Hockey is an integral part of the Canadian Structure. Hockey builds physical and mental skills and also provides the framework for competition, fun, relationships and learning in a positive manner. While most have a positive experience there is always the threat of injury or abuse. The adoption of a structured approach to risk management will ensure the most practical and economical ways of dealing with liability exposures are implimented. Risk Management is the formation and adoption of policies and procedures that:

• Identifies the risk of bodily injury or financial loss arising from activities of an organization.
• Measures the risks that have been identified and sorts those that are "significant" from those that are not.
• Seeks out all the ways and means of eliminating avoidable risks that could lead to significant bodily injury or financial loss and does everything it can to minimize the consequence of risks that are avoidable.
• Make sure that adequate financial resources are in place to compensate those who are injured or have otherwise suffered a financial loss as a reult of their involvement in amateur hockey.

An NLHA Officer shall be appointed as NLHA Risk Manager. The duties of the NLHA Risk Manager shall be:

• In cooperation with the Executive Director, to supervise the activities of the Risk Management Program.
• To assist in the development and preparation of material for the NLHA Risk Management Program.
• To assist in the development of policies pertaining to Risk Management.

Each Minor Hockey Association shall appoint an executive member as their Risk Manager. The Risk Manager's duties shall be:

• To become knowledgeable in the NLHA Risk Management Program.
• To create and maintain a risk management file for the Association.
• Promote effective risk management within the Association.
• To work with the executive to help identify major risks and make recomendations to reduce or manage those risks.

Risk management is applied at every level of involvement in Minor Hockey. The following lists detail considerations and requirements for a good risk management program.

Executive

• Have a Constitution, bylaws and Regulations
• Incorporate under the Society Act
• Establish a philosophy, goals and objectives.
• Written job descriptions for volunteers.
• Provide insurance protection.
• Consistent application of rules and requlations.
• Appoint a Risk Manager.
• Ensure a safe building/playing environment.
• Provide travel guidelines.
• Widest possible circulation of risk mamangement guidelines.
• Provide travel guidelines.
• Follow the Volunteers Code of Conduct.
• Adopt an abuse policy.

• Have a selection process.
• Obtain recognized and required certification .
• Ensure proper equipment is in place.
• Have rule based ethics.
• Adhere to Association philosophy and guidelines.
• Set a good example as to rules, regulations and respect.
• Instruct acceptable playing techniques.
• Do not accept inappropriate player behavior.
• Have an emergency action plan.
• Follow the Coaching/Trainer Code of Conduct.

• Warm up properly before the game.
• Wear proper equipment.
• Play by the rules.
• Respect other participants in the game.
• Exhibit a sportsmanlike attitude off and on the ice.
• Refrain from horseplay in locker rooms, hallways, lobbies, etc.
• Follow the Player Code of Conduct.

• Obtain and maintain proper training.
• Be consistent, objective and courteous in calling infractions.
• Respect other participants in the game.
• Report serious injuries.
• Wear proper equipment.
• Only officiate authorized events.
• Follow the Officials Code of Conduct.

• Be aware of the inherent risk in the sport.
• Be aware of Associations philosophy, goals and objectives.
• Ensure player has proper equipment.
• Advise coach ony any medical conditions.
• Respect the role of team officials and on-ice officials.
• Attend pre-season meeting with coaches.
• Encourage your child to play by the rules.
• Help your child work towards skill development and fair play.
• Display positive encouragement.
• Recognize the value and importance of hockey volunteers.
• Follow the Parent Code of Conduct.