League Rules

• Hudson Valley Hockey League Rules

• Hudson Valley Hockey League Constitution & By-laws

Hudson Valley Hockey League Rules

Updated: 04/09/2009

At no time will the Hudson Valley Hockey League (HVHL) or any of its member organizations engage in Hazing or any Discriminatory practice with respect to Race, Religion, Sex or National Origin.
TEAM ROSTERS
1. All rosters must be submitted to the USA Hockey Registrar and be approved by the Registrar prior to the first League or Non-League contest of the season. (Season is defined as September 1st of the current year and ending August 31st of the following year.) Any game played prior to rosters being submitted will be ruled forfeits and disciplinary action can be taken against the Coach and or the Organization.
2. Roster changes may be made until December 31st of each year. However, HVHL Organizations can only make 3 Add/Delete Changes per team per year. Any changes beyond 3 will require HVHL Board of Directors approval. Any changes beyond 3 without HVHL Board of Directors approval will result in those games played being ruled forfeits and disciplinary action against the Organization.
3. League Games: Only players listed on the approved team roster may play in League games. Any games played with a player who is not rostered will result in the game(s) being ruled forfeit(s). In addition, the Organization will be fined $100.00 for each game played by the illegal player. A second offense by the same team will result in the game being ruled a forfeit; the immediate suspension of that team from HVHL Playoffs and a $250.00 fine against the organization. All games played by that team or un played will be ruled forfeits. Member organizations of the HVHL will have the option of whether or not to honor any remaining scheduled games with the offending team.
4. Roster Movement:
  1. NYSAHA Rules allow for supplemental "ADD" and supplemental "DELETE" of players until December 30th of each year.
  2. The HVHL will allow a player to appear on one (1) supplemental "ADD" and one (1) supplemental "DELETE" roster per season for a given team. This limitation may be waived by a majority vote of the HVHL Board of directors if required by extenuating circumstances.
PLAYER ELIGIBILITY
1. No player rostered on a Tier I Boys Tea; Junior Boys; College or College club team can be rostered on a HVHL team.
2. A player may only be rostered on only ONE 91) HVHL team.
3. If a team has no rostered substitute goal tender available to play, a rostered goal tender can move "UP" or move "Laterally" if noted on the score sheet and discussed with the opposing coach prior to the start of the game.
SUSPENSION PENALTIES
1. All score sheets reflecting any game suspension penalty (Game Misconduct, Match Penalty) must be reported to the HVHL Commissioner within 48 hours of said penalty. The score sheet must be faxed to the Commissioner. The score sheet must reflect the following information.
  1. Offending Players Name and Uniform number.
  2. The teams next scheduled game when the penalties will be served.
2. Score sheets reflecting the service of suspension must be faxed to the HVHL commissioner.
3. Failure to abide by this rule will result in suspension of the offending player and coach pending a hearing before the HVHL Board of Directors.
4. Any game played by a suspended player who was to b serving their suspension will result in the game being ruled a forfeit and the immediate suspension of the player and coach pending a disciplinary hearing before the HVHL Board of Directors.
5. MATCH PENALTY
  1. Any Match Penalty must be reported to the HVHL President and HVHL commissioner immediately following the game involved.
  2. The Organization of the Player/Coach receiving the Match Penalty will send via e-mail to the HVHL President and the HVHL Commissioner the offending individuals Name, Address, phone number and e-mail address within 24 hours of receiving the Match Penalty.
  3. The person who receives the Match Penalty is immediately suspended from ALL USA Hockey activities including games, tournaments; practices (on ice), off ice practices, team meetings/functions until a hearing for that individual is held by either the HVHL Board of Directors or the East Section President, depending on the type of Match Penalty awarded. A hearing will be held within 30 days of the awarding of the penalty.
6. SUSPENSION AWARDS
  1. When a player or coach receives a Game Misconduct penalty they receive a one (1) game suspension from USA Hockey.
  2. When a player or coach receives their second (2) game misconduct penalty of the season, he/she will serve the required one (1) game suspension from USA Hockey AND will also receive an additional game suspension from the HVHL. (1 game from USA Hockey, 1 Game from HVHL. Total 2 game suspension)
  3. When a player or coach receives their third (3) game misconduct penalty of the season, they will receive the required USA Hockey one (1) game suspension AND an additional 2 game suspension from HVHL (1 game from USA Hockey and 2 games from HVHL. Total 3 game suspension).
  4. For each additional game misconduct the HVHL component increases by one (1) game.
  5. Upon receipt of a fourth (4) game misconduct of the season, the player/coach will be suspended pending a hearing by the HVHL Commissioner and HVHL Board of Directors. The individual can be subject to additional disciplinary penalties.
EQUIPMENT
All protective equipment as listed by USA Hockey shall be worn in its unaltered form. Any violation is subject to a game misconduct penalty at any level per USA Hockey rules.
PLAYING RULES
1. Scores will not be posted to the scoreboard after a lead of six (6) goals has been achieved.
2. At the conclusion of ALL Bantam and Midget contests teams will exit the ice surface one (1) team at a time.
PLAYER MOVEMENT FROM ONE ORGANIZATION TO ANOTHER
1. All players moving from one organization to another MUST have a signed completed Player Release Form from the Organization they last played for.
2. No Organization will allow any player to try out or to join their Organization without an approved signed valid Player Release Form.
3. No HVHL Member Organization will allow a player to try out or to join their Organization if the Player Release Form states that either equipment or a financial issue is owed to the Organization that the player is coming from.
SCHEDULING/SCORES/STANDINGS
1. The Home Team is responsible to notify the HVHL Web Master of any changes to their home league schedule.
2. The Home Team is responsible to enter league game results to the HVHL Web site within 7 days of the contest.
3. Season End Division Ties will be broken as follows:
  1. Most Wins - Head to Head
  2. Most Wins - League Play
  3. Least Goals Against - League Play
  4. Least Goals Against - Head to Head
HVHL PLAYOFFS
1. Provisions for tie games need to be discussed and decided by the Coaches and on ice officials prior to the start of the game. Unlimited overtime is the preferred method.
2. If ice time is limited, plan for overtime and or a shot out as follows:
  1. Each team shall choose five (5) players to participate in the shoot out.
  2. Each of the ten (10) players shall be allowed one shot.
  3. The team taking the first shot shall be determined by the toss of a coin.
  4. Players shall alternate between the two teams shooting (Team A; Team B; Team A; etc.)
  5. If at the end of ten (10) shots no winner is determined the remaining players on each team, excluding goalies will participate in the sudden death shoot out. No player may shoot twice until every player has shot once.
ALCOHOL; DRUGS; TOBACCO
The HVHL fully endorse USA Hockey's position in regards to Alcohol; Drugs and Tobacco.
1. No Alcohol can be in any locker room, on ice, or on the bench before, during or after any game, practice or event.
2. No Tobacco including but not limited to cigarettes, cigars, pipes, chewing tobacoo or snuff is allowed in locker rooms, on ice, or on the bench ares before, during or after practices, games or any event.
3. The above rules cover players, coaches, managers, parents and spectators.
4. Violations of these rules will result in disciplinary action by the HVHL Board of Directors which can include but is not limited to individual suspensions; team suspensions and or organization suspensions.

HUDSON VALLEY HOCKEY LEAGUE CONSTITUTION & BY-LAWS

Updated: 04/09/2009

ARTICLE I: NAME

The name of the organization shall be the Hudson Valley Hockey League, Inc. hereinafter the HVHL. It shall be operated as a non-profit corporation and shall have perpetual succession. The location of the principle office of the HVHL shall be the address of the HVHL Secretary.

ARTICLE II: PURPOSE

To develop and encourage sportsmanship between all players, coaches, parents, and spectators for the betterment of their social and physical well being.
To encourage and improve the standard of amateur hockey in the Hudson Valley region.
To conduct ice hockey competition in an organized setting.
To associate with other ice hockey organizations.
To do any and all acts in the furtherance of the foregoing purposes.

ARTICLE III: MEMBERSHIP

Any organization registered with USA Hockey; New York State Amateur Hockey Association or any USA Hockey member district shall be entitled to membership upon meeting the requirements as set forth in these By-Laws.
All HVHL member organizations must be registered with NYSAHA and USA Hockey to obtain the required insurance required.
Membership in the HVHL shall entitle an organization to one voting delegate at every meeting of the HVHL. Member organizations can have more than one HVHL representative attending a meeting however the member organization will only be allowed to cast one vote. The delegates are directly responsible for all HVHL activities for their respective organizations and are liaisons' for keeping their organizations informed of all HVHL procedures, rules and regulations, and other pertinent matters.
Any organization that fails to have a representative at three HVHL meetings will be placed on probation for the remainder of the current year.

PROBATION IN THIS CASE WILL RESULT IN THE LOSS OF ELIGIBILITYFOR HVHL PLAYOFFS FOR THAT YEAR AND A REQUEST BY THE HVHL BOARDOF DIRECTORS TO THE EAST SECTION PRESIDENT TO THE STATE BOARD TO REMOVE THE ELIGIBILITY OF THE OFFENDING ORGANIZATION FROM THE STATE TOURNAMENT FOR THAT YEAR.
A member organization may not change its name, logo, and or team color unless it is approved by a majority vote of members at any HVHL meeting. A letter of intent to make such a change must be sent and received by the President of the HVHL at least fourteen (14) days prior to any meeting.
Member organizations must submit rosters for all teams fielded by that organization, be it HVHL team or non league games.
Any existing member organization may with prior HVHL Board of director approval, withdraw from active league pay. The HVHL Board of directors may impose any qualifying conditions it deems appropriate.
Any member organization shall be subject to forfeiture of its membership for, but not limited to, the following.
1. Failure to comply with the Constitution & By-Laws and the Rules and Regulations of the HVHL, USA Hockey, NYSAHA or any USA Hockey affiliate having jurisdiction over the member organization.
2. Failure to meet its HVHL obligations (financial).
Any officer or member organization may petition the HVHL to expel an alleged offending member organization at any regular meeting prior to the commencement of the current season (prior to September 1st). The alleged offending member organization shall receive written notification of the motion at least 30 days prior to the meeting at which the motion shall be acted upon. The alleged offending member organization shall have the right to be heard at such meeting and to present any information it deems pertinent. A majority vote of the members present shall be required for the expulsion of a member organization under this provision.

ARTICLE IV: NEW MEMBERSHIP

An organization may apply for HVHL membership by sending written request to join the HVHL to the HVHL President and Secretary. The President will contact the requesting organization to inquire and to ascertain if that organization meets the following conditions. If the conditions are met, the HVHL President will invite the requesting organization to attend a meeting for the HVHL to consider their request for membership.

The organization must be registered with USA Hockey.
The organization must enter the HVHL with two (2) or more teams at different levels of play.

Acceptance of the requesting organization will be granted membership upon a majority vote of the members present. Once accepted as a member the following conditions are attached to the membership.

The new member is on probation for one (1) year.
The new organization will have full voting rights, with the exception of votes concerning membership status.
The probationary member is subject to all HVHL rules and regulations.
At the end of the probationary year, the HVHL Board of directors can grant full membership, extend the probationary period or recommend to HVHL membership to terminate membership. In the case of termination, the HVHL members will vote at that meeting. A simply majority is required to take action.

ARTICLE V. OFFICERS (BOARD OF DIRECTORS)

The officers (directors) of the HVHL shall be as follows and shall be elected by member organizations by a simple majority of those in attendance. Terms of officer are three (3) years. In the event an officer is unable to complete their term of office, a replacement will be appointed by the Board of Directors. No more than one individual from any member organization can hold elected office at the same time.
The officers shall comprise the Board of Directors and shall be responsible to conduct the day to day operation of the HVHL.
Any officer may be removed from office at any regular meeting provided the following occurs:
1. Written motion is submitted to the HVHL President and secretary thirty (30) days prior to the meeting at which the motion will be acted upon.
2. The alleged offending officer shall have the right to be heard at such meeting and to present any information it deems pertinent. A majority vote of the members present shall be required for the expulsion of an officer under this provision.
3. If the officer is removed, then the HVHL Board of Directors will appoint a replacement for the remainder of the term of office.
President
1. Presides at all HVHL meetings.
2. Performs duties usual to the office of President, including having the power to call special meetings of the HVHL and to determine questions arising from emergency situations not provided for in the HVHL rules until such a time as they may be acted upon by the HVHL members at a meeting.
3. The President shall have the power to appoint non voting officers (non Board of Directors) as required to accomplish the work of the HVHL. These appointments may include, but are not limited to, HVHL Statistician; Scheduler; Webmaster, Tournament Supervisors, etc.
Vice President
1. Performs specific duties assigned by the President and or the Board of Directors.
2. Assumes the duties of the President in his/her absence or incapacitation.
3. Acts as an alternate to the Commissioner when such action is requested by the Commissioner.
4. Maintains the records verifying that all teams in the HVHL are in compliance with HVHL, NYSAHA and USA Hockey registration requirements.
Commissioner
1. Responsible for overseeing all on-ice activities of the HVHL.
2. Performs all actions required to provide the HVHL with a first level of discipline.
3. Reviews all game misconduct and match penalties incurred within the HVHL and determines suspensions and or hearings as required.
4. Convenes and Chairs the HVHL Board of Directors for disciplinary hearings. Has the authority to add additional individuals to hearing panels who are not currently HVHL Board of Director members at his/her discretion.
5. Acts a liaison with all higher level disciplinary groups (East Section-NYSAHA; NYSAHA Board of Directors; USA Hockey)
6. Acts as the Tournament Director for the HVHL Playoffs.
Treasurer
1. Handles all fiduciary responsibilities of the HVHL, including the receipt and disbursement of funds.
2. Maintains records of receipts and disbursements.
3. Publishes reports to HVHL member organizations.
4. Publishes budget of operations to HVHL member organizations.
Secretary
1. Takes minutes of all HVHL meetings and distributes to all member organizations.
2. Maintains the HVHL membership directory.
3. Maintains the HVHL Constitution & By-Laws; Rules and Regulations and other important documents in current condition, reflecting any and all modifications enacted by the HVHL and distributes to member organizations.

ARTICLE VI: MEETINGS

The Secretary shall notify the member organization of all HVHL meetings.
All voting at meetings is to be done in person. No absentee or delegating votes to any other organization is prohibited. Only member organizations in good standing are permitted to vote. Any HVHL member organization under HVHL suspension is prohibited to vote.
Attendance at HVHL meeting is required. Failure to attend multiple meeting leaves the offending organization subject to disciplinary action under Article III.

ARTICLE VII: RULES AND REGULATIONS

All Rules and Regulations adopted and approved by the HVHL shall have the same force and effect as the Constitution and By-Laws of the HVHL and shall be enforced by the HVHL and game officials where applicable.
All Rules and Regulations of the HVHL apply to HVHL member organizations regardless of the location of the contest, league or non league contest, tournaments, and or in or out of the USA.

ARTICLE VIII: HEARINGS AND APPEALS:

Hearings and Appeals will be conducted in accordance with the guidelines as they appear in section number ten (10) of the USA Hockey By Laws as they appear in the USA Hockey Annual Guide. Suspensions can only be levied within the league and shall not automatically extend to all USA Hockey Activities. A written report of all hearings and disciplinary actions must be sent to the NYSAHA section president for review and record keeping.
Appeals of HVHL hearing decisions can be appealed to the East Section President of the NYSAHA per the appeal process as written in the NYSAHA Annual Guidebook.
The HVHL Commissioner can request the extension of any HVHL disciplinary suspension to be extended to all of USA Hockey activities by sending a written request to the East Section President of NYSAHA.

ARTICLE IX: DISSOLUTION OF THE HVHL

In the event of the dissolution of the HVHL, all monies currently remaining in the HVHL Treasury will be donated to New York State Amateur Hockey Association to further amateur hockey in New York State. The final amount will be determined after all HVHL financial obligations have been met.