California Condors Special Needs Ice Hockey

Registration packet

Our registration packet contains required forms to ensure the safety of our players. We also have an information packet with a link to access on our website and in our newsletter. Also all players are required to register yearly with the American Special Hockey Association (ASHA). Registration is free but mandatory before any player is allowed on the ice. A link to ASHA is here (https://www.specialhockey.org/page/show/5887416-registration) and can also be found on our website and in our newsletter.

Full session fees

California Condors Special Needs Hockey Team asks their participants to help subsidize ice time fees by paying the number of sessions in a season x 10.00. These fees are due and payable the first session you are at the rink that season. Fees may be paid via cash, check, credit or debit card. If you are unable to pay the full amount at one time, you can arrange at the time of registration to pay in two installments. If no payments are received, your child may not be allowed on the ice until payment is made.

Cancellation and credits

If your child cannot finish a season due to medical or family emergency, a credit will be issued at that time based on the number of remaining sessions. This credit may be used in the following season or when they return to play.

Newsletter

In lieu of numerous emails, a newsletter with valuable information is sent out usually once a week, we ask that families take a moment each week to read it for any important changes or information. We hope you understand that these policies are becoming necessary as our team continues to grow. Session fees and dates are emailed prior to the start of every season in the Condors newsletter and posted on our website (http://www.Condorhockey.com)

Please direct questions to:

Thank you for your interest in applying to our wonderful special needs Ice Hockey Program. We are the first special needs hockey team in California, and are very proud of our excellent program. Please carefully read all the following information before applying, to facilitate registration in the California Condors and successful participation in our program.

Please note: The Condors program strives to make sure that all players regardless of ability can participate in a safe and friendly environment and that no one is turned away because of inability to pay. With respect to all fees mentioned below, should special circumstances affect the family’s ability to pay, we will try to make arrangements to accommodate the need.

1. Ability to skate is of course an asset but is not required for participation in the California Condors program. However, if your son or daughter has never been on the ice, it is strongly encouraged that you take him or her to any rink to participate in public skating sessions, to see how they feel about it, before registering for the Condors. There is no point getting all the gear and then have the child/young adult refuse to go on the ice. Our coaches are prepared to give quality time and individual attention to new skaters to help them learn to skate and play hockey. However, it is not fair to our other (seasoned) players if the attention of our coaching staff is tied up with just getting new players onto the ice.

2. Open registration: The regularly scheduled Condors program runs from September through June. A summer program (Hockey-Lite) may also be available, depending upon interest and availability of coaches. Application to the Condors can take place at any time throughout the hockey season. However, since introduction of a new player requires additional support and attention from our coaching staff, we may stagger the start date for new players. This is done to insure that not more than one or two new recruits begin the program on any particular day, so that the coaching staff can deliver the attention and support they require. The ability level of the new player will also be taken into account in determining start date.

3. Our coaches and  helpers will give one-to-one support to each player as needed for learning to skate and play hockey. However, if a player requires one-to-one behavioral support, this service will need to be provided and paid for by the player’s parents/caregivers. The Condors reserve the right to restrict or end participation if a player demonstrates behaviors that may cause harm to himself or others.

4. Insurance: It is absolutely necessary that your son or daughter be registered with ASHA (American Special Hockey Association) before he or she begins participation in the Condors program. Registration insures that your son or daughter has the insurance required of all participants on the ice. Registration with ASHA is free, and can be done on line, by going to the ASHA website (AmericanSpecialHockey.org) and following the directions given there. Please leave two weeks for ASHA to finalize the registration. Specify that you are registering with the California Condors. Please bring a copy of your successful ASHA registration with you when you start the program.  USA hockey is also needed.  new players receive the first year free and the renewal is $49 at this time.  Registration for both ASHA and USA run from August 1 to August 1 of the following year.  New players , please do not use the USA  portal on the website as you will be charged.  You will be rostered in by Condors staff once you complete this packet. 

5. Fees: The Condors are a not- for- profit 501c3 organization, entirely run by volunteers. We must engage in fund-raising to support the program, to pay for ice time, gear, operating expenses and travel. One hundred percent of all donations are used for maintenance and development of the team. Aside from travel, ice time is our biggest expense. We charge a minimal amount to parents per practice to help offset the cost of the ice. Therefore, we ask you please to pay in full, at the start of each season (Fall, Winter, Spring) even if you cannot attend all sessions, as this helps us pay for ice time and supports the program. As well, regular attendance makes a big difference to each player and to the team. It is the best way to learn and consolidate skills and develop camaraderie with team-mates and identification with the team. (Fees will be adjusted for players starting late in the season). 

6. Equipment: The Condors have some equipment available both new and used depending on size. You may also purchase equipment on your own, in which case, of course, no deposit is required. Sticks and helmets must be purchased by the individual due to insurance regulations. Scholarship funds are available if financial need can be met.  We work with all families to make sure, all our players are able to enjoy hockey. 

7. New Player Registration fee: This is a one-time only fee, payable only at registration for the player’s first season. The fee of $100 includes 2 personalized jerseys and 2 pairs of hockey socks.   Players must wear a team jersey at all practices. Each player has two jerseys, one for games at home, one for playing as a visiting team. These jerseys are personalized with name and number. In addition, Condors players are proud to wear a jacket embroidered with the Condors logo and also personalized with the player’s name. Personalized jackets may be purchased for an additional fee and order are taken during the year. 

8. All communication with parents is conducted through email. And we do have a Facebook chat always open. It is imperative that parents keep abreast of developments with the program through regular review of emails. These include an informative newsletter which comes out about twice a month. Some information will also be posted on the website (www.CondorHockey.com). If you do not have access to email, please contact  Dana Janis to discuss possible alternatives.

9. Feedback: If you have concerns about any aspect of the program, on or off the ice, it is important that you inform one of our coaches and/or  Peter or Dana Janis about them, immediately, to ensure that they are addressed and resolved in a timely and effective manner. We need and are open to all feedback, whether positive or negative, to maintain the high quality of our program.

10. You will find below a variety of forms that are required for registration in our program. Please fill out the registration packet as completely as possible.  Concussion and Sexual abuse waivers are required by law.  If you have any questions, please  contact Peter or Dana. 

Check the website for the schedule of practices, to be sure we are there when you come.

Note:  You are always welcome, and encouraged, to watch a practice with your son and daughter, at any time. This will give parent and athlete a sense of blending in and bonding with the team.  We strive for the Condors to be  a family.  

11. Finally, you are about to embark on a wonderful program from which our players derive tremendous skill development, self–esteem, and social opportunity. But it is only possible with the full commitment of families and players. We do not underestimate the difficulty involved in getting players to the program on time; helping them with putting on gear; and supporting the player through the initial hurdles of adjusting to this new and exciting but challenging experience. Our team managers, coaches, and helpers are here to assist and support you in every way they can. But we also ask you to support us, by ensuring your player’s attendance, and paying fees on time. We also ask all parents to participate however they can, and to the full extent to which they are able, in all our fundraising endeavors.

Thank you! And WELCOME to the Condors!