by teaching fundamental skills, team play and cooperation. By providing fun and those essential basic skills, players will enjoy the game more and stay in the game longer.

Instructor’s Training

Initiation Program Instructors, the on-ice personnel, receive their certification at a 1 day training program. All on-ice personnel must take the Initiation Program Clinic. This clinic covers leadership skills, communication, teaching skills, skill analyses, lesson organization, and the principles of safety. Using the comprehensive Lesson Manuals, Instructors follow a progression of teaching the skill, practice and games to develop the skill. Teaching is in small groups, ideally with an instructor for every 5 players, following specific Lesson objectives, a Lesson Plan, and emphasizing key instructional points.

Player Evaluations

Players move through the program in stages, and after evaluation, can move to the next level of complexity. Players moving through the entire 4 levels will have all the basic skills to play effectively at the Atom Division level.

The Initiation Program in Terrace Minor Hockey

In accordance with the Terrace Minor Hockey Bylaws, the Initiation Program will be used in practice planning for the Initiation and Novice Divisions.

The Tykes Division has been re-named as the Initiation Division, and will follow the Lesson Organization provided in the Initiation Program. Each ice time will be planned with Lesson Objectives, using the progression of teaching a skill, practice and games to reinforce the skill.

While cross-ice hockey scrimmages are used from time to time, alternate types of games should be introduced for variety.
Full ice hockey games will not be scheduled until January and will allow preparation for end-season tournaments.

The Novice Division adopted the Initiation Program into their practices in the1996-97 season so as to emphasize skill development. Each team is allocated a ratio of 2 practices for each scheduled game, until Christmas, and afterwards one practice to one game. The practices are planned for the full ice, with players from each team going through the complete lesson plan for that practice. Coaches must communicate so that sufficient instructors are available and the Lesson Plan is followed.

At the beginning of the season, the Novice Division Head may propose, after the Novice Division players are evaluated, that certain least skilled Novice players should be given an opportunity of extra ice times in the Initiation Program in order to accelerate their skill development.

Program Evaluation

Towards the end of the season, the Head Coach will complete an Initiation Program review, with the Initiation and Novice Division Heads and their Coaches and Instructors. A report will be prepared for the Annual General Meeting, and will be the basis for Initiation Program improvements for the next season. Return to Policy book