Two updates tonight:
Reminder of Firm Dec 1st Deadline for Coach/Bench Staff Certifications
Addressing Inappropriate Conduct
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Reminder: Dec 1st Deadline for Coach/Bench Staff Certification
Dec 1st Risk Management Deadline - Bench Staff with incomplete Coaching and/or Volunteer Certifications* on December 1st Will Be Removed from Rosters for the Season by Hockey Nova Scotia.
*Exception: Coaching Clinics - If a Coaching Clinic is required, the coach must at least be registered in an upcoming coaching clinic by December 1st. The Coach will be unable to be on the ice or bench between Dec 1 and whenever the clinic is completed.
Risk Manager Craig Foley has been advised by Hockey NS that SMHA has a significant number of new Coaches are otherwise complete their certifications, but are missing registration in a "Coach 1 - Intro to Coach Clinic". The Intro to Coach Clinics are offered both In-Person and Virtually.
Hockey Canada - Find Your Clinic - Make sure you select Hockey Nova Scotia at the top. Two online/live options are listed below for this Intro to Coach clinic. Remember: Signing up for Dec 12 is better than nothing, but it also means you cannot be on the ice/bench until Dec 13th...
Coach 1 - Intro to Coach - 6:30-9:30pm - Dec 1st - ONLINE - Limit of 30 participants!
Coach 1 - Intro to Coach - 6:30-9:30pm - Dec 12th - ONLINE - Limit of 30 participants!
How do I check my own certifications to see what I'm missing?
Link your Volunteer Profile to your HCR Account to view your Certifications. Need help? Linking an HCR Profile Step-by-Step with Screenshots
The courses required for every role are laid out on the Hockey NS Coaching Requirements page and are also included in Linking an HCR Profile Step-by-Step with Screenshots.
Other information about how exactly to sign up for Respect in Sport or MyBackCheck for Criminal Record Checks are located on Coaching & Volunteer Certifications (about halfway down).
This week is extremely busy for RiskManagement@FlyersHockey.ca (Craig Foley) and Registration@FlyersHockey.ca (Helen Scammell) but we are here to help. Reach out with questions. Last thing anyone wants is for Bench Staff to be removed by HockeyNS.
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Addressing Inappropriate Conduct
Hello SMH Families,
Over the past couple of weeks there has been separate incidents where it has been alleged that players have used discriminatory and hurtful language toward other players. Though these incidents are being investigated, we wanted to take a moment to talk about this.
The use of discriminatory or hurtful language toward others and bullying or harrassing others is not okay in any circumstance. It is disappointing that these things still find a way into this great game of hockey but they do. The only way to truly rid our game of this, is for each one of us to commit to stand against it. The best way to do that is to educate ourselves, communicate with and support each other. Hockey is a game meant for everyone. Aside from healthy competition, good sportsmanship and just plain old fun, hockey teaches so many important life lessons. Everyone should have the opportunity to participate free of discrimination, bullying and harassment.
Coaches and Managers, we ask you to have these conversations with your teams.
SMH families, we encourage you to have these conversations at home with your kids.
In the links below, you will find some helpful information. Please take the time to read through the information and have the conversations.
Also you will find a link to Hockey Nova Scotia's reporting mechanism for issues with regards to discrimination, bullying and harrassment.
SMH Behavior Policy
SMH Social Media Policy
HNS Diversity & Inclusion Task Force Report & Recommendations
HNS On-Ice Bullying Policy
HNS Complaints & Investigations
We want to thank our teams and our officials for handling these issues appropriately, allowing the investigation process to take its course.
Together as an association, let's be supportive and respectful of each other, our officials, coaches, players, and our opponents.
Yours in hockey and community,
SMH Executive & Board Members
GrayJay Leagues
