2024/25 Osgoode Richmond Romans U13
My name is Cam Best, and I am proud to be the coach of the Romans U13 team for the 2024/25 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 U12 team and an assistant coach with the Kanata Girls Competitive U15B team in the 2023/24 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 also working to prepare players for body contact at the U14 level. 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 2024/25 season:

• Tournaments - we have four tournaments confirmed, with a potential for a fifth, to be confirmed with parents once the team is formed:

• 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 as well as a Romans game day polo/golf shirt. Romans jackets, track pants, and golf shirts are to be worn by players to each game, and preferably jackets are to be worn to practices.
   
• 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. Practices, games, development, and off-ice activities are considered mandatory team events. If this commitment is too much of a challenge, please consider whether trying out for this team is an appropriate decision for you.

• 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 on the Romans website. 
   
• Conditioning and Tryouts:

Sincerely,

Cam
camerondbest@gmail.com