Frequently Asked Questions
Does CCCYH have a mission statement?
Yes, the mission statement is embedded in the “Philosophy of CCCYH” section on page 2 of the CCCYH Handbook and states, “CCCYH is an affiliated program of USA Hockey and was formed to organize, teach and stimulate interest of youth in the amateur sport of ice hockey, and to promote and develop good sportsmanship, leadership, teamwork, respect for authority and self-discipline”. The CCCYH Handbook is available for all members.
How does CCCYH determine the number of teams at each age and play level?
The conferences in which CCCYH competes (South Shore and Yankee) typically require a commitment for the number of teams by age and play level in late spring for the next season. At this time, the best barometer for determination of this information is the registrations received to date. Consideration is given to the number of players at each age classification, the talent pool at each age grouping, conference requirements (i.e., Yankee requires 15 skaters at the Mite level), and the organization’s history (i.e., there tend to be more conflicts at the older levels, possibly justifying larger teams). The Board’s typical and historical approach has been to enter teams at play levels according to the following guide:
3 Teams = 1 A, 1 B, 1 C
4 Teams = 1 A, 1 B, 2 C
5 Teams = 1 A, 2 B, 2 C
However, there are times when the scores or evaluations from tryouts suggest that a large group of players may exist at a certain play level and adjustment to the above guide is appropriate. For instance, we have had 4 team age groupings consisting of 1 A, 2 B, and 1 C. We’ve also had reason to have 2 A and 2 B at the Midget level at times in the past.
How does the ice purchasing process work?
All interested parties are invited to an ice buying meeting by the rink. Priority is typically given to programs that have historically purchased ice at a given facility, which is why CCCYH is able to secure substantial ice time at Gallo throughout the year. CCCYH continues to make an effort to secure ice time at other local facilities, especially during the high school hockey season, when ice time at Gallo is reduced.
What is the program doing to add ice time?
For the past couple years, CCCYH has purchased additional ice time at Tabor Academy in Marion. We did so based on a survey we did to our membership. Most people asked for more ice time and were even willing to pay more to have it. We tracked the usage of the ice and found that it was being utilized by less than 4 out of 10 players. Assuming that appropriate ice time is available, we will modify our approach this year. We will try to implement a pay as you go program that will make ice available to those who want to work on their skills. This approach allows the players that want extra ice time to have it, but doesn’t force the program to purchase costly ice, only to have it under utilized.
How are tryouts handled?
The tryout process has evolved significantly over the past several years, including the previous trial of paid 3rd parties. There are many philosophies and approaches to team selection, any of which will be successful if implemented properly. Our process has evolved into a skill and scrimmage based approach that is evaluated by selected Board and non-Board members based upon hockey knowledge and expertise. Our experience with this process has proven that we achieve measurable and very repeatable results that have been consistent even with different evaluating officials. The process has checks and balances and the results of each evaluating official is analyzed for departures from computer generated normalized data. It is also important to note that coaches are not selected until the spring tryout process is complete. The tryout process is very stressful for all involved. The process will continue to evolve as various techniques are developed. However, we believe we have established an objective process that is inclusive and most importantly has data that is discreet and measurable to a standard.
How come we don’t use paid coaches who might be better trained?
CCCYH remains one of the strongest programs in the area. It is led by volunteers which includes parents of the participants and non-parents. The organization is one of the lowest cost programs in all of Southeastern Massachusetts. This formula helps keep the cost down so our families can continue to afford the program. Today there are a variety of “Select” programs that are offered to families that want to place their kids in a more structured formal setting. These programs have paid coaches and accept players from various towns in the region. The programs are much more expensive as they need to cover the added cost of salaries. We understand that players and parents may choose to try these “Select” programs. However, we respectfully request that these decisions be made early in the off-season, so that CCCYH can make relevant decisions about team numbers.
What do we do to promote specialty players (i.e., Goalies)?
In the past few years, CCCYH has hired a special Goalie coach and has dedicated specific ice time to development of our netminders. We will continue to provide this extra attention to the goalies as they are a critical component to the success of our teams.
How can we find out what is happening at the Board level?
All Board meetings are open to the public. The Board meets on a monthly basis and the dates, times and locations of those meetings are posted on our website www.capecodcanalyouthhockey.com. Any member in good standing is welcome to attend the meetings and participate in discussions. Our meeting minutes are also available to anyone who would like a copy. The Board would love to see many more members attend the monthly meetings. Our Board Members and their responsibilities for the year are posted on the website. All Board members are available to answer any questions our members have at any time.
What does the Board do to maintain objectivity?
The Board of Directors strives to create an open environment in which all opinions are solicited and valued. Most Board meetings include spirited discussion with many diverse opinions expressed. Each issue is debated openly, with an open vote taken for all actionable issues. Published minutes reflect the results of these meetings. Board membership is routinely in excess of the minimum required by the governing by-laws. Our monthly meetings are open to all membership and agenda items can be submitted in advance. Additionally, the locations of our monthly meetings alternate between Gallo Arena and the Sandwich High School to ensure the greatest access to program membership. As with any Board, a minimum quorum must be present to conduct an official meeting. The Board has standing committees and on a case by case basis may establish ad hoc committees. Non-Board members are always encouraged to become involved in these committees. Our website can be accessed for pertinent information.
How can issues be addressed within the program?
With respect to bringing forward concerns to the Board, it is important to note that each team should have a designated Team Representative. This individual should be the first point of contact to assist in issue resolution. Additionally, each division or age group has a designated Commissioner, who is responsible to assist membership as well. The Commissioners are typically members of the Board of Directors and should have access to the information or resources necessary to insure issue resolution. Finally, membership is encouraged to notify the Board of Directors directly if reasonable resolution to issues can not be achieved through the previously detailed processes. As stated previously, agenda items can be submitted in advance for upcoming board meetings.
How can an individual become a Board member?
Interested eligible members are welcome to join the Board of Directors. A Director Application form is available and should be completed and provided to one of the following officers: Registrar, President, Vice President, or Secretary. A Nominating Committee will recommend acceptance to the board at the Annual Meeting, typically held in May. In addition, nominations will be accepted from the floor at the Annual Meeting and will be accepted from the attending eligible general membership. A majority vote of the attending membership will constitute membership on the Board. It is highly recommended that potential Board members attend at least a couple Board meetings prior to indicating interest in joining the Board. Each Director shall hold office for two years. Board members should be active working members and may be removed by more than a two-thirds (2/3) majority vote of the Board because of continued unexcused absences or failure to carry out duties assigned.
What does CCCYH do to minimize the impact of internal politics on decision making?
The board understands that internal politics are possible in any group of 3 or more individuals. Therefore, there is the chance, if not the likelihood, that “politics” will arise at the board level, within the board, at the team level, and within individual teams. However, the program has attempted to minimize any “politics” through the following: 1) the board currently consists of 13 directors, a sufficient number to provide a diverse group of individuals representing all levels and age groups within the program and represent all three towns in our program; 2) the program makes a significant effort to ensure that evaluators at tryouts do not have a player at the level being evaluated; 3) coaches are not selected until after the spring tryout and team selection is completed.
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