What is the U7 (formerly known as Initiation Program - IP) for PMHA?

Goals of U7 at PMHA
U7 Set up
U7 Expectations
U7 is a program within the PMHA that involves all children between the ages of 5 and 6 (4 year olds if space permits) and new players being introduced to hockey.  

U7 follows the Hockey Canada Skills Development Program recommendations for a progressive plan with the appropriate allocation of time spent to develop each skill.  Both the player’s age and skill level will define the seasonal plan.  
All seasonal plans are based on the following Skill Development Pyramids.

Goals for the U7 are:
·         Refining of basic skills
·         80% Technical Skills
Some of the highlights of the program include:

• Coaches will follow the U7 skill development manual to ensure the players receive the best instruction
• The program encourages use of assistant coaches and on-ice helpers to optimize the instructor/player ratio of 5 to 1 as a minimum. (if enough help is available)
• Practices and drills are designed to maximize learning and skating time while reducing time spent waiting in lines and listening to instructions.

U7 Set up
The number of teams at each level may vary from year to year based on the ability of the kids playing.  Regardless of the level of play, remember, no child is more or less important than any other.  It's all about the opportunities we give them and experiences they take away that are the most important.
ALL levels of play MUST follow the equal ice time and equal opportunity.
Expect that the coach will want your child to be there ready to go on the ice at least 10 minutes before your scheduled ice time begins. This time is used in the dressing room to outline drill instruction or basic concepts to skaters so that when they step onto the ice they are ready to go.  During this time parents can also gain an understanding of what the upcoming practice will be about.  
At the other end of the spectrum, expect that advanced players will be challenged continually, but not at the expense of having fun.
Please ensure your child is prepared to participate in safe play and be respectful of others on the ice. Repeated failure to obey the coaches will result in the coach asking the player to leave the ice for a period of time, and to return when they are able to listen again.

Volunteers
The U7 (formerly the Initiation Program) is led by two Co-Director’s.  They are responsible for identifying, contacting and organizing all other volunteers at the U7 level.  Their goal is to put together the detailed plan for executing the evaluation sessions that will start the year.  The convener along with the First VP or President, will identify, interview and select coaches and align them with the teams. They will oversee team selections, support coaches when required and will coordinate the practice ice schedules for the teams.  Directors are 3rd in the chain for problem escalation.  You should first consult with the Coach, then the Manager before getting a Director All teams will have one Head Coach. This person must be certified; IP coaches must have their “Introduction to Coaching/U7 certification and Speak-Out”.

NOTE: Trainers are not mandated at the Initiation level.  Therefore, monitoring and addressing medical issues is a role shared by parents, coaches and helpers. Parents should remain at the rink during the scheduled ice time.
Remember, we are all volunteers trying to do our best... If you are not happy with issues around the team, assuming they are not Risk and Safety related, please remember to exercise the 24 hour rule before approaching the head coach with your issue.  Please contact the Manager if your issue is not being addressed by the coach.
Application form. 
All Coaching applications are reviewed by the PMHA Executive, and once a decision is made we will get back to you promptly.
 
What is the U7 Hockey Season?
For ice times it is generally Saturday (time varies) and Tuesday or Wednesday (time varies).  From time to time the association will host tournaments, and ice times will be cancelled due to a tournament taking place during the scheduled ice time.  We will attempt to recover this lost ice time throughout the year.  
 

What equipment does my child require?
- CSA certified hockey helmet with wire cage and chin strap – must fit tight to chin with no gap
- neck guard
- shoulder pads
- elbow pads
- gloves
- hockey pants
- Jock/Jill
- shin pads
- skates

Have a great season and if you have any questions along the way, please ask!