BAHL Handbook

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BAHL HANDBOOK 2009-2010

BAHL MISSION STATEMENT        To provide a safe and healthy environment for all children. For each child to be given the opportunity to develop basic hockey skills, mature mentally and physically for the sport of hockey, and move to the next level.

THE BILLINGS AMATUER HOCKEY LEAGUE AND CENTENNIAL ICE ARENA     The Billings Amateur Hockey League (BAHL) is a non-profit corporation organized under the Board of Directors for the BAHL. The Board is elected each spring at the Annual Meeting of the membership of the BAHL. One parent or guardian of a member of the BAHL is eligible to vote for the Board of Directors. The Board meets every second Monday of each month, and meet for special Board meetings as needed. The Board sets the policy, rules, and regulations for the BAHL. The Billings Amateur Hockey League Corporation owns Centennial Ice Arena (CIA) and the BAHL Board of Directors oversee the operation of the CIA. The daily operations of the BAHL and the CIA are run by the BAHL General Manager. The BAHL makes up about one third of the budget for the CIA, the remaining two thirds of the budget is raised by marketing of the ice to area organizations such as the figure skater clubs, adult hockey league, the Billings Bulls Hockey Club, public skate, private parties, and other activities.

USA HOCKEY AGE CLASSIFICATIONS FOR THE 2009-2010 SEASON BIRTH DATE AGE AGE DIVISION 1991 18 High School 1992 17 High School 1993 16 High School 1994 15 High School 1995 14 BANTAMS **See Note** 1996 13 BANTAMS 1997 12 PEEWEE 1998 11 PEEWEE 1999 10 SQUIRTS 2000 9 SQUIRTS 2001 8 & Under MITES / TYKES ***95's could register to play High School vs. Bantam; or both if they are attending High School, so long as only one team is registered as Tier II***

BAHL ZERO TOLERANCE    1.  No verbal, physical abuse, or threats of any rink employee or BAHL volunteer. 2.  No use of tobacco, alcohol, or drugs anywhere in the facility (including the parking lot). 3.  No use of obscene or vulgar language in a boisterous manner to anyone at anytime. 4.  No taunting players, coaches, officials, or other spectators by means of baiting, ridiculing, or threatening physical violence. 5.  No throwing any object in the spectators viewing area, player's bench, penalty box, or the on-ice surface, that in any manner creates a safety hazard. 6.  All violators will be escorted from the facility and may be required to attend a disciplinary meeting.

REGISTRATION FOR ICE HOCKEY     Please read the BAHL Team Structure pages to determine which program your player will register for. Fill out all paper work (registration form, code of conduct, and consent to treat) Refer to the Fee Schedule and submit a check for 1/3 of the fee, which is due by September1, 2009, the next 1/3 of the fee by November 1, 2009, and the remaining balance due by December 31,2009.

REGISTRATION FOR IP PROGRAM       The BAHL offers the Initiation Program for children 4-17 years of age who wish to learn how to play hockey. Ice-skating and hockey skills are the focus of these sessions. SKATERS MUST BE AGE 4 BY September 1, 2009 TO PARTICIPATE IN THE IP PROGRAM. NO PRIOR EXPERIENCE IS NECESSARY. The following skills will be taught: lateral movement, front start, two foot stop, crossover skating, backward V stop, forward and backward pivot, backward to forward pivot, tight (power) turns, puck control, lead pass to moving target, and forehand and backhand sweep shot. Players must purchase all hockey gear. The BAHL does have a limited supply of gear for younger players to rent, availability questions should be directed to the BAHL General Manager.

2009-2010 BAHL FEE STRUCTURE AGE GROUP DIVISION FEE High School Varsity $760.00 High School Rec $120.00 High School Junior Varsity $760.00 Bantam A and B $700.00 PeeWee A and B $575.00 U15 $175.00 Squirt A and B $640.00 Squirt Rec $295.00 Mite Rec $295.00 IP Session 1 < FREE > IP Session 2 < FREE > ***High School Varsity and Junior Varsity Players are not allowed to plat U15***

USA / BAHL HOCKEY EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS    USA HOCKEY Rules: (Must be worn at ALL practices, scrimmages and games) HECC approved Ice Hockey Helmet-Shoulder Pads-Shin Pads-Elbow Pads-Hockey Pants-Skates-Hockey Stick-Hockey Gloves-Protective cup for boys-Pelvic protector for girls-Hockey Socks (optional)-Colored mouth guards (required for all players in the BAHL), additional equipment is required for goalies.    BAHL Rules: Neck guards are required for all Peewee and younger players. Neck guards are strongly recommended for Bantam age and older players.

INJURIES     If a player has been injured and received medical care, the parent must provide a doctor's release to the coach before resuming skating with the team.

USA HOCKEY REGISTRATION      It is the responsibility of the Parents/Guardians to register their child with USA HOCKEY online.  The website is www.usahockey.com. The BAHL can no longer register players because of the waiver of liability section of the registration form that has to be completed by the Parent/Guardian. USA HOCKEY registration is required by September 1, 2009. A copy of USA HOCKEY registration is required by the BAHL at time of tryouts.

TEAM MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION     Each team must submit a team commitment to MAHA by team representative. Unnecessary team registration is discouraged. Registration of teams other than those approved by the BAHL Board of Directors will not be allowed. The team membership application registers the team with USA Hockey. There is no USA Hockey insurance coverage for teams that are not properly registered.

TEAM ROSTERS     Rosters must be turned into the BAHL Registrar prior to any games being played. Only those players who are listed on any given roster form constitute a "team". Players from one roster cannot be mixed with players from another roster. Non-registered teams cannot play games. If players from one team are mixed with players from another team during a game, neither team will be covered by USA Hockey insurance. Teams will be classified according to the oldest player listed on the playing roster.

COMPLETING THE ROSTER     The BAHL General Manager will computer generate the team rosters. Only 20 players can be rostered on a team. This number includes the goaltenders. Even though 20 players may be listed, it is not necessary to play with all 20 players. No team you are playing should have more than 20 players suited and on the bench.

EXCEPTIONS     High School teams (no age restriction) consist of full time students attending a single High School or within a single school district as defined by the appropriate state law or school district.  These teams can roster up to 30 players only suiting 20 players for any given game.  Keep in mind that any game played by a High School team DOES NOT count toward the necessary 10/10 game rule required to participate in the District Tier II Tournament.  Team managers will be added to the roster without the $37.00 IMR charge. USA Hockey provides anyone on the roster with $1 million liability policy.

ADDITIONS AND DELETIONS TO THE ROSTER     Players can be added or deleted to a team at any time before December 31, 2009 for MAHA and Tier II Teams. For Tier II teams, the District Registrar must sign add/deletes by December 31, 2009. This means that these changes need to be into the BAHL General Manager by December 20, 2009. All add/deletes must be approved by the Coaches Committee. Coaches requesting players to be added to their roster need to give the Coaches Committee adequate time to review the request. After notification by the Coaches Committee chairman, the BAHL General Manager will do the add/deletes in the USA Hockey computer program.

TIER II TEAMS (PeeWee, Bantam, and Midget teams who are District Bound)     Those teams interested in competing at the District National level need to have these teams registered prior to any games they will be playing. Any "games" that these teams play must be dated after the District Registrar has signed both the roster and the team application or they DO NOT count toward the total games for this team. There is also no insurance for teams who are not properly registered (IMR's, Team Applications, and Rosters). Allow two weeks for the processing of the paperwork for your Tier II teams once we have received the team Applications and Rosters in the league office. A Tier II team must meet the 10/10 rule. The teams must have played a minimum of 20 games against teams at or above their age level (teams you play must be properly registered as well) and each player must have played a minimum of 10 games with this team. The score sheets must be signed by a referee and fully completed. Any score sheets not properly filled out will be eliminated. Maintain a readable copy of all score sheets. Score sheets for a High School team will not count for a Midget team. Midget teams must have 20 legal Midget score sheets. The Tier II teams must have all additions and deletions complete and to the BAHL General Manager by December 20, 2009, so that they can be received and signed by the District Registrar prior to December 31, 2009. No changes will be allowed to these teams after that date. Tier II teams must register two goalies. All Tier II players must sign the roster. All Tier II teams Head Coach or Team Manager must carry a player's book with them at all times containing the following:      Team Application-signed by District Registrar prior to 12/31/09      Team Roster-signed by District Registrar prior to 12/31/09      USA Hockey Code of Conduct, and Release and Consent to Treat-All players      Birth Certificates-All players

TEAM PARENT RESPONSIBILITIES     1.  In conjunction with the Age Group Director notify team members in writing or call as promptly as possible, when there are changes in practice or game times. 2.  To organize end-of-season team party and/or gift for coaches. 3.  To work with League Director or Age Group Director to get game score sheets in Billings Gazette.

TEAM / TRAVEL MANAGERS RESPONSIBILITIES     1.  To communicate to the Age Group Director the progress and needs of the developmental, recreational, competitive or voluntary travel teams in his or her division. 2.  To communicate with players and parents all league rules and act as coordinator between parents, players, and Discipline Committee. 3.  To ensure that teams are registered through the BAHL General Manager (must be completed prior to any games being played). 4.  To make out written schedules of all events and present a copy of such schedule to parents, players and coaches. 5.  To encourage participation of division members in training for timekeepers and scorekeepers and to schedule timekeepers, score keepers, and referees for games. 6.  To organize division tournament with the Tournament Director and Age Group Director. 7.  To keep records of contacts made throughout the year. 8.  To summarize the year at the division year-end party and issue patches as arranged through the State Registrar and BAHL General Manager. 9.  To maintain a file containing birth certificates, players code of conduct, responsibilities, and player's registrations to be with you or the coaches whenever acting on behalf of the league. 10. To react to any issues that may be perceived as a problem and communicate to the proper authority.

COACHES CODE OF CONDUCT AND RESPONSIBILITIES     Because working with young people is a responsibility and a privilege; the importance of this position of authority and leadership cannot be underestimated. All coaches must consent to background screening by the Montana Amateur Hockey Association and the BAHL. Anyone interested in coaching in any capacity for the BAHL must fill out a coach's application. The application can be obtained from the BAHL General Manager or on the USA Hockey website. All coaches will abide by the standards contained in the Coaches' Code of Conduct and Responsibilities. If the standards are violated, the coach may be subject to immediate suspension or dismissal as a coach in the BAHL. All coaches will be provided an opportunity to explain their actions to the Coaches Committee; however, all decisions of the Coaches Committee regarding suspension or dismissal are effective immediately upon rendering a decision. In the event of a dismissal or suspension for greater than four weeks, the coach may request, in writing a review of such suspension or dismissal by the Board of Directors of the BAHL. The decision of the Board of Directors shall be final and binding. Coaching is a privilege and not a right and a coach may be dismissed without cause. Following are areas of expectation the BAHL has regarding coaching positions.

ADMINISTRATION AND COMMUNICATION     Develop a philosophy; use teaching methods consistent and USA Hockey, Inc. and the BAHL. It is also the responsibility of the coach to: 1.  Attend an ALL Coaches meetings held by the Coaches Committee prior to the start of the season. 2.  Conduct an organizational meeting for parents and players prior to the first game of the season. 3.  Complete team roster and submit to the BAHL General Manager in a timely manner. 4.  Team Managers complete team roster (signatures) and give to the BAHL General Manager. 5.  Maintain a Team Packet: (must be kept on player's bench whenever team is on the ice)      a) Team Application      b) Team Roster      c) BAHL Player Registration Form      d) Medical Release and Consent to Treat form      e) USA Hockey Rules      f) Discipline Sheets and Player Tickets      g) First Aid Kit      h) Code of Conduct

COACHING OBJECTIVES The most important goal of every coach is to promote the game of hockey by encouraging participation of every player in practice and games. Equally important is the emphasis of good sportsmanship both on and off the ice. All coaches should stress the importance of "team work" and all players should be treated equally. 1.  Have fun. "Athletes First-Winning Second" 2.  Help young people (players) develop      a) Hockey skills.      b) Physically, by learning skills, improving conditioning develop well health habits, and avoiding injuries.      c) Psychologically, by learning to control their emotions and develop feelings of self worth. Use of profanity, drugs, and alcoholic beverages is absolutely prohibited.      d) Socially, by learning to cooperate in a competitive context, by learning appropriate standards of behavior (SPORTSMANSHIP) and respect for referees, coaches, teammates, opponents, and parents. 3.  Ice Time:      a) BAHL House Recreation Teams: Coaches will strive to provide each player with fair and equitable ice time.      b) Competitive Travel Teams: Ice time will vary according to the coach's discretion. 4. Mite and Squirt players will be encouraged and given the opportunity to play all positions to promote:      a) Skill development      b) Self-esteem      c) Flexibility for the team

LEAD BY EXAMPLE Players learn both skills and attitude by watching and emulating those in authority. Coaches will: 1.  Maintain a positive attitude toward referees, parents, players and other coaches, including language use. 2.  Refrain from use of tobacco products in the presence of players. 3.  Coaches are prohibited from using alcoholic beverages during the course of the season in the presence of players during team functions. A coach who arrives intoxicated for any practice or game will be asked to leave and will be subject to disciplinary action.

COACHES TRAVEL PER DIEM     A rostered head coach without a player on the team will be reimbursed up to $150 for over night trips. Up to one rostered assistant coach without a player on the team will be reimbursed up to $75.00 for overnight trips. Any coach funding is the responsibility of the team (which should be stipulated at the beginning of the season).

COACHES EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS      All coaches (head and assistants) must have the appropriate USA Hockey coaching education card by December 31, 2009. Coaches will be reimbursed the cost of one coach's clinic per year. Refer to the USA Hockey Handbook as to the appropriate coaching level required for each age group.

TEAM / PLAYER DISCIPLINE - BILLINGS AMATUER HOCKEY LEAGUE     The Team Head Coach is responsible for team and player discipline. The Team Head Coach is responsible for team and player activity both on and off the ice. All discipline problems should be reported to the Discipline Committee. RECOMMENDATIONS: 1. At pre-season meeting, coach will explain team/association rulesexpectations for player and parents. Discipline policy and philosophy will be read and signed by player and parent PRIOR to any team activities. 2. Corporal discipline will not be tolerated. A coach should not strike a player under any circumstance. 3. Methods of Discipline (Suggestions):      a) Penalty box      b) Pick up pucks      c) Clean up locker rooms      d) Miss practice      e) Miss line shift      f) Miss game      g) Parental meeting      h) Referral to discipline committee      i) Dismissal from the team with board approval

DISCILPINARY GUIDELINES       The following guidelines are recommended for dealing with discipline problems: 1.  A coach will explain in writing (copy to Coaches Committee) how he plans on dealing with discipline problems at the beginning of the season so both players and parents know beforehand. 2.  A player should be given a warning before action is taken. Disciplinary action, whether it is pushups, sit-ups, sitting in the penalty box, etc., should be left up to the coach. If the problem persists, the player will be asked to leave the practice. If the problem continues, the coach should ask the Discipline Committee for advice. During a game, the coach has the right to bench a player for a period or the remainder of the game, depending on the severity of the problem. 3.  Foul language will not be tolerated before, during or after practices or games. 4.  Players, who miss practices (unexcused), do not have the right to play in the next game, as decided by the coach. 5.  The coach should be responsible for leaving the locker room clean after practices and games. Cooperation by all players is mandatory. 6.  The coach will be responsible for adult supervision in the locker room at all times.

BAHL FIGHTING RULES     1ST FIGHT: USA HOCKEY RULES-SUSPENSION OF THE REMAINDER OF THE GAME AND ONE ADDITIONAL GAME. 2ND FIGHT: SUSPENSION OF THE REMAINDER OF THE GAME AND 2 ADDITIONAL GAMES. 3RD FIGHT: SUSPENSION FROM THE BAHL FOR THE REMAINDER OF THE SEASON (NO FEE REIMBURSEMENT). PLAYERS MUST APPEAR IN FRONT OF THE DISCIPLINE COMMITTEE TO GAIN RE- ADMITTANCE TO THE LEAGUE FOR THE NEXT YEAR. EACH FIGHTING INFRACTION IS SUBJECT TO APPEAL TO THE DISCIPLINE COMMITTEE WITHIN 10 DAYS.

PARENT / MEMBERS RESPONSIBILITIES AND CODE OF CONDUCT RESPONSIBILITIES: 1.  Read and support the "Players' Code of Conduct and Responsibilities". 2.  Provide a copy of each child's birth certificate at registration. 3.  Fill out, sign and return League Registration and USA Hockey Insurance Forms, for your child to the BAHL General Manager prior to his/her participation. Please print a copy and give to the BAHL General Manager. 4.  Acquire the appropriate equipment. 5.  Support the coach and assist where possible. 6.  Encourage and promote good sportsmanship. 7.  Assist in fund raising and other activities required to maintaining the league (i.e. clean up around the rink, putting down the ice, etc.)-see “General League Information”. 8.  Help your child to understand the following:      a. Developmental recreational division play, which is fair and equitable ice time for each player regardless of ability.      b. Competitive division travel teams play competitive and is not necessarily equal ice time.     CONDUCT:     1.  Parents will not question the "coach's coaching" during or after practices or games. The same applies for questioning the referee during or after a game. The practice of parents approaching a coach or referee immediately following a game to voice a complaining is strictly forbidden. 2.  Positive and encouraging comments are welcome. Negative or detrimental comments directed at coaches, players, referees, or other spectators are not acceptable. Obscene and/or disrespectful gestures will result in more severe penalties. 3.  Parents will abide by BAHL Rules and Philosophy. 4.  If a parent has a problem:      a. Arrange a time to discuss the situation with the Team Manager.      b. If a grievance is with the Team Manager, consult the Age Group director.      c. If a problem still persists, upon written request, the Discipline Committee will get involved to help alleviate the problem. 5.  If this code is not followed and a problem or altercation occurs involving a parent, the following recommended disciplinary guidelines will be considered:      Step I: Fist incident will result in the parent being banned from Centennial Arena for one week.      Step II: A second incident (or second incident in subsequent years) will result in the parent being banned from Centennial Ice Arena for the remainder of the year. Any official notification will remain on record for the duration of their membership in the BAHL. There will only be one Step I warning issued during that time. Further disciplinary issues will commence with Step II. It is the intent of the League to provide a safe and healthy environment for all. Any action, which conflicts with this intent, may lead to involvement of law enforcement and/or legal authorities. Reports of violations must be submitted in writing, signed and returned to the Discipline Committee. A sealed envelope addressed to the committee may be place in the League Directors slot in the upstairs office. The identity of the reporting individual will remain confidential. The steps are recommended minimum and all incidents penalties are at the sole discretion of the Discipline Committee.

PLAYERS' CODE OF CONDUCT AND RESPONSIBILITIES     Read and follow the "Player's Code of Conduct and Responsibilities". Become aware of coaches' philosophy and adhere to team guidelines. Read, sign and follow coaches' "discipline policy". Learn to cooperate in a competitive context by learning appropriate standards of behavior (SPORTSMANSHIP) and respect for referees, coaches, teammates, opponents and parents.     CONDUCT:     I, a registered BAHL player, acknowledge that in my conduct and character, I also represent my parents or guardians, team, coaches, the BAHL, and the Billings community. I also acknowledge that membership and play in the BAHL is a privilege, not a right. I understand and agree that I may be suspended for misconduct, while I am at Centennial Ice Arena or during any BAHL activities or team travel, including the following: *1.  The theft, misuse, destruction of, or damage to the property of the BAHL, other players or other person. 2.   Zero tolerance policy violations. 3.   Failure to obey any curfew set by my coaches during team travel. *4.  The failure to promptly pay, or make and keep arrangements for the payment of fees, dues, and charges for membership, ice time, or travel costs. *5.  The failure to promptly pay, or keep arrangements for the payment of restitution assessed by the Discipline Committee for theft, misuses, destruction, loss of or damage to property. *6.  The use or possession of any alcoholic beverages or illegal drug. **See alcohol drug policy. 7.   Possession of any tobacco product during participation in any scheduled event at or in the ice arena will not be tolerated. The product will be confiscated. There will be no littering of the rink or locker rooms. *8.  Fighting or intentionally causing or attempting to cause physical injury to any person on or off the ice. **See fighting policy. *9.  The use or possession of a weapon or any item that could be used as a weapon during any BAHL function is strictly forbidden and will result in immediate expulsion from the BAHL and the proper authorities will be notified. *I0. Such other misconduct that the Discipline Committee may deem to be cause for suspension. *11. The refusal to subscribe to this Code. **Denoted Major violations, which are mandatory report items**     I also understand and agree: 1.  That this code does not limit the right of my coaches to impose on-ice discipline or to set down and enforce attendance or other team requirements. 2.  That suspensions for violation of this code ordered by the Discipline Committee may include suspensions from practices, from one or more games, from all practices and games for a specific period of time, from travel, and/or from the BAHL membership and its activities. 3.  That in the event of my suspensions, I may request, in writing, a review of such suspension by the BAHL Board, or, at its election, by a Discipline Committee appointed by the Board, and that the decision of the Board or its Committee shall be final and binding. It is the league's intent to provide a safe and healthy environment for all. Any action, which conflicts with this intent, may lead to involvement of law enforcement and/or legal authorities. A copy of the recommended disciplinary guidelines is available upon request.      I (We) the parent(s) or guardian(s) of a registered BAHL player promise and agree: 1.  That I (we) will assure that the player upholds and obeys this code. 2.  That I (we) will promptly and on demand pay, or make and keep arrangements for the payment of all fees, dues, charges, costs and amounts of restitution described above and assessed or charged to the player. 3.  To the imposition and review of discipline and/or suspension of the player as set forth above for violation of this code. Reports of violations must be submitted in writing, signed and returned to the Discipline ' Committee. A sealed envelope addressed to the committee may be placed in the drop slot of the League Directors office. The letter's author will remain anonymous unless ALL involved parties agree to appear concurrently.

RECOMMENDED MINIMUM DISCIPLINARY GUIDELINES      There are two types of violations. They will be classified as follows: 1. Minor-offenses that typically involve only the player, such as: inappropriate language, curfew violations and tobacco possession.      Step 1: 7 day suspension from ALL team activities and 2 hours of league service.      Step 2: 14 day suspension from ALL team activities and 5 hours of league service.      Step 3: Appearance before the Board; written report to Board of Directors; and long-term suspension of 30 days or more. 2. Major-offenses that are more serious in nature, which involve other persons and/or property, such as: theft, destruction of property, fighting or attempts to injure, drug and alcohol use or possession and weapon violations. These are mandatory report items.      Step 1: 14 day suspension from ALL team activities and 5 hours of league service.      Step 2: 30 day suspension from ALL team activities and 10 hours of league service.     Step 3: Appearance before the Board; written report to Board of Directors; and long-term suspension or expulsion. All restitution for damages must be paid in full prior to any player being allowed to reenter the program.        *These are recommended minimum guidelines only. Each case will be handled individually. Disciplinary actions may include any or a combination of the penalties listed in that step. Parents will be contacted for each referral. The league will handle violations of the code. Legal involvement will be pursued when appropriate. ALL decisions by the Board of Directors are FINAL and are NOT subject to any further appeal.

RINK OPERATIONS      A.  All players, coaches, visitors, etc. must act in an orderly fashion that complies with all CIA Rules. B.  Private Lessons Interested individuals who want to give private lessons are to schedule time with the BAHL General Manager and will be charged the going fee for ice rental. C.  Ice Fees       The BAHL Board established the ice rental fee annually. D.  Adult Program Adult programs are to clean up after their activities, and are to remove any alcohol containers from the CIA properties. E.  No Coed dressing or undressing in locker rooms from Squirt age and older. The Girls locker room is located above the concession stand.

RULES AND REGULATIONS I.  REGISTRATION / FEES      A.  Procedure           1. A BAHL registered player may only be rostered on ONE USA Hockey rostered team unless approved by the BAHL board. At no time can a BAHL registered player belongs to more than one National Hockey Federation. Registration will take place in August of each year at Centennial Ice Arena. A copy of the birth certificate of each player will be required at registration. If unable to make this registration date, it is the player's responsibility to make arrangements with the BAHL General Manager prior to the registration date.           2. No registration is complete unless the following items are received and verified:               a. BAHL registration form               b. A copy of registrant's birth certificate.               c. Minimum of 1/3 of the player's fees.               d. Payment of any remaining unpaid debt.           3. Any registration received after the late registration date is provisional depending on the needs of the league as decided by the League Registrar and Age Group Director.           4. The number of registrations received by the registration date will determine ice time schedules.           5. All skaters will register in the age division according to their birth year. **NEW RULE for 2009-2010: No player is allowed to tryout for a higher age group** The BAHL board has voted to remove the past Move-Up rules. The exception to this rule is that 1995 Bantams that are attending High School can tryout for the High School Varsity, as there is no age delineation at this age group. If the Bantam player makes the High School Varsity team, he/she will be allowed to play with that team. If the Bantam also wishes to play on the Bantam team, he/she will be allowed to play with that team also, as long as only one team is registered as Tier II. If the Bantam player does not make the High School Varsity team, he/she must play at the Bantam age division.           B. Fees           1. See fee structure sheet.           2. The league has implemented a payment plan for members to pay their ice fees in installments.           3. All fees MUST be paid in full by December 31, 2009. Any skater whose fees are not paid in full will not be allowed to participate in the activities of the league including practice, developmental/recreational games, and travel. Statements will be mailed prior to December 15th. It is the parent's responsibility to determine his or her balance due. Those with previous payment arrangements with the League Treasurer will not be posted.           4. THERE IS NO PRO-RATING OF FEES WITH THE EXCEPTION OF A "SEASON ENDING" INJURY OR OTHER MAJOR MEDICAL CONDITION OR AN INDIVIDUAL MOVES AN UNREASONALBE TRAVEL DISTANCE AWAY FROM THE RINK.      II.  DEVELOPMENTAL DIVISION (IP, MITES, SQUIRTS, U15)      A.  OBJECTIVE - The developmental league is intended to provide all skaters with an equal opportunity to enjoy the game of hockey and to develop personal and team cooperation skills. Although games are a necessary measure of achievement of team goals, in no case shall the desire to win on the part of coaches or players overshadow or change the fair and equitable ice time opportunity for all players, regardless of ability. There is a THREE GOAL LIMIT per player per game in our own developmental league play, this will be strictly adhered to.                  1. INITIATION PROGRAM (IP)               (A) The BAHL Participates in the USA Hockey Initiation Program (IP) and all first year skaters are required to participate. IP is a highly structured introduction to the basic skills required to play hockey. The program has four levels: A, B, C, and D. An A player is a beginner and a D player is a player almost ready to step up to his or her regular age division.              (B) After each session, the players are evaluated and the skaters with necessary skills may be placed on a team, if available, in their appropriate age division at the discretion of the IP director and his assistants, the BAHL General Manager and the coaches at each level. Move ups can occur at random times and fees will be prorated.              (C) Players must be at least 5 years of age to be moved to the Mite/Tyke program.           2. MITES/TYKES             (A) The Mite division will be made up of players born in 2001 or later (8 and under). All Mites will be rostered on a developmental team. Mites will play half ice and play with a blue puck.             (B) The Mites will receive two hours of practice per week (baring tournament or holiday conflict) plus one scheduled game per week.             (C) A Mite Tournament will be held each season. The Age Group Director and the Tournament Director will prepare a tournament budget and format to be submitted to the League Director and then to the Board at the Board meeting preceding the tournament date for approval.             (D) Games: The Mites will adhere to all game rules, and scrimmages will be on shared ice. All games will be 60 minutes in length, zero periods and no refs or game sheets will be required.             (E) The league will provide the use of league owned goalie gear where possible and will be coordinated with the Equipment Manager.             (F) In order to qualify to register for play at the BAH the applicant must be enrolled in school or home schooled.             (G) Practice times will be shared. A ratio of two practices to one game shall be adhered to. The developmental team division is designed to provide a recreational hockey experience and team development with limited cost. If however, a developmental team would like to travel and such travel is supported by a sufficient number of players and parents, then that team may travel. 2001 and 2002 players will be allowed to travel no more than 3 times. 2003 and younger players will be allowed to travel two times plus two additional day trips will be allowed if available. All fees and expenses will be the responsibility of the participating players' parents of guardian. The Mite season will run November through March.          3. SQUIRT REC/HOUSE             (A) The Squirt division will be made up of players born in 1999 and 2000. All Squirts will be rostered on a BAHL developmental team.             (B) The Squirts will receive one hour of practice per week (barring a tournament or holiday conflict) plus one game per week. Practice and game schedules will be set to ensure each team has one house game per week, which will not be affected by travel commitments.             (C) A Squirt Res/House Tournament will be held during the season. The Age Group Director and the Tournament Director will prepare a tournament budget and format to be submitted to the BAHL General Manager and then to the Board at the Board meeting preceding the tournament date for approval.             (D) Games: There will be a maximum of two on-ice officials per game. Games must be completed within allotted game time.             (E) The league will provide the use of league owned goalie gear where possible and will be coordinated with the Equipment Manager.             (F) Practices times will be shared.             (G) Travel: The developmental team division is designed to provide a recreational hockey experience and team development with limited cost. If however, a developmental team would like to travel on three out of town trips and two additional day trips if available per season and such travel is supported by a sufficient number of players and parents, that team may travel. All fees and expenses will be the responsibility of the player's participating parents or guardian.             (H) In order to qualify to register for play at the BAHL the applicant must be enrolled in school or home schooled.           4. U15 REC              (A) These teams will have one practice and one game per week.              (B) Any Pee Wee/Bantam/High School player moving from IP will play on this team if they are 15 years old or younger. The board must approve travel.              (C) Checking will be taught and utilized in this division.              (D) Testing Procedures.                  1. The head developmental coach will observe the players.                  2. Testing of the players will be completed within the first three weeks of the season.                  3. The division head coach along with house team coaches will draft house teams.              (E) Coaching Assignments                 1. All coaching assignments (head and assistants) will be recommended by the Coaches Committee and approved by the Board.           5. HIGH SCHOOL REC              (A) High School Rec players will be rostered on a BAHL rec team.              (B) All players must attend all practices, games, out of town tournaments and team meetings. The head coach will designate excused absences. The head coach may excuse absences but is not obligated to accept excuse.               (C) The High School Rec team will be rostered as a High School Rec team and will not participate in the Treasurer State League.              (D) In order to qualify to register for play at the BAHL the applicant must be enrolled in school or home school.               (E) The High School Rec team will receive one hour of ice per week. They will play 7 games over an 8-week period.     III.  SQUIRT TRAVEL TEAM      A.  OBJECTIVE           1. The Squirt division will have tryouts for an A team. If there are a sufficient number of players that are interested in traveling, there will also be a tryout for a B team. Cross rostering of voluntary travel teams is counter-productive to team development and is not allowed, except for goalies. The team will consist of those who are committed to practice and travel with this team. The voluntary travel teams will follow the objectives of the MAHA Developmental Division Policy. Although games are a necessary measure of achievement of team goals, in no case shall the desire to win on the part of the coaches or players overshadow or change the fair and equitable ice opportunity for all players, regardless of ability.      B. STRUCTURE          1. All travel team players are rostered on a team. There will be at least 1 travel “A” team. Composition and number of teams will be decided after the tryouts by the Coaches Committee in collaboration with the Evaluators and Head Coaches.          2. Interest to play on a travel team MUST BE MADE AT REGISTRATION. All players must attend all practices, games, out of town tournaments, and team meetings. The head coach will designate excused absences.          3. The travel team will play in the Treasure State League and will fulfill MAHA commitments.          4. In order to qualify to register for play at the BAHL the applicant must be enrolled in school or home schooled.          5. The league will provide the use of league owned goalie gear where possible and will be coordinated with the Equipment Manager.      C. TRYOUT PROCEDURE          1. Coaches along with a member from the Coaches Committee and at least 2 evaluators from outside the division will observe players. This shall not include parents from the division or an ice assistant coach. The BAHL General Manager will be responsible for finding evaluators for tryouts.          2. Observing of players will be completed prior to the start of the season.          3. Tryouts are August 29-30, 2009.          4. Teams will be posted or announced September 6, 2009.      D. COACHING ASSIGNMENTS          1. All coaching assignments (head and assistants) will be recommended by the Coaches Committee and approved by the Board. Coaches will not be selected until after the tryout.     IV.  COMPETITIVE TRAVEL TEAMS      A.  OBJECTIVE - To provide an opportunity for those who qualify to advance into a more competitive environment where the focus will shift to emphasis on competition rather than equal ice for players in Peewees through High School. There will be at least 1 travel “A” team for Pee Wee and Bantam Teams, High School will be Varsity and Junior Varsity. Composition and number of teams will be decided after the tryouts by the Coaches Committee in collaboration with the Evaluators and Head Coaches.      B. STRUCTURE          1. PEEWEE A AND B             1. Players on these teams are not required to participate on the BAHL Developmental U15 team. However, if they choose to do so, they will be required to pay the additional fees.             2. Qualifications will be determined by tryouts. The Coaches Committee will approve selected evaluators who were asked by the BAHL General manager. Evaluators will be from outside of each division and will not include parents from the division or an on ice assistant coach. The final selection of the team shall be a cooperative effort between the head coach, the evaluators and the Coaches Committee.             3. Interest to play on a travel team MUST BE MADE AT REGISTRATION. All players must attend all practices, games, out of town tournaments and team meetings. The head coach will designate excused absences. The head coach may excuse absences but is not obligated to accept excuse.             4. The Peewee A team will be rostered as a Tier II team and will participate in the Treasure State League following MAHA rules. The Peewee A team will participate in the Northern Plains District tournament if qualified.             5. In order to qualify to register for play at the BAHL the applicant must be enrolled in school or home schooled.             6. The league will provide the use of league owned goalie gear where possible and will be coordinated with the Equipment Manager.             7. The Peewee A and B teams will receive two hours of ice per week.             8. The Pee Wee A team can petition the BAHL Board not to participate in the Treasure State League.            2. BANTAM A AND B             1. Players on these teams are not required to participate on the BAHL Developmental U15 team. However, if they choose to do so, they will be required to pay the additional fees.             2. Qualifications will be determined by tryouts. The Coaches Committee will approve selected evaluators who were asked by the BAHL General Manager. Evaluators will be from outside of each division and will not include parents from the division or an on ice assistant coach. The final selection of the team shall be a cooperative effort between the head coach, the evaluators and the Coaches Committee.              3. Interest to play on a travel team MUST BE MADE AT REGISTRATION. All players must attend all practices, games, out of town tournaments and team meetings. The head coach will designate excused absences. The head coach may excuse absences but is not obligated to accept excuse.              4. The Bantam A team will be rostered as a Tier II team and will participate in the Treasure State League following MAHA rules. The Bantam A team will participate in the Northern Plains District tournament if qualified.              5. In order to qualify to register for play at the BAHL the applicant must be enrolled in school or home schooled.              6. The league will provide the use of league owned goalie gear where possible and will be coordinated with the Equipment Manager.              7. The Bantam A and B teams will receive two hours of ice per week.              8. The Bantam A team can petition the BAHL Board not to participate in the Treasure State League.           3. HIGH SCHOOL VARSITY/U18             1. This team will be rostered as a BAHL High School Tier II/U18.             2. Qualifications will be determined by tryouts. The Coaches Committee will approve selected evaluators who were asked by the BAHL General Manager. Evaluators will be from outside of each division and will not include parents from the division or an on ice assistant coach. The final selection of the team shall be a cooperative effort between the head coach, the evaluators and the Coaches Committee.             3. Interest to play on a travel team MUST BE MADE AT REGISTRATION. All players must attend all practices, games, out of town tournaments and team meetings. The head coach will designate excused absences. The head coach may excuse absences but is not obligated to accept excuse.             4. If the High School varsity/U18 team is rostered as a Tier II team they can participate in the MAHA Tier II playoff.             5. In order to qualify to register for play at the BAHL the applicant must be enrolled in school, home schooled or graduated from high school.             6. Players who have graduated from high school and are still 18 years old are eligible to play on this team.             8. The High School Varsity/U18 team will receive 2 hours of ice per week.          4. HIGH SCHOOL JUNIOR VARSITY            1. The High School JV team will be rostered as a High School JV team and will participate in the Treasure State League following MAHA rules.            2. All players must attend all practices, games, out of town tournaments and team meetings. The head coach will designate excused absences. The head coach may excuse absences but is not obligated to accept excuse.            3. In order to qualify to register for play at the BAHL the applicant must be enrolled in school or home schooled.            4. The High School JV team will receive two hours of ice per week.      C. COACHING ASSIGNMENTS          1. All coaching assignments (head and assistants) will be recommended by the Coaches Committee and approved by the Board.          2. Coaches will be assigned after tryouts have been held.      D. TRAVEL TEAM MANAGERS          1. Each travel team MUST have a travel team manager selected by the head coach with responsibilities as follows.              A. Coordination and communication with Age Group Director on the activities and needs of the travel team.              B. Creation of a travel team schedule in terms of number of trips and places of travel to be presented to parents, with a copy of the schedule given to the League Director, Ice Scheduler, and Age Group Director.              C. Team Mangers must fax or mail all game score sheets to the MAHA Commissioner within one week of the games played. This may be done in the league office.              D. Scheduling of extra ice time.              E. Arranging for travel including hotels, tournament fees, etc.              F. Maintain records with the Age Group Director for awards.             G. Maintain records of information for USA Hockey tournaments, i.e. regional qualifications.              H. Collection and disbursement of travel funds. Expense reports must be posted, presented or available to parents no less than three times in a season, (pre, mid, post) unless the team has elected a per event collection.      E. PLAYER MOVE INTO TOWN POLICY:         1. If a player moves into town after tryouts, he/she may petition to have a special tryout and be placed appropriately on a team.         2. The player will be evaluated by the Coach and two members of the Coaches Committee.         3. The placement of the player CANNOT displace any current member from the team.

GENERAL LEAGUE INFORMATION    A.  GAME SCORE SHEET - Game score sheets are available at the concession stand. Game score sheets are not considered valid unless the following items are completed on the sheet. The referee is ultimately responsible for making sure game sheets are filled out properly and is last to sign the game sheet. Both coaches should verify that the game sheet has been filled out properly. Coaches are required to show their coaching education card before the start of each game. If the coach does not have a coaching card, it is to be noted on the score sheet. Game score sheets should have 4 copies: coach, coach, MAHA, BAHL. The referee will put a copy of the game score sheet in the BAHL General Mangers office.    B.  INSURANCE -         1. All youth players, high school and under, are provided with USA Hockey insurance coverage once they are properly registered. To be properly registered, each player must submit an IMR, be on a certified roster, while competing in a USA Hockey Sanctioned event. A claim form is included in the USA Hockey Insurance manual and is self-explanatory when an injury occurs. The coverage is in "excess": of the player's own policy and the balances can then be submitted. They must be in excess of the deductible; $100.00 deductible shall apply for each accident if there is other valid and collectible insurance; otherwise the deductible will be $250.00. A copy of the insurance Booklet will be available in the League office.        2. If a player does not have insurance coverage there is a $3500.00 deductable.    C.  SPONSORSHIP PROGRAM - BAHL Members are prohibited to solicit individual player sponsorships. All sponsorships are TEAM sponsorship only. Sponsorships and sponsorship advertisements have to be approved by the BAHL General Manager.    D.  TOURNAMENT INFORMATION -         1. TOURNAMENT PACKETS FOR INCOMING TEAMS Age Group Directors are to provide the League Director with contacts. The League Director will mail out tournament packets to other Montana Associations and to the contacts. All tournament applications will be returned to the League Director. The League Director will notify the Age Group Director when applications are received.       2. TOURNAMENT BUDGET The BAHL Board must approve budgets for all tournaments. All expenditures must be accompanied by a BAHL purchase order that must be obtained from the League Director. A receipt must accompany all reimbursements for small purchases within line budget. The referee scheduler will provide a list of the referee expenses to the League Director for payment directly to the Referees Association.       3. PROGRAMS The League Director will produce all BAHL tournament programs. If you would like to help with happy ads or the program please contact the League Director.       4. T-SHIRT SALES The League Director will find a local vendor to provide use of an iron on transfer machine and the sale of t-shirts.       5. RAFFLES Each tournament can hold a raffle of donated items. The Tournament Director should ask for a volunteer to run the raffle. Items should be collected from merchants that are directly involved with the parents from within that division so those businesses are not contacted repeatedly by the BAHL. Parents from the division will run the raffle during the tournament.       6. AWARDS The Tournament Director and League Director will be responsible for awards.    E. VOLUNTEER PROGRAM       1. League Service hours is volunteer time that the BAHL would otherwise have to pay someone to do. It is REQUIRED as part of each players registration. Players will not be allowed on the ice unless a deposit check is given, these will be held in a safe until April 1, 2010.       2. All House Divisions: (Mites, Squirts, U16, High School)          a. 15 hours service/player with a maximum of 30 hours/family.          b. $150.00 check/player with a maximum $200.00/family, post dated April 1, 2010.       3. Travel League Players: (Squirt, Pee Wee, Bantam, HS Varsity, HS JV)          a. 15 hours service/player with maximum 30 hours/family.          b. $150.00 check/player with a maximum $300.00/family, post dated April 1, 2010.          c. House Player + Travel Player: Family max of 30 hours, $250.00 check post dated April 1, 2010.      4. Opportunities to complete League Services are some examples below:          a. Score Keeper          b. Time Keeper          c. Penalty Box          d. Coaching          e. Travel Team Manager/Age Group Director          f. Concession Stand          g. Zamboni Driver          h. BAHL Board Member     F.  SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM - The BAHL does offer a Scholarship program in 2009-10 season. There is a limit of 4 scholarships available. Strict criteria must be met in order to qualify for the scholarship program. Applications for the scholarships can be obtain from the BAHL League Director. A scholarship committee will review all applicants and recommendations will be brought before the BAHL Board for final determination of the scholarship recipients.     G.  SEXUAL HARASSMENT - The BAHL prohibits sexual harassment of members through conduct or communication by any other member, coach or spectator. Sexual harassment and intimidation includes any unreasonable behavior, verbal or non-verbal, which has the effect of subjecting members of either sex to humiliation, embarrassment or discomfort, because of their gender. It includes, but is not limited to, conduct or discomfort because of their gender. It includes, but is not limited to conduct such as offensive sexual flirtation, unwanted physical contact, advances, propositions, repeated verbal abuse of a sexual nature, graphic verbal commentaries about an individual's body, sexually degrading words used to describe an individual, and the display of sexually suggestive objects or pictures. Members who believe they have been sexually harassed must inform the accused that they are offended and ask them to stop. They should then report the incident to an authority figure such as a coach, referee, Board member or Discipline Committee member. If the harassment continues, the member should report the incident, in writing, to the Discipline Committee. Any person who feels they have been sexually harassed is encouraged to report this violation of policy. All complaints will be handled discreetly. Because a thorough investigation requires that both the alleged perpetrator and the alleged victim be allowed to explain the incident, anonymity cannot be allowed. The Discipline Committee will carry out the investigation. They will make every effort to insure that the accused is given appropriate opportunity to defend against sexual harassment has taken place, appropriate disciplinary action will be taken in accordance with the appropriate disciplinary action will be taken in accordance with the appropriate disciplinary procedures ranging from verbal warnings to expulsion from the league. Retaliation against persons who file a complaint will not be allowed and will lead to a disciplinary action against the offender.     H.  REFEREES - Prior to the season, the Board will determine the amount to be paid to on ice officials, which includes referees and linesmen. The referee and linesmen will sign each score sheet. These score sheets will be used to determine the amount of monies due for billing purposed. Referees will receive a beverage for each game at the concession.     I.  TOBACCO AND ALCOHOL USE - Tobacco and alcohol use (including chew) are at no time to be used on the Centennial Ice Arena Property during any youth activities, this includes the parking lot. You will be asked to leave the property for abuse of this rule.

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