Lehigh Valley Scholastic Hockey League | Constitution and By-Laws

LEHIGH VALLEY SCHOLASTIC HOCKEY LEAGUE CONSTITUTION AND BYLAWS

PREAMBLE

I. NAME AND PURPOSE

II. FISCAL YEAR

III. MEMBERSHIP

IV. BOARD OF DIRECTORS

V. EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

VI. ADMENDMENTS TO THE BYLAWS

VII. VOTING PROCEDURES

VIII. LVSHL SANCTIONED COMMITTEES

IX. FINANCIAL ASSESSMENTS

X. PLAYING RULES

XI. PLAYER ROSTERS

XII. PLAYER ELIGIBILITY RULES

XIII. ILLEGAL USE OF PLAYERS

XIV. LVSHL PLAY AND SCHEDULE

XV. LVSHL PLAYOFFS/ALL STAR GAMES

XVI. APPEALS AND GRIEVANCES

XVII. RISK MANAGEMENT

XVIII. PURITY RULINGS

XIX. REVISION HISTORY

PREAMBLE

It is the intent of the Lehigh Valley Scholastic Hockey League to provide competition in the sport of ice hockey; to encourage good sportsmanship; to strive for better understanding of the sport; to provide an opportunity to develop mutual respect among players, the coaching staff and the fans; to learn how to accept failure as well as success; and to preserve and cherish the memories of these competitive experiences.

I. NAME AND PURPOSE

A. Name

1. This organization shall be known as the Lehigh Valley Scholastic Hockey League hereafter referred to as LVSHL.

B. Purpose

1. To administer a competitive ice hockey program for scholastic students without regard to sex, religion, or ethnic background; to foster among its participants, supporters, and club officials the understanding and adherence to the high levels of sportsmanship and conduct exemplified by the traditions and rules of USA Hockey, LVSHL, Flyers Cup and PIAA rules (as they apply); to coordinate standards with those school administrators who choose to be involved relative to eligibility, supervision, and safety of their participants; to maintain and foster among the general public and interest in the sport of scholastic hockey; and to exercise a general care, supervision and control over the playing interest of its players and their teams.

II. FISCAL YEAR

A. Period

1. The fiscal year shall run concurrently beginning on June 1 and ending May 31.

III. MEMBERSHIP

A. Class

1. There shall be one (1) class of membership, all of whose rights and interests are equal.

B. Membership

1. Membership shall be open to any public or parochial, scholastic hockey club, which agrees to abide by and comply with the rules of the LVSHL, and the decisions of the LVSHL officials, who have been elected or appointed to the Board of Directors.

2. Each school shall be represented by one club.

3. New member clubs will be put on a one (1) year probation period. At the end of the probation period the member club shall re-apply for permanent status.

C. Clubs

1. Clubs shall be proposed for membership by motion, and admitted to membership upon a majority favorable vote by the Board of Directors.

D. Membership in Good Standing

1. The following standards are hereby set forth for the express purpose of the definitive establishment of the term “Membership in Good Standing”:

a. Financial

i. Payment to the LVSHL of annual dues and assessments shall be accomplished, on or before their respective due dates, as specified by the bylaws or by resolution of the Board of Directors.

ii. All fines and supplementary assessments shall be due within thirty (30) days subsequent to written notice forwarded to the officially recognized Director(s) of the registered member club(s) by the Treasurer of the LVSHL.

iii. Payment is defined as the actual receipt by the Treasurer of the LVSHL, of United States currency or bank check, for which sufficient funds are in the account, and shall be of an amount equal to or greater than, those fees due.

b. General

i. Adherence to the precepts, regulations, and philosophies of the LVSHL as mandated by the bylaws.

2. The penalties imposed for non-conformity to these standards are:

a. Financial Penalties

i. Possible revocation of LVSHL membership, which may include withdrawal of voting rights, forfeiture of all games past-played, future prohibition from competition against or with any LVSHL registered member club, and revocation of all rights and privileges of membership which are expressed or implied by the bylaws and resolution(s) of the Board of Directors.

ii. Reinstatement to membership shall be effected by actual payment to the Treasurer of the LVSHL, of the sum of money, equal to or greater than, the past due balance.

b. General Penalties

i. Possible revocation of LVSHL membership which may include withdrawal of all voting rights, forfeiture of all games past-played, future prohibition from competition against or with any LVSHL member club, and revocation of rights and privileges of membership, which are expressed or implied by the resolutions of the Board of Directors.

IV. BOARD OF DIRECTORS

A. Structure

1. The LVSHL shall consist of a governing Board of Directors.

B. Delegates

1. Each registered member club shall appoint one (1) delegate and four (4) alternate delegates to exercise all its rights and duties as a member of the Board of Directors, according to its own procedures.

a. A list of each club’s delegates shall be submitted to the Secretary of the LVSHL, in writing, at the regularly scheduled August meeting of the Board of Directors.

b. Each registered member club shall retain the rights to remove or replace its individual delegates at any time and to appoint new representation.

c. It is the express and total responsibility of each club to forward written notice of its delegate and alternates or delegate changes involving its personnel to the Secretary of the LVSHL, prior to the next scheduled meeting of the LVSHL.

i. Delegates, alternates, or new representatives may attend Board of Director meetings but will not be seated or allowed voting privileges until written notification has been satisfied.

2. Delegates cannot represent two (2) or more member clubs (Article IV, Section E).

3. The Board of Directors shall strictly adhere to all adopted bylaws and have no power to waive any bylaw.

C. Salary

1. The Directors of the Board of the LVSHL shall serve without salary from the LVSHL.

2. The Executive Committee shall serve without salary from the LVSHL.

D. Visitors

1. Visitors are authorized access to any open meeting of the LVSHL, and will be granted the privilege to speak only at the discretion of the President.

2. All visitors must sign in at each meeting

3. Visitors shall be allowed ten (10) minutes (as monitored by the Executive Board members) to present their topic. At the discretion of the President, time allotted may be extended.

E. Voting – General

1. Each member club shall have one (1) vote on any motion.

a. A scholastic hockey club shall be considered as one, and shall have one (1) vote on any motion.

F. Voting – President

1. The President of the LVSHL shall have voting privileges only in the event of breaking a tie vote.

G. Voting – Specific Issues

1. All business of the LVSHL shall be conducted by the Board of Directors, and shall be adopted or defeated after a vote by the majority of its members.

H. Quorum

1. A quorum shall be defined as consisting of the delegates from the majority of the member clubs.

2. A quorum shall be necessary to conduct the business of the Board of Directors.

I. Meetings

1. The LVSHL Board of Directors is required to meet at least one time monthly during the playing season of any fiscal year and on an as-needed basis to be determined by the President during the remainder of the year.

2. Meeting attendance is mandatory (see Article IX, Section C).

3. The delegate of any member club may request a special meeting, other than the monthly league meeting.

a. Topics must relate to the Board of Directors decisions and proposals.

b. Requests must be made in writing and presented to the Secretary of the LVSHL. Said requests must include name, address, phone number, and member club which is requesting the meeting, the purpose of the request, and who will be attending the meeting on behalf of the requester.

c. The Secretary shall make the proper arrangements and notifications within seven (7) days.

V. EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OFFICERS

A. Structure

1. The Executive Committee shall consist of the President, the Vice President, the Secretary, the Treasurer, and the Commissioners.

2. Service, as a member of the LVSHL Executive Committee, shall not be restricted to member club representatives.

B. Authority

1. The Executive Committee shall have the authority to make decisions and conduct the business of the Board of Directors only in an emergency situation.

C. Election Procedures

1. Nominations for Executive Committee Officers shall take place at the April meeting of the Board of Directors.

2. Elections for Executive Committee Officers shall take place at the May meeting of the Board of Directors; change of office shall be effective on June 1^st.

a. No Executive Committee Officer shall concurrently hold more than one (1) elected office.

D. Removal of Officers

1. The Board of Directors may remove an Executive Committee Officer from their respective office, whenever in its judgment the best interest of the LVSHL will be served. Thereby, but such removal shall be without prejudice to the contract rights, if any, of the person being removed.

2. Should removal occur or should an office become vacant by resignation, the remaining members of the Executive Committee shall assume the responsibilities of that office until the Board of Directors vote to fill the vacancy.

3. Should removal be deemed, a majority vote of the Board of Directors would be required at a monthly board meeting.

E. President

1. The President shall be the Chief Executive Officer of the LVSHL, and Chairman of the Board of Directors.

2. The President shall preside at the meetings of the Board of Directors, and of the Executive Committee, and have the general and active management of the LVSHL; and shall see that all orders and resolutions of the Executive Committee and the Board of Directors are carried into effect.

3. The President shall appoint the Chairperson of all committees except those Committee Chairpersons specifically designated by the bylaws.

4. The President shall be elected for a term of one (1) year but will be eligible for re-election.

5. The President shall execute all contracts under the seal of the LVSHL, except where permitted or required by law to be otherwise signed and executed, and except where the signing and execution thereof shall be expressly delegated by the Board of Directors to some other agent of the LVSHL.

6. The President shall attend to all pertinent inter-league issues and must represent the LVSHL in all inter-league functions.

7. The President shall serve as a member, ex-officio, of all sanctioned Committees of the LVSHL with the privilege to speak, but not to vote except for a tie (see Article IV, Section F).

8. The President shall be in charge of completing the season game

schedule.

F. Vice President

1. The Vice President shall, in the absence or disability of the President, perform the duties and exercise the powers of the President.

2. The Vice President shall be elected for one (1) year but will be eligible for re-election.

3. The Vice President shall serve as the Chairman of the Tournament Committee.

G. Secretary

1. The Secretary shall attend all sessions of the Board of Directors and the Executive Committee and record the votes of the LVSHL and the minutes of all transactions and proceedings.

2. The Secretary shall give notice of all regularly scheduled or special meetings of the Board of Directors.

3. The Secretary shall keep a roll of the participating members of the LVSHL.

4. The Secretary shall maintain supplies for the LVSHL forms and be responsible for their distribution.

5. The Secretary shall distribute to the members of good standing the list of sanctioned or standing committees and their membership; the rosters of all the member clubs, and the list of the members of the Board of Directors.

a. These lists will be initially completed, after all information has been rendered to the Secretary for publication.

b. Updates will be provided on an as-needed basis.

6. The Secretary shall be elected for one (1) year but is eligible for re-election.

H. Treasurer

1. The Treasurer shall have the custody of the LVSHL funds and shall keep full and accurate accounts of receipts and disbursements in the books belonging to the LVSHL.

2. The Treasurer shall deposit all receipts, in the name of and to the credit of the LVSHL in the depositories as designated by the Board of Directors.

3. The Treasurer shall disburse the funds of the LVSHL.

4. The Treasurer shall render to the Secretary at the regular meetings of the Board of Directors, or whenever it may be required, an accounting of all transactions as Treasurer and the financial conditions of the LVSHL.

a. The hard copy of this accounting shall become part of the minutes.

b. The Executive Committee shall audit the books and records of the LVSHL prior to the new fiscal year.

5. The Treasurer shall prepare a proposed budget to be submitted for the approval of the Board of Directors, prior to the start of play of each new season.

6. The Treasurer shall supply a monthly invoice to each member club that shall include their monthly and yearly balances.

7. The Treasurer shall report to the President, prior to the next regularly scheduled meeting, any clubs that are financially delinquent.

8. The Treasurer shall serve for one (1) year but is eligible for re-election.

I. Varsity and JV Commissioner

1. The Commissioner shall be responsible for all matters pertaining to conduct, deportment, and behavior of its officials, coaches, parents, players, and spectators; for determining the necessary disciplinary action to be invoked and issuing notice of such decisions to the Board of Directors, and to the respective individuals involved; and for declaration of forfeited games, or suspensions as required or suggested by the bylaws.

2. The Commissioner must make a ruling within seventy-two (72) hours of incident.

3. In the event of conflicting interests in which the Commissioner is involved with the team in question, the Commissioner’s responsibilities shall be made by three (3) delegates in good standing.

4. The Commissioner of each division will review any forfeited games by any member club, and fines, if any, will be at the discretion of the Commissioner, not to exceed game costs.

5. The Commissioner shall serve for one (1) year but is eligible for re-election.

J. Middle School and Youth Commissioner

2. The Commissioner must make a ruling within seventy-two (72) hours of incident.

3. In the event of conflicting interests in which the Commissioner is involved with the team in question, the Commissioner’s responsibilities shall be made by three (3) delegates in good standing.

4. The Commissioner of each division will review any forfeited games by any member club, and fines, if any, will be at the discretion of the Commissioner, not to exceed game costs.

5. The Commissioner shall serve for one (1) year but is eligible for re-election.

VI. AMENDMENTS TO THE BYLAWS

A. Voting on Amendments

1. This Constitution and bylaws may be amended, at any regularly scheduled or special meeting, by a majority favorable vote of the Board of Directors who are present, and at which a quorum exists.

B. Procedures

1. All proposed changes or amendments must be submitted to the Secretary of the LVSHL in writing by delegates of member clubs and must include their name, address, phone number, and exact wording of the proposed amendment.

2. The first reading of the change or amendment shall be without comment to their contents and hard copy distributed to member clubs.

3. At the next regularly scheduled meeting of the LVSHL, the proposed changes or amendments will then be read, with a period of time to be determined by the President, allocated for discussion purposes.

a. The proposed changes or amendments may then be amended and voted upon and shall become a regulation or rule of the Constitution and bylaws by a majority favorable vote of the Board of Directors.

VII. VOTING PROCEDURES

A. Voting

1. Voting on motion(s), proposed bylaw changes, and/or elections shall be conducted by a voice vote, and shall be taken by the Secretary of the LVSHL, at the instructions of the President.

2. The vote record will become part of the minutes.

3. Any motion(s), bylaw changes, and/or elections can be voted on by secret ballot, or roll call vote at the discretion of the President.

4. All motions must be duly seconded.

5. All motions must have a majority vote to be approved.

VIII. LVSHL SANCTIONED COMMITTEES

A. Reporting

1. Standing committees shall, at the regularly scheduled meeting of the LVSHL, be required to give a report on committee activities to the Board of Directors

B. Sanctioned Committees

1. LVSHL sanctioned committees shall be utilized on an as-needed basis.

2. Disciplinary Committee

a. Disciplinary Committee shall be used at the discretion of the individual Commissioner.

b. The Disciplinary Committee shall consist of appointed delegates of three (3) member clubs in good standing not involved in said incident.

c. A type written report of the proceedings shall be rendered to the Secretary of the LVSHL within seventy two (72) hours of the decision of the committee.

d. The report will be forwarded to the parties involved in the decision.

3. Tournament Committee

a. The Tournament Committee shall be responsible for the administration of all tournaments included but not restricted to the Joseph Orrecchio Memorial All Star Hockey Game, any additional all star games, and the Playoff Tournament.

b. The Tournament Committee shall be responsible for securing the necessary support in volunteers, equipment, and supplies for the success of the games or tournament.

c. All entrance fees at any non-regular season game, at both levels, shall be the responsibility of the Tournament Committee to collect at the door. All collected entrance fees at playoff and championship games shall revert to the LVSHL treasury.

4. Communications Committee

a. The Communications Committee shall be responsible for providing to local media proposed or anticipated events that will publicize the existence of the LVSHL.

b. The Communications Committee shall work closely with the other committees to provide accurate information when any event is publicized.

c. The Communications Committee is responsible for reporting game scores to the media.

d. The Communications Committee shall include a LVSHL Statistician to maintain the results and statistics of the clubs and players for publication.

e. The Communications Committee shall be responsible for the maintenance and update of the LVSHL web page.

f. Every member club shall have a representative on the Communications Committee.

5. Player Placement Committee

a. The Player Placement Committee shall consist of a representative from each non-pure team needing players at the varsity level (Article XVIII) and a representative from each JV team needing players. The President shall act as the mediator throughout this process.

b. The Player Placement Committee shall determine the method of evaluation and/or placement of both varsity and JV players that desire to play in the LVSHL but do not attend member schools.

IX. FINANCIAL ASSESSMENTS

A. Fee Payment and Assessment Schedule

1. All clubs that request to compete in the LVSHL for the next fiscal year shall be responsible for adhering to the following fee payment and assessment schedule:

a. New Member Clubs (defined as clubs which have not played a complete schedule during the prior season) shall have an initial payment requirement of two hundred fifty dollars ($250.00) for each team entered at any level which will be credited against the last installment of League fees and is due at the August meeting.

i. Should a new club make application and be rejected for membership, the fee will be refunded.

ii. Should a new club make application and be accepted and then withdraw from play, the fee is not refundable.

b. The initial payment requirement for an established club is one hundred dollars ($100.00) for each team entered at any level, which will be credited against the last installment of LVSHL fees and is due at the September meeting.

i. Should an established club make application and be accepted and then withdraw from play, the fee is not refundable.

2. Each team shall be invoiced in equal payments as determined by the Board of Directors.

a. Invoiced amounts will be determined by the cost established in the budget and divided by the number of teams at each level.

B. Game Receipts

1. The home team at each sanctioned LVSHL varsity and JV LVSHL game is allowed to collect an entrance fee of two dollars ($2.00).

2. An assessment of thirty dollars ($30.00) shall be levied against varsity home teams from the entrance fee.

3. An assessment of ten dollars ($10.00) shall be levied against JV home teams from the entrance fee.

4. All game receipts levied from the home teams shall revert to the general fund.

5. The balance of the collected receipts shall stay with the home team.

6. All entrance fees at any non-regular season game, at both levels, shall be the responsibility of the Tournament Committee to collect at the door. All collected entrance fees at playoff and championship games shall revert to the LVSHL treasury.

7. The home team must begin collecting the entrance fee 30 minutes before game time. If the home team declines to collect the entrance fee of two dollars ($2.00) the visiting team may collect the fee and retain it.

C. Fine

1. A fifty dollar ($50.00) fine shall be assessed to each member club for each LVSHL Board of Director meeting that is not represented by the delegate or an alternate.

a. Payment of this fine is required prior to the next regularly scheduled Board of Directors meeting (Article III Section D).

b. Failure to pay the assessment will result in the loss of voting privileges until the fine is paid.

2. The Commissioner of each division will review any forfeited games by any member club, and fines, if any, will be at the discretion of the Commissioner, not to exceed game costs.

3. It is the home team’s responsibility to turn in the score sheets to the appropriate designated place within twenty four hours (24) or a fine of fifty dollars ($50.00) will be levied against the home team.

4. Senior Bond

a. Each member club is responsible for paying its own Senior Bond violation.

b. In the event of a single or multiple game misconduct or match penalty incurred by a senior player which can not be served during the season or post season, the member club shall be assessed a two hundred & fifty dollar ($250.00) fine per incident.

c. Payment of this fine is required prior to the start of the next LVSHL season.

d. Failure to pay this assessment will result in the loss of voting privileges until paid.

e. The assessment may be appealed to the Commissioner.

5. For any violation of the bylaws in which a fine is not listed, the fine

shall be $50.00.

D. Financial Delinquency

1. Member clubs that are one (1) month or more financially delinquent during the LVSHL season may be subject to forfeiture of any remaining games and are subject to conditions of the “Members in Good Standing” section of the bylaws.

E. Outside Game Responsibility

1. Any games played outside of the LVSHL schedule are the financial responsibility of said teams, including ice and referee fees excluding Flyers Cup Games.

X. PLAYING RULES

A. Ice Rinks

1. No league games shall be played at any ice rink that has not been approved for play by the Executive Committee.

2. All teams must notify the league scheduler as to which arena they will use as their home arena for the following season at the regularly scheduled August meeting.

3. Teams in their first year in the league will play all home games at an approved Lehigh Valley arena.

4. Teams entering their second year in the league as a member in good standing may, with the approval of the Executive Committee, play up to half of their “home” games at any arena.

5. Teams that are entering their 3^rd season as a member in good standing of the LVSHL shall play their home games as stated in Section X.A.1.

B. Governing Rules

1. All league play shall be governed by the Playing Rules of USA Hockey, as modified by the LVSHL rulings listed in this section.

2. All teams must be rostered with USA Hockey, prior to the LVSHL season.

a. A USA Hockey T-1 form must be turned in to the League Secretary no later then Oct 10 for varsity and JV and no later then November 10 for middle school and youth (Note: These will not be distributed to member clubs.)

C. Penalties and Suspensions

1. Any suspensions not served during the current regular playing season shall be carried over to the following season and will be served at the level and team rostered at the current season.

2. Any player receiving five (5) penalties in a game will be ejected from that game upon receipt of the fifth penalty and shall be suspended for the next scheduled LVSHL game (See Article XIII, Item A).

3. Any coach whose team receives fifteen (15) or more penalties in a game shall be suspended for the next scheduled LVSHL game at the level which it occurred of the current season.

4. Any player receiving a ten (10) minute misconduct penalty, who cannot serve the full penalty, shall be required to serve the remainder of the penalty at the onset of the next regularly scheduled LVSHL game.

5. Any player or coach receiving a game misconduct shall be suspended for the next scheduled LVSHL game at the level which it occurred.

6. A player or coach receiving a suspension must have his/her name and players sweater number annotated on the score sheet and signed by the suspended player or coach for each game of the suspension, prior to the start of the game in which the suspension is being served, in the proper section of the game sheet, otherwise the game will be deemed not to be served.

a. In the event that the game for the suspension is to be served is in excess of fifty (50) miles from the player’s home rink, a signature by the suspended player is not required, but must be confirmed by the player’s team coach.

7. Any player or players involved in fighting will be immediately ejected from the game and must leave the arena area. If a player continues to get involved in any further disturbance, further disciplinary action could incur, which could include and up to a forfeit of the game by the involved players team.

a. The player(s) will serve a one (1) game suspension for the first offense in the same season.

b. A second fighting infraction in the same season will result in a three (3) game suspension

c. Repeat offenders will be suspended until further review by the Board of Directors.

8. Any suspended player or coach may not participate in any capacity in a game or as an off ice official or be on the bench, in the penalty box, or scorers area or perform any other team function.

9. Penalty duration:

a. MINOR – Two (2) minutes

i. Minor –Youth will reflect guidelines from USA Hockey at the Squirt Level.

b. MAJOR – Five (5) minutes

i. Major –Youth will reflect guidelines from USA Hockey at the Squirt Level.

c. MISCONDUCT – Ten (10) minutes

10. Any coach who receives more than one (1) game misconduct per season shall be subject to additional disciplinary action as determined by the Board of Directors.

D. Playing Time

1. All Varsity, JV, and Middle School games shall consist of three (3) fifteen (15) minute stop-clock periods with a one (1) minute break between periods, subject to the following exceptions:

a. Regular season games will end one and one half (1 ½) hours after the ice is available to the team, unless, at that time, five (5) minutes or less remains in the third period on the scoreboard clock and the margin between the two teams is two (2) goals or less, in which case the game will be played to its conclusion, using a running clock.

i. Referee’s will adjust the game clock at the start of the third (3^rd) period for game time allotment, exception would be the third (3^rd) period running over game time allotment, at which time the clock will be adjusted during the third (3^rd) period.

b. Playoff games will be played to a decision regardless of elapsed time.

c. The finals of the championship round and the All Star game will end two (2) hours after the ice is available.

d. An ice cut shall be done between the 2^nd and 3^rd periods of all varsity playoff games, championship games and the all-star game.

2. All Youth games shall consist of three (12) twelve minute, stop clock periods with a one (1) minute break between periods, subject to USA guidelines for Squirt Level.

3. A game will not be official unless two (2) full periods are played.

a. Should a game be suspended prior to the completion of the second period, that game shall not be declared official.

b. The suspended game shall be rescheduled at the earliest available date, resuming play at the point where it was suspended, with all statistics being counted and credited to the teams and the individual players.

c. Only those players who had signed the score sheet prior to the suspension or the game are eligible to play in the resumed game.

4. In the event of extraordinary circumstances such as an auto accident, hazardous road conditions, loss of ice surface due to rink equipment problems, etc., a game may be postponed by the rink management and/or President.

a. The President is to notify the teams involved one and one half (1 ½) hours prior to game time, provided it is reasonable so.

b. All postponed games shall be rescheduled through the President as soon as possible or no later than the next league meeting. It is the responsibility of the home team to coordinate with the away team for the rescheduling of the game.

5. When one team is ahead by seven (7) goals or more at the conclusion of the second period of play during a varsity or JV game, the clock will continue to run during a stoppage of play until the completion of the game except for youth games which will not have a running clock at any time. For middle school games the margin shall be ten (10) goals.

a. Should the team that is behind bring the margin to under seven (7) goals for varsity and JV games and ten (10) goals for middle school games, then the clock would again be stopped during a halt in play.

E. Score Sheets

1. All players must sign the score sheet before they enter play.

a. Should the player enter the game without first signing the score sheet, all individual statistics will be disallowed, and should the player score, the goal will be disallowed.

b. USA Hockey rules shall apply in the case of additional players being added to the roster after commencement of a game.

2. A team’s head coach or a designated assistant coach must sign the score sheet prior to the beginning of the game to validate the accuracy of the roster.

a. This coach shall also attest, by their signature, to the accuracy of the statistics at the end of each game.

b. This coach shall also be responsible for any team penalties that are incurred during game play.

3. Referees who do not attest to the completeness and accuracy of the score sheet after the completion of the game by their signature or who do not print their name on the appropriate line of the score sheet will be subject to disciplinary action by the local official of USA Hockey.

4. It is the home team’s responsibility to turn in the score sheets to the appropriate designated place in each arena within twenty four hours (24) or a fine of fifty dollars ($50.00) will be levied against the home team.

5. All score sheets will be four (4) ply and must be distributed to the appropriate parties within twenty-four (24) hours of the completion of the game.

a. The top two (2) copies of the score sheet are intended for the LVSHL Statistician and the Commissioner.

b. The bottom two (2) copies of the score sheet are intended for the participating teams.

F. Off Ice Personnel

1. The home team shall be responsible for providing the necessary personnel to operate the clock, keep the score sheet current, and collect the entrance fees. All personnel will abide by USA Hockey Guidelines.

2. A neutral person, not affiliated with the teams playing, shall be assigned to keep the game clock at all varsity playoff and championship games.

G. Referees

1. Each LVSHL game requires at least two (2) referees per game who have credentials which meet the current requirements and specifications of USA Hockey and the LVSHL.

2. In the event that only one (1) referee is available by game time, play of that game is at the mutual coaches consent.

a. Games postponed due to the lack of referees shall be rescheduled by the President.

b. The Board of Directors shall be responsible for taking any additional actions in case of postponement.

3. The Referee/Linesman shall have the ultimate responsibility in allowing team players on the ice after the rink has been flooded and inspected by the referees for any purpose.

a. Violation of this rule shall consist of a bench minor.

4. Any player or coach representing any team in the LVSHL is not eligible to serve as a referee or linesman of any varsity LVSHL game involving any teams of their division until after a full two (2) year term has expired, unless approved by the Board of Directors.

a. Any player or coach representing any team in the LVSHL is eligible to serve as a referee or linesman of a JV, Middle School, or Youth LVSHL game, unless either game participant is the club to which they are or have been affiliated.

i. In the event, an ineligible referee is appointed, play of game with that referee is at the coaches’ discretion.

ii. The coaches may also elect to play said game with only one referee.

H. Coaches

1. Copies of the USA Hockey Coaching Certificate for the Head Coach and any Assistant Coaches shall be submitted to the LVSHL Secretary, by first game and must be maintained for the entire LVSHL year in order for that team to be eligible to participate in LVSHL games.

a. Head coaches and their assistants are required to carry their coaches’ cards to all LVSHL games.

b. Head coaches and their assistants must submit to the LVSHL Secretary a copy of the USA Hockey Participant Card by December 31.

2. All coaches in the LVSHL must have credentials that meet the required minimum level standards for the specific position as required by USA Hockey Certification, the LVSHL and the Atlantic District.

XI. PLAYER ROSTERS

A. Team Eligibility

1. A varsity team roster shall consist of not less than nine (9) players and one (1) goaltender if a team does not have a JV team, or not less than seven (7) players and one (1) goaltender if a team has a individual or combined JV team, to be eligible to play in the LVSHL. JV and middle school teams shall consist of not less than nine (9) players and one (1) goaltender and youth teams shall not have less than eight (8) players and one goaltender.

2. To qualify as a pure team, the team that is declaring such must have 100% resident school participation.

3. To qualify as a non-pure team, the team that is declaring such must have fifty percent (50%) resident school participation unless otherwise approved by the Board of Directors.

4. Any team that has twelve (12) players from the same school shall be considered a pure team.

B. Playing Rosters

1. Each member team or affiliated member shall file with the Board of Directors, prior to the start of LVSHL play, a team roster on forms provided by the LVSHL which shall list the name, date of birth, school attended, grade in school, and jersey number of each player.

a. Non-compliant teams will forfeit all games until the roster is turned in.

2. Roster additions and deletions must be made in writing, on the LVSHL Roster, to the league secretary, forty-eight (48) hours prior to that player’s first game.

a. Player additions must show the information required on the original roster, and must be certified.

b. Non-Pure roster additions see Player Placement (Article VIII Section B Item 5; Article XII Section B Item 2).

c. Exemption to the forty-eight (48) hour rule is the JV player legally rostered on the JV team moving up to the varsity level for a game, at which time the purity rules are in effect.

d. Exemption to the forty-eight (48) hour rule is the Middle School player legally rostered on the Middle School team moving up to the JV level for a game; the player must attend school of Member Club.

e. Exemption to the forty-eight (48) hour rule is the Youth player legally rostered on the Youth team moves up to play a Middle School game, the player must attend school of Member Club, after the second game played the player will be deemed on the Middle School Team.

3. The rosters must contain a certification from the member club delegate, that every player is legally rostered on their team.

a. The delegate’s signature on the overall team roster will be accepted as certification, but should these be misrepresented, with or without the knowledge of the team delegate, that team will forfeit all games played.

i. The eligibility of any player(s) involved will be reviewed by the Board of Directors.

4. Member clubs may not add players to teams beyond December 31.

5. All varsity teams shall have a home (light) jersey and an away (dark) jersey for each player. The players jersey number shall be the same for both their home and away jersey. No two players from the same team shall have the same rostered jersey number. Each player shall be permitted one (1) violation of this rule without penalty.

6. All JV teams shall have a home (light) jersey and an away (dark) jersey for each player. The players jersey number shall be the same for both their home and away jersey. No two players from the same team shall have the same rostered jersey number. Each player shall be permitted one (1) violation of this rule without penalty.

7. Any team coming to player placement with less than eight (8) players may be compelled to combine with another team depending on the number of players in the pool.

C. Withdrawals, Suspensions

1. Players, who become ineligible by reason of withdrawal, or may not thereafter participate in play during the period of ineligibility.

D. Transfers

1. Players who transfer into a member club, who have been registered and rostered with USA Hockey, may be rostered with that member club within the provisions of Section XI.B.

2. Players who are transferring within the member clubs of the LVSHL must have release from the team whom they are originally rostered.

E. Playoff Eligibility (where applicable)

1. Except goaltenders, players must be rostered, and have played in at least one-half (1/2) plus one (1) of the team’s LVSHL games to qualify for LVSHL playoffs.

a. Verification will be by the player’s signature on score sheets.

2. Goaltenders must have been properly rostered, at least present on the bench, dressed, and rostered on the score sheets for at least five (5) regular season games.

3. In the event that a player becomes injured and therefore cannot fulfill the game minimum for playoff eligibility, the player must have been properly rostered and must have played at least one (1) regular season game before the leave of absence.

a. Goaltenders must have at least been on the bench, dressed, and rostered on the score sheet, for at least one (1) regular season game before the player’s leave of absence.

4. With regard to playoff eligibility of any player or goaltender, the voting members of the Board of Directors may question, review, and/or determine the status of any player or goaltender with the league commissioner.

5. When a player has an injury where participation is impossible in order to satisfy the minimum game requirement, that player, in order to participate in LVSHL playoffs, must petition the Board of Directors in writing and receive a release in order to be considered eligible.

6. Games that a player is suspended for shall not count towards playoff eligibility as a game played.

F. Game Rosters

1. Accurate starting rosters for each team are to be submitted to the scorekeeper prior to start of the game to be played.

2. The coach’s signature on the score sheet will be accepted as certification of the team roster, but should these be misrepresented with or without knowledge of the coach, the coach may receive a one year suspension upon Board review and the player(s) eligibility will be reviewed by the Board of Directors.

3. The coach must sign the left side of the score sheet before play begins and sign the right side of the score sheet at the end of the game.

XII. PLAYER ELIGIBILITY RULES

A. Age/Grade

1. A player may not be 19 years of age or older before September 1 of the current season in order to compete at the Varsity level.

2. A player will be eligible for the Varsity level for a period of four (4) successive years after commencement of 9^th grade.

3. A player will be eligible for the JV level for 11^th grade.

a. No player that has not reached the 9^th grade may play in a varsity game.

b. 7^th grade students may be petitioned to the Board of Directors, through

the correct procedure outlined in these By-Laws, to play at the JV level.

4. A player will be eligible to participate at the Middle School level provided that they are not older than fourteen (14) years of age on September 1 of the current season.

5. A player will be eligible for Middle School level for grades 8^th, 7^th, and 6^th.

a. 5^th grade and 9^th grade students may be petitioned to the Board of Directors, through the correct procedure outlined in these By-Laws, to play at the middle school level.

6. A player will be eligible to participate at the Youth level provided that they are not older than eleven (11) years of age on September 1 of the current season.

7. A player will be eligible for Youth level grades 5^th, 4^thand 3^rd.

a. 6^th grade students and students younger than 3^rd grade may be petitioned to the Board of Directors, through the correct procedure outlined in these By-Laws, to play at the youth level.

9. Waivers. All players shall adhere to the above listed age and grade restrictions

unless a waiver is submitted to the board and approved.

B. Players

1. A varsity player must play for the school for which they are enrolled and attending classes, if there is a member club.

2. In the event, that a player does not attend a school that currently fields a varsity or JV team in the LVSHL, the player must notify the Player Placement Committee of his/her interest in participating.

a. A player pool date will be decided at the August board meeting with the ice time so as to give players a fair amount of time to make the player placement date.

b. The Player Pool is for all varsity and JV players that attend a school that does not have a team already.

c. All teams that need players at either varsity or JV levels must attend the player placement pool date. (must be a delegate or coach)

d. Any team that is not represented at the player placement pool date forfeits any rights to place a player on their team that does not attend their school, there will be no exceptions to this rule.

e. Any team participating in the pool shall not be allowed to make any roster additions after the player placement pool date unless approved by the league commissioner.

f. A player that transfers into the LVSHL area can be placed by the Executive Committee.

i. Proof of school transfer must be provided to be eligible.

g. The rights to a placed player remain with the placed Team at the level the player was placed, or until the school that the player attends enters a team in the LVSHL, or the placed Team opts to field a pure team.

h. A player may not be rostered on two or more high school teams.

i. There will be a $25 fee assessed to each participant that enters the ice surface for the Player Placement. This fee must be paid prior to entering the ice surface. The $25 will be credited to the league fees of the respective club that attains the rights to this player.

j. A player that plays for a member club may only play on one (1) team for that club, at the same level, except in the case of a goaltender.

k. At the JV level, if a player is of JV age eligibility, and desires to play JV hockey in the LVSHL, but does not attend a school with a team, that player shall be included in the Player Placement Pool.

3. The Player Placement Pool does not apply to Youth or Middle School levels.

a. At the Middle School and Youth levels, if a player attends a school in a district that currently has a team registered in the LVSHL at that level, they must play for that club.

4. Should it be determined that an illegal player is competing, the rules described in Article XIII shall apply.

5. Recruiting of players to transfer to a school for the purpose of playing hockey in this league is prohibited.

a. Should the Board of Directors determine that a member team or someone on behalf of a member team has recruited or attempted to recruit a player to transfer to a school represented by a member team, the Board may impose such penalties as it deems necessary, including but not limited to, declaring the player ineligible and suspending the guilty team.

6. A rostered player is eligible to play on one team only in the LVSHL.

7. Home School and Cyber School players are eligible if the school district has a program.

a. If the district that the player would play for has no team, they shall be placed in the Player Placement Pool.

8. If a player attends a private school in another school district that does not field a team at their level, but lives in a school district that has a team, the player must play for the team in the school district for which the player resides.

C. Junior Varsity

1. Players in 7^th grade desiring to play at the JV level must be petitioned to the Board of Directors to be approved to play.

2. In the event that an older player lacks hockey experience, such player will be evaluated by the Board of Directors prior to being placed on a team.

3. Players in the 9^th grade and above that still have JV eligibility who attend a

school that has a participating LVSHL club must play for the

corresponding JV team, if it exists.

4. Any JV Team with an excess of 20 players may opt to release a player to

the player placement pool for a one (1) year period upon approval by

the Board of Directors.

5. In the event that a member club does not offer a JV program, the player

must notify the Player Placement Committee of their interests, or maybe

grandfathered onto the JV team that they have been previously rostered.

6. A properly registered JV player may play at the varsity level if:

a. The player must meet the eligibility requirements for varsity teams.

b. The player will be deemed varsity level after the 10^th game in one season

for the following season regardless of what JV team they are playing for

in the event their school does not have a JV team.

7. A JV goaltender may move up to varsity and sit on the bench in a backup

capacity for as many games as the team will allow, subject to Article XII

section A and B and these games will not count against him if he does not

play.

a. A JV goaltender may participate in a maximum of nine (9) varsity games, regardless of duration and or team.

i. The goaltender will be deemed varsity level after the 10th game

with minutes played.

b. In the event a varsity team loses its goaltender due to injury, suspension, transfer, etc., and does not have either a back up goaltender or a JV goaltender, any JV goaltender may fill in on a rotational basis, as determined by the Executive Committee.

i. If a Varsity goaltender is injured for more than (9) nine games, the member club may petition the Board of Directors to play their JV goaltender, provided that they meet Varsity eligibility requirements, at the Varsity level for as many games as the Varsity goalie is injured, without jeopardizing the JV goaltender’s JV status.

ii. JV goaltenders can be rotated so as not to jeopardize their JV status.

8. Female participants that desire to remain at the JV level beyond the period as described herein must submit a written petition and receive approval from the Board of Director prior to the start of play.

D. Middle School

1. A player will be eligible to participate at the Middle School level provided that they are not older than fourteen (14) years of age by September 1, of the current season

a. In the event that a 5^th grader has exceptional skills the player may petition to the Board of Directors to play at the Middle School level.

2. A Middle School player must play for the school for which they are attending if the member club has a team.

3. A properly registered Middle School player may play a maximum of seven (7) games in a season at the JV level, provided the player is legally rostered, and attends the school for which he is going to play for and meets the criteria for playing at the JV level as outlined in these By-Laws.

a. The player will be deemed JV level after the seventh (7^th) game.

b. The team and player are required to meet the criteria and follow the procedures described in Article XII Section A and C, prior to the seventh (7^th) JV game.

4. A Middle School goaltender may move up to JV and sit on the bench in a backup capacity for as many games as the team will allow, subject to Article XII Section A and C.

a. A Middle School goaltender may participate in a maximum of seven (7) JV games, regardless of duration and or team.

i. The player will be deemed JV level after the seventh (7^th) game and the team will be required to meet the criteria as described in Article XII Section A and C.

5. In the event that a team is without a goaltender, a Middle School goaltender may fill in on a rotational basis, as determined by the Executive Committee.

a. Middle School goaltender can be rotated between middle school and youth levels without jeopardizing their Middle School status.

6. Female participants that desire to remain at the Middle School level beyond the period as described herein must submit a written petition and receive approval from the Board of Directors prior to the start of play.

E. Youth

1. A player will be eligible to participate at the Youth level provided that they are not older than eleven (11) years of age by September 1, of the current season, and lack check hockey experience.

a. 6^th grade students and students younger than 3^rd grade may be petitioned to the Board of Directors, through the correct procedure outlined in these By-Laws, to play at the youth level.

2. A Youth player must play for the school for which they are attending if the member club has a team.

3. A properly registered Youth player will be deemed Middle School if player is rostered on two (2) Middle School score sheets.

4. Female participants that desire to remain at the Youth level beyond the period as described herein must submit a written petition and receive approval from the Board of Directors.

XIII. ILLEGAL USE OF PLAYERS

A. Rules

1. A team that uses an ineligible or illegal player in a LVSHL game shall forfeit that game and the team, player, and coach shall be subjected to such additional penalties as may be imposed by the Commissioner.

a. If a game is forfeited due to an ineligible or illegal player, all other player’s personal statistics shall remain valid except for those of the ineligible or illegal player.

XIV. LVSHL PLAY AND SCHEDULE

A. Regular Season

1. All pure member teams shall play all other pure member teams at least once during the regular season, with the remainder of LVSHL games to be scheduled by the President as established by the Board of Directors.

a. The total number of LVSHL games at all levels for any given season shall be determined by the Board of Directors at the regularly scheduled August meeting.

B. Regular Season Champions

1. The regular season championship shall be determined by the games played between pure voting teams only, and shall be determined on the basis of two (2) points for each win and one (1) point for each tie.

a. While a non-pure division exists, the championship format shall be determined by the Board of Directors on an annual basis.

2. Should two (2) or more teams finish the season with equal numbers of points their positions in the standings shall be determined by the following consideration:

a. Points earned in head to head competition.

b. Goals against in head to head competition.

c. Goals against in all games against voting member teams, in their respective divisions.

d. Least penalty minutes incurred during the regular season games against voting member teams, in their respective divisions.

e. If necessary to determine qualification for playoffs, by a one game playoff.

C. Statistics

1. Published LVSHL standings shall show games won, lost, and tied, points earned in division play and LVSHL championship play.

2. The Communications Committee shall be responsible for contacting the various media with game scored standings, and statistics.

XV. LVSHL PLAYOFFS/ALL STAR GAMES

A. Qualifying Teams

1. Only voting member teams may qualify for playoffs, in their respective divisions.

2. To participate, a team must certify to the Board of Directors that:

a. It will play all games required of it under the LVSHL playoff format.

b. If the playoff winner is eligible to go on to an area and/or state championship play, it will represent the LVSHL, and play all games required of it in such an area and/or state championship play.

B. Playoff Structure

1. LVSHL playoff structure at the Varsity level shall be at the discretion of the Board of Directors at the regularly scheduled October meeting.

C. Playoff Games

1. All playoff games will be played to a conclusion regardless of the elapsed game time, unless stopped by the game officials.

2. Tie games:

a. In the event that a playoff game is tied at the end of regulation time, the teams will play a single fifteen (15) minute sudden death overtime period, at five (5) on five (5) on ice strength.

i. In the event, the game is still tied at the end of the overtime period; the teams will select five (5) players per team to participate in a team shootout in order to determine a winner.

ii. In the event, the game is still tied at the end of the shootout; the teams will select five (5) different players per team for a second (2) shootout in order to determine a winner.

iii. In the event, the game is still tied after the second (2) shootout; the teams may select any five (5) players per team to participate in a third (3) team shootout in order to determine the winner.

b. There shall be a one (1) minute break prior to the overtime period and the shootout.

c. The game officials may end the game at the conclusion of the overtime period or the shootout(s) if the game is still tied, if they determine that it would be in the best interest of the players to do so.

i. In the event that the game has been prematurely ended by the game officials it will be the responsibility of the Board of Directors to determine if the game should be replayed in its entirety or continued from the point of stoppage.

ii. Only the participants in the original game are eligible for the makeup or continued game.

D. Ice Time

1. The LVSHL shall purchase a two (2) hour ice slot for all varsity playoff games, championship games, and All-Star game.

E. Participation Requirements

1. The Board of Directors shall determine the requirements for the participation in the Varsity All-Star game.

XVI. APPEALS AND GRIEVANCES

A. Process of Appeals

1. All appeals and protests to be considered official must be presented in writing, to the Secretary, by any means.

2. All appeals and protests will cost fifty dollars ($50.00).

a. All appeals and protests must be presented from the member club delegate, alternate, or coach.

b. This fee must be presented prior to the appeal/protest hearing.

c. No appeal or protest will be accepted without this fee.

d. Only if the appeal or protest is won will the established fee be returned.

3. All appeals or protests must be presented to the LVSHL within forty eight (48) hours of the ruling, and must also be presented to the commissioner by the secretary within twenty four (24) hours of receipt.

a. If the Commissioner is unobtainable, the President will assume all responsibilities of the Commissioner.

4. The Commissioner and/or appointed Disciplinary Committee must rule upon all appeals and protests within seven (7) days.

XVII. RISK MANAGEMENT

A. Mandatory Equipment

1. All equipment as prescribed by USA Hockey or LVSHL rules and regulations as mandatory equipment must be worn in the suggested manner from the beginning of the game until the completion of the game.

a. This includes all players who are positioned in the penalty box for any infraction.

2. Mouth guards must be worn in accordance with USA Hockey regulations.

3. Jewelry, such as necklaces or earrings must be taped and/or removed in accordance with USA Hockey Regulations.

4. Should mandatory equipment not be utilized by a player, a ten (10) minute misconduct penalty will be assessed and the player will not be allowed back in the game without one.

5. Ear guards/flaps must be attached to the helmet.

XVIII. PURITY RULINGS

A. Conference/Divisions

1. The Board of Directors shall determine conferences and/or divisions prior to the start of play of every LVSHL season.

a. One or more divisions shall consist of pure teams that meet the requirements established herein.

b. One or more divisions shall consist of non-pure teams that meet the requirements established herein.

B. Schedules/Playoffs

1. The LVSHL regular season schedule and playoff structure shall be determined by the Board of Directors prior to the start of play of every LVSHL season at the regularly scheduled August and October meetings, respectively.

C. Eligibility

1. Only pure teams as defined herein, will be eligible for LVSHL championship and the Scholastic Cup.

2. Only pure teams are eligible for participation in any additional regional championships and/or state championship play.

a. In the event that regional or state championship play requires the entry of multiple teams from the LVSHL at the AAA, AA, and A levels, it shall be the responsibility of the President to determine the entrants that meet the criteria as established by the tournament committee.

XIX. DIRECTOR OF OFFICIATING

1. The Director of Officiating shall be responsible for overseeing the relationship with the local officiating association in all regards, including payment terms and performance of officials. This person will also assign the game officials for all LVSHL league games as well as furnish the Local Area Officiating Supervisor with a list of officials assigned to the games a minimum of (2) two weeks, preferably (4) weeks, before the scheduled games to ensure that the USA Hockey Training and Evaluation staff can be an integral part of our league. This schedule shall also be sent to the LVSHL President and Secretary.

2. The Director of Officiating must be a properly registered USA Hockey Official that has the credentials to work any game that he/she is assigning.

3. The Director of Officiating shall not, solely by nature of this position, be called upon to provide rule interpretations under the Rules of USA Hockey. All such interpretations shall be directed to the Local Area Supervisor.

4. The Director of Officiating shall not be a voting member of the Executive Committee; his/her purpose shall be to serve the league and act as a point of reference to the member clubs.

5. The Director of Officiating shall be allowed to officiate games in all divisions of the LVSHL.

6. The Director of Officiating shall serve for one (1) year, but is eligible for re-election.

7. The Director of Officiating shall be an approved USA Hockey

assignor.

XIX. REVISION HISTORY

A. January 1991

B. February 1991

C. January 1994

D. October 1997

E. October 2000

F. September 2001

G. September 2002

H. September 2003

I. September 2004

J. September 2005

K. September 2006

L. September 2007

M. September 2008

N. September 2009