Registration
1. Each team must complete a team registration form in duplicate and file with
the district registrar.
2. A team becomes a member in the Atlantic Amateur Hockey Association
upon payment to USA Hockey/AAHA Registrar of the total team registration fees,
including all tournament bound and registered league fees.
Classification and Declarification
3. Teams are to declare their classification level on their registration form.
Failure to declare will result in the team being assigned to the open level.
District Determination 4. USA Hockey requires that teams register in the district where 80 percent or more of the members reside, failing in this, then the district with the largest number of home games in the preceding season. Where an organization participates in an AAHA registered league they will be allowed to register in the AAHA full participation rights, subject to the approval of their district.
Fees 5. The annual fees for registered players will be set by the Board of Directors at the Annual Meeting.
Liability Insurance 6. USA Hockey fees automatically include a charge for inclusion under the liability insurance policy protecting all members from specified suits. INSURANCE BECOMES EFFECTIVE ON THE DATE THAT YOUR TEAM IS FULLY REGISTERED AND ALL FEES ARE PAID IN FULL.
Eligibility Date 7. Teams must be registered before the start of league or exhibition games, but in any event not later than December 31, of the playing season to be eligible for District, Regional, and National tournaments.
Games Prior to Registration 8. No game played before a team/organization is officially registered with completed T-1and T-2 USA Hockey forms shall count to fulfilling the 10/20 or 10/14 game player/team requirements for post season tournament eligibility.
Organizational Registration 9. For a team to be considered in good standing, all of its affiliated teams must be registered. This includes house league and clinic programs.
Registration Expiration
10. Team registration expiries August 31, of each year.
Renewal
11. Membership in this association must be renewed annually.
Coaches and Manager
12. All teams registering with AAHA and USA Hockey must have a head coach and assistant coach(s) in good standing. These individuals must be identified on the team registration form, player roster form, and on the score sheet, along with their CEP card number. The replacement and addition of managers and coaches must be reported immediately.
13. All coaches must have attained at least the Level I (Initiation Level) of USA Hockey Coaching Education Program (CEP). All coaches are defined as the Head Coach and the Assistant Coach(es) of the same team. All coaches must be of appropriate classification level for the team in which they are coaching in any capacity (head, assistant, bench, or practice). The following levels, which are administered and/or waived by the District Coaching Program Director, must be obtained in order to be a coach in good standing in the Atlantic District:
Classification Level
Mite (8&U)
Level I (Initiation)
Squirt (10& U)
Level II (Associate)
Bantam & Younger (14&U)
Level III (Intermediate)
Junior & Younger (20&U)
Level IV (Advanced) or as approved by Junior Council
H.S. Junior Varsity
Level III (Intermediate)
H.S. Varsity
Level IV (Advanced)
Women’s 19&U, 16&U
Level IV (Advanced)
Women’s 14&U
Level III (Intermediate)
Women’s 12&U
Level II (Associate)
Women’s 10&U
Level I (Initiation)
Sled Hockey
Level II (Associate)
CEP Level
Prerequisite
Level I (Initiation)
None
Level II (Associate)
Level I (Initiation)
Level III (Intermediate)
Level I & II + One (1) year of Coaching experience
Level IV (Advanced)
Level I, II, & III + Three (3) years of Coaching experience
A coach may attempt two (2) levels of coaching education per year.
In order for a Level I and Level II coach’s accreditation to be considered “current” for a given season, it must have been achieved during the calendar year (January 1-December 31) in which the season begins.
In order for a Level III (Intermediate) coach’s accreditation to be considered “current” for a given season, it must have been achieved during the calendar year in which that season begins, or the preceding calendar year.
A coach may extend status to become current of his/her Level II (Associate) or Level III (Intermediate) accreditation for one (1) season by attending and completing an approved USA Hockey Coaching Education Workshop.
It will be the responsibility of the league to receive from each of their individual clubs by October 15, a list of all coaches with that clubs teams as well as a copy of the front and back of the coach’s cards to confirm that each coach within that organization within the league are of the proper level of accreditation.
If the coaches are not accredited, the leagues will then notify the organizations involved. It will then be the responsibility of the league to follow up with the organizations as to the activation of current accreditation. If an organization allows a coach who is not accredited or not of the proper level to continue to stay on the bench after December 31, the final date for coaching accreditation, the organization will be subject to a fine of $175.00 per coach, the coach will be officially suspended until the league allows a hearing, and the team involved may not be allowed to participate in District/Regional Playoffs.
Temporary coaching cards may be issued at the request of the league to the Coach in Chief, or Coaching Administrator to allow a coach to stay on the bench without proper accreditation. The Coach in Chief and or the District President has the final say as to whether or not the temporary coaching card will be issued. No temporary cards will be issued after December 31 of that season.
In order to be eligible to represent the Atlantic District as a head or assistant coach or coach any team of select players sanctioned to represent the Atlantic District at events including, but not limited to the Chicago Showcase, and District, Regional, or National Development Camps, Festival, or Select Programs, he/she must hold current USA Hockey coaching accreditation of least the Advanced Level. At the discretion of the District (Coaching Program Director after consulting with the Player Development Program Director and the District President, the head coach or assistant coach may be exempt from obtaining the Advanced Level credentials.
The Atlantic District will have an ACE District Administrator appointed by the District Coach-In-Chief. Each local association must appoint an individual to be their association’s ACE Coordinator and notify the District/Affiliate ACE Administrator of that appointment.
The Association Coaching and Education (ACE) Coordinator is an individual who serves as the administrative link to USA Hockey and its Coaching Education Program (CEP). In their role, ACE Coordinators will organize and manage many CEP requirements, assist the local association in the development of a well-trained coaching staff, promote parent education and provide clear goals and objectives for player skill development.
All ice hockey coaches and instructors of registered USA Hockey youth/high school, disabled, girls’/women’s 19 & under and below programs must properly wear an ice hockey helmet during all on-ice sessions, including practices, controlled scrimmages and coach and referee clinics (seminars), with the exception of when a team official is tending to an injured player.
Any ice hockey coaches and instructors found in violation of this rule by their organization, league or the Atlantic District shall be subject to a recommended suspension of not less than 30 days.
Dual League Participation 14. Teams participating in more than one league, shall be declared for tournament purposes to be participating in the highest level of classification of which they are participating for tournament eligibility.
Player Movement/Rostering 15. All teams must roster players on USA Hockey Player Roster form to be eligible for tournament play.
16. During the season, the player agrees to play ice hockey exclusively for the club, with the exception that the player may participate in playing hockey for his high school, prep school or for any district sponsored teams.
Player rostering shall take place after September 1st. Any player who A) signs an official roster form, which has been filed with USA Hockey registration and B) plays at least one game after the roster has been filed, shall not be rostered on another tournament bound team, unless receives a written release from an officer of the club, who is not related to the player.
Definition of a season – the date which the player commitment contract was signed through 48 hours after Nationals of that season, whichever is shorter.
Signing period – a player may be signed to a commitment contract for the following season after the final tryout and/or evaluations
Player Movement – All players are free to tryout for any team or organization 48 hours after USA Hockey’s National Youth Tournaments. After a player commitment contract is signed, there will be no player movement without a written release from his or her organization.
Exceptions:
If a player’s residence is relocated 50 miles from existing residence location
Movement between tiers is permissible only with the consent of both clubs
If either of these two exceptions are granted, the financial obligations will be pro-rated and must be satisfied before being allowed to play for another organization. The pro-rated minimum is $500.00
Releases and Appeals 17. No player from any USA Hockey Affiliate or District may register or participate on a team within the Atlantic District if such player owes any financial obligation, including, unreturned equipment, to any previous team or organization registered within any USA Hockey Affiliate or District.
At the end of each season, the Atlantic District will compile a list of all registered District players who are claimed to owe an outstanding financial obligation by their previous Atlantic District team or organization. No player whose name appears on the outstanding financial list shall be rostered with another Atlantic District team (regardless of youth or adult) until the outstanding financial obligation has been discharged or satisfied and a release issued by the District or the team or club that placed the player on the outstanding financial list.
Any player who is denied a release after having been notified has the right to the review and appeal of such denial in accordance with the provisions of this rule and Article V; Section C. of the District’s Rules and Regulations.
Mediation and Review. A player who is denied a release shall have the right to a prompt and reasonably unbiased mediation and review of his release claim upon written notice to the team or organization that has refused to provide the release.
Conduct of the Mediation and Review. Within a reasonable period of time following the receipt of the Player’s request for mediation and review, a reasonably unbiased representative of the team or club shall meet with the player, and in the case of a minor, with his parents or guardians, in person, and review the circumstances of the release claim. The representative shall be prepared to demonstrate through the team/club’s records or other material evidence that the player either owes a financial obligation to the team or club or such other facts as shall substantiate the denial of the release sought. The objective of the mediation and review is to allow the parties the informal opportunity to amicably settle any disputed release claims before any appeal is taken. Mediation and Review must occur before an appeal to the league can be processed.
League Appeals. In the event that a release dispute cannot be settled by Mediation and Review, the Player may present a written appeal for a release to the President of the League in which the player’s team competes. Appeals involving independent teams that do not compete in a District League shall be presented directly to the District Vice President of Suspensions and Appeals as set forth below.
Conduct of League Appeal. Within a reasonable period of time following the receipt of the player’s request for a League Appeal, the League President shall conduct a hearing into the facts surrounding the release request. The League President shall have broad discretion in conducting the hearing which may be formal or informal, conducted by the President personally or by appointed committee and be by live witness or by submission of records by the parties. Hearings may be conducted in person, telephonically or electronically at the discretion of the League President.
Decision by the League President. Within seven (7) days of the date of the conclusion of the hearing the League President shall render a written decision which shall contain a brief finding of facts, conclusions and order.
District Appeal. Within seven (7) days of the receipt of the League President’s decision, any aggrieved party may file a written appeal to the District Vice President of Suspensions and Appeals. The District appeal shall be governed by Article V of the Rules and Regulations and prevailing District Policies relating to appeals.
Junior Player Protection
18. Teams registered as Junior Tier I-A, Tier II-AA, Tier III – A, B, C, D are permitted to protect their players through USA Hockey and AAHA between seasons.
Dual Rostering
19. Players may only appear on one USA Hockey roster of teams eligible to participate toward USA Hockey National Tournaments, except Junior, where a name may appear only on one roster. High School rosters are not affected by this rule.
Birth Certificates 20. The team coach or manager must have copies of birth certificates for each of his players. (Baptismal or hospital certificates are not acceptable).
Official's Memberships
Official's Registration 21. Officials must be registered with USA Hockey. Registration is made by forwarding their application to USA Hockey District Referee-In-Chief.
Zone Referees in Chief 22. Zone (League) Referee-In-Chief designation is appointed by the League, subject to the approval of USA Hockey District Referee-In-Chief.
Training Clinics
23. USA Hockey Referee-In-Chief shall coordinate all training clinics for officials.
Registered Officials List 24. USA Hockey Referee-In-Chief shall publish, after December 31st, for tournament purposes, a list of all registered officials to all members of the AAHA Board of Directors.
ARTICLE II - TEAM CLASSIFICATIONS
Classification Level 25. Team classifications for the Atlantic Amateur Hockey
Association shall be USA Hockey classifications at all levels.
House Leagues 26. House league teams are teams that play primarily in that one organization's rink(s) (not more than 10 outside games), must have a minimum of three teams per age level, and the players are distributed among the teams for the purpose of even competition.
ARTICLE III - NON-REGISTERED TEAMS AND ORGANIZATION
Games Against Non-USA Hockey Teams
27. A registered team shall not play a non registered team or team under suspension
by the AAHA or USA Hockey.
28. Registered teams may play non registered high school, preparatory
school, or college team with prior permission form USA Hockey registrar.
Penalty
29. Any team violating any of the foregoing rules will be declared ineligible
for District, Regional, or National Tournaments.
30. Players playing on non registered teams are ineligible for
AAHA District Tournaments or USA Hockey Player camps.
31. Any organization, teams, individual affiliated directly or
indirectly with a non-USA Hockey team or organization except with respect to
Varsity status academic institutions shall be subject to suspension.
ARTICLE IV - PLAYING RULES
USA Hockey Rules
32. The official USA Hockey playing rules shall be used in all classes.
USA Hockey Officials
33. All games are under the jurisdiction of the AAHA and must be officiated
by USA Hockey officials.
Penalty Downgrade 34. Officials may not reduce a penalty once play resumes or after a scoresheet is signed, whichever occurs first.
35. Scoresheets, in quadruplicate, are required for all exhibition games, regular league games, and playoff games. One copy of each scoresheet shall go to each team and the official.
Jurisdiction 36. As for jurisdictional purpose a game shall be defined as follows: When two hockey teams occupy the same ice surface for the purpose of competition play and complete at least 2 periods of play.
Automatic Suspension Penalty Report 37. All match infractions, and refusal of teams to start or continue play must be reported, in writing, by the referee to the League Commissioner and/or the Vice President of Suspensions, Protests and Appeals or the appropriate league official within 24 hours.
Mites 8&U, 6&U 38.Listed below is the chart are the rules for all Mites in the Atlantic District
39. There will be no exceptions to the rules for the 8&U and 6&U. Any violations shall result in sanctions by AAHA and/or participating league against the offending organization and possible suspension to offending coaches and/or team officials.
ARTICLE V - RESOLUTION OF DISPUTES, ARBITRATION AND SUSPENSIONS
A. Resolution of Disputes, Exclusive Remedy
1. Scope of procedure - For all claims, demands or disputes having any impact on ice hockey or between, by or among Members of USA Hockey which fall within the jurisdiction of this bylaw (collectively, “Disputes”), the procedures established in this Bylaw shall constitute the sole and exclusive remedy for dispute resolution.
2. Purpose - The specific purpose this Bylaw is to provide for a uniform method of resolving all disputes and to utilize the specific skills, expertise and background of people experienced in hockey and sports administration matters. The procedures contained in this Bylaw are sometimes referred to collectively as the “Dispute Resolution Procedure”. It is the further purpose of this Bylaw to provide an administrative procedure that is a full and complete substitute for any court proceedings.
3. Protected Competition Defined
- As used herein, the term “Protected Competition” shall have the meaning ascribed to it in Article I, Section 2 of the USOC Constitution. Without limiting the foregoing, such term shall include competition by Registered Team Members or Allied Members in the following international ice hockey competitions: The Olympic Games, Pan American Games, Operation Gold, World Championships or International Championships recognized by the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF), the Paralympic Games, or an International Paralympic Committee – recognized World Championship in events on the Paralympic Games program and any domestic amateur hockey competition or event organized and conducted by USA Hockey in its selection proceedings and publicly announced in advance as a competition or event directly qualifying each successful competitor therein as an athlete representing the United States in a competition listed under the preceding clause. For purposes of the foregoing definition of Protected Competition, actual tryouts for the team which will participate in competition set forth in shall be included (See USA Hockey Annual Guide Bylaw 10(e) for suspension procedures.
4. Domestic Competition Defined -
As used herein, the term “Domestic Competition” shall mean any ice hockey competition other than Protected Competition.
5. Submission to Dispute Resolution Procedure
- Each registered team member, allied member, and other person within the jurisdiction of USA Hockey (including, but not limited to each parent, guardian, agent or other person, and each Affiliate Association, league, club, sponsor, facility or other group or organization) agrees to abide by this Dispute Resolution Procedure by virtue of membership, affiliation or participation at any time in USA Hockey or a sanctioned USA Hockey game or program.
6. Failure to Follow Process - In addition to any other sanctions applicable hereunder, the failure to follow and abide by this Dispute Resolution Procedure may subject a District member, a person or participant within the jurisdiction of the Atlantic District of USA Hockey, and any person or entity representing, participating with or aiding such member, to the following:
(a) Shall make a Member, and any person or entity representing, participating with or aiding such Member, liable for any and all expenses and costs, direct and indirect, and including reasonable court costs and attorney fees and the value of volunteer time, incurred by USA Hockey, its Affiliate Associations, directors, officers, or agents; and
(b) In USA Hockey’s and/or the Affiliate Association’s discretion, such person may be immediately suspended and/or disqualified from membership and forfeiture of the right to participate in USA Hockey or any of its sanctioned events or any of its Affiliate Associations.
(c) District Decisions Are Final – All decisions of the District in matters brought under this Bylaw are final.
B. Suspensions Generally/Domestic
Competition [WHEN HEARING IS REQUIRED]
1. General - Except as set forth under paragraph (2) of this Article V, no Registered Team Member, Allied Member, or Affiliate Association and other persons within the jurisdiction of USA Hockey (including, but not limited to each parent, guardian, agent, or other person, and each, league, club, sponsor, facility or other group or organization) engaged in Domestic Competition or participation at any time in USA Hockey or a sanctioned USA Hockey game or program, who is alleged to have failed to comply with or who has allegedly violated any of these Bylaws or the Applicable rules, or to have otherwise engaged in conduct unsuitable for the sport of ice hockey, may be suspended from participation, unless such party shall have received a prior hearing as provided for in Article V-C(Non-olaying rule violations) or Article V-D (Playing Rule violations).
2. Prior Hearing Not Required -
Except as Otherwise stated in this paragraph (2), the suspensions listed below shall not require a prior hearing under Article V-C (Non-playing rule violations) or Article V-D (Playing rule violations)hereof.
(a) Playing Rule Suspension -
USA Hockey playing rules suspensions which are expressly permitted by such playing rules (“Playing Rule Suspension”) shall not require Article V-10D suspension hearing (“Playing Rule Hearing”), provided, however, that a Playing Rule Suspension shall require a Playing Rule Hearing if the suspension occurs as a result of imposition of a match penalty, and in such event a hearing shall be held in accordance with the requirements of Article V-10D. Any Playing Rule Suspension shall remain in force and be final unless modified or revoked at a hearing.
(b) Officiating Suspensions -
In the case of a suspension of an official:
1) The Atlantic Amateur Hockey Association (AAHA) through its Vice President of Protests, Suspensions and appeals shall have the authority to suspend a referee up to ten (10) days and
2) The Atlantic Amateur Hockey Association (AAHA) shall have the authority to suspend a referee after a hearing or in accordance with a summary suspension pursuant to the bylaws, rules and regulations of the suspending authority.
3) The boycotting of any game(s) by any official(s) due to any disciplinary action taken in accordance with these Bylaws shall subject said official(s) to additional sanctions as may be invoked by the The Atlantic Amateur Hockey Association (AAHA) subjected to said boycott after a hearing.
4) If any registered USA Hockey official is restricted or denied assignment eligibility for any USA Hockey game by an officials’ organization or group of officials (“Officials Organization”), except for good cause shown in accordance with the Officials’ Organization written rules and then only for a limited duration without a hearing as provided herein, then said Officials Organization shall be subject to suspension or expulsion in accordance with the rules and regulations herein and that restriction or denied assignment shall have no effect.
(c) Assault of Game Official -
With respect to suspensions resulting from assaults on gameofficials from match penalties in violation of Rule 601(g)1 or 601(j)1(Physical Assault on Game Officials) of USA Hockey’s PlayingRules, there shall be immediate suspension from all USA Hockey sanctioned games and practices and a hearing under Article V 10.D. (Playing Rule violations) by the Atlantic District (AAHA), which shall exercise originaljurisdiction in the matter. If the match penalty is affirmed, the player or team official may be suspended for not less than one calendar year with one calendar year probation thereafter. Any game official assessing said penalty shall file with his/her USA Hockey District Referee-in-Chief a written game report within forty-eight (48) hours of the incident. The Referee-in-Chief shall immediately investigate the incident and promptly submit a written opinion, together with the game sheets and reports to the suspending authority, indicating whether the incident is applicable under Rule 601(g)1 or 601(j)1 or is more applicable under a different playing rule. A copy of the Referee-in-Chief’s written report and opinion shall be sent by the suspending authority to both the player, team official and game official involved.
(d) Summary Suspension - Summary suspensions may be permitted pursuant to the bylaws,rules and regulations of the Atlantic District (AAHA), only in those cases where aparticipant has been assaulted, or subject to physical or sexualabuse as described in the policies of USA Hockey, or otherviolations of USA Hockey policies as set out in the Annual Guide,or the Atlantic District’s (AAHA) comparable policies, that have been reviewed, andapproved by USA Hockey, and shall not require a pre-suspensionhearing for purposes of this Article V -B. The suspended party, atthe time of notice of the suspension, must be provided writtennotice of the right to request a hearing. In the event the suspendedperson requests a hearing from the suspending authority, thathearing shall be held in accordance with Article V-C. (Non-PlayingRule violations). In order to request a hearing of a summarysuspension, the suspended party must request the hearing inwriting by notice to the suspending authority within seven (7) days ofbeing notified of the suspension.
C. Suspension Hearings / Domestic Competition
(Non Playing Rules)
This Article V-C applies to matters not involving alleged violations of USAHockey’s Playing Rules, and applies with respect to Domestic Competitionand all other violations of USA Hockey or Atlantic District (AAHA) Bylaws, policies, rules, orregulations which are not governed by Article V-D. (Playing Rules).
1. General - Any person or organization
("Party") who:
(a) Has the right to a hearing where the decision may impose a
suspension under Article V.B; or,
(b) Desires to contest a suspension under Article V-B., where no hearing was held and the suspended Party has requested a hearing in writing by notice to the suspending authority within seven (7) days of being notified of the suspension, is entitled to a hearing as set forth in this Article V-C.
2. Hearing Procedure - Any hearing convened under this Article V-.C shall be conducted underthe following:
(a) Initial Hearing - The suspending authority may appoint a hearing committee, which is to be a minimum of three (3) persons andmust be reasonably disinterested and impartial. In the case of thesuspension of a referee, the Atlantic District (AAHA)Referee-in-Chief, or his/her designee, shall serve on the hearingcommittee.
(b) Hearing Time Frame - The hearing committee shall offer to hold a hearing and that offer shall be to hold the hearing within thirty (30) days of: (i) receipt of the demand for the hearing or (ii) notification of the completion of an appropriate investigation of the facts giving rise to the proposed suspension, but not to generally exceed sixty (60) days from receipt of the demand for the hearing. Any suspension pending a hearing shall remain in effect until a decision is rendered.
(c) National Team Person as a Party
- If any Party is on a national team of USA Hockey, upon writtennotice to the suspending authority from the national team coach,general manager or team leader that the Party is scheduled forinternational competition as a representative of the national teamwithin thirty (30) days of the event supporting the suspension, thesuspending authority shall notify the Executive Director of USAHockey and transfer jurisdiction to USA Hockey for the procedures.
(d) Hearing Notice - The hearing committee shall provide at least seven (7) days noticeof the convening of the hearing to the Party, the person(s) orparty(s) proposing suspension, and other interested party(s) whoshall be included at the discretion of the hearing committee. TheParty, and each person or party proposing suspension, aresometimes referred to herein as “parties” or “party.”
(e) Hearing Location - The hearing shall be convened in a location which is accessible to
the Party or via telephone conference.
(f) Hearing Procedure - The Party shall be afforded a fair hearing, which shall include, but not necessarily be limited to:
1) Reasonable notice of the grounds for the proposed suspension, but any grounds supported by the evidence presented may be considered in reaching a decision;
2) The possible consequences of an adverse finding;
3) The reasonable opportunity to present their case and argument in accordance with the suspending authority’s rules;
4) The appeal procedure when a decision is rendered.
(g) Conduct of Hearing - The hearing committee may, in its discretion, hold a formal or informal hearing, hear any evidence it believes is relevant to the issue(s) before it, place limits on time, evidence and documentation, have witnesses or written statements, establish other hearing rules so long as each party is treated in a substantially equal manner. The Rules of Evidence in Judicial Proceedings shall not apply to this hearing.
(h) Burden of Proof - The burden of proof shall be on the party proposing the suspension
by a preponderance of the evidence. (i.e., more likely true than not true).
(i) Decision - The hearing committee will use reasonable efforts to: (i) render itsdecision to the parties to the hearing within five (5) business daysof the close of the hearing; and, (ii) prepare and deliver a writtendecision to the parties to the hearing within fifteen (15) businessdays of the close of the hearing. The written decision shall containfindings of material facts, conclusions and the order of the hearingcommittee.
(j) Written Record - Any party may request, in writing and prior to the hearing, that awritten record of the hearing be made. Upon that request, thehearing committee shall provide for a written record which mayconsist of a recording, audio or video, of the hearing at thediscretion of the hearing committee. The cost of providing for acourt reporter’s transcript shall be paid for by the party who desiressuch a record.
(k) Scope of Suspension - Except as set forth in these Bylaws, any suspension invoked afterthe hearing by a league or local program shall be in effect only forthe program governed by the suspending authority, subject to theAtlantic District’s (AAHA) authority toreview, affirm, extend or modify the action taken. If the suspension imposed is to extendthe suspension beyond its jurisdictional, geographical territory, itshall advise the Executive Director of USA Hockey of thesuspension by providing a copy of the written notice of suspensionand requesting that USA Hockey, its Districts, Affiliates, andMembers honor the suspension imposed. Thereafter, the ExecutiveDirector of USA Hockey shall promptly notify each of its Districtsand Affiliates of the suspension which shall honor the suspension.
D. Suspension Hearings / Domestic Competition (Playing Rules)
This Article V-D. applies to alleged violations of USA Hockey’s playingrules, and applies only with respect to Domestic Competition.
1. Hearing Committee - The suspending authority may appoint a hearing committee, which isrecommended to be a minimum of three (3) persons and reasonably disinterested and impartial.
2. Hearing Procedure - The Party
shall be afforded the following:
(a) Reasonable Notice of Grounds
- Reasonable notice of the grounds for the proposed suspension,along with a copy of the score sheet and/or referee report, shall beconsidered reasonable notice but any grounds supported by theevidence presented may be considered in reaching a decision.
(b) Reasonable Opportunity to Present
- The reasonable opportunity to present their case and argument inaccordance with the suspending authority’s rules, but notnecessarily the right to cross examine witnesses (which shall onlybe permitted if so decided by the hearing committee).
(c) See Documents - The opportunity to see scoresheets and the referee’s report, if any.
(d) Advised of Appeal Procedure
- The appeal procedure when a decision is rendered.
3. Conduct of Hearing - The hearing committee may, in its discretion, hold a formal or informalhearing (telephone conference); hear any evidence it believes is relevant to the issue(s) before it;place limits on time, evidence and documentation; have witnesses orwritten statements; and establish other hearing rules. The Rules ofEvidence in Judicial Proceedings shall not apply to this hearing.
4. Burden of Proof
- The burden of proof shall be on the party proposing the suspension by apreponderance of the evidence (i.e., more likely true than not true).
5. Decision
- The hearing committee will use reasonable efforts to render its decisionto the parties to the hearing within five (5) business days of the close ofthe hearing.
6. Scope of Suspension
- Except as set out in these Bylaws, any suspension invoked after thehearing shall be in effect only for the program governed by the suspending authority. If the suspension is to extend the suspension beyond its jurisdictional, geographical territory, it shall advise the Executive Director of USA Hockey of the suspension by providing a copy of the written notice of suspension and requesting that USA Hockey, its Districts, Affiliates, and Members honor the suspension imposed. Thereafter, the Executive Director of USA Hockey shall promptly notify each of its Districts and Affiliates of the suspension which shall honor the suspension.
E. Appeals
1. Right to Appeal - Except as otherwise noted, any person or entity suspended may, after a hearing inaccordance with these Articles, appeal an order of suspension as provided in this Article V-E., as follows:
(a) Playing Rule Suspension/Bylaw-Rule
Suspensions Appeal - Playing Rule Suspensions or suspensions for violations of bylawand/or rules of local, league or District organizations, or forconduct unsuitable for the sport of ice hockey, shall be appealed, asapplicable, to the board of directors of the state association, or,where no state organization exists, to the Affiliate Association’sPresidents Appeal Committee, or the designated committee of such board ofdirectors. Upon the written appeal of any person or entitysuspended, the Executive Committee of USA Hockey may allow anappeal of such suspension to be determined by it pursuant to theprovisions of this appeal procedure if there is shown to be a grossabuse of discretion.
(b) Referee Suspension Appeal -
Refer to Bylaws 40, 41 and 42 on page 19
(c) Regional or National Championship Rules
Appeal - Appeal able Regional or National Championship rules or specialjurisdictional hockey association rules shall be appealed to theUSA Hockey Council that has jurisdiction over the program.
(d) Council Decisions - Except as otherwise provided, any decision of a USA HockeyCouncil shall be appeal able to the USA Hockey Executive Committee whose decision shall be final
(e) Juniors Appeal - The following rules shall apply to any individual, team or league that is rostered with the Junior Registrar and that is suspended after a hearing or a failure to have a hearing in accordance with these Bylaws.
Playing Rule Suspension- Playing rule suspensions shall be appealed, as applicable, to the USA Hockey Junior Council, whose decision shall be final.
Referee Suspension Appeal - A Referee suspension, if appealed, shall be to the USA Hockey Junior Council, whose decision shall be final.
Player Eligibility - Player eligibility issues shall be appealed to the USA Hockey Junior Council, whose decision shall be final.
Other - Any other appeals under this subsection (e) shall be to the USA Junior Council.
2. Notice of Appeal/Failure to Appeal - The appealing person, or organization, must notify the suspending authority and appeal authority of an appeal, in writing, within ten (10) days from receipt of the decision from the hearing body or the date of the failure to have a hearing in accordance with these Bylaw. If the notice of appeal is not delivered to the appropriate appeal authority within the ten (10) day period, the suspension shall be final.
3. Reasons for Appeal/Notice - The Appealing Party shall submit, at a minimum, a written statement of why the suspension should be overruled or reversed, (“Statement of Appeal”) which shall be delivered to the appropriate appeal authority within thirty (30) days of the date of the decision appealed from. The Statement of Appeal shall also include the written record (if it was requested by any party) and decision of the hearing body and any other information as may be requested by the appeal authority. A copy of the Statement of Appeal shall be delivered to the suspending authority who shall have twenty (20) days from receipt of the Statement of Appeal, to respond to the Statement of Appeal by delivering a copy of its response to the appeal authority and the Appealing Party.
4. Suspension Remains in Force and Effect - Any suspension shall be in force and effect until it expires or the appeal authority modifies it.
5. Conduct of Appeal Hearing - The appeal authority may hold a hearing, at its option, or consider the appeal on the written submissions of the parties to the appeal and establish other hearing rules so long as each party is treated substantially equal. Notice of a hearing, if any, shall be given to all parties.
6. Evidence/Theories Limited to Original Hearing - Only the evidence and theories explicitly presented to the suspending authority for its consideration prior to the rendering of any decision by that suspending body shall be presented or considered in appeal.
7. Appeal Decision Timing - The appeal authority must use every reasonable effort to decide the appeal within ten (10) days from the submissions to it, but not to exceed fifteen (15) days.
8. Appeal Authority - The appeal authority may affirm, reverse or modify (including increase or decrease) any decision as it deems proper under the circumstances before it.
9. No Further Appeals - Except for suspensions of Affiliate Associations and expulsions of any person or organization from USA Hockey, there shall be no further appeals, and administrative remedies shall be deemed exhausted.
10. Appeal Procedures to be followed:
Appeal to organization (except rule 601(g) or 601(j)1)
Appeal to organizations appeal committee (except rule 601(g) or 601(j)1)
Appeal to league (except rule 601(g) or 601(j)1)
Appeal to leagues appeal committee (except rule 601(g) or 601(j)1)
Appeal to District VP of Appeals (makes initial rulings on rule 601(g) or 601(j)1)
Appeal to District President’s appeal committee
District arbitration – final step
NOTE: All other disputes not covered in Article V shall be handled in accordance with USA Hockey's Bylaws and Suspension/Dispute resolution overview shown in USA Hockey’s most current Annual Guide.
Referrees 40. The Atlantic District Vice President of Protests, Suspensions and Appeals may issue a suspension after receiving notification of a violation and/or written information from involved parties. Decision will be rendered within seven (7) days after complete information is in hand. Designee's are required to gain District Referee-In-Chief concurrence for any suspension above a basic suspension.
41. Suspended party must request a hearing within seven (7) days from a suspension or contemplated suspension. This request must be in writing to the Atlantic District Vice President, Refereeing, who must hold a hearing within thirty (30) days of the request. The Atlantic District Vice President, Refereeing, will give the suspended party seven (7) days notice of when and where the hearing will be held. Decision will be rendered within fifteen (15) days after the hearing.
42. The suspended party must verbally notify the Atlantic District Referee-In-Chief that they are appealing the decision within ten (10) days of the decision. This notice must also be delivered in writing to the Atlantic District President within the same ten (10) day period. The appealing party must deliver a written statement to the President of why the decision should be reversed or modified within twenty (20) days of the initial notice of appeal. A decision on this appeal will be rendered within seven (7) days after receipt of the written statement by an appeals committee appointed by the Atlantic District President.
Communication of Suspension 43. All suspensions over three games are to be communicated
to the President.
Refusal to Continue Play
44. Any team playing in a league, exhibition, or tournament game that leaves the ice during the game, shall forfeit the game by a score 1-0, or by the official score at that time, the team leaving the ice is behind.
45. The coach and/or manager of the team leaving the ice will be subject to a maximum suspension for a period of one year and a minimum of thirty days
Ineligible Players 46. A coach or manager who knowingly allows the participation of an ineligible player in any game shall be subject to suspension for not less than 60 days or more than one year.
Game Definition (for Suspension) 47. A game in order to satisfy a suspension, qualifies only when the equivalent of two of the three stop time periods are played as defined in tournament playing rules, time of periods, against a team of another organization of the same or higher competitive level, officiated by USA Hockey registered officials.
Legal Actions 48. In order to preserve as far as possible, the integrity of amateur hockey, any recourse to the courts or legal action by a member or individual before all the rights of the Bylaws and Rules & Regulations of this Association have been exhausted, shall be considered ungentlemanly conduct entailing the immediate suspension and disqualification of any such member or individual. Refer to USA Hockey, Inc., Bylaws, Suspensions and Resolution of Disputes for additional information.
ARTICLE VI - TAMPERING
Definition 49. Tampering occurs when a coach or other member of one organization, verbally, electronically or in writing, solicits a player under contract (except high school and scholastic) with another team or organization to leave his or her team and the player takes the ice with such other team or organization prior to obtaining his or her written release. If tampering is found to have occurred, the punishment will be as follows:
Player: He/She may not play for the team or organization that tampered.
Coach: Minimum 30 day suspension, maximum of one year suspension
Organization: $1,000.00 fine
ARTICLE VII - PLAYER AWARD
USA Hockey Awards 50. Hat Trick, Zero, and Playmaker awards will be awarded to those that earn them in regular season, AAHA or USA Hockey sanctioned tournaments, at the conclusion of the season through the office of the Registrar.
ARTICLE VIII - DISTRICT TOURNAMENTS
51. The USA Hockey District Director or his/her designee shall
be named the Tournament Director.
District tournaments may be held in the following classifications:
Tier I AAA: 12 & Under through
18 & Under (National Tournament Bound)
Tier II AA: 12 & Under through
18 & Under (National Tournament Bound)
Tier II A & B: 12 & Under through
18 & Under (12 & U, 14 & U NE Sectional Qualifiers)
House League: 10 & Under, 12
& Under
Senior: 18 & Over
Girl/Women: 12&U, 15&U, 19&U, Senior B (National Bound), Senior C (National Bound)
Tournament fees are to be determined on an annual basis by the
Board of Directors as recommended by the Vice President of Tournaments and accepted
by the Board.
No Olympians, Para-olympians, USA Hockey NTDP players or members of the USA 20&U Sled Hockey team may participate in any AAHA District tournaments
Court Intervention 52. In the event that any court shall intervene to affect the participants, that tournament shall be canceled, and the representative, if any, to go to the next level of tournament play will be designated by the Tournament Director.
ARTICLE IX - ELIGIBILITY
Tier I 53. The AAHA District Representative at Nationals will be determined by a district tournament playoff between a minimum of four teams from the Tier I designated league or as determined by the AAHA President and AAHA Vice President of Tournaments.
Senior, Men and Women's 54.Senior, Men and Women’s tournaments may be used to determine who will represent the AAHA at a National Championship.
Tier II, Peewee, Bantam and Midget 55. The AAHA district representative going directly to Nationals will have a play down consisting of a minimum of two representatives from the NJYHL and a minimum of two representatives from the DVHL who will participate in a district tournament during the month of March to determine who that representative will be.
Junior
56. Atlantic District Representatives at USA Hockey Nationals will be those as qualified via USA Hockey’s Junior Council eligibility requirements
Girls/Women's
57. The Mid Atlantic Women's Hockey Association or approved AAHA qualified league will send an Atlantic District representative direct to Nationals via an approved playoff format by the AAHA. When the National Bids are equal too or greater than the teams participating, the District President will determine eligibility and participation.
League Designation
58. The President shall designate in January for the upcoming season which registered league are Tier I, Tier II, Girls (National Bound), Girls (Developmental), B, C, or House League. Tier I leagues are to be those that have demonstrated the highest level of competition based on past tournament performance, league schedule, and membership and development of Division One college hockey players.
Only USA Hockey National Tournament bound teams or those playing in Atlantic District designated leagues, as per Atlantic District Rules & Regulations, may use the following designations in/on promotional material or on tournament applications: Tier I, Tier II, “AAA” and “AA”.
Team Representative Selection 59. The leagues and AAHA President will decide on the format of selecting team representatives for tournament play, prior to the start of its league schedule.
Notice 60. That method must be communicated in writing to the President of AAHA and AAHA Vice President of Tournaments. That method must be approved by the AAHA President and AAHA Vice President of Tournaments.
Eligible Opponents 61. Only games against Atlantic District member USA Hockey teams may be used to determine a league representative(s) to an Atlantic District Tournament, or a USA Hockey National Championship.
Open Competition 62. Leagues must declare their representative(s) not later than 10 days prior to the district tournament. Where a league is eligible to participate at two levels in the same division, they must compete at the higher level.
Minimum Number of Games
63. In order to qualify for District or National play, teams must play 20 games as a unit and each player on that team must play at least 10 games against USA Hockey registered teams from other organizations at a similar or more competitive level. Girls/Women’s teams must play 14 games as a unit at their competitive level and each player on that team must play atleast ten games against USA Hockey Registered teams. For a Senior Women’s A team, each player must play 10 games at their competitive level.
64. The scoresheets, signed by the Registered Officials, must be available to the tournament committee.
65. Games played prior to the date a team has registered with USA Hockey Registrar, will not count toward satisfying the 10/20 or 10/14 rule.
One Goaltender
66. Subject to the Tournament Directors written approval, a team with less than two goalies may take alternates from their organization or league, subject also to the approval of USA Hockey Registrar.
67. A team with no back up goaltender may participate with six skaters until another player dresses as a goaltender, but in no event will the game be delayed while an alternate goaltender is dressed in goaltender's equipment.
Eligibility Challenges 68. No challenge on player or team eligibility can be made after the first puck is dropped of the challenged team's first game. The Tournament Director may act at any time.
Non Sanctioned Tournament
Participation 69. Any registered team or any registered player participating in a non USA Hockey sanctioned tournament shall be ineligible by the Tournament Director for District, Regional or National Tournaments.
Dual Rostering
70. No player rostered on a Tier I (AAA) or Tier II team (including teams designated as either ``AA'' or ``A', or “B”') at any age classification shall be permitted to participate in the District house league tournament.
Minimum Participation 71. Each house league program, wishing to participate in the District House League Tournament shall select an all-star team to represent them at the various USA Hockey designated age levels of competition. The roster for District tournament play limited to 20 players.
Playing Rules
Schedule and Position Determination
72. Tournaments shall be round robin unless only two teams are entered, then two out of three games. If more than two teams, the winners and other positions of the round robin shall be by point scores (2 for winners, 1 for ties). If two or more teams have an equal number of points, their position in the standings will be determined in accordance with USA Hockey's Regional and National Tournament Rules & Regulations. Copies shall be distributed and posted at the tournament(s) site(s).
Time Periods
73. All age levels shall be per USA Hockey National Championship Format.
Penalties 74. All penalties will be: minor (two minutes), major (five minutes), misconduct (ten minutes).
Protests 75. No game protests are permitted after the scoresheet has been signed.
76. Any dispute relating to the interpretation of the playing rules shall be dealt with and ruled upon by the Referee-In-Chief or his representative or in consultation with his representative assigned at that game and in attendance at the moment of incident. The decision will be final. No protest on interpretation of the playing rules shall be accepted after play has been resumed. Any other protests will be ruled on by the Tournament Director.
Forfeiture Rule 77. Any team forfeiting any of its games shall have all of its losses declared forfeit for the purpose of determining the tournament standings for the other participants.
Suspension 78. The Tournament Director shall be responsible for deciding any action (suspensions or restrictions) to be placed against a player or team official receiving a match, gross or game misconduct penalty. The Tournament Director shall have full power to waive or increase any suspension or penalty.
79. No player or other participant may be barred in the remaining tournament games without an opportunity to tell his or her version of the incident. Failure to attend the meeting after being notified shall be deemed an opportunity.
80. Any suspensions measured in game incurred prior to a Tournament, shall not be served during this tournament.
Reporting of Actions 81. All disciplinary action shall be reported to the home association of the player or others involved, for further action at their discretion.
Officials 82. An approved USA Hockey system (two or three man) of officiating will be used subject to the approval of the Referee-In-Chief and the Tournament Chairman Assignment.
83. All officials will be assigned by USA Hockey Referee-In-Chief or his appointee, in conjunction with the Tournament Director.
84. The decision of the Tournament Director will be final.
85. Neither the Referee-In-Chief nor his appointee can officiate in any games.
Uniforms 86. Each team must be fully uniformed. All players must have numbered, matching jerseys and socks of the same color.
87. The designated home team shall have the responsibility of contrasting uniforms subject to the Referee's approval.
Site Selection 88. Designation of a tournament site is the responsibility of the AAHA President and AAHA Vice President of Tournaments.
Awards 89. The AAHA may supply awards to the winners and second place finishers in each tournament classification.
Schedule 90. The schedule of games will be set by the AAHA President and AAHA Vice President of Tournaments.
Publishing of Schedule 91. The schedule shall be transmitted to all leagues not less than two weeks in advance of the first game.
Protests of Schedule 92. Protests of the schedule must be presented to the Tournament Director within 24 hours of publication.
Notification Responsibility 93. It is the responsibility of the league(s) to notify their representatives and members of all Tournament Schedules and Information.
Time Between Games 94. There shall be a minimum of four hours between scheduled games on the same day and ten hours between games on consecutive days.
Second Game Rule 95. No team playing its second game in one day shall be required to play a team playing its first game on that day.
Host Teams
96. There will be no host teams in District Tournament's.
Commitment for
National / Regional Championships 97. Any team entering an Atlantic District Tournament agrees to participate in Northeast Sectionals, Regionals or National Championship should they become eligible.
Penalty
98. Any team failing to fulfill its commitment at the District, Northeast Sectionals, Regional or National Tournament shall become disqualified to participate in all tournaments in the following year. Also a team’s entire organization may be declared ineligible for tournament participation the following year.
Documentation
ALL TEAMS MUST PROVIDE THE FOLLOWING AT A CREDENTIALS MEETING
PRIOR TO THE TOURNAMENT OR UPON ARRIVAL AT THE TOURNAMENT SITE, AS DETERMINED
BY THE DISTRICT REGISTRAR:
A. Certified copy of the team roster. (Supplied
directly by registrar)
B. Birth certificates for all players.
The Birth Certificate is the legal document issued by the city, county,
or state authorities. Hospital or Baptismal certificates are not acceptable
substitutes.
C. Game sheets evidencing compliance with
the ten games for each player/20 games for each team. For women ten games
for each player/14 games for each team.
D. Insurance. Proof of USA Hockey
Insurance. (Supplied directly by registrar)
E. Medical Release.Each team will provide a release for each player signed by a parent or guardian. The AAHA and USA Hockey, its officers, directors, and members or the facility hosting the tournament are not responsible for any costs of medical services incurred as a result of participation in these games.
F. Hold Harmless/Release of Liability.
Each team will provide a release of liability form, signed by a parent or guardian, for each player. With respect to any incomplete credentials at the tournament the team may use the player at their own risk and subsequently bring the proper credentials to the Tournament Chairman prior to the completion of their final game. If the valid credentials are not received and accepted, then any game that the player participated in becomes a forfeit.
G. Copy of coaches accreditation card showing
level obtained and showing that coach has current status in Atlantic District.
H. Any player from another USA Hockey Affiliate/District who wants to register and participate on a team within the Atlantic District, will not be permitted to register until he/she provides verification that they have no obligation to any component of their previous USA Hockey Affiliate/District.
I. Beginning with the 2003-04 season, all 8 & under (Mite) birth year teams and their players are restricted to a maximum travel distance of a 40 mile radius or as approved by the Atlantic District President from their home rink. Games are only allowed after January 1st. No travel is allowed outside of these dates. Purpose is to improve player’s skill development and reduce cost.
J. Implementation of Cross Ice Hockey for the Atlantic District:
Beginning with the 2003-04 season, all 6 and under Mite Programs (including learn to skate) will be required to run cross ice instruction. Mite programs with players over 6-8 years old, we recommend the use of cross ice for practice and games but we recognize they will continue to play their full ice schedules. There will be an Education campaign to explain the Cross Ice Program for parents, coaches and administrators District Wide. Beginning with the 2004-05 season, all 8 and under Mites will be required to run a cross ice program district wide. There will be limited travel from January on during the season. There will be a structured format for all Mite Travel programs handed down by the District.
Application for League Sanction
99. Only leagues that are sanctioned by the District pursuant to its Bylaws and these Rules & Regulations shall be entitled to the rights and benefits of the District and be eligible for National Tournament Play. All new league applicants shall meet the requirements of the Bylaws and these Rules & Regulations, comply with the probationary provisions, and be in good standing in order to obtain final sanctioning from the District. All sanctioned leagues warrant that they shall comply with, and ahere to, the District Bylaws, Rules & Regulations and policies then in force in the District in order to maintain District sanctioning.
a. Admission Requirements for League Sanction
In order to be eligible for league sanctioning by the District, a league applicant must demonstrate that it meets each of the following requirements:
be registered under the laws of its state of residence as a non-profit corporation; and
have received within 180 days of league application 501(c)3 tax status from the United States, Department of Treasury; and
have a minimum of eight (8) member teams with at least four (4) teams in each of two (2) age categories each of which is qualified to advance toward a National Championship by USA Hockey (e.g., four (4) 12 & Under; four (4) 14 & Under teams);
be governed by an executive board and board of directors that have been duly elected through a representative election process from among its member teams; and
All component league teams must be located within the geographical boundaries of the District; and
Be governed by written bylaws that have been approved by the District; and
Outline house league and Learn to Skate commitments of all prospective league teams; and
Submit an application for league sanctioning by May 1st in advance of the next District Annual meeting.
b. Admission Procedure for League Sanction
League sanctioning shall be acquired first upon submission of a written application to the District Executive Committee which shall demonstrate its compliance with the requirements set forth above and be approved by simple majority vote by the Executive Committee. Upon approval of the District Executive Committee, the prospective league must be approved for formal sanctioning by a three-quarters (3/4’s) majority vote of the District Board at its next regularly-scheduled Annual Meeting. All prospective league members shall comply with the requirements of the Bylaws, the Rules and Regulations, as from time to time, amended, pay all required fees and agree to be subject to all disciplinary action by the Executive Board, including, suspension, fine or expulsion from the District upon a finding of “good cause” by a simple majority of the Executive Committee.
c. Probationary Status of New Leagues.
Once approved from admission by a three-quarters (3/4’s) majority vote of the full Board, all new leagues shall be approved on a conditional or probationary basis (“Probationary League Sanction”) for a period of One (1) year following their approval vote. At the first Annual Meeting following their probationary admission, the Executive Committee shall make a recommendation to the full Board on whether the Probationary League Sanction shall be made permanent. The full Board shall thereafter decide by a two-thirds (2/3s) majority vote whether to accept or reject the Probationary League Sanction for permanent League Sanctioning.
d. Admission/Rejection of League Sanction
If the Board approves a Probationary League Sanction under Section c., above, the League shall be accepted for full league sanctioning. If the Board votes to reject a Probationary League Sanction, the vote shall be final and the League shall not re-apply for league sanctioning for a period of not less than one (1) year.
e. Status of Probationary League Sanction Pending Permanent Sanction VoteLeagues granted Probationary League Sanction shall not have voting rights in the District during the One-Year probationary period. Once accepted for full league sanctioning, the new League and its constituent teams shall have representative voting rights within the District in accordance with the prevailing Bylaws and Rules & Regulations in the District.
ARTICLE X - REGIONAL TOURNAMENTS
Host Team 100. With respect to regional tournaments held in the Atlantic
District, they will be hosted by the Atlantic District.
Team Replacement 101. If a designated representative is unable to represent AAHA in a Regional or National Tournament the runner up or last eliminated team may be given permission by the Tournament Director to represent the Atlantic District.
ARTICLE XI - INVITATION TOURNAMENTS
Sanctioning 102. Any independent or invitational tournament held in the AAHA must secure the sanction of USA Hockey. This may be accomplished by contacting USA Hockey Registrar and filing a USA Hockey Tournament application form along with a copy of the rules and regulations for the tournament.
Officiating 103. All AAHA invitational tournaments must be officiated by USA Hockey officials assigned by USA Hockey District Referee-in-Chief or his designee.
Scheduling 104. No invitational tournament shall be sanctioned within a 75 mile radius of a District or Regional Tournament or 100 miles of a National Tournament on the same weekend without permission of the district registrar and AAHA President.
ARTICLE XII - TRYOUTS
105. No Tier I or Tier II team may hold tryouts for the upcoming season prior to 48 hours after the USA Hockey National Championships end.
Tryout dates amended as follows for Tier I and Tier II for the 2008- 09 season are to be announced:
Midget 16&U, Midget 18&U Tier I
Midget 16&U, Midget 18&U Tier II
14&U, 12&U, 10&U Tier I
14&U, 12&U, 10&U, 8&U Tier II
106. No team (s), organizations (s) or program (s) may hold tryouts, evaluations, training camps, skills sessions, or any other program that has players who were not registered with that team, organization or program the previous season, prior to 48 hours after the end of USA Hockey's National Championships without being in violation of this bylaw.
107. Team (s), organization (s), or program (s) found in violation of these bylaws, may lose their privilege of being eligible to compete at Districts and toward a national championship for a period of up to three (3) years. Coaches found in violation may be suspended up to five (5) years.
ARTICLE XIII – PARENT & SPECTATOR
DISCIPLINE & SUSPENSION GUIDELINES
Guidelines for action are provided to emphasize the need to have in place as a guideline on how to handle disciplinary matters. It is imperative to demonstrate a FAIR patter of actions to avoid protests that there are personal reasons behind suspension. To do this, it is important to have and to follow guidelines for disciplinary actions.
A suspended individual will be suspended from all USA Hockey activities including practices or games for other children.
Guidelines for Suspension
Level A Occurrence
This will apply for first offenses only. The action should be of a non-threatening manner and should be considered unusual for the party involved. There should be remorse expressed by the party and it should be anticipated that there would not be a repeat of the behavior. Actions to be taken when found in violation at this level can be as low as a written warning and a maximum suspension not to exceed three (3) games or ten (10) days.
Level B Occurrence
This would be in effect for a second time offender. Also falling into this group would be those individuals who may have had past observed behavior issues and have finally been reported. The individual would likely show minimal if any remorse. The penalty should be more severe with a suggested range between three (3) games and thirty (30) days.
Level C Occurrence
These cases must be dealt with promptly and would include a hearing. Actions that could lead to this charge include actual physical violence against another individual or what was perceived as sincere threatening actions. You would suspect these individuals as capable of causing future problems. The penalty should be a minimum of thirty (30) days and a maximum up to and including expulsion from the program.
ARTICLE XIV – SCREENING & HAZING
SCREENING - It is the policy of USA Hockey and the Atlantic District (AAHA) that it will not authorize or sanction in its programs that it directly controls any volunteer or employee who has routine access to children (anyone under the age of majority) who refuses to consent to be screened by USA Hockey or the Atlantic District (AAHA) before he/she is allowed to have routine access to children in USA Hockey’s and the Atlantic District (AAHA) programs.
A person may be disqualified and prohibited from serving as an employee orvolunteer of USA Hockey and the Atlantic District (AAHA) or its member organizations if the person has:
1. Been convicted (including crimes the record of which has been expunged and pleas of “no contest”) of a crime of child abuse, sexual abuse of a minor, physical abuse, causing a child’s death, neglect of a child, murder, manslaughter, felony assault, any assault against a minor, kidnapping, arson, criminal sexual conduct, prostitution related crimes or controlled substance crimes.
2. Being adjudged liable for civil penalties or damages involving sexual or physical abuse of children.
3. Being subject to any court order involving any sexual abuse or physical abuse of a minor, including but not limited to domestic order or protection.
4. Had their parental rights terminated.
5. A history with another organization (volunteer, employment, etc.) of complaints of sexual or physical abuse of minors. 6. Resigned, been terminated or been asked to resign from a position, whether paid or unpaid, due to complaint(s) of sexual or physical abuse of minors.
7. Has a history of other behavior that indicates they may be a danger to children in USA Hockey or the Atlantic District (AAHA) or its member organizations.
8. Volunteer or employee will be re-screened randomly over each four (4) year time period.
HAZING - It is the policy of USA Hockey and the Atlantic District (AAHA) that there shall be no hazing of any participant involved in any of its sanctioned programs, its training camps, hockey clinics, coaches clinics, referee clinics, regional and national tournaments or other USA Hockey or the Atlantic District (AAHA) events by any employee, volunteer, participant or independent contractor.
Definition:Conduct which is insulting, intimidating, humiliating, offensive, or physically harmful. Any player, team official, executive member of a team, club or association having been party to or having had knowledge of any degrading hazing, or initiation rite, without reporting it or taking action, shall be subject to suspension from playing or holding office with any team, club or association affiliated with USA Hockey.
ARTICLE XV – PARENT & SPECTATORS CODE OF CONDUCT
Do not force your children to participate in sports, but support their desires to play their chosen sport. Children are involved in organized sports for their enjoyment. Make it fun.
Encourage your child to play by the rules. Remember, children learn best by example, so applaud the good plays of both teams.
Do not embarrass your child by yelling at players, coaches or officials. By showing a positive attitude toward the game and all of its participants, your child will benefit.
Emphasize skill development and practices and how they benefit your young athlete. De-emphasize games and competition in the lower age groups.
Know and study rules of the game, and support the officials on and off the ice. This approach will help in the development and support of the game. Any criticism of officials only hurts the game.
Applaud a good effort in both victory and defeat and enforce the positive points of the game. Never yell or physically abuse your child after a game or practice – it is destructive. Work toward removing the physical and verbal abuse in youth sports.
Recognize the importance of volunteer coaches. They are important to the development of your child and the sport. Communicate with them and support them.
