Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible to participate in the Cortland County Youth Hockey Association programs?
Boys and girls, between the ages of four and seventeen subject to USA Hockey birthday guidelines, who live in Cortland County and the surrounding areas
can be a part of CCYHA, when the numbers of players enrolled allow for an age appropriate team.
Can my child start hockey even if he/she does not know how to skate?
Yes. All first year skaters start in the Initiation Program (IP). There is no skating ability requirement. The IP provide positive step by step instructions of
beginner to advanced skating skills and an introduction to ice hockey within a positive setting. The program incorporate modified cross-ice games. The IP
typically has one hour practices on both Saturday and Sunday mornings.
What are the different age classifications?
CCYHA players skate under the USA Hockey birthday guidelines, which are as follows:
YOUTH (co-ed):
Midget: age 17 and under (may be a split season with the High School team)
Bantam: age 14 or under
Pee Wee: age 12 or under
Squirt: age 10 or under
Mite: age 8 or under
Initiation Program (IP)
GIRLS:
19U: Nineteen (19) or under
16U: Sixteen (16) or under
14U: Fourteen (14) or under
12U: Twelve (12) or under
10U: Ten (10) or under
The number and availability of each level is dependent on the number of players registered. The goal is to place all skaters on teams where they will play
against others of the same age level and ability.
If my child is older and has played in-line hockey or knows how to skate does he/she still need to skate in the Initiation Program?
All first year skaters must start in the Initiation Program. Depending on their ability, the player may also practice with their age appropriate team, after
receiving the required permission. The player may be reevaluated at mid-year.
How dangerous is youth hockey?
CCYHA follows all USA Hockey rules and regulations and USA Hockey is committed to making the sport of ice hockey as safe as it can possibly be, and is
constantly working on ways to make the sport safer. The high ideals of sportsmanship and fair play under all circumstances and conditions are stressed at
all times. The players are all required to wear protective gear. Unnecessary roughness is not tolerated, and checking is not allowed until the Pee Wee level.
What equipment is required?
Each skater MUST WEAR the following equipment when participating in games or practices:
1. Hockey skates (not figure skates!)
2. USA Hockey approved protective helmet with full face protection, of any style including, Full Wire Cage, Plastic Shield or combination thereof. (Half shields
are not permissible).
3. Ice hockey stick with wooden blade (not a plastic street hockey stick... these tend to break in the cold and are not approved for ice hockey play).
4. Neck / Throat protector. (CCYHA recommends neck protectors made with ballistic nylon to protect players against cuts from skate blades and sticks).
5. Hockey elbow pads.
6. Hockey gloves.
7. Hockey shin pads
8. Hockey shoulder pads (female models available).
9. Hockey padded pants.
10. Hockey socks (matching CCYHA colors for game play).
11. Internal mouth guard, non-clear in color (mandatory for Peewee and above).
12. Garter belt (optional, tape and straps may be used).
13. Protective cup / supporter.
14. Practice jersey.
15. Home and away Calgary style jerseys (these jerseys must be purchased through a CCYHA approved supplier. CCYHA Equipment manager will control
player numbers to eliminate duplication of numbers among players in the same age groups)
CCYHA has standardized uniform colors of Red, White and Gold, modeled after the Calgary Flames of the NHL. Please keep these colors in mind when
purchasing equipment, as this will allow our teams to present themselves looking their best. CCYHA asks that the following guidelines be used when
purchasing equipment:
Helmet, gloves and Pants---------Black
Socks---------------------------------Calgary Flames home and away
What about goalie gear?
The CCYHA will provide appropriate specialized protective equipment to one goal tender per team at the Mite and Squirt levels only. This equipment will be
worn at all times without exception! Coaches and team managers share responsibility with the players to insure that all equipment is in good repair and is
properly cared for.
Can equipment be rented?
CCYHA provides, for a nominal charge and deposit fee, the use of protective hockey equipment (pants, helmet, gloves, elbow pads, shin pads and shoulder
pads) for first time skaters at the Tyke and Mite levels and by exception for players at higher age levels when such equipment is available. All equipment
belonging to CCYHA will be returned at a predetermined time and location immediately after the last game or practice has been accomplished. The
equipment should be clean and in good shape, and which point the deposit fee will be returned. Rentals do not include skates, neck/throat guards,
supporters, socks, sticks, or mouth guards.
How many times a week will my child be playing hockey?
At all levels there is generally one ice slot on Saturday and one on Sunday (often this is one home ice slot and one away ice slot). In addition to the weekend,
typically evening weekday ice is used by the Squirt, Peewee and Bantam Tier 3 Travel teams for two practices each week while the Mite Travel team has
one practice and the Squirt, Peewee and/or Bantam House teams have one or two mid-week practices. Practices may be full ice or shared ice. It is
important to emphasize that the times are subject to change or cancellation due to other rink activities.
How far away might we travel to play other teams?
At the house level games are typically in the Central New York area. Teams may be from the following Youth Hockey Associations: Auburn, Camillus, Center
State, Clinton, Elmira, Ithaca, Lysander, Morrisville, New Hartford, Oswego, Pulaski, Rome, Skaneateles, Syracuse, and Whitestown. Teams may travel
further away, including out of state and possibly to Canada to participate in tournaments.
How much does it cost?
The cost depends on a variety of factors, but the most important one is the cost of ice time. Therefore the teams that are scheduled for more ice team have
a higher registration fee. A Travel team is more expensive than a House team at the same age level. Typically at the IP level you can pay for half a year at a
time, but at the other levels it is for a full season.
How long does the hockey season last?
Typically registration is in August / September, and practices start at the end of September. The players skate through mid-March.
Does the CCYHA have any all-girl teams?
The CCYHA started an all-girl team in the 2001-2002 season, however the 2006-07 season is without a team at this time. There are initiatives under way in
bringing back a girls team in future seasons. The age level and number of teams is dependent on ages and number of girls that register for each season. For
the 2005-2006 season there will be a 16U Girls team. Girls also have the option of playing on an age and skill appropriate co-ed team (IP through Midget).
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