Anthony Rufrano is

Canada professional
hockey player

Anthony Rufrano is sports

person and well-known
hockey player. He is
basically from Niagara.
WHAT IS THE TEAM FIRST PROGRAM ?
The Team First Program is designed to put
FUN and RESPECT at the forefront of our
game.

Hockey has partnered with the Vancouver

Canucks, BC Centre of Excellence, and the
Recreation Facilities Association of British
Columbia to address the behaviours and
attitudes that have become a negative influence
in the game of hockey.
 TEAM FIRST
The TEAM FIRST program was developed
around two important philosophies:
1. The concept of team is greater than
the players and the coaches.

2. Sport is built on the ideals of Fair Play.

 TEAM FIRST PARTNERS

All participants
players, parents/volunteers/spectators,
coaches, officials and sport administrators are
equally responsible PARTNERS in this
endeavor. Every individual involved must
examine their attitude, actions and behaviours
and make a personal commitment to the
principles of Fair Play.
 TEAM FIRST
This BC Hockey Development Program
revisits the positive social values of Fair
Play:

INTEGRITY
RESPECT
FAIRNESS

These are essential elements of the game as

we strive to live up to our mission
statement.
TEAM FIRST COMPONENTS
The Team First Program consists of the
following components:
1. Conduct Management Initiative
the intent of this initiative is to ensure that the
environment in which all BC Hockey activities take
place is as positive as possible for everyone;

it is the objective of this initiative to address issues

arising from the interaction between the game partners
at any BC Hockey sanctioned event in any arena or
community venue;
 Components continued -
to foster and enhance mutual respect, understanding
and the principals of good sportsmanship and Fair
Play amongst everyone during all BC Hockey events;

to promote safety, respect, enjoyment, and good

competition;

to eliminate behaviours and actions which detract

from the safe and sportsmanship environment;

ZERO tolerance of any form of abuse and/or

harassment.
 Components continued -

2. CHEVROLET SAFE & FUN PARENT

EDUCATIONAL SEMINARS -
This program is available to all associations from the
BC Hockey office.

3. PARTNERS CONTRACTS -
The Team First philosophy returns our focus to the
conduct and attitude of our game partners by
providing them with clearly defined expectations of
behaviour.
Partners are not only expected to sign acceptance of
these expectations but to abide by these established
standards at all BC Hockey related events.
 Components continued -

4. THREE STAR SELECTION PROGRAM -

5. FAIR PLAY ASSESSMENT SHEET -

have parents/fan complete a Fair Play Team
Assessment Sheet during selected games or
tournaments;
this form will serve as a reminder of what is
acceptable behaviour by everyone
 TEAM FIRST RATIONALE
Frequently asked questions:
Will a Team First Program help our association?
YES! Team First is a Program that is POSITIVE for all
the Partners and the game.
Who benefits from a Team First Program?
Everyone involved benefits. All Partners participate
and learn respect from one and other. Parents are
encouraged to be positive and accountable for their
actions. Referees will find it easier to officiate
games. Team First does not change the rules of the
game but encourages all teams to win as many
games as possible as long as the play remains
within the rules.
 Questions continued-

What can sponsors get from a Team First

Program?
They can view Team first as a Good Citizen program
which teaches Respect, Responsibility, Honesty and
Integrity.
How long does it take to start a Team First
Program ?
It can be implemented quickly once all of the Executive
Members have committed themselves to the concept of
Team First.
Team First is an Education Program for
every Partner in the sport of Hockey.
 Questions continued-

Why does our Association need a

Team First Program?
Many associations across Canada have some form of
program based on the Fair Play Initiatives. However, the
abuse of officials, inappropriate spectator behaviour
and on ice behaviour still remains a concern. Team
First is designed to educate all of our Game Partners of
what we expect from them.

Team First is a POSITIVE PROGRAM

centered around what we want them to do,
not what we dont want them to do.
 Questions continued-

Why does BC Hockey

need a Team First
Program?
 TEAM FIRST
Anthony Rufarno stated: let us not as
adults take the game away from
children and mold it to adult standards.
Let us encourage children to enjoy
being active through enjoyable play and
appropriately designed competition,
which meets their needs. If we do this,
we will have made an important
contribution to their development
through sport.
 Questions continued-

Some parents may say they dont agree

with Team First and dont want to sign
the Contract.
The first question to ask is WHY NOT?? No doubt their
answers will be the very reasons the program was
developed.
Membership in your association is a privilege not a
right. Once they become members they have
responsibilities to abide by the associations
regulations and by-laws. This is consistent with the
Society Act of BC. The purpose of the contract is to
inform all Partners of their responsibilities, rights
and privileges.