H.E.R.O.S. Mentor Program

Summer program: approx. 10 – 20 volunteer hours

Winter Program: approx. 40 – 50 volunteer hours

Our H.E.R.O.S. mentors’ contributions are an inspiring component of the H.E.R.O.S. Program.

They promote goodwill on the ice at all times. And by their example, they teach our H.E.R.O.S. participants the "golden rule" – that your peers will treat you with respect if you demonstrate respect towards them.

The H.E.R.O.S. Mentor Program is made up of teens who, preferably, have already completed the H.E.R.O.S. Program.

Our mentors’ help with the weekly sessions on and off the ice. They must work towards a Mentorship Diploma consisting of seven steps of certification:

1. St. John's First Aid
2. School Board Leadership Program
3. Drug Awareness
4. Power Skating
5. Coaching Level One
6. Referee School
7. Speak Out Program

Mentor Selection Criteria

To be selected as a mentor, applicants must:

• Be capable of volunteering two hours per week of on- and off-ice time during the season
• Be 14 years or older (exceptions made in extraordinary cases)
• Be responsible and patient
• Demonstrate commitment to the program
• Demonstrate respect for their elders and peers
• Never use foul language
• Maintain good grades and attendance at school

Mentor Responsibilities

Two mentors are named as assistant coaches and are put in charge of 4 – 6 players in groups with varied skill levels.

Each week when all the players are dressed and ready, mentors lead their groups onto the ice. Mentors help in whatever manner is required to make the whole event as fun and engaging as possible for H.E.R.O.S. participants.

Mentor Activities

• Help out in the dressing room, with equipment and maintain control
• Discuss H.E.R.O.S. Behaviour if there is misbehaviour or quarrelling among the players.
• Teach participants that being part of a team and respecting teammates is a positive part of life and can actually be fun.
• Teach, through actions and words, that using appropriate language and doing well at school is cool.
• Help set up the equipment on ice – nets, dividers, cones, etc.
• Help keep an eye on individual players, especially smaller ones who frequently fall.
• Ensure players undress, pack up every piece of equipment, and load it into storage.
• Ensure that the dressing room is clean and doors are locked.

Mentor Dos and Don'ts

• Never use foul language.
• Anger is not an acceptable response.
• Respect others at all times.
• Take charge when necessary.
• Ensure players accept responsibility for their own actions.
• Teach players that the team loses if they mess up.
• Inform an adult or coach if there is something that they can’t handle, or don’t think is appropriate.
• Lead by example.
• Help players when they need it, and always remain patient.
• Praise players when they do things right.
• Compliment players for a job well done.

Mentor Benefits

• H.E.R.O.S. Mentor Diploma
• H.E.R.O.S. Warm-up Tracksuit
• Post-Secondary Scholarship availability

H.E.R.O.S. Volunteer Coach/Leaders

Summer Camp – Coach/Leaders
(Volunteer 10 – 20 hrs/camp)

Summer Camp adult volunteer coach/leaders help with organizing meals and keeping the grounds clean and safe.

They cheer the H.E.R.O.S. players on the ice and share quality time with them. They put up banners and balloons and help with equipment sizing and fittings for participants.

Fall/Winter Season – Coach/Leaders
(Volunteer 40 – 50 hrs/season)

Winter Season volunteer coach/leaders are present primarily for support.

They do whatever is necessary to keep things running smoothly so that the participants can have fun. This includes providing backup for the mentors and helping H.E.R.O.S. participants deal with any anger or behavioural issues.

Coach/Leader Selection Criteria:

• Age group best-suited to this position is 18 years or older.
• Must be patient, sincere and committed to providing a positive environment for Participants.
• Must have an aptitude for working with children.
• Must show commitment to the H.E.R.O.S. Program.
• Must provide two letters of reference.
• Must complete Volunteer Application Form.
• Must sign code of conduct
• Must provide criminal background check (cost will be refunded by H.E.R.O.S.)

Note: H.E.R.O.S. is committed to having both male and female leaders.

Coach/Leader Responsibilities:

• Leaders are responsible for their groups.
• Leaders participate in a two-hour instruction session on camp rules and procedures. This may
   include ice time with the Head Coach, the power skating instructor and a Hockey Canada official.
• Introduction of hockey skating techniques.
• Instruction and supervision of hockey drills and practice, allowing for sufficient time to develop
   confidence in newly acquired skills.
• Instruction on the rules of hockey.
• Coaching and supervision of hockey games.
• A debriefing at the end of every day gives leaders a chance to voice concerns and seek solutions in
   all areas.
• Parents are responsible for drop-off and pick-up of H.E.R.O.S. participants. Leaders do not escort
   participants anywhere outside the arena grounds, nor under any circumstances do they drive
   participants anywhere.
• Help with drying tears and any possible minor injuries. They also help to check in case any medical
   attention is necessary.

Coach/Leader Benefits:

In appreciation for your contributions to the H.E.R.O.S. Program, H.E.R.O.S. Leaders receive:

• Community service hours recognition for school record (upon request).
• Recommendation letter of accomplishment, which will be sent to coaches (if playing on a team) or
   school principal for the next school year.
• Clothing: Tracksuits for on and off ice to be supplied by H.E.R.O.S., as well as two t-shirts.

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