Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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.

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 Membership and as required contact RDPH.

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 5 Year Old Note: 5 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 (i.e. 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/down 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.

Can I choose my coach?

No. Players are allowed 1 friend request. Please make your request when registering. Note: Though we attempt to fulfill requests there are times we are unable to complete them

Can I request who my child will play with?

When creating teams our criteria is: Team Sponsor request(s); Coach/Coaches together with their children; Goalies (Division IV-VI); Girls (we try to place a minimum of 2 girls per team) Player friend requests consideration, if submitted prior to the posted deadline. We run an analysis of the teams within the divisions to align the same number of ages and abilities on each team.

During registration you can enter your desired Team/Coach/Teammate preference

Note: though we attempt to fulfill requests there are times we are unable to complete them The best way to ensure you get on the team you want is to have a parent sign up as a Coach!

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

Div I: $XXX / child / season Div II: $XXX / child / season Div III: $XXX / child / season Div IV: $XXX / child / season Div V: $XXX / child / season Div VI: $XXX / child / season The only fundraising event we have is Skate-A-Rama where we ask players to raise $XX each, regardless if they participate in the event or not (Div I & II). Skate-A-Rama is a major event for us and helps keep our registration fee's low. All players are welcome to participate. What forms of payment can I use to register my child? On-line = Credit/Debit Card Off-line = Cash/Cheque during Registration Days (TBA)

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, the last Wednesday in September 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 first weekend of October or Thanksgiving weekend. This may differ from year to year.

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 -20°C Div I/II and -25°C Div III/IV with wind chill). Games (typically one/week) are held in Red Deer, Penhold Regional Multiplex or the Village of Alix Arena with Practices held in Red Deer (Outdoor Rinks) Other than during tournaments (see below), games are held once per week, 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 (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 or Sunday. Once teams are set, your will notified via the League Manager system You can access your team and schedules using League Manager

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

Your League Manager account will detail any team placement You will receive a notification from League Manager when placed on a team Youth 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

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 Opportunity to participate on the 'Coaches' hockey team and play Division IV teams at no cost! Note: there are a limited number of spots available. Administrative items are: Once you have made your decision, simply send an E-mail indicating your interest and name Obtain a Criminal Record Check. Complete Respect In Sports 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. Please reference the Required Coach Document in the Coaches Corner tab on the website.

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

If we can find a volunteer to conduct the exchange - yes! We hope to run the exchange early September.

Due to our financial situation, we are unable to afford the registration fee or equipment. What can I do?

Please visit Canadian Tire Jumpstart or the KidSport Canada - Alberta Chapter and complete the required forms / process

All I want to do is register my child...what do I do?

Open 'Registration link on main menu' (Registration opens August 1st) Register before September 1 to improve your Coach, Team & Teammate preference being accepted Registering after September 1 may delay your youth being assigned a team Registration does not end until the season is over Anticipated Milestone Dates: RDPH Equipment Exchange in early September 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