NORTH COAST HIGH SCHOOL HOCKEY LEAGUE
BYLAWS - Download available at end of bylaws

6th Edition
(Revised 10/18/09)

I. MISSION STATEMENT

The North Coast High School Hockey League (NCHSHL) is committed to providing a positive hockey experience for high school-aged players, coaches, and parents based on the principles of sportsmanship, skill development, and responsibility.

NCHSHL is dedicated to providing high school-aged hockey players the opportunity to learn and develop ice hockey skills through league play. Through its program, NCHSHL allows athletes to build self-esteem, self-discipline, teamwork, camaraderie, and a respect for fellow players.

The NCHSHL is dedicated to helping high school-aged players learn and understand the values of teamwork, sportsmanship, self-esteem, self-discipline, and responsibility. The underlying goal of this program is to promote and instill these fundamental values within each individual.


II. LEAGUE

II.A. SEASON DATES        
II.A.1 The Season will begin the Friday after Thanksgiving and conclude on President’s Day, allowing sufficient time for an approximately one-week gap between the end of the season and the start of league playoffs.
II.A.1.a. All league games are to be played between the Friday after Thanksgiving and President’s Day.
II.A.1.b. Any league game not completed during the above-outlined season dates must be completed during the one-week gap only with permission granted from the Executive Committee; otherwise, the team will have to resort on its percentage as outlined in VIII.B.1.a.
II.A.2. Season dates are to be discussed at the March meeting that precedes the upcoming league season

II.B. GOVERNANCE DATES
II.B.1. While the league will continue its administrative functions throughout the calendar year, league governance over a team begins at the start of the season outlined in II.A.1. and continues over each individual league team until it has completed its last game that can be construed as representing the North Coast High School Hockey League.
II.B.2. League governance therefore continues during the league playoffs, the Buckeye Cup, and the Nationals as a league team advances.
II.B.3. League governance continues until the completion of any necessary disciplinary actions against a league team or a player/coach from that league team while representing the North Coast High School Hockey League.

II.C. LEAGUE GAMES        
II.C.1. The amount of league games is equal to the amount of teams in the league, less one.
II.C.1.a. Teams should have equal amounts of home and away games, except for when there is an odd number of league games, in which case the number of home and away games will differ by one or as close to equal as possible. For seasons with an odd number of games, the decision of which team host the additional home game will be by random chance on scheduling positions.
II.C.1.b. League games are not to be played in tournaments.
II.C.2. All league games are to be officiated by high school-certified officials.

II.D. LEAGUE OPERATION/STRUCTURE
II.D.1. League Administrative Committee
II.D.1.a. Commissioner
II.D.1.a.i.   Organizes league meetings.
II.D.1.a.ii. “Go-to” person for all concerns, questions, and issues.
II.D.1.a.ii.A) Protocol for communication with the commissioner: A team may communicate with the commissioner regarding that team’s concerns/issues/questions only through its named coach and a named manager/representative. No other communication with the commissioner regarding a league or team matter is allowed, except to the extent alternative representatives to league board meetings are permitted as set forth in II.D.2.
II.D.1.a.ii.A)1) Teams will state the named coach and named manager/representative prior to (in writing, to the commissioner) or at the October meeting.
II.D.1.a.ii.A)1)a) In the absence of good cause, it is expected that each team’s named coach and manager/representative will be the individuals who regularly attend the league meetings.
II.D.1.a.ii.A)1)b) These named coaches and managers/representatives will act as liaisons to their team’s players/families/board with respect to the league matters.
II.D.1.a.ii.A)2) Any substitution of the named coach or manager/representative during the season and up until the October meeting for the next season must be requested in writing and will be in effect for league meetings only as provided in II.D.2.a.
II.D.I.a.ii.B) Failure to follow the proper protocol of communication with the commissioner will result in a fine. Please refer to section VII. Fines.
II.D.1.a.iii. Focuses on league improvement and betterment.
II.D.1.a.iv. In charge of all league rosters and record of changes in rosters.
II.D.1.a.v. Presents situations to the Executive Committee and announces Executive Committee’s decision.
II.D.1.b. Treasurer
II.D.1.b.i.   Handles all financial transactions.
II.D.1.b.ii. Pays league officials.
II.D.1.b.iii. Prepares league budget to determine league fees.
II.D.1.c. Executive Committee
II.D.1.c.i. Comprised of three recognized league representatives of three league teams plus one alternate as described in II.D.7.
II.D.I.c.i.A) If there is involvement of an Executive Committee’s member’s team, that member will recuse him/herself, and the alternate will step in.
II.D.1.c.i.B) At least two members shall make the decision(s) regarding a challenge/situation.
II.D.1.c.ii. Interprets the bylaws and follows with a decision within the timeliest manner possible given the unique circumstances of each situation.
II.D.1.c.iii. Should there be a deadlock or less than two members able to make the decision due to team involvement, the resolution of the situation will come from a league vote.
II.D.1.c.iv. The Executive Committee does not replace the Review Board necessary for Review Hearings.
II.D.1.d. Referee-in-Chief
II.D.1.d.i.   Assigns officials for all league games.
II.D.1.d.ii. Supplies treasurer with a record/schedule of officials.
II.D.1.d.iii. Gives treasurer a roster of officials with necessary contact information for billing.
II.D.1.e. Review Board/Appeal Board
II.D.1.e.i. Names of head coaches will be chosen at the October meeting by a drawing of names.
II.D.1.e.ii. The order in which the names were drawn will be on record.
II.D.1.e.iii. Coaches will serve on either the Review Board or the Appeal Board in a sequential order. Therefore, the first three names drawn will constitute the first Review Board. The next three names will constitute the next Review Board and so on.
II.D.1.e.iii.a) If a coach is not be able to serve on the Review Board because of team involvement or partiality (as determined by the commissioner, based on a review of the facts), the next name from the draw will serve on the Review Board.
II.D.1.e.iii.b) If an appeal is taken from a Review Board’s decision, an Appeal Board will be constituted by the next three sequential names of coaches as long as they are uninvolved or impartial (as determined by the commissioner, based on a review of the facts).
II.D.1.f. League Webmaster
II.D.1.f.i. Manages and updates league website.
II.D.1.g. NCHSHL Playoff Director
II.D.1.g.i.   Schedules playoff times.
II.D.1.g.ii. Schedules all off-ice officials.
II.D.1.g.iii. Schedules playoff activities.
II.D.1.g.iv. Hosting team to be chosen or voted upon at the March meeting.
II.D.1.g.v. Hosting team to choose director.
II.D.1.h. Buckeye Cup Representative
II.D.1.h.i.   League rep for Buckeye Cup.
II.D.1.h.ii. Reports to league on the Buckeye Cup.
II.D.1.i. Schedule Master
II.D.1.i.i.   Finalizes the schedules of all league teams.
II.D.1.i.ii. Submits final schedule to commissioner and webmaster
II.D.1.j. League Awards Chair
II.D.1j.i. Responsible for league awards nominations, voting process, and distribution of awards.
II.D.I.j.ii. Responsible for relaying information to award contractor.
II.D.1.k. Team Administrator
II.D.1.k.i. Manages team subsite on league website.
II.D.1.k.ii. Must be assigned to either the named coach or named manager/representative as stated in II.D.1.a.ii.A)1).


II.D.2. LEAGUE BOARD
II.D.2.a. All teams participating in the current upcoming season must elect one representative to attend the meeting and have the capacity to vote on league issues who shall be identified as provided in II.D.1.a.ii.A)1), above. If that representative is unable to attend a meeting, a team may send an alternate representative for that meeting. A team representative may also designate another league board member (i.e. another team rep) to vote for them at a meeting if he or she cannot attend; the league commissioner or one other league board member (other than the designated board member) must be informed if this option is chosen.
II.D.2.b. Any team failing to have representation at a minimum of 66% of regularly scheduled league meetings will not be able to vote on league issues during the remainder of that season and at the postseason meeting in March, unless a majority of league board members will allow representative to be allowed to vote.

II.D.3. LEAGUE MEETINGS
II.D.3.a. Held at Ice Land USA, Strongsville
II.D.3.a.i. Preseason (October)
II.D.3.a.ii. Midseason (January)
II.D.3.a.iii Postseason (March)
II.D.3.a.iv Scheduling (Late Spring/Early Summer)
II.D.3.b. Emergency meetings can also be scheduled with as much notice as possible. Emergency meetings must be put forth by a board member, seconded by another, and then approved by the commissioner.
II.D.3.c. Review hearing/appeal hearing meetings will be held the first Saturday of every month from December thru April.
II.D.3.c.i. Start time is 10:00 AM at Ice Land USA, Strongsville; time will be changed only if Ice Land cannot accommodate that time.
II.D.3.c.ii. Review hearings will not be held if there are no issues to be reviewed.
II.D.3.c.iii. Attendance of the Review Board is mandatory.
II.D.3.c.iv. The Commissioner will also attend the review hearing but will not vote regarding the issue being reviewed.
II.D.3.c.v. Issues to be reviewed include, but are not limited to, three games misconducts, matters of conduct, and when USA Hockey requires the league to handle an issue. The following cannot be reviewed (1) fines and (2) acts taken by the commissioner in lieu of a meeting as provided in II.D.6.d and III.C.11.c.
II.D.3.c.vi. An appeal must be requested in writing to the commissioner as permitted by II.D.1.a.ii.A)1) no later than 10 days after the decision of the review hearing; the appeal hearing will then take place on the first Saturday of the next month.
II.D.3.c.vi.A) An appeal must be accompanied by $100 payable to the league, which is nonrefundable unless the appeal board reverses the review board’s decision in full.

II.D.4. LEAGUE FEES
II.D.4.a. League fees are determined once a budget is presented.
II.D.4.b. One-half of a team’s league fee is due by or at the October meeting.
II.D.4.c. The balance of a team’s league fee is due by December 15th.

II.D.5.LEAGUE VOTING
II.D.5.a. Any change to the league bylaws will require a league vote. The change must be put forth by a league board member and seconded by another league member.
II.D.5..b. To put the change into effect, a majority of league voting members PRESENT at that meeting must be achieved.
II.D.5.c. When a vote is requested via email by the Commissioner, a majority will be counted from the email replies received by the deadline date stated in the email requesting the vote.
II.D.5.d. Notice must be given to all team representatives that there is to be a vote to modify these bylaws prior to the meeting.

II.D.6. SELECTION AND AUTHORITY OF COMMISSIONER
II.D.6.a. The commissioner shall be elected by a majority of the league. The commissioner may be removed only by a 3/4 league vote.
II.D.6.b. Election of the commissioner will occur on a yearly basis.
II.D.6.b.i. Election will be held at the March meeting.
II.D.6.b.ii. Newly-elected commissioner’s term will begin at the May meeting.
II.D.6.c. The position of commissioner is a paid position based on an annual stipend of $200/team to be figured in the yearly budget.
II.D.6.d. In circumstances where decisions ordinarily would be made by league vote, but which must be made without sufficient time to proceed with a league vote, the commissioner may decide the issue on his or her own.
II.D.6.e. All commissioner decisions are final and not subject to appeal.

II.D.7. SELECTION AND AUTHORITY OF EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
II.D.7.a. The Executive Committee shall be elected by a majority of the league. A member of the Executive Committee may be removed by a 3/4 league vote.
II.D.7.a.i. The three recognized league representatives of three league teams receiving the largest number of votes will act as the Executive Committee.
II.D.7.a.ii. Alternate for the Executive Committee will be the recognized league representative receiving the next highest amount of votes.
II.D.7.b. Election of the Executive Committee will occur on a yearly basis.
II.D.7.b.i. Election will be held at the March meeting.
II.D.7.b.ii. Newly-elected Executive Committee’s term will begin at the May meeting.
II.D.7.c. Executive Committee decisions are final and not subject to appeal.


III. PLAYERS

III.A. PLAYER ELIGIBILITY
III.A.1. Grades 9-12 for the school year in which they are rostered.
III.A.2. Players have an eight-semester eligibility window starting with the year they enter the ninth grade—i.e., no “super seniors”.
III.A.3. Ages are NOT set according to midget ages guideline. Therefore, no eighth graders are permitted.

III.B. ACADEMIC ELIGIBILITY
III.B.1. Player must be enrolled in a high school or state-certified program.
III.B.2. Player must meet OHSAA eligibility, (i.e. passing five credit hours). This eligibility must be maintained for qualifying grading periods.
III.B.3. An “honor system” is in place. This means coaches are all on the honor system, and are required to confirm eligibility. The league will not check, but eligibility is subject to challenge by the league or any of its teams. Proof of player’s report card must be presented no later than five school days after a challenge is made.

III.C. TEAM ROSTERS/MEMBERSHIP
III.C.1. All teams must turn in their full rosters to the league office before the first league games.
III.C.1.a. A team may roster up to 30 players, but can only dress 20 players for any given game. (Per USA Hockey, the bench consists of a maximum of 18 skaters and 2 goalies.)
III.C.1.b. When counting the number of players on the bench, “20” means players that are able to participate in the game; injured players on the bench (who are required to wear a helmet for safety precautions) who are not able to participate in the game are not included in the 20 participating players on the bench.
III.C.1.c. Scoresheet MUST reflect accurately (whether handwritten or on labels—all labels, not just the top copy, must be accurate on a scoresheet) which players are on the bench participating in the game, as the scoresheet is the official document reflecting game participation and events.
III.C.1.d. A scoresheet listing more than 20 players will result in a forfeit for that team for that league game.
III.C.2. Rosters can be adjusted through December 31st of the current season. League office needs to be notified of any and all changes. If changes are made to a team roster, written notification must be sent to the league office prior to any game being played. The league office will provide a letter acknowledging notification of that change.
III.C.3. Official league roster freeze date is December 31st. The league office will send each team its “official” league roster by January 5th of the current season.
III.C.4 In the event a roster is not in possession of the league office by December 31st, the players listed on the team’s first league game scoresheet will be used. All games that used players not listed on the first league game scoresheet will be deemed ineligible, and all games in which any or all of those players were participants in will be forfeited.
III.C.5. For club teams, a copy of the signed and approved USA Hockey roster dated no later than December 31st of that season must be received by the league office no later than January 31st of that season.
III.C.6. Rosters must also be posted on the league website by January 10th of the season.
III.C.6.a. Any player not posted on the league website is deemed ineligible for Buckeye Cup participation.
III.C.6.b. A roster posted on the league website does not fulfill the other roster requirements outlined in our bylaws; all other roster protocol must be followed.
III.C.7. In the case of a club team, the USA Hockey roster should reflect all players on the league team. There should be no other player’s name listed on the roster unless it is crossed off with “REMOVED” written next to the name and proof by USA Hockey registrar (such as date and signature) that the player is truly not registered with the team any longer.
III.C.8. Club teams must register with USA Hockey as “High School”, NOT “Midget”.
III.C.8.a. High School Division 1 is a team is comprised of players from more than one high school.
III.C.8.b. High School Division 2 is a team is comprised of players from the SAME high school.
III.C.9. In the case of varsity teams, a copy of the team’s roster received from the school on school letterhead will be accepted as proof of a team’s roster.
III.C.9.a.This also should must be dated no later than December 31st of the current season.
III.C.9.b. Additions to a varsity roster prior to December 31st of the current season must be provided with validation from the school on school letterhead as well.
III.C.10. Challenge of player eligibility will begin with a written petition from the head coach of the challenging team and given to the commissioner as well as the league office.
III.C.11. Official league-rostered players are the only eligible players for NCHSHL league games and NCHSHL playoffs.
III.C.11.a. Any use of an ineligible/illegal player in a game will result in forfeiture of the game that player played in.
III.C.11.b. Scoresheets will be checked within five days of receipt to confirm eligibility of players in league games, and forfeitures, if necessary, will be assessed; team will be notified of forfeiture within seven days of receipt of scoresheet.
III.C.11.c. Forfeiture decisions are final and cannot be appealed.
III.C.11.d. If there is a violation—regardless of the reason for violation--by both teams in a game, zero points will be issued, even if the game went into overtime.
III.C.12. Insurance and liability protection (either school, third-party, or USA Hockey) must be proven immediately upon request.
III.C.13. Effective 03/23/06, varsity teams are still permitted to join the league, but being that they are OHSAA-eligible, they would not be eligible for participation in that year’s Buckeye Cup.
III.C14. Effective 03/23/06, a player that is eligible to play in an OHSAA State Tournament is ineligible to play on a North Coast High School Hockey team unless the team is registered with North Coast High School Hockey League as a varsity team.
III.C.15. The league discourages “recruiting” of players from other teams in the league. A player who played in the NCHSHL the previous year, who wishes to play for a different team in the league must first obtain a “release” from his prior team. The intention of this “release” is to: (a) confirm player has met all financial obligations from the previous year, and (b) to ensure that player has openly notified the coach from his previous season, and had given them a chance to address any concerns.   Unless the release is being held for financial reasons, a player who does not secure a release from his previous team is still eligible for non-league games with the new team, but is ineligible for league games and playoff games for a period of one year. If a release is not provided due to financial obligations not being met, the player may not play on the new team at all.
III.C.15.a. In the event that a coach is accused of recruiting and a release is not provided by the prior team, a parent may appeal not receiving a release. This appeal is made to the commissioner, who will then request the necessary proof of recruiting.
III.C.15.b. If there is proof that a coach recruited, a hearing—either via meeting or via email—will be held, and consequences for that coach will be decided upon the results of that hearing.
III.C.16. A team interested in joining the league must play against at least five league teams prior to petitioning to join the league. Requests to be accepted into the league for the next season will then be heard at the March postseason meeting, which is the meeting at the conclusion of the season in which they played against the five or more league teams. The team representative for the petitioning team will be asked to leave the meeting for the voting process.
III.C.17. A team that was previously a league member may petition to rejoin the league, upon which the league members will vote on acceptance.
III.C.17.a. A 2/3 vote is necessary to gain readmittance into the league.
III.C.17.b. A team may not rejoin midseason.

III.D. DOUBLE-ROSTERING
III.D.1. Varsity teams are required to follow OHSAA rules and guidelines.
III.D.2. Club teams are permitted to have unlimited double-rostered freshman players still eligible to participate on a bantam-level team by both USA Hockey and NCHSHL guidelines.
III.D.3. Club teams are permitted to have unlimited double-rostered Tier II players or pre-post players.
III.D.4. Internal double-rostering between an organization’s varsity and junior varsity is permitted and does not count as “double rostering”.
III.D.5. Club teams are not permitted to have double-rostered players from another league team, an OHSAA team , a Junior level team, or a Tier I team.
III.D.5.a. Proof of participation on any other team named in III.D.5. is the name of the player listed on a scoresheet or a stat sheet for the team.
III.D.5.b. If eligibility of a player is challenged, the proof listed in III.D.5.a. is the only proof considered.
III.D.5.c. Documentation must be presented at the time of the challenge.

III.E. UNIFORM GUIDELINES
III.E.1. Matching color of the following:
III.E.1.a. Helmets (goalies excluded from this)
III.E.1.b. Jerseys (players’ names are optional with no violation if all jerseys do not have names on them)
III.E.1.c. Socks (goalies excluded from this)
III.E.1.d. Pants (also must have matching length)
III.E.2. Helmets will not have any stickers present except those representing a player’s current team or those representing the league.
III.E.3. Goalie must follow the above uniform guidelines with the exception of matching helmets and matching socks.
III.E.3.a. While the helmet color does not have to match, the sticker rule still applies to the goalie as well.
III.E.3.b. Reverse socks, under armor, and sweatpants are allowed to be worn by a goalie while surgical pants, pajama pants, and street pants are not permitted to be worn by a goalie.
III.E.3.c. Goalie is not permitted to have bare legs. Bare skin should not be evident on any portion of a goalie’s legs.

IV. GAME PLAY

IV.A. RULES
IV.A.1. USA Hockey Rules
IV.A.2. OHSAA Boys Ice Hockey Rules
IV.A.3. National Federal Rules

IV.B. PERIOD LENGTH (LEAGUE GAMES)
IV.B.1. Minimum 5-minute warm-up.
IV.B.2. 15-minute periods.
IV.B.3. Stop time.
IV.B.4. Game must go two periods.
IV.B.5. Game ends at a 10-point differential after two periods are completed.

IV.C. INTERMISSION
IV.C.1. Minimum 10-minute intermission between periods.
IV.C.1.a. This time may be decreased only if it is agreeable with both teams and both officials in a game.
IV.C.1.b. If there is not full agreement between the teams and officials to decrease the intermission time, then the minimum of 10-minute intermission stands.
IV.C.2. Minimum one ice cut per game (unless technically impossible).
IV.C.2.a. However, if the situation arises—such as, but not limited to, time      
constraints—but only where both coaches agree to eliminate the ice cut, the ice cut may be eliminated.
IV.C.2.b. Should the ice cut be eliminated, there will be no complaints heard or
followed up on if one of those teams is dissatisfied with the result of the game and the ice cut may have been a factor.

IV.D. OVERTIME
IV.D.1. One 8-minute overtime mandatory for league games.
IV.D.2. Winner in overtime is determined by sudden death; therefore, game is over upon a team scoring a goal during overtime.
IV.D.3. Overtime winner receives a total two points (one for regulation tie and one for overtime win).
IV.D.4. Overtime loser receives one point.
IV.D.5. In the event that the game remains a tie after the one overtime, the game ends in a tie, and each team receives one point. No further overtimes or shoot-outs will occur.

IV.E. SECURITY
IV.E.1. Security is to be supplied by the home team.
IV.E.2. If security does not show up at a league game, the home team’s coach/manager MUST notify the visiting team’s coach prior to the game’s beginning. It must then be agreed on by both teams to start the game.
IV.E.3. Teams should keep documentation on securing security for their league games. Proof of intent will prevent a team’s head coach from holding liability and possible consequences.
IV.E.5. Failure to schedule security will result in a $100 fine to the home team. The same timeline and repercussion outlined under section VII. Fines will be followed.

IV.F. OFFICIALS
IV.F.1. Two officials are to be assigned to each league game.
IV.F.2. In the event one official is not in attendance at a league game, the two league teams playing may elect to go on with the game.
IV.F.2.a. Should the teams agree to go on with just one official at a league game, there will be no complaints heard or followed up on if one of those teams is dissatisfied with the result of the game.
IV.F.2.b. Should the teams agree not to go on with the league game, the teams should arrange a makeup game to be completed by the season’s end.
IV.F.3. At no time should an official be confronted after a game by any one associated with either team.
IV.F.3.a. Any concerns/issues regarding officials must be addressed only by the named coach or manager/representative and only with the commissioner or the league assignor.
IV.F.3.b. Failure to follow this protocol will result in a fine.

IV.G. GATE FEE
IV.G.1. Teams are ENCOURAGED to charge gate fee for league games. The decision to charge a gate fee is at the team’s own discretion.
IV.G.2. Prices to follow guidelines of OHSHAA.
IV.G.3. When there is a gate fee for non-league games, security must be present.

IV.H. REPORTING OF SCORES
IV.H.1. Scoresheet, (Mailing of)
IV.H.1.a. Every league team will be given a sufficient amount of mailing labels with the league office address on them.
IV.H.1.b. At the completion of the game, the home team is required to mail or deliver the white copy of the scoresheet to the league office.
IV.H.1.c. Scoresheet should be received by the league office no later than five U.S. Postal working days after the game.
IV.H.1.d. Failure to turn scoresheets in on time will result in a fine. Refer to VII. Fines.
IV.H.2. Reporting of box score for the website
IV.H.2.a. Email webmaster with game results (home team, visiting team, score, DQ’s, and officials’ names).
IV.H.2.b. Game information may be called in to webmaster.
IV.H.2.c. Game information should be received within 48 hours of game.
IV.H.2.d. No game information reported means no game information entered on website.

IV.I. PREGAME FESTIVITIES
IV.I.1. Starting lineups for each team are to be announced.
IV.I.2. National Anthem may be played but is optional.


V. MISCONDUCTS/GAME MISCONDUCTS/DQ’S

V.A. MISCONDUCT
V.A.1 A 10-minute infraction that is assessed for a player conducting himself in an unsporting manner. Player is required to serve the ten minutes.

V.B. DQ (DISQUALIFICATION)
V.B.1. If in the opinion of the referee, a player attempting malicious physical harm of another player, which could include but is not specific to, fighting, spearing, hooking, slashing, butt-ending, etc., a player may receive a DQ. This player is then removed from the ice for the remainder of that game.
V.B.2. DQ’s may be assessed to a player or coach for other reasons other than those listed in V.B.1., in which use the player/coach is removed from the remainder of the game.
V.B.3 In addition, the player/coach is ineligible for the next two scheduled games for that team.
V.B.3.a. These games are games that are already scheduled at the time of the DQ. This will be determined by the team schedule that has been submitted to the Commissioner, and will include any/all league games, non-league games, scrimmages, or tournaments.
V.B.3.b. If a game is not on the team’s schedule in possession of the league at the time of the DQ, that game cannot count as one to serve the suspension.
V.B.3.c. No other proof of the next scheduled game(s) will be accepted.
V.B.4. DQ must be reported to the commissioner by the coach or the manager of the offending player and to the referee-in-chief by the official. The commissioner and referee-in-chief must confirm information received.
V.B.5. A player/coach may not participate in any game until the DQ suspension is served in the two games listed on the team schedule submitted to the league; participation will result in a forfeit.
V.B.6. A player/coach receiving his second DQ (both given during the league season) is ineligible for any subsequent games by that team for the remainder of that season, both league and non-league.
V.B.7. In the event that the DQ suspension(s) cannot be completed by the end of the season, the player/coach must satisfy the suspension(s) by serving at the beginning of the next league season’s regularly scheduled game(s).

V.C. GAME MISCONDUCTS
V.C.1. Any player/coach receiving a game misconduct is removed from the balance of that game and the next scheduled game.
V.C.1.a. The next scheduled game is that which is listed on the team schedule submitted to the league, as provided in V.B.3.a.-c. above.
V.C.1.b. A player/coach may not participate in any game until the game misconduct is served in the game listed on the team schedule submitted to the league; participation will result in a forfeit.
V.C.2. Any player/coach receiving three game misconducts during a team’s season as outlined in II.A. and II.B. is required to attend a hearing held by the Review Board on the first Saturday of the month after the third game misconduct is received.
V.C.2.a. When a player is up for review, the player must attend the review hearing with the player’s parent(s)/guardian(s) and the player’s coach.
V.C.2.b. When a coach is up for review, there are no other required attendees for the hearing.
V.C.3. Any player/coach up for review is unable to participate in any further league play until the review hearing is held.
V.C.4. As per USA Hockey Rules, any game misconducts received outside of league season must still be followed as removal from the balance of that game and the next regularly scheduled game.
V.C.5. In the event that a game misconduct suspension cannot be completed by the end of the season, the player/coach must satisfy the suspension by serving at the beginning of the next league season’s regularly scheduled game.

V.D. FIVE PENALTIES IN ONE GAME
V.D.1. Any player receiving a total of five penalties in one game (any combination of the following) will be required to sit out the rest of that game and the next regularly scheduled game as per the schedule submitted to the Commissioner because five penalties in one game result in a game misconduct.
                        1. One minor = one penalty
                        2. 2 and 10 = two penalties
                        3. 2 and 5 = two penalties
                        4. Double minor = two penalties
                        5. Major = one penalty

V.E. END-OF-GAME INFRACTIONS
V.E.1. Any player receiving a major or misconduct penalty in a league game and is unable to serve that entire penalty during the remaining time in that game is required to sit the next league game.
V.E.2. End-of-game infraction must be reported to the commissioner by the coach/manager of the offending player and to the referee-in-chief by the official. The commissioner and referee-in-chief must confirm information received.
V.E.3. If a player is assessed a misconduct penalty after the last whistle blows (game is over), the player must sit out the next scheduled game.
V.E.4. In the event that a game ends before three periods are completed because of the mercy rule and a player receives a major or misconduct penalty that cannot be served in its entirety before the game ends, the player MUST sit out the next league game.
V.F. LABELING OF SCORESHEETS for SERVING DQs, etc.
V.F.1. Scoresheets must be OBVIOUSLY labeled that a player/coach is serving his game suspension.
V.F.2. Failure to note the scoresheet will result in the assumption that the player/coach did NOT serve a game.
V.F.3. If a player/coach is serving a suspension in a non-league game, proof of serving that suspension shall be forwarded to the commissioner.

V.G. GAME FORFEITURES
V.G.1. If a player receives any of the above penalties and does not sit out the required games, any game(s) that player played in will be forfeited by the player’s team until the penalty is served.
V.G.2. Scoresheets will be checked within five days of receipt, and forfeitures will be handed out then if necessary.
V.G.3. Game forfeitures may be assessed for reasons outlined throughout these bylaws other than those outlined in V.G.1.


VI. NON-ICE GAME INFRACTIONS

VI.A. BYLAW COMPLIANCE
VI.A.1. Failure to comply with the league bylaws (Section V is self-contained with its own consequences) will result in consequences but will not affect game results.
VI.A.2. A fine will be issued to the team not complying with the league bylaws.
VI.A.3. If the violation is of a nature considered in the discretion of the Executive Committee to be severe, a hearing—either via meeting or via email—will result to determine the consequences, which may include, but is not limited to, fines and/or the head coach serving game suspension(s) or receiving probation.
VI.A.4. The league chooses at this time to not outline a specific penalty for specific violations as they may occur in infinite number of possibilities. Each incident will be reviewed and will result in a consequence that will be fair yet sufficient using the above steps mentioned.
VI.A.5. Continued noncompliance can result in the termination of a coach from league participation.
VI.A.6. In addition, continued noncompliance or poor misconduct by any or all members of a team can result in a vote to have that team’s league membership revoked at the March meeting following the season. Vote must result in a 2/3 majority.

VI.B. CONDUCT OFF THE ICE
VI.B.1. When there is an incident not occurring during the actual play of the game but occurring while at a game involving any league team, coach, staff, or player, the incident will be reviewed by the Executive Committee.
VI.B.2. If the incident requires more review because of its severity and negative representation of the league, an emergency meeting of league members or an emergency vote of league members will take place.
VI.B.3. Because of the variables in what incidents can occur, not every repercussion or penalty can be outlined in our bylaws. Each incident will be reviewed and will result in a consequence that will be fair yet sufficient using the above steps mentioned.
VI.B.4. Continued negligence can result in probation, suspension, or removal from league participation.
VI.B.5. Alcohol consumption prior to a game or practice by a coach, assistant coach, or any adult on the bench is prohibited. Alcohol consumption prior to a game by any minor official (includes, but is not limited to, scorekeeper, clock operator, and penalty box attendant) is also prohibited.
VI.B.5.a. First offense is one-game suspension and a fine of $100.
VI.B.5.b. Second offense results in no participation in any practices or games until a review hearing is held, upon which further suspension and/or fine of up to $500 may be assessed.


VII. FINES

VII.A. Fines must be paid within five days of assessment. Date stamped on envelope will validate timely submission of fine payment.
VII.B. For every five days that the fine is not paid, the fine will double.
VII.C. If the fine is not paid within 15 days, the fine continues to double and games that took place during those 15 days will result in forfeit; forfeitures will continue until fine is paid in full to the league.
VII.D. If fines are not paid before the league playoffs, the team loses its privilege to participate in the league playoffs, and no league fee refunds will be issued to the team.
VII.E. Fines, unless otherwise stated throughout the bylaws, will be $50 for the first offense and will increase by $50 for each subsequent fine regardless of the offense—i.e., first offense equals $50; second offense equals $100; and so on.
VII.F. Notification of the receipt of the fine will be provided to the offending team.
VII.G. Teams are responsible for conveying to their players and their parents the circumstances in these bylaws when fines may be assessed and are responsible for violations of these bylaws on the part of the players and their parents.


VIII. NCHSHL PLAYOFFS

VIII.A. TOURNAMENT DATE
Date to be determined at March meeting or late spring/early summer meeting.

VIII.B. TOURNAMENT ENTRANTS
VIII.B.1. Championship round—teams seeded 1-8 based on regular season record with the following tiebreakers if necessary:
VIII.B.1.a. Best record in league play (most wins; if odd number of games, go to percentage)
VIII.B.1.b. Head-to-head in league play
VIII.B.1.c. Least overtime victories in league play
VIII.B.1.d. Most goals for in league play
VIII.B.1.e. Least goals against in league play
VIII.B.1.f. Least league DQ’s in league play
VIII.B.1.g. Least penalty minutes in league play
VIII.B.2 There will be no consolation round for the teams not qualifying in the seeds 1-8.
VIII.B.3. Playoff points accumulate toward qualifying total for Buckeye Cup. These points are in addition to the regular season points.
VIII.B.4. Once a team wins the tiebreaker in the event of a multi-team tie, the tie remaining between the other remaining teams will be broken by using the criteria starting with VII.B.1.a. and so on.
VIII.B.5. The highest seed, determined by the highest amount of points, will be declared the home team and wear the jersey color of choice. The home team must notify the away team of their jersey choice prior to 10 minutes before warm-ups.

VIII.C. GAME PLAY FORMAT
VIII.C.1. Same format as league games with the exception of overtime.
VIII.C.2. Overtime is consecutive 8-minute periods until there is a winner.
VIII.C.3. Winner is declared by sudden death.

VIII.D. NCHSHL PLAYOFF CHAIR
As described above in Bylaw II.D.1.g.

VIII.E. SECURITY
        Must be present at all league (playoffs included) games.


IX. BUCKEYE CUP

IX.A. ELIGIBILITY
IX.A.1. Any player and/or team that are eligible for an OHSAA playoff are ineligible.
IX.A.2. A player must participate in at least 50% of his/her team’s league games.
IX.A.2.a. If a player begins participation on a team late in the season, then 50% of those league games would being after his/her start date with the team.
IX.A.2.b. If a player is unable to participate on a team due to medical reasons validated by a physician, then 50% of his/her league games would include only those game she/she was medically cleared for or those prior to the medical reason excusing the player from participation.
IX.A.3. Tier I players, Junior level players, and eighth graders are not permitted.
IX.A.4. All eligibility requirements are described in the latest revision of the Buckeye Cup Rules set up by the Buckeye Cup Representatives from participating cities, which are made available to the league contacts upon completion.

IX.B. QUALIFICATIONS
IX.B.1. Automatic berth to Regular Season Division Winner (best club team record, or via tie-breaker).
IX.B.1.a. The Regular Season Winner will participate in the Buckeye Cup in what position it ends up in after the NCHSHL Playoffs and not necessarily first place.
IX.B.1.b. Should the Regular Season Winner not place in the top four teams after the NCHSHL Playoffs, the Regular Season Winner will enter the Buckeye Cup in the fourth place position.
IX.B.2. Remaining three seeds filled by next best three club teams, based on points.
IX.B.3. Playoff points accumulate toward qualifying total. These points are in addition to regular season accumulated points.

IX.C. BUCKEYE CUP REPRESENTATIVE
As described above in Bylaw II.D.1.h.

IX.D. GAME PLAY
As described in Buckeye Cup Rules set up by Buckeye Cup Representatives from participating cities.

IX.E. BUCKEYE CUP FEE
IX.E.1. A team must be prepared to pay the Buckeye Cup fee immediately to the league so that the fee may be sent to the Buckeye Cup hosting league.
IX.E.2. Fees must be paid upon determination that the team earned one of the top four seeds (regular season winner and remaining three teams).
IX.E.3. Failure to pay Buckeye Cup fee upon qualifying results in denial of participation in the Buckeye Cup.


X. AWARDS

X.A. TEAM
X.A.1. The Regular Season Winner will receive a banner stating the season date and “League Season Winner” paid for out of the league budget.
X.A.2. The NCHSHL Playoff Champions will receive a banner stating the season date and “Playoff Champions” paid for out of the league budget.

X.B. INDIVIDUAL
X.B.1. League Top Scorer (point totals in League games)
X.B.2. League Best “D” (Defenseman)
X.B.3. League MVP
X.B.4. League Goalie
X.B.5. Coach of the year

X.C. VOTING PROCEDURES
X.C.1. Nominations
X.C.1.a. Nominations are due by noon on the Monday following the last day of the current season.
X.C.1.b. Each coach will be asked to nominate players and a coach other than himself/herself.
X.C.1.c. Nominations will be compiled and distributed for voting.
X.C.1.d. Coaches are not allowed to vote for themselves or their own players.
X.C.1.e. Each league team has one vote, regardless of whether or not the team nominated players.
X.C.2. Voting
X.C.2.a. Voting will be completed by noon on the Friday following the last day of the season.
X.C.2.b. In the event of a tie, a second vote will be done; if it results in a tie again, award will be awarded as “Co-…”. The second process of voting and announcing results should take no more than two days (from noon on Friday until noon on Sunday).
X.C.2.c. Results will be announced during or after the championship game of the playoffs.


XI. ALL STAR GAME

XI.A. NOMINATIONS
XI.A.1. The head coach/manager of each league team should provide a list of three players nominated to participate in the Annual NCHSHL All Star Game.
XI.A.2. Goalies are nominated based on their ability rather than their seniority.

XI.B. GAME
XI.B.1. Officials and security are to be present since this is a league event.
XI.B.2. Game should be conducted with minimal checking.
XI.B.3. While the term “game” is used when referring to the All Star Game, this is not considered a game but rather an event.
XI.B.3.a. Suspensions cannot be served at the All Star Game.
XI.B.3.b. A player who is under the suspension of a DQ or GM may still participate unless the player’s coach/team denies that player’s participation or review by the Executive Committee results in denial of participation.
        

END of Bylaws

NCHSHL Bylaws - 6th Edition Rev.101809