Policy updated on Tuesday October 25, 2022

• Non-medical masks [that cover your nose and mouth] are recommended at the Northpoint Sports (age 5+) and when in attendance at our program. Children (age 5+) can remove their masks when their helmet is put on and they are ready to participate. A face shield should not be worn instead of a mask unless there are reasons where a mask cannot be worn.
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• Post to Post – It is recommended that parents/caregivers/participants please keep a minimum of one hockey net [post to post from other parents/caregivers/participants] while attending our program. 
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• Hand sanitizer – It is recommend the use of hand sanitizer upon entering and exiting the building. Hand sanitizing stations are placed everywhere in the building.
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• Wash your hands frequently. [do not touch your face]
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• Obey all signs & floor markers.
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• Obey all staff instructions & direction.
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• If you and/or your child feel unwell, please do not enter the facility.
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• No Food/Beverage – Please avoid bringing any food and beverage products to the facility, only water bottles for the hockey buds participants are allowed.
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• Our coaches – are recommended to wear Non-Medical Masks during the program and will have access to sanitizing products and non-powder/non latex gloves [when not wearing hockey gloves] during the program.

• Entering the Facility – through the main door, right side, follow the markers.
• Change/dressing rooms are available with the far two Change/dressing rooms belonging to Rink 1 [next to the office] and the closer two Change/dressing rooms belonging to Rink 2. [near the entrance]
• Children should arrive at the facility, as prepared as possible to participate in their activity upon arrival, to reduce time required in the change/dressing room.
• Change/dressing rooms should only be used if necessary. We will disinfect the area between sessions.
• Session Length – approx. 45 minutes to allow entering and departing the facilities in between sessions thus it is important that you arrive approx. 5 minutes prior to your child’s session.
• Playing Surface – We ask that your child does not enter the playing surface until a member of the coaching staff is there.
• Exiting the Facility – you will have 5 minutes to leave the facility as the next group has to come in. Exit on the other side of the door.

Please note: group session must leave the premises before another group session can enter. We will have a sign on the entrance door stating what program time is in session thus the proceeding program session time should not enter the facility until they see their timeslot listed on the door. We are kindly asking everyone to cooperate and be respectful in that matter.

https://hockeybuds.ca/program-info/ for tips and other important information about our program.

• Helmets [with full facial protection] – are to be always worn when on the playing surface including during the story time/coach’s corner sessions.
• Required Equipment – includes a CSA approved helmet with full face cage, shin pads (soccer or ball hockey are both acceptable), hockey gloves, running shoes suitable for sports activities (e.g. – sneakers), a hockey stick and a water bottle.
• Water Bottles – we have numerous quick water breaks. Water bottles [should be cleaned/filled at home and not at the facility] will be brought on the playing surface and place on top of the side boards. [Coaches will be there to aid], coaches will assist children when they need/want a drink.
• Playing Surface Admittance – For safety reasons and due to the focus and attention required in these classes, Parents/Caregivers are not permitted on the playing surface prior, during or after the sessions unless requested by one of our staff/coaches.  ​
• Labels – all your child’s equipment such as hockey helmets, gloves, sticks, water bottles etc. should be label with your child’s name. We will provide labels for your child’s helmet and water bottle.
• Lost and Found – we will have a lost and found area set up with any items left behind however if you have their name on their equipment, we will contact you.
• Pictures – We take pictures during every session and will provide a password to access these pictures once the first ones have been uploaded to our cloud. We also post some of the pictures on our social media outlets.
• Refund Credit Policy – Please make sure you have read and understood our refund credit policy that has been put in place for our program.
• Allergy Alert – Please avoid bringing any food products to the facility we have participants with the following allergies [Dairy, Eggs, Nuts, Walnuts, Severe Peanut Allergy, Wheat, Barley, Rye, Gluten and Dog Allergy] and we want to make sure everyone is safe and has fun.

• • Parking Lot Etiquette – please be advised that all vehicles should back into their parking spot to make it easier and safer for you and your child(ren) to leave. We also have further parking located on the side of the building. Please be courteous and leave enough space for other vehicles to safely park.

• • In Session Sign – There will be a sign on the main doors saying program in session with the appropriate time listed, if your group’s time is not listed, we ask that you refrain from entering the facility (until your time is listed).This will help prevent overlapping of groups.

• • Entering the facility – a staff member will be there to greet you and give you directions where to go.

• • Where to go once inside – A member of our coaching staff will greet you upon arriving at the facility. For your child’s first session you will know your child’s group by visiting our website at hockeybuds.ca/groups Red Groups will go to the Basketball Court [Near the entrance], Blue, Green and Black Groups will go to the Hockey Rink [Near the office].

• • Session Begins – Once the program is ready to begin coaches will assign the children places to sit on the floor while trying to maintain physical distance. This will be our introduction period where the children will get to know our coaches and each other. After the introduction period the games, skills and drills will begin.

• • Session Ends – Each session [while trying to maintain physical distance] will end with a story time circle (coaches’ round up for Under 9 and Under 11 groups). All children will receive stickers that will be handed out by the coaches [Coaches will be wearing gloves or using hand sanitizer prior to handed out stickers]

• • Leaving the Facility – You will have 5 minutes to leave the facility as the next group has to come in. We are kindly asking everyone to cooperate and be respectful in that matter.

The Hockey Buds program sessions/leagues/events are designed for the following age categories:

HOCKEY BUDS / MiNi BUDS PROGRAM

5-Under* [5U] Hockey Buds Program [6 weeks] / MiNi Buds Program [3 weeks] [2019 & 2020] for 3 to 5 yr olds and is open to children who turn 3 yrs of age or 5 yrs of age by the start of the program.

We are aware that sometimes even though children may be younger than the required age group they may be able to participate in such groups at a similar level thus we can accept your child even if they are not quite 3 yrs of age.

*Children younger than six (6) years of age by the start of the program may be accepted into the program however are recommended for our 7-Under [7U] program. 

7-Under* [7U] Hockey Buds Program [6 weeks] [2017 & 2018] for 5 to 7 yr olds and is open to children who turn 5 yrs of age or 7 yrs of age by the start of the program.

*Children younger than eight (8) years of age by the start of the program may be accepted into the program however are recommended for our 9-Under [9U] program. .

Our Hockey Buds Program has adopted the pull philosophy to engage the children and teach the sport of ball hockey but most of all we want them to have fun.

The pull philosophy emphasizes on the desire for children to participate unlike the push philosophy which may be pushing them into uncomfortable situations. Our program is designed to be progressive and will lead to a positive experience as they are allowed to progress at their own pace. Your little hockey bud may or may not want to take part in a specific exercise and that is completely fine and common. All we focus on is making sure everyone is having fun and being active.

If your child is not following directions, not engaged or being disruptive we ask that you let our coaches use their techniques to remedy the situation before saying or taking any action, we will ask for assistance from you if needed. We do welcome parent encouragement and positive comments during class.

Our coaches are experienced and trained on the best techniques for teaching children class behavior and following directions. With our pull philosophy it takes some patience but it is very effective in teaching behavior.

Progress for your child may be different from the other children, just as children learn to walk and talk at different rates, they will progress in our program at their own pace.

Support for your child through praise of their accomplishments no matter how small they may be will lead to a positive experience throughout their learning sessions. Never compare your child to others as this can lead to frustration.

Parents should support, encourage all the participants and show consideration towards all the children and refrain from any negative comments.

We ask that your child does not enter the playing surface until a member of the coaching staff is there.

Please have a water bottle ready for your child. We may take multiple water breaks during class depending on the activity.

Water bottles should be cleaned/filled at home and not at the facility. 

We discourage kids from getting water whenever they want but rather wait until the water breaks.

Water bottles are to be brought on the playing surface and place on top of the side boards. [coaches will be there to aid], thus making it easier for our Little Buds to have water breaks without leaving the court or parents having to come onto the court.

Our Coaches will assist the children who need assistance to get a drink. Please make sure your child’s name is clearly mark on their water bottle.

We ask for Parent’s support with our policy as it can be difficult for our coaches to management of sessions if children are coming and going at will.

We here at the Hockey Buds Program recommend a water bottle which features a straw top nozzle which will make it easier for your child to get a drink without removing their face protection on their helmets.

You can purchase them at either of the following locations – SportsCraft | Sportchek | Canadian Tire | Walmart

Hockey Buds staff and coaches strongly recommend water only for breaks during class. 

We also forbid food during class. Please snack before if necessary.

If you see signs that your child may have to use the bathroom, please retrieve them or call them to you. Potty issues happen especially at our 3 to 5 yr old age groups.

Please avoid bringing any food products to the facility, we have participants with the following allergies, and we want to make sure everyone is safe and has fun.

Participants with Allergies
Cashew
Eggs
Gluten
Milk
Fish
Meat
Peanuts
Pineapple
Pistachio
Sesame Seeds
Salmon
Tree Nuts

Our Hockey Buds program is not drop-off session.

Parking – please be advised that all vehicles should back into their parking spot to make it easier and safer for you and your child(ren) to leave. We also have further parking located on the side of the building.

For the reason of safety and due to the focus and attention required for our program sessions Only Coaches, Staff and registered participants are permitted on the playing surface.

The only exception would be if a staff member/coach has asked or given permission for a parent/guardian to accompanied their child.

Siblings are welcome to observe sessions but for safety reasons and due to the focus and attention required in these classes we cannot permit them on the playing surface at anytime prior, during or after the sessions.​

We rotate sides each week for each court thus everyone will get a chance to view their little buds in action.​

In the event of questionable weather conditions, you will be notified via Email (included on your child’s registration form) and our facebook page if we have to cancel or postpone the program for the safety of the participants.

The Hockey Buds Program cannot provide refunds/credits for cancellations or postponements that are weather-related however in most instances we will try to schedule* a make up class later in the session.

*Depending on floor/staff availability.

The information below provides you with information regarding our cancellation policy for our program.

Policy updated on Saturday December 17, 2022

What is our cancellation policy?

We offer a Credit to those who successfully meet all the requirements of our cancellation policy.

Our cancellation policy is that a minimum 21 days notice is required for a credit.

A Credit code will not be issued without completing and submitting the cancellation form. Once received, please allow up to 7 days for the processing of a cancellation request.

Please note: A Credit code will only be applicable for the amount credited for [no actually monetary value] and can only be used once.

Under 21 days there will be a $10.00 admin fee charge applied.

If cancelling after the program/league/event starts – No refund or credit will be granted.

Programs/Leagues [prior to starting] impacted by COVID-19 that were suspended or cancelled, a Credit will automatically be applied to your account.

What if my child is unable to use a credit in a future program/league/event?

In case of hardship situations (e.g. – leaving the Province, etc.) that prevents your child from participating in a future program/event/league you may qualify for a refund minus a $10.00 administration fee.

A refund may take 5-10 days to appear on a customer’s statement. Processing [Stripe] fees for the original payment won’t be returned.

How do I submit a cancellation request?

In order to submit a cancellation request form you must meet the above criteria, complete and submit a cancellation request form via the following link https://hockeybuds.ca/cancellation/ as we require this for our records.

A credit and/or refund* will not be issued without completing and submitting this form. Once received, we will provide a Credit code or Refund* within 7 days which can be applied to any upcoming registration form.

*If applicable.

What happens to my Credit if future programs are cancelled?

If you have successfully enrolled in a future program / league and applied your Credit code toward enrollment fees and that program is cancelled a minimum of 21 days prior to that scheduled program’s / league’s start date, an option of a full Refund* or Credit would be reapplied to your account. All new registrations would qualify for a Credit Only.

*A refund may take 5-10 days to appear on a customer’s statement. Processing [Stripe] fees for the original payment won’t be returned.

What happens if a program/league session/game is cancelled due to a Power outage, weather, or other circumstances that causes the facility to close?

Program/league sessions/games cancelled due to power outages, weather, or circumstances out of Hockey Buds Inc. control will not be credited, refunded, or made up*.

*In some circumstances and depending on availability of both facility and staff we may be able to re-schedule a cancelled sessions/game. 

What happens if a program in progress has to be suspended or cancelled due to COVID-19?

Make up sessions will be re-schedule once permission has been granted to resume our program by Newfoundland and Labrador Ball Hockey Association, Canadian Ball Hockey Association, Sport NL and by the Department of Health and Community Services.

Will my Credit guarantee me a slot in a future program?

Your Credit is not a guarantee for a spot for enrollment for your child however only impacts the cost of such enrollment. If space is available then your  Credit Code can be applied.

Will my Credit cover a future program even if registration fees go up?

Your Credit code guarantees you full value* for an upcoming program / league of equal length of your original enrollment even if registration costs go up, your credit will cover those costs and no further registration fees would be required.

* If your Credit is pro-rated due to a charge being applied then the value of the credit would be applied to a future registration. [e.g. registration is $ 120.00 – Prorated Credit of a $100.00 applied leaving $20.00 owing.]

Required equipment includes a CSA approved helmet with full face cage, shin pads (soccer or ball hockey are both acceptable), hockey gloves, running shoes suitable for sports activities (e.g. – sneakers), a hockey stick and a water bottle.

Bring water as we have numerous quick water breaks.

For beginner ball hockey players or hockey players in general, deciding which handed stick you need might prove a little more difficult than you may first think. If your child already knows which way they shoot, they are probably going to use that handed stick.

A couple of ways to help decide which handed stick your child may require:

1.) An easy way to figure it out is to actually pick up a baseball bat or stick. Which way do they naturally swing?

2.) Another way is hand positioning. The top hand on a hockey stick provides all of the control and touch, so it should be their dominant hand. An easy way to figure it out is to actually pick up a baseball bat or stick. Which way do they naturally swing? For really young children, you can have them use an empty paper towel roll. Always use caution and apply safety measures to prevent injury when swinging items.

If they hold the hockey stick with their right hand on top of the stick and their left hand down the stick, they are a left-handed shooter.

If they hold their hockey stick with their left hand on top of the stick and the right hand down the stick, they are a right-handed shooter.

Usually, if a player is right handed, they would play with a left-handed stick and the same applies for a left handed player (he/she would be use a right handed stick).

The hand at the top of the stick controls all stick handling movements and it is the hand that never leaves the stick.

Keep in mind, there’s no right or wrong choice when it comes to playing hockey. The most important aspect is that you feel comfortable. When in doubt, if they’re undecided, just go with the option that feels the most comfortable and natural to them.