SECTION I  

MAHSHL MISSION STATEMENT 
MAHSHL CORE VALUES 

1. Bring players the reward, confidence, and satisfaction associated with the experience of playing on and becoming part of a team
2. Promote positive personal characteristics in all players such as camaraderie, respect, dedication, sportsmanship, leadership, generosity, and integrity on and off the ice
3. Help promote respect, trust, courtesy, and good sportsmanship among all of our participants including administrators, players, coaches, officials, fans, volunteers, and parents
4. Provide club high school teams and or associations with the necessary tools and organizational structure to allow these teams to better provide high school players with a safe, fun, and well organized hockey league in which to participate 

SECTION II

MID AMERICA HIGH SCHOOL HOCKEY LEAGUE RULES & REGULATIONS
A. PLAYER ELIGIBILITY- LEAGUE STANDARDS 

1. The Mid America High School Hockey League is a league for high school aged players only (grades 9-12) who are eligible to participate in their local schools’ interscholastic athletic programs.
2. Team Representatives must provide written documentation of each player’s eligibility to the Commissioner by November 1
3. Teams must comply with state concussion laws regarding high school interscholastic athletics 
4. The MAHSHL does not allow billeted players to participate in the league
5. A maximum of two foreign exchange students per team per year are allowed to participate if sponsored by a Certified Foreign Exchange Placement Program
6. Teams should submit their intent to play Varsity and / or Junior Varsity by September 1^st
7. Rosters are due on or before October 1st.
8. Changes and or additions to roster expire on December 31.
9. Roster should identify each player as either Varsity, JV or both.
10. Based on the start of season roster, the Commissioner will approve placement of the team in their requested division by October 7^th
11. If the requested division is not approved, Clubs have 7 days to appeal to the MAHSHL Board of Directors of where which the Commissioner is the deciding vote
12. Appeal should provide a comprehensive reasoning for the requested division placement
13. Any new player added to a team roster after the team division assignment will require league approval
14. Any MAHSHL players who have graduated from high school during the current season are eligible to play the entire season as long as they were enrolled in high school at the beginning of the regular season and their name was submitted on the team roster by the required deadline
15. Teams are required to list no fewer than (12) twelve players on the roster prior to the season. Any team in in violation must get approval from the Commissioner
16. Teams who are found to have used an ineligible player or players are subject to disciplinary action from the league which will include but not limited to forfeiture of the game in which the ineligible player(s) were used (Ex. incomplete registration, failure to pay league fees high school district alignment - Legacy Rule) or any other circumstances

B. JUNIOR VARSITY ELIGIBLITY  

1. Seniors are NOT eligible to participate at the JV level unless approved by the league Commissioner
2. Players who average 1.0 or more points per game (goal & assists) on their Varsity team, by that teams seventh (7^th) regular season game, the player will be INELIGIBLE to play In the JV division.
3. JV teams who are found to have used an ineligible player or players are subject to disciplinary action from the league including but not limited to forfeiture of the game in which the ineligible player(s) were used and suplemental discipline to the coach.
4. Head Coach and team representatives are responsible for enforcing league policies.
5. The Head Coach and or team representatives are responsible for reporting any violations of the league’s off-ice policies to the Commissioner.
6. The Head Coach and or team representatives are responsible for reporting all game misconducts and / or match penalties incurred by a player during all league or non-league play to the Commissioner.
7. Teams are required to comply with the USA Hockey SafeSport Program.
8. Head Coach can apply for a senior eligibility for JV to the League Commissioner in writting.  Any senior the league approves to be eligible to play JV will be posted on the league website
9. Any senior playing in the JV division who receives a game misconduct, is subject to appear at a hearing of the leagues Rules and Discipline Committee to determine their eligibility
10. Goalies who have played in more than half of the teams varsity games by the first weekend of December, will not be eligible to play at the JV level unless approved by the league Commissioner. The exception is if the team only has one goalie (between Varsity and JV teams) or the second goalie rostered on the team is injured or unavailable to dress or participate.

C. COACHES - TEAM OFFICIALS

1. All teams registering must have a Head Coach and Assistant Coach in good standing with MAHSHL and USA Hockey. These individuals must be identified with their USA Hockey CEP number. All Coaches must be registered with USA Hockey and must forward a copy of their registration receipt to the Commissioner by October 30
2. All team representatives are required to comply and complete the USA Hockey Safe-Sport Program
3. Each teams Association must notify the league office of any changes in Coaches or Coordinators
4. All coaches must have obtained a minimum of a Level 1 USA Hockey Coaching Certification and the ability to demonstrate “positive progress” towards their Level 3 certification.  
5. Each association’s affiliate may have different minimum requirements which must be met and supersede the MAHSHL requirements.
6. All coaches are subject to a background screening by their association for certification to coach league games and each association must provide the league with confirmation that they are in compliance with USA Hockey and the MW Affiliates' consent to screen guidelines
7. In order for a Level III (Intermediate) coach’s accreditation to be considered “current” for a given season, it must have been achieved during the calendar year in which that season begins, or the preceding calendar year
8. If the coaches are not accredited, the league will then notify the organizations involved.  It will then be the responsibility of the league to follow up with the organizations as to the activation of current accreditation
9. If an organization allows a coach who is not accredited or not of the proper level to continue to stay on the bench after December 31 (the coaching accreditation deadline), the organization will be subject to a fine of $175.00 per coach
10. The Coach will be officially be suspended until the appropriate certification is obtained
11. All coaches and instructors registered with USA Hockey must properly wear an ice hockey helmet during all on-ice sessions including practices, controlled scrimmages and coach / referee seminars (exception to this rule is when a team official or trainer leaving the bench to attendant to an injured player)
12. Any Coach and or Instructor found in violation of this rule by their association or the league, is subject to suspension of not less than 30 days 

D. UNIFORMS 

1. Each team must be fully uniformed per league standards
2. All teams are required to have matching hockey sweaters and socks with a properly affixed number on the back of the jersey (player names are optional). Failure to meet this requirement will result in a 2 (two) minute bench minor and the player identified will serve the penalty.
3. The designated “home team” will wear DARK SWEATERS with the visiting team will wear LIGHT OR WHITE SWEATERS.  

 E. PRE-GAME PROCEDURES

1. Team warm - Varsity - Five (5) minute
2. Team warm up - Junior Varsity - Three (3) minutes
3. Player introductions followed by playing of the National Anthem is required prior to all MAHSHL Varsity games
4. Teams shall take the ice for warm-ups as soon as the resurfacing (if applicable) is completed, the Zamboni doors are shut, and the Officials on are on the ice, or if no resurfacing is scheduled, teams shall take the ice for warm-ups as soon as the preceding games' teams have left the ice and the Officials are present on the ice.
5. The home team coach may request to see the visiting team's starting lineup before presenting his team's lineup but it still must be presented prior the team taking the ice for warm-ups. 
6. Failure to abide by this rule shall result in a bench minor penalty being assessed to the offending team for delay of game.
7. Teams assemble on their respective goal lines. 
8. The Public-Address Announcer introduces the visiting team’s starting lineup first. 
9. As each name is called, that player skates to the blue line facing center ice. 
10.  After the starting lineup is announced, the remainder of the team advances to the blue line, facing center ice. Repeat this procedure for the home team.
11.  All players remove helmets and face the flag.  
12.  All MAHSHL players and team officials are expected to stand at attention and conduct themselves with respect during the playing of the national anthem. 
13.  Any player who fails to do so shall be assessed a minor penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct at the discretion of the Head Referee or Commissioner. 
14. In all MAHSHL games the players on the ice for the presentation of the starting lineups must be the players indicated on the official starting lineup sheet presented to the officials. 
15. If a player or players fail to appear when his name is called or the wrong player appears when a name is called, the team shall be assessed a bench minor penalty for delay of game.
16. In the event that a player or players that are listed on the starting lineup sheet are unable to start the game for any reason, the coach must make the off-ice officials aware of the change and correct the starting lineup sheet before the announcement of the starting lineups begin. No exception to the above penalty will be made for failure to notify the officials of a change in the starting lineup.
17. If a player or players are announced in the starting lineup and fail to start the game, the offending team will be assessed a bench minor penalty for delay of game

F. GAME FORMAT 

1. Mid America High School Hockey League (MAHSHL) games will be played in accordance with the rules established by USA Hockey.
2. The league will consist of both a Junior Varsity (JV) and a Varsity divisions with a 22 game regular season schedule. 
3. All Varsity games will be three (3) periods with fifteen (15) minutes per period stop clock and will have an ice scrape after the 2nd period. 
4. All JV games will be three (3) perios with thirteen (13) minutes per period stop clock and ice scrape at the conclusion of the game
5. All Varsity & JV games will be officiated by three (3) qualified and certified officials.
6. The League Commissioner shall validate the qualifications and certifications of each official in cooperation with the local officials’ associations on an annual basis.
7. All MAHSHL regular season games ending in a tie at end of regulation will stay tied and each team will receive one point in the standings
8. Each team is allowed one (1) time out in MAHSHL regular season games
9. If there is a five (5) goal differential in the 3rd period, the time will be a running clock
10. Team Representatives are responsible for enforcing League policies, reporting any violations of the league’s off-ice policies to the Commissioner, and reporting any major and/or match penalties incurred by a player during non-League play to the Commissioner
11. Teams are required to comply with the USA Hockey SafeSport Program

G. OFF - ICE OFFICIALS - Game Personnel Scorekeepers, PA Announcers and Penalty Box Personnel , Trainer (Medical Personnel) 

1. Each team will coordinate the assignment of qualified off ice game personnel with the Leagues Commissioner without exception
2. Each team must submit a list of game personnel to the league Commissioners office for approval prior to November 1^st
3. Teams must comply with state concussion laws regarding high school interscholastic athletics
4. Teams hosting MAHSHL events are required to have a Trainer on site or other Emergency Medical Response Plan in place in which will be communicated with the visiting teams club upon arrival to the rink.
5. Clubs in violation are subject to a $200.00 fine. (2019)

 H. SUSPENSIONS

1. All major and/or match penalties incurred by a player during league and non-league play will be applied to USA Hockey Progressive Suspensions
2. Any player who receives a game misconduct will not be eligible to play in their next MAHSHL game at that level.
3. If a player receives a game misconduct in a varsity game, they cannot play in a junior varsity game until the suspension has been served at the varsity level (and vice versa).  The suspension must be served at the level received.  
4. Any player who receives a second (2nd) Game Misconduct in the same season, will result in a 2 game suspension. 
5. Any player who receives a third (3rd) Game Misconduct in the same season will result in an immediate suspension of all MAHSHL activities until a hearing is scheduled with the MAHSHL Rules and Discipline Committee and reinstatement is issued.
6. Suspensions apply to UISA Hockey and MAHSHL and will be enforced as stated 
7. Game Misconducts for FIGHTING will result in a (2) two game suspension
8. A second Game Misconduct for FIGHTING will result in a (4) four game suspension.
9. Suspensions may be appealed. 
10. All appeals will follow USA Hockey bylaw 10.E and must be sent via email to MAHSHL Commissioner and Board of Directors within 7 days.  If suspension is upheld, player will serve suspension during next eligible game.  All suspension rules listed above will remain in effect.
11. If a team receives 12 or more penalties in one game, the Head Coach will receive a one (1) game suspension per USA Hockey rules.
12. If a player receives four (4) penalties in the same game the player will receive a game misconduct and receive a one game suspension

Section III

A. SCHEDULE

1. The schedule of games will be set by the MAHSHL Commissioner.
2. The schedule shall be transmitted to all member teams and associations not less than two weeks in advance of the first game.
3. Protests of the schedule must be presented to the Commissioner within 48 hours of publication.
4. It is the responsibility of the league(s) to notify their representatives and members of all Tournament Schedules and Information

B. POSTSEASON TOURNAMENT 

1. The MAHSHL Post Season Tournament will be a single elimination format. 
2. Teams will be ranked based on end of regular season standings
3. If teams finished tied in points at the end of the season the tie breaker format will go as follows
   • ​​​​head to head 
   • number of wins
   • goals against
4. Teams losing their opening round game will be provided a second (2^nd) game which is identified as a "Consolation game"
   • ​Consolation Games if they end in a tie therre will be a 5 minute overtime period. 
   • If still tied the game will go to a 3 man shootout.
5. Any team or teams that receive a first round bye in the tournament bracket seeding are not be eligible for a 2^ndconsolation game
6. Teams are required to have an minimum of 12 players eligible on their post season roster to play in the post season tournament.  If a team has fewer than 12 players eligible for the post season that team will forfeit their spot in the standings and all other teams lower in the standings will move up one spot.
7. Any player who has participated in at least 70% combined JV and/or Varsity regular season games with their respective team may participate in the post season tournament. If any player falls under the 70% rule, that player will be ineligible to play in the post season.
8. All players participating in the postseason tournament must have dressed, been listed on the score sheet, and played a minimum of 70% of the regular seasons games (16 out of 22) to be eligible to participate in the Post season tournament.  Players who have been listed on the game sheets as injured and can not participate in the required amount of regular season games to be elidgible for the post season tournament, must get league approval to participate in the postseason playoffs.
9. Games ending in a tie, the teams will play an overtime period (JV - 13 min. - Varsity 15 min) and they will play the game out until a winner is determined. Sudden death!
10. Ice srapes for overtime:  For JV, a scrape will occur after the 3rd period and teams will have new ice at the start of the overtimne period.  For Varsity divisions, ice scrapes after every 2 periods of play.  If in overtime there will be a scrape after the 1st overtime period is complete.
11. Each team get 1 time out per game.  If the game goes to overtime each team receives one (1) timeout per overtime period.

Section IV

A. RULES AND DISCIPLINE - requests for consideration must adhere to the following

1. Any reviews requested must be submitted by the Head Coach (team rep) no more than 5 days following the date of the incident.
2. Requests disputing an officials’ call or application of rule must clearly identify in writing the USA Hockey rule and or MAHSHL rule in question and a detailed explanation of the basis of the request.
3. Video evidence may be submitted.  Only in as much that it supports the written request.
4. All Game Misconducts and or Match penalties will follow USA Hockey guidelines 
5. MAHSHL Supplemental Discipline was approved by the Leagues Board of Directors in 2016
6. Any player(s) who receives a penalty for Fighting, such player(s) will receive a total of a two (2) Game Suspension
7. Any player(s) who receive two (2) Game Misconducts in the same season, will result in an additional two (2) game suspension
8. Any player(s) who receive a third (3^rd) game misconduct in the same season, will result in that player to be suspended immediately from all MAHSHL events. The  player(s) will have to appear at a hearing with the Rules and Discipline Committee within 30 days of the infraction.
9. All game suspension penalties will be served in the division where the infraction occurred.
10. All game misconduct and/or match penalties incurred by a player during league and non-league play will be applied to USA Hockey Progressive Suspensions.
11.  A player who participates in both Varsity and Jr. Varsity will be suspended from all games until the player has served the suspension in the division where the infraction occurred. The number of post-season games served is subject to review by the Commissioner.
12. Any unserved regular-season game suspensions carry over to the year-end tournaments and the following season.
13. Any unserved game suspensions by a non-returning player will be served by the team’s coach. The number of games served is subject to review by the Commissioner.
14. Coaches accessed a game suspension for 15 penalties in a game are allowed to coach until the next scheduled game in the division in which the infraction occurred, at which time the suspension must be served.
15. Coaches serving a game suspension cannot have any contact with the team 30 minutes before and until the game is complete. 

B. CODE OF CONDUCT​

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

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2. COACHES CODE OF CONDUCT
   1. 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.
   2. Be a positive role model to your players. Display emotional maturity and be alert to the physical safety of players.
   3. 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.
   4. 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.
   5. 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.
   6. Maintain an open line of communication with your players’ parents. Explain the goals and objectives of your association.
   7. Be concerned with the overall development of your players. Stress good health habits and clean living.
   8. To play the game is great, to love the game is greater

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3. ​​​ON-ICE OFFICIALS CODE OF CONDUCT
   1. ​Act in a professional and businesslike manner at all times and take your role seriously.
   2. Strive to provide a safe and sportsmanlike environment in which players can properly display their hockey skills.
   3. Know all playing rules, their interpretations and their proper application.
   4. Remember that officials are teachers. Set a good example.
   5. Make your calls with quiet confidence; never with arrogance.
   6. Manage and help to control games in cooperation with the coaches to provide a positive and safe experience for all participants.
   7. Violence must never be tolerated. Be fair and impartial at all times.
   8. Answer all reasonable questions and requests.
   9. Adopt a “ZERO TOLERANCE” attitude toward verbal or physical abuse.
   10. Never use foul or vulgar language when speaking with a player, coach or parent. Use honesty and integrity when answering questions.
   11. Admit your mistakes when you make them. 
   12. Never openly criticize a coach, player or fellow official.
   13. Keep your emotions under control.
   14. Use only USA Hockey-approved officiating techniques and policies.
   15. Maintain your health through a physical conditioning program.
   16. Dedicate yourself to personal improvement and maintenance of officiating skills.
   17. Respect your supervisor and his/her critique of your performance.

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

1. ​Play for fun. Work hard to improve your skills.
2. Be a team player – get along with your teammates. Learn teamwork, sportsmanship and discipline.
3. Be on time. Learn the rules and play by them.  Always be a good sport.
4. Respect your coach, your teammates, your parents, opponents and officials. 
5. Never argue with an official’s decision.

1. Display good sportsmanship. Always respect players, coaches and officials.
2. Act appropriately; do not taunt or disturb other fans; enjoy the game together. Cheer good plays of all participants; avoid booing opponents. Cheer in a positive manner and encourage fair play; profanity and objectionable cheers or gestures are offensive.
3. Help provide a safe and fun environment; throwing any items on the ice surface can cause injury to players and officials.
4. Do not lean over or pound on the glass; the glass surrounding the ice surface is part of the playing area.
5. Support the referees and coaches by trusting their judgment and integrity.
6. Be responsible for your own safety – be alert to prevent accidents from flying pucks and other avoidable situations.
7. Respect locker rooms as private areas for players, coaches and officials.
8. Be supportive after the game – win or lose. Recognize good effort, teamwork and sportsmanship.

1. PLAYERS - A minor penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct (zero tolerance) shall be assessed whenever a player:
   • Visually demonstrates any sign of dissatisfaction with an official’s decision. Any time that a player persists in any of these actions, they shall be assessed a misconduct penalty. A game misconduct shall result if the player continues such action.
   • Uses obscene or vulgar language at any time, including any swearing, even if it is not directed at a particular person.
   • Openly disputes or argues any decision by an official.
2. COACHES
   1. A minor penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct (zero tolerance) shall be assessed whenever a coach who openly disputes or argues any decision by an official.
3. OFFICIALS
   1. Officials are required to conduct themselves in a businesslike, sportsmanlike, impartial and constructive manner at all times.
   2. The actions of an official must be above reproach.
   3. Actions such as “baiting” or inciting players or coaches are strictly prohibited.
   4. Officials are ambassadors of the game and must always conduct themselves with this responsibility in mind.
4. PARENTS - SPECTATORS
   1. The game will be stopped by game officials when parents/ spectators displaying inappropriate and disruptive behavior interfere with other spectators or the game.
   2. The game officials will identify violators to the coaches for the purpose of removing parents/ spectators from the spectator’s viewing and game area.
   3. Once removed, play will resume.
   4. Lost time will not be replaced and violators may be subject to further disciplinary action by the local governing body.
   5. This inappropriate and disruptive behavior shall include:
      1. Use of obscene or vulgar language in a boisterous manner to anyone at any time.
      2. Taunting of players, coaches, officials or other spectators by means of baiting, ridiculing, threat of physical violence or physical violence.
      3. Throwing of any object in the spectators viewing area, players bench, penalty box or on ice surface, directed in any manner as to create a safety hazard
5. ABUSE AND MISCONDUCT OF SOCIAL MEDIA 
   1. Social media and other electronic communication used to commit abuse and misconduct by any participant of a USA Hockey Program are considered violations of USA Hockey’s Safe-Sport Program and are subject to disciplinary action. 

Section V

1. Indemnification
   1. Member Teams and Associations, shall indemnify and hold harmless the Mid America High School Hockey League (MAHSHL), its Board of Directors and each director thereof, and all other elected, appointed, employed or volunteer representatives of the MAHSHL from any and all Claims, liability, judgments, costs, attorneys' fees, charges and expenses whatsoever, arising from the acts and omissions of MAHSHL, except to the extent (i) that the MAHSHL or it’s a fore described representatives caused such claims, liability, judgments, costs attorneys, fees, charges or expenses by their own intentional neglect or default or (ii) that such acts or omissions were the direct result of compliance with the Articles of Incorporation, By-Laws, Rules and Regulations, Playing Rules or decisions of the Board of Directors of the MAHSHL.  Further, Member Teams and Associations understands and acknowledges that the MAHSHL and it’s a fore described representatives have assumed understanding, agreement and condition that they be so indemnified and held harmless to the extent described in this by-law. 

 
UPDATED09.01.18