VOLUNTEER INFORMATION
2026-2027 MWHA VOLUNTEER INFORMATION
Running a successful hockey association is a LOT of work. We are a volunteer-run hockey community. To help keep things running smoothly, to ensure our association is strong, and to build community among hockey-loving families, each participating family is asked to contribute in some way.
MWHA offers two options for fulfilling your volunteer obligation. Please select your preferred option at the time of registration. Most families choose to volunteer their time, but you may also choose to "buy out" your credits with a financial contribution.
Option 1: Buyout
Families may opt out of the volunteer requirement by purchasing a buyout
- Cost: $500 first player ($250 each additional player)
- Maximum family cost: $1,000 (capped at 3 players)
- No volunteer hours required
- Buy-out is available at registration
After registration, contact the Volunteer Director and Registrar to buy-out your volunteer credits. Once payment is received, you will not be required to fulfill any volunteer credits.
Please note that a Volunteer Buy-Out and a Fundraising Buy-Out are two separate payments.
Option 2: Participate
Families who select the Participate option are required to complete volunteer credits
- Required Credits: 7 credits per player
- 1 Credit does NOT = 1 hour (# of credit(s) per opportunity will be noted on site)
- Maximum 14 credits per family (capped at 2 players)
- Incomplete credits will be charged $80 per unfilled credit
Volunteer opportunities are added to the Crossbar Volunteer Portal Portal throughout the season, so be sure to check back often. If you don't immediately see opportunities that fit your schedule, don't worry—additional shifts will be posted as game schedules, tournaments, and other events are finalized. In particular, MWHA will host a District Tournament in February, which typically requires approximately 100+ volunteer hours to support. There will be plenty of opportunities for families to fulfill their volunteer requirement throughout the season.
How does the Volunteer credit deposit check work?
If you intend to fulfill your Volunteer credits (as opposed to the buy-out option), a volunteer deposit check will be collected at registration. Please make checks payable to MWHA and include your players' names in the memo section. Your deposit check will NOT be cashed if you fulfill the required credits for the season. Please contact the Registrar with questions.
Travel Players: Your player cannot attend tryouts until a deposit check or buy-out is received.
Non-Travel Players: Your player will not be able to take the ice or be evaluated until a deposit check or buy-out is received. Additionally, no player will be allowed to take the ice if money is owed from the previous season.
Important Notice
Unpaid Volunteer Credit invoices will result in the player being ineligible to participate in the following season until the balance is paid in full. It is the responsibility of each family to monitor their credits and ensure all obligations are met in a timely manner.
All Volunteer shifts have a cancellation window depending on the type of job it could be anywhere from 2 – 7 days before the shift date. If you cannot work your shift and need to cancel prior to the allotted cancellation window, you must submit your cancellation through the volunteer site to have your name removed from the shift.
If your cancellation request is WITHIN the non-cancellation window, you are responsible for finding a replacement or taking the "no-show” charge. DO NOT submit a request to cancel your shift if it is within the non-cancellation window, as it will not be granted. In case of emergency, please email the volunteer director.
No Show or Late Cancellation Volunteer Policy
Missed Shift Fee – $80/Credit
If you (or your substitute) miss a scheduled shift or cancel within the cancellation window without finding a replacement, a $80 per shift will be charged to your MWHA account. No exceptions.
Sign-In Required for Credit
All volunteers must sign in at their shift or check in with the session coordinator (tryouts, pictures, tournaments, etc.). If no sign-in option is available, email the Volunteer Director to confirm attendance. To receive credit towards your hours, you must claim and complete a Volunteer shift listed on the MWHA website.
No sign-in or verification = no credit.
MWHA will send a confirmation email 24 hours before any missed-shift charge in case of an administrative error. Participation may also be verified with on-site volunteers.
Substitution Policy
If needed, you may have another adult (18+) cover your shift. However:
- The shift credit remains with the original volunteer
- Hours cannot be transferred outside your family
WHERE TO FIND VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES (FORMERLY "DIBS")
- Select Account in the top left corner
- Select Volunteer from the left side menu
- Scroll to review Volunteer opportunities, select More Information to view time/dates
- Select the + icon to add yourself to an open volunteer time slot
Many opportunities and options for fulfilling your Volunteer credits including:
- Coaching / Team Managers
- Board of Directors and Coordinators
- Hockey Operations Committee (“HOC”)
- Concession Stands
- Rookie Camp Volunteers
- Fundraising and Event Planning Committees/Event Volunteers
- Clinic and Try Out Volunteers
- District 3 Tournaments
- Shirley Hills Outdoor Ice Rink
- & more...
ATTENTION TRAVEL TEAMS: Each Travel Team has their own mandatory TEAM duties in addition to Volunteer Credits. Team Managers will communicate these duties (ex. running the clock/concession stand at travel home games) and assign separately. Travel team duties are NOT a part of Volunteer Credits. Travel Team duties CANNOT be bought out and are mandatory. Please note that the Orono-Westonka Warriors Co-op may differ with regards to team duty requirements.
Volunteer Commitment
Volunteer hours are essential to running MWHA and creating a great experience for our players. We appreciate your support and will continue offering flexible opportunities to help you meet your requirements.