USA Hockey Rules

USA Hockey rules and regulations are available on the USA Hockey website.

• http://www.usahockey.com//Template_Usahockey.aspx?NAV=AU_12&ID=185082
• http://www.usahockey.com//Template_Usahockey.aspx?NAV=OF_02&ID=20072

MO Hockey Rules

Missouri Hockey rules and regulations are available on the MO Hockey website.

• http://www.mohockey.org/missouri_hockey_rules.asp
• http://www.mohockeyyd.org/RulesHome.jsp
• http://www.mohockeyyd.org/MoHockeyRules.jsp

Fundraising Policy

Fund raising is vital for all teams to offset the out of pocket money due by each family.

When you fund raise, be it by the food fundraiser or a fundraiser that your team has agreed on, each team must track each person total amount that needs to fund raised. To do this your team manager should have a tracking sheet for your team.

Why can’t the extra funds go to the families??
If any funds are given back to any one family that was made from fund raising it can jeopardize the entire clubs non for profit status.

Mandatory Helmet Policy

The USA Hockey Board of Directors approved a legislative proposal at the 2006 Annual Congress to require coaches to wear helmets during on-ice sessions.

Effective September 1, 2006, all ice hockey coaches and instructors of registered USA Hockey youth, high school, disabled, girls' / women's 19 & under and below programs must wear a helmet during all on-ice sessions, including practices, controlled scrimmages and coach and referee clinics (seminars)

District and Player Eligibility

In order to play for the St. Peters Hockey Club, a player must reside in St. Charles County or live in an Open District, as defined by Missouri Hockey Inc. If there is a question on the players’ residence due to divorce, the definition follows the court ordered primary custodial parent and or the public school district where the player resides. False information regarding a players’ residence or age may cause a player to be suspended by Missouri Hockey Inc. for an unspecified amount of time.

If a player played for another organization, associated with Missouri Hockey Inc. in the past, the player must exercise his or her option regarding the One Choice Transfer Rule, as defined by Missouri Hockey Inc. before registering with the St. Peters Hockey Club. Complete information is available regarding the Rules and Regulations, as defined by Missouri Hockey Inc. at www.mohockeyyd.org

The St. Peters Hockey Club will not be considered responsible for false information provided in an attempt to register with our organization. Please be sure your child resides in St. Charles County, an Open District or you have exercised your “One Choice Transfer” before registering with our organization.

Required Equipment

All players must have USA Hockey Inc. approved ice hockey equipment; this includes but is not limited to:

• Helmet with Face-Shield and Mouth Guard
• Shin Pads, Shoulder Pads, Elbow Pads
• Athletic Cup and Supporter
• Practice Jersey and Socks
• Ice Skates
• Hockey Pants
• Hockey Gloves
• Hockey Stick

Goaltending Equipment is available for players who are interested in playing the position but have not purchased the required equipment. For more information regarding goaltending equipment e-mail us at willdw@att.net

The organizations team colors are Blue and White, players are encouraged to purchase helmets and pants that match the clubs team colors.

Jersey Policy

Players in our League Play Program wear the same “Sweater” proudly displaying the “Spirit” Crest. The cost for our League Play jersey is not included in a player’s registration fee and is the responsibility of each individual family. When a player purchases a jersey for the 1st time the player will select and be assigned a jersey number. A player retains their assigned number for as long they remain a member of the club. Players born in an even number birth year will select an even number. Players born in an odd number birth year will select an odd number.

Code of Conduct

Core Values

• 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.
• Respect: Treat all others as you expect to be treated.
• Integrity: We seek to foster honesty and fair play beyond mere strict interpretation of the rules and regulations of the game.
• Pursuit of Excellence: 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/her ability.
• Enjoyment: It is important for the hockey experience to be fun, satisfying and rewarding for all participants.
• Loyalty: We aspire to teach loyalty to the ideals and fellow members of the sport of ice hockey.
• Teamwork: We value the strength of learning to work together. The use of teamwork is reinforced and rewarded by success in the hockey experience.

Administrators Code of Conduct

• Follow the rules and regulations of USA Hockey and the association to ensure that the association’s philosophy and objectives are enhanced.
• Support programs that train and educate players, coaches, parents, officials and volunteers.
• Promote and publicize the programs; seek financial support when possible.
• Communicate with parents by holding parent/player orientation meetings as well as by being available to answer questions and address problems throughout the year.
• Work to provide programs that encompass fairness to the participants and promote fair play and sportsmanship.
• Recruit volunteers, including coaches, who demonstrate qualities conducive to being role models to the youth in our sport.
• Encourage coaches and officials to attend USA Hockey clinics and persuade your board members of the necessity for their training sessions.
• Make every possible attempt to provide everyone, at all skill levels, with a place to play.
• Read and be familiar with the contents of the USA Hockey Annual Guide and Rule Books.
• Develop other administrators to advance to positions in your association, perhaps your own.

Coaches Code of Conduct

• Winning is a consideration, but not the only one, nor the most important one. Care more about the child than winning the game. Remember, players are involved in hockey for fun and enjoyment.
• Be a positive role model to your players, display emotional maturity and be alert to the physical safety of players.
• Be generous with your praise when it is deserved; be consistent, honest; be fair and just; do not criticize players publicly; learn to be a more effective communicator and coach; do not yell at players.
• Adjust to personal needs and problems of players, be a good listener, never verbally or physically abuse a player or official; give all players the opportunity to improve their skills, gain self-esteem; teach them the basics.
• Organize practices that are fun and challenging for your players. Familiarize yourself with the rules, techniques and strategies of hockey; encourage all your players to be team players.
• Maintain an open line of communication with your players’ parents. Explain the goals and objectives of your association.
• Be concerned with the overall development of your players. Stress good health habits and clean living.
• To play the game is great. To love the game is greater!

Players Code of Conduct

• Play for FUN!!!
• Work hard to improve your skills.
• Be a team player, get along with your teammates.
• Learn teamwork, sportsmanship and discipline.
• Be on time for practices and games.
• Learn the rules and play by them. Always be a good sport.
• Respect your coach, your teammates, your parents, opponents and officials.
• Never argue with an official’s decision.

Parents Code of Conduct

• Do not force your children to participate in sports, but support their desires to play their chosen sport. Children are involved in organized sports for their enjoyment. Make it fun.
• Encourage your child to play by the rules. Remember, children learn best by example, so applaud the good play of both teams.
• Do not embarrass your child by yelling at players, coaches or officials. By showing a positive attitude toward the game and all its participants, your child will benefit.
• Emphasize skill development and practices and how they benefit your young athlete. Deemphasize games and competition in the lower age groups.
• Know and study the rules of the game and support the officials on and off the ice. This approach will help in the development and support of the game. Any criticism of the officials only hurts the game.
• Applaud a good effort in victory and in defeat and enforce the positive points of the game. Never yell or physically abuse your child after a game or practice - it is destructive. Work toward removing the physical and verbal abuse in youth sports.
• Recognize the importance of volunteer coaches. They are important to the development of your child and the sport. Communicate with them and support them.
• If you enjoy the game, learn all you can about the game and volunteer!

Rules & Discipline

St. Peters Hockey Club (SPHC) is a member of Missouri Amateur Ice Hockey Association- Youth Division (MAIHA-YD) and adheres to the By-Laws and the Rules and Regulations of both MAIHA and USA Hockey.

MAIHA-YD requires each organization to be responsible for the conduct of its club members, including but not limited to, players, parents, coaches, team managers and spectators on or away from the rink areas and organization premises. These regulations not only allow sanctions to be imposed upon the organization, but also authorize the organization to discipline their club members.

The Rules and Disciplinary Committee of SPHC shall have original jurisdiction over the administration and enforcement of the By-Laws and Rules and Regulations of SPHC. In accordance with procedures established by the Board of Directors of SPHC, the Rules and Disciplinary Committee shall authority to suspend, place on probation, or impose other disciplinary sanctions against any person or club member determined to have violated the By-Laws or Rules and Regulations of SPHC or for conduct deemed by the Rules and Disciplinary Committee to not be in the best interest of amateur hockey, the purpose and intent of the By-Laws or Rules and Regulations of SPHC. Decisions of the Rules and Disciplinary Committee shall be final, unless a notice of appeal there from is filed as herein provided. Any person or club member affected by a decision of the Rules and Disciplinary Committee may appeal such decision in accordance with these By-Laws and the Rules and Regulations of SPHC, by filing a written notice of appeal, with the President of SPHC within ten (10) days after the date that the decision appealed from has been rendered, which appeal shall be acted upon by the Board of Directors of SPHC, whose decision shall be final.

1. The Rules and Disciplinary Committee of SPHC will handle all infractions within the organization for all club members, coaches, parents/guardians or other individuals.
2. The SPHC Rules and Disciplinary Committee may suspend a club member, coach, parent/guardian or other individuals from attending any game, practice or any other organization or team event, for conduct detrimental to SPHC or any violation of SPHC, MAIHA-YD or USA Hockey Rules and Regulations.
3. Any club member, coach, parent/guardian may be suspended for his/her conduct and for the continued violations of a related individual, or failure of a related individual to abide by disciplinary action.
   1. There shall be no appeals of suspensions of non-club members for thirty (30) or less.
   2. No player shall be suspended for more than three (3) games without being afforded a hearing or waiving the opportunity to have a hearing.
   3. Referee’s judgment calls are non-protest actions.
   4. The burden of proof in all protests is on the person lodging the protest.

Disciplinary Action

1. Violations of the By-Laws, Rules and Regulations of SPHC, MAIHA-YD and USA Hockey constitutes conduct detrimental to hockey and makes club members subject to disciplinary action with the possible suspension(s) by the SPHC Board of Directors and/or its committees so empowered.
2. Normally, sanctions (other than playing rules) may be imposed only upon notice and a hearing, which is interpreted to be a reasonable opportunity to be heard. However, under certain circumstances, sanctions may be imposed without a hearing.
3. The general procedure for the imposed of sanctions is : Notice; a reasonable opportunity to be heard which may be formal or informal, including discussions in person, by telephone or in writing, they may also include the statements or attendance of factual witnesses and the production of documents, and a decision which will normally be in writing, setting forth the sanctions and time periods as appropriate.
4. Sanctions may, however, be imposed without a hearing:
   1. Where there is no factual dispute and the sanctioned party does not request a hearing, setting out facts supporting a factual dispute, in writing within seven (7) days of receipt of written or verbal notice of the sanctions.
   2. Where the committee determines the conduct is such that immediate sanctions are necessary in the best interest of amateur hockey. The sanctioned party may request a hearing by motion in writing, setting out facts and reasons supporting the need for a hearing and why immediate sanctions are not appropriate, within seven (7) days of receipt of sanctions or the sanctions shall remain in effect. if the sanctioned party provides this notice, a reasonable opportunity for a hearing shall be provided within thirty (30) days of receipt of the notice or the sanctions shall be suspended until a reasonable opportunity to be heard can be provided. Where a reasonable opportunity to be heard is provided, the sanctions shall remain in effect until a hearing is conducted.
   3. Playing rule sanctions.
5. Notice requesting a hearing shall be sent to the Chairman of the Rules and Disciplinary Committee.
6. Receipt of written notice of sanctions will be presumed three (3) after deposit of the written notice, pre-addressed and correctly stamped in the United States Mail.
7. A coach who allows a player who has been suspended by virtue of a gross or match misconduct penalty, to dress and play in a game or participate in a practice shall be suspended from any further games until his/her case has been dealt with by the Rules and Disciplinary Committee. A reasonable opportunity to be heard shall be provided within thirty (30) days later of the incident or notice to the Rules and Disciplinary Committee or the coach shall be automatically reinstated.

Appeals

Appeals of any Rules and Disciplinary Committee decision may be made to the Board of Directors by the following procedure:

1. Appeals for consideration by the SPHC Board of Directors must be submitted in writing to the President of SPHC by the affected club member. The appeal must state the reason and basis for the appeal.
2. Must be accompanied by a $100.00 filing fee which shall be returned if the appeal is upheld. The filing fee, if paid by check, must be a “certified check”. Any stop payments will be considered conduct detrimental to hockey or a fee not paid for purposes of suspension.
3. Must be received by the President off SPHC within ten (10) calendar days of the Rules and Disciplinary Committees decision.
4. Must complete and submit to the President of SPHC an “Appeal Form” within ten (10) days of submitting the appeal.
5. Individuals, club members and persons with knowledge, must appear before the SPHC Board of Directors at the time and place specified by the Board of Directors and present the appeal. Non-appearance is sufficient reason for denial of the appeal.
6. Decisions of the Board of Directors will generally be given to the individual, club member or person within seven (7) days after the hearing.

If any further appeal is required, an appeal can be made to MAIHA-YD.