RDPH FAQs

Thinking about joining Pond Hockey?  Here is some quick info!

• 1 game per week, 1 hour in length.
• 1 outdoor practice per week once outdoor rinks are ready to use!
• Pond Hockey plays in the arena's in and around Red Deer (ie. Blackfalds, Penhold, Alix)

What 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

How does Red Deer Pond Hockey operate?

• Red Deer Pond Hockey is a volunteer organization where parents/guardians actively participate in the leagues operation and functionality
• RDPH has a Board of Directors who make decisions, plan and direct the leagues operation
  • If you would like to be a board member be sure to add this to your RDPH Registration and someone will contact you.

What are the age categories for Red Deer Pond Hockey?

• Division I = 5-7 years old
• Division II = 8-9 years old
• Division III = 10-11 years old
• Division IV = 12-13 years old
• Division V = 14-15 years old
• Division VI = 16-17 years old
• The divisions/ages shown above are as of December 31 in the year of registration.
  • Note: 4 year olds as of December 31 are allowed to play as long as a parent or family member agrees to provide the Coach help on the bench/ice with all activities.

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 (ie. Innisfail, Blackfalds, Sylvan Lake, Lacombe, etc.)

My child is turning 5 in January of the following year and I really want my child to play in Red Deer Pond Hockey this year or can I move my child up a division to play with a friend (or other reasons)?

• All Age/Division Exceptions require approval from the league Please contact RDPH to seek approval before proceeding with a registration.

Does my child need to know how to skate to play in Red Deer Pond Hockey?

• No. As a coach my request is for children 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.

What are the costs to participate in Red Deer Pond Hockey?

• Div I: $175 / child / season
• Div II: $175 / child / season
• Div III: $200 / child / season
• Div IV: $200 / child / season
• Div V: $225 / child / season
• Div VI: $225 / child / season

• The only fundraising event we have is Skate-A-Rama where we ask players to raise $50 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. All players are welcome to participate.
• Volunteer bond of $50 collected during registration; bond will be refunded at season end if number of volunteer hours have been meet, see FAQ below.

What forms of payment can I use to register my child?

• On-line = Credit Card
• Off-line = Cash/Cheque (payment to be set up with the RDPH Treasurer)

When will Teams be built and Game and Practice schedules be made available?

• Teams will be built late-September, Game Schedules will be made available via the website thereafter.
• Practice Schedules will be made available in December/January based on the coaches request.

When does the Red Deer Pond Hockey season start?

• Typically the weekend after Thanksgiving

When are games and practices held?

• Games are held from October - March, and are typically played indoors.
• Practices, held outdoors, are typically held from December-March, weather permitting (warmer than -20°C with wind chill in all divisions).
• Games (typically one/week) are held in Red Deer, Penhold & Blackfalds with Practices held in Red Deer (Outdoor Rinks)
• Games are held once per week, 1 hour in length typically held on a Thursday, Friday, Saturday or Sunday though other days may be assigned depending on ice availability
• Games are typically 1 hour in duration (this includes warm up and game time which will vary between division)
• Practices (1 hour in duration - OUTSIDE) are also held once per week between the hours of 5:30PM - 9:30PM.
• Outdoor Practice temperature guidelines

How do I know if my child is placed on a team?

• The Website will be updated to inform you of the team/ coaches that are assigned to you.  Players are not placed on teams until a paid registration is in place.

Do boys and girls play on the same teams?

• Yes Teams in Red Deer Pond Hockey attempt to have the same number of boys and girls in each division.

How do you add additional people / parents to a player's Ramp Team Account?

To give another family member access do the following:

1. Sign into the Ramp Team App.
2. Click the "Gear Box" icon in the top right hand corner of the screen.
3. Click "Team Members"
4. Click the Player that you want to add additional family members to.
5. Enter the email address of the person you want to add in a blank spot that says "Parent Email Address" NOTE: You can add parents, grandparents, siblings, or the players email here, one email per line.
6. Click update Team Member.
7. Any additional people you have added will need to download and Create an Account in the RAMP App using the email address you have added under your player's account. Once they log-in under their new account they should see the team name and have access to the schedule.

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
  • 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
  • You 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 & Respect in Sports Required Coach Document
  • Create an account on RAMP
  • 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.
  • Click here for the Required Documentation needed. Required Coach Document

Will there be another equipment exchange like that in years past?

• Yes! We hope to run the exchange early September. 

Can my child play with a friend?

• During the questions portion of the registration system, players will be asked to provide a friends name that they wish to play with on the same team and Division.  A friend request will need to match each other for the request to become valid.  Example: Tom Thumb requested Jon Doe, and John Doe requested Tom Thumb.  

  Please make arrangements with friends that wish to play together to align their requests.

  This Policy change has been implemented in an effort to ensure teams are closer in skill level based on the information that is provided to the Division Coordinators/Team Builders.  RDPH encourages players to meet and build friendships with as many other players as possible.

Playing with other hockey organizations?

• Due the complications in team building, safety concerns, and the development of the RDPH players, RDPH will not be allowing players to play in multiple leagues. 

  Player information will be sent to Hockey Alberta and Ringette Alberta to ensure that the appropriate fees have been paid for seasons past, and if they belong to multiple leagues.  Players that are determined to be registered in Minor Hockey/Ringette Leagues as well as RDPH will have their registration revoked, and will not be able to register until the next season.  Players will also forfeit any refunds associated with the expulsion.     

My player got hurt during a League game or practice, what are my next steps?

• Please contact your coach or team manager or if required, your Division Coordinator to report what happened (by email if at all possible, so we have a copy of the information). We would like to know the players full name, parent/guardians name and contact info, location of the game/practice and what the injury is, the severity and was a hospital trip required.
• For all injuries, family extended benefits will be used for any rehab/extra assistance. If there are no extended family benefits, or the benefits have run out; Red Deer Pond Hockey will help you fill out a Hockey Canada Injury Report to receive additional insurance if required.

What is the Volunteer bond and how can I volunteer?

• Red Deer Pond Hockey relies heavily on our volunteers to ensure we have a successful season. This year, all families will be charged the $50 volunteer bond. Once volunteer commitments are met, the bond will be returned to the family at the end of the season.
   
  There are several opportunities for volunteering throughout the season. Positions that will result in automatic reimbursement include Coach, Assistant Coach, Team Manager, and Board/Executive Member.
   
  Additional opportunities include: on ice assistant, scorekeepers, Skate-a-Rama Assistant, equipment dispersal assistant, etc. Once a family has logged 5 hours of volunteer time, they will be eligible for reimbursement.
• If you would like to volunteer be sure to ask your coach for any volunteer options available.
• To be a Coach or an Assistant, you can register under the Coach/staff registration available on the RAMP Registration site.