ARTICLE I – NAME
The name of this association shall be Atlantic Amateur Hockey Association.
ARTICLE II – ADDRESS
The principal office of this organization shall be the address of the Flyers Skate Zone, Voorhees, NJ.
ARTICLE III – STATUS
AND TERRITORY
This association shall have perpetual succession, shall have no capital stock, and shall not be conducted for pecuniary profit. It is a tax exempt organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. As a non profit organization regulating amateur hockey in Delaware, New Jersey, and Eastern Pennsylvania, this association, its Officers, Directors, and other volunteer workers, assume no responsibility for injury or damages to players, coaches, or game officials under any circumstances.
ARTICLE IV - PURPOSE
The purposes of this association are:
A. To develop and encourage sportsmanship between all players for the betterment of their physical and social well being.
B. To encourage and improve the standard of ice hockey in the states of New Jersey, Eastern Pennsylvania, and Delaware.
C. To associate and affiliate with other ice hockey associations.
D. To conduct ice hockey tournaments and to select representatives for other tournaments, as sanctioned by USA Hockey or its appointees.
E. To select qualified players for USA Hockey Development camps.
F. To do any and all acts desirable in the furtherance of the foregoing purposes.
ARTICLE V - JURISDICTION
This association shall have full and final jurisdiction over all hockey related activities taking place within the geographical boundaries as designated by USA Hockey, and of the hockey and related activities of those organizations belonging to this Association.
ARTICLE VI - MEMBERSHIP In addition to the duly elected and appointed officers and members of the Board of Directors, the membership of this association shall be comprised of the following:
A. Organized ice hockey league officers.
B. Independent teams not playing in any affiliated league.
C. Teams playing in organized leagues.
D. Registered coaches, players and officials of teams qualified as members.
E. USA Hockey Officials (Directors, Referees, Officers).
F. AAHA Officers and Directors.
G. Members from other Districts, Associate and Affiliate members, as accepted by the Board of Directors of this association.
All registered teams of the Atlantic Amateur Hockey Association, as a condition of membership in good standing, shall also be required to be ‘‘Registered Team Members’’ in good standing with USA Hockey.
Suspension of Forfeiture
Such membership or allied membership, shall be subject to suspension or forfeiture in the event of a failure to comply with any of the requirements of the Bylaws, Rules and Regulations, or decisions of the Board of Directors of this association as hereinafter provided.
Expense Reimbursement
Any member violating the Bylaws, Rules and Regulations, or decisions to the Board of Directors of this association and /or USA Hockey, which violation causes this association to incur expenses, shall be liable to this association for the full amount of such expenses or part thereof as shall be determined to be reasonable by the Executive Committee of this association. The member shall be suspended until this money has been paid.
Rejection
The Board of Directors reserves the right to refuse any membership at their discretion.
ARTICLE VII - OFFICERS The officers of this association shall be:
President
Executive Vice President
Vice President of Rules and Regulations
Vice President of Suspensions, Protests, and Credentials
Vice President of Tournaments
Vice President of Player Development
Vice President of Coaching
Vice President of Officiating
Vice President of Disabled Hockey
Vice President of Rinks
Vice President of High Schools
Vice President of Men’s Adult Hockey
Vice President of Girls Hockey
Vice President of Women’s Adult Hockey
Vice President of Public Relations
Secretary
Treasurer
Election of Officers A. The officers shall be elected to office by the Board of Directors by a simple majority vote.
B. Any candidate for district office must notify the nominating chairman in writing, not later than July 1.
C. The officers shall be elected to two year terms commencing at the conclusion of the annual meeting at which they are elected and terminating at the end of the meeting at which they stand for election or reelection. The President, Vice President of Suspension, Protests and Credentials, Vice President Refereeing, Vice President of Women’s Hockey and Treasurer being elected to their office in the odd numbered years, and the remaining officers being elected in the even numbered years. The officers need not be elected from the Board of Directors.
Election
of USA Hockey Director A. The Atlantic District Director(s) to USA Hockey shall be elected by a majority for a three year term at the annual meeting of the Board of Directors. If the sufficient number of players registered with USA Hockey Warrant additional directors, the second and subsequent Directors will serve only as long as they are qualified to participate as voting members on the USA Hockey Board of Directors. When possible, the second Director should be elected in a different year than the first Director The USA Hockey Director(s) takes office immediately upon election and is seated in accordance with USA Hockey guidelines and serves until his replacement has been elected.
B. With four USA Hockey Directors, differentiate them so if we go back to below the registered number count, it would be the last one elected to be removed. Designate USA Hockey Directors with roman numerals:
I. Term 2003-06
II. Term 2004-07
III. Term 2005-08
IV. Term 2004-07
C. Any candidate for USA Hockey Director must declare to the nominating chairman in writing, not later than July 1.
D. For electing the USA Hockey Director only: only team representatives will vote, including Representative voting. A representative of an organization or league will be entitled to cast all of the votes of that league or organization. If there is more than one person in attendance representing a team or teams, they will be given the opportunity to caucus and proportionately distribute their vote or votes.
Election of a USA Hockey Participant Director
The Participant Director to USA Hockey shall be elected at the Annual Meeting of the AAHA Board of Directors by a simple majority vote and service for a term of one year. Candidates shall be nominated in accordance with the eligibility requirements of USA Hockey.
Vacancies
Vacancies in the elected officers shall be filled by appointment of the President until the next regularly scheduled Board of Directors meeting, at which time there shall be an election either for the remaining term of the vacated office or a new full two year term, whichever is appropriate. The appointment need not be from the Board of Directors.
Presidential Duties The duties of the President shall include:
A. Presiding at all meetings.
B. Performing such duties usual to the office of the President
including, but not limited to:
1. The power to call special meetings of this Association at his discretion.
2. The power to determine questions arising from emergencies not provided for in the Rules, Regulations, or Bylaws until such time as they may be acted upon by the Board of Directors at the annual meeting.
3. The right to attend and represent this association at other ice hockey meetings.
4. Fill vacancies among the Board of Directors and Officers.
5. Provide to the Executive Director of USA Hockey an annual financial report of operations as furnished to the President by the Treasurer of this organization.
6. Provide to the Executive Director of USA Hockey an annual report, in writing, or including all dues, fees and assessments to AAHA members on or before May 1, of each year.
Executive Vice
President's Duties
In the absence of the President, the Executive Vice President shall have all the powers of the President, and the responsibilities to perform all the duties of the President.
Vice President of Rules and Regulations'
Duties
The Vice President of Rules an Regulations shall be responsible for all interpretations of the Rules and Regulations and may introduce proposed rule change.
A. In the absence of the President and the Executive Vice President, the Vice President of Rules and Regulations shall have the powers, responsibilities and duties of the President.
Vice President of Suspension, Protests,
and Credentials' Duties
The Vice President of Suspensions, Protests, and Credentials shall be responsible for Protests, Suspensions, and Appeals, and is empowered to impose and enforce penalties for any violation of the Bylaws or Rules and Regulations of the AAHA or USA Hockey.
Vice President of Tournament's Duties
The Vice President of Tournaments shall be responsible to conduct District tournaments as well as Regional and/or National tournaments when the latter are held in the Atlantic District.
Vice President
of Player Development's Duties
The Vice President of Player Development shall be responsible to oversee the development of players in the Atlantic District. To continually evaluate the competitive state of hockey within the Atlantic District and make recommendations to upgrade players, coaches, teams, and leagues. Annually set the criteria and formulate the Atlantic District Festival team(s) budget, tryouts, coaching selections, team leaders and training camps.
Vice President of Coaching Duties
The Vice President of Coaching shall be responsible to oversee the development of coaching in the Atlantic District. To be the direct liaison with the leagues within the Atlantic District to assure that district coaching criteria is met, and the implementation of an Advance Coaching Education (ACE) point person for each organization. To make recommendations for continuing education programs to improve the level of coaching in the Atlantic District.
Vice President of Officiating Duties
The Vice President of Refereeing shall be responsible to oversee the development of referees in the Atlantic District. To be the direct liaison with the leagues within the Atlantic District on areas of improvement of officiating and fee structure. Make recommendations for continuing education programs to improve the level of refereeing in the Atlantic District.
Vice President of Women’s Hockey Duties
The Vice President of Women’s Hockey shall be responsible to oversee the women’s development of hockey in the Atlantic District.
Vice President of Rinks
The Vice President of Rinks shall be responsible to work with the rinks owners and managers and convey their concerns to the Executive Committee. To work with the rink owners, and managers on implementing new programs beneficial to ice rinks.
Vice President of Disabled Hockey
The Vice President of Disabled sports shall be responsible to oversee the development of sled hockey and other disabled athletes playing the sport of ice hockey.
Vice President
of Adult Hockey
The Vice President of Adult Hockey shall be responsible to oversee the development of adult hockey in the Atlantic District.
Vice President
of High School Hockey
The Vice President of High School Hockey shall be responsible to oversee the development and operation of high school hockey in the Atlantic District.
Vice President
of Public Relations
The Vice President of Public Relations shall be responsible for promoting youth hockey, obtaining funding through grant request and public relations.
Treasurer's Duties
The Treasurer of the Association shall have the following responsibilities:
A. Performs, delegate or supervise the AAHA Administrative Director or any other person designated by the Treasurer and the President as it pertains to the following:
a. Receiving and depositing all funds due the Association into the associations account.
b. Approve Expenditures (The Treasurer and/or the President are the only individuals who can approve expenditures)
c. Writing of checks
d. Prepare a monthly report of activity with regard to the Associations accounts.
B. Shall render the annual Treasurer's report.
C.Provide to the President an annual financial report of operations to furnish to the Executive Director of USA Hockey.
D. Shall provide for the continuance of coverage under the general liability insurance policy maintained by USA Hockey and to obtain additional insurance coverage if deemed necessary by the Executive Committee of AAHA. Any such additional coverage will be at the expense of AAHA and name USA Hockey as an additional insured thereof.
E. Shall maintain in full force and effect at all times directors’ and officers’ liability insurance and name USA Hockey as an additional insured there under.
F. File all necessary federal, state and local governmental forms to maintain the tax-exempt status of this organization. Also, to cooperate with USA Hockey in the event that AAHA is included in a group exemption letter.
G. Shall submit for approval to the Board of Directors and Officers at the annual meeting a preliminary budget for the upcoming year of all anticipated expenditures of the AAHA in its entirety.
Secretary's Duties
The secretary shall appropriately advise the officers, members of the Board of Directors, and membership of meetings and other important information, publish and maintain the Minutes of the Annual Meeting, and other Board of Directors meetings in a timely manner. The Secretary shall oversee the annual distribution of copies of the latest Atlantic Amateur Hockey Association Bylaws, Rules and Regulations, and all amendments thereto. Copies shall also be available upon request.
ARTICLE VIII - BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The Board of Directors shall be composed of the duly elected officers, the Atlantic District USA Hockey Director, designees of USA Hockey appointed District personnel, USA Hockey Trained Registrar, Referee-in-Chief, and Coaching Program Director, the Elected Directors at Large, Zone Directors, and Directors Emeritus.
Director Emeritus
A Director Emeritus shall be a lifetime member of the Board of Directors with authority, but no responsibility to attend meetings. Directors Emeritus shall be those members nominated by a majority of the Board of Directors and elected by a majority of to Board of Directors at the Annual Meeting. They shall be nominated on the basis of their significant contribution to youth hockey and this association. The quorum requirement will not be achieved by the Director Emeritus.
Directors at Large
Individual Directors at Large and Alternates shall represent rink Owners, Game Officials, and Coaches, each one being at the Annual Meeting, by those representing those entities. They shall service a term of one (1) year.
Voting at Board of Directors
Meetings
The right to vote a the Board of Directors Meeting shall be limited to one vote for each of the following: Officers, Directors at Large, Directors Emeritus, Zone Directors, and USA Hockey Director(s). No proxy voting is permitted.
No individual serving in more than one capacity shall be entitled to more than one vote. In all meetings a majority vote will carry a motion. The President or Presiding Officers shall vote to break a tie, if only he has not already voted.
Powers of the Board The power and duties of the board shall be:
A. To elect the officers of this Association.
B. To create, amend or revise the Bylaws, Rules and Regulations.
C. To act upon any temporary ruling by the President on emergencies not provided for in the Rules and Regulations.
D. To hear and rule on appeals.
E. To remove form office with cause, any officer or member of the Board of Directors with two-thirds majority vote.
F. Act on any other items presented to the Board.
Quorum
One third of the total directors (including officers) must be present in person to constitute a quorum of the Board of Directors of this Association. The quorum will not be affected by the Director Emeritus.
Attendance
Any officer or other member of the Board of Directors unable to attend a meeting shall so communicate to the President, Executive Vice President, or Secretary, preferably in writing, and state the reason for his absence. If a Director is absent from two consecutive meetings, for reasons the Board declares to be insufficient, his resignation shall be deemed to have been tendered and accepted.
ARTICLE IX – ZONES
The duly constituted zones of this Association shall be as follows:
Zone 1 Atlantic Hockey League
Zone 2 Junior Hockey Leagues (Metropolitan Jr Hockey League and Continental Jr Hockey League each are entitled to have a voting zone director(s) based on present seasons registration as shown in paragraph B
Zone 3 New Jersey Youth Hockey League
Zone 4 Delaware Valley Hockey League
Zone 5 Pennsylvania House and Independent Teams
Zone 6 New Jersey High Schools (High School Registered Teams)
Zone 7 Pennsylvania High Schools (High School Registered Teams)
Zone 8 Delaware High Schools (High School Registered Teams)
Zone 9 Mid-Atlantic Women’s Hockey Association
Zone 10 New Jersey House League
Zone 11 Delaware House and Independent Leagues
Zone 12 New Jersey Senior Leagues
Zone 13 Pennsylvania Senior Leagues
Zone 14 Delaware Senior Leagues
Election Procedures
Term of Office
The term of office for Zone Directors shall be from June 1st to May 31st of the following year.
Zone Directors Meeting A. The zone shall hold elections no later than June 1st, for the purpose of electing zone chairman, directors, and alternates to service a one year term. The elections hall be run by a district officer or appointee.
B. Based on present season’s registration, as of April 30th, of that year, a Zone shall elect one Director with 150-400 players, two Directors with 401-800 players, three Directors with 801-1200 players, four Directors with 1201 or more players. There shall be as many alternate directors as elected directors.
C. All registered teams of the Zone must receive actual notice of the forthcoming elections for Zone Directors. Consistent with the Bylaws of this Organization, Zone Chairman shall have the responsibility of setting the time and place of the meeting.
D. Written notice of the meeting shall precede the meeting date by no less than two weeks, with copies to the President, Secretary and Executive Vice President of this Association, and the incumbent Zone Directors and Alternates of that Zone.
Voting A. The Director receiving the largest number of votes shall be the Chairman, and he shall see that the responsibilities for that Zone are carried out. Alternate Directors will be those candidates receiving the next highest number of votes received in the election, and will service in the order of their election. There shall be no proxy voting.
B. A registered team within an organization or association may cast its ballot(s) through an authorized member of the organization or association. However, no representative may cast ballots for more than one organization or association where more than one member of an organization is in attendance, the votes shall be divided proportionately.
C. Voting shall be cumulative, Cumulative voting is a system of voting, by which the elector having the number of Directors to be chosen, is allowed to concentrate the whole number of votes upon one person or to distribute them as he may see fit. For example, if ten Directors are to be elected, then, under the system, the voter may cast ten votes for one person, or five votes for each of two persons, etc. It is intended to secure representation of a minority.
D. In the absence of zone elections by June 1st, or other vacancies during the year, the President shall have the power to appoint Directors and Alternates.
Legal Representatives
A. Only those team representatives appearing on the official registration shall be entitled to represent that team at the time of the election, or meetings called by the AAHA, except that said representatives may designate an alternate of the representative submits in writing to the AAHA Secretary, the name of the alternate not less than 72 hours in advance of the election or meeting. Representative not registered with the election meeting Chairman at the time of the close of nominations will not be permitted to vote.
Duties
and Responsibilities of Zone Chairman
A. Contact and assist all teams and organizations, in their zone, and where possible, attend meetings of the member organizations in order to conduct educational programs. In part, the educational programs should include such aspects as AAHA and USA Hockey rules relating to the following:
1. Use of USA Hockey Officials during games
2. The Coaching Achievement Program
3. Prohibition against playing non-registered teams, without approval from USA Hockey District Registrar
4. Twenty game for team and ten game per player rule for player eligibility requirements
5. Score sheets requirements
6. Age classifications
7. Age validation and club responsibilities thereto
8. Zone election procedures
9. Procedures relating to suspensions and appeals
B. Seek out non-registered teams located in their zone and encourage such teams to register with USA Hockey and the AAHA.
C. Encourage and assist in the formation and participation of organized hockey leagues.
D. Develop and encourage participation of club leaders to become active in AAHA activities.
E. Zone Chairman should call regular meetings with the registered teams for the purpose of education the membership with current USA Hockey and AAHA happenings, through communication, both verbal and written.
Duties and Responsibilities of Zone Directors
Zone Directors are to attend Board of Directors and General Membership meetings.
Duties and Responsibilities of Alternate
Directors
An alternate director will serve at a Board of Directors meeting for an absent director in the order of their appoint, based on the number of votes received in the Zone E.
ARTICLE X – COMMITTEES The following shall be permanent committees, each headed by a chairman, appointed by the President, (and approved by a majority of the Officers).
(A) Tournaments (B) Nominating (C) Safety.
Each committee shall include the President and Executive President as voting members of the committee.
Duties and Responsibilities of Committees A. The Tournament Committee Chairman shall oversee and be responsible for District Tournaments.
B. The Nominating Committee shall make nominations at the Annual Meeting for the Posts of district officers, USA Hockey Director and District Directors Emeritus.
C. The Safety Committee shall be presided over by the Safety Officer, appointed by the President. The Safety officer shall participate as a member of the Executive Committee (with all responsibilities and protection pertaining thereto). This permanent committee shall be responsible for the following:
1. The surveying of all rinks in the affiliate to obtain safety data including their emergency response capabilities.
2. Recommend an emergency response program for members and a uniform injury reporting system.
3. Assist in the education of members, the recommending of individual safety programs and resolution of all matter pertaining to safety.
4. Any and all other duties, with the approval of the President, appropriate in insure the safe conduct of hockey in this Affiliate
ARTICLE XI – DISTRICT BOARD OF DIRECTORS
MEETINGS
Date
The Board of Directors shall meet at an annual meeting no later than the third Saturday in August. All board meetings are open.
Only at the annual meeting can elections and by-law changes be voted upon (except any business having to do with players, team or tournament fee for upcoming season).
A Mid-winter Executive Committee meeting will be held no later than the fourth Saturday in January.
The time, date and place of all meetings are set by the President and communicated by the Secretary.
Notice
Written notice by the Secretary, including a proposed agenda for the meeting, shall precede the meeting no less than three (3) weeks.
Agenda Items
All items to be placed on the agenda for a June annual meeting shall be received by the Secretary, in writing, by May 1. All items to be placed on the agenda for a July annual meeting shall be received by the Secretary, in writing, by June 1. All items to be placed on the agenda for an August annual meeting shall be received by the Secretary, in writing, by July 1.
Non-Agenda Items
Any item not properly presented for the agenda may be voted upon only with the unanimous consent of the Board of Directors to add it to the agenda. Any change adopted shall not become effective for twelve months, unless it is passed by at least an 80% majority of the Board of Directors present and voting.
Special Meetings
Special meetings may be called by the President at any time, Provided at least two weeks notice is given.
Order of Business The order of business at the annual meeting shall be as follows, unless changed by the President.
A. Roll Call and proof of notice
B. Election of Directors at Large
C. Minutes of previous meeting
D. Treasurers Report
E. President’s Report
F. USA Hockey Appointee’s Reports
G. Committee Reports
H. Election of Officers, and directors Emeritus (when necessary)
I. Election of USA Hockey Directors (when necessary)
J. Unfinished business
K. New business, including changes to these rules
L. Presentation of Awards
M. Awarding of tournaments and setting dates
N. Announcement of date, time and site for next Annual Meeting
O. Adjourn
Items Withdrawn or Rejected
Any item in the same form or substantially similar form, as so determined by the President, to one which was rejected or withdrawn at a previous meeting of the Board of Directors cannot be placed on the agenda for the next annual meeting, unless it receives a two thirds majority vote to be placed on the agenda.
Voting Procedure
At all meeting of the Board of Directors, voting shall be by a show of hands or cards, unless the President decides on a written ballot.
Meeting Procedures
Robert’s Rules of Order shall govern conduct of all meeting of the Board of Directors, unless modified by these Bylaws.
ARTICLE XII - AMENDMENTS
Amendment Procedure
These articles may be amended, added to, repealed, or suspended with prior written notice at any meeting of the Board of Directors.
ARTICLE XIII - USA HOCKEY
PREEMINENCE
The Atlantic Amateur Hockey Association, an Affiliate Association of USA Hockey, Inc., shall abide by and act in accord with the Articles of Incorporation, Bylaws, Rules and Regulations, and decision of the Board of Directors of USA Hockey and such documents and decisions shall take precedence over and supersede all similar governing documents and or decisions of the Atlantic Amateur hockey Association. Further, the Atlantic Amateur Hockey Association (i) shall assist USA Hockey in the administration and enforcement of the provisions of the Bylaws, Rules and Regulations and decision of the Board of Directors of USA Hockey, within and upon its members and/or within its jurisdiction and (ii) agrees to be guided by the following core values of USA Hockey:
Sportsmanship
Foremost of all values is to learn a sense of fair play. Become humble in victory,
gracious in defeat.
Respect for the Individual
Treat all others as your expect to be treated.
Integrity
We seek to foster honesty and fair play beyond mere strict interpretation of
the rules and regulations of the game.
Pursuit of Excellence at the Individual,
Team and Organizational Levels
Each member of the organization, whether player, volunteer or staff, should
seek to perform each aspect of the game to the highest level of his or her ability.
Enjoyment
It is important for the hockey experience to be fun, satisfying and regarding
for the participant.
Loyalty
We aspire to teach loyalty to the ideals and fellow members of the sport of
hockey.
Teamwork
We value the strength of learning to work together. The use of teamwork, is
reinforced and rewarded by success in the hockey experience.
ARTICLE XIV - USA HOCKEY
INDEMNITY
The Atlantic Amateur Hockey Association, and Affiliate Association of USA Hockey, Inc., shall indemnity and hold harmless USA Hockey, the Board of Directors of USA Hockey and each member of, the Executive Committee of USA Hockey and each member thereof, councils and committees of USA Hockey and each member thereof, and all others elected, appointed, employed or volunteer representatives of USA Hockey form any and all claims, lability, judgements, costs, attorneys’ fees, charges, or expenses whatsoever, arising form the acts and omissions of Atlantic Amateur Hockey Association, except to the extent (i) that USA Hockey of its aforedescribed representatives caused such claims, liability, judgements, costs, attorneys’ fees, charges or expenses by their own intentional neglect or default or (ii) that such as or omissions were the direct result of compliance with the Articles of Incorporations, Bylaws, Rules and Regulations Playing rules or decisions of the Board of Directors of USA Hockey. Further, the Atlantic Amateur Hockey Association understands and acknowledges that USA Hockey and its aforedescribed representatives have assumed such assignment function, office or capacity upon the express understanding, agreement, and condition that they be indemnified and saved harmless to the extent described in this bylaw.
USA Hockey shall reasonably cooperate with Affiliate in any litigation and provide reasonable support in connection therewith, including but not limited to advice and testimony upon reasonable request: provided, however, that such cooperation shall not require USA Hockey to incur any out of pocket expense not reimbursed by Affiliate.
ARTICLE XV – EQUAL
OPPORTUNITY
The Atlantic Amateur Hockey Association provides an equal competitive opportunity, taking into account ability, physical size and other athletic criteria, to amateur athletes, coaches, trainers, managers, administrators, and officials to participate, consistent with the requirements of the Amateur Sports Act of 1978, as amended, in amateur athletic competition without discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex, or national origin.
Abuse
The Atlantic Amateur Hockey Association prohibits all sexual and physical abuse and supports the criteria dealing with these issues as established by USA Hockey.
