Policies and Guidelines
Membership and Eligibility
- AAU Membership:
- All players, coaches, and team staff must hold AAU Hockey memberships to participate in sanctioned events. This ensures insurance coverage and eligibility for tournaments.
- Age and Eligibility Verification:
- Players must provide valid documentation, including birth certificates and, if required, proof of academic grade level, per AAU Hockey age classifications.
Code of Conduct
- Player Expectations:
- Sportsmanship: Show respect to teammates, opponents, officials, and coaches at all times. Unsportsmanlike behavior, including fighting, abusive language, or intentional harm, will not be tolerated.
- Team Commitment: Attend all practices, games, and team events on time and give maximum effort during training and games.
- Equipment Responsibility: Players are responsible for maintaining and bringing their own properly fitted and safe hockey gear to every session.
- Parent/Guardian Expectations:
- Support all players and coaches with positive encouragement and refrain from criticism during practices and games.
- Sideline Behavior: Parents must not interfere with coaching decisions or attempt to coach from the stands.
- Address any concerns privately with coaching staff outside of game days.
- Coaching Staff Expectations:
- Treat all players with fairness, respect, and dedication to their development.
- Provide constructive feedback, foster a positive learning environment, and maintain professionalism at all times.
Attendance and Commitment
- Practice and Game Attendance:
- Players must attend all practices, games, and team events unless excused by the coaching staff. Notify the coach or manager as soon as possible for any absence. Repeated unexcused absences may impact playing time or roster position.
- Team Travel:
- Players and families are expected to commit to travel schedules for tournaments and games. Any travel-related fees must be paid in advance. Follow curfews and team policies during away tournaments to ensure readiness and focus.
Equipment and Safety
- Mandatory Equipment:
- Players must wear all required hockey gear, including certified helmets, mouthguards, neck guards, and protective pads. All gear must meet AAU safety standards. Sticks and skates must be in good condition to prevent injuries.
- Injury Protocol:
- Players must report injuries immediately to the coaching staff. A doctor’s clearance may be required before a player can return to the ice following a significant injury.
- SafeSport Compliance:
- Coaches and team officials must complete AAU SafeSport training, adhering to guidelines for the safety and well-being of all players.
Playing Time and Team Selection
- Team Tryouts:
- Player selection is based on skill, attitude, effort, and positional needs. Tryout evaluations will be conducted by the coaching staff to ensure fairness and transparency.
- Playing Time:
- Playing time is earned through effort, attitude, attendance, and performance. While development is prioritized, certain situations (e.g., tournaments) may require strategic adjustments to playing time.
Financial Responsibilities
- Team Fees:
- Families are responsible for paying team fees, including registration, practice ice time, travel expenses, and tournament fees, as outlined at the start of the season. Payment plans may be available upon request, but all fees must be paid in full by the specified deadlines.
- No Refund Policy:
- The Detroit Revolution operates as a non-profit team, with all fees directly covering expenses such as ice time, equipment, travel, and tournament costs. As a result, all payments made toward team fees are non-refundable.
- Rationale: Refunds would disrupt the financial planning and operation of the team, increasing costs for all other families. This policy ensures fairness and allows us to maintain affordable fees for every player.
- Exceptions: In the rare case of an unforeseen and extraordinary circumstance, exceptions may be considered at the sole discretion of the team manager and coaching staff. Any such requests must be submitted in writing.
Discipline Policy
- On-Ice Misconduct:
- The coaching staff will review any major penalties, such as fighting, abusive language, or unsportsmanlike behavior. Repeated offenses may result in suspension or removal from the team.
- Off-Ice Behavior:
- Players and families represent the Detroit Revolution at all times. Any conduct that reflects poorly on the team, including bullying, harassment, or illegal activity, will result in disciplinary action.
- Conflict Resolution:
- Concerns or issues should be addressed with the coach respectfully and privately. If unresolved, escalate to the team manager.
Communication
- Team Communication Platform:
- Updates, schedules, and important announcements will be shared through a designated team app or email. Families are responsible for staying updated and responding promptly.
AAU Hockey Compliance
- Adherence to AAU Guidelines:
- The Detroit Revolution will adhere to all rules, regulations, and guidelines outlined in the AAU Ice Hockey Bylaws and Handbook. This includes compliance with tournament rules, roster requirements, and safety protocols.
- You can review the full AAU Ice Hockey Handbook here:
- 2022–2025 AAU Hockey Handbook
- Code of Ethics:
- All participants must abide by the AAU Code of Ethics, prioritizing fairness, safety, and sportsmanship.
Parent Participation
- Volunteer Roles:
- Parents are encouraged to volunteer as team coordinators, event planners, and/or assist with travel arrangements.