BY-LAWS OF THE HOCKEY EAST ASSOCIATION (Men’s)
(Reviewed and Amended in June of 2014)
Article I— Name, Tax Status and Purposes
Section I.1 – Name/Logo: This organization shall be known as the Hockey East Association
and commonly referred to as “Hockey East” or, in this document, the Association. Hockey East,
a Massachusetts charitable corporation and recognized 501 (c) (3) non-profit, having an original
place of business at Providence Civic Center, One LaSalle Square, Providence, Rhode Island,
and having a current place of business at 591 North Avenue, Door #2, in Wakefield, MA 01880,
owns Registration No. 1,373,743 issued December 3, 1985, as shown by records in the Patent
and Trademark office; that the mark shown therein is still in use in interstate commerce on or in
connection with the goods recited in the registration. Hockey East received 501 (c) (3) status in
1986.
Section I-2 - Tax Status: Hockey East is a tax-exempt 501 (c) (3) non-profit charitable corporation.
Section I-3 - Purposes: This Association has been established solely for educational and charitable purposes; to supervise and control intercollegiate men’s ice hockey competing at the NCAA
Division I level among member educational institutions; to encourage and develop academic excellence, athletic competition and sportsmanship among member institutions; and to encourage,
develop and support charitable and educational activities within and without the United States.
Hockey East shall provide leadership regionally and nationally in the development and growth of
the sport of ice hockey, not only for the benefit of its member institutions but also as a supportive
member of the ice hockey community at-large.
Article II — Membership
Section II.1 – Eligibility for Membership: Membership in Hockey East shall be limited to
four-year colleges or institutions who compete in the NCAA at the Division I ice hockey level. All
Hockey East institutions shall be 501 (c) (3) tax-exempt organizations. In addition, all institutions
must exercise institutional control over athletics via authority vested in its president.
Section II.2 – Conditions of Membership: As a condition of Hockey East membership, each
institution agrees to comply with the By-Laws, and Policies and Procedures of the Hockey East
Association, and each member agrees to be bound, in the conduct of its ice hockey program,
by the ice hockey regulations of Division I of the NCAA, regardless of the member institution’s
divisional classification in other sports. Further, specific Standards for Membership are contained
within these Hockey East By-Laws and all prospective and current members are bounds to these
standards as so indicated.
Section II.3 – Membership Agreement: Agreements evidencing membership in Hockey East
shall be in the form of communication from the Commissioner to the member institution or in such
other form as approved by the Board of Directors. A membership agreement shall be signed by
an authorized representative of each member institution on behalf of the institution, and by the
Commissioner or by such other officers authorized by the law and by the Board of Directors of
Hockey East.
MEN’S HOCKEY EAST BY-LAWS — PAGE 1
Section II.4 – Members: As of the date of these revised By-Laws, the membership of Hockey
East is comprised of the following institutions:
Boston College
Boston University
University of Connecticut
University of Maine
University of Massachusetts
University of Massachusetts-Lowell
Merrimack College
University of New Hampshire
Northeastern University
University of Notre Dame
Providence College
University of Vermont
Section II.5 – Achieving Membership: New members meeting the qualifications set forth in
II.2 above (“Eligibility for Membership”) may be admitted upon written application submitted to
the Commissioner, who shall provide such written application to the appropriate representative
at each existing member institution. The Commissioner shall request of the prospective member
whatever support material the directors require and shall arrange visits to and from the prospective member. To be admitted into Hockey East the prospective member shall receive an affirmative vote of majority plus one.
Section II.6 –Policies and Procedures: The Board of Directors shall, as may be necessary,
adopt rules and regulations governing and controlling the play of ice hockey competition and
regular operation of the conference. Such rules, regulations and policies shall be contained in a
separate working document known as the Policies and Procedures. These rules and regulations
may be adopted, amended or repealed by a majority vote, unless otherwise specified, at any duly
scheduled meeting of the Board or by an Electronic Vote. Such rules, regulations and protocols
shall be reviewed, amended and distributed by the Commissioner annually.
Section II.7 – Membership Sanctions: A member institution may be placed on probation,
suspended or expelled from Hockey East for violation of the conference By-Laws or Policies and
Procedures. Such disciplinary action requires a vote of a majority plus one of eligible institutions*
“Expulsion” shall mean complete severance from Hockey East; “Suspension” shall mean temporary severance from Hockey East under conditions imposed by the Board of Directors; “Probation” shall mean restricted participation in Hockey East under conditions specified by the Board
of Directors. An “expelled” member shall not be entitled to receive any financial distribution from
Hockey East after the date of its expulsion.
* For purposes of this provision, the offending institution shall not be counted.
Section II.8 – Membership Contribution: An institution accepted for membership in the Association shall be required to pay an entrance fee of no less than $250,000, terms of payment to be
determined by the Board and communicated to the new institution in writing by the Commissioner.
Section II.9 – Resignation of Membership: A member institution who wishes to resign its membership from Hockey East shall provide, a) written notice of its intent no later than April 1 of the
previous calendar year, and, b) an exit fee of $250,000. If less than 16 months notice is given, a
penalty of no less than $350,000 shall be levied. A member who has submitted its notice shall be
eligible to vote on only those matters affecting the current (final) season, as well as being subject
to any other sanctions that may be in effect.
Section II.10 – Dissolution of Hockey East: In the event of dissolution of the Association, the
directors shall, by an affirmative vote of a majority plus one, determine the basis for liquidation of
the assets, if any, and their distribution among those institutions holding membership at the time
of dissolution.
MEN’S HOCKEY EAST BY-LAWS — PAGE 2
Article III — Organization
Section III.1. Board of Directors: The control and management of the affairs of Hockey East
shall be vested in the Board, subject to the ultimate direction of the Presidents of the member
institutions. The number of members of the Board shall at all times be equal to the number of
member institutions. The Board shall be composed of one representative from each member institution, which representative shall be the Athletic Director (or designee) of each member institution and who shall report directly to the President and/or his or her designee. Each representative
shall have one vote as a member of the Board. In the event of a vacancy on the Board caused by
resignation, death or otherwise, a successor representing that member institution shall be appointed by the President (or designee) of the institution.
Section III.2 – Meetings: Meetings of the Board, regular or special, may be held either within or
without the United States. All meetings shall be conducted under Roberts Rules of Order. Attendance will be limited to Directors of Athletics, their designees, the Commissioner and any special
guests as determined by the Commissioner or the Board of Directors.
Section III.2.1 – Annual Meeting: An annual meeting of the Board of Directors shall be held
after the completion of the hockey season and at the discretion of the Board, but before July 1st
of each year. Regular meetings may be held upon notice, and at such time and at such place as
shall from time to time be determined by the Board and/or the Executive Committee.
Section III.2.2. - Special Meetings: Special meetings of the Board may be called by the Executive Committee and/or the Commissioner, either personally or by mail, email or fax; at the written
request of two directors, special meetings shall be called by the Executive Committee and/or the
Commissioner in like manner.
Section III.2.3 – Quorum and Voting: The presence of at least 67% of the directors (or his or
her designees) at a meeting shall constitute the requisite number for the conduct of business.
This document may be amended by the Board of Directors, meeting in person or through electronic means, provided that all eligible institutions are given the opportunity to participate in the
vote. To amend the By-Laws, an affirmative vote of a majority plus one of all eligible voters will be
required.
Section III.2.4 – Written Consent Without Meeting/Meeting By Conference Call/Electronic
Voting: Any matter that must be determined at a meeting of the Board may be addressed without a formal meeting. Matters may be determined by a conference call, with a consent in writing
(or electronically) to follow, setting forth the actions so taken and signed by all of the Directors
entitled to vote with respect to the conference call subject matter.
Section III.3.1 – Officers: The officers of Hockey East shall be chosen by the Board and serve
three-year terms as members of the Executive Committee. At each annual meeting, the Board
shall confirm the officers for the ensuing year by an affirmative vote of a majority plus one of
eligible members. The Board may appoint such other officers and agents as it shall deem necessary who shall hold their offices for such terms and shall exercise such powers and perform such
duties as shall be determined from time to time by the Board. The officers of Hockey East shall
hold office until their successors are chosen and qualified. Any officer elected or appointed by the
Board may be removed at any time by the affirmative vote of a majority plus one of the Board.
Section III.3.2 – Presiding Officer: The Chair of the Executive Committee will preside at all
league meetings and will be responsible, in cooperation with the Commissioner, for establishing
meeting agendas. The Board will have the authority to consider any subject deemed to be in the
MEN’S HOCKEY EAST BY-LAWS — PAGE 3
best interests of Hockey East. Any Director of Athletics, as well as the Commissioner, may place
items before the Board. Institutional staff members may also present items to the Board, but they
must present all requests through their Director of Athletics.
Section III.3.3 - The Executive Committee: The Board’s policies will be executed by the Executive Committee and the Commissioner. The Executive Committee, which will consist of three
members, will be confirmed by the members of the Board at the Annual Meeting. Length of terms
will run on a three-year basis. If any member of the executive committee is involved in a dispute,
he or she may be replaced on the Executive Committee by another member of the Board of
Directors. A document containing the anticipated rotation of officers shall be prepared and distributed to the Board annually, subject to the approval of the Board as a whole.
Section III.4.1 - Other Committees: As needed, the Board shall create and appoint members
to committees as needed, including but not limited to the Standing Committees for Marketing &
Television, Finance, and Special Events.
Section III.5.1 – The Commissioner: The Commissioner shall be the chief executive officer of
Hockey East and shall attend all meetings of the Board. The Commissioner shall have general
and active management of Hockey East and shall see that all orders and resolutions of the Board
are carried into effect. The Commissioner, while responsible to the entire Board of Directors, will
report directly on a regular basis to the Executive Committee. The Commissioner shall also communicate regularly with any additional committees established by the Board.
Section III.5.2: The Commissioner shall execute contracts on behalf of Hockey East (with the
approval of the Board of Directors), except where required or permitted by law to be otherwise
signed and executed and except where the signing and execution thereof shall be expressly delegated by the Board to some other officer or agent of Hockey East.
Section III.5.3: The Commissioner, assisted by a Treasurer, shall have the custody of the funds
of Hockey East and shall keep full and accurate accounts of receipts and disbursements — and
shall deposit all monies and other valuable assets in the name and to the credit of Hockey East in
such depositories as may be designated by the Board. He or she shall disburse the funds of the
corporation as may be ordered by the Board, demanding proper vouchers for such disbursements
and shall render to the Directors at the regular meetings of the Board, or whenever they may
require, an account of all of these transactions and of the financial condition of Hockey East.
Section III.5.4: It shall be the responsibility of the Commissioner, in cooperation with the Finance
Committee, to submit a proposed operating budget to the Board for its approval at the Annual
Meeting.
Section III.5.5: The Commissioner shall ascertain that a duly authorized audit is performed yearly
by the league’s certified public accountant firm. In the case of death, resignation, retirement or
removal from office, all books, papers, vouchers, money and other property of whatever kind in
the Commissioner’s possession and under his or her control belonging to Hockey East shall be
fully restored to Hockey East.
Section III.6.1 Other Administrative Personnel: The Commissioner shall hire on behalf of
Hockey East such administrative personnel as the Board of Directors agrees are necessary for
the effective conduct of the business of Hockey East. Other Association staff shall include the following positions to be appointed by the Board of Directors: Associate or Assistant Commissioner,
Director of Communications, Coordinator of Officials (men) and Supervisor of Officials (women).
MEN’S HOCKEY EAST BY-LAWS — PAGE 4
Section III.6.2 Staff Supervision: It shall be the responsibility of the Commissioner to supervise
the staff members in their performances of duties and responsibilities. Job descriptions will be
determined by the Board of Directors and must be kept on file at the league office.
Article IV — Notices
Section IV.1: Whenever, under the provisions of the Articles of Organization or these By-Laws,
notice is required to be given to any director, it shall not be constructed to mean personal notice.
But, such notice may be given in writing, or by mail, or electronically, addressed to such Director as his/her address appears on the records of the corporation, with postage thereon prepaid,
and such notice shall be deemed to be given at the time when the same shall be deposited in the
United States mail.
Article V — Finances and Media
Section V.1 Roles and Responsibilities: It shall be the responsibility of the Board of Directors
to make all decisions regarding Association financial policy. The Commissioner is responsible for
overseeing the day-today finances and shall consult regularly with the Executive Committee, who
will serve in the role previously held by a Finance Committee.
Section V.2 Budget Process: It is the responsibility of the Commissioner to prepare and monitor
the league budget, presenting a budget proposal at the annual meeting, prior to July 1. The Commissioner should consult with the Finance Committee before making the final presentation.
Section V.3 Staff Salaries and Expenses: As part of the annual budget process, the Commissioner shall recommend all staff appointments and salaries, support staff terms being one year in
length unless otherwise recommended by the Executive Committee. The Commissioner is also
responsible for monitoring all staff expenditures.
Section V.4 Contracts, Corporate Partnerships and Sponsorships: It shall be the responsibility of the Commissioner to negotiate all contracts for the Association. The Commissioner shall
consult with the Association attorney in all contract negotiations and, as appropriate, the Commissioner shall involve the Hockey East Marketing and Television Committee and/or the Special
events Committee. Member institutions are bound by the terms of Association agreements, all
such agreements granting only those rights held exclusively by the Association. Sponsorship
rights to any Association post-season tournament events reside exclusively with the Association.
(See Tournament Manual for clarification.)
Section V.5 Excess Funds: All funds which are in excess of those authorized for the operating
budget and the Association’s tournament shall be distributed by action of the Board.
Section V.6 Media Rights: The Association holds first rights to regional and national television,
unless it otherwise grants those rights to a member institution. Consistent with the terms of all Association television contracts, member institutions may pursue television agreements apart from
Association agreements. Institutions retain rights to regular season radio and streaming while the
Association reserves first rights to radio and streaming for the Association post-season tournament.
MEN’S HOCKEY EAST BY-LAWS — PAGE 5
Article VI — Program Standards
Section VI.1 Purpose of Standards: The standards, as described below, were developed by
Hockey East to provide guidance, support, and assistance to all member institutions in developing and maintaining men’s hockey programs of national caliber and competitiveness. These
standards will also facilitate greater understanding of the responsibilities and obligations associated with Hockey East membership. These standards also provide a clear baseline in terms of
the resources, human and fiscal, and other support required of each member and will enable
the association to maintain and further develop its position and profile as the strongest hockey
conference in the country. Lastly, standards provide prospective new members with an understanding of the nature of the league and the resources required to be successful as a member of
the league.
Section VI.2 Framework for Standards:
Standards reflect an intention to build and retain competitiveness on a national scale
Standards reflect an intention to provide high quality experiences for all student-athletes and fans
Standards will be implemented over a 2-3 year phase-in period.
Specific consequences/sanctions will be imposed upon institutions not in compliance with standards
Section VI.3 Standards Content Areas:
A. Institutional Support
All Hockey East member institutions must provide the following forms of support for their men’s
hockey program
•
18 full scholarships available annually
•
1 full-time head coach and 2 full time salaried assistant coaches with 100% of their duties
assigned to men’s hockey
•
Full-time sports information staff member with significant responsibilities in men’s hockey
and who travels to all away games
•
Full-time marketing/promotions professional staff member(s) with significant responsibilities in marketing and promoting men’s hockey
•
Full-time staff member with significant portion of their time devoted to men’s hockey
equipment matters and who travels to all away games
•
Full-time certified athletic trainer assigned to men’s hockey and who travels to all away
games
•
Access to specialized medical professionals and services and including a physician and
EMT’s on-site at all home games.
B. Facilities
•
Minimum seating capacity 4000 with 20% of capacity being chair-back seats. Current
HEA members must have a minimum capacity of 2000 with 20% of capacity being chair-back
seats.
•
Hockey East logo prominently displayed in the facility and on the ice surface. Logo size
to be consistent with others in the facility.
•
Visiting team locker room must be a minimum of 500 sf (not including showers and toilets) and able to accommodate student-athletes, staff, and equipment.
•
Locker room(s) with private shower and toilet to accommodate game officials
•
Game time-clock connected directly to the scoreboard clock in home, visitors, and officials locker rooms
•
Locker rooms equipped with dry erase boards and markers
MEN’S HOCKEY EAST BY-LAWS — PAGE 6
•
Media/TV capability – sufficient electrical power and number of outlets in media locations
for the operation and transmission of television, radio broadcasts, and for the operation of transmission equipment and computer terminals used by the media
•
A minimum of 110 vertical foot candles of light evenly balanced over the entire ice surface
•
Press box to comfortably accommodate print and electronic working media, visiting team
coaches, and officials.
•
110 –volt electrical outlets with one outlet for every two seats in the press box
•
Power requirements for television production of 200 amps, 3-phase to the trucks; of 150
amps, 3-phase combined to the satellite links and of 150 amps, 3-phase to the announcers’ position.
•
Defined media area for post-game interviews
•
High-speed data lines and/or wireless internet capability
•
Spectator amenities/services including clean and well presented lobby and display areas
•
Clean and sufficient restroom areas for capacity crowds
•
Multiple concessions areas and area for sale of team/league merchandise
C. Competitive Aspects
•
Members must schedule a minimum of 34 games against NCAA Division I institutions
•
No games (exhibition or non-conference) shall be permitted with NCAA Division II, III or
non-varsity hockey-playing institutions
D. Team Services
•
Unless restricted by the host institution’s intercollegiate facility schedule, practice time
must be provided to the visiting team on game days, when requested by the visiting team no less
than 14 days prior to the game.
•
Visiting team and officials’ locker rooms shall be supplied with towels, soap, and refreshments. On-ice officials shall also be provided with a post-game meal and parking for their
vehicle(s).
•
Water, coolers, cups, ice and towels shall be provided for immediate care/treatment purposes
•
Taping table and an exercise bicycle shall be provided in the visiting team locker room or
vicinity
•
The athletic training room shall be made available to visiting teams for treatment and
rehabilitation purposes
•
A physician shall be available for visiting teams upon request during all games
•
A video feed will be provided during games to visiting teams
E. Marketing, Media & Event Management
•
Season tickets sales plan must be developed and implemented each season
•
Playoff ticket option must be made available with all season ticket packages
•
Average attendance for each season must be a minimum of 2000
•
A seasonal marketing and promotions plan must be developed and implemented annually
•
Each member must have radio broadcasts of all games
•
Each member must video stream all home games, unless restricted by existing contracts.
•
Each member must develop and maintain a high quality website, linked to the HEA
website, which includes up-to-date information, statistics, features, etc. about it’s men’s hockey
program
•
Each member must organize various promotions to generate excitement and increase
the entertainment value for spectators at all games
•
Each member shall cooperate with HEA in all branding initiatives
•
Institutions must publish a high quality media guide and/or game program which includes
coach/player profiles and program/individuals statistics
MEN’S HOCKEY EAST BY-LAWS — PAGE 7
•
Hockey East logo must appear prominently (front or back cover) in all hockey-related
publications
•
A minimum of 3 PA announcements which includes day-of out of town scores, and other
Hockey East announcements (tournament tickets, etc)
•
Institutions are encouraged to develop entertaining pre-game introductions which conform to pre-game protocol
•
Provide at no cost one parking spot for visiting team officials/athletic director, if requested.
Section VI.4 Annual Review:
Compliance will be reviewed on an annual basis by the Commissioner. Member institutions will
provide a report to the Commissioner indicating compliance, or variance, with each program
standard. In instances where a member is not in compliance with Level I standards, the Commissioner will address those with the members’ Director of Athletics. In addition to any sanction/
penalty imposed, a specific plan to bring the member into compliance must be developed and
approved by the Commissioner. In instances where there is a violation of Level II standards
(major facility issues, scholarships, coaching staff, etc), the Commissioner shall refer the matter
to the Executive Committee for their review. The Executive, after consultation with the member’s
Director of Athletics, may require that the member undertake specific actions to address the noncompliance and/or impose sanctions including, but not limited to, fines, loss of hosting privileges
for HEA playoffs, and termination of HEA membership.
Section VI.5 Guidelines for Penalties/Sanctions:
Level I 1st offense- written warning
(see list below)
2nd offense - $500 fine
3rd offense - becomes a Level II 2nd offense
Level II (see list below)
1st offense – written warning
2nd offense – fine $10,000
3rd offense – fine of up to $50,000 and/or loss of playoff hosting privileges
4th offense – termination of membership
Level I Issues
Medical services
Facility signage
Locker Room services
Spectator amenities
Team Services
Marketing items
Promotions activities
Publications
Event management
Video streaming requirement
Level II Issues
Availability of scholarships
Staffing requirements
Seating Capacity
Attendance average
Visiting Team & Officials’ Locker Room
Facility Media/TV capability
Radio broadcasts
Additional televised games
Scheduling
MEN’S HOCKEY EAST BY-LAWS — PAGE 8
Article VII — Grievances
Section VII. 1 Grievances by Any Person, Other Than the Commissioner
A. A claim by any member institution, Director of Athletics for any member institution, coach, or
player that there has been a violation, misinterpretation or misapplication of any provision of the
By-Laws or Policies and Procedures may be processed as a grievance as hereinafter provided.
B. Grievances will be directed in writing or electronically to the Executive Committee, who must
convene in a timely manner to consider the grievance. The Executive Committee shall establish
the protocol and timeline to be followed and communicate both to the party filing the grievance.
C. When appropriate, the Commissioner should assist in compiling all relevant testimony on the
matter. In those instances in which the Commissioner is involved in the grievance, the Executive
Committee must take full responsibility for compiling all necessary testimony.
D. Failure to comply with the process established by the Executive Committee in a timely manner
shall be deemed an acceptance of the decision previously rendered, and shall constitute a waiver
of any future appeal concerning the particular grievance.
E. Unless extenuating circumstances can be shown, the Executive Committee must respond to
the reported grievance within five days of receiving the written grievance. Failure on the part of
the Executive Committee to follow its stated protocol will allow the aggrieved party to appeal to
the Board as a whole.
F. Provided that proper protocol has been followed, the decision of the majority of the Executive
Committee shall be final and binding upon Hockey East, its member institutions, the Commissioner and the aggrieved party.
Section VII.2 Penalties for Violations
A. If the Grievance Committee determines that a violation of the rules and regulations of this
handbook has occurred, it shall communicate such information to the Board, together with a
non-binding recommendation for sanctions, if appropriate. The Association shall meet, review
the findings of the Executive Committee and impose such sanction as it may deem appropriate.
Penalties include, but are not limited to, private reprimand, public reprimand, exclusion from the
playoffs for the current or following year(s), probation under specified terms, temporary suspension or termination of membership (expulsion) in the Association or such other penalty as may be
deemed appropriate.
B. At any meeting in which an accused member denies the alleged violation, the Board shall hear
or examine all relevant evidence and shall determine by institutional vote whether the alleged
violation has been proved. No alleged violation shall be determined to be proved except upon the
affirmative vote of the majority of the members present and voting. The accused member shall be
entitled to vote on this issue. The voting shall be by secret ballot.
C. A case involving the penalty of expulsion shall require a majority plus one vote of the entire
membership. The accused member shall be entitled to vote. The voting shall be by secret ballot.
MEN’S HOCKEY EAST BY-LAWS — PAGE 9
Article VIII — Conference Code of Conduct & Supplemental Discipline
[Note: Section VII also appears in the Policies and Procedures document.]
The Hockey East Association and its member institutions support the NCAA Ice Hockey Rules
Committee and its efforts to see that intercollegiate ice hockey is played in accordance with the
NCAA Ice Hockey Rules Book. Furthermore, the Hockey East Association and its member institutions support and abide by the spirit and word of the American Hockey Coaches Association
Code of Conduct (see below), including the voluntary Players’ Code of Conduct.
Consistent with the stated goals of these bodies, the Hockey East Association provides for the
issuance of supplemental discipline, as provided for and encouraged by the NCAA Ice Hockey
Rules Book. Be it known that that the Directors of the Hockey East Association have approved
the following procedures and guidelines toward this end, for all games, conference and non-conference (including exhibitions):
Section VIII.1 Association Policy: It shall be the responsibility of each member institution to ensure that all individuals employed by or directly associated with the athletic program of that institution comport themselves in a sportsmanlike manner when representing their university, especially
at intercollegiate athletic events. Unsportsmanlike conduct shall subject the individual involved
to disciplinary action as deemed appropriate. The member institution with which the offending
individual is associated may also be subject to disciplinary action if it is found that the institution’s
policies, actions, or failure to act, substantially contributed to the individual’s misconduct.
Section VIII.2 Unsportsmanlike Conduct:
Acts of unsportsmanlike conduct shall include, but not be limited to:
A. Any coach or other person in an official capacity who strikes or physically abuses an official,
opposing coach, players, or league officers and staff.
B. Any coach or other person in an official capacity who intentionally incites participants or spectators to violent or abusive action.
C. Any coach or other person in an official capacity who uses obscene gestures or profane or
unduly provocative language or action towards officials, league officers and/or staff, opponents,
or spectators, or makes derogatory comments to press or public about officials or opponents.
D. Any coach or other person in an official capacity who engages in negative recruiting, it being
understood that athletic representatives of Association member institutions will not discuss the
personnel or programs of member institutions with prospective student athletes.
Section VIII.3 Penalties for Unsportsmanlike Conduct:
Any person involved in one or more acts of unsportsmanlike conduct, as indicated previously, is
subject to penalties as deemed appropriate by the Coordinator of Officials, Commissioner and/or
Board of the Association.
Section VIII.4 Directors of Athletics:
Each Athletic Director is required to participate actively with the coaches in a pre-season player
orientation meeting to help foster an attitude among the players that their institution expects from
them: respect for the rules of the Association; of the officials; and of the opposing players. In
addition, each Athletic Director should impress upon these athletes that their conduct as hockey
players mirrors the institution they represent, and that the institution expects from them a sportsmanlike conduct of the highest standards whether on or off the ice.
A. The host Athletic Director or designated institutional representative will be present at all home
Hockey East games.
MEN’S HOCKEY EAST BY-LAWS — PAGE 10
B. He or she shall seek the cooperation of the local media to represent Hockey East in such a
manner as to build up a positive sportsmanlike attitude.
C. He or she shall employ program publications, public address announcements, radio and TV
interviews, booster luncheons, etc., to emphasize Hockey East as a representative of the best
features of intercollegiate athletics.
Section VIII.5 Conduct of Players Supplemental Discipline:
A. Only a team captain may inquire about a penalty assessment. Continued bickering or arguing
with an official shall be subject to penalty.
B. If a player takes any action against an opponent which, in the opinion of the officials, is a
deliberate attempt to injure, the officials shall determine the facts and report them, at the earliest opportunity to the Coordinator of Officials or immediately upon conclusion of the contest. The
Coordinator shall, in turn, notify the Commissioner. The officials will also immediately follow up on
this verbal report with a written account of the incident to the Coordinator on the referee’s special
report. Further disciplinary action shall be the responsibility of, 1) the Coordinator when the incident is player v. player, or, 2) the Commissioner, if involving any non-uniformed personnel. The
institution has the right to appeal, the first game of any suspension not subject to appeal.
C. Any player who intentionally makes physical contact with an official will be subject to a disqualification penalty. The facts surrounding the incident shall be reported by the referee to the
Coordinator of Officials upon completion of the contest. The Coordinator, in turn shall notify the
Commissioner. If, upon review, the Coordinator or Commissioner determined that additional penalties appear warranted, he is authorized to take appropriate action, which may include temporary
suspension of the player involved.
D. Any player who, in the opinion of the officials, engages in acts of misconduct for which the
normal penalty structure does not suffice shall be subject to additional penalties as assessed by
the Coordinator or Commissioner.
E. A player who incurs a game disqualification penalty in an intercollegiate game, or immediately
before, during an intermission or after the game, shall be ineligible for the next scheduled intercollegiate game, as proscribed by NCAA ice hockey playing rules.
Section VIII. 6 AHCA Code of Conduct:
Introduction — While those who consider themselves part of the hockey community embrace
The Game, hockey is a minority sport, particularly college hockey within the world of college
athletics. This increases the importance of a sense of community among those who play, coach,
work, and follow college hockey.
To establish and maintain a sense of community, we can not ignore the way the game
itself is played. The stability of our hockey community is based on how everyone within the community carries out his or her responsibilities related to The Game.
Our Code of Conduct is primarily directed to the coaches in whose hands the welfare
of The Game is placed. In addition to the Coaches’ Code of Conduct, there is a section on the
establishment and maintenance of an AHCA Ethics Committee. This committee will have the
responsibility of seeing that the Code of Conduct is observed. It is understood that anyone who is
a member of the AHCA will embrace the Code of Conduct when approved by the membership.
Finally, we are presenting a Code of Conduct for the student-athlete as well. We believe
it is our responsibility to raise the visibility of sportsmanship and fair play as vital elements of The
Game. Without the acceptance of sportsmanship as a cornerstone of intercollegiate athletics by
coach and athlete alike, there can be no such thing as “the college hockey community”.
[Please note: references to a given on-ice contest will refer to such contest as a “game”.
References to the greater culture of the sport shall be referred to as “The Game”.]
MEN’S HOCKEY EAST BY-LAWS — PAGE 11
The AHCA CODE of CONDUCT
A. Responsibility to The Game
1. Coaches are role models. As such, they shall always conduct themselves so as to maintain the
highest principles, integrity, and dignity of The Game.
2. Coaches are responsible for knowing, understanding, and following all rules of the game as
established and directed by the NCAA Ice Hockey Rules Committee, the respective NCAA Ice
Hockey Championship Committee, and the conference in which the coach participates.
3. Dissatisfaction with NCAA or conference policies and/or their implementation may only be
addressed through the proper channels established by the NCAA or respective conference. It is
never proper to express dissatisfaction through the media or any other source.
4. Both the letter and the spirit of all rules must be adhered to by the coaches.
5. It is the coach’s responsibility to make sure that all players understand the rules, their spirit,
and the only legitimate processes by which to affect change. The letter and spirit of all rules must
be adhered to by all participants in The Game.
6. Game officials - like coaches and players - are major participants in The Game. The coach
shall neither exhibit nor tolerate any behavior from others (staff and squad) - verbal or otherwise - that might reflect poorly on an on-ice official. This includes, but is not limited to, arguing a
judgment call in such a manner as to incite players and spectators against an official. There are
approved methods by which a coach may comment on an official’s performance. Public displays
of displeasure - before, during, or after a contest - are not among these approved methods.
B. Responsibility to the Institution
1. Coaches are educators. The rink serves as classroom, practices provide skills, and competition allows for the pursuit of excellence. This primary function of the coach must never be disregarded.
2. Coaches should never interfere with the duties and jurisdiction of other departments of an institution, including but not limited to admissions, compliance, and the various academic disciplines.
3. Coaches should constantly be alert to see that their program is being conducted and promoted
properly. While there are definable duties in which coaches hold primary responsibility, coaches
are also responsible for having an awareness of all institutional activities that may affect their
program’s performance and reputation.
4. Coaches should immediately notify their athletic director of any situation that might violate the
Code of Ethics or any NCAA or conference rule or regulation.
C. Responsibility to the Student-Athlete
1. Coaches should never place the value of a win above the objective of instilling the highest
ideals and character traits in their players. The safety and welfare of the players should always
be uppermost in their mind and these values must never be sacrificed for personal prestige or
personal gain.
MEN’S HOCKEY EAST BY-LAWS — PAGE 12
2. Coaches should never teach their players tactics or skills designed to circumvent the intent of
the rulebook and the standards of fair play. The rules exist to protect the players and provide a
common standard by which final results will be determined. Coaches should not attempt to “beat
the rules” or take any unfair advantage over an opponent.
3. Whenever players exhibit unsportsmanlike behavior on their own, it is the responsibility of the
coach to address that behavior and put an end to it. Coaches are responsible for the conduct of
their players.
4. The diagnosis and treatment of injuries is a medical problem and coaches should always defer
to the proper medical authorities without the slightest interference.
5. Coaches, in consultation with the proper athletic department administrator, are responsible for
knowing and following the NCAA Manual, the NCAA Ice Hockey Rules book, or the NCAA Ice
Hockey Officials’ Manual. Coaches should not knowingly jeopardize the eligibility and participation of any student-athlete due to ignorance of the rules and their application.
6. Coaches should not make any demands on a student-athlete that are inconsistent with NCAA
guidelines and regulations or in any way compromise the student-athlete’s academic pursuits.
7. It shall be understood by coaches that their general responsibility to “the student-athlete” and
to “The Game” includes all student-athletes, whether on his team or on an opponent’s.
D. Responsibility To Officials
1. All game officials - including but not limited to on-ice officials, goal judges, scorers, host facility
personnel - shall at all times be treated in a professional and courteous manner.
2. In particular, on-ice officials should be treated with respect at all times and it is the particular
responsibility of the host coach to insure for the safety and well-being of these officials in that host
facility.
3. Coaches should be sensitive to the impropriety of private meetings with on-ice officials before,
during, or after the contest, without the presence of a representative of the opposing team.
4. Coaches wishing to express displeasure with an official’s conduct must follow the proper
procedure as established by the respective conference (via conference supervisor of officials,
conference commissioner, etc.).
5. At no time is it appropriate to use the media as a vehicle in which to criticize an official, officials
in general, or any NCAA or conference committee or its policies. Not only are specific or general
criticisms through the media inappropriate, so too are emphatic “No Comment” remarks, or disguised criticisms (“My athletic director told me not to comment on the officiating.”)
E. Public Relations
1. Members of the news media shall be treated with courtesy, honesty, and respect. Such treatment extends to members of the college sports information community as well. Derogatory and
misleading statements must be avoided. Direct questions should be answered honestly or not at
all.
MEN’S HOCKEY EAST BY-LAWS — PAGE 13
2. Coaches should take the time to instruct and guide students in their responsibility to the media
as well (see attached material from the U.S. Olympic Committee). Coaches and athletes should
refrain from negative comments about opponents or officials at all times.
3. Coaches should respect policies and procedures established on their campus by the institution’s sports information office. Coaches should see that all commitments made by players or
staff regarding interviews or photo sessions be honored. Coaches shall also respect the policies
established by the sports information office for the press box, home and away. The press box is a
work area . The sports information director will determine policies for assistant coaches, statisticians, non-dressed players, and professional scouts. It is expected that all coaches will abide by
these policies.
4. Coaches should be available to the media following a brief post-game cooling off period. The
coach should consult with the sports information office regarding post-game policies for athletes.
The policies that are established must give all members of the media equal access to designated
participants.
MEN’S HOCKEY EAST BY-LAWS — PAGE 14
COLLEGE HOCKEY PLAYER’S CODE OF CONDUCT
[NOTE: The following is a voluntary Hockey Players’ Code of Conduct which college hockey
players, at the request of an AHCA member coach, may be asked to read and post in the team
locker room. The AHCA has no direct jurisdiction over student-athletes. It is hoped that coaches
and student-athletes alike will embrace the letter and spirit of this code.]
1. The ability to participate in the game of college hockey is made possible by the institution. The
hockey players accept that this is an opportunity, not a right.
2. Hockey players should always conduct themselves so as to maintain the highest principles,
integrity, and dignity of their institution in particular and The Game in general.
3. Hockey players should always adhere to the spirit and letter of the playing rules established by
the NCAA.
4. Hockey players should always adhere to the spirit and letter of all rules - on and off the ice -established by the NCAA, the institution, the institution’s respective conference, and the community
at large.
5. Hockey players accept the authority of all game officials. At no time is it appropriate to demonstrably question the decisions and actions of game officials, particularly on-ice officials.
6. Hockey players accept the notion that an athlete’s strong desire to compete and succeed is in
no way compromised by respect for the rule book and respect for all opponents. Acceptance of
this concept is the very heart of sportsmanship and fair play.
7. Hockey players’ actions will never deliberately jeopardize the safety and well being of opponents, teammates, officials, or spectators.
8. Hockey players’ actions will never deliberately attempt to circumvent the letter and spirit of the
rules, on and off the ice. It is also understood that all hockey players are responsible for knowing
and understanding all rules that pertain to their participation in The Game.
9. Hockey players accept that their academic responsibilities supercede their athletic responsibilities.
10. Hockey players will honestly report all injuries and medical conditions in a timely manner to
the appropriate institutional medical personnel.
MEN’S HOCKEY EAST BY-LAWS — PAGE 15