General Questions

Do I have to complete the Parent Respect in Sport program every year?

No, you only need to complete this program once. However, if you register a new child, who has an older sibling for whom you completed the RIS program, you will need to access your RIS Profile and add the new child to your profile.

Why can't a child be registered at more than one Hockey Association?

The Minor Hockey Alliance of Ontario, our governing body, states the following in their Rules and Regulations Handbook: "A player shall not be registered with more than 1 team in a single season, with the only exception being Select hockey. Violations of this provision will result in the immediate suspension of the player until they have chosen one Association." Page 120, under Player Eligibility, Item 12.4.

How do you determine what group my child is in?

All players are evaluated at the beginning and end of the season. All players are placed where the program will be best for them.

I think my child should be playing Novice and I don't want to sign him/her up in your League. What can I do?

We follow the Alliance Handbook, page 123, 16.0.1 (it is not a rule) Pre-Novice is under 8 years of age as of December 31 of the current hockey season. WE WILL NOT MOVE A CHILD UP FOR CONVENIENCE PURPOSES, THEY MUST MEET OUR EVALUATION CRITERIA.

What are the age groups?

Hockey School is generally 4 and 5 year olds. Initiation is generally 5 and 6 year olds.

What days/times does the program run?

Our ice times vary each season based on the ice allotted to us by the City of Hamilton. Schedules will rotate so that all players experience each of the different ice times.

What is the difference between Hockey School and Initiation?

Hockey School is for non-skaters - those players who have not been on the ice or who have some skating experience but are still quite young or weak on their skates. Initiation is for players who have more skating experience and are more comfortable on the ice.

How often will my child be instructed by Velenosi Professional Instructors?

Hockey School players will have professional skating instructors all season. Initiation players will have professional skating instructors an average of every 4th or 5th week depending on the number of teams we have.

What arena does the program run out of?

Our program takes place at the Mohawk 4 Ice Centre on Mountain Brow Blvd. commonly referred to as "The Quad Pad".

When does the Program start?

We typically start the season around the first weekend of October. You should expect to hear from us in September. We will publish the date each season.

What if my child does not like the program?

You may withdraw your child. You will need to contact the Division Convenor, the Registrar and the Treasurer. Refunds are pro-rated and your jersey and socks must be returned.

When does the Program end?

It depends on the season and the available ice. Generally, the season ends with Super Saturday in mid to late March.

When will the Initiation players start to play games?

The Initiation teams will start to play games in late November.

My child is 3 years old can he/she play?

We may make exceptions for children who turn 4 by December 31 of the current season. Our instructors would have to evaluate the child.

I have some concerns about the program, what should I do?

Contact us by email and someone will get back to you within 48 hours.

I have trouble getting to the 5 p.m. hour. Why do you have ice time at that hour?

We are limited to the times we are given by the City of Hamilton. Children this age cannot be on the ice as late as 7 p.m. during the week.

May I request that my child play with a friends child so we can carpool?

We try to meet requests where possible, but cannot guarantee anything. If the child you are requesting to be with is a different skating level than your child we would not be able to grant the request.

Fees / Refunds

How much does the program cost?

Visit our Registration page for cost and registration details.

Can I just fill out a registration form and give you the money later?

You can run off a copy of the registration form from the website, but your child will not be considered registered until arrangements have been made for payment and an Executive member has signed the registration form. Please contact us by email if you have any questions.

I cannot afford the registration cost what can I do?

Visit our Financial Assistance webpage for information on some programs that may help to cover part of the registration cost. Please contact us by email if you require additional assistance or need more information. To qualify for Low Income Assistance you must show proof that you have applied to Canadian Tire Jumpstart and/or the City of Hamilton.

My cheque was returned marked NSF. Why is there a fee charged for me to replace this cheque?

Our bank charges us a fee for each returned cheque. Your child may be removed from the ice until you have spoken to the Treasurer or Registrar to make arrangements for the payments to be brought up to date.

How do I get a refund?

Contact your division Convenor or send an e-mail to the HMHIP Treasurer.

Can I get a full refund for the registration cost?

Full refunds cannot be given. We must pay insurance costs for the players before they can go on the ice for evaluation. $50.00 per month will be deducted from any given up until December 31. For example if you withdraw your child by October 31 a fee of $50 will be taken. No refunds will be given after December 31.

Volunteering

May I volunteer?

Yes you can. We need many positions filled that would help our league and teams throughout the season. For example, convenors, picture day co-ordinator, Super Saturday help, etc. It takes many people to ensure that your child enjoys their hockey experience.

May I help on the ice with my child?

Only if you register as a Coach or Trainer. Visit the Coach / Volunteer Information page for more information.

My child is not enjoying playing / not paying attention on the ice. May I go on as an on-ice helper and help just my child?

No, if you wish to help on-ice you must be willing to help all of the children on the ice not just your own.