Some useful information
- The Cougars are a RINK-RUN organization. This means that all decisions relating to what happens on
the ice are rink and/or coaching decisions. Chris Hathaway is the ultimate decision maker and personally
selects every head coach. Each coach is in charge of selecting the players for their teams, planning how
to use their practice time, and determining how players will be used in games.
- Parents are welcome (and encouraged) to be involved. Some coaches would like help on the ice from
qualified people (this is purely a coaching decision - some coaches prefer no parental help on the ice).
And there are other ways to contribute. Each team needs a team manager (handles all the paperwork:
game sheets, team binder, game time duties, paperwork for tournaments, keeping the parents informed of team and
Cougar goings on), a team parent (handles things like parties or organizing dinners for away games, if
necessary), a FOC team liaison (each team should send one representative to each FOC meeting to report back
pertinent information), a team web page editor (each team maintains their page on the website, updating it
as necessary). In addition, though these are not mandatory, a team photographer or videographer is always
appreciated. Each team can also decide if they would like a further division of duties. Some useful
positions: Tournament Director, Fund-Raising Director.
- There are NO parent head coaches. In other words, no parent who has a child that will play on that
team will be the head coach. It is realized that there are some fine coaches who happen to have kids on teams
and the Cougars are in no way suggesting or implying that a parent couldn't make an excellent coach.
Unfortunately, whether deserved or not, the charge of favoritism (or the opposite - undue criticism) often arises
when there are parent head coaches. So, for the best interest of all, the Cougars have decided that head
coaches will not be coaching their own kids.
FRIENDS OF THE COUGARS
What is it? What do they do?
What we do:
- The Friends of the Cougars (FOC) is the parents auxiliary organization. The FOC is a non-profit entity
that was originally created to figure out how to offset the costs of travel hockey. Fundraising remains a part
of the FOC, but the FOC is now so much more. Below are some of the things we do.
- Fundraising*. The FOC is in charge of jersey sales - in addition, we sell team apparel, window stickers,
helmet stickers, pins, and patches. Some things these paid for: scholarships, year-end banquet, trophies.
The FOC also accepts donations* - either in general or team-specific.
* Since the FOC is a 501(c)3, all donations and fundraising are tax deductible!
- Year-End Banquet. For the past several years, the FOC has organized a year-end banquet to recognize every
team within our organization and to simply end the season on a high note. These usually involve a nice dinner,
recognizing club volunteers, a brief speech by each coach to recognize the players on their team and make any special
recognitions, a certificate, and trophies.
- Tournament Information. The FOC is a helpful forum to find different tournaments to attend, swap information
with other teams, etc.
- The FOC treasury - In addition to a club account, each team has their own account they deposit money into.
Teams might have either a slush fund to cover any general expenses (tournaments, team parties, playoffs, etc) or have
parents write event specific checks (usually to cover a tournament). Depositing the money into the FOC account is
a safe way to manage the team money and keeps the team manager from having to write personal checks.
- Helping organize and run tryouts. Help is ALWAYS appreciated!
- Arranging team pictures.
- NORCAL and USA Hockey information. Parents may bring questions and/or minor concerns to the attention of
the FOC. Keep in mind that we are limited in what help we can give. Often, just having another perspective or
clarification is helpful. *Please note: this is not a forum for personal or team conflicts. Please see the
section regarding this.
What we don't do:
- We do not have decision making over who coaches or coaching decisions. In some cases, people have not been
happy with how their child was placed after tryouts. Each child is placed according to his or her abilities.
In some cases, that means the "A" team. In other cases, the "B" team is the best fit. And in some cases, the
best choice for player development may be in-house, even if that child has previously played travel. Roster
decisions can be quite painful for those selecting and every consideration is done to place those kids where they will
benefit most. Ultimately, it is always a coaching decision. The FOC has NO say over this process.
- We do not get involved in team conflicts. If you have a concern about your coach or about another player or
parent from your team, it is important to follow the correct protocol. First is to speak to the coach directly.
Many issues are resolved this way. The next step (or if you don't feel you can talk to the coach) is to go to the
team manager. If they can't resolve it, then take it to Chris Hathaway. If, however, you feel a very serious
and/or dangerous situation has arisen, please take it to Chris right away. The safety of our players is, and will
always be, the Cougars number one priority.
Get involved!
- The FOC is very dependent on parent volunteers. We Need You! But we do understand that you have lives,
too! We know that you may have other siblings and it's important to give them quality time, too. We do not
expect you to organize your life around the FOC.
- Every effort is made to be as convenient as possible. Though we can't please every one, we do try.
Meetings are planned around practices and take place either at Bridgepointe, or at a location convenient to the Vallco rink.
- Volunteer for what appeals to you. Maybe you want to hold a board position, maybe you only want to help with
the Banquet, maybe you have a brand new, fantastic idea we've never even thought of. However you want to be involved,
your help is always welcomed and everyone is most grateful for it!
- Elections for Board Positions are right after tryouts!
Come join us and make the Cougars the most exciting place to be!!!
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