JR. MAVS MISSION STATEMENT

The purpose and mission of the Jr. Mavs Hockey Organization is to promote the game of hockey in the Kansas City area (primarily Jackson County) along with the Mid America region of the central United States in a positive manner. The priority of the organization is that the sport of hockey comes first and foremost. The organization’s clear goal is to establish and grow the sport of hockey. The organization will endeavor to instill core values that benefit all participants across all age groups and skill levels. By enhancing the skill development of all participants, increasing the public awareness of the game of hockey, and offering educational programs to foster development and knowledge of the sport, a genuine and long-lasting hockey community will be born. The organization will nurture the hockey community by providing a structure that insures the positive growth of the game.

The goal of the organization is to provide each participant - player, coach, referee, and parent - a supportive environment that encourages development to his or her maximum potential. We strive to promote competition and fun within a positive environment.

USA Hockey, Inc. is the national governing body for the sport of hockey in the United States. As such, its mission is to promote the growth of hockey in America and to provide the best possible experience for all participants by encouraging, developing, advancing and administering the sport.

CORE VALUES

• Advocate USA Hockey's core values of sportsmanship, respect for individuals, integrity, the pursuit of excellence, enjoyment, loyalty and teamwork.
• Emphasize that honesty, integrity and fair play go hand in hand with developing playing skills, winning and having fun.
• Provide a fun, safe and rewarding experience for all participants, our local hockey association, and their families.
• Provide the best practice and game facilities reasonably available.
• Develop and promote positive relationships with all parties participating.
• Develop and maintain a positive reputation for the Jr. Mavs Hockey Organization by requiring all participants - players, coaches, parents and administrators - to exhibit sportsmanship and behavior that is beyond reproach at all times.
• Attract and retain coaches of the highest personal and professional caliber. Provide ongoing educational opportunities for all personnel

COACHES CODE OF CONDUCT:

1.    Winning is a consideration, but not the only one, nor the most important one.

2.    Always care more about the players' welfare than "winning the game."

3.    Always remember that the players are involved in hockey for fun and enjoyment.

4.    Always be a positive role model to your players, display emotional maturity, and be alert to the physical safety of players.

5.    Be generous with your praise when it is deserved; be consistent and honest with the players and their parents/fans; be fair and just; do not      criticize players publicly; work to be a more effective communicator and coach; and do not yell at players.

6.    Adjust to personal needs and problems of players; be a good listener; give all players the opportunity to improve their skills, gain confidence, and develop self-esteem; and teach them the basics.

7.    Never verbally or physically abuse a player, official, parent, or fan.

8.    Organize practices that are fun and challenging for your players.  Familiarize yourself with the rules, techniques, and strategies of hockey which are appropriate for your players' age group; encourage all your players to be team players at all times.

9.    Maintain an open line of communication with your players' parents at all times.  Clearly explain the goals and objectives of your association.

10.  Always be concerned with the overall development of your players. 

11.  Always be concerned with the overall development of your fellow coaches.

12.  Stress good health habits and clean living. To play the game is great, to love the game is greater.

 

Parents/Fan Code of Conduct:

1.    Do not force your child to participate in sports, but support their desires to play their chosen sport. Children are involved in organized sports for their enjoyment.  Make it fun.  Encourage your player to play by the rules.  Remember, players learn best by example, so applaud the good plays of both teams.

2.    Do not embarrass your child by yelling at players, coaches, or officials.  By showing a positive attitude toward the game and all of its participants, your player will benefit.

3.    Emphasize skill development and how practices specifically and uniquely benefit your child. 

4.    Know and study rules of the game, and support the officials on and off the ice. This approach will help in the development and support of the game. Any criticism of officials only hurts the game.

5.    Applaud a good effort in both victory and defeat and enforce the positive points of the game.  Never yell or physically abuse your player after a game or practice – it is destructive.  Work toward removing the physical and verbal abuse in youth sports.

6.    Do not tell your child that their team has no chance to win if they are not the best individual player during the game(s).  Encourage them to involve their teammates in the game and encourage them to help their teammates improve.  Never put pressure on your child to "play their best or else."

7.    Do not criticize your child's teammates when they fail.  Like anyone, athletes fail from time to time and learn to improve from all of their experiences-both positive and negative.  Remember that these are children who are each learning the game in their own way and at their own pace.  All of them will fail from time to time-including your own child.

8.     Do not criticize your child's teammates in the stands.  The other children's parents/fans are probably sitting near you and will hear your comments.  Would you want to hear similar comments about your child from others?

9.    Recognize the importance of volunteer coaches.  They are critical to the development of your player and the sport. Communicate with them and support them.  Things are not always as they seem, so carefully consider the coaches' perspective and the bigger picture before you question their actions.

10.  Do not criticize your child's coaches in public, in the stands, in the ice arena, in the parking lot, through the use of social media, through the use of text messaging, email, or through online discussion forums or other internet outlets.  Instead, privately discuss your concerns directly with the coach.