Check out the article to find out more about the program.
ST.THOMAS MINOR HOCKEY INITIATION PROGRAM Q&A’S
Q. What age is the program for?
A. 4-6year olds or 7 year old children new to hockey.
Q. Who looks after the IP Program?
The program is completely run by volunteers. The IP webpage is looked after by a volunteer, the program is run by the STMHA Director of Development, also a volunteer. The on ice instructors and coaches are all volunteers.
Q. What training do the on ice coach volunteers receive?
A. Each on ice coach will receive the Initiation Program Clinic (CHIPS). This is a 6 hour clinic which includes 1.5 hours of on ice instruction and coaches also receive a manual with practice plans. Coaches receive instruction in these six main areas;
Module 1 – GROWTH & DEVELOPMENT
Module 2 – LEADERSHIP & COMMUNICATION
Module 3 –TEACHING SKILLS & SKILLS ANALYSIS
Module 4 – LESSON ORGANIZATION
Module 5 – PRINCIPLES OF SAFETY
Module 6 – ON-ICE & WRAP-UP
Coaches are also required to take a PRS (Speak Out) Clinic which deals with harassment, bullying and respect in sport.
Q. Does my child need to know how to skate?
A. Because of the limited number of volunteers on ice, your child should be able to stand up on skates on their own. We will teach them the basics of getting up when they fall down, the hockey stance and movement but we simply don’t have the resources for 1 on 1 coaching. We suggest the Can-Skate program offered by the Figure Skating Club to assist the beginner skater.
Q. What is the Initiation Program all about?
A. The Hockey Canada IP program is strongly supported by the Ontario Minor Hockey Association and is a structured, learn to play hockey program designed to introduce young players and parents alike - to the game's basic skills. The program enables participants to become contributing members of a team; to develop self-confidence; and to experience a sense of personal achievement. These goals are achieved in an atmosphere of cooperation and fun. While some basic hockey rules are covered, the IP program is not designed to teach players all the rules of the games, such as off sides or team strategy. It is about learning the basic skills of skating, puck control, shooting and passing. Most importantly it is about having fun. The IP program is not a feeder program for travel hockey.
Q. Will my child play ``Real`` Hockey games?
A. I guess that depends on your definition of what a real hockey game is. If it’s about having fun and learning skills in a team situation then yes, we play real hockey games. If you think it’s going to be like the NHL with full ice games, referees, a complete set of game rules and official games sheets then no. Just like so many other sports, such as soccer or basketball, we don’t start the kids off on an adult size playing surface, or using adult size nets or full weight pucks, we play ½ to ¾ ice games with a lighter puck pitting similar skilled players against each other. There are no referees and we try to minimize the number of stoppages of play such as off-side, etc, so that there is more actual “Game” time. See the article entitled “ADVANTAGES OF CROSS-ICE PRACTICING AND REDUCED AREA PLAYING” in the IP program library to learn more about our philosophy. The focus in on everyone getting to enjoy the game, touch the puck and see some form of success.
Q. I want a more competitive program, what can I do?
A. In addition to the IP program you can also have your child try out for the Tyke Select B Team. This is for 6 and 7 year old players in the house league program (IP or Novice) who wish to learn more about the game at a more competitive level. The select program supplements the IP program and teaches skills, and the basic rules of the game. The select teams have the option of participating in some tournaments. Player must be in the IP program or Novice program to be eligible to be on a select team and there are additional costs associated with the Select teams.
Q. I’m new to hockey, how do I find out more?
A. Check out this link to the OMHA Participants Guide, or contact the STMHA office at 519-631-3607.