Coach Resources

Team Staff Structure

• Each SLAM team should have a maximum of three team staff members in total.
• Each team must have one Head Coach.
• The remaining two staff positions may be filled by:
  • One Assistant Coach and one Team Manager; or
  • Two Assistant Coaches.
• No team should exceed three total staff members.

Coach Job Responsibilities

Team Administration

• Review your team’s game schedule on eyba.ca or in the RAMP app and communicate the schedule to players and parents.
• Enter all practices into your team scheduling app. Games will automatically load into RAMP as they are tied into the EYBA schedule, but practices must be entered manually by the coaching team.
• Enter game scores in the RAMP system immediately after each game. Login information will be provided by SLAM before the first game of the season.
• Familiarize yourself with the SLAM and EYBA websites.
• Review the EYBA Rulebook for the specific division you are coaching.
• Notify parents and players of the EYBA Code of Conduct and the SLAM Code of Conduct.

Practices, Gyms, and Scheduling

• Abide by the Gymnasium Usage Guidelines and ensure all players, parents, and spectators do the same.
• Review your assigned practice schedule once provided by the Gym Coordinator, typically one to two weeks before the first scheduled game.
• Manage your practice schedule, blackout dates, cancellations, and team communication.
• Notify the Gym Coordinator of any gym conflicts, cancellations, or additional gym requests as early as possible.
• Ensure the team follows all facility rules, including staying within the booked area, respecting school property, cleaning up after use, and leaving the gym on time.

Equipment and Jerseys

• Communicate player equipment requirements to parents. Equipment requirements can be found on the SLAM website under Program Information, Equipment Required.
• Contact the Equipment Coordinator if your team is missing required equipment or requires additional supplies.
• Score clocks are available for loan if needed for games played in schools. Contact the Equipment Coordinator if your team requires one.
• Assign jerseys to players and provide the Equipment Coordinator with each player’s jersey number (for 18U only).
• Collect and return all SLAM equipment and jerseys after the final game of the season.
• Use the ice machine at the Saville Centre when possible.

Game Day Responsibilities

• Ensure players do not wear jewelry during games or practices.
• Ensure players with long hair have it tied back for games and practices.
• Guide parents in fulfilling required game-day roles, including Scorekeeper/Timekeeper, Referee Liaison, and Clean-Up Monitor.
• Direct parents to the Parent Resources section of the SLAM website for instructions on game-day volunteer roles.
• Ensure game scores are entered promptly following each game.

Coaching Expectations

As a SLAM coach, you play an important role in supporting, developing, and guiding young athletes.

Coaches are expected to:

• Serve as positive mentors and help athletes build confidence, independence, and accountability.
• Support each athlete’s development while recognizing individual strengths, needs, and stages of growth.
• Set realistic goals that promote long-term athlete development and team success.
• Model respect, cooperation, self-discipline, and good sportsmanship.
• Create a positive, engaging, and fun learning environment.
• Communicate clearly and consistently with players and parents.
• Act with fairness, transparency, and professionalism.
• Work respectfully with league officials, referees, parents, volunteers, and opposing teams.
• Continue learning, adapting, and growing as a coach throughout the season.

SLAM reserves the right to request a coach's resignation at any time if their actions potentially disrupt the harmony within EYBA or are deemed inconsistent with St Albert SLAM values, without the option of appeal.

This graphic, titled "Rule of Two," emphasizes the importance of ensuring all interactions and communications are open, observable, and justifiable. Its primary goal is to protect participants, especially minors, and coaches in potentially vulnerable situations by ensuring that more than one adult is present. While there may be exceptions in emergency situations, the standard practice is highlighted in the image: One coach to one athlete is not acceptable. One coach to two athletes is acceptable. A better scenario includes one trained coach, one screened adult, and one athlete. The best scenario features two trained and screened coaches with one athlete.

Learn more: coach.ca/responsiblecoaching