Volunteer "DIBs" FAQ

DIBS Volunteer Program Frequently Asked Questions

Running a successful hockey program takes time and dedication. MAHA is a volunteer-run association, and each player’s family is asked to contribute time to help keep our program strong and operating smoothly.

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DIBS Requirements

How many DIBS hours is my family required to fulfill?

Each family is required to complete:

• 10 hours for the first Travel player
• 6 hours for the first Mite, 6U, or 8U player
• 6 additional hours for each additional player at any level

When is the deadline for completing DIBS hours?

DIBS hours may be completed from the opening of registration through the completion of the State Tournaments, which is typically in mid-March.

An exception may be made when volunteers are needed for a special or late-season event.

Do I still have to participate in fundraising?

Yes. DIBS volunteer requirements are separate from the Association’s fundraising requirements.

Will DIBS hours count toward working my team’s home games?

No. Each team is responsible for staffing its own regular-season home games. These responsibilities do not count toward the family’s DIBS requirement.

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Who Can Complete DIBS Hours?

Who can volunteer to fulfill my family’s DIBS requirements?

DIBS hours may be completed by anyone who is 16 years of age or older, including:

• Parents
• Grandparents
• Older siblings
• Other family members
• Friends

Some opportunities may have a different minimum-age requirement. Any age restriction will be included in the shift description.

A person may also complete hours for another hockey family. However, the shift must be claimed under the appropriate player’s name so the correct family receives credit.

Can my DIBS credits be transferred to another family?

No. DIBS credits are non-transferable.

For example, if a Head Coach also serves on a committee, the coach cannot transfer or “gift” any additional credits to another family.

DIBS credits also do not roll over from one season to the next unless an exception is approved by the DIBS Chair because of an Association need, such as additional help at a late-season tournament.

Do I need to be registered with USA Hockey or complete a background screening to volunteer?

No. General DIBS volunteers are not required to be registered with USA Hockey or complete a background screening.

Certain Association positions may have separate registration, certification, or screening requirements.

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Available Volunteer Opportunities

What volunteer activities are eligible for DIBS credit?

Eligible activities may include:

• Home tournaments
• End-of-year tournaments
• Try Hockey for Free
• Mite Fest
• Calendar distribution and collection
• Car Wash collection
• Kiwanis Holiday Lights
• Anthony Ford Pond Hockey
• Other events designated by MAHA

What MAHA positions fulfill the DIBS requirement?

The following positions may fulfill a family’s DIBS requirement:

• On-ice coaches approved by the MAHA Hockey Operations Director
• Travel Team Managers
• Mite, 6U, and 8U Team Managers
• Team Schedulers
• Team Treasurers — limited to five DIBS hours
• Board Members
• Committee Members
• Mite Coordinators
• Locker Room Parents — limited to two people per team

How many credits will I receive for serving in a MAHA position?

Serving in an approved MAHA position generally fulfills the family’s DIBS requirement.

These are important roles within the Association. The Board of Directors reserves the right to revoke DIBS credits, in writing, when the responsibilities of the position are not being sufficiently met or performed.

Does being a Locker Room Parent count toward DIBS?

Yes. Two people per team may receive DIBS credit for serving as Locker Room Parents.

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Finding and Claiming Shifts

How can I view available DIBS shifts?

Available shifts can be found under the DIBS tab on the MAHA website at mankatohockey.com.

DIBS opportunities are managed through Crossbar and will appear as they become available.

How often are DIBS shifts posted?

Shifts are posted as volunteer opportunities become available and are claimed on a first-come, first-served basis.

Some opportunities may not be posted until shortly before the event. For example, tournament shifts may become available approximately two weeks before the tournament.

Do I need to sign up for all my hours immediately?

No. Families may claim shifts as opportunities become available throughout the season.

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Missed Shifts and Replacements

What should I do if I can no longer work a shift?

You are responsible for finding a replacement and notifying the DIBS Committee.

A minimum of 24 hours’ notice is required if you are unable to attend.

When a replacement is found, the person who originally claimed the shift remains responsible for ensuring the replacement arrives on time and completes the shift.

If you cannot find a replacement, you must either:

• Complete the shift yourself, or
• Pay the applicable $75 fee

What happens if I miss my shift?

The player’s account will be assessed a $75 No-Show Fee.

The person who originally claimed the shift is responsible for the replacement worker. The No-Show Fee may be assessed if the replacement is late or does not report for the shift.

What if none of the remaining shifts work with my family’s schedule?

You may hire a responsible person to work the shift on your behalf.

You may also pay the $75 fee for each unfulfilled DIBS hour.

What happens if I work beyond my scheduled shift?

You will receive credit for any additional time you are required to work.

After completing the shift, email the DIBS Coordinator so your time can be adjusted. This also helps MAHA improve the length and scheduling of future shifts.

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DIBS Buyout Option

How does the DIBS buyout work?

MAHA’s goal is to have all families support the Association through volunteering. However, families who are unable to meet the volunteer requirements may buy out their commitment.

The full-season buyout amounts are:

• $750 per Travel player
• $450 per Mite, 6U, or 8U player

Families will receive a 10% discount when the buyout is selected:

• At Travel tryouts, or
• On the first day of Mite, 6U, or 8U practice

Can I choose the buyout option later in the season?

Yes. Families may choose the buyout option at any time during the season.

However, the 10% discount is only available when the buyout is selected by the designated early-season deadline.

Can I buy out one child and complete volunteer hours for another child?

Yes.

What if I complete only a portion of my required hours?

The remaining requirement will be prorated at a rate of $75 per unfulfilled hour.

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Joining the MAHA Board

How can I join the MAHA Board of Directors?

MAHA Board elections are held during the Association’s Annual Meeting in April.

Anyone interested in joining the Board must have been an active committee member for at least one year.

Visitors are welcome to attend MAHA Board meetings. Meetings are generally held:

• Second Monday of each month
• 7:00 p.m.
• ASA Maverick Room

An alternative meeting location may be announced when necessary.

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Additional Questions

For questions or concerns regarding DIBS requirements, shifts, credits, or buyout options, please contact:

dibs@mankatohockey.com

Thank you for your continued support and commitment to the Mankato Area Hockey Association.