Pond Hockey Overview
Hockey Alberta announced, in the 2003-2004 season, that a new hockey program would be offered to its members and/or interested groups.
The program is called "Pond Hockey", and embraces the concepts of less structure, fun and family involvement.
The formation of this program occurred after a culmination of several months of diligent, dedicated and determined committee work. The committee met with active Pond Hockey operators and targeted certain focus groups to gather information and determine the feasibility of Hockey Alberta offering such a program. The result of these discussions was an overwhelming positive response and an urgency to development a program.
This new program is not intended to replace the competitive and recreational programs already offered by Minor Hockey Associations.
There are many features of the Pond Hockey program that differentiate this program from our current model. Simply defined, Pond Hockey is another opportunity for youth to play the great game of hockey and in many cases, utilizes outdoor ice as a venue.
Pond Hockey Vision Statement
An innovative program that focuses on participation in a less structured and flexible environment by enabling young people and families to enjoy the game of hockey.
Pond Hockey Mission Statement
To serve all who want to provide the opportunity for youth to play Pond Hockey in a safe, fair and fun environment by offering quality services and support.
Pond Hockey Guiding Principles
- Availability of the current Hockey Alberta Insurance Program
- No body contact or body checking
- Modified playing rules (no blue lines or center line)
- Age divisions determined by local needs
- Boundaries are non issues
- Pond Hockey registrations have no effect on Provincial categorization
- Adequate adult supervision is required
- Participants must be attired in appropriate equipment as per the playing rules
Pond Hockey Facts
1. Innovative program that goes back to the grassroots of Hockey
2. Rules of play are set by the local organizing Association/group, however, there is no body contact/checking allowed and no slap shots allowed
3. Participants show up and are then split into teams to play
4. No boundaries for players and no inclusion of Pond Hockey registration numbers in the Provincial Categorization tally
5. No set age Divisions – totally dependant on local registration numbers
6. Complete Hockey Alberta Insurance Program coverage
7. Portable registration – can play with any other Hockey Alberta Pond Hockey registered team
8. Nominal Hockey Alberta registration and insurance fee of $36.00 per participant. Any other costs determined by local organizing Association/group
9. Full equipment as per the Hockey Canada playing rules.
10. Can be played on indoor or outdoor ice. A Pond may be considered depending on safe conditions.
11. Players already registered in mainstream hockey who are registering in a Pond Hockey Program have already paid a portion of the insurance fees through minor hockey and are required to pay only $19.85 to register in Pond Hockey.
12. Adult supervisors that are registered with Hockey Alberta are required for each session
13. Coaching certification is not required nor are Referees required for each session
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