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MAHA - MATCH PENALTIES | HEARING PROCESS https://www.maha.org/page/show/1204719-suspensions
If a player and/or a coach receives a MATCH penalty, the team needs to immediately notify KVHA, who will then notify the MAHA District 4 Chair. The MAHA Chair will review the incident report and notify the player's parent of the next steps. If warranted, MAHA will ask the coach or association for additional information to conduct an investigation. Match penalties do not always trigger a hearing. If the infraction falls under the standardized discipline rule, this allows the district chair to assess discipline. Once the discipline is assessed, the findings/results will be sent to the player/family and they have a right to request a hearing or accept the disciplinary action assessed.
You will need to provide a copy of the subsequent game's score sheet showing that the assessed player or coach did indeed sit out. Be sure to note clearly on that game's score sheet that the player (name & number) or coach is serving the game misconduct from (date of the game when they were assessed). Do not write this on the scoresheet label, write it in the notes section or an area that will copy to the other two sheets.
Copies of scoresheets can be scanned and emailed, copied and dropped in the office door mail slot at KV Brighton, or you can upload a copy of your scoresheets here: KVHA Scoresheet Collector - Formstack. It is recommended to send the initial scoresheet immediately after the infraction and subsequent sheets showing the games served should be sent or uploaded after all games have been served.
AMENDING CALLS?
Officials do have the opportunity to amend an original penalty within a reasonable time frame from the original occurrence. It would fall under supplemental discipline. In some cases, referees check with the referee in chief to see if they gave the appropriate penalty. In some cases, if an official later learns that a player sustained an injury, they may assess a match penalty after a game misconduct has been called.
DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS & PENALTY PROGRESSIONS
The following circumstances deal with the most common disciplinary actions that have come before the District 4 Council in recent years. These are not inclusive. Refer to Section XVI of the M.A.H.A. Annual Guide for the complete list.
- It is the responsibility of the Head Coach to review the game scoresheet, after signature by the game officials, for any Game Misconduct or Match penalties. The Head Coach is responsible to take any necessary action based on the scoresheet review. If the Head Coach is not at the game, the acting Head Coach and/or Team Manager are responsible.
- All Match penalties must be reported by the Head Coach (team staff member in his absence) within (24) hours following the incident to the District Council Chairperson in the District where the team is registered. Violation of this rule may result in additional suspension of the team official.
- A player, or team official, receiving a Match Penalty is automatically suspended from all amateur hockey activities (including practices and off-ice team activities) until a decision is rendered under the standardized discipline policy or until a hearing is held by the District Council.
- A coach or manager, upon the findings of the District Council, who 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. A player or coach receiving a game misconduct is ineligible to participate in the next game. Not sitting out the next game, and noting that on the scoresheet, will constitute allowing the participation of an ineligible player or coach.
- A player, upon the findings of the District Council, who knowingly participated in a game as an ineligible player, shall be suspended for not less than thirty (30) days. A player receiving a game misconduct is ineligible to play the next game. Not sitting out the next game will constitute participating as an ineligible player.
- If, as the 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.
- 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 occurs. (The reason for this change is to stop a team from scheduling a “midnight game”, real or phantom, to circumvent the suspension.)
- Head Coaches are also responsible for compliance with Rule 411- Progressive Suspensions. Rule 411 increases game suspensions to a player who receives their third and subsequent major penalties for infractions classified as “Aggressive Infractions” during the same season. It also adds a suspension to the head coach for a team receiving three major penalties in the same game.
- Conduct “detrimental to hockey”: Any other conduct that is not in the best interest of promoting the mission and purposes of amateur hockey, that is brought to the attention of the District Council, will be investigated. A subsequent hearing will be conducted if warranted by the information gathered during the investigation. (Reference M.A.H.A. Annual Guide: section XVI, Disciplinary Actions.)
STANDARDIZED DISCIPLINE POLICY - MATCH PENALTIES
MAHA MATCH PENALTY AND SUSPENSION FAQ
6-8-19 USA Hockey Declaration of Safety, Fair Play and Respect
10-30-19 USA Hockey Stronger Penalty for Hate Language
USA HOCKEY STANDARD OF PLAY AND RULES EMPHASIS
USA HOCKEY HANDBOOK RULE 401 PENALTIES
USA HOCKEY HANDBOOK RULE 405 MATCH PENALTIES
USA HOCKEY HANDBOOK RULE 411 PROGRESSIVE SUSPENSIONS
USA HOCKEY HANDBOOK RULE 615(F) FIGHTING
If a player and/or a coach receives a GAME MISCONDUCT penalty, the team should upload a copy of the scoresheet from the game the penalty was incurred, as well as the subsequent scoresheets showing that the game(s) was/were served. It is recommended to send the initial scoresheet immediately after the infraction and subsequent sheets showing the games served should be sent or uploaded after all games have been served.
You can upload a copy of your scoresheets here: KVHA Scoresheet Collector - Formstack. Scoresheets can also be scanned and emailed, copied and dropped in the office door mail slot at KV Brighton
Be sure to note clearly on the subsequent game's score sheet(s) that the player (name & number) or coach is serving the game misconduct from (date of the game when they were assessed). Do not write this on the scoresheet label, write it in the notes section or an area that will copy to the other two sheets.
AMENDING CALLS?
Officials do have the opportunity to amend an original penalty within a reasonable time frame from the original occurrence. It would fall under supplemental discipline. In some cases, referees check with the referee in chief to see if they gave the appropriate penalty. In some cases, if an official later learns that a player sustained an injury, they may assess a match penalty after a game misconduct has been called.
DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS & PENALTY PROGRESSIONS
The following circumstances deal with the most common disciplinary actions that have come before the District 4 Council in recent years. These are not inclusive. Refer to Section XVI of the M.A.H.A. Annual Guide for the complete list.
- It is the responsibility of the Head Coach to review the game scoresheet, after signature by the game officials, for any Game Misconduct or Match penalties. The Head Coach is responsible to take any necessary action based on the scoresheet review. If the Head Coach is not at the game, the acting Head Coach and/or Team Manager are responsible.
- A coach or manager, upon the findings of the District Council, who 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. A player or coach receiving a game misconduct is ineligible to participate in the next game. Not sitting out the next game, and noting that on the scoresheet, will constitute allowing the participation of an ineligible player or coach.
- A player, upon the findings of the District Council, who knowingly participated in a game as an ineligible player, shall be suspended for not less than thirty (30) days. A player receiving a game misconduct is ineligible to play the next game. Not sitting out the next game will constitute participating as an ineligible player.
- If, as the 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.
- 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 occurs. (The reason for this change is to stop a team from scheduling a “midnight game”, real or phantom, to circumvent the suspension.)
- When a player is ejected for receiving a second major penalty in a game, he or she shall be suspended for the next two originally scheduled games.
- The head coach (or acting head coach) of any team accumulating twelve (12) or more penalties during the same game, will automatically be suspended for the next originally scheduled game his / her team plays. ( USA HOCKEY – Playing Rule 401, Penalties)
- A player or coach who receives a game misconduct penalty will be suspended for one game. Upon receipt of a game misconduct, the player or coach must immediately proceed to the locker room and either: 1) remain in the locker room for the balance of the game, or 2) dress and leave the arena premises.
- Any player who receives four (4) penalties during the same game, shall receive a game misconduct penalty. Suspension to be determined by the subsequent game misconduct rule. ( USA HOCKEY Playing Rule 401, Penalties).
- Head Coaches are also responsible for compliance with Rule 411- Progressive Suspensions. Rule 411 increases game suspensions to a player who receives their third and subsequent major penalties for infractions classified as “Aggressive Infractions” during the same season. It also adds a suspension to the head coach for a team receiving three major penalties in the same game.
6-8-19 USA Hockey Declaration of Safety, Fair Play and Respect
10-30-19 USA Hockey Stronger Penalty for Hate Language
USA HOCKEY STANDARD OF PLAY AND RULES EMPHASIS
USA HOCKEY HANDBOOK RULE 401 PENALTIES
USA HOCKEY HANDBOOK RULE 404 MISCONDUCT PENALTIES
USA Hockey SafeSport is the organization's program related to off-ice safety. USA Hockey has long had systems in place to protect its participants from physical abuse, sexual abuse and other types of abuse and misconduct that can be harmful to youth hockey players and other participants. These include without limitation Physical Abuse, Sexual Abuse, Screening, Locker Room Supervision and Hazing Policies, in addition to Codes of Conduct applicable to administrators, coaches, officials, parents, players and spectators.
The USA Hockey SafeSport Handbook is intended to update and collect USA Hockey’s various policies to protect its participants from all types of misconduct and abuse. Please review the Safesport materials. Parents are encouraged to watch the training module.
Should an incident occur, you can file an incident report by clicking the link provided. SAFESPORT WILL TAKE ANONYMOUS REPORTS
USA HOCKEY SAFESPORT INCIDENT REPORTING TOOL & MORE INFO
SAFESPORT TRAINING FOR COACHES, MANAGER AND LOCKER ROOM MONITORS
Beginning in the 2017-18 season, MAHA required that all coaches, managers and locker room monitors complete SafeSport Training at no cost in order to be placed on an official roster or serve in other team roles.
As of June 2019, USA Hockey updated requirements for Safesport to include players who are 18 years old, or who will be turning 18 during the season. Those players must complete the Safesport training BEFORE they can be rostered.
Coaches, Managers, and Locker Room Monitors are also now required to take Safesport training every year
The online course will now be called “Core Center for SafeSport Training,” and generally takes approximately 90 – 120 minutes to complete. “Refresher Courses” are available each subsequent year for those who have completed the Core Center for SafeSport Training. The Refreshers takes 30 minutes to complete
State by State Mandatory Reporter Information
Safesport Quick Reference on Bullying
Safesport Quick Reference on Locker Room Monitoring
Safesport Quick Reference for Coaches
USAHOCKEY SAFESPORT RESOURCES AND TOOLS
Due to the size of Kensington Valley Hockey Association (KVHA) and the diversity of its Members, KVHA recognizes that from time to time certain incidents may occur that result in a dispute, disagreement, or misunderstanding (referred to as “Grievances”) among Members.
It is the intent of the KVHA Board of Directors to provide an opportunity for members (coaches, parents, players) to express their concerns and receive a timely and appropriate response. In order to ensure a respectful and professional experience, the Board insists that coaches, parents, players and board members follow the Grievance Procedures as outlined below
The Grievance Procedures are a series of escalating steps. Members desiring to file a Grievance must adhere to these procedures, in proper order, so that Grievances may be resolved fairly and consistently. Failure to follow these steps may result in an invalid Grievance that may not be reviewed. The specific steps are as follows:
- Cooling off period (24 hours): There are to be no spontaneous grievance related conversations immediately following a game or practice. Players and parents agree to wait at least 24 hours after a game or practice prior to initiating a conversation with a coach, ace coordinator, or board member. Coaches, ace coordinators, and board members agree to not participate in any conversations where the grievance procedure has not been followed.
- Grievance form: Prior to any conversations being held between a parent, coach, ace coordinator, or board member the KVHA Grievance Submission form must be completed either electronically below, or download and complete the form below and email it back to discipline@kvhockey.org
- The President or Vice President or Hockey Director will be responsible for delivering the form to the appropriate party (coach, ace coordinator, or board member) to which the grievance is being submitted. This will allow all implicated parties (the coach, ace coordinator or board member, etc.) the opportunity to be prepared to discuss the issue.
- Complainant must properly file the Submission Form within fifteen (15) days after the Grievance Incident occurs, or the Grievance will not be reviewed.
- The President or Vice President or Hockey Director will confirm receipt of the Submission Form and assign the Grievance Submission a number.
- Initial Meeting: The party against whom the grievance is filed will contact the complainant to arrange a time to meet and meet with all relevant/implicated parties in order to resolve the issue. The coach, ace coordinator, or board member will contact the complainant to arrange a time to meet with the parent and player (if appropriate) in order to resolve the issue. All parties are required to and agree to conduct themselves professionally and respectfully at all times.
- President, Vice President or Hockey Director Involvement: In the event the issue is not resolved to the satisfaction of the parties (parent, coach, ace coordinator or board member:
- The President, Vice President or Hockey Director will review the Submission Form and conduct an investigation of the Grievance to the extent that he/she/they can to fully understand the Grievance described in the Submission Form.
- Upon completing the investigation, the President, Vice President or Hockey Director may try and resolve the Grievance in any manner that he/she/they believe(s)s is in the best interest of all parties involved with the Grievance.
- The President, Vice President or Hockey Director may request a meeting with the parties involved in order to resolve the issue.
- Decisions/Resolutions: If the President, Vice President or Hockey Director makes an independent decision/resolution regarding the Grievance, then that decision/resolution will be communicated to Complainant and any other parties involved in the Grievance. The Grievance and its resolution will be reported to the KVHA Board of Directors as a matter of course in the regular monthly meetings. The Grievance will then be deemed closed.
Appeal Process:
If Complainant is not satisfied with the decision/resolution of the President, Vice President or Hockey Director, then Complainant may appeal the decision/resolution by completing the KVHA Grievance Appeal Form (Form is available on the Board Page @ www.kvhockey.org website), and emailing the Appeal Form to the President at president@kvhockey.org. This Appeal will be considered an Article VII, section 4 Grievance pursuant to the KVHA By-laws.
- Complainant's appeal must be filed within seven (7) days after the President, Vice President or Hockey Director communicates the decision/resolution to Complainant.
- If Complainant fails to file a timely Appeal Form, then the President or Vice President may, in his or her discretion, decide that the President, Vice President or Hockey Director’s decision/resolution will stand without reviewing or considering the Appeal Form.
- All involved parties will either be invited to attend the next regularly scheduled KVHA Board of Directors meeting and present their case ora separate hearing will be arranged within two weeks after the receipt of the Grievance Appeal form. Notification of the decision will be made no later than two weeks after the Board of Director’s meeting or hearing.
Grievance Committee (“GC”):
- In the event the issue is not resolved, and a Grievance Committee has been formed, the President Vice President will bring the grievance to said Committee. The GC may schedule a meeting with the Complainant.
- The Committee has the authority to make decisions/resolutions with respect to any Grievance referred to the Grievance Committee and the authority to communicate those decisions/resolutions to Complainant and to any other parties involved in the Grievance.
- The President may then disseminate the decision/resolution of the GC to the KVHA Board of Directors.
- Any decision/resolution of the GC is final and is not subject to further appeal.
Conclusion
The Grievance Procedures were written to provide for a governing structure with respect to responding to a Grievance so that the President, Vice President and Hockey Director, the KVHA Board of Directors and the Grievance Committee may as reasonably and as quickly as possible to deal with a variety of Grievances that will arise from time to time. Should a Member have any questions regarding Grievance Procedures, please contact the Vice President discipline@kvhockey.org
Hockey is a fast, physical, intense sport played in a team environment that can provide many beneficial life lessons such as how to be a good teammate and a leader. However, with the physical play of maturing youth and the turbulent emotional changes occurring at the same time some negative consequences exist. The most serious consequence is injury. Higher rates of injury are a by product of the game as youth ice hockey players grow and checking is allowed, however, many of these injuries could be avoided if violent and aggressive hockey were reduced and young players were taught to play tough and clean hockey.
There are several strategies that have been implemented including harsher penalties, appropriate teaching of body checking, and Fair Play rules. These strategies should continue to be used; yet, we are not dealing with an important factor of aggressive behavior - emotion. Emotions such as frustration and anger are precursors to aggressive behavior.
The Playing Tough and Clean Hockey Program teaches players to be emotionally tough and helps them to transfer program skills and lessons to the ice; significantly decreasing aggressive play, retaliations, and major aggressive behaviors. The program allows for players to come up with ways to deal with their anger or aggression in ways unique to them while learning how to gain emotional control and toughness. This is a great tool to provide players ways to manage their emotions and reduce aggressive behavior.
THE COACH'S ROAD PODCAST JANUARY 24 2022 EPISODE 84 - TOUGH AND CLEAN HOCKEY WITH DR. LARRY LAUER
The Playing Tough & Clean Handbook
Playing Tough and Clean Hockey: Executive Summary and Study Info
KVHA Players who receive multiple game misconducts, or a match penalty will be required to complete the Tough & Clean handbook as part of their disciplinary process.
In addition to the development of our hockey players and enjoyment of the sport of hockey, the safety and protection of our participants is central to KVHA’s goals. KVHA adheres to USA Hockey’s SafeSport Program to help protect participants from physical abuse, sexual abuse, and other types of misconduct, including emotional abuse, bullying, threats, harassment, and hazing. These policies are designed to maintain personal privacy as well as to reduce the risk of misconduct in team scenarios. These policies are to be followed at Kensington Valley Ice House, Hartland Sports Center, as well as any facility where teams travel to play or host team events.
Cell Phones and Other Mobile Recording Devices
Cell Phones and other mobile devices with recording capabilities, including voice recording, still cameras and video cameras, are not permitted in the locker rooms. Team Coaches and Managers are permitted to collect player phones.
If phones or other mobile devices must be used, they should be taken outside of the locker room.
General Locker Room Rules
There can be no more than 4 years of age between players who are sharing a locker room.
Music is allowed in the locker room, but all songs must be the clean version with no obscenities or racial slurs. If a cell phone is being used to play music, it must not be used otherwise.
Players should not bring valuables to the rink. The locker room bathroom door and entry doors should both be locked when the players and coaches are on the ice to ensure that belongings are secure.
Locker Room Monitoring
KVHA has predictable and limited use of locker rooms and changing areas (e.g., 30 minutes before and following practices and games). After getting the key for the locker room, a coach, manager or locker room monitor should conduct a sweep of the locker room or changing area before players enter. If the coaches or monitors are not remaining inside the locker room(s), either a coach or approved team personnel (all of which have been screened) will be posted directly outside of the room during periods of use, and leave the doors open only when adequate privacy is still possible, so that only participants (coaches and players), approved team personnel and family members (where allowed - team rules) are permitted in the locker room. Team personnel will also secure the locker room appropriately during times when the team is on the ice.
It is the policy of KVHA, MAHA and USA Hockey that teams have at least two (2) responsible adults monitoring the locker room during all team events to assure that only participants and screened team personnel or family members are permitted in the locker room, and to supervise locker room conduct. These individuals will be SafeSport certified and background screened to serve in this capacity, in addition to the rostered coaches and managers who are certified and screened as well. Please note that with Co-ed programs, it is important that the person(s) monitoring the locker room is of the same gender as the players being monitored.
It is acceptable to have one (1) locker room monitor immediately outside the locker room and regularly checking in on the locker room if only one is available. If there are two (2) or more monitors, not from the same family, they can monitor from inside the locker room. Having only one person inside a locker room can expose that person to allegations, so a second person can help protect one another from allegations or provide accounts on any reported incidents. Having two member of the same family monitoring the locker room could set up a power dynamic and is not allowed either.
Parents in Locker Rooms
Except for players in the eight and under (8U) age groups, we discourage parents from entering locker rooms unless it is absolutely necessary. If a player needs assistance with equipment, if the player may be injured, or a player’s disability warrants assistance, then we ask that parents let the coach know beforehand that he or she will be helping the player. Naturally, with our youngest age groups it is necessary for parents to assist the players in getting dressed. We encourage parents to teach their players as young as possible how to get dressed so that players will learn as early as possible how to get dressed independently. In circumstances where parents are allowed in the locker room, coaches are permitted to ask that the parents leave for a short time before the game and for a short time after the game so that the coaches may address the players. As players get older, the coach may, at his or her discretion, prohibit parents from the locker room.
Mixed Gender Teams
Some of our teams consist of both male and female players. It is important that the privacy rights of all our players are given consideration and appropriate arrangements made.
For eight and under teams who typically have co-ed locker rooms, players should arrive at the rink wearing their hockey base layers or shorts and T-shirts (in good condition - no holes or tears in clothing) under their street clothes. All members of the team must have this minimum attire before entering a co-ed locker room so that no player of one gender can see players of the opposite gender in a state of dress/undress.
At the 10U and older levels, the male and female players should dress/undress in separate locker rooms and then convene in a single locker room before the game or team meeting. Once the game or practice is finished, the players may come to one locker room for a team meeting and then the male and female players proceed to their separate locker rooms. If separate locker rooms are not available, then the players will take turns using the locker room, or players can come partially dressed for games and finish dressing at a bench inside the rink.
We understand that these arrangements may require that players arrive earlier or leave later to dress but believe that this is the most reasonable way to accommodate and respect all our players.
Safety for the coaches, players and goalies is of the utmost importance. It is the responsibility of each coach to ensure that his/her players have the required equipment prior to all practices and games. It is the responsibility of each player’s parents/guardians to ensure that the required equipment is available and worn correctly during all ice times.
NECK GUARDS. MOUTH GUARDS & HELMETS ARE MANDATORY FOR PLAYERS
While USA Hockey only recommends neck-guards, it is a rule of the Kensington Valley Hockey Association that every player and goalie, in every division, is required to wear a neck guard (or a throat/neck shield for goalies) during all practices, all training sessions, and all games, whether using Kensington facilities, or at any other arena/rink. The neck guard must be commercially manufactured and unaltered. The neck guard may be either separate or part of an undergarment with a neck guard extension.
All s, including s, in the 12 & under through 19 & under age classifications are required to wear a colored (non-clear) internal mouthpiece that covers all the remaining teeth of one jaw, customarily the upper. It is strongly recommended, in all classifications, that all s wear a mouthpiece form fitted by a dentist.
During a game, the on-ice official can require the player to leave the ice until a proper mouth guard is worn. For the first violation of this rule, the team shall be issued a warning. A misconduct for an equipment violation shall be assessed to any or of that team for a subsequent violation during a game.
We trust that players, parents and coaches will help with enforcement of this rule to keep all of our players safe on the ice! We are not looking to suspend anyone, however, the penalty for not following these rules will begin with a warning up to possible suspension in the case where multiple warnings were given. USA Hockey Rules regarding equipment can be found at the following link: https://www.usahockeyrulebook.com/page/show/1084402-rule-304-protective-equipment
HELMETS ARE MANDATORY FOR COACHES AND TRAINERS
The Michigan Amateur Hockey Association (MAHA) is committed to ensuring the safety of participants at all ages and skill levels. With the increasing availability of video provided by rink-based programs and partners and parent or club-affiliated resources, we are entering a trial period of utilizing video review specifically as a means of determining whether an on-ice action caught on video, but not penalized by officials, is deserving of a formal review process for potential supplemental discipline. MAHA will NOT use video review for the purpose of changing any on-ice call.
Video submitted for potential review by MAHA will only be accepted/considered if presented by a member Association or Club (no individual or parent submissions will be accepted). This process shall be followed:
- Upon review by the Association or Club leadership, and determination that a request for further action is requested, the Association’s President or Club’s Manager must complete the “Video Review Request” form.
- Completed form must be sent to VPOfficials@MAHA.org. Form must be submitted with a $100 check. If the video is accepted and supplemental discipline is assessed, the check will be returned. If the video does NOT result in a hearing to determine additional discipline, the $100 check will be considered a fine to the organization that submitted the video.
- Upon receipt, the Vice President of Officials will review and determine if the actions shown on video warrants further review.
- If further review is deemed warranted, a review process will be undertaken by a Video Review Committee (the VR Committee).
- The VR Committee will make a recommendation to the MAHA Executive Vice President, who will make the final determination on conducting a supplemental discipline hearing.
- Supplemental Discipline will not be imposed unless and until a hearing has been conducted with the player, coach or parent that is the subject of the request.
- Discipline administered by MAHA will be imposed immediately and the subject of supplemental discipline will retain all appeal rights as provided for in the MAHA Guidebook and USA Hockey Bylaw 10. Any discipline assessed will not be delayed while an appeal is in process.
Additional Info: https://www.maha.org/miofficials
Link to file a review: https://maha.sportngin.com/register/form/044924831
VOLUNTEER COACH, LOCKER ROOM & MANAGER CREDENTIALS
Head Coaches, Assistant Coaches, Managers and Locker Room Parents must complete all required USA Hockey training, certifications and screenings to be officially rostered to their team. Ideally, credentials, except CEP, should be in place BEFORE September 1 every season. Team rostering opens on September 1st so the sooner everything is complete the sooner your team will receive their roster.
Below is a list of everything that is needed for Head and Assistant Coaches and when everything must complete or be renewed.
COACHES SEARCH FOR YOUR CURRENT CEP LEVEL & AGE MODULES COMPLETED HERE
PLEASE START ON YOUR COACHING CREDENTIALS EARLY TO ENSURE THAT THE TEAM ROSTERING PROCESS GOES SMOOTHLY AND QUICKLY!!
If you have coached in the past, here are 5 Steps to verify your coaching credentials
- Visit https://courses.usahockey.com/public/
- Log in
- Click on "My Profile" under the USA Hockey logo, upper left
- Click on "Coaching Information"
- Update anything missing asap!
If you are not sure what you need, please send your USA hockey # for the upcoming season to office@kvhockey.org
USA HOCKEY CREDENTIALS - With the exception of the Coaches Education Program, all credentials must be completed before the season begins to ensure that you can be rostered to your team in a timely fashion. A coach or manager who has not completed safesport training, age modules or the background screening cannot be rostered.
- Players, Coaches and Managers must renew their membership to USA Hockey every hockey season
- Registration opens April 1st of every season
- Fall USA Hockey numbers are also good for the spring season but they expire August 31 every year.
- Everyone must register with USA Hockey every season to renew their membership/liability insurance coverage
- Coach and Manger USA Hockey Confirmation #s must be sent to office@kvhockey.org
- Please use your full legal name when registering with USA hockey so that your coaching education (clinics and modules), safe sport and background screening show in their record. Example if legal name is Michael Smith and new registration is created for Mike Smith, the system will create a separate new record and not connect your previous education or screenings.
- $30 fee
- Self Registration ID# 35615801
- Valid for two seasons (if you submitted last season, you will not have to complete this year)
SAFESPORT ONLINE MODULES | SAFETY, BULLYING AND HARASSMENT
- Completed by watching video segments and answering questions online
- Core training - 60-90 minutes; Refresher Training - 20-30 minutes
- The refresher courses are available 30 days prior to the expiration date of the last training
- Players who will turn 18 anytime during the season are also required to take the Safesport training
AGE SPECIFIC MODULES FOR HEAD AND ASSISTANT COACHES
- Modules are 8U, 10/12U, 13+
- You only need to take the module for the age level you are coaching
- If a coach has taken the 10U module and moves up to 12U they will need to take the new 10/12U module
- If a coach has taken the 14U module they do not need to do the new 13+ module if still coaching a 14U team.
- If a coach has taken the 16/18/19 module and is coaching a 14U team that coach will have to take the 13+ module.
- A coach does not need to take the 13+ module if the coach has a 16/18/19 module and is coaching a 16/18/19 team.
- At the 8 & Under level, once you complete your 8U age module, you will not have to take another until your child moves up to the 10U level.
- You only need to take the module for the age level you are coaching
- $20 for each online age module
- Takes about 3-4 hours to complete each age module
COACHES EDUCATION PROGRAM (CEP) FOR HEAD & ASSISTANT COACHES
- MUST BE COMPLETED PRIOR TO DECEMBER 31 of EACH SEASON
- Begin with Level one* and complete one level each season through Level 4
- Coaches may remain a level one as long as you are coaching at the Mini Mite or Mite levels, once you start coaching squirt (10U) or older, you must take the Level 2.
- In-person and Virtual clinics are available and take about 6-8 hours, the virtual clinic can be in any state, just be aware of the time zone to ensure you are on time!
- Sign up early to choose a convenient date and location for you - Do not wait - clinics fill up early!
- A coach may attend only one clinic level per season
- Cost is $60 per clinic
Effective in the 2021-22 season, coaching certification at Levels 4 and 5 is valid for three (3) seasons, as indicated by the expiration date. Before the expiration of their level, coaches must accumulate 5 credit hours of continuing education by either taking Level 5, or by attending other USA Hockey continuing education clinics. The USA Hockey clinic listings will indicate all continuing education offerings and the credit value of each.
Anyone who has not completed the proper items is not allowed on the ice or the bench in any capacity. MAHA D4 will suspend a Head Coach for allowing non-registered parents/coaches on the bench or ice.
No unrostered players or coaches should be on the ice for practice or on the bench during a game. A rostered member of the team has certain protections through USA Hockey's liability coverage that un-rostered individuals do not. If a person is not rostered, and they are on the bench during a game and receive a penalty as a coach, or there is some other incident during a game, the head coach can be suspended for having an unrostered coach on the bench. Additionally, if an unrostered coach is on the ice during practice, and someone is injured, the liability insurance for the entire team can be nullified due to having that unrostered person on the ice. It seems like a lot for a kid's game but ultimately it is about safety and ensuring that we have properly screened and trained adults in a supervisory capacity. Injuries to non-rostered siblings/players/coaches are at your own risk and not that of KVHA.
All coaches and assistant coaches that coach within the KVHA are certified by the guidelines set forth by USA Hockey and MAHA and agree to abide by the USA Hockey Ethics Handbook. All required certifications must be completed by the required dates for the current season to be eligible.
Those interested in being a Head Coach within the KVHA must submit an application for the division of interest that they would like to coach. Coaching application links are posted on the KVHA home page prior to each season when coach recruitment is in force. Applications are reviewed, criminal background checks are conducted, and a formal interview with the KVHA Coach Selection Committee is then conducted. Selected candidates are submitted to the KVHA Board for approval before a team will be awarded.
Once selected, the Head Coach is ultimately in charge of their team. This means that they assume responsibility for all team personnel, credentials and conduct, financial dealings and other aspects of the team within the scope of the By-laws and regulations set forth by KVHA, MAHA and USA Hockey.
KVHA Head Coaches are responsible for conducting themselves as a positive role model for those players selected or drafted to their team. As a role model and positive influence, they accept responsibility for not only their own behavior and conduct but also the conduct of their assistant coaches, managers, players, and parents, guardians, etc.
All KVHA Head Coaches are appointed by the KVHA Board of Directors and these positions are at all times, ‘at will.’ KVHA Head Coaches are volunteer positions. They are not compensated or receive any other remuneration or fringe benefit from KVHA for serving in this position.
USA HOCKEY COACH'S CODE OF CONDUCT
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- 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 and honest; be fair and just; do not criticize players publicly; learn to be a more effective communicator and coach; don’t 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 confidence and develop self-esteem; teach players 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
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USA Hockey Coaches Ethics Handbook
USA Hockey Declaration of Fair Play and Respect
NON ROSTERED PLAYERS/COACHES ON THE ICE OR BENCH
The only people allowed on the ice during practice or on the bench during games are those players rostered to the team and that team’s rostered coaches. Having others on the ice or the bench invalidates the USA Hockey insurance and puts the head coach at risk for disciplinary action and potential lawsuit should an un-rostered individual be injured. The USA Insurance coverage will not cover you or anyone on the ice, including an injured party, if there are un-rostered players or coaches participating.
The rule applies to player siblings, coaches other children, friends, and even those rostered on other KVHA teams. Older siblings, 13 and older, can take the student coaching class and be rostered as a student coach.
This is not optional, and coaches will be suspended immediately pending a hearing if it un-rostered participants are found to be on the ice. This is not a KVHA rule, but a USA Hockey / MAHA rule and it will be strictly enforced.
INJURED PLAYERS ON THE BENCH
If a player is injured, they may sit on the bench but they must wear a helmet if they are sitting with the players. They may sit inside the scorebox without a helmet.
HELMETS are MANDATORY!
All coaches on the ice are required to wear a helmet. It is the head coaches responsibility to make sure this is followed. If your team has someone come to your practice to work with your team and they are on the ice, they must have a helmet. NO EXCEPTIONS. Failure to follow this policy puts the head coach at risk for disciplinary action, including suspension.
Any coach or trainer on team ice that has been purchased through KVHA must wear a helmet. If your team sold your ice to a coach or trainer and that coach/trainer is running a program outside of your regular team, do what you would like when it comes to wearing a helmet or not. Please report to us that you sold the ice noting the date, rink and time. This way if someone reports a KV team/coach for not wearing a helmet and this was not on KVHA ice, we can support you.
MOUTHGUARD and NECKGUARD are MANDATORY for PLAYERS!
Safety for the players and goalies is of the utmost importance. It is the responsibility of each parent to ensure that his/her players have the required equipment prior to all practices and games. It is the responsibility of the coaches and parents/guardians to encourage their players to wear the required equipment correctly during all ice times.
It is a rule of the Kensington Valley Hockey Association that every player and goalie, in every division, is required to wear a neck guard (or a throat/neck shield for goalies), a mouth guard and ear guards in their helmets during all practices, all training sessions, and all games, whether using Kensington facilities, or at any other arena/rink.
Neck guards and mouth guards are to be worn properly during all ice time.
- The neck guard must be commercially manufactured and unaltered.
- The neck guard may be either separate or part of an undergarment with a neck guard extension.
- Coaches are responsible for all players being equipped properly.
- The penalty for a player that does not have a legal neck guard will be a team warning, the offending player sent from the ice (excluding goalies). Subsequent violations of this rule by any player shall result in a misconduct penalty
Managers and Locker Room Parents must complete all required USA Hockey items to be officially rostered to their team. Ideally, credentials should be in place BEFORE September 1 every season. Team rostering opens on September 1st so the sooner everything is complete the better.
Locker Room Parents and Team Managers need to register with USA Hockey as a volunteer, complete SafeSport training, and submit a background screening.
Managers and Locker Room Attendants may not serve as on ice or on bench coaches unless they are rostered as coaches in addition to their manager duties. Coaches may also serve as locker room monitors. Any team parent can assist with team functions or be in the scorebox as a timekeeper or help with the score sheet, they do not need to be credentialed.
- Players, Coaches and Managers must renew their membership to USA Hockey every hockey season
- Registration opens April 1st of every season
- Fall USA Hockey number are also good for the spring season but they expire August 31 every year.
- Coach and Manger USA Hockey Confirmation #s must be sent to office@kvhockey.org
- Please use your full legal name when registering with USA hockey so that your coaching education (clinics and modules), safe sport and background screening show in their record. Example if legal name is Michael Smith and new registration is created for Mike Smith, the system will create a new record and not connect your previous education or screenings.
- $30 fee
- Self Registration ID# 35615801
- Valid for two seasons (if you submitted last season, you will not have to complete this year)
SAFESPORT ONLINE MODULES | SAFETY, BULLYING AND HARASSMENT
- Completed by watching video segments and answering questions online
- Core training - 60-90 minutes; Refresher Training - 20-30 minutes
- Refresher Training is made available 30 days before your prior Safesport certification expires
- Players who will turn 18 anytime during the season are also required to take the Safesport training
A player between the ages of 13 and 17 who is currently properly registered with USA Hockey may serve as a student coach under the following conditions:
- Must attend a training session conducted by the local hockey association. Student coaches are not eligible to attend a CEP certification clinic for certification. They may audit a clinic but they do not receive certification credit, nor are they required to pay for the clinic. He/she will need to contact the instructor directly as he/she will not be able to register online due to the age restriction in place.
- Does NOT need a background check or SafeSport until the age of 18.
- Must always be under the supervision of a carded, screened adult coach during all practices, clinics, try-outs, and in the locker room.
- May help out at practices, clinics, try-outs only. (May not participate as a player in scrimmages or games when acting as a STUDENT COACH).
- May not act as the head coach or an assistant coach during practices or games.
- May be on the bench during games with an adult. The STUDENT COACH will count as one of the maximum of four Team Officials allowed on the bench.
- Must wear a helmet with full face shield, gloves, and skates while on the ice. Must wear helmet during games while on the bench.
- May only work with players at least one full playing age level down (e.g., a 14U age player may act as a STUDENT COACH at the 12U, 10U or 8U level).
- Upon reaching the age of 18, the STUDENT COACH must comply with the USA Hockey Screening Program and meet the USA Hockey Coaching Education Program requirements which will qualify him/her to act as an assistant or head coach.
- The organization that is using the STUDENT COACH must provide a form (link to form below) indicating on what team he/she is participating as a student coach, and, if applicable, what team he/she is properly registered/rostered as a player. This form stays with the association and a copy should be in the team binder.
- KVHA will reimburse up to 4 coaches per team for the cost of USA Hockey Registration and Level 1-5 CEP clinics
- We do not reimburse for the Age Module ($20) or Background screening ($30)
- For the 23-24 Season, the USA Hockey Fee is $56 ($46 + $10 MAHA fee) and the CEP class is $60
- Reimbursements are automatic and made to coaches who have completed ALL of the required credentials and are rostered to a KVHA Team
- House coaches will receive a check mailed to their address of record.
- Travel Coaches will be reimbursed via transfer to the team account and then the team manager is responsible for disbursement to the coaches.
- All reimbursements will be made starting in November and all reimbursements will be completed by January 31st of each season
MAHA DISTRICT, STATES & NATIONALS
MAHA DISTRICTS
The Michigan Amateur Hockey Association (MAHA) is a sanctioned affiliate of USA Hockey
- MAHA is the governing body that oversees amateur hockey in Michigan through seven established districts. Each District is responsible for the local teams an
d Associations in their area.
- KVHA is located in MAHA's District 4
- Squirt through Bantam Teams are allowed only 3 Out of District Players; Midget Teams there is no limit on Out of District Players; Girls hockey has no district limitations, but you cannot have more than three (3) players who reside outside of the state.
DISTRICT 2 All residents of Wayne, Monroe Counties except: - residents of Redford Twp., Livonia, Plymouth, Plymouth Twp., Canton Twp., Northville and Northville Twp. are designated as District 4. Residents of Harper Woods and all Grosse Pointes are in District 3. Note: - residents of Milan Twp. are District 2; residents of the City of Milan are District 6.
DISTRICT 3 All residents of Macomb County and those residents of Oakland County in cities / townships east of the north/south vertical line formed by Greenfield, Adams, Kern and Barr Roads from the Wayne County line to the Lapeer County line except residents of the city of Birmingham. Residents of Harper Woods and all Grosse Pointes.
DISTRICT 4 All residents of Livingston and Oakland Counties and: - residents of Redford Twp., Livonia, Plymouth, Plymouth Twp., Canton Twp., Northville, Northville Twp., and the entire city of Birmingham. except: - those residents of Oakland County in cities / townships east of the north/south vertical line formed by Greenfield, Adams, Kern and Barr Roads from the Wayne County line to the District 5 border are designated as District 3. except: - those residents of Oakland County in the townships of Brandon, Groveland, Holly, and Oxford, and all communities within them, are designated as District 5.
DISTRICT 5 All residents of the counties of: St. Clair, Lapeer, Genessee, Shiawassee, Saginaw, Tuscola, Sanilac, Huron, Bay, Midland, Gratiot, Isabella, Clare, Gladwin and Arenac. and those residents of Oakland County in the townships of Brandon, Groveland, Holly, and Oxford, and all communities within them, are designated as District 5.
DISTRICT 6 All residents of the counties of: Mason, Lake, Osceola, Oceana, Newaygo, Mecosta, Muskegon, Montcalm, Ottawa, Kent, Ionia, Clinton, Allegan, Barry, Eaton, Ingham, Van Buren, Kalamazoo, Calhoun, Jackson, Washtenaw, Berrien, Cass, St. Joseph, Branch, Hillsdale and Lenawee. Residents of the City of Milan are District 6.
DISTRICT 7 All residents of the counties of: Chippewa, Mackinac, Emmet, Cheboygan, Presque Isle, Charlevoix, Antrim, Otsego, Montmorency, Alpena, Alcona, Oscoda, Crawford, Kalkaska, Grand Traverse, Leelanau, Benzie, Manistee, Wexford, Missaukee, Roscommon, Ogemaw and Iosco.
DISTRICT 8 All residents of the counties of: Luce, Schoolcraft, Alger, Delta, Menominee, Dickinson, Marquette, Baraga, Iron, Gogebic, Ontonagon, Houghton and Keweenaw.
CLOSEST TO THE RINK RULE
- Michigan resident players of any age classification are permitted to play for an Association/Club that has the rink closest to their residence, based on shortest distance via roads according to Google Maps, and will not be counted as an Out of District player if it is beyond District Boundaries.
- Players who qualify for closest to the rink should apply for closest to the rink approval here: Youth (maha.org)
- The State Playoff Committee has no authority to consider or grant an exception to the Out of District rule.
NOTE: IN THE SPRING SEASON THERE ARE NO OUT OF DISTRICT RULES
MAHA – Districts, States and Nationals General Info and Intent to Enter
- Each Association may send two boys’ teams to represent each age level in District play
- KVHA's Higher level teams (My Hockey Rankings and/or LCAHL)) have first choice to enter
- Teams entering districts have the opportunity to win their way to the State Tournament
- Girls Teams do not compete in districts; they declare intent to enter the State Tournament
- Only one girls’ team per age classification may enter the state tournament
- Tier 2 and Tier 3 State Tournaments for 10U through 19U; Mite Cup for 8U Girls
- If more teams enter than there are spots open, there are play-in/qualifying games
- Intent to Enter
- Teams register online and pay the registration fee (boys = $150; Girls = free)
- Deadline to Enter is November 1st
MAHA – Districts, States and Nationals Player and Team Eligibility
- In order to qualify for Districts/State/National Tournaments please note the following game counts for Individual Players and teams:
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- Individual Player Game Counts
- National Bound Teams: Player must participate in 10 USA Sanctioned games before Feb. 1st or before the first game of District Playoffs with their team.
- Non-National bound teams: Individual players need to play in 7 games before Feb. 1st or before the first game of District Playoffs with their team.
- Team Game Counts
- National Bound teams: must play at least 17 games in its classification, category and division before the earliest of Feb. 1st or before the regularly scheduled first game of District Playoffs
- Girls Classification and Non-National bound teams: must play at least 14 games in its classification, category and division before the earliest of Feb. 1st or before the regularly scheduled first game of District Playoffs
- Individual Player Game Counts
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MAHA – Districts, States and Nationals Exceptions
- Any team may apply to the State Playoff Committee for the granting of an exception to the eligibility rules set forth herein, except for the out of District rule. 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 State Playoff Committee at its December meeting. The decision of the State Playoff Committee is final and cannot be appealed. All exceptions are due to the MAHA by November 15th-
- https://www.maha.org/exceptions
- The most common exception is when a player or team will not make their game count before the start of Districts or States, an exception must be filed to explain why the game count was not met and to obtain approval from the MAHA State Playoff Committee for the player or team to be eligible to participate.
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DEFINITION OF A GAME:
The following conditions shall constitute a valid game:
- When two registered teams occupy the same ice surface for the purpose of competitive play.
- A game shall consist of at least three (3) periods of 10 minutes stopped time or 15 minutes running time, except where the game is interrupted, (by some unforeseen event) after two (2) periods have been completed. The game must be officiated by registered referees and with a completed and signed score sheet.
- 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.)
The following conditions shall constitute an invalid game:
- 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 score sheet. Coaches and players for both teams are subject to suspension under rules II., B., 1 and 2. This session does count toward the maximum game count for each team.
- This rule is not intended to prohibit controlled practice sessions between teams in a single Association/Club only under the following circumstances:
- an Association assigned split ice practice;
- coaches are on the ice and using this as a teaching situation
- 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
MAHA – Districts, States and Nationals Player and Team Eligibility
- In order to qualify for Districts/State/National Tournaments please note the following game counts for Individual Players and teams:
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- Individual Player Game Counts
- National Bound Teams: Player must participate in 10 USA Sanctioned games before Feb. 1st or before the first game of District Playoffs with their team.
- Non-National bound teams: Individual players need to play in 7 games before Feb. 1st or before the first game of District Playoffs with their team.
- Team Game Counts
- National Bound teams: must play at least 17 games in its classification, category and division before the earliest of Feb. 1st or before the regularly scheduled first game of District Playoffs
- Girls Classification and Non-National bound teams: must play at least 14 games in its classification, category and division before the earliest of Feb. 1st or before the regularly scheduled first game of District Playoffs
- Individual Player Game Counts
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The following game counts shall be adhered to by players and teams in the classification in which they participate or roster.
All games played with a referee and a scoresheet will go toward your game count unless specified below. This includes:
All preseason scrimmages or alignment games played with a referee and logged on a scoresheet.
All games played in LCAHL or MGHL, including playoff games, are included in the game count.
All Tournaments games shall count four (4) games maximum (10u and older), regardless of the actual number of games played. So if you go to a 5th championship game, that game will not count.
District, State, and National games do not apply to the maximum game count.
ESTIMATING YOUR # OF GAMES
When you are planning your season, much of what you play from September 1st until the State Tournament will count toward your game count.
The # of league games is hard to determine, it depends on how many teams. You should estimate 16 -20 games for LCAHL league play from beginning to end of playoffs. You will know early in the season how many games you will be on pace to play
For District games, you can expect to play 3 first round games, 4 second round games, if you advance to hockey day it is one game and then the state tournament is another 4 games and these do not count toward your total game count.
The MAHA Credentialing Meeting is where a MAHA Director reviews each team who declares their intent to enter Districts or States by looking at their "credentialing packet"
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- For Split Season teams, this is held before the split-season playoffs begin
- For all other teams (Travel, Girls and House), it is held the first Saturday in January - usually at Farmington rink
- 2 representatives from each team MUST attend a one-hour meeting at their divisions designated time
- Credentialing Packet will be created by office and given to teams
- Teams are responsible for completing packets and ensuring all items are in order
- Official Roster
- MAHA Team Questionnaire – team demographics
- MAHA game log - A spreadsheet that teams fill in listing all games played; used to verify the game count
- Credentials Verification Sheet - write in your team's game dates in the numbered boxes (1 – 24) across the top, then mark an “X” in the boxes of the players who played in those games.
- Ensure all score sheets are in your binder in chronological order
- Score sheets must clearly show Match penalties/Game Misconducts - Circle the player’s name and the penalty; Note Name, #, penalty in the comments section both on the game when the match penalty occurred and for the game that the player sits out along with “serving game misconduct from xx/xx/xxxx“. If they are not noted properly, the player will have to sit out another game!!
- USA Hockey Consent to Treat Forms are required at the time of credentialing for all National Bound Teams
- Round 1 district games
- Girls Divisions do not have District Playoffs, they go directly to states
- Games from Mid to the end of January, scheduled at credential meeting
- Played on teams existing ice
- Each team is responsible for the cost of one referee
- Round 2 is a district tournament weekend with multiple games
- 1st weekend in February
- Teams are charged a tournament fee that varies by host location
- Board will vote on whether to reimburse the teams depending on budget
- Division Finals (Hockey Day)
- 2nd weekend in February
- All fees are paid by the host association and MAHA
- State Championships
- Takes place starting the last weekend in February through Mid-March
- Tournament weekend: Locations vary
- Teams pay a tournament fee; A portion MAY be paid by KVHA
- National Championships
- Usually the first week in April
- 14U, 16U & 18/19U A/AA Girls and Boys Teams Only
- Locations vary every season by division
TEAM FINANCIAL INFORMATION
TEAM BUDGET
USA Hockey, MAHA and the KVHA by-laws maintain that KVHA, overall, is expected to oversee and monitor all team accounts during the season.
8-29-15 MAHA_Policy_Team_Financials
- KVHA requires each team to use the KVHA budget template to track team finances
- Teams MUST submit budgets to the KVHA Treasurer and Hockey Director three times per year on or before the following dates:
- August 1; December 1, March 1
- When payments are made during months that budgets are required to be submitted, your payment will be held that month until your budget is received, and your payment will be considered late according to the late fee schedule:
- First offense – warning
- Second offense - $150 fine
- Third offense - penalty equal to 10% of ice bill
Use the budget template to keep track of what each family contributes each month. In the past, we have had players leave teams without paying and although we try to help collect that money for a team when this happens, when documentation is lacking, and we don't have records to support collection efforts, there is little we can do to make the team whole again. Read more here: 1-20-17_MAHA Financial_Dispute_Policy_
BUDGET ITEMS
Creating a budget allows for more accuracy in player ice bills and requires less to be paid out at the end of the season. Here are the most common team expenses:
- Season Ice Costs
- Approximately 33 weeks of ice – 3 to 4.5 hours per week
- First ice payment beginning August 1 and ending February 1 (Feb & March ice on same bill)
- Invoices are emailed to teams’ mid-month and are due to KVHA during the first week of each month
- Payments are made electronically via transfer from team account to KVHA main account
- Late fees will be issued when payments are delayed after the first of the month
- First offense: warning
- Second offense: $150 fine
- Third offense: 10% of the ice bill
- Ice payments in Spring/Summer and for tryouts are payable directly to KVIH
- Jerseys and socks are included in the KVHA registration fee, not a part of your team budget. If you are upgrading the jerseys, you will be budgeting for the upgrades only– see Jerseys
- MAHA District/States/Nationals costs
- “Intent to Enter Districts” - $125 entry fee for boys/girls no cost
- MAHA State tournament fee can be anywhere from $600-$1500
- KVHA will review teams attending districts and states each season and may contribute funds toward entry fees
- Referee fees
- Home team is responsible for all referee fees, unless otherwise agreed to by teams
- Tournaments
- Outside trainers – skating, skills, goalies
- Team Bags, Warmups, Helmets, Gloves, Pants – can be a parent expense as well
- Team Parties and outings
- Fees for TeamSnap, banking, etc
2023-2024 KVHA MEMBER FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY with MAHA Team Financials and Dispute Policy
PNC BANKING
PNC Bank - Brighton East Branch
10014 East Grand River
Brighton, MI 48116
To report fraud on your PNC Team Account call 888-762-2265
Please email the KVHA Treasurer to set up your new account and online banking. Please include the full name, address, ph # and email of anyone who is requesting access to the team's bank account
- PNC is the only bank that KVHA teams are permitted to use and teams may only have one account
- The PNC branch that we use is located on the southwest corner of Old 23 and Grand River.
- Teams are required to have two signers on their account. Those two people may not be related to each other.
- When you go into sign the signature card, they will offer you checks and a debit card.
- We have had some fraud occur over the past few years and it is very important to check online banking accounts often to make sure there are no unauthorized transactions.
- It is very important that we are updated when the account holder needs to change. Please email the treasurer if you are not sure who is on your bank account.
- Anytime there is a change in manager, we will need to make sure to remove that person from the bank account and cancel their debit card.
- When teams are closing their accounts, all related debit cards and checks should be shredded or disposed of securely
- There are fees associated with the bank account (overdraft fee, a fee for having a low balance, etc). Please see the schedule of fees below.
Fraud Prevention - Please be diligent about checking your bank account often for unauthorized charges
COLLECTING PAYMENTS
- Teams will collect payments based on their budgeted amount
- Ice bills are paid directly to travel/t2 girls teams and are paid via check, cash, or cash app, more info below
- House players pay their ice bills directly to KVHA via online payment only set up with credit card or ACH transfer
- If you are at an age where players can potentially leave for high school, consider collecting money up front, or make team fees paid in full by December.
- Consider using an app such as Venmo or Zelle to accept payments from your families.
- Allows families to pay electronically and for the team to transfer that money into the bank account without having to go to the bank. Most teams are using this function linked to their team account. It can be set up easily and is free from fees – just don’t leave funds in a cash app, your money is not insured there
- Please note there can be credit card processing fees up to 3% when using PayPal and other apps.
FROM MAHA ANNUAL GUIDE PAGE 60 Payment Policies.
Payment policies required of legal guardians or registered participants shall be clearly stated in writing and distributed to registered participants or their guardian(s) before any written contract is signed by a participant or his/her guardian(s).
Member must enter into a written agreement with the participant/legal guardian. A non-refundable deposit may be collected at the time such a written contract is signed.
In the event that a participant does not complete the full hockey season, and seeks from MAHA a release, the payment schedule below will be the guideline for determining the amounts a participant/legal guardian may owe:
(1) After written contract signed, but never participated in any activities - $300
(2) Through September 15 - 25% of total yearly fee
(3) Through October 15 - 50% of total yearly fee
(4) Through November 15 - 75% of total yearly fee
(5) Through December 15 - 100% of total yearly fee
MAHA will not consider contract provisions collecting player fees in excess of the guidelines as a basis for denying a release to play. Participants and/or legal guardians will also be required to pay in full for any equipment/apparel ordered for the benefit of the participant.
KVHA SPONSORSHIPS
Sponsorships are a great way to defer team ice costs, purchase team gear or pay for tournaments. Encourage your team families to secure sponsors by using the Generic Sponsor letter below.
You can obtain sponsors from just about anyone, from local businesses to huge corporations.
Once your sponsorship checks come in, follow the procedures outlined to receive payment to your team.
Sponsors are not allowed on game jerseys. You can place them on spirit wear, practice jerseys, team bags, warm-ups, team banners, etc.
- KVHA is a 501c3 non-profit organization.
- KVHA is tax-exempt from purchases
- Individual teams are not tax-exempt, except for sponsorship donations or grants.
- Gifts of goods or services are handled on a per-team basis.
- All sponsorship donations are to be applied to the team as a whole and disbursed as instructed by the sponsors or as determined by the team.
- KVHA's tax ID # is 38-3517406. Please contact the KVHA office if you need a copy of the W-9 form.
Donations for golf outings: golfers do not receive a tax donation letter for golfing (they are receiving something in return); hole sponsorships will be provided with a letter if the protocol is followed.
KVHA SPONSORSHIP PROCEDURE
Sponsor checks are processed through the KVHA Office and the KVHA accountant in the following process:
- Sponsor checks should be made out to KVHA
- The sponsorship remittance form, attached, is to be filled out and submitted to the office with the check(s). You may list multiple donations on one form.
- Once completed, drop the form and the checks in the door slot in the KVHA office inside KVIH (not the tink's front office; KVHA office is down the hall at the back of the lobby across from the drinking fountain/men's restroom))
- The checks are deposited and once the check(s) clear, I will notify the KVHA treasurer to complete an electronic transfer to the team account as well as notify the team that the transfer is on the way
- A copy of the sponsor's tax donation letter will be emailed to the team manager after the process is complete. This is the donor receipt and it is the responsibility of the team to deliver the letter to the sponsor(s).
- This process has a two week turnaround.
Sponsor donations benefit the team as a whole and cannot be applied to individual players. Individual sponsorships would not be permitted to be routed through KVHA because we are a non-profit entity and as such, must adhere to specific IRS rules regarding sponsorship's and appropriate usage of KVHA's tax exemption status - parents could route individual ice bill payments thru the system calling them "sponsorship checks" for tax exempt status purposes, which would be illegal.
DON'T FORGET TO THANK YOUR SPONSORS!!
On your team website -
- List them by name
- Post their business logo
- Post a link or contact info for their business
In person or via mail -
- Support the sponsors by visiting their business
- Send thank you notes, team photos, invitations to games, and send team updates or season summaries
Generic KVHA Sponsor Request Letter
KVHA Sponsorship_Remittance_Form
KVHA TEAM FUNDRAISING
Fundraisers are a great way to defer team ice costs, purchase team gear or pay for tournaments.
Fundraisers differ from sponsorships in that the amounts raised by the individual team members can be applied to their individual
ice bills; teams must keep a complete accounting of what is raised by each family and how it was applied to their ice bills in their
team financials.
Some of the ways that KVHA teams raise funds are through golf outings, dine to donate, Yeti and other small raffles, can/bottle
drives, football squares, comedy night, and item sales.
Large scale team raffles, gambling nights or games of chance need a license and teams should stay away from those.
MAHA PLAYER SCHOLARSHIP FUND
Each year, the MAHA will grant a one-time scholarship award (up to $500) to members facing a temporary financial hardship. Applications are accepted in late summer.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following criteria for eligibility:
- Must be registered with a MAHA affiliated In-House (Tier III) program for the 2022-23 season
- Must complete a minimum of four (4) hours of volunteer service for local association
- Application must include a letter of confirmation from local association for completion of service
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE MAHA SCHOLARSHIP
DONATE NOW TO HELP MORE KIDS PLAY THE GAME OF HOCKEY!
USA HOCKEY MEMBERSHIP RELIEF FUND
USA Hockey and The USA Hockey Foundation are helping hockey families experiencing financial hardship by covering the cost of their USA Hockey membership through this grant application.
APPLY NOW FOR THE USA HOCKEY MEMBERSHIP GRANT
BOB ENGLAND HOCKEY FOUNDATION
The Bob England Hockey Foundation supports youth hockey players whose families are experiencing financial difficulty so that those children may be able to continue to participate in the great game of hockey. Created by his loving family, the foundation honors the memory and spirit of Bob England and continues his passion for supporting others and giving to those in need.
BOB ENGLAND FOUNDATION HOME PAGE
DONATE TO THE BOB ENGLAND FOUNDATION NOW!
BLACKBEAR YOUTH HOCKEY SCHOLARSHIP
Who Can Apply?
- Athletes 18 and under are eligible to apply for a scholarship once per calendar year
- Complete the application in its entirety, including the attachment below
- If your application is approved for a scholarship you will be notified by email
APPLY NOW FOR A BLACKBEAR SCHOLARSHIP
DONATE TO THE BLACKBEAR FOUNDATION
THE KRIS PERANI HOCKEY FOUNDATION
An organization whose goal is to provide hockey players in need with financial assistance. The benefit of sponsoring hockey players in need will strengthen the hockey community and have a positive impact on the chosen nominees and their families. In addition to the application, the following items must be submitted:
- A 1,000 word essay on why the player should be sponsored.
- Three (3) recommendation letters from the coach, the president of the association, and a team parent. If you are new to a team, you may use prior team contacts. If you are new to hockey, then a reference from a teacher is also acceptable.
- Ice bill for the year.
All monies for those sponsored will be sent out directly to the team no later than the third week of October.
APPLY NOW FOR THE KRIS PERANI HOCKEY SCHOLARSHIP
DONATE TO THE KRIS PERANI HOCKEY FOUNDATION
THE GOALIE GUILD AND THE MARTHA KENNEDY MEMORIAL GOALIE SCHOLARSHIP
The Goalie Guild and the Martha Kennedy Memorial Goalie Scholarship have joined forces in order to provide young goaltenders in the USA with financial assistance for their league and team fees. This program is in honor of the late Martha Kennedy, a special hockey mom and amazing woman who dedicated her life to her goalie son, Scott Kennedy.
The scholarship is for goalies ages 11-14 born in the USA (2008-11 birth years). The submission deadline is August 31. Selected goalies will receive a donation (amount is up to $1,000) from The Goalie Guild. Donations must be put towards team or playing fees. Recipients from the previous three years will not be considered
APPLY FOR THE MARTHA KENNEDY SCHOLARSHIP HERE
DONATE TO THE MARTHA KENNEDY FOUNDATION NOW!
Safety for the coaches, players and goalies is of the utmost importance. It is the responsibility of each coach to ensure that his/her players have the required equipment prior to all practices and games. It is the responsibility of each player’s parents/guardians to ensure that the required equipment is available and worn correctly during all ice times.
NECK GUARDS. MOUTH GUARDS & HELMETS ARE MANDATORY FOR PLAYERS
While USA Hockey only recommends neck-guards, it is a rule of the Kensington Valley Hockey Association that every player and goalie, in every division, is required to wear a neck guard (or a throat/neck shield for goalies) during all practices, all training sessions, and all games, whether using Kensington facilities, or at any other arena/rink. The neck guard must be commercially manufactured and unaltered. The neck guard may be either separate or part of an undergarment with a neck guard extension.
All s, including s, in the 12 & under through 19 & under age classifications are required to wear a colored (non-clear) internal mouthpiece that covers all the remaining teeth of one jaw, customarily the upper. It is strongly recommended, in all classifications, that all s wear a mouthpiece form fitted by a dentist.
During a game, the on-ice official can require the player to leave the ice until a proper mouth guard is worn. For the first violation of this rule, the team shall be issued a warning. A misconduct for an equipment violation shall be assessed to any or of that team for a subsequent violation during a game.
We trust that players, parents and coaches will help with enforcement of this rule to keep all of our players safe on the ice! We are not looking to suspend anyone, however, the penalty for not following these rules will begin with a warning up to possible suspension in the case where multiple warnings were given. USA Hockey Rules regarding equipment can be found at the following link: https://www.usahockeyrulebook.com/page/show/1084402-rule-304-protective-equipment
HELMETS ARE MANDATORY FOR COACHES AND TRAINERS
AGE CLASSIFICATIONS AND LEVELS OF PLAY
In the United States, USA Hockey designates the levels, ages and classifications for youth or minor hockey.
USA Hockey designates four skill levels:
- Tier 1: The highest level of competition, also called "AAA"
- Tier 2: also called "AA" or "A".
- Tier 3: may also be called Recreational/Developmental: Includes house league and select. May also be called "B", "C"
WHAT DO THE DESIGNATIONS B, A, AA, AND AAA MEAN?
At each youth hockey age group, there are three distinct classifications: B/BB, A/AA and AAA.
The single letter is the minor birth year
The double letter is the major birth year
For example, in the Squirt age group the "A" classification is 9 years old and the "AA" is for 10 year olds.
Many large organizations and leagues, especially Tier 1, tend to use the two-year window allowed for each age group. In these situations, teams composed entirely or primarily of players in their second year of eligibility are designated 'major' teams, while those with players in their 1st year of eligibility are designated "minor" teams. (For example, ten-year-olds would be "squirt majors" while nine-year-olds would be "squirt minors".)
B or BB (House|Tier 3) is a recreational level with the following requirements.
- No tryouts
- Everyone plays
- Teams are formed by drafts
- Teams are limited to the number of second year players on a team according to the MAHA formula
A or AA (Tier 2) is a competitive level with the following requirements.
- Teams are formed by tryouts
- Limited to players within their districts with a maximum of 3 players from outside their district (Midget classification is allowed 6 players out of district)
AAA (Tier 1) is a competitive level with the following requirements.
- This is a top level of play
- Teams are formed by tryouts
- Players can come from anywhere, even out of state
AGE CLASSIFICATION
In addition to the level of play, there are divisions based on age
- Learn to Play - age 3 through 10
- Mini Mite - age 5 & 6
- Mite - age 7 & 8
- Squirt - age 9 & 10|
- PeeWee - age 11 & 12
- Bantam - age 13 & 14
- Midget - age 15 through 18
Girls hockey teams are typically a two birth year team and use alternate terms for their classifications:
- 10U - ages 10 and under
- 12U - age 11 & 12
- 14U - age 13 & 14
- 16U - age 15 & 16
- 19U - Ages 17 - 19
NOTE: No 12u players are eligible to play on a National Bound team. For Boys, this means that a PeeWee(12U) AA player is not eligible to play on a Bantam (14U) AA tea, since Bantam AA is the first national bound year.
For Girls, since 14u Tier 2 is National bound, no 12U players are allowed on those teams for them to be eligible to participate in Nationals.
Every player must register w/KVHA to receive jerseys and be rostered to their team. Additionally, player, coaches and managers must renew their USA Hockey memberships every season.. USA Hockey registration numbers are valid from April 1 of the Spring season and expire the following August 31 of every season.
Once all players of a certain team are registered with KVHA, ad all of the coaches have their credentials competed , the team can be rostered with USA Hockey. Rostering is the process of creating a team list with all player and coach criteria verified and stamped by USA Hockey registrar. A USA Hockey Roster is required to validate USA Hockey Liability coverage prior to the team's participation in scrimmage, league or tournament games.
Teams may roster a total of 20 players in the Fall/Winter Season (no more than 18 skaters; teams can roster 3 goalies and 17 skaters). Teams may roster a total of 25 players in the Spring/Summer season (no more than 23 skaters but may only play 20 in any game)
Fall Rosters cannot be approved prior to September 1st. Spring Rosters cannot be approved prior to April 1st.
USA Hockey Registrar has a 72-hour turnaround to approve the roster. Accordingly, once you submit a complete team roster sheet to the office, please allow 3 business days for your roster to be approved; this includes adding players and coaches after your original roster has been approved.
Your approved roster and all team paperwork (including scoresheets from every game) should be kept in a team binder that will keep you organized for the MAHA credentials meeting and playoffs.
100% of KVHA Registration fees are returned to it's members in the services the Association provides. Your yearly season registration fee covers costs for the following:
Jerseys & Socks for your player
August House Division Conditioning & Evaluation Skates
Try Hockey for Free Programs
Head & Assistant Coach Credential Reimbursements
Practice Equipment for teams to use
Administrative Costs for Rostering & Association Operations
LCAHL | MGHL League Registration Fees
Referee scheduling fees
House Referee fees
Bandits Goalie Training
Team Training and Meeting Space
MAHA State & National Tournament Team Entry Fees
End of Season Yearbooks for teams using the association photographer
From USA Hockey Annual Guide 22-23 Page 44-46:
USA Hockey and its Affiliates are charged with establishing rules and policies for the organization, coordination and betterment of hockey, including developing players, coaches and officials, and managing and minimizing risks associated with the sport. Recent examples include implementation of the ADM, including cross-ice hockey for players 8 and under, and processes and procedures for expansion of junior hockey programs. USA Hockey strongly believes in these programs as evidenced by the overwhelming support they have received across the country, the continuing growth in membership, and the advances that have resulted and are expected to result in the development of hockey players in our country. USA Hockey has had inquiries regarding the rights and obligations of USA Hockey, its various Affiliates and local programs with respect to ice hockey that is not sanctioned by USA Hockey. To provide guidance to Affiliates and local programs, USA Hockey, as the National Governing Body for ice hockey in the United States, Annual Guide 45 Policies provides the guidelines below acting pursuant to USA Hockey’s authority under the Amateur Sports Act (36 U.S.C. § 220501 et. seq.).
- For a game to be sanctioned by USA Hockey, all players, coaches and officials in the game (“Individual Participants”) must be members of USA Hockey and the USA Hockey Affiliate with jurisdiction over their respective geographic area(s). Participating teams must also be members of the applicable USA Hockey Affiliate.
- There may be occasional exceptions to the above-stated membership requirement where in certain limited, special circumstances, USA Hockey or the applicable USA Hockey District Registrar may provide a special event sanction for an event where not all participants are members of USA Hockey (“Special Events”). These Special Events are occasional and have generally been limited to exhibition games between USA Hockey teams and High School Federation, prep schools or NCAA teams, Try Hockey For Free programs, and charity games. The limited nature of these exemptions is largely due to USA Hockey insurance and risk management concerns.
- Any Individual Participant may become a member of USA Hockey. Membership in or registration with another sanctioning body may not be used as a basis to deny membership in USA Hockey, its Affiliates or local programs. Correspondingly, no Individual Participant may be penalized for participating in a program that is not sanctioned by USA Hockey. On the other hand, an Individual Participant may be disqualified from membership for violation of USA Hockey Bylaws, Rules & Regulations or Policies in accordance with USA Hockey’s Dispute Resolution Procedures.
- Affiliates may establish reasonable rules for compliance by such Affiliate’s member organizations and/or teams seeking membership in or who are already members of the Affiliate, provided that such rules do not conflict with the Bylaws, Rules & Regulations, Policies or directives of USA Hockey.
- If a team desires to play in a USA Hockey sanctioned game, tournament or event, then, unless it is sanctioned as a Special Event, the team and its Individual Participants must be registered with USA Hockey and the applicable Affiliate. Such registration implies and constitutes the registrant’s agreement that the team and all of its Individual Participants will be subject to the Bylaws, Rules & Regulations, Policies and Playing Rules of USA Hockey and the reasonable requirements of membership for the applicable Affiliate. The only exceptions to the requirement that sanctioned games, tournaments and events require that the team and all Individual Participants be registered with USA Hockey and the applicable Affiliate, are for Special Events noted above, and circumstances where the applicable USA Hockey registrar has approved such participation in writing and in advance (see USA Hockey Rules & Regulations, Section VIII.B).
- Once an organization, team, or Individual Participant becomes a member of USA Hockey and the applicable Affiliate, that Affiliate may require that the member organization, team, and all Individual Participants continue to comply with the reasonable requirements for membership in the Affiliate. This may include, for example, such rules as coaching certifications, background screening, equipment requirements, safety mandates, and other guidelines, including the ADM and cross-ice hockey, and such other reasonable requirements of a USA Hockey Affiliate.
An Affiliate may enforce a rule that prohibits its member teams from participating in games or practices that are not sanctioned by USA Hockey. Unless sanctioned as a Special Event, USA Hockey’s insurance policies may not be available to cover USA Hockey programs, teams and Individual Participants when participating in a game or practice among or against a non-sanctioned team. A parent of a youth hockey player that has registered with USA Hockey with the expectation of receiving the benefits of such membership, should not be placed in a situation where they may be surprised to learn after their child is injured that USA Hockey insurance is not available because the injury occurred during a non-sanctioned event.
- An Affiliate may also enforce a rule that its member organizations must register all of their teams and players with USA Hockey and the Affiliate. If an Affiliate has such a rule, a member organization within that Affiliate cannot register some of its teams with the Affiliate while other teams in that organization are not registered with the Affiliate. Important reasons for such a rule are so that neither USA Hockey nor its Affiliates become liable for activities conducted by a member organization that is also conducting non-sanctioned events, and to prevent the occurrence of situations where USA Hockey’s insurance could potentially be asserted to apply in a non-sanctioned event.
- Despite the foregoing, if an Affiliate’s member organization or team desires to play in events or games that are not sanctioned by USA Hockey, they may seek a Special Event sanction for such game or event, or they may also do so provided that certain other requirements are met. A group of Individual Participants from a USA Hockey team playing in a non-USA Hockey sanctioned event or game must do so as part of a separate organization (for example, a separately incorporated corporation) that is sufficiently distinct from the USA Hockey sanctioned program. The non-sanctioned organization or team(s) should also have a separate board of directors, the team cannot wear the same uniforms or have the same team names, and all rink or vendor contracts relating to the non-sanctioned team(s) or activities must be in the name of the separate organization rather than the USA Hockey member organization or team. A sanctioned program should have separate bank accounts from the non-sanctioned organization. Additionally, sanctioned and non-sanctioned programs should not be included in the same advertisements or websites. Distinguishing teams participating in non-sanctioned events or programs from teams that are members of USA Hockey will help avoid making USA Hockey, its Affiliates or member organizations liable for activities conducted in connection with non-sanctioned play; prevent the occurrence of situations where USA Hockey’s insurance could potentially be asserted to apply in a non-sanctioned event; and will also help make Individual Participants (and their parents or guardians) aware of which games or events are under USA Hockey rules and oversight and are covered by USA Hockey insurance and other benefits. For a violation of these requirements, the team, coaches, administrators and/or program may be subject to sanctions as determined by the Affiliate following a hearing and any appeals provided in USA Hockey Bylaw 10.
In the Fall season, youth teams may have 20 rostered players; 18 is the maximum number of skaters but teams may also carry three goalies with 17 skaters. In the Spring season, youth teams may roster up to 25 players, but may only play 20 in a game.
There is no limit on the number of coaches or locker room parents a team can roster, however, USA Hockey rules allow for only 4 coaches to be on the bench during a game.
ONLY coaches who are listed on the approved USA Hockey roster may participate in practices on the ice or be on the bench during games.
Managers and Locker Room Attendants may not serve as on ice or on bench coaches unless they are rostered as coaches in addition to their manager duties.
TEAMS SHOULD HAVE AT LEAST TWO LOCKER ROOM MONITORS IN ADDITION TO COACHING STAFF!
Any team parent can assist with team functions or be in the scorebox as a timekeeper or help with the score sheet, they do not need to be credentialed.
Anyone who has not completed the proper items is not allowed on the ice or the bench in any capacity. Players rostered to another team are not allowed to participate on the ice. The Head Coach will be suspended for violations
Un-rostered players and coaches are not allowed to participate on the ice for practice or be on the bench during a game. A rostered member of the team has certain protections through USA Hockey's liability coverage that un-rostered individuals do not. If a person is not rostered, and they are on the bench during a game and receive a penalty as a coach, or there is some other incident during a game, the head coach can be suspended for having an un-rostered coach on the bench. Additionally, if an un-rostered coach is on the ice during practice, and someone is injured, the liability insurance for the entire team will be nullified due to having that un-rostered person on the ice. The rule applies to player siblings, coaches of other children, friends, and even those rostered on other KVHA teams. This is not optional, and coaches will be suspended immediately pending a hearing if it occurs. This is not a KVHA rule, but a USA Hockey / MAHA rule and it will be strictly enforced. It seems like a lot for a kid's game but ultimately it is about safety and ensuring that we have properly screened and trained adults in a supervisory capacity. Injuries to non-rostered siblings/players/coaches are at your own risk and not that of KVHA.
The short answer is "No"...unfortunately, the USA hockey/MAHA rules do not allow players who are already rostered to a travel /tier 2 team to double roster on another tier 2 team, house/ tier 3 team, their high school team, or any other team during the regular season. This is only possible in the Spring/Summer season.
From the MAHA By-Laws page 27 Section II (R.) Rostering Exceptions. A player may be rostered with only one (1) MAHA/USA Hockey team at a time during the regular (winter) season except as noted below.
Some of the benefits of the program are:
- Encourages more player development prior to high school season
- Allow all Midget age players intending to play high school hockey the opportunity to play for the State and National Championship as well.
- Reduce the competition between MAHA and MHSAA programs who are each recruiting the same players for their teams.
- Split season provides more places to play for players not making the varsity teams.
Effective in the 2023-2024 season, USA Hockey has changed their rule and will no longer allow substitute goalies
to participate in States or Nationals.
For regular season and District playoffs, substitute goalies will be allowed for all Age, Division, and Classifications.
For the MAHA State Tournament, only non-national bound teams will be allowed a substitute goalie.
The current MAHA substitute goalie rule pertaining to the circumstances in which a substitute goalie
may be used shall be found on page 25 of MAHA’s annual guidebook. It states, “A substitute goalie,
under such circumstances, may be used only in the case of an injury to the regular goalie. If a team
elects this method for a substitute goalie, the team may have only nineteen (19) players registered at
any time so as not to exceed the maximum number of players allowed.”
For the intent of this rule, injury is defined as a player who is injured or medically unable to compete.
Players out due to illness, with a supporting doctor’s note, will be deemed as “injured” for the intent of
this rule. Thus, a substitute goalie shall be allowed.
Common situations where a substitute goalie shall not be permitted: goalie unavailable due to family
vacation, conflicts with school or sporting event, team has a rostered back-up goalie who is eligible to
participate, etc.
Finally, teams requesting a substitute goalie must fill out the proper substitute goalie form and obtain
their respective District Chair’s signature. Directors and councilmembers are not eligible to approve
the substitute goalie. The substitute goalie form can be found on the State Playoff page of the MAHA
website (https://www.maha.org/stateplayoffs)
Over the course of the season, players may ask to be ‘released’ from their team for a variety of reasons. When that occurs, the Association/Club administrators should seek to determine the underlying cause and if there is any likelihood that the reason can be mitigated. If not, then the
following is the process to be employed. A MAHA release document must be completed.
The release form needs to be completed in full. There is a section covering the player’s financial obligation to the team; a section on game count; and signatures for the player, his/her parent, and the releasing organization. Many times the most difficult portion of the document to complete is the financial obligation section and getting the releasing Association/Club and the player’s parent(s) to agree on the obligation if any. Some teams may have specific player contracts with players and others may not.
From the MAHA Annual Guide Page 26 ; Section II. Registration and Rostering: Participants and Teams:
- Player releases, unless requested by the player, cannot be made later than November 30 of the current playing season to be eligible for District, State and National tournaments. No players can be added to a team’s roster after December 23rd of the current playing season to be eligible for District, State and National tournaments. Exceptions to this provision, for District and States, may be made in extraordinary circumstances by a two-thirds majority approval of the State Playoff Committee prior to December 31st.
- A player signed to an approved 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, and approved 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 is current on their fees as outlined in their Association / team player contract. In absence of the contract a prorated amount must be determined based on participation at the point of the player’s release. That prorated amount must be paid before the release will be granted. Any and all equipment belonging to the team must be returned prior to the release as well. The District Council has the authority to release a player who is refused a release by his/her team or Association
MAHA Annual Guide: Rules and Regulations
II. REGISTRATION AND ROSTERING: PARTICIPANTS AND TEAMS
Q. 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 is current on their fees as outlined in their association / team player contract. In absence of the contract a prorated amount must be determined based on participation at the point of the player’s release. That prorated amount must be paid before the release will be granted. Any and all equipment belonging to the team must be returned prior to the release as well. The District Council has the authority to release a player who is refused a release by his/her team or Association.
Each Association/Club signs an ‘Affiliate Agreement’ each year with the MAHA. Included in that Agreement is the following to which all Association/Clubs must adhere-
P. Payment policies for all fees, costs and expenses related to participation shall be clearly outlined in an Affiliate’s Bylaws or Operating Rules. Policies for all fees, payments, late payment fees, equipment costs and injury credits shall be clearly identified in writing. An Affiliate may not collect
fees from a Registered Participant Member or his or her legal guardian in excess of the chart below:
After contract is signed but never participated in any activities with the affiliate $300
After September 1st 25% of total yearly fee stated in player contract.
After October 1st 50% of total yearly fee stated in player contract.
After November 1st 75% of total yearly fee stated in player contract.
After December 1st 100% of total yearly fee stated in player contract.
Your District 4 Representative can also guide you in adjudicating disputes between the Association/Club and the player’s parents. When a contract is not available, often times a team budget or other Association/Club/team documents used to define the financial obligations to the team can suffice.
In the case where the Association/Club and the player’s parents agree on the financial obligation, the MAHA release can be completed upon payment of the parent. In the case where the parent claims a refund is due, The District 4 Representative can provide leadership, if needed, on the amount of the refund that is due to the parent and direct the Association/Club to provide that refund. The MAHA release should not be held up while the amount of the refund is being determined.
In the case where the Association/Club claims monies owed, and the parent(s) disagrees, the amount outstanding claimed by the Association/Club should be recorded on the MAHA release. The release should not be signed until there is an agreement on the outstanding monies owed. The
MAHA release should not be held up for non payment.
Where a parent has chosen not to pay the amount owed as determined by the Association/Club, the Association/Club can take the parent to small claims court for recovery. The Association/Club can also seek to block the player from rostering on another team by invoking the member in good standing’ clause in both the MAHA and USA Hockey Annual Guides. An Association/Club seeking to block a player from rostering on another team, should follow the “Financial dispute Policy” in the MAHA Annual guide.
MAHA Annual Guide; ByLaw 4: MEMBERSHIP, Section B3
B. All members as defined in Bylaw 4, A. must be members in good standing with USA Hockey and the MAHA. Members not in good standing are ineligible to participate in MAHA. A member in good standing is defined as a member that (1) has not been convicted of a felony within the past 10 years, (2) is not currently serving a suspension or on probation under the authority of USA Hockey / the MAHA or any local hockey association, or (3) has no financial obligations to USA Hockey, the MAHA or any local hockey association.
USA Hockey Annual Guide; Rules and Regulations; Section III: TEAM MEMBERSHIP AND REGISTRATION
A. Membership
Except for Juniors, all teams of USA Hockey member programs must register with USA Hockey in a manner prescribed by the appropriate district registrar. All national championship bound teams shall be required to use the official USA Hockey roster registration form (1-T). Affiliates
and leagues may also require the USA Hockey roster registration form (1-T) for specified teams. In some instances, a simple listing of players and coaches may comprise an approved roster. All applicants for team membership must be members in good standing of an affiliate.
Throughout the process, the Association/Club can depend on their District 4 Representative for guidance. Copies of the release are filed with the Association/Club, the parent, and the MAHA Associate Registrar. The Association/Club should use the MAHA Release to have the player in
question removed from the current team roster.
II.REGISTRATION AND ROSTERING: PARTICIPANTS AND TEAMS
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 ……..
When a team releases/drops a player from the team’s roster he/she is no longer on that team. If the team or player then decides to rejoin the same team, or another team, he/she is resigning/signing with that team and a new team roster is created. Once that new roster is certified that player cannot play in a game for 72 hours. This also applies to players added to the team after the initial roster is certified, even if they were not previously with another team.
Trying to add and release players in order to create a taxi squad of players who would otherwise not be eligible, or cause a team to be ineligible, is a violation of this rule. It is MAHA’s intention that every player should be active on his/her team for 100% of the team activities. If that is not possible with their current team, the player should be released so they can go to a team that can provide the appropriate opportunity for that player. Coaches and teams violating this rule are subject to discipline.
Tier two teams may not play more than 30% of their games against Tier 1 teams. The 30% is computed as a straight percentage. For example, if a team has played 20 total games before credentialing on January 4, the calculation would be 20 x .3 = 6. So at the time of credentialing, you can play up to 6 games against Tier 1 opponents.
This percentage will be computed each time you are credentialed so you must stay in ratio. Typically teams are credentialed the first week in January, on Hockey Day and again at the State Tournament. Please keep an eye on it, even if you are .01% off you will be disqualified. To counter this, schedule a couple more T2 games, or cancel something.
Tier 1 teams who are USA Hockey rostered as a Tier 2 team (A or AA), but have AAA in their team name do not count toward the 30% calculation. Be sure to list those teams as A or AA on your game log.
CANADA/UNITED STATES TRAVEL PERMIT FOR EXHIBITION GAMES ($25 FEE)
A permit is required for all exhibition games and tournaments played in Canada. This permit has a date of issue and date of expiration. To obtain your permit, click on the registration link below through MAHA's website and fill in all the required information. There is a $25 fee for this permit.
The following information will be needed when applying:
- Proposed Game Dates
- USA Hockey Team Name
- USA Hockey Team Registration Number (Can be found on your certified roster)
- Classification (Mite/Squirt/ Pee Wee, Bantam, Midget) Girls (8U/10U/12U/14U/16U AND 19U) Division (B, BB, A, AA, AAA,)
- Chief Officer (coach, manager or responsible person for the team)
- Address (coach, manager or responsible person for the team)
- Telephone (coach, manager or responsible person for the team)
- Email address (coach, manager or responsible person for the team)
Note: You can list all your exhibition games of the season when you apply of the $25 fee. If you need to add games at a later date you will need to submit a new application, which will result in an additional fee being due.
ALL REQUEST MUST BE SUBMITTED AT LEAST ONE WEEK PRIOR TO YOUR DEPARTURE FOR CANADA.
CANADIAN TOURNAMENT APPLICATION FORM (TRAVEL PERMIT) $25 FEE REQUIRED
Any team participating in Canadian Tournaments must complete the Canadian Tournament Application form together with a $25.00 application fee. To complete the form click on Canadian Travel Permit link below. This must be completed prior to your departure or your USA Hockey insurance will not follow you to Canada and you will be turned away by the Canadian Tournament Director as it will compromise the Canadian teams as well. When entering tournaments in Canada, we recommend that you ask the Tournament Director if the tournament is a sanctioned tournament.
You must submit your application at least (1) one week in advance to ensure time for approval prior to the tournament.
When you apply for a Canadian Tournament permit you will need the following:
- All the pertinent information for where and when you will be playing in Canada
- Your USA Hockey Team Number
- The $25 application fee will be collected at the end of the application process.
Canadian Tournament Travel Permit Application
THINGS TO KNOW WHEN GOING TO CANADA OR PLAYING A CANADIAN TEAM
Consent Letter for Travel to Canada? A consent letter demonstrates that a child has permission to travel outside Canada from every parent or guardian who is not accompanying them on the trip. A consent letter is not a legal requirement in Canada, but it can simplify travel for Canadian children as it may be requested by immigration authorities when entering or leaving a foreign country or by Canadian officials or airline agents when re-entering Canada.
CANADIAN PLAYING RULES Per a standing agreement between USA Hockey and Hockey Canada (HC), the following policy regarding playing rules and protective equipment is in effect.
CANADIAN TEAMS PLAYING IN THE UNITED STATES
All USA Hockey sanctioned 12‐&‐Under age classification games that are played in the United States are required to play under the Body Contact Category Playing Rules. This includes all invitational tournaments sanctioned by USA Hockey and non‐league games involving teams from each respective country. All U.S. based games played in this age classification and younger shall also play under the immediate off‐sides rule.
USA Hockey sanctioned games played at the 14‐or‐under age classification and below shall also play under the USA Hockey Icing rule (no icing is allowed by a team that is shorthanded).
In addition, all Canadian players must wear the following Hockey Canada mandatory equipment:
- Hockey Skates (approved design for hockey)
- CSA Certified Helmet (All age classifications)
- CSA Certified Face Mask (with color-coded CSA sticker – per following chart)
- BNQ Certified Throat Protector (For players in all Female and Youth classifications)NOTE: Hockey Canada rules do not mandate the wearing of a mouthpiece at any age classification where a full face mask is required. A mouthpiece is required for any junior player wearing a visor.
| CATEGORY | DESCRIPTION | TYPE | CSA STICKER COLOR |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full‐face protectors | Players older than 10 years of age (other than goalkeepers) | B1 or 1 | White |
| A | Green | ||
| Players 10 years of age and younger (other than goalkeepers) | B2 or 2 | Orange | |
| B | Red | ||
| Goalkeepers of all ages | D1, D2 or D3 | Blue | |
| C | Purple | ||
| Eye Protectors (visors) | Players in the major junior age category and older (other than goalkeepers) | C or 4 | Yellow |
If a player on a Canadian team is not wearing the proper equipment, as outlined above, the player shall be sent off the ice and a warning issued to the coach of that team. Any subsequent violation for the same equipment by the same team shall result in a misconduct penalty being assessed to the offending player. In all instances where a Hockey Canada team is not wearing their proper mandated equipment, a game report shall be submitted by the Referee to the Proper Authorities.
USA HOCKEY TEAMS PLAYING IN CANADA
USA Hockey registered teams playing games in Canada are authorized to play under the Hockey Canada playing rules provided they have received the proper travel authorization from their USA Hockey Registrar.
In addition, USA Hockey registered players must wear the following USA Hockey mandatory equipment:
- Hockey Skates of approved design for hockey
- HECC Approved Helmet (Mandatory for all Youth and Female classifications and those players under the age of 18 in Junior classifications. HECC approved helmets recommended (with or without earpieces) for players in the Junior or Adult classifications. However, non‐HECC approved helmet must be designed for ice hockey.)
- HECC Approved Face Mask (Required for all Youth and Female classifications and Juniors below age 18. Junior players who have reached age 18 may wear a HECC approved Visor.
- Non‐Clear Internal Mouthpiece (Required for Youths‐and Girls 12‐&‐Under and older, including Junior Classifications.
NOTE: USA Hockey playing rules do not mandate the wearing of a neck guard at any age classification and USA Hockey registered teams are not required to wear neck laceration protectors while playing in Canada.
Any USA Hockey player/coach committing major infractions while playing in Canada that would normally incur a suspension under USA Hockey rules, or count towards the progressive suspensions rules, shall serve all suspensions according to the USA Hockey Playing Rules. This includes the 5/15 penalty rule and anytime a game misconduct penalty is assessed.
Summary
The standard insurance coverage will be considered to be in effect as long as the injured participant was wearing the proper protective equipment as mandated by the organization (Hockey Canada or USA Hockey) with which he/she is registered.
Please note that all other playing rules of the host country are in effect for games played in that country, except when U.S. teams are playing on U.S. soil in Canadian‐based leagues using Hockey Canada rules under league direction, and vice versa.
For additional information on playing rules in each federation, please visit:
Teams may not recruit or solicit players, offer contracts, hold tryouts, conditioning skates, skills skates, or any activity that could be construed as a tryout/solicitation or recruitment or player evaluation until the specific dates set forth by the MAHA every season
TEAMS ARE NOT REQUIRED TO HOST OPEN TRYOUTS IN ANY DIVISION
Tryouts for Tier II and Travel AA Youth Teams.
No Tier II or Travel AA team may recruit or solicit players, offer contracts, hold tryouts, conditioning skate, or any activity that could be construed as a tryout/solicitation or recruitment or player evaluation until the specific date outlined below:
(a) All teams in National bound categories for the current season (not post season), shall not begin tryouts until 48 hours after the completion of the National Tournament for their respective age classification.
(b) All teams in Travel (A/AA) non-National bound categories for the current season (not post season), shall not begin POST Season (Spring) tryouts until after 4 pm on the Monday following the conclusion of the final State Tournament games of ALL age brackets and categories.
(c) All teams in Travel (A/AA) non-National bound categories may begin tryouts on the 3 Monday in May for all REGULAR SEASON (Fall/Winter) teams.
Tryouts for Travel Category and A Division Youth Teams.
No Tier II team may recruit or solicit players, offer contracts, hold tryouts, conditioning skate, or any activity that could be construed as a tryout/solicitation or recruitment or player evaluation until the specific date outlined below:
a. All teams in Tier II (A/AA) non-National bound categories for the current season (not post season), shall not begin POST Season (Spring) tryouts until after 4 pm on the Monday following the conclusion of the final State Tournament games of ALL age brackets and categories.
b. All teams in Tier II (A/AA) non-National bound categories may begin tryouts on the 3rd Monday in May for all REGULAR SEASON (Fall/Winter) teams.
Tryouts for Girls Tier II and Travel AA Teams
a. These teams hold open tryouts.
b. A second team from a Tier 1 Organization at any age level will be recognized as Tier II providing, they do not in any way give the appearance of being Tier 1 including tryouts.
c. No Tier II or Travel AA team may recruit or solicit players, offer contracts, hold tryouts, conditioning skate, or any activity that could be construed as a tryout/solicitation or recruitment or player evaluation until the specific date outlined below:
i. All teams in National bound categories for the current season (not post season), shall not begin tryouts until 48 hours after the completion of the National Tournament for their respective age classification
ii. All teams in Travel AA non-National bound categories for the current season (not post season), shall not begin POST Season (Spring) tryouts until after 4 pm on the Monday following the conclusion of the final State Tournament games of ALL age brackets and categories.
iii. All teams in Travel AA non-National bound categories may begin tryouts on the 3rd Monday in May for all regular season (Fall/Winter) games
KVHA Teams work together to schedule their dates with our higher level boys and girls teams hosting their tryouts first
From page 27 pf the 2022-2023 MAHA Annual Guidebook
Spring/Summer type teams formed to play between the end of the last USA Hockey Youth/Girls National Championship and August 31, have a limit of twenty-five (25) players on a roster and may dress twenty (20) players per game. (no specification on # of goaltenders)
From page 50 of the 2022-2023 MAHA Annual Guidebook
SPRING/SUMMER LEAGUES
- All teams in spring and summer leagues and conditioning programs must complete an USA Hockey Team Roster Form (1-T). Players and Team officials not registered prior to the spring/summer season must register online through USA Hockey. Confirmation letters for all players and team officials must be presented to the Associate Registrar for approval prior to the start of any games.
- Team Officials (Coaches, Managers and locker room attendants) must provide proof of a Background screening and Safe Sport before participating with the team.
- 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.
- A player who is a member of an active regular season team may register and play in spring/summer leagues and conditioning programs if he/she has the written permission of his/her regular season team coach or manager.
- A player’s obligation to his/her spring/summer league or conditioning program ends with the completion of the league or conditioning programs schedule, or when he/she is released in writing prior to that date.
- All spring/ summer leagues and conditioning programs must use the current playing rules of USA Hockey /MAHA.
- Spring/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.
- Spring/Summer Season league play may not start prior to the week of April 1st.
- In all Youth divisions, a player may register and play with a maximum of two teams at a time in the spring/summer season.
- Spring/Summer players must play in the USA Hockey age classification they will be in for the next regular (winter) hockey season.
- 19U girls and 18U youth are eligible to participate up until August 31 of the current season in the same age classification as the previous season.
- All player or coach suspensions shall be served with the team with which the penalty was incurred. If the team the penalty was incurred with has ended its season, the player shall serve the suspension in his/her next game.
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.
Tips For Filing a Claim
If you are a registered USA Hockey member and you are injured while participating in a USA Hockey sanctioned activity, follow these procedures:
- Step 1: At the hospital or doctor’s office, always provide them with your individual, employer health plan, union plan, etc., information as your primary plan.
- The USAH plan requires that treatment following an injury must occur within 30 days from the injury date.
- Step 2: The Next Business Day: Call your local program Registrar to request a claim form, or if you do not know who to call locally, please call USA Hockey at 800 566 3288, x123. If you have no other insurance, then your USAH plan will be the primary plan with a $3,500 deductible.
- DO NOT DELAY getting a claim form or submitting to K&K Insurance. The policy has a timely filing provision and you do not want to jeopardize your claim by not filing within the required time. Upon receipt of your claim, we send an acknowledgement letter and highlights of the coverage/limitations of the plan. By filing your claim after your injury, you are made aware of this information early. DO NOT WAIT UNTIL YOUR PRIMARY INSURANCE HAS COMPLETELY FINISHED YOUR CLAIM BEFORE SENDING IN YOUR USAH CLAIM FORM.
- Make sure your claim form has been signed in the appropriate places by the appropriate designated persons.
- Make sure your claim form is submitted along with documentation of your USAH membership.
- ONLY CLAIMS ARISING FROM A USAH SANCTIONED ACTIVITY WILL BE HONORED.
- Step 3: Upon receipt of your acknowledgment letter from K & K you should provide the hospital or doctor’s office with your USA Hockey plan information as your secondary plan.
- By giving all of the medical providers both your primary and secondary information, they will automatically send us the proper itemized medical bill and your primary insurance Explanation of Benefits (EOB), thereby, removing this responsibility from you of collecting the proper information to send with your USAH claim. By following this instruction, your K & K claim administrator will be able to contact the medical providers to request information without being told they cannot release anything to us because we are not on file with them.
- Whether provided by the medical provider or directly from you, medical bills must be in an itemized format with dates of service, diagnosis codes, and procedure codes.
- If submitting as a secondary claim, each itemized bill must be accompanied by your primary insurance Explanation of Benefits (EOB), whether this is provided by the medical provider or by yourself.
- If you have paid any of your medical expenses, please indicate that clearly on the medical bills so that payment will be sent to you.
IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT YOUR CLAIM AFTER IT HAS BEEN FILED: Call K&K Insurance at 800/237-2917, Option 1.
Sometimes when you are playing at another neutral rink, college rink, or privately owned rink, you may be required to obtain proof of insurance for your hockey team.
To Request for Certificate Of Insurance
All Request For Certificate Of Insurance forms must go directly to the District Risk Manager. Remember, if the rink requires that they be named as additional insured, you must forward a copy of your rink contract to your risk manager for review before the certificate can be processed.
All Request For Certificate Of Insurance forms must go directly to the District Risk Manager. No other individual can sign on behalf of the District Risk Manager.
SEASON TIMING
JUNE
Spring season ends
Fall Tryouts Conclude
KVHA Player Registration opens June 1
KVHA Travel Coaches & Managers Meeting
JULY
USA Hockey and MAHA Summer Meetings
USA Hockey CEP courses open
AUGUST
Coaches must have required credentials in place
Travel/Ravens team camps and practices (15 hours +/-)
House Teams begin pre-season skates
LCAHL/MGHL Team Registration Opens
USA Hockey Spring/Summer Rosters Expire Aug 31
SEPTEMBER
USAH Fall Rostering opens September 1
LCAHL and MGHL Pre-Season begins
Play in Games/Scrimmages
OCTOBER
LCAHL and MGHL Regular Season begins
MAHA Intent to Enter Districts due November 1
NOVEMBER
MAHA Player & Team Exceptions due November 15
DECEMBER
December 23 - Last day for USAH Roster Changes
Dec 31- Last Day for Coaches to attend their current CEP recertification course
JANUARY
1st week - MAHA D4 MANDATORY Credentialing meeting
1st Round District Games
2nd week - End of Regular LCAHL Season
3rd weekend - LCAHL First Round Playoffs Begin; 1st round District games conclude
FEBRUARY
1st weekend – 2nd Round District Games (Locations vary each year)
2nd weekend - District 4 Hockey Day - District 4 Championships
3rd weekend - State Play in Games for divisions with runner-up spots
Last Weekend - State Championships begin
MARCH
State Championships for all levels/divisions (Locations vary)
LCAHL Championships - through mid March
Spring Tryouts begin for Bantam AA & younger boys, 12U & younger girls - usually the 3rd Monday
APRIL
Spring Season begins
USAH Spring Rostering begins April 1
1st weekend in April - National Championships
Spring/Fall Tryouts begin for 14U & older girls, 16U & older boys
Fall rosters expire April 30
MORE RESOURCES
UNIFORMS
- Required by KVHA for Uniforms: navy helmet, navy gloves, KVHA pants/shells
- Goalies should have KVHA Shells
- All items are available at Perfect Edge but may be purchased anywhere if the colors are correct
- KVHA Bags are not required
JERSEYS
Travel and Ravens Teams
- Player’s registration fee pays for two jerseys and two pairs of socks
- Perfect Edge offers “custom” sublimated jerseys that are produced for their stores.
- As many jerseys fit differently, all players must be sized.
- Sizing Procedure:
- All sizing will be done at Perfect Edge’s store with staff available to help with the sizing process.
- There will be a few sizing kits available for checkout for teams unable to make the sizing weekend.
Jersey Upgrades / Options:
- Home white jersey
- Away Jersey can be Kelly green or navy
- Standard jerseys - standard V neck collar or a lace-up style neck available
- Upgraded Jersey - includes the matching sublimated design with all letters and numbers sewn in twill, and logos patches sewn. Standard vs Upgraded Jersey is a difference of $52 per player ($26 per jersey). Team/Parent must make up the difference
Ordering Process:
- Once all players are registered with KVHA, Perfect Edge will be notified with a list of names and numbers from player registration.
- The team will be responsible for verifying that all names and numbers are correct.
- Spelling or number mistakes will be the responsibility of the team.
- Perfect Edge and KVHA will work with the teams to ensure careful checks of spelling and numbers and hopefully multiple checks will catch any errors, saving teams from additional fees and delays.
- All upgrade and alternate jersey fees will be billed to the teams by KVHA.
- If teams opt for the standard jersey, no further billing will be required.
- Teams with the upgraded option will be invoiced in October or November for the difference.
- Perfect Edge delivery time is typically within four weeks of ordering.
- Add-on players will be ordered in the same manner with the same turnaround time
House Teams
- 10U & Older Player’s registration fee pays for two jerseys and two pairs of socks
- BIGGBY 8U Teams receive one jersey and one pair of socks
- As many jerseys fit differently, all players must be sized.
- Sizing Procedure:
- All sizing will be done at Perfect Edge’s store with staff available to help with the sizing process.
- Sizing will take place during all House conditioning and evaluation skates
- Once all players are sized in the division, jerseys will be ordered.
- Late added players will be ordered in the same manner with the same turnaround time
- All ice times are scheduled by the rink general manager
- Generally, each team is required to schedule 15 hours in August, but this can be utilized in different ways
- The rink will provide the season schedule once all requests for ice requirements have been made
- On average, each travel team utilizes 4.5 hours per week, with some exceptions
- The rink will not take back ice once it has been allocated to the team. It must be traded or sold
- Teams can utilize the ice for sale calendar on the website to advertise ice for sale
- Notify the rink directly of all ice changes or additions to update the rink white board/screens
- When you sell or trade ice, please advise rink who purchased
- As games are scheduled, please email the rink w/date, time, rink, and visiting team name so that the rink may assign additional locker rooms
All KVHA events will be run on a curfew clock with the exception of district or playoff games. Please notify the front desk or Zamboni driver of playoff or District games
Kensington Valley Ice House (KVIH) and Hartland Sports Center are separate from the Kensington Valley Hockey Association.
From the front office, up to Top Shelf and back to the Zamboni drivers, they are assisting us and the other renters of ice in the facility and keep things running smooth. They also administer all adult leagues, open skating, sticks/pucks sessions, and private rentals.
For questions related to these programs, to book ice time or to find Open Skating / Sticks & Pucks schedules please visit:
www.kvicehouse.com - call (810) 494-5555 or email office@kvicehouse.com.
Kensington Valley Ice House; 10540 Citation Drive; Brighton 48116
Hartland Sports Center; 2755 Arena Drive; Hartland 48353
HERE ARE A FEW REMINDERS FROM KVIH/HIH MANAGEMENT TO KEEP OUR PARENTS, SIBLINGS, PLAYERS & COACHES SAFE ON THE ICE AND IN THE RINK!
Players should not enter the ice surface while the Zamboni is on the ice. There will be no sitting on the arena dasher board during resurfacing.
No players should enter the ice surface without an official or coach entering the ice first and AFTER the Zamboni doors have shut.
Everyone is required to provide the office a set of keys or driver's license in exchange for locker room keys. You should be locking your room when on the ice; do not leave the key in the door! The locker room policy is below for review.
Anytime there is a game going on, the front office will usually turn on the heaters automatically. As many of us know, the heaters are not super efficient. We recommend that people do not rely on the heaters being operational but rather dress warm in layers and bring a blanket to ensure that they are comfy!
The Zamboni Room, storage area and the tunnel entrances are "off limits"
Standing on arena seats and benches will not be allowed.
KVHA teams who will be hosting visiting teams will be responsible for relaying the arena rules to their visitors.
Qualified individuals ONLY may use the scoreboard.
For safety purposes, all non-hockey playing children should never be left unattended at the Ice Arena. We ask that parents please keep their children with them at all times. Floor hockey is not allowed in the rink.
If all do their part we can look forward to a SAFE and ENJOYABLE hockey season.
LITTLE CAESARS AMATEUR HOCKEY LEAGUE (LCAHL)
Most KVHA Travel Teams play in the Little Caesars Amateur Hockey League (LCAHL).
LCAHL determines your Team’s Level/Division (Yzerman, Howe)
- LCAHL Team Registration
- Registration opens in July -Team Manager or Coach must register team
- Teams must enter your team level on the registration but will have “play-in” games if you are requesting to move from your current division, or if you are a new team.
- Do not pay the LCAHL registration fee - KVHA pays for all of the teams
- From this registration, LCAHL compiles teams & divisions based on information they received
- LCAHL Schedule
- Travel Season typically begins at the beginning of September with play in games and scrimmages
- Play-In Games are used for new teams coming into the league as well as teams who wish to move up from their current level of play. Teams play 2-3 games at varying levels to determine where they will be competitive.
- LCAHL Director sends the team their division match ups for each round with team contacts
- Teams schedule the games
- For every round, the number of games you play depends on how many teams are in the division
- Regular Season September to January
- Playoffs in January and February, running in conjunction with district playoffs (see next section)
- Championships begin last weekend in February through the 3rd weekend in March (dates & locations vary)
MICHIGAN GIRLS HOCKEY LEAGUE (MGHL)
Our Ravens Teams Proudly Participate in the Michigan Girls Hockey League
Teams determine their Team’s Level/Division
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- MGHL Team Registration opens in August - Team Manager or Coach must register the team
- Do not pay the MGHL registration fee - KVHA pays for all of the teams
- From this registration, the MGHL compiles teams, creates divisions based on teams registered
- MGHL Schedule
- The regular season typically does not begin until late October, early November
- MGHL Director sends the team their division match ups for each round with team contacts
- Teams schedule the games
- For every round, the number of games you play depends on how many teams are in the division
- Regular Season Late October/early November to February
- League Playoffs in February and March
- Championships are held mid-March
- MGHL Team Registration opens in August - Team Manager or Coach must register the team
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The Adray league is a divisional competition league for children in Metro Detroit, Western and Northern Michigan areas; a competitor to LCAHL that has a large Prep division to provide a competitive league for developmental U16/18 players on the journey to represent their schools varsity teams.
With MAHA's endorsement in the 2023-2024 Regular season, both the Little Caesar's Amateur Hockey League and the Michigan Girls Hockey League is adopting GameSheet as their league-wide scoring platform.
MAHA is providing this benefit to teams for free to help support our leagues’ infrastructure, eliminate paper score sheets and stickers, and streamline MAHA processes such as team credentialing for District and States. Also, use of the platform minimizes volunteer hours while providing real time updates to standings and scores.
GameSheet is the leader in game sheet automation. Many leagues and affiliates across the US and Canada have already been successfully using GameSheet for several years.
With real time access to every detail of the game, GameSheet moves sports forward through patent pending analytics focused on players, referees, penalties, suspensions, injuries and more. League decision-makers are able to use the system to develop policy based on immediate league data, helping to grow the game while making sports safer and more enjoyable for players, families and fans.
While the system is incredibly user-friendly, the following is a summary of valuable resources and tools intended to answer questions, as well as ensure a smooth transition to this system:
iPad Sourcing:
In order to score games the home team will be responsible for securing an iPad for the scorekeeper - the GameSheet scoring App requires an iOS 12 or higher, which is up to 10 years old.
IMPORTANT: Based on 10 years of experience, GameSheet strongly recommends that an iPad be facilitated within your team’s families as the primary option. Most teams in leagues/affiliates using GameSheet, some of which have over 600 (+) teams, a family member from the team will volunteer an old iPad for the Team Manager for the season to utilize for scoring home games.
Link to additional iPad solutions: https://help.gamesheet.app/article/69-hardware-ipad-solution-ideas
On-Demand Training Training Videos: https://help.gamesheet.app/article/29-training-videos Quick Start
Guide for Scoring: https://help.gamesheet.app/article/64-quick-start-scoring
Quick Start Guide for Teams/Managers: https://help.gamesheet.app/article/72-quick-start-guide-for-team-managers
LCAHL GAMESHEET SUPPORT - https://www.lcahl.org/lcahl-scoring
MGHL GAMESHEET SUPPORT - https://www.mghl.org/gamesheet
HELPFUL GAMESHEET TIPS
IF YOU HAVENT LOGGED IN TO GAMESHEET YET:
In the following order
1. Create/login to game sheets. Coach and manager can have different account but both do all the same things
2. Click on your name in top right corner and click “accept invitation” one at a time in order enter your team invitation code (sent separately to each teams coach/manager from the league) , team code, etc.
3. Click on your team and enter your usa hockey number ( this will load your roster, must do anytime you make changes to your roster)
ONCE LOGGED INTO GAMESHEET:
4. Enter games as instructed by the league. They can be labeled as regular season when creating.
5. If playing a non-league game, there should be a code to link their team. This gets entered in MAHA exhibition season.
6. When scheduling a game, the game number doesn’t matter you can put whatever you want, unless specific by the league.
7. The iPad app is only for scoring. If you create a game on the ipad app, it is only going to show in the app (you wont be able to see it on dashboard) until it is completed. The dashboard on the website is for creating the games ahead of time. Once created it should be viewable in app, unless the other team created it on their iPad.
8. Home team should create/score the game. Period lengths/penalties will be given to you by your directors. You must enter games within 24 hours of playing, make sure you uploaded the game.
9. You must hit “UPLOAD” after the ref finalizes the game! Or it will not show as finished
10. Make sure you were emailed the scoresheet before you leave the rink, so you don’t need to hunt down afterwards.
11. League iPad key is good for any scorekeeper to use and how you find your game you created. Do not share your login or team code, as its not needed.
12. You can always create the game at the rink if you forgot, just make sure you upload the game
13. If you are given an invitation from a tournament/another team, put it in “accept invitation” then choose to link it with your team
4. My Hockey Rankings pulls from gamesheets, they claim you shouldn’t have to enter your games into it.
Does the Scoring App Require Internet? - GameSheet Inc. Knowledge Base
- Internet is not required to score the game.
- Internet is required to log into the iPad Scoring app.
- Internet is required to create and upload games.
Internet is needed briefly when you are setting up the game, either by loading a scheduled game or creating one from scratch. It is during game creation that all of your season settings and rosters are downloaded. Once the game is created you can go offline and stay offline until the game is locked and ready to be uploaded. To upload the game you need internet again.
Pro-Tips
- Create / Load your games just prior to going to the arena to ensure you're able to connect reliably.
- If you're at an arena without Wi-Fi and need to load a game, setup a personal hotspot to make your own connection.
- Creating and uploading games uses very little data.
TIME/SCORE KEEPER DUTIES & SCORESHEETS
The length of periods during regular season play shall be at the discretion of the individual leagues and teams in all divisions with the following recommendations as a general guideline.
NOTE: Time requirements for District and State tournament play may vary.
PERIOD LENGTHS BY DIVISON
|
AGE CLASSIFICATION |
PERIOD LENGTH | ALLOTED ICE TIME |
|
10U|Squirt AA-A-B |
10-12 minutes |
50-65 minutes |
|
12U|PeeWee AA-A-B |
12-15 minutes |
65 or 80 minutes |
| 14U|Bantam AA-A-B | 15-16 minutes |
80 minutes |
| 16U|19U|Midget AA-A-B | 15-17 minutes |
80 minutes; 120 mins with resurface |
MAHA D4 DISTRICTS ROUND 1 PERIOD LENGTHS
SCOREBOARD INSTRUCTIONS
If anything is not working properly in the time keeper booth, please notify the front rink office
If a playoff home game, please notify front office to turn off the curfew clock (this is the only instance where this is acceptable to do so)
If you are running music you must have your own audio hook up and equipment
Microphones are available to use, please ask front office
Hartland Scoreboard Instructions
Home teams are responsible for providing a scoresheet, paying for referees (unless otherwise agreed upon) as well as securing a timekeeper and/or scorekeeper for home games.
Music is optional and may be played during stoppages but it is recommended to have more than one person in the box when playing music. Running the clock and ensuring score sheet accuracy is the first priority.
Timekeepers and Scorekeepers do not require any special certification and are typically parent volunteers. It is recommended to have a few volunteers for this so they can rotate throughout the season. Volunteers can practice running the clock during practices.
Prior to the beginning of a game:
- The head coach and assistant coaches must sign, print and write their CEP card number, CEP Level, and year obtained on the scoresheet.
- The Manager or Coach of each team shall list the players and goalkeepers who are eligible to play in the game, with the players correct jersey numbers.
- Make sure the correct game # (if applicable), home team, visiting team, arena, date are listed.
- Home team must indicate start time and if a curfew game
- The Away team MUST circle and initial the curfew box if it is not checked indicating that he has not been notified that it is a curfew game. (Little Caesar’s will not hear protests on curfew clock games if the away coach does not initial that it was left blank)
- Both Head Coaches should sign the score sheet that they approve if any of the following occur prior to the start of the game:
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- Only one referee is going to ref the game -pay accordingly based on ref company policy. According to LC rules, If both do not agree, then the game will be rescheduled at the away team’s rink at the expense of the home team.
- A change in the length of the scheduled periods, (shorter or longer) or a change in the curfew.
- A team official or team family member has to ref the game.
- Have the referees PRINT their names on the bottom of the scoresheet.
During the Game:
- Keep your eyes and mind on the game and the clock.
- Pay attention to timed line changes, if applicable.
- Make sure that when you start/stop the clock, the clock responds correctly.
- As goals, assists and penalties occur, confirm that the jersey numbers for each match the roster. If they are not listed on the roster, verify with the team.
- Print goals, penalties, etc neatly on the game sheet, if you can’t read it, no one else can. Having a blank piece of paper with you is a good way to make notes so you can refer back and mark the score sheet appropriately.
After the Game:
- Complete the scoresheet
- Fill in the end time
- Do not cross out the goal or penalty column
- Circle and * any Game Misconducts (Point those out to the referee so he/she can add notes if needed)
- Have the referees initial their printed names and complete the scoresheet
- Distribute the score sheet White – League, Yellow – home team, Pink – visiting team, unless the referee retains the score sheet to document a game misconduct or match penalty. In this case, you will need to wait for the Referee to give you the score sheet.
- The visiting team must verify that all the information is correct before accepting the pink copy.
- Don’t forget to turn off the heater and stereo in the timekeeper booth, if applicable.
- Please take all belongings and garbage. If the garbage bin is full, please alert rink personnel.
SCORESHEETS
KVHA Scoresheets are available in the bottom slot of the KVIH Team Mailboxes, in the slot labeled "Scoresheets". These should be used for scrimmage games. LCAHL or other league scoresheets should only be used for league game
SCORESHEET LABELS
Below is a template for scoresheet labels. Any 4'x'2' label will work.
It is best to list players by their number order, rather than alphabetically
Score Sheet Label Template
USA HOCKEY & MAHA CRITERIA FOR GAME SCORE SHEETS
- Prior to the beginning of a game, the head coach and assistant coaches must sign, print his/her name, and write their CEP Level and CEP card number and the year the CEP Level expires on the score sheet (USA Hockey Off-Ice Officiating Manual, pages 9 and 10).
- Each team shall appoint and designate on the score sheet a Head Coach prior to the start of the game
- At the beginning of each game, the manager or coach of each team shall list the players and goalkeepers who shall be eligible to play in the game with the player’s jersey number. Be sure that any players not participating in the game are crossed off the sheet before the game begins.
- Use the following symbols on the score sheet to indicate any rostered team players that are not on the bench for the game:
- Abs = Absent
- Inj = Injured
- GM = Sitting Game Misconduct
- MP = Sitting for Match Penalty
- NIU = Not in Uniform
- Both Head Coaches should sign the score sheet.
- Both head coaches should initial that they approve if any of the following occur prior to the start of the game:
- Only one referee is going to referee the game.
- A change in the length of the scheduled periods (shorter or longer) or a change in the curfew.
- A team official or team family member has to referee the game.
- At the end of the game make sure you obtain your copy of the score sheet for your records, unless the referee retains the score sheet to document a match penalty. In this case, you will need to wait for the Referee to give you the score sheet.
Never leave a rink without a copy of the score sheet.
- All score sheets are to be kept in order of date played in a team binder.
LCAHL SCORESHEET CRITERIA
LCAHL provides Approved League Scoresheets to be used for all Regular Season CAHL games.
- 13.3. An approved LCAHL scoresheet should be used to document the game and shall be kept in accordance with USA Hockey and MAHA requirements. Scoresheets should include the home team, visiting team, arena, date, time, player names and numbers, players that did not participate, player and coach suspensions, signatures of all coaches on both benches, curfew information if applicable, period lengths, the period and time of all goals and penalties, referee information, and any other information that may affect the game.
- 13.4. After the game has been played, the home team is responsible for:
- --13.4.1. Verifying all information and distributing the scoresheet.
- --13.4.2. Retaining the original or top copy of the scoresheet and being prepared to submit the scoresheet to its Division Director if so requested.
- 13.5. After the game has been played the visiting team must verify that all information is correct.
SAMPLE LCAHL SCORESHEET CORRECTLY COMPLETED
It is imperative that teams take the time before and after the game to properly complete their Game Scoresheet. Both Home and Visiting Team are responsible for the Game Scoresheet being proper, accurate and complete!
LCAHL cannot easily adjudicate Game Protests without a proper, accurate and complete LCAHL Scoresheet of the game in dispute. This is also true for USAH/MAHA when it comes to credentials verification, etc.
The LCAHL Scoresheet Example provided at the following link highlights important data fields which require accurate data entry. No data field should be left blank!
A NOTE ABOUT MATCH PENALTIES/GAME MISCONDUCTS
USA Hockey and MAHA require that score sheets clearly show Match penalties/Game Misconducts - score sheets not marked may result in that player missing another game to satisfy the penalty. MAHA will be looking for these to be properly documented during credentialing for District/State Play.
To document the penalty on the score sheet:
Circle the player name and the penalty
Note Name, #, penalty in the comments section both on the game when the match penalty occurred and for the game that the player sits out along with “serving game misconduct from xx/xx/xxxx “ If they are not noted properly, the player will have to sit out another game!!
If any player or coach is assessed a Game Misconduct, Fighting or Match Penalty you must notify the office as soon as possible after the game, within 24 hours. A copy of the score sheet should be provided to the office via emailed photo or scan or a hard copy should be dropped in the door slot at the rink.
You will also need to provide a copy of the next game's score sheet to the office showing that the assessed player or coach did indeed sit out. Be sure to note all game misconducts clearly on the sheet that the player (name & number) or coach is serving the game misconduct from (date of the game when they were assessed).
REFEREE SCHEDULING
The KVHA Ref Scheduler is Great Lakes Hockey Officials.
If you are new to KVHA as a coach or manager visit their website and set up an account for the team. When you set up your account, you will need to enter our KVHA Association code which is # 205241 https://www.horizonwebref.com
Once you are approved in their system, you will receive an email and can begin to schedule referees.
Referees should be paid at every game and the teams should keep an accounting of fees for the season.
Please schedule your referees as far out in advance as possible and be patient and kind especially in these challenging times.
GREAT LAKES HOCKEY OFFICIALS SCHEDULING SYSTEM
Teams are issued a login account to view schedules, add games, see and evaluate officials. Have forum and communication tools with us and other teams within your association. Many other neat features such as document uploads, video uploads to share with the association community. Plus many other tools too numerous to list here.
A phone app is also available as part of the system to have with you to verify and/or confirm official assignments or check to make sure you submitted that game to be added, changed or cancelled.
The option of allowing teams to add their own games directly to their schedule is open and/or submission by sending us the request(s) via email and we'll input the information...
HORIZON WEB REF https://www.horizonwebref.com/?pageID=login
GREAT LAKES HOCKEY OFFICIALS https://www.greatlakeshockeyofficials.com/
FIND A HOCKEY TOURNAMENT
https://www.bigbeartournaments.com/
https://200x85.com/tournaments/
https://www.eliteamsports.com/
https://www.itshockeytime.com/
https://myhockeytournaments.com/
https://www.nationalshowcasehockey.com/#
https://www.premiericeprospects.com/
Team building starts on the first day of the season and continues until the end of the playoffs.
The keys to establishing a cohesive team are staying positive and focusing on having fun while learning the valuable lessons that team sports teach. Coaches should set standards, such as accountability, selflessness, effort and attitude and help athletes achieve these by providing perspective, methods and positive reinforcement.
Teams who learn how to come together and find happiness throughout the journey can persevere through even the toughest of seasons.
On this page you will find links to activities and team outings that will help with your team building goals.
ARE YOU INTERESTED IN BEING A USA HOCKEY REFEREE?
Great Lakes Hockey Officials (GLHO) is the referee scheduler for the Kensington Valley Hockey Association. They handle several venues, including Lakeland Arena, DSC, Orchard Lake, Novi, Howell and Brighton/Hartland. https://www.greatlakeshockeyofficials.com/
New officials will typically start on Mite level games and advance as they gain experience in protocols and procedures. While Great Lakes tries to keep officials closer to home, they expect officials to be available for all venues. New officials need to go where the games are in the beginning. Availability of Mite games or those to start up on, are limited and there are always several new officials looking for games at the same time. Note - as most of these fall on weekends, availability is critical in receiving assignments.
For USA Hockey - if you have your card and crest in hand you are ready to go. The scheduler will assign new officials with an experienced partner for the first few games.https://www.greatlakeshockeyofficials.com/usah
Travel Mites generally run under AAU, which is separate from USA Hockey. To referee these games, you must sign up as a youth athlete if you are under 18 years of age. There are no additional exams or other requirements to join AAU. When registering use Club Membership: W375A8 – Great Lakes Hockey Officials. There is a small registration fee. https://www.greatlakeshockeyofficials.com/aau
There are different schedulers around the area and depending on where you wish to officiate you will have to sign up with those you are interested in separately. These days most groups are using the same scheduling system. When you sign up use the group code 205241 to register as a new user with Great Lakes Officials. https://www.horizonwebref.com
.To register with USA Hockey as an official you need to complete five steps each year; go to Registration Tips for more information:
All persons who have never registered with USA Hockey as an Ice Hockey Official must register at Level 1. All registration requirements must be completed, and you must have your Card and Crest in hand before you may accept assignments.
ANNUAL OFFICIATING MEMBERSHIP REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS
Submission of USA Hockey Officiating Program membership applications begins on June 1 and ends December 31 of every season. All membership registrations must be completed by February 28. No referee cards and sweater crests will be issued after this date.
LEVEL 1 REQUIREMENTS:
- Must complete online Membership Registration and submit Registration Fee ($45.00 + applicable Affiliate Fee)
- Must attain an Open Book Exam score of 35/50 (or higher)
- Officials who do not receive the minimum passing score for their registration level, will be given access to a Re-take Exam and a new answer sheet. An official is only allowed one Re-take Exam per year. The Re-take Exam is available after a seven day waiting period (from submitting the first exam), and once available this re-take must be completed within 30 days. In the event that an official fails the exam twice, he/she will become completely registered at the highest level for which the re-take exam score would qualify.
- Must attend and complete a Level 1 Officiating Classroom Seminar sanctioned by USA Hockey
- This seminar will generally consist of both a classroom and ice session. Classroom sessions may be offered in a "in-person" or "online virtual" classroom (via Zoom Meetings). Please make sure you read the seminar schedule carefully regarding what type of seminar is being offered.
- Must complete free online SafeSport training (if turning 18, or older)
- As part of USA Hockey's continued effort to create a safe playing environment for all participants, those officials who will be 18 years of age or older at the beginning of the registration season are required to complete the online U.S. Center for SafeSport education program.
- Must complete and maintain a USA Hockey sanctioned criminal Background Screen if 18(+) years old on June 1.
- All officials who are 18(+) years-old or older by June 1 of the current year, must submit to a USA Hockey coordinated Criminal Background Screen every two seasons. No background screen performed by an outside entity or governing body will be accepted
IMPORTANT NOTES:
A new official (not registered the previous year) may not officiate until he/she is completely registered. A returning official ("complete" the previous season) may not officiate after November 30 of the current season (expiration date on previous year's card) unless he/she is completely registered for the current season.
SCHEDULING OF GAMES
Registration with the USA Hockey Officiating Program does not guarantee any official game assignments.Officials are responsible for obtaining their own game assignments from Local Game Schedulers as designated in each District. Any game scheduler who assigns incompletely registered officials for games is subject to serious liability as he/she jeopardizes the insurance coverage of the officials and both teams involved. Whenever possible, only level-qualified officials should be assigned to games. Updated listings of currently registered officials are available from the District Referee-in-Chief on a regular basis.
USEFUL LINKS
www.usahockey.com/officials
www.usahockey.com/officiating-development
Great Lakes Hockey Officials Getting Started
USA Level One Coaching Requirements
AAU REGISTRATION INFORMATION AND LINK - Mite Travel and other levels that fall under AAU sanctioning.
USA HOCKEY OFFICIALS REGISTRATION RULES AND POLICIES
CODE OF ETHICS FOR ATHLETIC OFFICIALS
EQUIPMENT DONATIONS We are fortunate to have a large hockey community who is always outgrowing equipment and looking for a place to donate it.
KVHA only accepts equipment donations for small children for our Learn to Play program.
Below are some of the programs who might be able to use your gently used equipment. Please also support these organizations with a monetary donation to spread the joy of hockey!
PLEASE NOTE: When donating items, please be sure that items are clean and in good condition. Helmets have an expiration date and expired HECC dated helmets cannot be used. As well, please do not donate personal items, such as jerseys, undergarments, sports cups and mouth guards.
Rico Phillips, Flint Inner-City Youth Hockey Program
East Side Youth Sports Foundation
Michigan Warriors Hockey Program
Motor City Veterans Hockey Association
KVHA & other Hockey News
check out our programs....
