Ladies and Gentlemen;
First of all I would like to sincerely thank all of you for offering your valuable time towards such a worthy cause....our children, and everyone else's. Your efforts do not go un noticed. Thank all so very much, for everything you do.
There are a few very important issues I need to make you aware of, and remind you of as we get rolling into the 2011 season;
First is criminal record checks. The letter I give you does not represent a criminal records search, it merely indicates to the reviewing officer that you are a volunteer of a minor sports organization, meaning the customary fees attached with said search are waived. This letter must be presented to the reviewing officer WITHIN YOUR MUNICIPALITY OR CITY. If you live in Surrey, you must present the letter to a Surrey RCMP detachment. Once these searches are returned to you, you must drop these forms off at the Sungod Pool front desk IN A SEALED ENVELOPE, addressed Attn: Delta Minor Ball Hockey Risk Manager. Make sure the envelope is delivered to the DMBHA mailbox.
In the event none of you are aware of the Criminal records search, here is a brief rundown and protocol;
Criminal records searches for DMBHA has a 2 year shelf life, meaning your search this year will expire at the end of the 2012 season. If you had a criminal search in 2009, you need to either have another criminal records search done, or present a valid search record, or an email from the Risk Manager from another minor sports association that verifies you have a current search on file with them.
There is no personal information returned with a criminal records check. The letter will only indicate if you have any record in regards to issues which may be considered sensitive to the minor sport environment. If such a response is returned to the Risk Manager, you will be given the opportunity to explain why you may have a record considered to be sensitive to the minor sport environment. You do not have to disclose any information, but non-disclosure constitutes immediate removal from environment. If you chose to disclose information to the Risk Manager in absolute confidence has the opportunity to decide if the information you voluntarily disclose is relevant, and you may be able to resume your duties. The Risk Manager CANNOT reveal the details of any criminal records search, be it officially documented or volunteered information. To do so constitutes a violation of the personal information act and is subject to consequent criminal charges.
I will be available at the North Delta Rec. Center, in the hallway by the playing surface (ice/floor) where I will sign as many criminal search forms as we need to for you folks April 7, from 7-9 P.M.
As my schedule is extremely tight this season this will be the only opportunity for me to do this. If you cannot make this session, send someone. You must give me your full legal name, weather you like your middle name (s) or not. I have to write your full legal name in my own hand writing on the letter and personally sign the letter. DO NOT FILL OUT ANY INFORMATION YOURSELF until you are in person with the commissionaire or reviewing officer.
A reminder of the 2 deep policy;
At all times there must be a minimum of 2 adults present in the dressing rooms or areas 'out of clear sight' meaning hallways, medical rooms, anywhere that you cannot be seen 100% "in public" while in the presence of a minor. If you coach a mixed dressing room, there must also be an adult female present. The exception to this rule is if it is the coach's daughter, AND that parent is present. If for any reason you find yourself momentarily not in 2 deep, you must immediately remove yourself from the dressing room and find an adult to assist you.
A violation of this rule is first offense 3 games suspension, for all coaching staff. Second violation is season suspension. The reason it is a coaching staff suspension is simple; Coaches who are going to be missing know they will be missing and have to make necessary arrangements.We must take a hard stand, but our governing body is also treating this issue with a great deal of importance and a high level of attention.
Speak Out;
West Coast (Now B.C. Minor Ball Hockey Assn.) does not present a course any more, it is done on line through Hockey B.C. Simply use the following link; http://www.bchockey.net/clinics/clinics.aspx
At the bottom of the page you will be directed to an on line registration PDF, and from there select the Speak Out course. There is a nominal fee, built this is a one time only course. It will never expire, allowing you to further pursue coaching exploits in any minor sport. Just be happy you can do it this way now. Us 'dinosaurs' who were in this when the course was instituted by Hockey Canada in the wake if the now very public Sheldon Kennedy incident had to endure 6 hours of class time.
This is a mandatory requirement of all minor sports and most will require this of all volunteers. For those of you that do have a valid Speak Out certification email the particulars to me. If you cannot find your certification, BC Minor Hockey will have a record of your certifications on line in your profile. The Minor sport association Risk manager who sponsored or holds your certification will be able to direct you to your profile, or send electronic verification you have attended the course.
I have a handful of Speak Out certifications for coaches from last season, please see me April 7th between 7 and 9 P.M. at NDRC hall by playing surface to retrieve your certification record.
Last but not least.....We are accepting coaching applications for the Western Challenge Cup. Details on our web site. We need new blood folks. It appears as though the same coaches always get teams, because the same coaches always apply.
Thank You all. Have a safe, happy and successful season
Regards
Gary Bryant
DMBHA 2 V.P
Risk Manager
Interim Upper Division Head Coach