The Hockey Nova Scotia High Performance Program is a national program administered by Hockey Canada in partnership with Hockey Nova Scotia. The High Performance Program is intended to assist aspiring players in preparing for regional, national and international competition. Hockey Canada’s High Performance Program includes the Male Under 17 Regional program, the Female Under 18 Regional program, the Male Under 18 National program, the Male Under 20 (junior) program, the Female Under 22 program, the National teams who compete at the World Championships annually, as well the Olympic Hockey teams which compete every four years.

We have included additional information in this correspondence relating to the High Performance Program to assist you in understanding the program as well as how it can benefit you.

The dates for the Female Under 15 Spring Camp are:

§ April 27-29, 2012 St. Margaret’s Centre, Tantallon, Nova Scotia

§ Female Under 15 Program is for players born in 1998 and 1999 (players born in 2000 if room exists in program)

§ Female Under 17 Program is for players born in 1996 and 1997

High Performance Program Spring Camps

The Hockey Nova Scotia Spring Camp is an event designed to provide you with the experience of playing with and against players who are of an elite level. As well, the HNS Spring Camp is used as an evaluation tool for all players for the next stage of the HPP.

Players are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner both on and off the ice at all times. Players are also expected to act in a manner worthy of a participant in the HNS High Performance Program. Should a player require discipline for off-ice activities, their involvement in the HNS High Performance Program may be terminated.

Players are expected to be at the arena one hour prior to the scheduled start of all assigned games and practices. Punctuality at all off-ice activities is also mandatory.

Please note that players are required to attend all camp activities!

Hockey Canada rules and regulations will be in effect during the Spring Camp competition. Please note that game misconducts, match penalties, etc. will be dealt with in the same manner as in League play.

The registration fee for the HNS Spring Camp includes the following:

· Practices

· 4 games

· Goaltenders will also attend a separate session

· Off-ice classroom sessions/briefings

• Souvenir HNS High Performance Program Gift
• HNS High Performance Program Camp sweater

Note: Accommodations, travel and meals are the responsibility of the individual players and are not included in the registration fee. Players are also responsible for the care and custody of all personal belongings and hockey equipment for the duration of the camp and should not leave them unattended

It should be noted that female players born in 1997, 1998 & 1999 will be eligible to compete for Team Nova Scotia at the 2015 Canada Winter Games in Prince George , British Columbia.

Players must be involved in the Hockey Nova Scotia High Performance in order to be selected for this team. Players will advance thru the High Performance Program over the next few years before the team is selected in late 2014.

High Performance Newsletter
U15 Player Invitation
U17 Player Invitation
High Performance Player Registration Form
High Performance Player Medical Form

PLAYERS WHO MAY BE INTERESTED IN THE HIGH PERFORMANCE PROGRAM ARE ENCOURAGED TO CONTACT YOUR LOCAL MINOR HOCKEY OFFICE OR VISIT THE HOCKEY NOVA SCOTIA WEBSITE FOR FURTHER DETAILS, APPLICATIONS AND CAMP DATES.

http://www.hockeynovascotia.ca

HNS Concussion Policy

Click here for full wording and policy

Rule 6.5 Head Contact

Minor Hockey Fees 2011-12

Division Age Price Rep Fee         Tots 4-6 $210.00 Novice 7-8 $275.00 Atom 9-10 $300.00 $110 Pee Wee 11-12 $360.00 $120 Bantam 13-14 $360.00 $135 Midget 15,16,17 $360.00 $135

*** Registration fees must be paid in full by November 15th 2011.

*** Rep fees are due by December 31 2011

$50.00  Discount for each additional Child.

Family Rate: 30% Discount for families with three or more children for the total registration cost.

Goalies:  30% reduction for goaltenders for Atom, PeeWee, Bantam and Midget. Unless in Family Plan arrangements contact our office.

Hockey Canada's "Shared Respect Initiative" asks you to consider your role in showing "Respect" for the game, and for the people who make this the great game it is. How much do you RESPECT the game of hockey and all its participants? Take this simple test to see how you rate. Check off the statements that apply to you.

• The safety of the participants in the game is more important than the final score.
• I value the contribution of the coach in developing the players talents, even though I may not always agree with their methods.
• I understand that officials do not make the hockey rules, they only apply them.
• I understand that children learn from adults, and my behaviour reflects what I want children to learn.
• I understand that officials are responsible to ensure that the game is played in a safe and fair manner for all participants.
• I understand that players, coaches and officials are learning the game, and mistakes will be made in the learning process.
• I may not cheer for the opposition team, but I will also not cheer against them or verbally abuse them.
• I understand that the biggest reason for players and officials quitting the game is abuse.

(How did you rate? If you checked off 0-2 Step back and check your motives for being involved in the game; 3-4 on your way; 5-6 almost there; 7-8 outstanding)

When players, coaches, parents and officials recognize the value of each persons contribution to the game, the game is better for everyone.

When respect is shared, we all win!

Role of the Parent

The minor hockey parent will play a pivotal role in the hockey experience for both their sons and daughters. The minor hockey parent will wear many different hats throughout the course of their child's minor hockey career including cheerleader, fundraiser, transporting child to and from rink, and role model.

It is however important that as parents, you do not become focused on winning and losing and gold medals and rich contracts. The reality is that less than 1% of children who start out playing hockey will go onto make a living playing hockey. To this end, it is important that parents emphasize the child’s enjoyment when playing the game. Focus on what the child wants- having fun, meeting new friends, being active and all the social and life skills that your child will develop as a result of their involvement in the game. As parents, you make a lot of sacrifices in order for your child to play the hockey, however it is important that your child know that their are no strings attached. You are there to support them and to help provide opportunities for them.

Ten ways to be a great minor hockey parent:

1) Get involved with your child's team in a positive manner.
2) Let your child know you enjoy having them involved in the game.
3) Don't lose perspective: emphasize the values learned from being involved in the game.
4) Be supportive.
5) Model respective behavior for your child.
6) Support your child in both victory and defeat.
7) Make safety, respect, and fair play priorities.
8) Provide emotional support to your child.
9) Encourage your child to participate, but do not pressure them into playing.
10) Communicate with your child's coach in a professional manner

Winter Safety Tips

When the weather outside is frightful, it's frightfully easy to stay inside by the fire and the television set. No sense risking frostbite, right? Think of the fun you and your family would be missing, however. Outdoor winter activities can be an important part of childhood, so warm up to winter fun with these important winter safety tips!

Frostbite And Frost Nip

Frost nip and frostbite are caused by overlong exposure to cold. Frost nip, the milder of the two conditions, is most common among children. Frost nip most often affects the child's cheeks, ears and tip of the nose. A small patch of skin will turn white or yellowish-gray. It will be very cold and numb. As the skin warms, the patch will turn red and swollen. A blister may form. The scab later falls off without permanent injury.

Frostbite is winter's equivalent of summer's severe sunburn. It can lead to extreme pain and even to the need for amputation. The cells literally freeze. Ice crystals make them swell and block blood vessels, depriving the tissues of oxygen and nutrients.

Frostbite and frost nip are hard to recognize. Most often, parents realize their child's skin has been injured after the child has come inside. That is why preventing injury is best. Limit your child's time outside. Watch weather reports. Know about the windchill.

With full-blown frostbite, the biggest hazard is in trying to treat it yourself. (Fingers and toes are the most common sites.) If you suspect a moderate or severe case of frostbite, it is best to leave the skin frozen and seek treatment at a medical facility. If the case appears mild, however, your child's physician can advise you on home treatment. Often, treatment will consist of a warm water (102 degree) soak for 30 minutes to an hour, followed by mild therapy such as whirlpool baths. Antibiotics also may be used.

When Dealing With Frostbite, Follow These Guidelines:

• Do NOT rub frost-bitten skin with snow or with your hands. This action can only damage what is already damaged.
• Make sure the soak water is not too hot. Your child will not be able to detect temperature because the skin is frozen. Add new, warm water constantly and use a thermometer to check the temperature.
• Expect tingling, throbbing, and burning sensations.
• A child who is immersed in frigid water outside - or who has been exposed to cold for a long time - is at risk of developing hypothermia, a life-threatening condition. Sometimes, frostbite is a minor aspect of this severe problem. Seek medical attention immediately.

Protective Clothing

Preventing damage from frostbite is much better than treating it. The Eskimos, who should know, share the best preventive tip - layering your child's clothing.

• The foundation layer can be washable wool or silk underwear, which conduct moisture away from the child's body. Avoid man-made fabrics that trap moisture next to the skin.
• The insulating layer - which may include shirts, sweaters, pants, and socks - might consist of two loose layers to trap warm air.
• The protective layer, or outerwear, should be moisture-proof and windproof. Look for thermal insulated boots and socks that are roomy, not tight; waterproof mittens; a down jacket or coat, the thicker the fill, the warmer; leggings; a face mask; a scarf; earmuffs and, most important of all, a hat.

Players S.T.O.P Program

Hockey Nova Scotia in co-operation with Kevin Stubbington, founder of the S.T.O.P. program, have presented the S.T.O.P. program to all registered hockey players in the province of Nova Scotia in the form of a S.T.O.P. crest to be worn on players' jerseys. In addition to wearing the crest, players, coaches and parents are expected to agree to the Fair Play Pledge, in which all parties agree to a make genuine commitment to making hockey a safer sport to play. This will result in a more enjoyable game for both the participant and the spectator.

During the past ten years there has been a marked increase in the number of serious injuries as a result of checking from behind. Hockey Canada has recently stated that this is the most serious problem that they have had to address in the past fifty years. Severe spinal cord injuries resulting from accidents involving sports such as hockey, football, rugby, diving and horse back riding have resulted in paralysis, thus leaving our athletes permanently injured or even more catastrophic - loss of life.

This is a growing problem in Nova Scotia and we must work together to both reduce and eliminate these injuries from occurring.

The S.T.O.P. crest worn directly above the number and below the name of the individual or sponsor at eye level is clearly visible to all participants and is a reminder not to check from behind thus eliminating both the penalty and serious injury to the opposing player.

Shown below is the correct placement of the S.T.O.P patch (Put jersey w/"Watch My Back" under it). By signing the Fair Play Pledge, participants are agreeing to abide by the following Fair Play Code:

Players: I will respect the safety of other players by playing by the rules of the game. I will respect my opponents. I will do my best to be a true team player. I will respect my coaches and officials at all times and I will remember that they are providing me the opportunity to learn and play the game of hockey.

Coaches: I will teach my players to play fairly and to respect the rules, officials and opponents. I will act as a positive role model, provide both positive reinforcement and recommendations to players to improve their hockey skill level. I will not tolerate disrespect to self, team-mates, officials and opponents. I will ensure that player safety comes first and foremost at all times and make sure that both facilities and equipment surpass minimal standards of safety.

Parents: I will be positive and supportive to all players, coaches and officials who are participating in the game. I will respect and show appreciation to the volunteer coaches, officials and team and league executive officers. I will encourage my child to play by the rules and to resolve conflicts without resorting to hostility or violence.

The S.T.O.P. logo and program serves to remind everyone of the commitment to FAIR PLAY. The shared responsibility of everyone involved in Minor Hockey is skill development and the satisfaction of the players. These goals will pave the way for better hockey, better attitudes, pleasure with the sport and assist in the creation of an improved society for us all, through the realization that whether we win or lose, we win or lose graciously, for success is never final and failure is never fatal.

Abuse and Harassment Can Be Stopped KIDS HELP PHONE 1-800-668-6868

What Every Parent and Athlete Should Know About Sports Concussion

I. What is Concussion?

Concussion is the most common form of head injury for athletes. It is associated with disorientation, and sometimes with loss of consciousness (LOC) followed by amnesia (forgetting) of what happened both immediately before and after the injury.

However, it is important to note that it is not necessary to lose consciousness to have a concussion.

Mild confusion or disorientation about who or where you are, what the time or date is, or what you were doing when the injury happened can be signs of concussion.  Also note that statistics show that once you sustain a concussion, you are 4 to 6 times more likely to sustain another, even with a mild hit.

II. How do concussions occur?

Our brains are protected inside a hard outer covering of bone, the skull, which is our own natural helmet. Between the skull and the brain is a layer of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) that suspends the brain inside the skull. The CSF acts as a shock absorber, allowing for some movement of the brain before it bumps into the bone.

There are two common types of injury to the brain in sports: Acceleration-Deceleration and Rotational.

Acceleration-Deceleration Injury usually happens when the athlete's head and body are traveling at a certain speed and then abruptly stop. When this happens, the brain will hit the inside of the skull and brush against bony structures damaging delicate brain tissue.

Rotational Injury happens because the brain is attached at its base where it joins the spinal column. Hits to the head or body may cause rotational motion of the brain within the CSF. This type of injury often leads to shearing of the brain nerve cells. III. Second Impact Syndrome

A very serious and even fatal brain injury may occur even with a relatively mild hit in contact sports.  A rare disorder, Second Impact Syndrome, occurs when an athlete has a relatively minor blow to the head, with a mild concussion, and then within a short time later (usually within one week) receives a second blow to the head.  In rare cases, it is possible for rapid brain deterioration and even death to occur. This happens because the brain is still affected from the first injury and the second injury results in rapid swelling and pressure within the skull. This intracranial pressure, if uncontrolled, can lead to death.

IV. Post Concussion Syndrome

Following a concussion, especially repeated or successive concussions, the athlete may experience many different kinds of symptoms, which may last for days, weeks, months, or longer. These are generally problems with thinking, sense of well-being, and mood. Headaches are a frequent complaint, as well as difficulty with memory, concentration, attention, fatigue, dizziness, anxiety, depression, and irritability. Sometimes, symptoms are described as "not feeling as quick or clear- thinking" or feeling "more disorganized or forgetful" than usual. V. Evaluation of the Effects of Concussion

When concussion is suspected, medical evaluation and treatment should be sought from your family physician and consulting neurologist. If there are continued complaints of attention/concentration/memory difficulties, irritability, fatigue, lowered performance in school, headache, dizziness, emotional or other symptoms, it is highly recommended that the athlete receive a neuropsychological examination. A neuropsychological examination can measure brain functioning in ways that a neurological exam, MRI, CT scan cannot. In fact, in cases of mild concussion and post-concussion syndrome, it is very common for results of neurological exams and tests to be normal whereas the neuropsychological evaluation is able to identify the brain dysfunction. The neuropsychologist can also determine a plan of treatment to help remediate the symptoms and to help in return to play decisions.

VI. What can parents and athletes do to prevent the lasting effects of concussion?

It is important that athletes receive preseason baseline cognitive testing before concussions occur.  Then, if an athlete sustains a concussion, re-testing can follow his/her progress, comparing post concussion test results to baseline results, to help make the proper decision about when to return to play and when the athlete is healed

Article from: http://www.rsmpsychology.com/index.htm