ymca junior penguins program manual

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YMCA JUNIOR PENGUINS PROGRAM MANUAL In Partnership with the Pittsburgh Penguins Presented by Dick’s Sporting Goods & Trib Total Media

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Page 1: YMCA JUNIOR PENGUINS PROGRAM MANUAL

YMCA JUNIOR PENGUINS

PROGRAM MANUAL

In Partnership with the Pittsburgh Penguins Presented by Dick’s Sporting Goods &

Trib Total Media

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A MESSAGE FROM THE PENGUINS 3

YMCA OF GREATER PITTSBURGH MISSION STATEMENT 4

YMCA SUPER SPORTS PROGRAM PHILOSOPHY 5

PROGRAM OVERVIEW 7

RULES OF THE PROGRAM 8

THE VOLUNTEER COACH 10

CHECKLIST OF COACHES’ REQUIREMENTS / RESPONSIBILITIES 11

THE YMCA STAFF / REFEREE REQUIREMENTS / RESPONSIBILITIES 13

CHECKLIST OF YMCA STAFF / REFEREES REQUIREMENTS / RESPONSIBILITIES 14

DEVELOPMENTAL CHARACTERISTICS OF CHILDREN 16

VALUES EDUCATION 19

SAFETY PLAN 20

SAFETY CHECKLIST 22

VOLUNTEER INFORMATION SHEET 23

TABLE OF CONTENTSTABLE OF CONTENTSTABLE OF CONTENTSTABLE OF CONTENTS

YMCA Junior Penguins Program Manual ► 2010

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Message from The Penguins

A Message from the Pittsburgh Penguins

Your YMCA addresses a critical need in our community by reaching out to the needs of children and protecting their welfare. The Pittsburgh Penguins, Dick’s Sporting Goods, and Trib Total Media will assist your efforts by creating and supporting a new program to be featured exclusively at the YMCA. Launching a new program and ensuring its success can be a challenge. It is a challenge to which we are committed to succeed. This program will impact thousands of children and reinforce the positive aspects of sportsmanship, teamwork, and the benefits of exercise. The Pittsburgh Penguins are proud to have this opportunity to work with you, the people of your YMCA, Dick’s Sporting Goods, and Trib Total Media. Our goals are to strengthen your organizations, add value to you programs, and promote a healthy lifestyle for youth throughout our region. Thank you for your time, effort, and involvement! Sincerely, The Pittsburgh Penguins

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YMCA Mission Statement

The YMCA is a nationally affiliated character building social services agency focusing on program services for individuals and families. Christian in its heritage, it is ecumenical in its delivery of services and in its membership. The YMCA assists people in learning the skills and attitudes that will enrich their lives, lead them to interracial and intergenerational understanding and to realize their full potential as members of this community. The YMCA emphasizes development of the whole person as embodied in the YMCA symbol, the triangle, signifying the union of the spirit, the mind and the body.

YMCA Sports Philosophy

YMCA Youth Sports offers boys and girls opportunities to learn and enjoy sports without pressure and competition. Our goals: Fun, Fair Play, and Learning! Caring adult supervisors will give your child quality instruction. All the equipment your child will need is provided, and with one-hour weekly games, we provide great support for your child in a safe and nurturing environment.

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Program Philosophy

The goals and objectives of the YMCA Junior Penguins Program are based on certain beliefs about youth sports, a philosophy summarized in these eight concepts: ♦ Participation: Everyone Plays! There are no try-outs or cuts. Everyone who registers is assigned to a team. During the season everyone plays the same amount of time in every game and has equal practice time. Both the most highly skilled players and the least skilled players are given equal attention by the coach. At the season’s end, everyone receives the same award. There are no MVP’s or All Star Teams. No personal statistics are kept. ♦♦♦♦ Fun: We play sports to have fun! Players, coaches, officials and parents are urged to follow YMCA House Rules: ► Speak for yourself ► Listen to others ► Avoid put-downs ► Take charge of yourself ► Show respect The overall environment, created by the coach and reinforced by the officials, is positive, relaxed and enjoyable. Winning is kept in perspective. A tie is an acceptable outcome. ♦ Fitness: Cardiovascular exercise is important for a lifetime! Encouraging fitness and good health means developing the whole person: spirit, mind, and body. Warm up and conditioning exercises are included in practice sessions and prior to games. Healthy lifestyle habits are covered in team discussions and encouraged in family activities. Physical activities such as push-ups and running laps, are never used as punishment!

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♦ Skills: Emphasize the fundamentals! Equipment, facilities and rules are modified according to the ages of the players. Coaches help players measure their skill, set goals, and evaluate their progress against their own standards. During the game, officials take the time to explain their calls to the players. Team discussions enhance other skills, such as decision making and communication. ♦ Teamwork: Focus on cooperation, not competition! Balanced teams are formed by attempting to equalize skills and abilities, not by recruiting only the best players. Participants have the opportunity to play a variety of positions and are encouraged to help one another with skill development. Player skill level is discussed one-on-one between player and coach, and is not announced so that players compare themselves to each other. ♦ Fair Play: Fair play involves respect! Fair play requires a clear understanding of the rules by everyone involved – players, coaches, officials and parents. This is accomplished through training events and materials. ► respect for the rules and the officials who uphold them ► respect for oneself – taking responsibility for one’s behavior and learning ► respect for one’s teammates – working for the good of the team ► respect for the other team – considering the other team as an essential partner in competion ♦ Family Involvement: YMCA Junior Penguins is a family program!

YMCA Junior Penguins is a family program in a variety of ways. The program starts with a kickoff event to acquaint everyone with the program and the YMCA Youth Sports Philosophy. Parents are kept informed about the program through frequent communications, through mid and end of season evaluations. Family members are encouraged to volunteer! ♦♦♦♦ Volunteers: Volunteers are the key! The YMCA staff administrator manages the program through volunteers. Volunteer coaches are carefully selected on the basis of their knowledge, experience, and support of the YMCA Youth Sports Philosophy. They receive training materials on the YMCA Youth Sports Philosophy and program operation, as well as receive recognition for their work.

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Program Overview

The YMCA Junior Penguins Program is a comprehensive youth hockey program that emphasizes the importance of having fun playing hockey, while also developing athletic and social skills, improving educational performance and learning about health and fitness. Overall, the program aims to build feelings of competence and confidence in youth to enhance their self-esteem. Conducted by the YMCA, the program is in partnership with the Pittsburgh Penguins Hockey Club and is presented by Dick’s Sporting Goods and Trib Total Media. The program serves boys and girls ages 6 – 12 in our region. Games, clinics, and practices are held on afternoons and weekends at 16 different YMCA branches or other community locations. Young people wishing to participate in the YMCA Junior Penguins Hockey Program may register at the YMCA branch of their choice. Registration materials must be completed by a parent or guardian. Volunteer participation by adults is strongly encouraged. All participants will receive a t-shirt, a street hockey stick, a certificate of participation, and a trophy.

Program Components ► Competitive hockey

► Sports skills instruction

► Coaching about sportsmanship and fair play

► Values education

► Awards Day – End of the Season

► Volunteer recognition

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Rules of the Program

The YMCA Junior Penguins Program is an instructional hockey program for boys and girls ages 6 – 12. A league will consist of at least three teams representing each age group. Instructions on skills, rules, techniques, etc. should be included each week, and is suggested for the first half hour before each game. The purpose of the program is to: ► Have fun

► Promote fitness

► Encourage participation

► Develop skills

► Build self-esteem

► Promote good sportsmanship and teamwork

► Teach fair play

Boys and Girls – Boys and girls may play together on the same team. Branches with enough female players to have a separate girls league may do so. Playing Levels – The league will consist of three age groups. The Pee-Wee Division is for ages 6 – 7, the Junior Division is for ages 8 – 9, and the Senior Division is for ages 10 –12. Players on a Team – Teams should have a minimum of 8 players and maximum of 11 players. This will help your coach give every player equal attention in practice and games. No Try Outs – There are no try outs or cuts. Everyone registered is assigned a team and should receive equal playing time and opportunity. Season – The playing season will run from 8 – 11 weeks, depending on the YMCA branch.

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Officials – Officials will be present at all games. It is the responsibility of the official to control the games. Rink / Gym Specifications – The dimensions of the rink / gym will be determined by the local facility being used. Equipment – Provided equipment includes street hockey sticks, helmets with face guards, hockey balls, complete goaltending equipment, and goal nets. YMCA Junior Penguins equipment is provided by Dick’s Sporting Goods, Trib Total Media, the Pittsburgh Penguins, and the YMCA. All equipment remains the property of the YMCA with the exception of program sticks that are issued with your membership (limit one per child). Uniforms – All players must wear their YMCA Junior Penguins shirt during games. Mouth guards are required during practices and games. Playing Rules – The following playing rules have been established as guidelines. At some YMCA branches, rules may need to be altered to fit the needs of each site. In general, adaptation to the rules will be determined by the Program Director and the YMCA staff. 1. Games will consist of three periods and a continuous running clock: Pee – Wee Division: Ten (10) minute periods, five (5) minute intermissions Junior Division: Twelve (12) minute periods, five (5) minute intermissions Senior Division: Fifteen (15) minute periods, five (5) minute intermissions

2. Each team will be allowed one time out per period, one minute in length. A time out can only be called when play has stopped.

3. A face-off, will be used to start each game.

4. Line changes can be done while the puck is in play. The referee can also call for a line change during stoppage in play.

5. Penalties: high sticking (stick above the waist), checking, charging, elbowing, slashing, butt ending, tripping, holding, hooking, and cross-checking will not be permitted. Players violating these rules will be removed from the playing surface for two minutes and a substitute player will take his / her place. No power plays.

6. Offside: Pee-Wee Division: Icing – Enforced, Offside – Not Enforced, Offside Pass – Not Enforced Junior Division: Icing – Enforced, Offside – Not Enforced, Offside Pass – Enforced Senior Division: Icing – Enforced, Offside – Enforced, Offside Pass – Enforced

7. Out of bounds: If the puck goes out of the playing surface, the team to touch it last loses possession.

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The Volunteer Coach

The coach is the single most important adult leader to his / her players. He or she is responsible for making sure that team members develop positive attitudes about fair play and respect for others, while learning specific sports skills and having fun. The coach teaches players about the rules of the game and helps them develop important values about life. Hockey skills themselves are merely tools to achieve something far more significant: helping children reach their full potential.

Skills and Characteristics of Coaches Good coaches realize that they have the unique opportunity to make a difference in a child’s life and they are people who enjoy working with and relating to children at a particular skill and age level. They are motivators, teachers, and role models for their players. Effective YMCA coaches: ► Fully support the YMCA Youth Sports Philosophy in their attitude and behavior at practices, games and events. ► Encourage values of fair play, respect for others, and teamwork. ► Realize their responsibility in making the YMCA Youth Sports a family program and regularly communicate information to parents. ► Fostering a positive attitude towards fitness by incorporating adequate warm-up and conditioning sessions into practice. ► Are safety conscious and knowledgeable about procedures for handling injuries. ► Have the planning and organizational skills needed to ensure good use of practice time. ► Have knowledge of their sport through participation or observation. ► Are enthusiastic individuals always willing to learn new things.

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Coaches’ Checklist

General

♦ Complete Act 33 & 34 Clearances, (Criminal Background & Child Abuse Clearance) ♦ Attend pre-season Coaches’ Training ♦ Share ideas and concerns with the YMCA staff administrators

Practice Sessions ♦ Make sure the parents and team members are aware of the dates, times, and locations of

practice and are given adequate notice of changes. ♦ Prepare for practices in advance, develop a lesson plan based on review and progress

from previous practices – know what has been covered and what needs to be taught. ♦ Follow an outline for practice, allowing enough time to cover all components. ♦ Allow for as much practice time as possible – avoid making players stand around. ♦ Be aware of the whereabouts of all team members – remain at the site until all team

members have left. (If a parent is late, make the YMCA staff aware). ♦ Reward 100% attendance. ♦ Get to know your team members – call them by first name. ♦ Keep a current list of contact information in case of injury or illness. ♦ Help players set goals and work towards them. ♦ Teach the skills of the sport and the importance of physical fitness. ♦ Encourage family involvement by providing volunteer opportunities (helping out). ♦ During practice, have team members take turn officiating. ♦ Make sure a first aid kit is available at all practice sessions. ♦ Check the conditions of both the equipment and the site for safety hazards before practice. ♦ Maintain a positive attitude and enthusiasm toward practicing. ♦ Make sure the necessary equipment is available.

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Games ♦ Require team members to arrive early enough for an adequate warm-up prior to the start

of the game. ♦ Give a brief pre-game talk: * Put the importance of the game in the proper perspective. * Remind players of the skills they have been practicing and the individual goals they have set, and encourage them to concentrate on performing those skills rather than what their opponents may do. * Emphasize the need to think as a team and not criticize teammates. * Encourage the players to have fun. * Stress the importance of respecting the decisions of the referee. ♦♦♦♦ Demonstrate respect for the referees: * Don’t criticize a referee in front of the children, parents, or other coaches. * Help control parents during the games. * Ask questions calmly, listen and accept what the referee has to say. * Thank the referees after the game. * Set the example of good sportsmanship for team members and spectators to follow. ♦ Support players during the game: * Be enthusiastic and compliment everyone, not just the more skilled players. * Don’t yell advice from the sideline, give them a chance to make decisions and learn for themselves. * Correct mistakes of your players in a quiet, controlled, positive tone during timeouts or between periods. * Show respect for opponents whether they are winning or losing and view them as partners in the sport. * Help players calm down when they lose their temper by staying calm yourself. ♦ Schedule playing time for team members in accordance with the YMCA Youth Sports Philosophy: * Every team member plays equal amount of time throughout the game. * Team members have opportunities to play different positions. ♦ After the game: * Join team members in congratulating the coaches and players of the other team. * Hold a post-game team circle to help team members learn from the game by discussing strengths and weaknesses, asking questions and making suggestions.

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THE REFEREE

Normally, referees are YMCA employees. However, they can also be parents or coaches. The referee’s primary responsibility is to enforce and interpret both the rules of the game and the YMCA Youth Sports Philosophy. All referees need an orientation to the YMCA Youth Sports Philosophy. The YMCA referee must be able to relate to the players, as well as know the rules of the game. Quality referees are critical to the success of every YMCA Youth Sports Program.

Skills and Characteristics of Referees Refereeing is an area of expertise that requires a knowledge of the rules and strategy of sports in order to control the behavior of players, coaches, and spectators. The referee must be able to: ♦ Enforce the rules impartially and control the contest so that the game is a positive experience for players. ♦ Be consistent, fair, decisive, quick thinking, safety-conscious, and positive. ♦ Maintain control of the game and make it fun. ♦ Know the signals and basic rules, including modifications for younger players. ♦ See themselves as part of the coaching team, stopping the game occasionally to explain a

rule or a call. Few referees come prepared to perform in this way, although they may have extensive knowledge of the game. In a YMCA Youth Sports Program, referees must know much more than the rules. It is the responsibility of the staff administrator to see that training is offered and required for referees, even those with experience. That is what makes the YMCA unique and enables it to fulfill the mission of the organization.

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REFEREE CHECKLIST

♦ Participate in the kickoff, and end of season celebration, make a point to get to know participants. ♦ Notify the appropriate person (YMCA staff administrator) as early as possible if you

cannot fulfill a commitment to referee. ♦ Share your ideas and concerns with the YMCA staff administrator.

Before the Game ♦♦♦♦ Wear your official shirt, or other designated attire that clearly identifies you as a game

referee or YMCA staff person. ♦♦♦♦ Bring a whistle. ♦♦♦♦ Arrive at least 15 minutes before the game. ♦♦♦♦ Check playing area for safety hazards. ♦♦♦♦ Check the condition of the game equipment. ♦♦♦♦ Introduce yourself to other referees and discuss duties and interpretations of the rules.

Ground rules may be necessary due to facilities, weather, league rules, and safety considerations.

♦♦♦♦ Make sure a current copy of the rules is readily available. ♦♦♦♦ Prior to the start of the game, call both teams together; introduce yourself and the other

referees, go over the ground rules, encourage both teams to have fun and play a good game.

♦♦♦♦ Start the game.

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During the Game ♦♦♦♦ Make safety your number one priority. If an injury occurs, follow established procedures

for administering first aid and notifying parents and the YMCA staff administrator. ♦♦♦♦ Keep the game moving, do not allow breaks to last too long. ♦♦♦♦ Be alert, quick and firm when you make a call, players will notice your indecisiveness

and begin to question your calls. ♦♦♦♦ Do not stand still; move up and down the playing area diagonally so you have a full view

of the action. ♦♦♦♦ Inform individuals of infractions and how they were committed; take the time to explain

the calls and help players who may not understand them. ♦♦♦♦ Enforce the rules in a impartial manner, be consistent. ♦♦♦♦ Make calls appropriate to the age level; older players require tighter officiating. ♦♦♦♦ Stay calm and in control when a misunderstanding occurs. ♦♦♦♦ Avoid arguments with players, coaches, and parents. ♦♦♦♦ The game should be kept fun and under control from start to finish. In the event of unacceptable conduct by coaches, players and/or spectators, give a warning prior to any disciplinary action. ♦♦♦♦ Tactfully discuss questionable calls by consulting with other referees.

After the Game ♦♦♦♦ Have the two teams line up and shake hands. ♦♦♦♦ Compliment the players and coaches; reinforce what they are doing right. ♦♦♦♦ Be available for 15 minutes after the game to discuss any concerns of the players,

coaches or spectators. ♦♦♦♦ Help clear the playing area. ♦♦♦♦ Secure the game equipment. ♦♦♦♦ Share the immediate concerns you have with the person to whom you report.

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DEVELOPMENTAL CHARATERISTICS

Six to Eight Year Olds Physically: ♦♦♦♦ Growth is rapid at this age and physical endurance is limited. ♦♦♦♦ Fatigue is apparent as one hears complaints and whining. ♦♦♦♦ Particularly clumsy, especially 6 year olds. ♦♦♦♦ Prefer running to walking. ♦♦♦♦ Out of doors represents one large playground. ♦♦♦♦ Response to wide open spaces is on an almost purely physical level. Emotionally: ♦ Dependant on adults and need to feel secure with them. ♦ Like to cuddle, walk next to and hold hands with adults. ♦ Group relationships develop and grow. ♦ Need to feel loved and accepted by adult in charge. ♦ View adult in charge as they do a teacher or parent. ♦ Boys do a great deal of physical rough-necking with each other. ♦ Quick to fight over any disagreement. ♦ Talking it over instead of fighting has yet to be learned. ♦ Anger comes and goes quickly. ♦ Patience is limited. ♦ Frustration level is low. ♦ Girls are identified with the feminine role. ♦ Conform easily to what the counselor says. ♦ Interested in being “good” in order to win adult approval. ♦ Friendships become important. ♦ Friends can shift overnight without any apparent reason….(to us). ♦ Need a lot of help with routines, dress, habits, etc. ♦ Should be encouraged to take responsibility for their belongings.

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Nine Year Olds ♦ Having friends and belonging to a group becomes very important. ♦ Enjoy strong ties with formal groups, such as clubs. ♦ Need adult help in accepting others who may be left out of the group. ♦ Are unwilling and unable to take responsibility. ♦ Understand explanations. ♦ Are interested in trying to do things well. ♦ Individual differences and definite personalities are apparent. ♦ Are beginning to think for themselves. ♦ Are becoming critical of their own performance and may need help sorting out realistic

goals and standards. ♦ Enjoy competitive games, but need help in keeping competition within reasonable limits. ♦ Are beginning to understand right and wrong and are trying to develop standards of acceptable behavior. ♦ Have a genuine fondness for adults they know, but may be outspoken and critical of

them. ♦ Are becoming increasingly skillful with their hands. ♦ Can plan step by step and carry out a project over a long period of time as long as they

retain their interest in it. ♦ Are more responsible and cooperative when they are involved in making plans. ♦ Show sex differences increasingly in play: boys shout, whistle, wrestle, punch and race

around… girls begin to show an interest in clothes and are less noisy and energetic. ♦ May show wide differences from their peers in reading interest and reading ability. ♦ Can make decisions. ♦ Are apt to be embarrassed if praised publicly. ♦ Are beginning to be reasonable. ♦ Have strong reactions to things they feel are unfair. Ten Year Olds ♦ Much more relaxed and poised than at age nine. Generally comfortable with their bodies. ♦ Boys are gaining strength and proficiency in gross motor activities. ♦ Generally like school and want to be responsible students. ♦ Will most often get work done if it is understood. ♦ Quite capable of pursuing projects that span over a period of time. ♦ Still enjoy being read to by the teacher, and show a strong preference for mystery and

adventure stories. ♦ Enjoy discussing thoughts and ideas. ♦ Interested in the achievement and accomplishments of others. ♦ Beginning of hero-worship; identify personally with a hero. Continued...

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♦♦♦♦ Fears and anxieties are at an all time low. ♦♦♦♦ Self-concept is generally good; generally have a feeling of well being. ♦♦♦♦ Occasionally gets extremely angry, depressed or sad. ♦♦♦♦ Tend to be organized and competitive. Boys love team sports and they argue a lot in general, not seriously. Girls often have more intense relationships with each other and will have more serious “falling outs.” ♦♦♦♦ Tend to be adventurous and to enjoy adventure, bordering on dangerous. ♦♦♦♦ Very sensitive to fairness of adults. ♦♦♦♦ Need encouragement and the opportunity to follow special interest. ♦♦♦♦ Like to join organized groups. ♦♦♦♦ Like to rush around and keep busy. Eleven and Twelve Year Olds ♦♦♦♦ Individual differences are even more pronounced. Children are maturing at very rapid

and increasingly different rates. ♦♦♦♦ Boys show marked differences in body proportions, they have longer arms and broader

shoulders than girls and are generally stronger than most girls. ♦♦♦♦ Girls are generally taller than boys of the same age. Many girls show an increase in

weight and widening hips. Girls appear to have increasing control over hands and fingers and continue to show superiority over boys in fine muscle activity.

♦♦♦♦ Many girls are beginning to develop breasts and some will begin menstruation. ♦♦♦♦ Appetite often takes a big leap and children show a marked increase in their food intake. ♦♦♦♦ Increase in ability to use logic, but often very impatient in reasoning things out. ♦♦♦♦ Concern for capacity to learn, in general, is often a source of anxiety, because children

are very much aware of their capabilities in comparison with others. There is a general lack of confidence.

♦♦♦♦ Considerable interest in general information about the world, as well as personal interest or hobbies.

♦♦♦♦ Are often sensitive, emotional, and argumentative. ♦♦♦♦ Often feel that everything they do is wrong and that adults may be picking on them. ♦♦♦♦ Very self-conscious about how they look. ♦♦♦♦ Show a great deal of self-doubt. ♦♦♦♦ Are very defensive. ♦♦♦♦ Rather critical of adults. ♦♦♦♦ Tend to challenge adults knowledge. ♦♦♦♦ Generally have an adult hero who is not a part of their present life situation. ♦♦♦♦ Admire peers who are skillful, bold and daring. ♦♦♦♦ Girls are very close and friendly with each other. They are beginning to be interested in

boys. ♦♦♦♦ Boys are generally close and friendly with each other. They are interested in girls.

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VALUES EDUCATION

Values education refers to the whole area of learning about values and “valuing” with a focus on content, self awareness and linking values to decision making and actions. Valuing is the process of developing values, of becoming conscious of them, and utilizing them as criteria in making decisions and carrying out the actions.

The Role of the Values Educator

Helping children to: ♦ Understand their own values and articulate them. ♦ Perceive relationships between values and behavior. ♦ Search for alternative choices and actions. ♦ Anticipate consequences of choices and actions. ♦ Improve skills in implementing decisions. ♦ Experiment with newly learned skills. ♦ Create an environment where sharing thoughts and feelings is supported. ♦ Explore the thinking of experts. Strategies for creating values lessons: ♦ Create an open environment where values can be discussed. ♦ Design an engaging and relevant exercise or strategy to facilitate discussion. ♦ Ensure that the focus of the issue is relevant.

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SAFETY PLAN

Accident or Illness Procedures

1. Immediately notify the following people who are in charge of the program in the following order : a.) Site coordinator ________________________ (Staff – Always on site) b.) Program Director _______________________ If not on site, call the YMCA branch at (____) - ________ - _________ or _______________________ at (____)- ________ - _________

2. Depending on the seriousness of the accident or illness: a.) Notify the site director. b.) Call 911 or bring to the site coordinator for first aid treatment. c.) Call Program Director. d.) If medical transportation is needed the site director or program director will call 911 and request an ambulance. e.) If necessary, the site coordinator or program director will arrange for admission at the nearest medical facility.

3. Each child’s registration contains emergency contact information. It also gives the parent’s permission for hospitalization in case they cannot be contacted in an emergency situation. These forms are on file at the YMCA branch and the program coordinator must have a copy of them at the playing site. If the parent cannot be reached, an emergency contact will be called.

4. The program coordinator or program director will notify the child’s parents of any accident or illness, and request them to meet their child at the medical facility or program site.

5. The program coordinator will assign another adult staff person to accompany the child to the medical facility until the parent or program director arrives at the medical facility.

6. An accident report must be completed by the program coordinator and submitted to the program director the same day. No copy of this report is to be given to anyone under any circumstances.

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Lost / Missing Child Protocol 1. Coach notifies the program coordinator. 2. All groups are gathered together into one group and kept busy. 3. Program Director is notified. 4. Program coordinator will assign staff and volunteers to thoroughly search surrounding areas while he / she remains with the rest of the children. 5. If the child cannot be found, the program coordinator will notify the police immediately. Name, age, and description should be given to the police. 6. Program Director or Program coordinator will notify the parents. 7. Program coordinator will fill out accident report and submit the report to the Program Director immediately. Badge numbers and officers names will be included in the report.

Buddy System 1. Attendance should be taken before the start of the program. 2. Each child is assigned a buddy. 3. Buddy system should be explained to the children so they understand that they will be with that person at all times. 4. Buddy checks should be done by the coach. 5. If a child’s buddy is missing, follow the “missing child” procedures.

Weather If playing outdoors, and in the case of inclement weather, the Program Director or Program Coordinator will determine whether the game should be cancelled because of unsafe playing conditions. The YMCA will notify the coach of each team. Every effort will be made to make up all games that are cancelled.

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SAFETY CHECKLIST

1. Attendance taken ڤ

2. Buddy assigned ڤ

3. Warm up exercise and stretches ڤ

4. Playing field is checked for dangerous objects ڤ

5. Safety equipment is worn properly ڤ

6. First aid kit is on site ڤ

7. Emergency contact information is on site ڤ

8. Spectators are clear and safe from injury ڤ

9. All necessary equipment is available ڤ

10. All jewelry has been removed ڤ

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VOLUNTEER INFORMATION

YMCA JUNIOR PENGUINS HOCKEY VOLUNTEER COACH REGISTRATION

I will coach a YMCA Junior Penguins Hockey team. (Please Print) Name _________________________________________________ T-Shirt Size _________

Address _____________________________ City ______________ State _____ Zip ______

Home Phone _______________ Work Phone _______________ Cell _______________

E-mail address ______________________________________________

Child’s name _____________________ Age ____ Grade ____ School ____________

Practices are once per week ( depending on facility )

Please check the days you are available for practice ( if applicable ) ___ Monday ___ Tuesday ___ Wednesday ___ Thursday ___ Friday Time ____________

All coaches will be required to sign the attached Disclosure Statement and then complete the forms for Child Abuse and Criminal Clearances. These forms will be mailed to you. The YMCA will pay for these clearances.

Thank you for your time and support of the YMCA!

We build strong kids, strong families, strong communities.

YMCA Junior Penguins Program Manual ► 2010