U7 Program Policy

Whitecourt Minor Hockey Association

Date: October 12, 2021  

Policy: U7 Program  

Purpose: To set direction for the operation of the U7 Program  

The U7 Program is a comprehensive skills development program developed by the Canadian  Hockey Association (CHA) to teach young players the basic skills of hockey. The focus of the  U7 Program is on skill development in a safe, positive and fun environment without the  pressures of competition. Whitecourt Minor Hockey Association (WMHA) has adopted the U7  Program for use in the U7 age group (5 and 6 years of age as of December 31).  

1. All WMHA U7 Program head coaches shall complete the Coach Stream & Respect in Sport  Activity Leader course and follow the U7 Curriculum as specified by Hockey Canada.  
2. U7 teams may scrimmage with other WMHA U7 teams prior to December 31st each year  provided they maintain a minimum 3:1 ratio of practice time to scrimmage time. During  scrimmages coaches are allowed on the ice to help direct the players, referees are not required,  the score clock is not used to record the score and no record of wins or loses or individual player  stats is kept.  
3. U7 teams may participate in games against out of town teams. During the Development  Phase, which occurs between approximately September 15-November 15 (6 weeks from start of  season), teams are allowed to participate in 2 games (1 home and 1 away). Teams cannot  participate in any jamborees/tournaments and must have 12 practices (2:1 ratio of practice time  to game time). During Regular Season, which occurs between approximately November 15- March 31 (20 weeks), teams are allowed to participate in 23-28 games (even number of home  and away); 3 jamborees/tournaments and 38 practices (Provided 2:1 ratio practice time to game  time). During these games 1 coach per team is allowed to be on the ice during the games,  referees can be used but are not required. The score clock may be used for timing the game 60  minute games (two 24-27 minute halves) and buzzer is used for line changes (shift lengths 3  minutes or less).  
4. U7 players will play no more than 23-30 games per season including participation in  tournaments (including the Whitecourt U7 tournament).  
5. U7 teams shall follow the “3 goal rule” limiting players to scoring a maximum of 3 goals in  any game regardless of other team or tournament rules that may permit the scoring of more  goals. Players who have scored 3 goals in a game shall be encouraged to develop other skills  such as passing, defence or goaltending.  
6. WMHA will not affiliate U7 players with U9 teams but will affiliate U7 players on a team to  team basis with other U7 teams.  

Original Policy Date: February 2, 2005  

Revision Date: October 12, 2021