amherst youth hockey
Resources
For Parents
American Development Model
ADM: American Development Model
USA Hockey's American Development Model (ADM) is the result of extensive research into the best practices for hockey and child development worldwide. This innovative program is designed to benefit athletes of all ages, talent levels, and hockey organizations. By applying ADM principles, we strive to ensure a bright future for the sport and the holistic development of young athletes.
Since the 2012-13 season, USA Hockey has emphasized the development of 8-and-under players. To support this, the organization introduced Red, White & Blue Hockey, a cross-ice program that focuses on skill development and enjoyment rather than competition.
At the annual New York State Amateur Hockey Association meeting, member associations (including Amherst Youth Hockey) voted to require all mite and younger players to participate in cross-ice programs starting in the 2012 season and every season thereafter.
Amherst Youth Hockey’s Commitment to ADM
As an ADM Model Association since 2013, Amherst Youth Hockey is committed to fostering the development of players at all ages and skill levels. Beginning in the 2010-2011 season, we implemented the Red, White & Blue Hockey cross-ice program for Novice, Micron, and Mite levels, following the policy set by the New York State Amateur Hockey Association. By 2012, we were fully compliant with this directive and continue to focus on skill development, sportsmanship, and enjoyment at all levels of play.
Below, you'll find valuable information on the American Development Model and Red, White & Blue Hockey.
Questions?
If you have questions about Amherst Youth Hockey’s implementation of the Red, White & Blue Hockey program, feel free to contact our ADM Coordinator.
- ADM One-Sheet - ADM_ONE-SHEET.PDF
- Red, White & Blue Brochure - REDWHITEBLUE_BROCHURE.PDF
- Parents' Introduction to Youth Hockey - PARENTSINTROTOYOUTHOCKEY.PDF
Equipment
Player Nutrition
Fuel Your Body for Sports Success!
Do you love playing sports? What you eat can make a big difference in how you perform! Here’s an easy guide to help you fuel your body and become a better athlete.
Energy for the Win
Your body needs energy just like a car needs fuel. This energy comes from three important food groups:
- Carbohydrates: Your main energy source, found in fruits, vegetables, beans, and whole grains.
- Protein: Builds strong muscles and helps repair them after activity. Get it from meat, fish, eggs, beans, and nuts.
- Healthy Fats: Provide long-lasting energy and keep your body working well. Find them in nuts, seeds, avocados, and fish like salmon.
Super Nutrients: Omega-3s and More
Some special nutrients make you extra strong:
- Omega-3s: Support brain, muscle, and heart health. Found in fish like salmon or tuna, or supplements if you don’t eat fish.
- Vitamin D: Strengthens bones and muscles. Found in milk, fish, and eggs.
- Calcium: Keeps bones and teeth strong. Found in milk, cheese, and leafy greens.
- Iron: Helps your body make red blood cells and stay energized. Found in meat, beans, and spinach.
Tips for Eating Right
- Start the day with a balanced breakfast like cereal, milk, and fruit.
- Pack a healthy lunch with whole-grain bread, protein like chicken, and fruits or veggies.
- Snack smart with dried fruit or nuts for energy during the day.
- After sports, refuel with a snack like yogurt with fruit or a protein shake.
- Plan meals with the help of a parent or grown-up to ensure you’re getting all the nutrients you need.
By eating the right foods, you’ll boost your performance, feel great, and become the athlete you’ve always dreamed of!
USA Hockey Parent Handbook
Information for New Hockey Parents
Welcome to the sport of hockey!
Whether it’s competing for a gold medal, skating with neighborhood friends or volunteering at the rink, hockey can provide a lifetime of great moments and fun! for you and your child.
As the national governing body for ice hockey in the United States, USA Hockey is here to help you make the most of it.
2024-25 USA Hockey Parent Handbook
Welcome to the USA Hockey Parent Module. Feel free to explore and come back to this content as you need.
Safesport for Parents
USA Hockey Safe Sport
The safety of its participants is of paramount importance to USA Hockey and Amherst Youth Hockey. USA Hockey Safe Sport is the organization's program related to off-ice safety.
USA Hockey has long had systems in place to protect its participants from physical abuse, sexual abuse, and other types of abuse and misconduct that can be harmful to youth hockey players and other participants. These include without limitation Physical Abuse, Sexual Abuse, Screening, Locker Room Supervision, and Hazing Policies, in addition to Codes of Conduct applicable to administrators, coaches, officials, parents, players, and spectators. The USA Hockey Safe Sport Handbook is intended to update and collect USA Hockey’s various policies to protect its participants from all types of misconduct and abuse.
Any persons banned or suspended by the Center for SafeSport as a result of a SafeSport violation can be searched by name and sport through the link below.
The U.S. Center for SafeSport is an independent nonprofit organization responsible for responding to and preventing emotional, physical, and sexual misconduct and abuse in the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Movement. The Center also serves as an educational resource for sports organizations at all levels, from recreational sports organizations to professional leagues.
Attention: USA Hockey’s Safe Sport Program has been updated as of Dec. 22, 2021.
Skate Sale
For Coaches
House Coaching Application
Instructions
To be considered as a House Coach, the following steps need to be completed:
1. Register for this season with USA Hockey by clicking on this link: membership.usahockey.com
Please be sure to choose Ice Coach and retain a copy of the membership number.
2. You must be background screened every year. If you need to renew your screening, please follow this link: usahockey.com/backgroundscreen
3. Please complete the Safe Sport training ANNUALLY, which can be found here: usahockey.com/safesporttraining
4. Please complete the age-specific module. The classes can be found here: usahockey.com/agespecificmodules
5. Register for a Hockey Coach Education: (CEP level 1-4): usahockey.com/coachingclinics
All clinics are available nationally, meaning you can register for ANY clinic listed, even if you don’t live in that specific district. This allows for greater flexibility based on your schedule. Plus, some clinics are offered in a virtual format. If your coaching class is scheduled for a date in the future, please indicate that date.
6. Complete the AYH House Coaches Application.
Amherst Youth Hockey will reimburse all fees associated with obtaining coaching certification up through level 4. Retain all receipts and submit them to the AYH Treasurer for reimbursement. AYH Coach REIM form
Coaches Reimbursements
Reimbursements
Coaches, Assistant Coaches & Managers
In order for Amherst Youth Hockey to reimburse you for any of your coaching credentials, the Coaching Reimbursement form must be submitted along with all necessary paperwork. If you do not send all the required paperwork, the processing of your refund will be delayed significantly.
All Reimbursement Forms must be postmarked by April 30th, of the current year to receive reimbursement.
Coaching Clinics
Instructions
Coaching Education
All coaches (head and assistants) must be educated at the proper clinic level and have completed the following:
- Register with USA Hockey
- Complete the required background screening
- Complete the required SafeSport training
- Complete the appropriate Age-Specific Training Module
- Complete Proper Clinic Level before Dec. 31
Register for a Coaching Clinic at usahockey.com/coachingclinics. All clinics are available nationally, meaning you can register for ANY clinic listed, even if you don’t live in that specific district. This allows for greater flexibility based on your schedule.
(1) Required Coaching Education Program Levels for Ice Hockey
All coaches must have the required certification level by January 1 of the current season unless earlier deadlines are established by the district and/or affiliate.
All coaches must complete the online age-specific modules PRIOR to participating with their team.
(a) All coaches must enter USA Hockey's Coaching Education Program at Level 1 and must continue their education with a coaching clinic each year until, at a minimum, they achieve Level 4. Coaches of only 8 and Under players should remain at Level 1 until such time as they are coaching any older age level of play.
A coach may attend only one (1) certification clinic per year.
Once Level 4 is achieved, coaches will need to complete 5 credit hours of continuing education within each subsequent three-year period [as outlined in Paragraph (c) below].
(b) In addition to the training in paragraph (a) above, coaches must also complete online age-specific training modules specific to the level of play they are coaching, if they have not already taken that module. This requirement applies to all coaches at all levels, 1 through 5. Coaches may complete more than one age-specific module in any given season.
(c) Effective in the 2021-22 season, coaching certification at Levels 4 and 5 is valid for three (3) seasons, as indicated by the expiration date. Before the expiration of their level, coaches must accumulate 5 credit hours of continuing education by either taking Level 5, or by attending other USA Hockey continuing education clinics. The USA Hockey clinic listings will indicate all continuing education offerings and the credit value of each. The Coaching Education Program retains the responsibility for defining continuing education credit values, including clinic or online coursework.
(d) Grandfather Clause
For those coaches who received Level 4 or Level 5 PRIOR TO January 1, 2021, only coaches of Tier I and Tier II teams are required to do continuing education as required in (c) above.
(e) Previous/Expired Certifications
Coaches with an expired certification will retain their previous certification levels provided the certification can be verified. Coaches may re-enter the certification system at that previous level and be subject to the certification guidelines in (a) through (c) above.
Goaltender Training
Instructions
USA Hockey has a section of its website dedicated solely to the development of goaltenders of all ages.
The site includes detailed information on positioning and mental preparation, downloadable drill sheets for coaches and players, camp information, and an overview of the Warren Strelow Goaltender Mentor Program.
Visit: https://www.usahockeygoaltending.com/ and share this valuable resource with your goaltender coaches, goaltenders, and their families.
In-House Goalie Coach
Amherst Youth Hockey is proud to offer its own in-house goalie coach, Bryan McMullen, who provides free goalie training to all players, regardless if they play on travel or house teams. Aspiring goalies who are new to the position can even borrow goalie equipment at no cost to give it a try!
Bryan played goalie in the OHL and then professionally for several years. He has now turned his focus to training goalies and has been doing so for over 10 years. His goal for the clinics it to give AYH goalies more knowledge, fundamentals, and confidence so they can be prepared to make the next save!
Look for our clinic dates to be posted on our website as the season gets underway.
AYH Student Coaching
Instructions
Amherst Youth Hockey Student Coaching Program
The purpose of this program is:
1. to help train entry level coaches at an earlier age level.
2. to allow the younger players who wish to do so an opportunity to participate on the ice and help the coaching staff demonstrate/teach skills.
3. to give actual on-ice experience to our younger players who aspire to become coaches in the future.
4. to allow these young players protection under the USA Hockey Insurance program.
USA Hockey defines a Student Coach as a player between the ages of 13 and 17 who is currently properly registered/rostered on a USA Hockey team.
A Student Coach:
1. Must attend a training session conducted by the local hockey association prior to participating as a Student Coach.
2. Must always be under the supervision of a certified/ screened adult coach during all practices, clinics, tryouts, and in the locker room.
3. May help at practices, clinics, and tryouts only. (May not participate in scrimmages or games as a Student Coach).
4. May not act as an assistant or head coach during practices or games.
5. Must wear a helmet with a full-face shield, gloves, and skates while on the ice. Must wear a helmet during games while on the bench.
6. May only work with players at least one full playing age level down (e.g., a 12u age player may act as a Student Coach at the 10uvor 8u level).
7. The organization that is using the Student Coach must provide a USA Hockey Student Coach Information Form indicating what team he/she is participating in as a Student Coach, and what team he/she is properly registered/rostered as a player. You can download a Student Coach application by clicking on the file.
8. Upon reaching the age of eighteen (18), the Student Coach must comply with the USA Hockey Screening Program and meet the USA Hockey Coaching Education Program requirements that will qualify him/her to act as an assistant or head coach.
A mandatory training session will be held sometime in the Fall for Student Coaches accepted and registered in the AYH Student Coaching Program.
Submitting an application to the AYH Student Coaching Program is NOT a guarantee of acceptance. Amherst Youth Hockey reserves the right to limit the number of applicants accepted based on our needs and to reject any application.
For more information on the AYH Student Coach Program, please contact Amherst Youth Hockey's ACE Director
Helmet Rule
Per the Town of Amherst Recreation Commission, the following helmet rule will be in effect for the season beginning September 1, 2009:
"All ice hockey coaches, instructors, and participants, while at the Northtown Center, must wear an ice hockey helmet when they are on the ice participating in all on-ice sessions including, but not limited to, games, practices, scrimmages, and clinics. The helmet must be properly worn with the chin strap properly attached."
For Team Managers
Ice Request Form
Instructions
Travel coaches may request ice for their bucket or give back ice for dates they are unable to use their AYH ice. This ice is part of your ice bucket. If you have questions about your allotted ice, please contact the ice scheduler at iceofayh@gmail.com or your travel coordinator.
To Give Back Ice
Send an email to the ice scheduler, Tim, at iceofayh@gmail.com with the dates you'd like to give back. Include the following details:
- Team Name/Level
- Head Coach's Name
- Manager's Name
- Date of Ice
- Rink
Ice give-backs are time-sensitive and must be submitted before the give-back window closes. If not requested, the ice will be returned to the Northtown Center.
To Request/View Available Ice
Navigate to Teams > Ice > Available Ice > Schedule to view available ice slots. The calendar lists dates that can be requested to add to your bucket.
To request an ice slot, fill out this form:
Request Ice Slot Form
Ice for Sale
| Notes | Date | Time | Minutes | Rink | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EXAMPLE TEST | 11/10/2023 | 12:00 PM | 60 | Rink 1 | $150 |
Purchase Ice
Members of the public or AYH members may purchase ice from the above list. To purchase an ice slot, fill out this form:
Purchase Ice Form
Credential Binder
To facilitate the process of approving required credentials for the NY District Tournament and USA Hockey National Tournaments, present your team's credentials in an appropriate organized manner. Below are the requirements for teams, players and staff.
1. The USA Hockey District and National Tournament Guidebook
2. NYSAHA Annual Guide
3. NY District West Section
4. WNYAHL rules may apply to teams where the league schedule leads directly to a position in the respective State Tournament
Overview Kim White, District Registrar for the NY District oversees the credentialing process for USAH. Janice Cavaretta conducts the local review in the West Section of NYSAHA and will address any questions regarding credentials. All teams that are Tournament Bound (TB) in the West Section will be required to attend a pre-credentialing in person meeting during the second week of December. The date, time and location of the review will be determined each season. The information will be distributed to the association presidents well in advance of the review. The preliminary review is Teams should present their information in an organized respectable manner. It is recommended to use a THREE RING BINDER, and not place documents in envelopes, folders, stapled or paper clipped. Any book not properly presented in an organized way will be rejected. Organize the binder by section using divider tabs. The book shall be arranged in a specific order as outlined in this document.
● Cover page (created by the manager or team rep) ○ Include: Organization name, Team ID, Manager’s and head coach’s phone and email, Age Classification
● Credential verification sheet “ CVS” (From the club registrar must be the latest copy)
● Roster – printed
● Team history (From the club registrar) – this should be printed and included all columns and show the complete team history without columns being cut off
● Vertical integration players for Tier 1 only – teams should provide the players name, Date, Time, the team moving from and the team the player is going to. The USAH registrar, the NY district and the tournament director will have a list to confirm. Those not on the USAH list will be ineligible.
● A Complete game schedule for the entire seaso
● Releases for any out of district players (NY District Requirement)
● Consent to treat rev 6/21 (do not use any other consent) for all players, staff and manager (This form is obtained from the USAH Registrar). No other form is acceptable
● Complete season schedule printed including all ice times practices and games
● Score sheets from all games played in date order. All sheets must show the Team Roster ID (NYH***- 00*), the organization name is not the nickname as per NY district Rules.
Blank Score Sheet
Blank USA hockey score sheet
Please NOTE***
For WNYAHL league games, the official iPad App must be used. Paper score sheets will no longer be accepted, a fine of $100 per violation will be accrued.
Visit www.wnyahl.net for more information.