Sisters On Ice

The Sisters on Ice Mentorship Program is established to foster leadership, confidence, sportsmanship, and community among CIGHA players by pairing younger athletes with older players in a positive mentorship environment.

SCOPE

This policy applies to all participants in the Sisters on Ice program, including:

• Little Sisters Jamboree and 10U
• Big Sisters/Mentors (12U,14U, 16U/19U players)
• Parents/guardians
• Designated program coordinators

Participation is voluntary.

PROGRAM STRUCTURE

• Pairings are determined by the Sisters on Ice Committee based on age level, personality, availability, and organizational needs.
• Each Big Sister may be paired with one or more Little Sisters.
• The program is designed to be low-commitment and does not interfere with team obligations.

ROLE OF BIG SISTERS

Big Sisters serve as mentors and positive role models, not coaches or supervisors. Responsibilities include:

• Providing encouragement and support
• Demonstrating sportsmanship and respect
• Representing CIGHA positively on and off the ice
• Participating in program activities when reasonably available

Big Sisters shall not:

• Provide coaching instruction
• Discipline Little Sisters
• Assume supervisory or caregiving responsibilities

COMMUNICATION & SAFETY GUIDELINES

To ensure a safe and appropriate environment:

• All communication must remain hockey-related and age-appropriate
• No private direct messaging between minors on social media
• Group communication must include a parent/guardian or use organization-approved platforms
• In-person interactions occur only during scheduled CIGHA activities or events

PARENT/GUARDIAN CONSENT

Written parent/guardian consent is required for participation. Parents retain the right to withdraw their child from the program at any time without penalty.

COACH INVOLVEMENT

Coaches are informed of the program but are not responsible for:

• Pairing decisions
• Oversight of mentorship relationships
• Enforcement of program policy

PROGRAM OVERSIGHT

• The Sisters on Ice program is overseen by a designated CIGHA Board member or committee.
• The committee is responsible for implementation, communication, and addressing concerns.
• The Board reserves the right to modify, suspend, or discontinue the program at any time.

CONDUCT & EXPECTATIONS

All participants are expected to follow:

• USA Hockey SafeSport policies
• CIGHA Code of Conduct
• This Sisters on Ice policy

Violations may result in removal from the program at the discretion of the Board.

CONCERNS & ESCALATION

Concerns related to safety, conduct, or program fit should be reported should be reported through our normal Zero Tolerance Grievance process.

https://www.cigirlshockey.com/parent-resources/zero-tolerance/21738

LIABILITY DISCLAIMER

Participation in Sisters on Ice does not create a supervisory, custodial, or legal duty beyond existing CIGHA activities. Mentorship interactions are voluntary and supplemental to regular team participation.

POLICY REVIEW

This policy will be reviewed annually by the CIGHA Board of Directors and updated as needed.

What is the Sisters on Ice Program?

Sisters on Ice is a CIGHA mentorship program that connects younger players with older athletes to promote confidence, leadership, sportsmanship, and a strong sense of community within our organization.

Who can participate?

• Little Sisters: Jamboree and 10U
• Big Sisters (Mentors): 12U,14U,16U/19U players

Participation is voluntary for all players.

Is this a required program?

No. Sisters on Ice is completely optional. Families may choose whether participation is the right fit for their player.

What does participation involve?

Participation is intentionally low-commitment and flexible. Activities may include:

• Introductions at the beginning of the season
• Game-day encouragement or cheering when schedules allow
• Optional organization-wide events
• End-of-season recognition

There are no required meetings or mandatory attendance expectations.

Is this a coaching or training program?

No. Sisters on Ice is not a coaching program.

Big Sisters do not provide instruction, discipline, or supervision. The focus is on encouragement, role modeling, and positive interaction.

How are players paired?

Pairings are thoughtfully made based on:

• Age level
• Personality/temperament
• Position (when applicable)
• Schedule compatibility

Sibling requests within CIGHA are honored when possible

How many Little Sisters does each Big Sister have?

Typically, each Big Sister is paired with one to two Little Sisters, depending on participation numbers.

How will communication work?

To ensure safety and comfort for all families:

• Communication remains hockey-related and age-appropriate
• Group communication should include a parent or use team-approved platforms
• No private social media messaging between minors
• Parents may communicate directly with program coordinators at any time

Are coaches involved?

Coaches are informed of the program but are not responsible for managing pairings, communication, or activities.

What if my child is shy or nervous?

That’s completely okay!

The program is designed to be welcoming and low-pressure. Many younger players find comfort knowing there is an older player cheering them on and looking out for them.

What if the pairing doesn’t seem like a good fit?

We want this to be a positive experience for everyone. If concerns arise, parents are encouraged to contact the Sisters on Ice Committee so adjustments can be made if needed.

Is there any cost to participate?

No. There is no cost to participate in the Sisters on Ice program.

Will there be photos or recognition?

There may be optional photos or recognition opportunities throughout the season or at year-end. Any photos shared will follow CIGHA’s existing media policies.

Who should I contact with questions or concerns?

Please contact Molly Sullivan with any questions, concerns, or feedback regarding the Sisters on Ice program.

Why Sisters on Ice Matters

This program strengthens CIGHA by:

• Helping younger players feel welcomed and confident
• Encouraging leadership among older athletes
• Building connections across teams and age levels

Reinforcing a culture where girls support girls