Dear Hockey Families,

We hope this message finds you well and that you are enjoying the off-season. As we prepare for the upcoming 2024-2025 hockey season, we want to inform you about an important change regarding our volunteer program. MAHA volunteers make a huge difference and impact on the overall youth hockey experience at MAHA.  You are valued, appreciated and we thank you in advance for your time and talent.

Starting this season, our Association will implement the DIBS volunteer hours system which is housed under SportsEngine. This change is essential to ensure that our registration fees remain affordable and to help keep our association running efficiently. Many other District 9 Associations, as well as numerous Associations throughout the State, have successfully implemented this program, and we believe it will greatly benefit our hockey community as well.

 

What is the DIBS System?

The DIBS system is a structured volunteer program that allows families to sign up for specific volunteer tasks and shifts throughout the season. This platform will streamline the volunteer process, making it easier for families to choose tasks that fit their schedules and preferences.

 

Why Are We Implementing DIBS Volunteer Hours?

Affordability: By implementing a structured volunteer system, we can manage our resources more effectively, ensuring that registration fees remain as affordable as possible for all families.

Efficiency: The DIBS system helps us organize and track volunteer hours, ensuring that all tasks are covered and that our events run smoothly.

Community Involvement: Volunteering is a great way to get involved in the community, meet other families, and support the growth and success of our Association.

 

How It Works:

Each family will be required to complete a set number of volunteer hours during the season.

  • 8 hours for your first Travel player.
  • 4 hours for your first Mite/6U & 8U player.
  • 4 additional hours are required for each additional player at any level.

Volunteer opportunities will be posted on the DIBS platform, where families can sign up for tasks and shifts that suit their availability. There will be a $75 "No Show Fee" for any shift signed up for but not completed.

The DIBS system will track completed volunteer hours to ensure that each family fulfills their requirement.

Want to consider more flexible volunteer options to fulfill your obligation?  Instead of working a shift, give yourself the flexibility to fit your volunteer time into your schedule and help with association management and operations.

  • Be a coach.
  • Be a Team Manager, Team Scheduler or Team Treasurer.
  • Volunteer for a MAHA board committee.  Leverage your professional skills – accounting, project management, technology, database development, sponsorship, fundraising, finance, social media, marketing, and sales by volunteering for a committee with the board.
  • Join the MAHA governing board.  Help drive improvements and help create the best possible experiences for our MAHA families.

Our goal is to have all families help support our Association by volunteering, but if you feel you will be unable to meet the volunteer requirements, we have added the ability for families to Buyout their commitment if they desire.  

The Buyout Fee:

  • $600 for your first Travel player 
  • $300 for your first Mite/6U & 8U player.
  • $300 for each additional player at any level.

If you choose to Buyout at Placements (Travel Players) or at 1st Practice (Mites/6U&8U), you will receive a 10% discount on your Buyout Fee.  That check will be cashed upon receipt.  

 

Options for payment:

  1. Check payment to MAHA dated 3/15/2025.  Will be cashed if all DIBS hours not completed. If partial hours remain, the fee will be prorated.
  2. DIBS buyout paid in full at time of Placements (Travel players)/1st Practice (Mites/6U&8U) if you plan to NOT work DIBS.  Buyout discount detailed above.

 

Next Steps:

Account Setup: You will receive an email with instructions on how to create your DIBS account and access the volunteer opportunities.

Orientation: We will host a virtual orientation session to walk you through the DIBS system and answer any questions you may have.

 

Sign-Up:

Once your account is set up, you can begin signing up for volunteer shifts that work for your schedule.

We understand that this is a new change, and we appreciate your cooperation and support as we transition to the DIBS system. Volunteering is a crucial part of keeping our hockey association thriving, and with your help, we can continue to provide a great experience for all our players and families.

 

If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to us at vbkane@gmail.com and dawnrozga@gmail.com. Thank you for your continued support and commitment to our hockey community.

 

Sincerely,

Kelli Bohm                       Kristina Bilek                                 Vickie Kane                     Dawn Rozga

President                         Vice President                               DIBS Co-Chair               DIBS Co-Chair