MAHA CONSTITUTION
The Name of the Association shall be the “Michigan Amateur Hockey Association”, here-in-after known as the “MAHA.”
This Association shall have no capital stock and shall not be conducted for pecuniary profit.
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 State of
C. To affiliate with the USA HOCKEY and other hockey associations.
D. To conduct ice hockey tournaments and to select representative teams for other tournaments.
E. To do any and all acts desirable in the furtherance of the foregoing purposes.
A. Membership shall be limited to:
1. Organized ice hockey programs and league officers.
2. Independent teams not playing in any affiliated league.
3. Teams playing in MAHA affiliated leagues.
4. Registered coaches and team officials of teams qualified as members.
5.
6. MAHA Officers, Directors and Council Members.
7. Ice hockey rink representatives.
8. Former MAHA Officers and Directors.
9. Sponsors and patrons of the MAHA.
B. Subject
to its affiliation with the USA HOCKEY, the MAHA shall have full and final
jurisdiction over its members as well as over all amateur hockey in the State
of
C. All member programs, leagues and teams must be members in good standing with the USA HOCKEY and MAHA.
D. Charter Members
President - Fred Huber Jr.,
First Vice-President - Henry D. Schubert, Dearborn
Second Vice-President - E. L. Abbott, Sault Ste Marie
Secretary-Treasurer - W. J. Spence,
Director - James G. Ward Jr., Escanaba
Director - Dr. Thomas Gilson,
Director - Raymond Ulbrich, Marquette
Director - Jack Stoer,
Director - Palmer Brevik,
Director - Arthur Dahlstedt, Marquette
Director - Carl Springberg, Cadillac
Director - Frank Gallagher,
Director - John Lounsbury,
The location of the principal office of this Association
shall be in the State of
A. BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The Board of Directors shall be constituted as follows:
1. OFFICERS OF THE ASSOCIATION
2. DISTRICT DIRECTORS
The number of directors elected shall be as follows:
District #2: 7 directors
District #3: 7 directors
District #4: 7 directors
District #5: 7 directors
District #6: 7 directors
District #7: 4 directors
District #8: 4 directors
3. DIRECTORS-AT-LARGE
a. Shall interface with their respective Districts at scheduled meetings of each District on a periodic basis.
b. Shall serve as liaison of their respective Districts at meetings of the Executive Committee.
c. Shall serve as a member of the Appeals Committee for appeals from within their respective Districts.
d. Shall serve as members of the MAHA Credentials Committee.
e. Shall serve as members of the State Playoff Committees.
f. Shall serve as the committee to administer the Wes Danielson award.
4. GIRL’S / WOMEN’S DIRECTOR
5. PAST OFFICERS
a. Past Officers shall be defined as:
(1) Presidents, Secretaries and Treasurers who have served five (5) years,
(2) And who have successfully completed their term on the Executive Board in good standing.
b. Past Officers shall be members of the Board of Directors for a period of three (3) years.
c. In the event that a past officer misses three consecutive meetings (Winter and Summer) he/she shall no longer be a director.
d. Past Officers
shall vote at all meetings and shall receive the same expense reimbursements as
other directors.
6. ACTIVE LIFE MEMBERS
A special
honorary designation of Life Membership in the MAHA shall be awarded to no more
than ten (10) former or present Officers or Directors who have served amateur
hockey in
7. HONORARY MEMBERS
The USA HOCKEY
Directors residing in the state, the USA HOCKEY: Registrar for
8. A member of the Board of Directors (Officer, Director, Director-at-Large, Past Officer) shall not hold more than one voting position within MAHA.
B. ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
1. District Directors and Council Members
a. District Directors shall be elected by their constituent Team Representatives to serve two year terms.
b. Each District Council shall appoint an individual to solicit and receive nominations for District Directors. The list of nominees shall be forwarded to the MAHA Secretary by February 1st.
c. Ballots will be mailed to the Head Coach of each team and must be returned to the MAHA Secretary by the date indicated on the ballot with both signed and printed name. The Secretary shall record the votes cast and submit the results to the MAHA Executive Board for certification.
For the purpose of this process, the Head Coach is the individual who is so designated on the USA Form 2-T “Team Membership Application” as the Head Coach. Each USA HOCKEY registered Head Coach of a team registered for the current playing season shall be entitled to submit one ballot.
d. Candidates: (1)
must have been a member in good standing of MAHA for a one year period prior to
nomination; (2) shall not have been involved in a skating facility as an arena
manager or owner during that period; and
(3) shall not have been involved as an owner, officer or manager of a
for-profit tournament or for-profit league during that period. No person may be a candidate for more than
one MAHA Officer or Director position at a time.
e. In the event the number of nominees for District Directors does not exceed the number of Directors to be elected, the nominees shall become Directors-elect and the election process shall be discontinued.
f. Depending on the
number of Directors allowed, the following will be applicable:
(1) Highest vote getters in order of number of votes received will become District Directors to the extent of directorships available in the District.
g. A District Director may resign at any time by giving notice to the District Chairperson and to the President, and Secretary of the MAHA. Any vacancy shall be filled by a vote of the District Directors. Replacement candidates must be active Council members, or, if not available, any other member of the District in good standing.
h. Directors shall not be involved in a skating facility as an arena manager or owner while holding office and shall not have been involved as an owner, officer or manager of a for-profit tournament or for-profit league during that period. If this occurs, it shall result in the immediate resignation of the Director.
i. A nominee may seek election for Director
in only one District at a time and therefore appear on only one ballot per
election year.
2. Directors-at-Large
Three Directors-at-Large
shall be elected by their constituent Board Members at the Winter Meeting to
serve two year terms commencing at the conclusion of the Summer Meeting. One
shall be a resident of and represent Districts two (2) through four (4), one
shall be a resident of and represent Districts five (5) and six (6), and one
shall be a resident of and represent Districts seven (7) and eight (8).
Candidates shall (a) be placed in nomination at the Winter Meeting; (b) must
have been a member in good standing of MAHA for at least the three years
previous to being nominated; (c) shall not have been involved in a skating
facility as an arena manager or owner during that period; and (d) shall not have been involved as an owner, officer or manager
of a for-profit tournament or for-profit league during that period. No person may be a candidate for more than
one MAHA Officer or Director position at a time.
a. The procedure used for announcement of candidates, nomination of candidates and for preparation of ballots and nomination of candidates for Director-at-Large positions shall be the same procedure as that used for the election of officers as set forth in this constitution.
b. All candidates for election to the position of Director-at-Large must be a current or former District Director.
c. A candidate must receive a majority of the present eligible votes in order to be elected. In the event no one receives a majority of the eligible votes upon the first ballot, the candidate having the least number of votes shall be deleted from the ballot and subsequent ballots shall be taken until one candidate receives the majority of the eligible votes.
d. A Director-at-Large may resign at any time by giving notice to the President and Secretary of the Association. Any vacancy resulting from resignation or other cause shall be filled by the Directors at the next Summer or Winter Meeting of Directors. The Executive Committee may appoint an interim Director-at-Large to serve until the next Summer or Winter Meeting.
e. Directors-at-Large shall not be involved in a skating facility as an arena manager or owner while holding office and shall not have been involved as an owner, officer or manager of a for-profit tournament or for-profit league during that period. If this occurs, it shall result in the immediate resignation of the Director-at-Large.
3. Girls’/Women’s Director
The Girl’s / Women’s Director shall be elected for a two year term. Persons wishing to run for this position must notify the Secretary of MAHA by February 1st of odd numbered years. The Secretary will prepare a ballot and distribute it to the Team Representative of each properly registered Girl’s / Women’s team. The person elected will take the position immediately following the MAHA Summer Meeting.
C. OFFICERS
1. The Officers of the Association shall be the President, Executive Vice-President, Vice-President for Youth, Vice-President for Adults, Vice-President for Coaching, Vice-President for Officiating, Vice-President for Appeals, Treasurer, Secretary and Immediate Past President. These officers collectively shall be known as the Executive Committee.
2. The term of office for these officers is two years. The President, Vice-President for Officiating, Vice-President for Adults, Vice-President for Appeals, will be elected at the Winter meeting of the Board of Directors in even numbered years and the other officers will be elected at the Winter meeting in odd numbered years. The Officers-elect will take office at the conclusion of the following Summer meeting.
3. Election
a. The President, all Vice-Presidents, Secretary and Treasurer shall be elected to office by the Board of Directors by a simple majority vote.
(1) All persons who will be candidates for election as an Officer of the Association shall submit a letter of intent and a resume prepared in the following format to the Secretary of MAHA by November 30 preceding the Winter meeting. Resumes of announced candidates shall be sent to all Directors at least 14 days prior to the Winter meeting.
RESUME OF QUALIFICATIONS
AS CANDIDATE
FOR THE OFFICE OF
(INSERT TITLE)
NAME:
ADDRESS:
PHONE:
DATES POSITION(S)
HELD
MAHA EXPERIENCE
DISTRICT # EXPERIENCE
LOCAL PROGRAM OR
ASSOC. EXPERIENCE
COACHING AND MANAGING
EXPERIENCE
PLAYING EXPERIENCE
ADDITIONAL
INFORMATION
(2) Candidates:
(a) to any office of the Executive Committee must be current or former
Directors or hold a current appointed USA HOCKEY position for a period of not
less than five years; (b) must have been a member in good standing of MAHA for
at least the three years previous to being nominated; (c) shall not have been
involved in a skating facility as an arena manager or owner during that period; and (d) shall not have been involved as
an owner, officer or manager of a for-profit tournament or for-profit league
during that period. No person may be
a candidate for more than one MAHA Officer or Director position
at a time.
(3) In the event that there are no announced candidates for an office, nominations from the floor will be accepted at the Winter meeting of the Board of Directors.
(4) A
candidate for the position of Officer shall be elected by a vote of the Board
of Directors. A candidate must receive a majority of the present eligible votes
in order to be elected. In the event no one receives a majority of the
eligible votes upon the first ballot, the candidate having the least number of
votes shall be deleted from the ballot and subsequent ballots shall be taken
until one candidate receives the majority of the eligible votes.
(5) Officers shall not be involved in a skating facility as an arena manager or owner while holding office and shall not have been involved as an owner, officer or manager of a for-profit tournament or for-profit league during that period. If this occurs, it shall result in the immediate resignation of the Officer.
4. Vacancy
Any Officer may resign at any time by submitting a letter of resignation to the President and the Secretary. In the event a vacancy occurs the Officer-elect for that office will immediately fill the position if such a person exists. If there is no officer-elect, the Executive Committee of MAHA will redistribute the Officer’s duties until the next meeting of the Board of Directors. At that time, either a regularly scheduled election for the position will be held or a special election to fill the remainder of the term of office will be held. In the latter case, the vacancy and a call for nominations will be announced to the Board of Directors at least 14 days prior to the meeting if possible. The person elected will take office immediately.
D.
The term of
office for USA HOCKEY Directors shall be two years. The number of Directors
shall be in accordance with the rules as set forth in the USA HOCKEY Annual
Guide. At each MAHA Winter meeting, sufficient
1. Election of
2. The first
(statutory) and second (over 1000 teams)
E. Exoneration From Personal Liability
As a non-profit
Association regulating amateur hockey in
F. Meetings
1. Winter
Shall be held during the month of January at a time and place set by the Executive Board.
2. Summer
Shall be held in the month of July at a time and place set by the Executive Board.
3. Rules of Order
Unless otherwise specified herein, ‘Robert’s Rules of Order’ current edition, shall govern in all questions of parliamentary conduct.
A. The Michigan Amateur Hockey Association (MAHA) is an affiliate of USA Hockey.
B. The Michigan Amateur Hockey Association, as an affiliate of USA Hockey, Inc., shall abide by and act in accord with the Articles of Incorporation, By-Laws, Rules and Regulations, Playing Rules and decisions of the Board of Directors of USA Hockey and the decisions of USA HOCKEY, and such documents and decisions shall take precedence over and supersede all similar governing documents and/or decisions of the Michigan Amateur Hockey Association. Further, the Michigan Amateur Hockey Association (i) shall assist USA Hockey in the administration and enforcement of the provisions of the Bylaws, Rules and Regulations, Playing Rules and decisions 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:
1. SPORTSMANSHIP
Foremost of all values is to learn a sense of fair play. Become humble in victory, gracious in defeat. We will foster friendship with teammates and opponents alike.
2. RESPECT FOR THE INDIVIDUAL
Treat all others as you expect to be treated.
3. INTEGRITY
We seek to foster honesty and fair play beyond mere strict interpretation of the rules and regulations of the game.
4. 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.
5. ENJOYMENT
It is important for the hockey experience to be fun, satisfying and rewarding for the participant.
6. LOYALTY
We aspire to teach loyalty to the ideals and fellow members of the sport of hockey.
7. TEAMWORK
We value the strengths of learning to work together. The use of teamwork is reinforced and rewarded by success in the hockey experience.
C. The Michigan Amateur Hockey Association, an Affiliate Association of USA Hockey, Inc., does hereby indemnify and hold harmless USA Hockey and each member thereof, the Executive Committee of USA Hockey and each member thereof, the councils and committees of USA Hockey and each member thereof, and all other elected, appointed, employed or volunteer representatives of USA Hockey from any and all claims, liability, judgements, costs, attorneys' fees, charges and expenses whatsoever, arising from the acts and omissions of the Michigan Amateur Hockey Association, except to the extent (i) that USA Hockey or the aforedescribed representatives caused such claims, liability, judgements, costs, attorneys' fees, charges or expenses by their own intentional neglect or default or (ii) that such acts or omissions were the direct result of compliance with the Articles of Incorporation, Bylaws, Rules and Regulations, Playing Rules or decisions of the Board of Directors of USA Hockey. Further, the Michigan 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 so indemnified and held harmless to the extent descried in this constitution.
D. The officers of the Association shall represent the MAHA at the Summer and Winter meetings of USA HOCKEY.
MAHA BY-LAWS
A. Application:
A team becomes a member in the MAHA upon being accepted and paying the required registration fee which also includes a membership fee for the USA HOCKEY.
A. Membership Fee
Annual registration fees and/or dues may be established by the Board of Directors for team registration or for member ship in the MAHA.
A. Powers and Duties
The property and
affairs of the MAHA shall be managed by the Board of Directors, hereinafter
known as the Board. The Board shall have general management and control of the
business and affairs of the Association and shall exercise all of the powers
that may be exercised or performed by non-profit corporations under the
statutes of the State of
B. Courtesy Cards
All Directors and Officers will be extended Courtesy Cards permitting free admission to all MAHA sanctioned games.
C. Compensation
Board Members may be compensated for verified expenses submitted to the Treasurer up to a maximum amount; the maximum amount shall be approved in advance by the Executive Board.
A. President
1. Preside at all meetings of the Board of Directors and the Executive Committee.
2. Shall have the power to call meetings of the Executive Committee and to call special meetings of the Board of Directors.
3. May attend and represent MAHA at other ice hockey meetings.
4. Shall interpret rules
and make decisions on questions arising from emergencies not provided for in
the Constitution, By-Laws or Rules and Regulations.
Any such interpretations shall be brought to the attention of the Executive
Committee at its next meeting.
5. Shall manage the day to day affairs of MAHA.
6. Shall
automatically be a candidate for election as USA HOCKEY Director from
7. In the absence of the Treasurer, shall have the right to sign or endorse checks payable by or payable to MAHA.
8. Shall be a member of all committees of MAHA.
9. Shall appoint the members of all standing committees or special committees of MAHA.
B. Executive Vice-President
1. In the absence of the President, shall have all the powers and duties of the President.
2. Shall perform special assignments deemed necessary by the President and/or the Executive Committee.
3. Shall coordinate all youth camps.
4. Shall be the Chairperson of the Rules Committee.
5. Shall be MAHA’s liaison with USA HOCKEY’s risk management.
C. Vice-President for Youth
1. Shall serve as the Chairperson of the State Youth Playoff Committee.
2. Shall be MAHA’s liaison with USA HOCKEY’s Initiation Program.
D. Vice-President for Adults
1. Shall oversee
Adult hockey in
2. Shall serve as Chairperson of the State Adult Playoff Committee.
E. Vice-President for Coaching
1. Shall serve as Chairperson of the Coaching
Committee.
2.
Shall
be MAHA’s liaison with
F.
Vice-President
for Referees
1.
Shall
serve as Chairperson of the Referees Committee.
2.
Shall
be a member of the Referees Discipline Committee.
3.
Shall
be MAHA’s liaison with
G. Vice-President for Appeals
1. Shall be Chairperson of Appeals panels.
2. Shall be Chairperson of the Physical and Sexual Abuse Committee.
H. Treasurer
1. Shall receive all funds due to MAHA for deposit in a bank.
2. Shall pay all rightful obligations of MAHA.
3. Shall sign or endorse checks payable by or payable to MAHA.
4. Shall present to the Executive Committee at the beginning of each fiscal year a budget for the upcoming year. This budget will be presented to the Board of Directors at the Summer meeting.
5. Shall render a financial account at the end of each fiscal year and at any other time directed by the Executive Committee.
6. Shall, in conjunction with the MAHA Attorney, arrange for an annual independent certified audit.
I. Secretary
1. Shall keep minutes of the meetings of the Board of Directors and the Executive Committee. Shall prepare and send these minutes to the Directors.
2. Shall serve as Chairperson of the Credentials Committee.
3. Shall run the MAHA elections at the meetings of the Board of Directors.
4. Shall make arrangements, agendas and coordinate the awards for the meetings of the Board of Directors.
5. Shall notify the Directors of meetings and other important matters.
6. Shall be Chairperson of the Guidebook Committee.
J. Immediate Past President
1. Shall be a member of the Executive Committee
2. Shall have those duties assigned by the Executive Board.
K. The Officers shall have such additional powers and perform such additional duties as the board may from time to time prescribe.
A. District Councils
1. Membership
Shall be comprised of the District Directors that have been duly elected from that District along with the other persons appointed as District Council Members by the District Directors. The size of the District Council will be determined by the District Directors, but will consist of at least five members.
2. Powers and Duties
Shall have and exercise general control and authority over the affairs of the District, subject to the authority of the Association, Board and Executive Committee otherwise set forth herein. In addition to these duties, the Council shall act as the District Suspension Committee pursuant to the provisions set forth in the Rules and Regulations, and shall act as the District Playoff Committee or in conjunction with other District Councils as a District Playoff Committee, except in the event the State Playoff Committee(s) makes a contrary appointment.
3. District Chairperson
The District Council shall choose from among the District Directors a chairperson to serve a one-year term commencing at the conclusion of the next MAHA Summer Meeting. In the event a District has only one District Director, he/she shall automatically become Chairperson of the District Council as well. The District Chairperson shall assist the Executive Committee, Officers and Board in any and all matters concerning his/her home District, exercise general control and authority over administrative affairs of the District, and chair the meetings of the District Council.
B. Committees
1. Standing
a. Executive Committee
Shall be
comprised of the Officers of the MAHA. The USA HOCKEY
Registrar for
b. Physical
and Sexual Abuse Committee
This
committee shall be chaired by the Vice-President of Appeals with the balance of
the committee appointed by the Executive Board.
(1) Investigate all complaints of alleged physical and sexual abuse.
(2) Administer the screening requirements program as established by the MAHA.
c. Appeals Committee
The Appeals Committee shall consist of the Vice-President of Appeals, as Chairperson, the Director-at-Large of the affected District and the Vice-President of Youth or Adults as appropriate. No decision may be reached by this Committee unless three (3) members participate. In the event that the above members are unavailable, the Chairperson may appoint (1) another member of the Executive Committee or (2) a Director-at-Large. The committee shall review appeals from the District Councils in accordance with the procedure set forth in the Rules and Regulations.
d. Rules Committee
Shall be chaired by the Executive Vice-President and shall be responsible for processing proposed amendments to the Constitution, By-Laws and Rules & Regulations.
e. Referees Committee
(1) Chairperson shall be Vice-President for Officiating.
(2) Membership shall
include the USA HOCKEY Referee-In-Chief for
(3) Shall recommend qualified referees for all State Playoffs.
(4) Shall determine compensation rate for officiating State Playoff games with the approval of the State Playoff Committees.
f. Referees Disciplinary Committee
(1)
The Committee shall be chaired by the Vice-President for Officiating and shall include the USA HOCKEY Referee-In-Chief for
g. Coaching Committee
(1) The Committee shall be chaired by the
Vice-President for Coaching.
(2) Membership shall include the
h. Youth Committee
(1) Shall be chaired by the Vice-President for Youth; the balance of the committee shall be appointed by the President who shall insure representation from each District.
(2) Shall be responsible for all B, BB, A, TIER II and TIER I State Playoffs.
(3) Shall award all B, BB, A, TIER II and TIER I State Playoff sites and approve all B, BB, A, TIER II and TIER I State Playoff formats.
(4) Shall have the sole authority to determine the eligibility of a B, BB, A, TIER II and TIER I team and the players on that team and to act on requests for exception as brought forth by District Councils.
(5) Must approve the referees used for all B, BB, A, TIER II and TIER I State Playoffs.
i. Adult Committee
(1) Shall be chaired by the Vice-President for Adults; the balance of the committee shall be appointed by the President who shall insure representation from each District.
(2) Shall be responsible for all aspects of the Adult State Playoffs.
(3) Shall be responsible for the administration of the Adult Program.
j. Girls’/Women’s Committee
(1) Shall be chaired by the Girls’/Women’s Director; the balance of the committee shall be appointed by the President who shall insure representation from each District.
(2) Shall be responsible for all aspects of the Girls’/Women’s State Playoffs.
(3) Shall be responsible for the administration of the Girls’/Women’s Program.
k. Credentials Committee
(1) Shall be chaired by the Secretary with additional members appointed by the President as deemed appropriate.
(2) Shall be responsible for determining those eligible to vote at meetings of the Board and resolving disputes relative to voting.
l. Guidebook Committee
(1) Shall be chaired by the Secretary with additional members appointed by the President as deemed appropriate.
(2) Shall be responsible for the preparation, printing, and publication of the Annual Guidebook including the solicitation of advertising.
m. Awards Committee
(1) Committee and chairperson shall be appointed by the President.
(2) Shall be responsible for soliciting nominations for and/or selection criteria for MAHA Awards and conducting ballots if necessary.
n. Redistricting Committee
(1) Committee and chairperson shall be appointed by the President.
(2) Shall be responsible for reviewing player, team and arena census data and for making recommended changes in District boundaries for approval by the Board of Directors.
o. S.T.A.R. (Shared Tolerance
Appreciation & Respect) Hockey Program Committee
(1) Committee and chairperson
shall be appointed by the President with approval of the Executive Board.
(2) Shall
be responsible for administration of the parent education program known as the
M.A.H.A. S.T.A.R. (Shared Tolerance Appreciation & Respect) Hockey Program.
(3) Shall
be responsible for reviewing all submitted Incident Reports, forwarding to the
appropriate District Council(s) for action and maintaining database of
Council(s) action(s).
2. Special Committees
a. Shall be established by the President and/or Executive Committee.
b. The Chairpersons and Membership are to be appointed by the President and/or Executive Committee.
c. Special committees are to have specific duties, responsibilities and authorities.
3. Expenses
Committee Members may be reimbursed for verified expenses submitted to the Treasurer up to a maximum amount. The maximum amount shall be approved in advance by the Executive Committee.
4. The committee chairperson appointments of officers specifically provided for in this article may be changed or modified by the Executive Committee.
A. Special Meetings
Special Meetings may be called by the President or by one-third of the Board in accordance with the notice requirements set forth herein.
B. Notice
At least three weeks notice shall be given all Board Members at their address of record for all regular meetings. At least ten days notice shall be given of all special meetings.
A. Rules of Order
Unless otherwise specified herein, “Robert’s Rules of Order”, current edition, shall govern in questions of parliamentary conduct.
B. Quorum
At least one-third of the Board of Directors shall be present to constitute a quorum for the purpose of conducting business.
C. Winter/Summer Meetings
The schedule and order of business shall be as follows, unless changed at the meeting:
1. Meeting convened, roll call and proof of notice.
2. Minutes of previous meeting.
3. Treasurer’s Report.
4. Committee Reports.
5. Report on previous year’s activities.
6. Vote on rule change proposals.
7. Old Business.
8. New Business.
9. Installation of new officers.
10. Announcement of site of next Winter/Summer Meeting.
11. Adjourn.
A. Voting
At all Board Meetings, each Board Member, except the President, shall have one vote on any and all matters which come before the Board. In matters which require only a simple majority, the President shall vote only in the event of a tie. In all other matters which require more than a simple majority of those voting, the president shall have a vote. The President shall vote in all elections of Officers.
B. Written notice of the new Directors filling vacancies must be received by the Secretary thirty (30) days prior to the date of the meeting in order for the new Director to be eligible to vote. There shall be no voting by proxy. Any voting dispute shall be resolved by the Credentials Committee.
A. Contractual Authority
The Board or the Executive Committee may authorize any ‘Officers’, to enter into any contract or execute and deliver any contract or other instrument in the name of and on behalf of the MAHA, and such authority may be general or confined to specific instances. Unless authorized to do so by these By-Laws, by the Board or by the Executive Committee, no Officer or agent shall have any power or authority to bind the MAHA by any contract or engagement, or to pledge its credit, or to render it liable pecuniarily for any purpose or in any amount.
B. Deposits
All funds of the MAHA not otherwise employed shall be deposited from time to time to the credit of the MAHA in such banks, trust companies or other depositories as the Board or the Executive Committee may from time to time designate. For the purpose of such deposits, all checks, drafts and other orders for the payment of money which are payable to the order of the MAHA, may be endorsed, assigned and delivered by any officer of the MAHA.
C. Bond
The Board may require any Officer, employee or agent of the MAHA to give such bond for the faithful discharge of his duties to the Association as the Board may determine.
D. The fiscal year of M.A.H.A. shall end on August 31st of each year.
E. Correspondence
MAHA Stationary, Envelopes or Postage is to be used for official MAHA correspondence ONLY. The use of MAHA stationary, envelopes or postage for soliciting, or running for office, or for the use of personal correspondence is prohibited. Any violation to this rule will be referred to the Executive Committee for disciplinary action.
The MAHA shall have the power to indemnify any and all persons who serve as Officers or Directors against any and all expenses including attorneys’ fees, judgments, fines and settlements actually and reasonably incurred by reason of the person being an Officer or Director of the Association. This power to indemnify shall apply only if the Officer or Director acted in good faith and a manner reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the MAHA, and with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe the conduct was unlawful.
A. Proposed changes to these Constitution/By-Laws and/or the Rules and Regulations shall be submitted by members, in writing, to the Rules Committee Chairperson, and must be postmarked before January 1. All such proposals shall be read at the Winter Meeting with a recommendation offered by the Rules Committee. An advisory vote of the Board shall be taken at this time. All Proposals which do not receive support from at least ten (10) Board Members at this time shall be rejected.
B. Amendments (not new proposals) may be made to said proposals by Board Members at the Winter meeting by a simple majority vote, or by a three-fourths vote at the Summer meeting.
C. Between the Winter and Summer meetings, Board Members shall discuss the merits of the various proposals carried forward in their home Districts.
D. Adoption shall require a two-thirds majority vote of the Board Members present at the Summer meeting.
E. Any Constitution/By-law or Rule change proposal determined by the Executive Committee to be the same, or substantially the same as one rejected or withdrawn at the previous Summer or Winter meeting cannot be placed on the agenda unless it receives a two-thirds majority vote by the Board members present at the Winter meeting.
F. All proposals postmarked on or after the January 1 deadline must receive approval of three-fourths of the Board members present at the Winter or Summer meeting to be placed on the agenda.
G. Proposals to change these Constitution/By-Laws and/or the Rules and Regulations may be incorporated in a special committee report. If the committee report includes rule or by-law changes then the Board shall vote separately from the report on the proposed changes and shall pass the rule or by-law change by a two-thirds majority at the Summer meeting.
__________________________________________
NOTE: All Coaches, Managers and/or Team Officials
shall have the sole responsibility for making sure that their team meets
all the requirements for its classification and meets all the criteria for
eligibility for District and State Playoffs. USA Hockey Registrars, Associate Registrars
and MAHA District Council Personnel will not review rosters at registration to
make this determination nor are they authorized to determine said eligibility
at registration.
All applicable rules for the
above are located in this book and the current USA Hockey Annual Guide.
RULES AND REGULATIONS
A. A team becomes a member in this Association upon being accepted and paying the required registration fee which also includes a membership fee for the USA HOCKEY.
B. Membership shall be renewed annually upon receipt of registration fee and acceptance by MAHA and USA HOCKEY.
C. All teams are
required to complete an official USA HOCKEY “Team Membership Application” (
D. Appropriate Annual Dues are required to be paid by all teams at the time of registration.
For the purposes of USA HOCKEY and MAHA competition, an amateur hockey player is one who is registered with the National Association Governing Amateur Hockey and is not engaged in playing organized professional hockey under contract to a professional club. Any player having completed his/her contractual obligations to a professional club may apply to the USA HOCKEY for reinstatement of his/her amateur status. It is recommended that no team or league in the MAHA award any player any type of prize, award, or equipment (including jackets) which may be valued at more than $15.00.
B. Definition of a New Association
All new Associations formed after
1. Have submitted “Organizational By-Laws” to and received approval and recognition from the affected District and the MAHA Executive Board.
2. Have an Initiation program in place and include a house (B or BB) program.
3. Allow open registration to all geographic residents within the Association’s local boundaries.
4. Must demonstrate to the District Council that the Association has sufficient ice contracted for each team.
5. Must demonstrate to the District Council that a majority of players on each team meet the appropriate age for each team classification.
A. Teams in the Michigan Amateur Hockey Association shall be classified as follows:
1. Adult Non-Checking 40 & Over (Drafted House)
Restricted to
2. Adult Non-Checking 35 & Over (Elite)
Restricted to
3. Adult Non-Checking 30 & Over (Elite & Drafted House)
Restricted to
4. Adult Non-Checking
Restricted to
5. Adult Elite
Restricted to
6. Adult
Restricted to
7. Women - Any age
Restricted to
Effective for the 2003-2004 season:
Women – Any Age
Restricted to legal
8. Youth
a. All youth
classifications are restricted to
b. The classification of a player shall be determined by:
(1) Youth
classifications: Age at
(2) Junior C
classification: age at
(3) Girls
classifications: age at
For 2002-2003
Regular Season:
Classification Date of Birth
Adult-eighteen (18) or older at date of registration &
play
Junior-twenty (20) or under as of
Youth-seventeen (17 or under) 7/1/84-12/31/85
Midget 17-18
Youth-sixteen (16 or under) 1986
& 1987 Midget 15-16
Youth-fourteen (14 or under) 1988 Bantam
Youth-thirteen (13 or under) 1989 Bantam
Youth-twelve (12 or under) 1990 Pee Wee
Youth-eleven (11 or under) 1991 Pee Wee
Youth-ten (10 or under) 1992 Squirt
Youth-nine (9 or under) 1993 Squirt
Youth-eight (8 or under) 1994 Mite
Youth-seven (7 or under) 1995 Mite
Youth-six (6 or under) 1996
& later MiniMite
Women's - twenty (20) & over (born
during or after 1982)
Girls - nineteen (19) or under (born during
or after 1983)
Girls - fifteen (15) or under (born during
or after 1987)
Girls - twelve (12) or under (born during
or after 1990)
Girls - ten (10) or under (born during or after 1992)
For 2003-2004
Regular Season:
Women's
– Any Age
Girls - nineteen
(19) or under (born during or after 1984)
Girls - sixteen
(16) or under (born during or after 1987)
Girls – fourteen
(14) or under (born during or after 1989)
Girls – twelve (12)
or under (born during or after 1991)
Girls - ten (10) or under (born during or after 1993)
B. Any team violating any of the above mentioned rules and regulations may be declared ineligible to play in the District or State Playoffs and may be subject to suspension from further league competition.
A. Adult Non-Checking Tier I Classification
Any independent team, or any team which plays in a Tier I league.
B. Adult Non-Checking Tier II Classification
Any independent team, or any team which plays in a Tier II league. Teams
which play more than 30% of their games by February 1 against Tier I teams will
be reclassified to Tier I.
C. Adult Non-Checking Tier III Classification
Any independent team, or any team which plays in a Tier III league. Teams which play more than 30% of their games by February 1 against Tier II teams will be reclassified to Tier II.
D. Women’s A
1. Any independent team or any team which plays in a declared Women’s A league.
2. A team having the majority of its players (rated A) will be classified Women’s A.
Effective for the 2003-2004 season:
3. This category is for elite teams and
players.
E. Women’s B
1. Any independent team or any team which plays in a declared Women’s B league.
2. A team having the majority of its players (rated B) will be classified Women B.
Effective for the 2003-2004 season:
3. This category is for established teams and
skilled players.
Effective for the 2003-2004 season:
F. Women’s C
1. Any independent team or any team which
plays in a declared Women’s C league.
2. A team having the majority of its players
(rated C) will be classified Women C.
3. This category is for recreational players and teams. In this category players may not be current or past Olympic or National Team players. College Division I, II and III players may play in this classification 15 years after graduation date. Under special circumstances players may petition the Girls'/Women's Section to play in this classification at any time.
G. Girls nineteen (19) or under
Any independent team or any team which plays in a Girls nineteen (19) or under league.
H. Girls fifteen (15) or under
Any independent team or any team which plays in a Girls fifteen (15) or under league.
Effective for the 2003-2004 season, this
classification becomes Girl’s sixteen (16) or under
I. Effective for the 2003-2004 season:
Girl’s fourteen (14) or under
Any independent team or any team which plays in a Girls fourteen (14) or under league.
J. Girls twelve (12) or under
Any independent team or any team which plays in a Girls twelve (12) or under league.
K. Girls ten (10) or under
Any independent team or any team which plays in a Girls ten (10) or under league.
L. All youth teams (except Girl’s) will be assigned a Divisional Classification as listed below and in paragraph M.
1. Junior ‘C’
Shall be a single classification division only. Junior ‘C’ teams must have a majority of their registered players residing in the District in which the team is registered, to be eligible to compete in District and State Playoffs.
2. Tier I (AAA) Youth (except 8 & under and younger classifications)
a. Any team which plays in a declared Tier I league.
b. Independent teams who play more than 30% of their games by February 1st against Tier I teams will be considered Tier I.
c. All Tier I teams must be registered in the District in which they play the majority of their home league games in order to qualify for State Playoffs.
d. All teams and players playing in this classification are restricted to a maximum of seventy five (75) games per season. Game limits do not include National Tournaments.
3. Tier II (AA) (Note: in the 16 or under classification, Tier II is “A”) Youth
(except 8 & under and younger classifications)
a. Any team which plays in a declared Tier II league and any independent team registered as a Tier II team.
b. Has no more than three (3) players who reside outside the District in which the team is registered.
c. All teams and players playing in this classification are restricted to a maximum of seventy five (75) games per season. Game limits do not include National Tournaments.
4. A Youth (except 8 & under and younger classifications)
a. Any team which plays in a declared A league and any independent team registered as an A team.
b. If no A league is available, teams may apply to the District Council and State Playoff Committee for authorization to participate in a Tier II league without losing their A status for State Playoffs.
c. Has no more than three (3) players who reside outside the District in which the team is registered.
d. A 14 and under, 12 and under and a 10 and
under team in this classification shall not have players who are in their last
year of eligibility. In the Midget 15/16 classification, no players from the
Midget 17/18 classification are allowed.
e. All teams and players playing in this classification are restricted to a maximum of seventy-five (75) games per season.
5. BB Youth (except 8 & under and younger classifications)
a. Restricted to Youth-seventeen (17/18) or under classification.
b. Any team playing in a declared BB league.
c. To automatically be granted this classification, a minimum of three (3) teams must be fielded in the age classification. Teams not meeting this criteria may apply to their District Council for permission to be classified BB. The District Council will investigate their request and make a recommendation to the State Playoff Committee for a final ruling.
d. Has no more than three (3) players who reside outside the District in which the team is registered.
e. Is a team with players chosen on a draft basis. To qualify for District and State Playoffs, teams in the BB Classification must adhere to the following draft system.
(1) Each team may protect a maximum of one (1) player prior to the start of the player draft.
(2) The league must continue drafting until all available players are drafted to teams.
(3) Association draft rules must be submitted to the District Council Chairperson by September 1st of the current season. The District Council shall determine if association draft rules conform to the requirements contained herein.
(4) Dates, times and locations of all association drafts shall be submitted to the District Council Chairperson a minimum of two weeks prior to the draft. The draft shall be monitored by a member of the District Council or Officer of the MAHA.
f. All teams and players in this classification are restricted to a maximum of 40 games before February 1st of the current season, not including District playoffs.
6. B Youth (except 8 & under and younger classifications)
a. Any team playing in a declared B league.
b. If no B league is available, teams may apply to the District Council and State Playoff Committee for authorization to participate in a BB league without losing their B status for State Playoffs.
c. To automatically be granted this classification, a minimum of three (3) teams must be fielded in the age classification. Teams not meeting this criteria may apply to their District Council for permission to be classified B. The District Council will investigate their request and make a recommendation to the State Playoff Committee for a final ruling.
d. Has no more than three (3) players who reside outside the District in which the team is registered.
e. In the Midget 15/16 classification, no players from the Midget 17/18 classification are allowed.
f. Teams shall have no more second year players (players in their last year of eligibility in an age classification) than are listed on the team make-up formula below:
|
# of Players: |
20 |
19 |
18 |
17 |
16 |
15 |
14 |
13 |
12 |
11 |
10 |
|
Max.2nd Year: |
13 |
12 |
11 |
10 |
10 |
9 |
9 |
8 |
8 |
7 |
6 |
g. Teams that do not qualify for District Playoffs, due to an unavoidable lack of first or second year players being available, may apply to their District Council and the State Playoff Committee for exception.
h. Is a team with players chosen on a draft basis. To qualify for District and State Playoffs, teams in the B Classification must adhere to the following draft system.
(1) Each team may protect a maximum of one (1) player prior to the start of the player draft.
(2) The league must continue drafting until all available players are drafted to teams.
(3) Association draft rules must be submitted to the District Council Chairperson by September 1st of the current season. The District Council shall determine if association draft rules conform to the requirements contained herein.
(4) Dates, times and locations of all association drafts shall be submitted to the District Council Chairperson a minimum of two weeks prior to the draft. The draft shall be monitored by a member of the District Council or Officer of the MAHA.
i. All teams and players in the Youth-Sixteen (15/16) or under classification are restricted to a maximum of 40 games before February 1st of the current season, not including District playoffs.
j. All teams and players in the Youth-fourteen (14); twelve (12); and ten (10) or under classifications are restricted to a maximum of 35 games before February 1st of the current season, not including District playoffs.
7. Youth-eight (8) or under and Youth-six (6) or under classifications
a.
All
teams must be comprised of players chosen on a draft basis. Teams must adhere
to the following draft system.
(1) Each
team may protect a maximum of one (1) player prior to the start of the player
draft.
(2) The
league must continue drafting until all available players are drafted to teams.
(3) Association
draft rules must be submitted to the District Council Chairperson by September
1st of the current season. The District Council shall determine if association
draft rules conform to the requirements contained herein.
(4)
Dates,
times and locations of all association drafts shall be submitted to the
District Council Chairperson a minimum of two weeks prior to the draft. The
draft shall be monitored by a member of the District Council or Officer of the
MAHA.
b. Teams
shall have no more second year players (players in their last year of
eligibility in an age classification) than are listed on the team make-up
formula below:
|
# of Players: |
20 |
19 |
18 |
17 |
16 |
15 |
14 |
13 |
12 |
11 |
10 |
|
Max.2nd Year: |
13 |
12 |
11 |
10 |
10 |
9 |
9 |
8 |
8 |
7 |
6 |
c. All teams are restricted to no more than three (3) non-district players.
d. No Youth team which has a majority of Youth eight (8) or under age players may register or participate as a regular member of another (higher) age classification.
e. No Youth team which has a majority of Youth six (6) or under age players may register or participate as a regular member of another (higher) age classification.
f. No team or player may participate in more than 40 games total per season. This total may include four tournaments, invitational or otherwise, with a maximum of two games per day for tournaments. Violation of this rule will result in a recommended suspension of one year for the head coach.
g. Any team violating any of the above mentioned rules and regulations are not permitted to participate in MAHA sanctioned leagues or invitational tournaments.
h. All Youth-eight (8) or under and six (6) or under teams shall be registered as Mites. (Reference USA HOCKEY classifications.)
i. Youth-eight (8) or under and six (6) or under teams are not required to sign a roster for purposes of registration. (Reference USA HOCKEY rules.)
M. All teams needing a ruling or exception for their team eligibility, to make them a MAHA approved team, must submit their request (through their District Council first) to the respective State Playoff committee for disposition.
Game Count Limitations Summary:
Division Maximum
Games
All Tier I (except
Mites) 75 per season*
All Tier II (except
Mites) 75 per season*
All "A" (except Mites) 75 per season
17 & under "BB" 40 prior to February 1**
16
& under “B” 40 prior
to February 1**
14 & under “B” 35 prior to February 1**
12 & under “B” 35 prior to February 1**
10 & under "B" 35 prior to February 1**
All 8 & under / 6 & under 40 per season***
** excluding
MAHA District Playoff games
*** including
a maximum of (4) tournaments
A. All teams and players must be registered before the start of league, exhibition or tournament games. The Regular season shall be September 1 to April 30 and the Post Season shall be April 1 through August 31.
B. An established program which does not register all of its member teams shall be denied the right to play games with Canadian Teams or enter District or State Playoffs.
C. Each team must complete the Team Membership form (USA 2-T), Team Roster form (USA 1-T), an Individual Membership Registration (IMR) form for all players and coaches, provide a copy of each player’s birth certificate (except Adult Divisions), and provide these forms to the USA HOCKEY Associate Registrar who will certify the forms. All registration forms may be secured from the USA HOCKEY Associate Registrar.
In addition, each rostered coach, assistant coach, manager and trainer must provide an application and authorization and release of liability form along with the above paperwork for processing by the abuse prevention committee.
Acceptable proof
of age shall consist of a readable copy of a player’s government issued birth certificate, or, if birth certificate is not available, copy of a Passport ID
page.. A U.S. Military record of birth will be acceptable in lieu of a
birth certificate for players born of parent(s) in the U.S. Military. An
affidavit sworn to before an Officer of the Court may be used only in those
circumstances where a birth certificate or U.S. Military record of birth is not
available. Non-U.S. citizens must
provide proof of legal residency and proof of release and transfer from home
country ice hockey federation.
In addition, each parent/legal guardian of a registered player shall
sign the M.A.H.A. S.T.A.R. Hockey Program Parent/Legal Guardian Code of Conduct Agreement. The executed Agreement shall be retained and
kept on file for the entire season by the Association Sub-Registrar or
Independent Team Head Coach and/or Manager for District review, if
necessary.
D. A player is a resident of the District in which he/she resides. In cases of divorced parents, the player may be recognized to play as an “In District” player in either of the Districts in which the parents reside. Once the player chooses, the player will remain as an “In District” player, for that District only, for the balance of the regular season.
E. Each youth division team (except Junior C) may register (20) players, including goaltenders. Adult Division classification teams may register (25) players. This does not, however, prevent a team from releasing a player and then signing replacements before the ARTIFICIAL ICE (December 31st) or the NATURAL ICE (January 20th) deadlines (except Tier I) to be eligible for District, State and National Tournaments.
F. Maximum number of players registered in the Junior “C” Classification is twenty-five (25) until November 1, twenty (20) thereafter until the end of the season.
G. No player who is properly registered in the youth category (Youth seventeen [17] or under) by December 31st of the current playing season, may be registered after December 31st with any Junior A, B, or C team.
H. A registered team in any of the Youth classifications may not play in more than one (1) league or classification.
I. A player may be registered with only one MAHA/USA HOCKEY team at a time except as noted below.
1. Adult Division (Men’s/Women’s) Classifications: are allowed to play for more than one team in different leagues.
a. All Adult Men’s MAHA rules shall be applicable to Women’s (20 & above) registered teams. Women’s players are allowed to play for more than one team in different leagues including playing in Adult Men’s leagues.
b. No player shall be registered with more than one Men’s Adult US team at any one time, regardless of league classification.
c. A player shall not be registered with more than one (1) team that participates in games leading towards a National Championship.
2. Girl’s Registration Exception:
a. Female players (aged 19 and under) may register either with a youth team or with a girl’s team following the registration procedures for that classification. Additionally, under the circumstances listed below a female player may petition to dual roster:
1. When the female player’s intent is to play for her youth team but would like to participate with a registered girls’ team for tournament play – limited to two tournaments per season.
2. When there is no girls’ program locally available (within the closest youth hockey association) and the female player rosters with her youth team for regular ice while rostering with her girl’s team for recognition in girl’s leagues, tournaments and state/national participation. The girl’s team that the female player registers with must be the closest available girl’s team at the player’s level of ability.
3. When an area girl’s team is being formed but has not attained a schedule of regular ice times, scheduled competition or consistent coaching, a girl may request to dual roster on her local youth hockey team and with the new girls’ team. Request is allowed for up to two years or until such time that the girl’s team joins an established league.
Female players will not be granted dual rostering status for the following conditions:
1. Requesting to register simultaneously on more than one girls’ team.
2. Requesting to register simultaneously on a youth travel team and a girls’ team that is participating in the state or national tournament.
b. All games played by the female youth player (youth and girls’) will be included in the total game count as it applies to all youth classifications.
c. Players who wish to dual roster under the above conditions must notify the Girls’/Women’s Director in writing and provide a letter of support from both the boy’s team coach and the girls’ team coach prior to the request getting consideration by the MAHA Women’s Committee. Players must request dual rostering permission before registering with their second team. The dual rostered player must present the District Associate Registrar(s) with the Committee’s written approval at the time of her registration.
d. A player must also declare in writing to
the Girls’/Women’s Director at the time of her dual roster request what team
she plans to participate with for District, State, Regional and National tournament
(youth or girl’s). The player may continue to play on both teams throughout the
season after she has made her declaration.
J. Roster changes for indoor artificial ice leagues cannot be made later than December 31st of the current playing season to be eligible for district, state and national tournaments. For the Tier I Classification, roster changes cannot be made after November 1 of the current playing season, except for Midgets, which is December 1, to be eligible for state and national tournaments. Exceptions to this provision for Tier I classification may be made in extraordinary circumstances by a two-thirds majority approval of the Youth Committee. Roster changes for Outdoor leagues with natural and artificial ice cannot be made later than January 20th to be eligible for District, State and National tournaments. Teams playing 75% of their league games indoors shall be considered indoor teams.
K. A player signed to a certified team roster must secure a release in writing from that team before signing with another team. A player receiving a release must be signed to the new team roster, as certified by the USA HOCKEY Associate Registrar, at least 72 hours in advance of playing in a game. A player requesting a release must be granted that request if he/she does not owe any fees and/or equipment to the team. The District Council has the authority to release a player who is refused a release by his/her team or Association.
L. A player registered with a Youth Division classification team is ineligible to simultaneously register or participate with a team in any Adult Division, College Division, Junior Division, Club Team, Prep School or High School Division. Upon joining a team in any of these divisions, the player is automatically dropped from the Youth Division roster. The manager of the Youth Division team must immediately notify the District Registrar of the removal of the player from the roster.
M. Players or referees playing for non-registered or outlaw teams may not participate in the MAHA in any way to play, coach or referee.
N. A player may not
be signed to a Team Roster Form (
O.
1. The high school classification shall include formal high school/prep school teams or non-varsity teams consisting of full time students attending high school/prep school.
2. A youth/girl’s team registered as a high school team may roster 30 players, but can dress only 20 players, including goaltender(s), for a game.
3. A USA HOCKEY registered team may play a high school/prep school varsity hockey team registered with and recognized by the Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA). This allows for play with high school/prep school teams for the high school/prep school winter season only: November 1 to March 1 of the current playing season.
A. All teams registered with the MAHA and USA HOCKEY must have a coach and/or manager in good standing with the MAHA and USA HOCKEY. All teams must have a rostered coach, assistant coach and/or manager present at all team functions who is responsible for the conduct of all team personnel.
B. Coach
and managers must be registered at the same time as the players. Teams may
register additional team officials at any time. (See paragraph V.,
Registration: Teams and Players for required paperwork.) Coaches and Managers
can only be rostered on one team in an age/division classification at a time; ex. Registration with a Bantam A and
Bantam B is acceptable since these are different classifications.
C. It
is recommended that each Youth and Girl’s/Women’s team have a manager. All
Youth and Girl’s/Women’s National Tournament bound teams are required to have a
team manager. A coach who serves as a team manager shall register only as a
coach. There shall be no
D. By December 31 of the calendar year, all youth/girl’s team personnel on the bench in a game must hold Coaching Education Program (CEP) certification ratings as listed below:
REQUIRED LEVEL: ALL COACHES
INITIATION ASSOC. INTER. ADV.
DIVISION CLASS. PROGRAM LEVEL LEVEL LEVEL
8 & under ALL X X
10 & under B, A X X
10 & under Tier II X X X
10 & under Tier I X X X X
12 & under B,
A, Tier II X X X
12 & under Tier I X X X X
14 & under B, A, Tier II X X X
14 & under Tier I X X X X
16 & under B, A (Tier II) X X X
16 & under Tier I X X X X
17 & under BB X X X
17 & under Tier I & II X X X X
High School
Junior C
GIRL’S 10 & u. ALL X X
GIRL’S 12 & u. ALL X X
GIRL’S 15 & u. ALL X X X
GIRL’S 19 & u. ALL X X X
1. If any of the team personnel on the bench during a game does not have the proper level of coaching certification by December 31 of the calendar year, the person in non-compliance shall be suspended from all hockey coaching activities, and this must be referred in writing to the proper District Council for action under Rule XVII, section A, paragraph 21 of the Annual Guide Book.
2. Application
for exception to Rule VI.D.1, shall be submitted in writing, postmarked on or
before December 31 of the current season to the proper District Council for
their action. No other means of transmittal (telephone, fax, e-mail, etc.) is
acceptable. Any request postmarked after December 31, shall receive no
consideration from the District Council. Exceptions granted shall be in writing
and shall be sent immediately by the District Council to the applicant and it
shall be the sole responsibility of the applicant to provide the same upon
proper request.
3. CEP certification of a new, inexperienced coach at the Intermediate level cannot follow certification at the Associate level unless he/she has completed at least one (1) regular, Fall-Winter, season of coaching experience. This requirement may be waived by the MAHA Vice President of Coaches at the recommendation of the USA Hockey Coach-in-Chief/CEP Director using established guidelines of USA Hockey.
4. CEP certification of a coach at the Advanced level cannot follow certification at the Intermediate level unless he/she has completed at least one (1) regular, Fall-Winter, season of coaching experience. This requirement may be waived by the MAHA Vice President of Coaches at the recommendation of the USA Hockey Coach-in-Chief/CEP Director using established guidelines of USA Hockey.
5. All coaches below Level 4 (Advanced) shall
progress through the Coaching Education Program,
attending a coaching clinic at least once every three years through Level 3
(Intermediate). After a coach has
completed Level 3, the coach shall do one of the following: attend another Level 3 clinic within 3 years,
take a
If a coach's accreditation was received more
than 3 years from the current calendar year, the card is rendered invalid/expired below Level 4, and a
refresher course at the same level or attending a clinic at the next level is
necessary for the accreditation to remain current. (In
6. Evidence of Level (applies to all team personnel on the bench during a game)
a. Proof of coaching education level will be evidenced by a USA Hockey C.E.P. card with appropriate dated verification sticker. This card must be carried by all coaches for all USA Hockey games.
b. Before the start of each game, and in the presence of the referee, each coach must present their card to one another for verification of coaching education level.
c. If a coach cannot produce their current and up to date USA Hockey C.E.P. card prior to the start of the first period, it must be noted on the official game scoresheet and signed by the opposing coach.
d. Beginning
January 1 or the current season, prior to the start of the game, all coaches
(Head and Assistant) present, from each team, are required to sign the
designated area of the scoresheet in order to verify the accuracy of the
playing roster, as it appears on the scoresheet, for that game. In addition,
all coaches (Head and Assistant) must include their
E. Student Coach - A player between the ages of 13 and 17 who is currently properly registered with USA Hockey.
1. Must attend a training session(s) conducted by the local hockey association.
2. Must always be under the supervision of a CEP carded/screened adult coach during all practices, clinics, try-outs and in the locker room.
3. May help out at practices, clinics, try-outs only.
4. May not participate in scrimmages or games as a Student Coach.
5. May not act as an assistant or head coach during practices and games.
6. May be on the bench during games with rostered CEP carded/screened adult(s).
7. Must wear a helmet with full face shield, gloves and skates while on the ice.
8. Must wear a helmet with full face shield while on the bench during games.
9. May only work with players at least one full playing age level down. (eg., a Pee Wee age player may act as a Student Coach at the Squirt or Mite level.)
10. The organization that is using the Student Coach must provide a form indicating on what team he/she is participating as a Student Coach, and, if applicable, what team he/she is properly registered as a player. (A model form is available on the usahockey.com web site.) This paperwork is to be available for review at all games along with the regular team roster, etc.
11. Upon reaching the age of 18, the Student Coach must comply with the M.A.H.A. Abuse Prevention Screening Program requirements and meet the C.E.P. coaching level requirements in order to participate as a coach with any team.
12. No more than (4) registered/rostered team officials, including a Student Coach(s), will be permitted in the vicinity of the players bench during games.
F. COACHING ETHICS CODE.
1. In order to be eligible to coach or instruct in any USA Hockey activities (practices, clinics, games, tournaments, tryouts, etc.), all coaches (head, assistant, and instructors) must sign the USA Hockey Coaching Ethics Code Agreement each hockey season. Signed Coaching Ethics Agreements must be submitted with other registration materials at the time a coach is registered as part of a team.
2. All coaches must abide by the USA Hockey Coaching Ethics Code. Violations of this code may result in suspension per Rule XVI, A, 15.
G. Once a
roster is certified, Head Coaches, Assistant Coaches, and Managers may only be
deleted from the roster by letter of resignation, or suspension by the
respective District Council not withstanding appeal reversal. Changes cannot be made from Assistant Coach
or Manager to Head Coach or visa-versa, from a certified roster without review
by the respective District Council. The
District Council Chairperson will notify the Associate Registrar and the State
Playoff Committee Chairperson, in writing, of a District Council's approved
change in a coaching staff.
H. ASSOCIATION COACHING
EDUCATION (A.C.E. COORDINATORS)
1.
The
2.
Each District Council in
3.
Each local association must appoint
an individual(s) to be their local ACE Coordinator, and shall notify their
District Council ACE Coordinator and the
VII REGISTRATION: PARENTS
A. All teams registered with the MAHA and
B. Executed copies of the M.A.H.A. S.T.A.R. Hockey Program Parent/Legal Guardian
Code of Conduct Agreement shall be retained and kept on file for the entire
season by the Association Sub-Registrar or Independent Team Head Coach and/or
Manager for District review.
C. All Associations and Independent Teams should develop and submit to
their District Council a disciplinary action procedure for parents found to be
in non-compliance with the Program.
D. Failure of the parent/legal guardian(s) of any registered player to
comply with the M.A.H.A. S.T.A.R. Hockey Program Parent/Legal Guardian Code of
Conduct Agreement shall become the disciplinary responsibility of the District
Council where the parent/legal guardian’s player is registered. District Council may refer matters back to
the association level when they deem appropriate. Upon resolution, all findings and actions are
to be reported to the M.A.H.A. S.T.A.R. Hockey Program Committee.
A. All USA HOCKEY Rules and Regulations apply to all games and practices.
B. Definition of a game:
1. The following conditions shall constitute a valid game:
a. When two registered teams occupy the same ice surface for the purpose of competitive play.
b. A game shall consist of at least two periods of 10 minutes stopped time or 15 minutes running time, officiated by registered referees and with a completed and signed scoresheet.
c. Once the teams commence play, this session counts toward the maximum game count for both teams regardless of the minutes played. (Completion of a game stopped due to a curfew only counts as one game in total.)
2. The following conditions shall constitute an invalid game:
a. When two registered teams occupy the same ice surface and compete without registered referees, with or without the clock and scoreboard, with or without coaches on the ice and without a completed/signed scoresheet. Coaches and players for both teams are subject to suspension under rules XVII, A, 4 & 5. This session does count toward the maximum game count for each team.
b. This rule is not intended to prohibit controlled practice sessions between ‘B’ (house) division teams only, under the following circumstances: 1) an Association assigned split ice practice; 2) coaches are on the ice and using this as a teaching situation; 3) this takes place during the final portion of the practice session, not to exceed 15 minutes. This session does not count toward the maximum game count for the teams involved.
C. The authority for monitoring the game count of each team / player shall be vested with the appropriate District Council.
D. All games played
in the State of
E. No more than four (4) registered team officials in good standing will be permitted in the vicinity of the players bench or will be allowed to coach or manage a team. Any violation of this regulation could result in the forfeiting of the game.
F. No Referee or Linesman shall officiate in a division within a tournament, District playoff or State playoff in which their father, mother, sister, brother, son, daughter, husband or wife is a coach, manager or player of one of the participating teams without:
1. Notifying the opposing team of this relationship.
2. Obtaining agreement to play the game from both teams, in writing, on the scoresheet, prior to the start of the game. (In cases of tournaments or playoffs, this can be done on a blanket basis by all teams, in writing, prior to the start of play.)
G. A registered team shall not play a non-registered team or a team under suspension by the MAHA or USA HOCKEY. (Reference paragraph V, P, 3 for allowable play against high school/ prep school varsity teams.)
H. An USA HOCKEY registered high school team may play non-registered high school teams.
I. Teams must carry approved copies of the Team Membership Application (USA Form - 2T) and the Team Roster Form (USA Form - 1T) and the Individual Membership Registration (IMR) form and the Head Coach’s and Assistant Coaches C.E.P. Certification card, or a clear copy of the Head Coaches and Assistant Coaches C.E.P. Certification cards to all games. If a team is found not adhering to this rule the head coach shall be referred in writing to the proper District Council for action under Rule XVI suspensions: paragraph 21. It is suggested that these forms, cards and/or clear copies be carried to all team functions for insurance purposes.
A. The following conditions shall constitute a commitment and obligation of a team to participate as a member team of a league:
1. If an official of a team, or an authorized official of the program of which the team is a member, files an application for entry into a league in a situation where an application is the standard method used by that league over a period of years, and the application is accepted.
2. If an official of a team, or an authorized official of the program of which the team is a member, pays an entry fee for entry into a league, in a situation where the payment of an entry fee is the standard method used by that league over a period of years.
3. Provided, that if no answer is given to an application in two calendar weeks, the team may apply elsewhere.
B. A league consists of four (4) or more teams in the same age and division classifications playing a regular schedule of games.
C. A league must declare its age and division classifications before accepting entries from teams.
D. A registered team in any youth classification may not play in more than one league or age classification during the regular season.
E. This does not, however, prevent a high school team, playing in a recognized high school league, from participating in the MAHA, providing that the team that represents the school in the school league is the same team (including coach and manager) that participates in the MAHA.
F. No team may play in a Canadian League unless permission is secured in writing from the USA HOCKEY, MAHA, Ontario Hockey Association, and Canadian Amateur Hockey Association.
G. A
H. All teams from other USA HOCKEY Affiliates or Hockey Federations wishing to participate in a Michigan-based league, need their Affiliates or Federation’s written approval submitted to the MAHA President and a copy to the League they wish to join, one week prior to the league commitment date. Permission is for each league’s playing season. A copy of final approval must be sent to each USA HOCKEY Associate Registrar.
I. The constitution, structure, policy, By-Laws, rules and regulations of Tier I, Tier II, A, BB & B leagues shall incorporate the following principles and policies:
1. All Girls, Tier I Youth, and any other leagues with 60 or more teams (excluding Adult Men and Women) must file a copy of its constitution and/or By-Laws with the President by October 1 of each year. Violation of this rule may result in non-sanctioning, suspension or other action toward the league.
2. The league’s rules and regulations shall provide that:
a. The League’s rules incorporate USA HOCKEY and MAHA rules and regulations and playing rules and exceptions may vary from USA HOCKEY and MAHA rules and regulations providing they are more stringent and without major change.
b. If the league does not automatically permit all USA HOCKEY and MAHA qualifying teams to participate in the league in the appropriate classification within the league’s geographic area, then the rules should clearly define eligibility criteria for all teams. In such cases the rules should also contain procedures for teams to apply and a review or appeal procedure if the team is initially denied the right to participate in the league. The same rules should also apply to a league that admits associations or sponsor organizations rather than individual teams. This requirement shall not prevent Tier I leagues from denying participation on the basis of teams not being competitive so long as there are criteria, application procedures and a review or appeal process set forth in the league’s rules and regulations.
J. The President shall review league articles, constitution, By-Laws and rules and if the President does not mail written comments to the league within (30) days of receipt, the articles, constitution, By-Laws and rules will be deemed approved. The President shall have the authority to require compliance with the above principles and policies and to recommend non-sanctioning, suspension, or other action toward the league to the Executive Committee for their approval.
A. Definition of Tournament
Competition, other than normally scheduled league or exhibition games, where two or more legally registered teams compete in the same subcontracted arenas within a specified time frame and where playing fees are channeled to a specified person, organization or location for the purpose of declaring a champion. Gatherings consisting of more than four teams, except Association exchanges, are responsible for those fees required by tournaments even though there are no winners declared.
B. All independent and invitational tournaments shall be under the supervision and control of the President.
1. All independent and invitational tournaments must declare their age and division classifications before accepting entries from teams.
C. All invitational
tournaments held in
D. One of the requirements necessary for MAHA sanction of invitational tournaments is that only USA HOCKEY or CAHA registered teams and IIHF approved teams, be allowed to enter.
E. Any registered team or registered player participating in a non-sanctioned Tournament, shall be declared ineligible for District or State and National playoffs during the season of such violation. It is the responsibility of the team officials to insure that the tournament has secured a sanction, and to record the sanction number before entering any invitational tournament.
F. Programs which fail to register all of their member teams are not eligible to receive sanctions for any invitational tournaments.
G. All
Invitational Tournament pairings and game times must be posted in all arenas in
which any of the games are being played before the start of the first game of
the tournament. No youth classification (Midget or younger) tournament game may
be scheduled to begin later than
H. Any team participating in Canadian Tournaments must complete the Canadian Tournament Application form and submit it to the President together with a 10.00 application fee.
I. The number of games played by any player or team on one day shall not be more than two with a minimum of four hours between the finish of the first game and the start of the second and twelve hours between games played on consecutive days. Failure to comply with this rule may result in a two year suspension of the tournament director. Any violations shall be reported to the Executive Committee for further action.
J. Any team which enters a tournament which fails to appear on time for a scheduled game shall (1) forfeit all of its tournament games, (2) shall pay for all expenses, including but not limited to all referees’ fees and all ice costs for each forfeited game and shall be denied entry in any further tournaments for the remainder of the season. In unusual circumstances, the tournament committee may waive this rule.
K. All teams, including but not limited to out of state teams, must place on file with the Tournament Director before the first tournament game, a copy of the Team Roster Form which has been approved, signed and sealed by their USA HOCKEY or CAHA Registrar. If any team shall fail to comply with this rule that team shall forfeit all games until the proper signed and sealed team roster is presented to the Tournament Director. The team violating this rule shall remain obligated to and shall pay all financial obligations to all opponents for forfeited game costs and the league or tournament entry fees.
L. All travel teams not eligible for State Tournament Play (during regular season) will not be approved for Canadian Tournaments or Exhibition Games (Exception Mini Mites and Mites - see Division Classification).
A. To be eligible to
enter MAHA District and/or State playoffs, only teams registered legally in
B. All teams are eligible for District Playoffs in the District in which they are legally registered, as defined in paragraph A above. The District Council, being the governing body for the District, shall have and exercise general control and authority over the affairs of the District as defined in M.A.H.A. By-Law #5. The method of selection of eligible teams as candidates for District playoffs shall be determined by the District’s Council. All teams will be notified by their District Council, in writing, before September 1, of any changes to the selection process. No notification is required if the selection process remains the same as the previous season, and, shall be considered as an established practice for the current season. A written copy of the selection process shall be kept on file with the District Chairperson.
C. Any team may apply to the respective State Playoff Committee for the granting or waiver of an exception to the eligibility rules set forth herein. The request for exception must be in writing and it must first be submitted to the District Council (by November 15) for the District in which the team is registered. The request for exception must be acted upon by the District Council and its actions evidenced by written endorsement upon the team request. The request must be submitted to the respective State Playoff Committee at its December meeting. No exceptions will be considered by the State Playoff Committee after this date. The decision of the State Playoff Committee is final and cannot be appealed.
D. Each District Champion or alternate team is eligible to enter the State Playoffs along with a team representing the host city. Should this format fail to establish eight (8) entries the State Playoff Committee shall select from District runners-up a sufficient number of teams to establish eight entries.
E. No more than two teams from any District may participate in the State Playoffs in any one classification. No more than one team from the same association may participate in the State Playoffs in the same classification. The respective State Playoff Committee reserves the right to make exceptions in extraordinary circumstances.
F. Adult Division players are allowed to play for more than one team in different leagues, but those players playing on more than one team that is eligible to enter District and/or State Playoffs are eligible to participate in these Playoffs only as follows.
1. In the Adult Elite, Adult US, Adult Non-Checking Tier I, Over 30 and Over 35 divisions:
a. Up to (5) players on the roster of a team participating in any of the above playoff classifications may also play on one other team in a different classification in the District and State playoffs. Exception: a player may not participate on both an Adult US and an Adult Elite team in these playoffs.
b. The players must be on the roster of both teams that they are playing for in these playoffs and must meet all other eligibility requirements.
2. In the Adult Non-Checking Tier II division, a player can play for only one team in the District and/or State playoffs. Once a player participates in a District or State Playoff game in Adult Non-Checking Tier II he is ineligible to play for any other team in any classification in these playoffs. Once a player participates in a District or State Playoff game in any other Adult Men’s division, he is ineligible to play for any Adult Non-Checking Tier II team in these playoffs.
3. Penalty for failure to comply with the above rules is forfeiture of all games in which the ineligible player participated.
4. Number of Games for Eligibility: Adult Divisions (Men’s)
a. Individual players must participate in six (6) USA HOCKEY sanctioned games on or before February 1st with the team for which they will be participating in District and State Playoffs.
b. In order to qualify for State Playoffs, a team must play at least eight (8) games in its classification on or before February 1st.
c. Exceptions to a. or b. may be granted by the respective State Playoff Committee.
5. Adult Men’s Division teams that are registered in more than one District are eligible to enter District and/or State Playoffs only from the District in which they play the majority of their regular season games.
G. Youth and Girl’s Divisions teams are eligible to enter the District and/or State playoffs only in the division in which they are registered.
1. Number of Games for Eligibility
a. Individual players must participate in ten (10) USA HOCKEY sanctioned games before the regularly scheduled first game of District Playoffs with the team for which they will participate in District and State Playoffs. Individual players must participate in ten (10) USA Hockey sanctioned games on or before February 1st with the Tier I team for which they will participate in the State Playoffs.
b. In order to qualify for State Playoffs, a team must play at least twenty (20) games in its classification on or before February 1st, except for Girl’s Classification teams, which must play at least fourteen (14) games in their classification before February 1st.
c. Exceptions to a. or b. may be granted by the respective State Playoff Committee.
d. All players must be active players on the team they are registered with at the time of the District Playoffs, except in the case of an injured player.
e. A player who transfers to a team and who has participated in a combined total number of games in excess of that classification game limit shall be ineligible for District or State Playoffs in that classification.
The
District Playoffs shall be under the supervision and control of the respective
State Playoff Committee (Youth, Adult, Girls’/Women’s) who shall be the final
authority. The State of
Each District will conduct Playoffs to determine the District entry into the State Playoffs. (In the event the team representing the host city wins the District Playoff, the District Playoff runner-up shall represent the District.)
.A. Notification of intent to enter
1. Each Association and independent team must notify their District Council in writing of their intent to enter the District Playoffs no later than December 1st.
2. Each team in the Tier I classification must signify their intention of entering the State Playoffs no later than December 1st to the Chairman of the Youth State Playoff Committee.
3. Girls’/Women’s teams must signify their intention of entering the State Playoffs in writing no later than November 15th to the Girls’/Women’s Director.
B. If a team which has committed to enter the District playoffs, fails to participate in those playoffs, the team officials and players shall be suspended for a maximum of one year by the respective State Playoff Committee.
C. Dates
District Playoffs must be completed by the last Sunday in February and notification of winners for each classification sent to the appropriate Vice-President (Youth or Adult).
D. Tournament Director
1. The District Playoff Director shall be approved by the respective State Playoff committee.
2. The District Playoff Director is in charge of all phases of District Playoffs, exclusive of playing rules.
E. Credentials Committee
1. Each team entering the District Playoffs is required to furnish to the Credentials Committee the following items:
a. Team Roster Form (1-T) (certified copy by the USA Hockey Associate Registrar)
b. Team Registration Form (2-T) (certified copy by the USA HOCKEY Associate Registrar)
c. IMR’s or Membership Cards or Electronic Registration by the USA HOCKEY Associate Registrar
d. Copy
of government issued birth certificate, or, if birth certificate is not
available, copy of a Passport ID page for each rostered player.
e. Non-US
citizens must provide proof of legal residency and proof of release and
transfer from home country ice hockey federation.
f. USA
HOCKEY Consent To Treat Form for all
players, coaches and managers
g. A Game Log showing all games played
h. Sanctioned game scoresheets to verify compliance with the minimum number of games for eligibility rule for each rostered player
i. Coaching Education Program certification cards for all coaches
j. Signed Waiver of Liability Release, Assumption of Risk & Indemnifying Agreement for all players, coaches and managers
k. Completed Code of Conduct form for each player.
2. Acceptable proof of age shall consist of a
readable copy of a player’s government issued birth certificate. A U.S.
Military record of birth will be acceptable in lieu of a birth certificate for
players born of parent(s) in the U.S. Military. An affidavit sworn to before an
Officer of the Court may be used only in those circumstances where a birth
certificate or U.S. Military record of birth is not available. In the Adult
Classifications, a valid
F. Substitute Goalkeepers
A team may pick up a substitute goalie from within its own association or District if it does not already have a spare goalie registered. The substitute goalie must be registered in the current season on a team of equal or lower age classification and equal or lower team classification. A substitute goalie, under such circumstances, may be used only in case of injury to the regular goalie. If a team elects this method for a substitute goalie, the team may have only 19 players registered at any time so as not to exceed the maximum number of players allowed.
G. Playing Rules
All USA HOCKEY playing rules shall apply.
H. Time Between Games
In all District Playoffs held in Michigan, the number of games played by any player or team on one day shall not be more than two, with a minimum of four hours between the finish of the first game and the start of the second, and twelve hours between games played on consecutive days.
I. Uniform Colors
1. The Home team shall wear Light/White jerseys. The Visiting team shall wear Dark/Colored jerseys in all games. All disputes will be handled by the District Director.
2. Each team entered in the District Playoffs must be fully uniformed with all players having jerseys of the same color. All players must have a number.
J. Forfeits
Any team which fails to appear for a scheduled game of the District playoff shall (1) forfeit all of its District Playoff games, (2) shall pay for all expenses, including, but not limited to all referees fees and all ice costs for each forfeited game. The District Council may impose further penalties within its discretion. In the event of exceptional circumstances, the forfeit(s) may be appealed to the State Playoff Committee Chairperson and two other members of the MAHA Board of Directors and the game(s) may be ordered replayed if the appeal is upheld.
K. Protests
Protests on all matters other than playing rules and/or referees judgment must be filed with the District Tournament Director in writing no later than one hour after completion of the game involved. Written protests must contain all the facts and must be accompanied by a protest fee of $50.00 which will be returned if the protest is upheld. Officials must be notified at the time of protest so that it may be announced to all officials and the public. (The fee will be forfeit if protest is turned down.)
L. Referees
All playoff games must be officiated by registered referees in good standing.
M. Discipline
1. Any player or team official receiving a game(s) suspension during the District Playoffs (game misconduct, etc.) must serve the suspension during the next game(s) of that District Playoff. Suspensions not served to completion during the District Playoffs will be carried over to the State Playoff games. Note: The suspended player/team official must serve game suspension(s) in the next prescheduled game(s) of that team and the next District Playoff game(s) should they not coincide.
N. Authority of MAHA Tournament Directors and Referees
In all District playoffs the qualified and designated referees shall have sole authority of and responsibility for the enforcement and interpretation of the playing rules on the ice except as provided herein. The District shall have authority and responsibility for all off ice rules and regulations enforcement. The District shall have the authority, with the advice of the referee, to terminate play, determine resurfacing as set forth in these rules, and to decide if a game must be replayed and the manner of replay.
These rules and regulations are in addition to the USA HOCKEY “Rules and Regulations for Regional Playoffs”. The State Playoffs shall be under the supervision and control of the respective State Playoff Committee.
A. Requirements of Host Association
1. An established program which fails to register all of its member teams is not eligible to be designated as Host for any State Playoffs.
2. A host city that does not abide by all of the Playoff rules will be subject to the loss of hosting State Playoffs for two (2) years.
3. The host shall submit to the respective State Playoff Committee its format, schedule and rules no later than the second Monday in December of the current season. (See MAHA Form 11 for format.)
4. If a format is not supplied or approved, the respective State Playoff Committee will supply the format and rules.
5. State Playoff Locations by Districts: (except Tier I classifications)
DISTRICT 2003
DISTRICT 2004
2 2 12 or under
4 4 14 or under
6 10 or under 6 17
or under
8 12
or under 8
3 14 or under 3
5 17 or under 5
7 7 10 or under
6. The Youth State Playoff Committee shall
determine the location, format and host for all Tier I
7. Shall provide competent, mature goal judges, time keeper-scorer, public address announcer, and two (2) mature penalty box attendants for each game.
8. Certified athletic trainer, or emergency medical technician (EMT), or paramedic, or medical or osteopathic physician at each game.
9. Large up to date standings board.
10. Each player introduced before the championship game.
11. Printed Tournament Program.
12. The following items are optional:
a. National Anthem played before the first game each day.
b. National Anthem played before the Championship Game.
c. Referees introduced before each game.
d. Team name posted at the respective bench area.
e. A welcome sign.
f. Teams separated when leaving the ice after each game.
g. Personnel for crowd control.
B. Dates
1. All Tier I and Tier II Pee Wee and above Classification State Playoffs must be completed at least fifteen days prior to the beginning of National Tournaments.
C. Pairings
1. Formula for State Playoff Pairings (8 teams):
National
Division American Division
2003 Districts 1,2,3,4 5,6,7,8
2004 Districts 1,3,5,7 2,4,6,8
2. If there are less than (8) teams entered, the respective State Playoff Committee will determine the pairings.
D. Tournament Director
1. The State Playoff Director shall be approved by the respective State Playoff committee.
2. The State Playoff Director is in charge of all phases of State Playoffs, exclusive of playing rules.
E. Credentials Committee
1. Each team entering the State Playoffs is required to furnish to the Credentials Committee the following items:
a. Team Roster Form (1-T) (certified copy by the USA Hockey Associate Registrar)
b. Team Registration Form (2-T) (certified copy by the USA HOCKEY Associate Registrar)
c. IMR’s or Membership Cards or Electronic Registration by the USA HOCKEY Associate Registrar
d. Copy
of government issued birth certificate, or, if birth certificate is not
available, copy of a Passport ID page for each rostered player.
e. Non-US
citizens must provide proof of legal residency and proof of release and
transfer from home country ice hockey federation.
f. USA
HOCKEY Consent To Treat Form for all
players, coaches and managers
g. A Game Log showing all games played
h. Sanctioned game scoresheets to verify compliance with the minimum number of games for eligibility rule for each rostered player
i. Coaching Education Program certification cards for all coaches
j. Signed Waiver of Liability Release, Assumption of Risk & Indemnifying Agreement for all players, coaches and managers
k. Completed Code of Conduct form for each player
2. Acceptable proof of age shall consist of a
readable copy of a player’s government issued birth certificate. A U.S. Military record of birth will be
acceptable in lieu of a birth certificate for players born of parent(s) in the
U.S. Military. An affidavit sworn to before an Officer of the Court may be used
only in those circumstances where a birth certificate or U.S. Military record
of birth is not available. In the Adult Classifications, a valid
F. Substitute Goalkeeper
A team may pick up a substitute goalie from within its own association or District if it does not already have a spare goalie registered. The substitute goalie must be registered in the current season on a team of equal or lower age classification and equal or lower division classification. A substitute goalie, under such circumstances, may be used only in case of injury to the regular goalie. If a team elects this method for a substitute goalie, the team may have only 19 players registered at any time so as not to exceed the maximum number of players allowed.
G. Playing Rules
1. All
H. Uniform Colors
1. The Home team shall wear Light/White jerseys. The Visiting team shall wear Dark/Colored jerseys in all games. All disputes will be handled by the Tournament Director.
2. Each team entered in the State Playoffs must be fully uniformed with all players having jerseys of the same color. All players must have a number.
I. Time Between Games
In all State Playoffs held in Michigan, the number of games played by any player or team on one day shall not be more than two, with a minimum of four hours between the finish of the first game and the start of the second, and twelve hours between games played on consecutive days.
J. Forfeits
1. If a team which has committed to enter the State Playoffs, fails to participate in those playoffs, the team officials and players shall be suspended for a maximum of one year by the respective State Playoff Committee.
2. Any team which fails to appear for a scheduled game of the State Playoff shall (1) forfeit all of its State Playoff games, (2) shall pay for all expenses, including, but not limited to all referees fees and all ice costs for each forfeited game. The State Playoff Committee may impose further penalties within its discretion. In the event of exceptional circumstances, the forfeit(s) may be appealed to the State Playoff Committee Chairperson and two other members of the MAHA Board of Directors and the game(s) may be ordered replayed if the appeal is upheld.
K. Time of Periods
1. Length of periods and time of penalties.
Ad. Elite & Ad. US 3-20 min. stopped;
Ad.
Non-Chk Over 35 (Elite) 3-12 min. stopped;
Ad.
Non-Chk Over 30/40 (Drafted) 3-15 min.
running;
Ad.
Non-Chk Tier I & Over 30 (El.) 3-15
min. stopped;
Ad.
Non-Chk Tier II & III 3-15
min. running;
Youth-seventeen
(17) or under:
BB division 3-15 min.
stopped;
Tier I &
Tier II divisions 3-17
min. stopped;
Youth-sixteen
(16) or under:
B division 3-15 min. stopped;
Tier I & Tier II (A) divisions 3-17 min. stopped;
Youth-fourteen (14)
or under:
B & A
divisions 3-15
min. stopped;
Tier I &
Tier II divisions 3-16
min. stopped;
Youth-twelve (12) or under 3-15 min. stopped;
Youth-ten (10) or
under 3-12
min. stopped;
Girl’s-twelve (12)
or under 3-12 min. stopped;
Girl’s-fifteen (15)
or under 3-15 min. stopped;
Girl’s-nineteen
(19) or under 3-15 min. stopped;
Women's Division 3-15 min. stopped;
a. If, during the last two (2) minutes of running time games, the score differential is or becomes two (2) goals or less, the balance of the period shall be played stopped time.
b. Playoffs may adjust stop time (20 minute periods) upon approval of the Adult State Playoff Committee.
2. Resurfacing
a. For all Tier I and Tier II Pee Wee and above Youth Classifications the ice shall be resurfaced before the start of each game and at least every two periods.
b. In all other classifications, the ice will be resurfaced, at a minimum, before each game or every two periods.
3. Overtime - All
Divisions except Pee Wee, Bantam and Midget Tier I & Tier II
a. No
overtime is to be played in round-robin games.
b. In case of a tie game at the end of regular play (where the ice is resurfaced every two [2] periods) teams will be allowed a five (5) minute rest period, teams will not change ends, and the first overtime period shall start. If the game is still tied after the first overtime period, the ice will be resurfaced, teams shall not change ends and the second overtime period shall start. This format shall continue until a winner has been determined.
c. In case of a tie game at the end of regular play (where the ice is resurfaced before each game and prior to the start of overtime periods), teams shall not change ends and the first overtime period shall start. Teams shall not change ends for the second and third overtime periods. If the game is still tied after three (3) over time periods, the ice shall be resurfaced, teams shall not change ends and the fourth overtime period shall start. This format shall continue until a winner has been determined.
4. Overtime
- Pee Wee, Bantam and Midget Tier I & Tier II Divisions
a. Round-Robin
Games
b. Championship Round Games
(1) The game
shall be continued to determine a winner.
(2) At the
completion of the third period, the ice shall be resurfaced.
(3) The teams
shall not switch ends during any overtime period.
(4) The first
ten minutes shall be a sudden death overtime.
(5) At the
completion of the first ten (10) minutes, if the teams are still tied, there
shall be a five minute rest period.
(6) Following
the rest period, the teams shall continue in a second ten (10) minute sudden
death overtime period.
(7) If the teams remain tied at the
completion of the second sudden death overtime period, the ice shall be
resurfaced.
(8) Thereafter,
the foregoing process shall be repeated until such time as a winner is
determined.
(9) If a winner has not been determined after three
overtimes, the Tournament Director shall determine the rest periods between any
subsequent overtimes.
5. Overtime Periods
Classifications Length of Periods
Ad. Elite &
Ad. US 10
min. stopped
Ad. Non-Chk Over 35 (Elite) 8 min. stopped
Ad. Non-Chk Over 30/40 (Drafted) 8 min. running
Ad. Non-Chk Tier I & Over 30 (El.) 8 min. stopped
Ad. Non-Chk Tier II & III 8 min. running
Youth-seventeen
(17) or under 10 min. stopped
Youth-sixteen (16) or under 10 min. stopped
Youth-fourteen
(14) or under 10 min. stopped
Youth-twelve
(12) or under 10 min. stopped
Youth-ten
(10) or under 6 min.
stopped
Girl’s-twelve
(12) or under 6 min. stopped
Girl’s-fifteen
(15) or under 10 min. stopped
Girl’s-nineteen
(19) or under 10 min. stopped
Women's
Division 10 min.
stopped
a. The last two (2) minutes of running time games overtime periods shall be played stopped time.
L. Protests
Protests on all matters other than playing rules and/or referees judgment must be filed with the District Tournament Director in writing no later than one hour after completion of the game involved. Written protests must contain all the facts and must be accompanied by a protest fee of $50.00 which will be returned if the protest is upheld. Officials must be notified at the time of protest so that it may be announced to all officials and the public. (The fee will be forfeit if protest is turned down.)
M. Referees
1. The
2. The MAHA shall pay referee fees for all State Playoffs for which a fee is collected. Referee fees shall be negotiated prior to the playoffs by each State Playoff Committee and MAHA Referee Representative at the Winter Meeting.
3. All Playoff games must be officiated by referees that hold at least a Level-3 classification.
N. Discipline Committee
1. The Discipline Committee shall be composed of three (3) people appointed prior to the first game. It shall consist of the Tournament Chairman, a District Director and one other appointed by the Tournament Director. No two members shall come from the same community. The Referee-In-Chief or his designee shall not be eligible to serve on this Committee.
2. The Discipline Committee shall be responsible for deciding any actions (suspensions or otherwise) to be taken against a player or team official receiving a match penalty or game misconduct.
3. The Discipline Committee shall have full power to waive suspensions imposed. No player or team official shall be suspended from participation in the remaining games unless he/she has appeared before the Discipline Committee and been given the opportunity to relate his/her version of the incident. (Note: Per USA HOCKEY rules, the suspension of the Head Coach for 15 penalties in a game cannot be waived.)
4. Any player or team official receiving a game(s) suspension during the State Playoffs (game misconduct, etc.) which is upheld by the Discipline Committee must serve the suspension during the next game(s) of that State Playoff. Suspensions not served to completion during the State Playoffs will be carried over to the National Tournament.
O. Entry Fee
All participants are required to pay an entry fee as follows:
Ten (10) and under, all teams - $200.00
Twelve (12) and under, A and B - $200.00
Twelve (12) and under, Tier I and Tier II - $300.00
Fourteen (14) and under, A and B - $250.00
Fourteen (14) and under, Tier I and Tier II - $300.00
Sixteen (16) and under, A and B - $250.00
Seventeen (17) and under, BB - $250.00
Seventeen (17) and under, Tier I and Tier II - $300.00
(Adult classifications, Junior C, and Girl’s/Women’s classifications are excluded.) The fee shall be paid to MAHA.
P. Trophies
The MAHA will provide State Champion and Runner-up trophies or medallions for all State Playoffs for which an entry fee is collected.
Q. Authority of MAHA Tournament Directors and Referees
In all State Playoffs the qualified and designated referees shall have sole authority of and responsibility for the enforcement and interpretation of the playing rules on the ice except as provided herein. The MAHA Director shall have sole authority and responsibility for all off ice rules and regulations enforcement and interpretation. The Tournament Director shall have the sole authority, with the advice of the referee, to terminate play, determine resurfacing as set forth in these rules, and to decide if a game must be replayed and the manner of replay.
A. Only State
Champions are eligible to represent
B. If a State Champion is unable to represent the State in a National Tournament, the runner-up team may be given permission by the respective State Playoff Committee to represent the State.
C. When there are not sufficient entries to merit the holding of a State Championship in a given classification, a representative or representatives may receive the sanction of the respective State Playoff Committee to represent the State in a National Tournament.
D. In addition to the MAHA requirements, any
A. All post-season and summer leagues and conditioning programs must be sanctioned by M.A.H.A. To host a post-season, summer league or conditioning program in which officiated games are played, written application must be made in advance of the event. The sanction fee for Leagues and Conditioning Programs is $20.00. (For Tournaments see M.A.H.A. rule X). It is a condition of sanction that all players, referees and team officials be registered with USA HOCKEY prior to the start of league play. Applications should be sent to the M.A.H.A. Post- Season Director.
B. All teams in post-season and summer leagues and conditioning programs must complete an USA HOCKEY Team Membership Form, Team Roster Form, and an Individual Membership Registration Form for each player (if not registered prior to post season). The completed USA HOCKEY registration forms along with the USA HOCKEY/MAHA registration fees are to be submitted to the Associate Registrar prior to the start of any games.
C. A player’s obligation to his/her regular season team ends on April 30th of the current season, or when his/her regular season team becomes inactive prior to that date.
D. A player who is a
member of an active regular season team may register and play in post-season,
summer leagues and conditioning programs if he/she has the written permission
of his/her regular season team coach or manager.
E. A player’s obligation to his/her post-season or summer or conditioning team ends with the completion of the league schedule, or when he/she is released in writing prior to that date.
F. A player who is on a “Protected Player’ list of a paid gate team may play on a post-season, summer conditioning team if he/she has the written permission of his/her paid gate team, such permission is conditional and does not release the player from the normal obligation of the “Protected Player” rules of USA HOCKEY/MAHA
G. All post-season and summer leagues and conditioning programs must use the current playing rules of USA HOCKEY/MAHA.
H. Post-season and summer leagues and conditioning programs may have added special rules for their league, provided such rules are not contradictory to, or less stringent than the current USA HOCKEY/MAHA rules.
I. Post Season league play may not start prior to the week of April 1st.
J. Post Season players must play in the USA HOCKEY age classification they will be in for the next regular Winter hockey season.
K. All player or coach suspensions shall be served with the team with which the penalty was incurred. Note: A player or coach receiving a match penalty is suspended from participating in any USA HOCKEY games and practices until a hearing is conducted.
L. A player may be registered with and play on only one youth team at a time during the post season.
A. It is the
responsibility of the local USA HOCKEY Referee-In-Chief for
B. All score sheets
must be signed by the referees who officiated the game
and must have their
C. Suspension up to ten (10) days
The responsibility shall lie with the local Supervisor of Officials and/or the MAHA. Such action shall only be taken after review of the facts as reported, including the version (in writing or person) of the official(s) involved. Any appeal of the suspension shall be made to the Affiliate Referee-in-Chief or an Affiliate Committee appointed for that purpose, which shall include a referee appointed by the Affiliate Referee-in-Chief. The decision of the Affiliate Referee-in-Chief or Committee shall be final.
D. The MAHA shall
have the authority to cancel assignments up to a maximum of five (5) games and
the Affiliate Association Committee shall have the power to cancel assignments
for more than five (5) games in cases where an official registered with USA
HOCKEY officiates a game(s) between teams that are not registered with USA HOCKEY.
E. The Referee-In-Chief for each District shall schedule for their respective District Playoffs.
F. The USA Referee-In-Chief for the MAHA, or his designate, shall schedule referees for the MAHA State Playoffs using the list of approved officials from the MAHA State Tournament Committee.
A. Players, team officials, leagues, or others (except referees)
1. All match penalties must be reported by both the Referees and Coach.
a. Referee must report penalty, within 24 hours, following the incident by phone to the District Supervisor of officials where the affected player or team official is registered.
b. Referee must also complete the “Official Game Report” form and send this report and a copy of the original Game Score sheet within 48 hours of the incident as follows:
(1) Copy-1 Supervisor of District Officials, of affected District (who will forward a copy of the game report and scoresheet to the affected MAHA District Chairperson).
(2) Copy-2 Reporting referee’s copy.
c. Coach must report penalty, within 24 hours following the incident by phone to the District Council Chairperson where the player or team official is registered. The Coach shall also notify the Girls’/Women’s Director of all matters of suspension which involve female players or the team officials of female teams. The Girls’/Women’s Director shall be given the opportunity by the District Council to attend the hearing.
d. If the District Council Chairperson is unavailable, it shall be reported to another District Council Director in the proper District; (see list of District Directors and list of District Supervisor of Officials, MAHA Annual Guide).
e. The reporting referee shall personally attend or be represented at any hearing held concerning the penalty. Failure to comply may result in disciplinary action.
f. Violations of these rules may result in the suspension of the offending player, team official, or referee.
2. Any team that leaves the ice during the game in dispute of a registered referee’s decision shall forfeit the game by a 1-0 score (regardless of the score at the time). The coach and/or manager of the team leaving the ice, shall be assessed a match penalty and be subject to a recommended suspension of not less than one year.
3. A player or team official receiving a match penalty is automatically suspended from all amateur hockey activities until a hearing is held by the District Council.
4. A coach or manager who upon the findings of the District Council knowingly allowed the participation of an ineligible player or coach in any game shall be subject to a recommended suspension of not less than one year.
5. A player or coach upon the findings of the District Council, who knowingly participated in a game as an ineligible player or coach, shall be suspended for not less than thirty (30) days.
6. No coach, manager, or other team official, connected with a registered team may directly or indirectly entice, influence or contact a player rostered on a registered team without the written approval of the coach and/or manager of that team. Violation of this rule will result in a recommended suspension of not less than one year.
7. If, as a result of a hearing, the allegation of deliberate assault on a game official (referee, linesman, official scorekeepers, game timekeepers, penalty timekeepers, goal judges, statisticians, and public address announcers) is sustained, the player or team official shall be suspended for a minimum period of one (1) year, followed by probation for a period to be determined by the District Council.
8. All complaints of vandalism or destruction of public or private property by any player or team staff member shall be referred to their home District Council for disposition. If the home District Council finds that such vandalism or destruction was caused, it shall have the power to suspend players for a recommended minimum of one (1) year and staff members of the team for a recommended minimum of five (5) years. The District Council may, as a condition precedent to reinstatement of a player or staff member, require him or her to make reasonable restitution to the damaged property owner.
9. Any compensation provided (except to USA HOCKEY) as the result of a player (Junior C or below), being released or signed becomes the property of the MAHA. Failure to submit this compensation to the MAHA may result in suspension.
10. When a player, coach or manager receives a game suspension(s), he/she shall not be eligible to participate in the next game(s) that were already on the schedule of that team before the incident occurred.
11. When a player is ejected for receiving a second major penalty in a game, he/she shall be suspended for the next two games.
12. The head coach of any team accumulating fifteen (15) or more penalties during the same game, will automatically be suspended for the next game his/her team plays (USA HOCKEY - 404 misconduct penalties). If the head coach is not present at all during the game in which the team accumulates the fifteen (15) or more penalties, the person on the bench responsible for the team (ie. who signed the score sheet prior to the start of the game) will be assessed the suspension.
13. A player who receives a game misconduct penalty will be suspended for one game. Upon receipt of a game misconduct, the player must immediately proceed to the locker room and either: a) remain in the locker room for the balance of the game, or b) dress and leave the arena premises.
14. Any player who receives five (5) penalties during the same game shall receive a game misconduct penalty. Suspension to be determined by the subsequent game misconduct rule - #404.
15. The District Councils shall have the power to suspend any member for conduct detrimental to hockey either on or off the ice. Violation of the Constitution, By-Laws, and Rules and Regulations, etc. may result in disciplinary action.
16. Abusive or threatening words or action toward any Officer, Director, appointed Officer or Game Official of this Association shall be considered ungentlemanly conduct and shall entail the immediate suspension of any such individual guilty of such action pending a hearing by the appropriate District Council.
17. The District Councils shall act on all matters of suspension concerning players or team officials registered in that District in the current season, post season or, if between seasons, in the District registered in the previous season. In the Adult Division, hearings on match penalties shall be conducted in the District in which the penalty was called. Upon receipt of notification of an incident involving possible or automatic suspension under these Rules or the USA HOCKEY playing rules for match penalties, a hearing shall be held in accordance with the rules of USA HOCKEY regarding suspensions and appeals. The Presiding Officer shall have the authority to appoint a temporary third member in the event of the unavailability of any member of the District Council. For the purposes of this Paragraph all “amateur hockey activities” shall include coaching, playing, refereeing and minor officiating at games or practices.
18. 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 of the rights of the Constitution, By-Laws and Rules and Regulations of this Association shall have been exhausted, shall be ungentlemanly conduct entailing the immediate suspension and disqualification of any member or individual.
19. The Executive Committee shall act as the Disciplinary Authority to hear all matters of alleged misconduct or improper actions on the part of any Officer or Director of the MAHA. A finding of misconduct or improper action must be supported by five (5) or more votes of the Disciplinary Authority. The decision of the Disciplinary Authority may be appealed by notifying any non involved District Chairperson in writing. See USA HOCKEY Annual Guide for appeals procedure. The committee hearing an appeal of any decision of the Disciplinary Authority will consist of at least five District Council Chairpersons, or their designated alternate Director, from Districts not involved.
20. Any team personnel registered with another
affiliate team of USA HOCKEY which plays in a Michigan League, receiving a
match penalty in a game played in
21. Any disciplinary circumstance not elsewhere covered in these rules will be assigned to the proper District Council for a hearing by the President or by the Executive Committee.
22. Any suspension imposed as a result of a hearing may be appealed. See USA HOCKEY Annual Guide Book and Official Playing Rules for time guidelines.
B. Referees who referee games of non-registered or outlaw teams without the permission of the MAHA President may not referee games in the MAHA.
A. William Kellogg Memorial
Mr.
Kellogg was a former outstanding MAHA officer from
B. Carl Schwarz Award
At each Summer Meeting, the Carl Schwarz Award is presented to the Immediate Past President.
C. Wes Danielson Award
At each Summer meeting the Wes Danielson Award recognizes an individual who, like Wes, overcomes a major handicap or diversity and continues to participate in or make a major contribution to ice hockey.
D. Earl G. Piper Award
At each Summer Meeting, the Earl G. Piper Coach of the Year Award recognizes an individual who contributes significantly to the development of youth players.
E. Charles Autore Award
At each Summer meeting this award is presented to those persons who have completed five consecutive years on the MAHA Board of Directors.
F. Larry Cain Award
At each Summer meeting this award is presented to those persons who have completed ten consecutive years on the MAHA Board of Directors.
G. At
each Summer Meeting of the MAHA those persons who have been helpful in the
promotion and development of hockey in
H. The Awards Committee will serve as the selection committee for the Summer awards.
I. Hat Trick, Zero and Playmaker awards will be awarded to those who earn them in the regular season, or State Playoff Games and National Tournaments, providing the roster of the team has been registered with the USA HOCKEY Associate Registrar. A copy of the game score sheet must be submitted to the USA HOCKEY Associate Registrar. Score sheets will be returned by request. There is a limit of one of each award per player per season.
A. The Abuse Prevention Committee shall consist of nine members and the MAHA legal counsel. The term of office shall be three years. Three members shall be appointed each year by the President. The committee shall promulgate the rules, procedures and programs for the screening of personnel, receive allegations of physical and sexual abuse as defined below and suspend individuals after diligent investigations.
B. Definitions
1. Sexual Abuse
a. Sexual abuse is when the perpetrator touches a child for the sexual arousal or gratification of either the perpetrator or the child or when a child touches the perpetrator at the perpetrator’s request or with his/her consent such as but not limited to touching a child’s intimate body parts, touching the clothing over a child’s intimate body parts, fondling, oral, genital or anal penetration (including kissing), intercourse, rape, having a child touch the perpetrator’s intimate body parts.
b. Any
charge brought by governmental authority for solicitation on the internet, or other electronic or telephone devices, of a
minor(s) for purposes of sex (an illegal or immoral act).
2. Physical Abuse
Physical abuse is physical contact with a participant that intentionally causes the participant to sustain bodily harm or personal injury or having physical contact with a participant that intentionally creates a threat of immediate bodily harm or personal injury, including but not limited to hitting, swatting, twisting limbs, kicking, striking with an object, biting, poking, pushing or shoving or forcing the victim into a barrier.
C. Each coach, assistant coach, manager, referee, instructor, minor official and officers of all associations shall execute an application and authorization and release of liability form authorizing the Abuse Prevention Committee to obtain criminal history records from any governmental unit. The executed application shall be delivered to the Associate Registrar at the time the volunteer submits the team roster for registration. The Associate Registrar shall forward the applications to the Chairman of the committee. Any coach, assistant coach, manager, referee, instructor, minor official or officer of an association who shall become engaged after August 1st shall immediately submit an application to the Associate Registrar. No coach, assistant coach, manager, referee, instructor, minor official or officer of an association shall participate in MAHA activities unless he/she has submitted the application to the Associate Registrar, who shall forward the application to the Chairman.
D. If upon review of the criminal record of an individual by the committee designee, there appears any of the crimes set forth in the abuse prevention policy, or misdemeanor convictions having a sexual nature, the designee shall forward the criminal record to the Chairman of the committee. The Chairman shall forthwith notify the participant in writing, by certified mail, that he/she is disqualified and to immediately cease MAHA participation. The Chairman shall advise the participant that he/she shall have five (5) days in which to request in writing a hearing to discuss the disqualification. Upon receipt of a request for hearing, the Chairman shall notify the MAHA legal counsel who shall appoint three members of the committee to discuss the circumstances of the criminal record with the participant. The three member committee shall notify the Chairman of the results of the hearing. The Chairman shall notify the participant. Only the Chairman and the three member panel shall be made aware of the name of the participant. If the disqualification is sustained, the participant is suspended from all MAHA participation of every nature.
E. All allegations of sexual abuse shall be in writing and sealed and forwarded to the Chairman. There shall be no disclosure to any other person except the Chairman and his designees. The allegations shall be immediately forwarded to the applicable police department or other appropriate governmental authority and to the MAHA legal counsel. The chairman, upon receipt of the allegations, shall notify the accused in writing that he/she is immediately suspended from MAHA participation of every nature. The legal consul shall appoint an investigator who is a member of the committee to investigate the allegations. The investigator shall notify the Chairman if there are sufficient legal grounds to require a hearing. The legal counsel shall appoint three members of the committee to act as a hearing panel. The hearing shall not be held until the appropriate police unit or department of government shall complete its processes, including, but not limited to, arrest, warrant and judicial determinations. If, within a reasonable time, the government unit fails to issue a warrant, the three member panel shall initiate its hearing. Failure to prosecute by the governmental unit shall not prevent the completion of the Abuse Committee processes. If the investigator advises the Chairman that there are not sufficient circumstances to support the necessity of a hearing, the Chairman shall reinstate the participant.
F. Allegations of physical abuse shall be reported in writing to the Chairman of the committee. The participant shall not be suspended from MAHA activities. The legal counsel shall appoint an investigator who shall determine the circumstances of the allegations. The Chairman shall report the allegations to the appropriate governmental agency. Upon report of the investigator, the legal counsel shall appoint a three member panel from members of the committee who shall forthwith, after notice to all interested parties, hear the evidence and determine if the participant shall be suspended from MAHA participation. If the investigator determines that there are not sufficient grounds, he shall notify the Chairman, who shall notify the volunteer.
G. The proceedings shall be conducted with utmost confidentiality for the protection of the accused participant and the alleged victim. If allegations of abuse prove to be entirely unfounded or were submitted for any other reason than the prevention of abuse, the party submitting the allegations shall be suspended from MAHA activities.
XX. RISK MANAGEMENT
A. All team personnel must wear a hockey helmet while on the ice with the exception of when a team official is tending to an injured player. Any team personnel found in violation of this rule by their District Council shall be subject to a recommended suspension of not less than 30 days.
____________________________________________________
INTRODUCTION
This Ethics Code is intended to provide standards of ethical conduct that
can be applied by USA Hockey and its member organizations. Whether or not a
coach has violated the Ethics Code does not by itself determine whether a
contract or agreement is enforceable or whether other legal consequences occur.
These results are based on legal rather than ethical rules. However, compliance
with or violation of the Ethics Code may be admissible as evidence in some
legal proceedings, depending on the circumstances.
This Code is intended to provide both the general principles and the decision rules to cover most situations encountered by coaches. It has as its primary goal the welfare and protection of the individuals and groups with whom coaches work. This Code also provides a common set of values. It is the individual responsibility of each coach to aspire to the highest possible standards of conduct. Coaches should respect and protect human civil rights, and should not knowingly participate in or condone unfair discriminatory practices.
GENERAL PRINCIPLES
PRINCIPLE A: Competence
Coaches strive to maintain high standards of excellence in their work. They recognize the boundaries of their particular competencies and the limitations of their expertise. They provide only those services and use only those techniques for which they are qualified by education, training or experience. In those areas in which recognized professional standards do not yet exist, coaches exercise careful judgment and take appropriate precautions to protect the welfare of those with whom they work. They maintain knowledge of relevant coaching educational information related to the services they render, and they recognize the need for ongoing education. Coaches make appropriate use of scientific, professional, technical and administrative resources.
PRINCIPLE B: Integrity
Coaches seek to promote integrity in the practice of coaching. Coaches are honest, fair and respectful of others. In describing or reporting their qualifications, services, products, or fees, they do not make statements that are false, misleading or deceptive. Coaches strive to be aware of their own belief systems, values, needs and limitations and the effect of these on their work. To the extent feasible they attempt to clarify, for relevant parties, the roles they are performing and to function appropriately in accordance with those roles. Coaches avoid improper and potentially harmful dual relationships.
PRINCIPLE C: Professional Responsibility*
Coaches uphold professional standards of conduct, clarify their professional roles and obligations, accept appropriate responsibility for their behavior, and adapt their methods to the needs of different athletes. Coaches consult with, refer to, or cooperate with other professionals and institutions to the extent needed to serve the best interest of their athletes, or other recipients of their services. Coaches' moral standards and conduct are personal matters to the same degree as is true for any other person, except when coaches' conduct may compromise their responsibilities or reduce the public's trust in coaching and/or coaches. Coaches are concerned about the ethical compliance of their colleagues' conduct. When appropriate, they consult with their colleagues in order to prevent or avoid unethical conduct.
PRINCIPLE D: Respect of Participants and Dignity**
Coaches respect the fundamental rights, dignity and worth of all participants. Coaches are aware of cultural, individual and role differences, including those due to age, gender, race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, disability, language and socioeconomic status. Coaches try to eliminate the effect on their work of biases based on those factors, and they do not knowingly participate in or condone unfair discriminatory practices.
PRINCIPLE
E: Concern For
Others' Welfare
Coaches seek to contribute to the welfare of those with whom they interact. In their actions, coaches consider the welfare and right of their athletes and other participants. When conflicts occur among coaches' obligations or concerns, they attempt to resolve these conflicts and to perform their roles in a responsible fashion that avoids or minimizes harm. Coaches are sensitive to differences in power between themselves and others, and they do not exploit nor mislead other people during or after their relationships.
PRINCIPLE
F: Responsible Coaching
Coaches are aware of their ethical responsibilities to the community and the society in which they work and live. They apply and make public their knowledge of sport in order to contribute to human welfare. Coaches try to avoid misuse of their work. Coaches comply with the law and encourage the development of law and policies that serve the interest of sport.
* Professional: of, engaged in, or worthy of high standards
** Participants: all those taking part in hockey
ETHICAL STANDARDS
A. GENERAL STANDARDS
These General Standards are applicable to the activities of all coaches.
1. Applicability of the Ethics Code
While many aspects of personal behavior and private activities seem far removed from official duties of coaching, all coaches should be sensitive to their position as role models for their athletes. Private activities perceived as immoral or illegal can influence the coaching environment, and coaches are encouraged to observe the standards of this Ethics Code consistently.
2. Boundaries of Competence
(a) Coaches provide services only after first undertaking appropriate study, training, supervision, and/or consultation from persons within their respective association.
(b) In those Affiliates or Districts which require coaching education, coaches take reasonable steps to ensure their attendance at appropriate coaching education clinics.
3. Maintaining Expertise
Coaches maintain a reasonable level of awareness of related coaching information and undertake ongoing efforts to maintain competence in the skills they use.
4. Basis For Professional Judgements
Coaches rely on scientifically and professionally derived knowledge when making judgments or when engaging in coaching endeavors.
5. Describing The Nature Of Coaching Services
When coaches provide services or information to an individual, a group, or an organization, they use language that is reasonably understandable and appropriate to the recipient of those services and information that is always updated and truthful.
6. Respecting Others
Coaches respect the rights of others to hold values, attitudes and opinions that differ from their own.
7. Nondiscrimination
Coaches do not engage in discrimination based on age, gender, race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, disability, language, socioeconomic status, or any basis prescribed by law.
8. Sexual Harassment
(a) Coaches do not engage in sexual harassment. Sexual harassment is sexual solicitation, physical advances, or verbal or nonverbal conduct that is sexual in nature, and that either:
(1) is unwelcome, is offensive, or creates a hostile environment, and the coach knows or is told this;
(2) is sufficiently severe or intense to be abusive to a reasonable person in the context. Sexual harassment can consist of a single intense or severe act or of multiple persistent or pervasive acts.
(b) Coaches will treat sexual harassment complainants and respondents with dignity and respect. Coaches do not participate in denying an athlete the right to participate based on their having made, or their being the subject of, sexual harassment charges.
9. Other Harassment
Coaches do not engage in or condone behavior that is harassing or demeaning to persons with whom they interact in their work based on factors such as a person's age, gender, race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, disability, language, or socioeconomic status.
10. Personal Problems and Conflicts
(a) Coaches recognize that their personal problems and conflicts may interfere with their effectiveness. Accordingly, they refrain from undertaking an activity when they know or should know that their personal problems are likely to lead to harm to athletes or other participants.
(b) In addition, coaches have an obligation to be alert to signs of, and to obtain assistance for, their personal problems at an early stage, in order to prevent significantly impaired performance.
(c) When coaches become aware of personal problems that may interfere with their performing work-related duties adequately, they take appropriate measures, such as obtaining professional consultation or assistance, and determine whether they should limit, suspend, or terminate their work-related duties.
11. Avoiding Harm
Coaches take reasonable steps to avoid harming their athletes or other participants, and to minimize harm where it is foreseeable and unavoidable.
12. Misuse of Coaches' Influence
Because coaches' judgments and actions may affect the lives of others, they are alert to guard against personal, financial, social, organizational, or political factors that might lead to misuse of their influence.
13. Multiple Relationships
(a) In many communities and situations, it may not be feasible or reasonable for coaches to avoid social or other non-coaching contacts with athletes and other participants. Coaches must always be sensitive to the potential harmful effects of other contacts on their work and on those persons with whom they deal. A coach refrains from entering into or promising a personal, professional, financial, or other type of relationship with such persons if it appears likely that such a relationship might impair the coach's objectivity or otherwise interfere with the coach effectively performing his or her function, or might harm or exploit the other party.
(b) Likewise, whenever feasible, a coach refrains from taking on obligations when preexisting relationships would create a risk of harm.
(c) If a coach finds that, due to unforeseen factors, a potentially harmful multiple relationship has arisen, the coach attempts to resolve it with due regard for the best interests of the affected person and maximal compliance with the Ethics Code.
14. Exploitative Relationships
(a) Coaches do not exploit athletes or other participants over whom they have supervisory, evaluative or other authority.
(b) Coaches do not engage in sexual/romantic relationships with athletes or other participants over whom the coach has evaluative, direct, or indirect authority, because such relationships are likely to impair judgment or be exploitative.
15. Delegation To, And Supervision Of Subordinates
(a) Coaches delegate to their assistants only those responsibilities that such persons can reasonably be expected to perform competently, on the basis of their education, training or experience, either independently or with the level of supervision being provided.
(b) Coaches provide proper training and supervision to their assistants or substitutes, as well as take reasonable steps to see that such persons perform services responsibly, competently, and ethically.
B. PUBLIC STATEMENTS
1. Avoidance Of False Or Deceptive Statements
Coaches do not make public statements that are false, deceptive, misleading, or
fraudulent (either due to what they state, convey or suggest, or because of
what they omit) concerning their work activities or those of persons or
organizations with which they are affiliated. As examples (and not in
limitation) of this standard, coaches do not make false or deceptive statements
concerning:
(a) their training, experience, or competence;
(b) their academic degrees;
(c) their credentials;
(d) their institutional or association affiliations;
(e) their services;
(f) the basis for, or results or degree of success of their services; or
(g) their criminal record.
2. Media Presentations
When coaches provide advice or comment by means of public lectures, demonstrations, radio or television programs, prerecorded tapes, printed articles, mailed material, or other media, they take reasonable precautions to ensure that the statements are consistent with this Ethics Code.
3. Testimonials
Coaches do not solicit testimonials from current athletes or other participants who, because of their particular circumstances, are vulnerable to undue influence.
C. TRAINING ATHLETES
1. Structuring The Relationship
(a) Coaches discuss with athletes, as early as it is feasible, appropriate issues such as the nature and anticipated course of training.
(b) When the coach's work with athletes will be supervised, the above discussion includes that fact, and the name of the supervisor.
(c) Coaches make reasonable efforts to answer athletes' questions and to avoid apparent misunderstandings about training. Whenever possible, coaches provide oral and/or written information, using language that is reasonably understandable to the athlete.
2. Coach/Parent Relationships
(a) When a coach agrees to provide services to several persons who have a relationship (such as parents and children), the coach attempts to clarify at the outset the relationship they will have with each person. This clarification includes the role of the coach and the probable uses of the services provided.
(b) As soon as it becomes apparent that the coach may be called on to perform conflicting roles (such as mediator between parents and children or sibling teammates), the coach attempts to clarify and adjust or withdraw from roles appropriately.
3. Sexual Intimacies With Current Athletes
Coaches do not engage in sexual intimacies with current athletes.
4. Coaching Former Sexual Partners
Coaches do not coach athletes with whom they have engaged in sexual intimacies.
5. Sexual Intimacies With Former Athletes
(a) Coaches should not engage in sexual intimacies with a former athlete for at least two years after cessation or termination of professional services.
(b) Because sexual intimacies with a former athlete are so frequently harmful to the athlete, and because such intimacies undermine public confidence in the coaching profession and thereby deter the public's use of needed services, coaches do not engage in sexual intimacies with former athletes even after a two-year interval except in the most unusual circumstances. The coach who engages in such activity after the two years following cessation or termination of the coach-athlete relationship bears the burden of demonstrating that there has been no exploitation, in light of all relevant factors, including:
(1) the amount of time that has passed since the coach-athlete relationship terminated,
(2) the circumstances of termination,
(3) the athlete's personal history,
(4) the athlete's current mental status,
(5) the likelihood of adverse impact on the athlete and others, and
(6) any statements or actions made by the coach during the course of the athlete-coach relationship suggesting or inviting the possibility of a post-termination sexual or romantic relationship with the athlete or coach.
6. Drug-Free Sport
Coaches do not tolerate the use of performance-enhancing drugs and support athletes' efforts to be drug free.
7. Alcohol, Tobacco and Gambling
(a) Coaches discourage the use of alcohol and tobacco in conjunction with athletic events or victory celebrations at playing sites and forbid the use of alcohol by minors.
(b) Coaches refrain from tobacco, alcohol and gambling use while they are coaching and make every effort to avoid their use while in the presence of their athletes.
(c) Coaches discourage gambling in conjunction with athletic events, at playing sites and during road trips.
8. Pornography
(a) Coaches discourage the use of pornographic material.
(b) Coaches refrain from the use of pornography while they are coaching and make every effort to avoid pornography while in the presence of their athletes.
(c) Coaches do not engage in illicit behavior or activities with athletes or other participants over whom the coach has direct or indirect authority.
D. TRAINING SUPERVISION
1. Design Of Training Programs
Coaches who are responsible for training programs for other coaches seek to ensure that the programs are competently designed, provide the proper experiences and meet the requirements for coaching education or other goals for which claims are made by the program.
2. Descriptions Of Training Programs
(a) Coaches responsible for training programs for other coaches seek to ensure that there is a current and accurate description of the program content, training goals and objectives, and requirements that must be met for satisfactory completion of the program. This information must be readily available to all interested parties.
(b) Coaches seek to ensure that statements concerning their training programs are accurate and not misleading.
3. Accuracy And Objectivity In Coaching
(a) When engaged in coaching, coaches present information accurately and with a reasonable degree of objectivity.
(b) When engaged in coaching, coaches recognize the power they hold over athletes and therefore make reasonable efforts to avoid engaging in conduct that is personally demeaning to athletes and other participants.
4. Honoring Commitments
Coaches take responsible measures to honor all commitments they have made to all participants.
E. TEAM SELECTION
1. Recruiting
Coaches do not engage, directly or through agents, in uninvited in-person solicitation of business or services from actual or potential athletes or other participants who, because of their particular circumstances, are vulnerable to undue influence. However, this does not preclude recruiting athletes deemed exceptional by USA Hockey.
2. Tampering
In deciding whether to recruit players already on another team, coaches must carefully consider the potential athlete's welfare. The coach must discuss these issues with the player's present coach first, then the player's parents before approaching the athlete in order to minimize the risk of confusion and conflict.
3. In-Season Contact
Contact with any player(s) should not occur during the progress of a season when the player's team is still actively engaged in their schedule of play. The only exception would be regarding participation on a USA Hockey National Team on a temporary assignment basis, where the player would be returned to his/her regular team at the conclusion of the assignment.
4. Player Selection
Coaches perform evaluations or team selection only in a manner consistent with the Ethical Code.
5. Assessing Athlete Performance
(a) In coach-athlete relationships, coaches establish an appropriate process for providing feedback to athletes.
(b) Coaches evaluate athletes on the basis of their actual performance on relevant and established program requirements.
F. RESOLVING ETHICAL ISSUES
1. Familiarity With Ethics Code
Coaches have an obligation to be familiar with this Ethics Code (or as it may be amended from time to time), other applicable ethics codes and their application to the coach's work. Lack of awareness or misunderstanding of an ethical standard is not itself a defense to a charge of unethical conduct.
2. Confronting Ethical Issues
When a coach is uncertain whether a particular situation or course of action would violate the Ethics Code, the coach ordinarily consults with other coaches knowledgeable about ethical issues, with their Association, Affiliate or District with USA Hockey.
3. Conflicts Between Ethics and Organizational Demands
If the demands of an organization with which coaches are affiliated conflict with this Ethics Code, coaches clarify the nature of the conflict, make known their commitment to this Ethics Code, and to the extent feasible, seek to resolve the conflict in a way that permits the fullest adherence to the Ethics Code.
4. Informal Resolutions Of Ethical Violations
When USA Hockey participants believe that there may have been an ethical violation by a coach, they attempt to resolve the issue by bringing it to the attention of that individual in an informal manner.
5. Reporting Ethical Violations
If an apparent ethical violation is not appropriate for informal resolution under Standard F4 or is not resolved properly in that fashion, participants and the association may take further action by:
Participant
(a) Contacting the coach's Association President or appropriate designee.
(b) Confirm with the coach's Association President if there was an attempt for an informal resolution.
(c) Complete an Ethical Violation Form available through the Association President or designee.
Association
(a) Will review the Ethical Violation charge using the appropriate due process procedure as outlined in USA Hockey's Annual Guide, By-Law G, 10 Suspensions and Resolution of Disputes.
(b) Will give a copy of the completed Ethical Violation form to the coach in question seven (7) days prior to the association's review.
(c) Will keep a written report on all reviews and actions.
6. Cooperating With Ethics Committees
Coaches cooperate in ethics investigations, proceedings, and resulting requirements of USA Hockey and any of its member organizations. Failure to cooperate is itself an ethics violation.
7. Improper Complaints
Participants do not file or encourage the filing of ethics complaints that are frivolous and are intended to harm the respondent rather than protect the public.
G. PROCESS RELATING TO VIOLATION OF CODE
1. The Coach acknowledges that this Ethics Code is administered under the authority of USA Hockey and its member organizations, that a violation of the Code subjects the coach to the processes of USA Hockey and its member organizations. USA Hockey and its member organizations acknowledge that all violations of the Ethics Code will be reviewed for possible disciplinary action, and member organizations will keep a written report on all reviews and actions.
2. In the event that a violation of the Ethics Code occurs during an authorized USA Hockey activity, USA Hockey may take action separate and independent from that of its member organizations in order to protect its interests and those of athletes, coaches and others involved with the activity.
3. Any action taken by a member organization of USA Hockey which affects the opportunity of a coach to participate in "protected" competition as defined in the USA Hockey Annual Guide shall be entitled to due processes assured under the USA Hockey By-Laws.
4. If the violation of the Ethics Code occurs while a coach is a member of a USA Hockey team or event, the coach's member organization acknowledges that USA Hockey may institute its own proceedings regarding the violation, which action shall not restrict the ability or obligation of the member organization to take its own separate and independent action.
5. In the event that a coach is found to have violated the Ethics Code, such action is separate and apart from any other legal consequences which may occur as a result of the act.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
This Coaching Code of Ethics is the result of the work of many people and
committees. A complete list of acknowledgments may be found on the USA Hockey
website:
www.usahockey.com/coaches/ethics.htm
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