2023/24 Osgoode Richmond Romans U12 - Coaches Letter

2023/24 Osgoode Richmond Romans U12
My name is Cam Best, and I am proud to be the coach of the Romans U12 team for the 2023/24 season. I have coached for a number of years at both competitive and house league levels. Most recently I was the head coach of the Romans U11 team and an assistant coach with the Kanata Girls Competitive U13C team in the 2022/23 season.
 
Team philosophy
We will build a strong, respectful, and fun team environment, where players will be expected to work hard every practice and every game. As a competitive team we will strive win each game we play. However, “W’s” will not come at the expense of skill development, building a great team environment; developing character; being respectful of each other, our opponents, and officials; and most importantly, having fun both on and off the rink.
 
Coaching philosophy
Our team will have strong emphasis on developing individual skills throughout the year. As a competitive team, we will continue to integrate more progressive team play concepts. While I believe repetition leads to execution, we will also work at developing decision making abilities to help in any situation. We will have a safe, fun environment where players will be encouraged to test their skills and move out of their comfort zone, even if that means making mistakes. As coaches, we will help the players learn from their mistakes in a positive, constructive manner. 
 
What to expect for the 2023/24 season:

• Tournaments - we have four tournaments confirmed, with a potential for a fifth, to be confirmed with parents once the team is formed:
  • Sept 29 – Oct 1 – Newmarket Renegades Early Bird Start-up – Newmarket (hotel in Markham) – Confirmed
  • November 10-12 – Kingston Canadians U12 – Kingston – Confirmed
  • Dec 30 – Jan 1 – Bell Capital Cup – Ottawa – Confirmed (dates now confirmed)
  • January 19-21 – Capital Winter Classic – Ottawa – Potential, To Be Determined
  • March 28-31 – Lake Placid Can/Am Challenge Cup – Lake Placid* – Confirmed

*Players and family members attending should ensure valid passports are in place

• Development - we will plan for development and training for both skaters and goalies in addition to our regularly scheduled practices and games. This may include power skating, external coaches, and extra ice times booked.
• Team fees - to support team activities such as tournaments, player development, and other team activities, there will be an additional team fee of a maximum of $700 per player, as allowed by the Romans Association. Final team fees will be subject to development of a budget and team approval. Sponsorship and fundraising activities will be required to help supplement and potentially offset team fees. 
• Attire - each player will be asked to have Romans track jacket. Jackets are to be worn by players to each game, and preferably to each practice. Track pants are optional. 
• Timing – expect 3-5 team sessions per week, including on and off-ice activities. This is a competitive team, and it is expected that players will make a commitment to the team. Ice is a valuable commodity and we will make the most out of our allocation. This season, off-ice activities will include conditioning training, as well chalk-talk and video sessions.

For practices, players are expected to be dressed and ready to go on the ice for the start of practice (i.e. on the bench when the Zamboni is leaving the ice), and arriving 30 mins prior to practice time is recommended. For certain practices we may ask players to arrive earlier to allow for instruction prior to going on the ice. For games, players are expected to arrive to the rink no later than 45 minutes prior game time. There will be an off-ice warmup starting 45 minutes prior to the game, and players are expected to be fully dressed at least 10 minutes before game time.

• Communication – we will use Teamsnap for primary team related communications. Please don’t hesitate to contact me with questions throughout the season. I welcome constructive and respectful feedback, but would ask that parents consider the ’24-hour rule’ when reaching out to do so. Above all, I commit to engaging in respectful communications with players, parents, coaches, opponents and officials.
• Ice locations – our primary ‘home’ arenas will be Manotick, Osgoode, and Richmond. We will also have practice times in Beckwith, Kemptville, and Winchester. Practices will typically be 50 or 80 minutes. Our ice schedule, when available, can be found at http://orhc.ca/team_schedule.php?team_id=101728&league_id=8133&lang=1

 
Conditioning and Tryouts:

• Conditioning – Romans will be offering conditioning to U12 players the week of August 28. Conditioning sessions are not mandatory, and players will not be evaluated during these sessions
• Tryouts -in accordance with Romans policy, each player will be guaranteed at least three (3) tryouts. Tryout sessions for U12 will follow the following format (subject to change) :
  • Tryout 1 – skills focus – primarily individual skills
  • Tryout 2 – small area games and scrimmage
  • Tryout 3 – Full ice intra-squad scrimmage game
  • Additional tryouts, if needed, will be exhibition games with another association.

Tryouts will be evaluated by independent evaluators (i.e. evaluators who do not have a child trying out for the positions being evaluated) with hockey knowledge and experience in evaluating players.
Players will be evaluated on their effort level, sportsmanship, and skill. Players may be asked to rotate positions during the tryouts. Goalies will be evaluated at both a separate goalie session and as part of the team tryouts.
Please have a look at the Romans website for any additional information / updates on conditioning and tryouts.
 
Overall, I’m really looking forward to the upcoming season, and am excited for the opportunity to coach the kids this season.
 
Sincerely,
 
Cam
camerondbest@gmail.com