Newton Roller Hockey Coach Agreement

Playing Time: This is a recreational hockey league in which players of all ages and abilities are welcome. As a coach, one of your primary roles is to ensure all players participate and take part in all games and to foster a positive, inclusive team environment. To ensure maximum participation and interest of ALL players, you agree not run up the score excessively.

You also agree to play everyone with reasonable equality. Everyone pays the same amount to play here so EVERYONE must get approximately equal playing time. Not doing so creates an unfair situation that goes against the culture and values of this league. It frustrates parents and discourages younger, more inexperienced players from returning for another season.

If rosters are smaller, it may be necessary to play older, more experienced players for longer periods to balance younger players who need more frequent breaks between shifts. This is understandable, but please strive for equality and ensure every player has ample opportunity to meaningfully contribute to every game.

Team Rosters: At the board’s discretion, it may choose to move one or players to a different team to create a balance and ensure a fun, competitive, positive experience for all players. No coach or team has ownership over any team or any of its players (with the exception of their own children) and any player may be moved from or to any team. We seek to minimize these changes as much as possible and consider both coach and parent feedback when possible. Regardless, it’s your job to do your best with the players you receive and keep the focus on what’s best for the success of the league and the enjoyment of players.

Coach Behavior: You are a role model for your team, so it’s essential that you conduct yourself appropriately at all times when representing Newton Roller Hockey. Please be respectful to the referee, other coaches, and all players. If you are concerned about the behavior of a player on another team, do not approach that player. Instead, speak to his or her coach directly first, then bring it to the board if necessary.

Any disagreements with the referee or another coach must be addressed out of earshot of players and parents, preferably between periods. If you have immediate concerns during a game, please request a time-out and quietly conference with the referee and other coaches. Under no circumstances should you yell at or argue with the referee, other coaches, or parents while the game is being played.

Coaches should refrain from swearing and inappropriate language. Coaches are not allowed to drink, smoke, or use illicit substances in or around the Newton Roller Hockey rink under any circumstances.

Any and all safety concerns, referee complaints, etc. should be brought to the board’s attention.

Sportsmanlike Conduct: It’s up to you to ensure that your players do not engage in disrespectful, unsportsmanlike, or overly aggressive behavior. Please address this behavior as soon as it occurs and to bench the player if he or she does not comply with warnings. It should not be up to the referee to warn players. If a player is penalized for inappropriate behavior, dangerous play, or aggression, it is your job to support and respect the referee’s call.

Player Safety: It is up to the referee, in consultation with coaches, to decide if playing conditions are not safe and the game needs to be delayed or cancelled. The referee can stop play at any time if a player is hurt or there is an unsafe situation. If you feel the rink may be unsafe, please err on the side of caution and cancel the scheduled activity. ALL PLAYERS AND COACHES must wear helmets whenever they are up on skates, whether in the parking lot or in the rink. All coaches are expected to ensure players adhere to these rules.

Following Rules: It is the responsibility of every coach to understand the rules of roller hockey. Rule for roller hockey differ in some respects from ice hockey and it is important to remember roller hockey is a non-contact sport. Any intentional physical contact or use of the stick other than to play the ball can result in a penalty. Incidental, non-intentional contact will occur in roller hockey, and it’s up to the referee to determine if the contact was overt or was an obstruction to play. Coaches need to be supportive of all referee calls, but you are always welcome to respectfully request clarity around a specific call.

Town Requirements: You have been fingerprinted and background checked as part of the league and the town’s safety rules. If you are arrested, charged with a crime, or convicted of a crime, you are expected to immediately notify the board of the incident so that we may determine the best course of action.

Rink Use: You agree not to use the rink outside of normal hockey practice and game times without board permission, not to share your key or make copies, and not to allow any adult onto the rink to interact with the players without clearance from the board. All keys and any borrowed equipment (balls, jerseys, etc.) must be turned in at the end of every season.

We are all volunteers and it’s up to all of us to ensure the league’s values are upheld. It’s up to us to ensure that parents are happy and that players feel safe, supported, and encouraged. At NRH, we want the players to learn, grow, and have fun! Thank you for your contributions to Newton Roller Hockey.

• The Board of Directors