Player's join Swindon Junior Hockey Club through:
A). Rookies program. This is a Swindon Borough Council initiative to develop ice hockey in Swindon . The program is run and administered by SJIHC. Once skaters have achieved a NISA level 4 they are eligible to join 'Rookies' and develop their ice hockey skill's. Player's who show aptitude will be invited to join the Swindon Junior Ice Hockey Club.
B). Open trials. At the start of every ice hockey season SJIHC will hold open trial's at all age groups.
C). Existing players may transfer into SJIHC providing they have obtained permission from the governing body and release from their old club.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES: Swindon Junior Ice Hockey Club is an equal opportunities club. No contractor, employee or member will receive less favourable treatment on the grounds of sex, race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origins, national status, sexual orientation, age, political or religious belief.

ACCEPTANCE & REGISTRATION: Having been accepted by the club for the registration as a player, by a club official. The player / parent / guardian will be asked to sign a registration form, and present two passport sized photographs, together with proof of date of birth (usually a photocopy of a Birth certificate or Passport) and a registration fee. This form will be forwarded to the English Ice Hockey Association, so that the player may be registered with the club.

A registration form is required for each year with two passport photographs and the appropriate fees. A photocopy of their birth certificate, or passport, is only required when a player joins the club, not each year.

The Registration Cards remain the property of the EIHA and are held by the respective SJIHC team managers. At the end of the season all registration cards must be returned to the secretary of the club. If a player requires the registration cards for any purpose, the player must seek permission from the club before the manager releases the card. The card must be returned to the manager as soon as possible.

Until this form has been processed and an EHIA registration card returned the player will not be allowed to train or take part in any games. After their acceptance by the Club, players will be required to set in place a standing order with their bank for payment of their monthly membership subscription fee.

A player wishing to leave the club should advise their Team Manager, who will arrange for an EIHA “Release Form”, to be signed by the Club Secretary. NOTE: A player will not be released from the club unless all the fees are paid up and all SJIHC property returned at the time of release. A player may not play for any other club until they have received a Release Form from their current Club.  

FEES: Fees will consist of an annual membership fee and an EIHA player registration and insurance premium. The level is set by the EIHA dependant on player’s age and level of competition. Fees can be paid in full at the beginning of the season, half yearly or by monthly standing order. Failure to pay any fees may result in a player being asked to leave the club. All financial arrangements, whether paying by standing monthly or in full, must be in a position before the player can start training with the club.

Any match fees charged and must be paid prior to the game to enable a player to participate.

General rules governing training and games:
As soon as the registration card is returned to the club secretary , players will be required to wear complete protective equipment, as laid down by the rules of the English Ice Hockey Association (EIHA), when participating in training, or games. No player will be allowed either, onto the ice, or the players bench area without complete protective equipment.
The minimum equipment required by the club is as follows:
Hockey skates
Helmet with face guard
Throat guard
Box or pelvic protector as appropriate
Shoulder pads
Elbow pads
Leg guards
Shorts
Stick
Hockey gloves
PLEASE NOTE THAT ITEMS LISTED ABOVE MUST BE MANUFACTURED AND APPROVED FOR ICE HOCKEY USE.
No other items of protective clothing will be permitted.
Players purchasing new equipment should note that the preferred team colours are black helmet and black shorts.

For official games team socks must be worn, home and away strip. These can be purchased from the SJIHC office, you are not permitted to mix and match home and away strip. You are not permitted to wear team socks for training sessions, they are reserved for games only.

PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL ITEMS (inc kit) BROUGHT INTO THE RINK AND ONTO THE ICE ARE AT ALL TIMES YOUR RESPONSIBILITY! SJIHC WILL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY ITEMS LOST BROKEN OR STOLEN. 

If a player has been asked to play for another club in a game, the secretary of the other club must apply in writing the secretary of SJIHC and also obtain permission from the EIHA.

Players must obtain permission from the club to train at another ice hockey club. If a player trains without permission, they may be disciplined or asked to leave the club.

TEAM OFFICIALS:  The Committee are in overall charge of the club and all of it's officials. The Head Coach has overall responsibility for the players conduct and performance whilst on the ice. The club designates the Managers / Coaches for the teams. These are the ONLY adults permitted in the dressing rooms, or the bench areas during games or training.

RINK CONDUCT:  Whilst the training sessions, or games, are in progress, those not participating should conduct themselves in an orderly manner. Once dressed, they should immediately vacate the changing room leaving the room in a tidy condition. It is not permitted to use sticks or pucks, in the rink spectator areas or the changing room areas. No equipment should be left unattended outside the changing rooms. Only Club Officials are authorised to open changing rooms. Only Club Officials, and players are permitted in the changing rooms.U10 / U12, One parent may be invited to enter the changing room to assist the younger players but only after all the players are fully dressed/kitted.

No player should attempt to go onto the ice, without the permission of a team coach. No player is allowed to leave the ice / bench area without the coaches’ permission. Parents / guardians should notify the team manager if a player will not be attending training.

At no time during either training or games, is it permitted for Parents, Guardians or Spectator, to approach the player’s benches, stage area. Neither should any player or team coach be approached or distracted, during training or games. Any desired communication with a player, or coach whilst they are on the ice should be made through the players’ manager. Any approach to a club official should be made away from the dressing rooms and bench area.

PUNCTUALITY: Practice times, and game times, will be notified in advance and should be strictly adhered to; any player not ready for training sessions, or match may not be able to participate, and persistent lateness could result in disciplinary action.

DEVELOPMENT TRAINING & TRAINING UP:  Players may on some occasions be invited to train with older age group teams if this happens they will be invited to participate by the Head Coach. Coaches may on some occasions invite the more able younger players to “play-up” in games of the older age groups. The Head Coach will make the final decision and may consult with the two age group coaches of the player concerned.

This is an explanation of how we develop our players at SJIHC;  not everybody that play’s ice hockey in Swindon is automatically selected to join SJIHC. You are selected to join the club over and above others based upon your ability! Once you have joined the club and paid your subscription fee you are eligible to train and become part of the selection process for ‘A’ division 1 and ‘B’ division 2 team’s, this is a continual process of assessment and selection. Where you train, how often you train is really dependant on your effort, it’s up to you! Selection is purely based on ability, every player is given the same start and the same opportunity to improve themselves and progress the SJIHC training and development ladder.

The development training session is for players aged 10 to 13 and is used to further develop the skating and puck handling skills of existing players that were not chosen to represent ‘A’ teams after club trials, it is also used to introduce rookies into the SJIHC program.

The aim of this session is ‘player development’, for players to further develop their skills and progress: 1) onto an ‘A’ team training session and 2) into the ‘A’ team game squad. (it must be recognised that not all players will achieve this goal and not all player want to achieve this goal, history has shown us that some players selected at trials for ‘A’ teams have chosen not to play at that level, preferring to remain within the development squads).

There are 6 progressive steps in training and development:

1. Rookies (Basic skills for all ages)
2. Development training (basic + intermediate skills for mixed age group)
3. Development training + training up with own age ‘A’ team (Intermediate + advanced skills for age group)
4. ‘A’ Team training (advanced skill training for own age group)
5. ‘A’ team training + next age group ‘B’ team training (advanced skill for own age and intermediate skills for next age group)
6. ‘A’ team training + next age group ‘A’ team training (advanced skills - both age groups)

**The head coach may invite players to train with two or more age groups and on two or more sessions at his discretion.

A few years ago mixed teams were formed from the players within the 10-13 development training session, sporadic development challenge games were organised against other development and ‘B’ league teams. As a consequence of the success of these teams and to further develop our program it was decided that we had sufficient numbers of well trained players to form competitive development teams that could be entered into the ‘B’ league. In response the Head Coach and the Committee introduced two new ‘B’ teams 12(2) & 14(2) into the EIHA division 2 league’s staggered over two seasons. There are many benefits of entering teams into the division 2 league the main being able to introduce players into a competitive environment and give them the  ‘game’ experience that helps prepare them for ‘A’ team division 1 hockey; a spin-off has been regular game times for these players.

 It is important to recognise that the development training session is designed by the club and coaches to do just that ‘develop players and their ability. As such, the programme is structured in a manner that is conducive to achieving this to best effect. It is designed to develop and hone the many skills a player will need to master, to not only progress to “A level” hockey but to feel confident and comfortable that they will be able to effectively compete in the ‘A’ programme.

 I reiterate that the aims of these development teams are to develop players and provide a stepping stone for future ‘A’ team glory, it is not the main aim of any development team to win! That said, it would be nice to win whilst following the rules of development.

 In conclusion: We still have one development squad, one training session from which we have formed two teams, player showing potential and the need for the next level of training will be progressed by the  Head Coach as shown above. The program has been developed to give players the correct drills, space and time to match their ability. Increased coaching staff and the opportunity to training up is in place to help players progress quickly.

We are recognised leaders in junior development and training!

Mark would be pleased to answer questions and would be happy to discuss training and player development. We welcome input from any highly qualified parent coaches that have not declared their coaching certification to the club to date but would now like to lend their experience and advice to the club.

TEAM SELECTION & COACH TRAVEL: Players selected to play for a team will be given advance notice in writing prior to the game. If a player is unable to take part the team manager MUST be informed immediately, and certainly no later than the morning prior to the game taking place. Their place on the team may/can then be given to another club player. Players are required to report at the time and place stated on their letter with full equipment. U10/U12 player must be accompanied by a Parents or guardians to all games, unless permission for their absence has been given by the team manager in charge.

Coach travel is not compulsory, any coach requested for team travel and booked by the club must be wholly funded by the requesting team. You will be expected to contribute a set fee towards team travel if you use the facility, the team Manager should establish the individual cost before coach travel is approved, if this fee is not forthcoming disciplinary action will be taken and the player/players concerned will not be selected for any away games until the matter is settled. It is the responsibility of the parents or guardians, to ensure the good behaviour of the players, on the team buses and at the rinks during games. Any litter must be cleared up from buses before arrival back at the rink. There will be a charge to cover travel expenses on the coach, which must be paid on the day of travel. Payments must be made to the team manager in charge.

CONFERENCE TRAINING AND ENGLAND TRIALS:  The Head Coach and the age group coach will recommend players for Conference and England Trials. When selected for trials, players and parents must notify the club when the trials / training are taking place. Players attending trials / training without the clubs permission will be disciplined. The Head Coach will liaise with the Conference and England coaches on how the progress of selected club players.

REFRESHMENTS: Whilst some ice rinks have catering facilities for refreshments after a game not all do! It is the responsibility of the parent to provide the player with sufficient food and drink or sufficient funds to purchase sustenance either at rinks or at services stops. It is advised that players receive a sufficient meal before travelling to games, It is further advised that no heavy meal be consumed within two hours of a game.

HEALTH & SAFETY: parents / guardians of all players are required to complete an emergency medical form, when they join the club. This form is not for general scrutiny, and will be filed by the Club Secretary; a copy will normally be carried by the team manager to games, for use by the Medical Authorities, should the need arise.

GENERAL HEALTH: It is the responsibility of the Parent or Guardian, to ensure that a player participating in training or games is to fit to do so. Any ailments should be reported to the Team Manager, or team Coach, prior to participating in any game or training sessions.

NOTICE TO ALL MEMBERS:  Unless the club has been notified in writing to the contrary; the club will assume that in the unlikely event of a player member requires emergency first aid or medical treatment:

THAT NO OBJECTION OR RECRIMINATION will be made to the administration of said first aid. Wherever a trained first aider will administrate possible first aid. The club or its officials cannot be held responsible or liable for any injury or repercussion that may result from any injury or first aid treatment.

DISCIPLINE: During the game or training session, all instructions given to players by the HeadCoach, Team Coach or Team Manager must be complied with. During training sessions and game situations. Any player who does not comply with the coaches commands will be asked to leave the ice for a set period of time. (e.g. Messing about whilst lining up, hitting the puck after the whistle has blown) If the offender persists, disciplinary action will be taken in acordance with the disciplinary procedure and the player may be suspended or expelled from the club. During a game any query regarding a decision made by a Referee or Linesman can only be conducted through the Team Captain Assistant Captain or bench Coach. The club will take a serious view of any players conducting themselves in such a manner that bring the Team or Club into disrepute.
The club will not tolerate bad language, spitting, or unseemly gestures at Spectators, Opposing Players or Officials, or Game Officials before, during or after a game from parents guardians or players. Offenders may be asked to leave the Club. The club has the power to suspend or expel a member if it is considered to be in the best interest of the club. Any personnel wearing club uniform or representing the club will be disciplined if they bring the club into disrepute.
SPONSORSHIP: All sponsorship will be co-ordinated by the Club Sponsorship Officer, on behalf of the club. No member of the club may be individually sponsored without permission of the club. No logos may be displayed on a player’s kit without permission of the club.

PERSONAL DATA: Held on computers: Club officials may maintain basic information about players on personal computers in order to administer the club registrations, finances and individual teams. This information is typically contact information - name, address, telephone numbers etc., but may also extends to player statistics, match reports and team lists. If you have any objection to your personal information being held on computer, please write to the Club Secretary stating your objection and your information will be removed from the club’s computers. 
PERSONAL INFORMATION NOT STORED ON COMPUTER: This shall be stored in a lockable filing cabinet within the SJIHC office.

SJIHC RULES AND REGULATIONS THAT GOVERN THE USE OF THE LINK CENTRE AND ICE RINK 1. THE LINK CENTER AND RINK
Our aim is to ensure that Swindon Junior Ice Hockey Club (SJIHC) fulfil their obligations and respect of usage and behaviour within the Link Centre and Ice Rink. 
SJIHC members are expected to:
Respect the rules and regulation of the Link Centre.
Respect all staff members of the Link Centre, be polite and obey instructions.
The use of ice hockey equipment is restricted to authorised and supervised areas. (which includes NO STICK'S in the entrance hall and skate hire)
Place all litter in the bins provided.
Strictly NO ENTRY onto the ice pad whilst the Zamboni entrance doors are open.

2.CHANGING ROOM PROCEDURES NO PARENT OR CHILD OTHER OFFICIALS OF THE CLUB MUST ENTER ANY OF THE CHANGING ROOMS WHILST IN USE.
The Manager / coach / named person will inspect the changing room prior to training and report any anomaly to the Rink duty Manager and SJIHC Committee.

Players training will be required to move their clothes and kit bags onto the skate hire area as soon as they are kitted for training or dressed for home to ensure the changing area is clear and clean for others.

The Manager / coach / named person will inspect the changing room at the end of training, clear any rubbish from floor and bench area, report any anomaly to the Rink duty Manager and SJIHC Committee.
SJIHC will use its best endeavours to ensure that no damage is caused in the changing rooms.  In the event of any accidental damage, or wilful damage, the club will report this to the Rink Duty Manager.

(Click for a detailed copy of the clubs Policies Rules and Guidelines)

(Click for a details of EIHA Insurance)

The following rules and regulations apply to all SJIHC Club members. SJIHC reserves the right to change these rules and regulations from time to time at its sole discretion. In the case of any violation of these rules and regulations. Failure to note and abide by the rules contained herein could result in a Player and / or Parent / Guardian being asked to leave the club.