Background: Lakeland Hockey Association has the responsibility to provide a foundation for our young players to grow and develop as hockey players in a way that offers them with the greatest opportunity for success at the next level. We are the foundation that many of the area schools and hockey programs depend on for their success. For these programs to be competitive we have to find creative and inexpensive ways to deliver the education needed to meet this demand.
Coaches, while well intended, can’t always deliver the level of expertise that is needed. This limits the players development to that of his/her coach. Instituting a professional training program will allow teams to learn from those that can. This is a program that will provide education and demonstration to players, coaches, and parents alike.
Action Plan: In an effort to get back to basics and meet our requirements outlined above the LHA board has implemented the following action plans. We are allocating each team (Mite travel and up) with a professional training allowance in the amount of $300 (TBD each fiscal year). In addition we are changing the format of the monthly BOG meetings to be more educational for the coaches by having guest speakers come in and provide their expertise and insight into the game. These are both aimed at enhancing the skills of the players and developing better coaches along the way.
Approved Instructor List: The allocated professional training allowance is a “use it or lose it” funding program that has restrictions. During the season teams are free to choose from any instructor, on or off, the LHA approved instructor list. However, reimbursement from the professional training allowance will only occur when using one of the instructors on the approved list. Funds are only valid between September and March of the existing season and will not be carried over season to season. Teams will not be reimbursed more then the allocated seasonal budget allows for.
If you have any recommendations to add to the list, please complete the “Consideration for Instructor” application found on the website.
Scheduling and Payment: Teams schedule the instructors by contacting them directly and working out a mutually agreeable time that works for both the team and the trainer. Please understand this program is geared at improving both the skills of the players and the coaches so we ask that coaches do their best to be present during the professional training session.
Teams pay the trainer directly and immediately following the training. Teams must submit a completed “Reimbursement form and survey” sheet to the LHA treasurer within 14 days of event. Reimbursement can take up to 30 days to complete and teams must insure they have funds in their team accounts to cover the instructor payment during this period. Any outstanding balances due LHA by the team will be subtracted from amount requested. The survey must be completed to obtain payment so we can continue to monitor and improve the training program.
All rates listed have been negotiated in advance by the LHA Board. Reimbursement requests are limited to the hourly rate listed and only for the instructors listed. Any training outside this program would have to be negotiated by the individual teams outside of this agreement and not eligible for reimbursement.
