FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions

Before contacting Red Deer Pond Hockey we ask you to check the FAQs first. If your question is still not answered after reviewing the FAQs below, please use the link provided at the bottom of the page to 'Contact Us'.

• Where is the telephone number for Red Deer Pond Hockey?
• Red Deer Pond Hockey does not have a formal office and as a result we do not have a dedicated telephone number

• Who works for Red Deer Pond Hockey?
• Those involved with organizing Red Deer Pond Hockey are volunteers and we do not have any paid staff positions.

• What are the age categories for Red Deer Pond Hockey?
• The divisions/ages shown below are as of December 31 in the year of registration
• Division I = 6-8 years old
• Division II = 9-11 years old
• Division III = 12-14 years old
• Division IV = 15-17 years old

• We don't live in Red Deer - can my child still participate in Red Deer Pond Hockey?
• Yes, by all means!  We have a number of participants who reside outside of Red Deer but live close to Red Deer (i.e. Innisfail, Blackfalds, Sylvan Lake, Lacombe, etc.)

• My child is turning 6 in January of the following year or I really want my child to play in Red Deer Pond Hockey this year or can I move my child up/down a division to play with a friend?
• Please send an E-mail to us so we can make appropriate arrangements.

• Does my child need to know how to skate to play in Red Deer Pond Hockey?
• No. As a coach my request is for childrent to come with a positive attitude and the willingness to try. Skating is a skill and may take some time. It's ok if your child is just learning.

• Can I choose my coach?
• Yes.  We will try to match your child up to the levels available.  Please make your request when registering or send us an E-mail.

• Can I request who my child will play with?
• For the most part yes.  The only real consideration is to make sure the children are in the same division.
• Please make your request when registering or send us an E-mail

• What are the costs to participate in Red Deer Pond Hockey?
• $100 / child / season.  The only fundraising event we have is Skate-A-Rama, usually held in October/November where we ask players to raise $40 each, regardless if they participate in the event or not.  Skate-A-Rama is a major event for us and helps keep our registration fee's low.

• What forms of payment can I use to register my child?
• On-line = Credit Card
• Off-line = Cheque (send to: Red Deer Pond Hockey, PO Box 1055, Red Deer, AB, T4N 6S5)

• When will Teams be built and Game and Practice schedules be made available?
• Teams will be built mid-September
• Game Schedules will be made available, via the website, once the number of teams are known (mid - late September)
• Practice Schedules will be made available in November/December based on the coaches request

• When does the Red Deer Pond Hockey season start?
• Typically the first weekend of October

• When are games and practices held?
• Games are held from October - March, and are typically played indoors.  Practices, held outdoors, are typically held from January-March, weather permitting (warmer than -15C with wind chill).
• Games are held in Red Deer or at the Penhold Regional Multiplex with Practices held in Red Deer
• Other than during tournaments (see below), games are held once per week, typically held on a Saturday or Sunday though other days may be assigned depending on ice availability.
• Games are typically 1 hour in duration (typically 15 minutes to warm up and the rest of the time used for game purposes)
• Practices (1 hour in duration) are also held once per week between the hours of 5:30PM - 9:30PM.
• We also hold two (2) tournaments / year typically in January and February.  Tournaments consist of 2 games on a Saturday.

• How do I know if my child is placed on a team?
• Once teams are set, Coaches will be notified who will then call all team members to welcome them to the team and will also be able to let you know when and where the first game will be played. 
• Once you know your team you will be able to look at the game schedule posted on the Website under 'Divisions'

• Do boys and girls play on the same teams?
• Short answer - Yes
• Teams in Red Deer Pond Hockey are configured to have approximately the same number of boys and girls in each division

• I am considering being a coach. What is required?
• Some useful skills are:
• basic understanding of hockey,
• how to skate,
• willingness to listen and learn from children,
• willingness to direct children,
• willingness to speak with parents to either congratulate or gently let them know about any issues (i.e. to speak with the parents about rough play and the repercussions of such play such as a penalty or ejection from the ice)
• willingness to lead others and overall,
• a desire to have fun.
• Benefits of being Coach:
• Opportunity to interact with and guide children
• Give children and parents a positive impression about hockey
• Can Coach your child's team and have input on who is on your team
• You get to pick day's of the week to hold your practices starting in December / January
• Yet get to pick when, where and what to do for your team party!
• Administrative items are:
• Once you have made your decision, simply send an E-mail indicating your interest and name
• Obtain a Criminal Record Check
• Set aside 15 minutes per week to develop some drills for use before the game and during practices
• Be 5-10 minutes early for each game just in case parents have any questions
• Be willing to stay back at the end of the game to clean up any debris in the locker room
• Hold a 10 minute Parents Meeting at the start of the season to let parents know who you are, what items you are going to focus on during the year and essentially how you are going to run the team during the year

• Will there be another equipment exchange like that in years past?
• If we can find a volunteer to conduct the exchange - yes!  Stay posted.

• Due to our financial situation, we are unable to afford the registration fee or equipment.  What can I do?
• Please visit the KidSport Canada - Alberta Chapter and complete the required forms / process.

• All I want to do is register my child...what do I do?
• Using the left hand banner bar, click on 'Members'

• Anticiapted Milestone Dates:
• RDPH Information Meeting on or before 3rd Wednesday in September
• RDPH Coaches Meeting on or before 4th Wednesday in September
• RDPH Referee Clinic on or before 4th Saturday in September

• I am experiencing difficulties with my account and can not log on or sign up my child.  What can I do?
• Send an E-mail to support@itsportsnet.com to have a case automatically created on your behalf.

If the above FAQs do not answer your question, you can contact us by clicking on the link 'Contact Us'.