How To Behave In A Hockey Game

Transcription

1 CHICAGO BRUINS HOCKEY CLUB POLICY MANUAL Effective as of August,

2 Section 1 - General Provisions Mission Statement The Chicago Bruins Hockey Club is a not-for-profit organization whose purpose is to promote the education, enjoyment and competitive benefits of youth ice hockey. It is our goal to teach the fundamentals of ice hockey and the fun of playing the game. We are not an organization whose purpose is to win at all costs. We support fair participation for all players regardless of playing ability, to measure development in personal growth, hard work, self-discipline and team work. We strive to teach the valuable lessons of youth athletics that can be equated to everyday life...work hard, play fair, and love what you do. The Chicago Bruins Youth Hockey Club is guided by the principles; Integrity, Sportsmanship, and Respect. The Polices set forth herein are in furtherance of the Mission Statement of the Chicago Bruins Youth Hockey Club Good Faith The Chicago Bruins Youth Hockey Club establishes these polices in good faith. It is not the intention of the Board of Directors to establish any rules, regulations or policy that may conflict with the guidelines established by any of its affiliated organizations; Amateur Hockey Association Illinois, Inc.(AHAI), Central States Developmental Hockey League(CSDHL), Northern Illinois Hockey League (NIHL) Northwest Hockey League (NWHL), and USA Hockey. If such conflict occurs it is the intention of the Chicago Bruins Youth Hockey Club to abide by the rules, regulations and policies of the affiliated governing bodies when appropriate and/or required. 2

3 Fee & Payment Section 2 - Policies Relating to Fees and Fee Structure The Chicago Bruins Youth Hockey Club Board of Directors shall at its sole discretion set the annual fee schedule in order to cover the cost of the program for that respective season; fees may vary by age level and program. The Bruins Board of Directors shall set the fee schedule no later than 30 days prior to the start of the respective season. Every member/player agrees to pay the fees associated with his/her player s participation as set forth in the fee schedule as determined by the Bruins Board of Directors for that respective season pursuant to the terms and conditions set forth herein. The failure to pay any fee described herein may subject that respective player to suspension or expulsion from participation in Illinois hockey. Every member/player must elect one of the following payment plans prior to the start of the respective season, no player will be permitted to sign a roster without agreeing to one the payment plans provided herein: 1. one payment to be paid by September 30 th of the respective season, 2. four consecutive payments, beginning September of the respective season, payments shall be due on or before September 20, October 20, November 20, and December 20 of the respective season. Four post dated checks, for the dates listed above, for the correct amount must be provided at the time of registration or a signed agreement to charge a credit card on the above listed dates.. Payment Terms and Conditions: 1. Families who wish to make their payments by credit card will submit their credit card information to the Executive Book Keeper. The Executive Book Keeper will put through the charges on the agreed upon payment dates. Credit card transactions will be subject to the 3% processing fee charged by the credit card company. 2. Families who wish to pay by cash may do so, however, a valid credit card number must be provided to the Executive Book Keeper. If the cash payment is not received on or before the payment due date, the credit card will be charged pursuant to the terms and conditions set forth above Goalie Fees The Chicago Bruins Youth Hockey Club Board of Directors shall at its sole discretion set the annual goalie fee schedule in order to cover the cost of the program for that respective season; fees may vary by age level and program. The Bruins Board of Directors shall set the fee schedule no later than 30 days prior to the start of the respective season. 3

4 Family (Multiple Player) Discounts Families with 3 or more children participating in the program are entitled to a $200 discount on the third and subsequent player fees. Families with 2 or more children participating in the program shall only be required to purchase the Dinner Dance Tickets for the first child. Additionally, families with multiple players will only be required to put down one Volunteer Obligation deposit Fee Waiver or Reduction Due to Injury Non-Participation If a player is injured during the course of a game, practice or team sponsored event that injury shall be immediately reported to the Team Manager. The Team Manager shall immediately report the injury to the Registrar. All injuries that cause a player to miss a practice (including power skate, skills, etc.) or games should be reported. Medical Waiver Any player who suffers an injury requiring ongoing medical treatment must provide a Doctor s statement/release to return to hockey. Fee Refund/Waiver Upon written request of the player or his/her parent a player s fee or portion thereof may be waived/refunded/pro-rated due to the player s inability to participate in practices, games and team activities because of the player s injury. The written request, in order to be eligible, for a fee waiver/refund/pro-ration must meet the following criteria: 1. that the injury is hockey related, 2. that the player is/was unable to practice or play for more than a period of two months, 3. the request for waiver/refund/pro-ration must be supported by a written doctor's statement that the player is not able or was unable to play during said time period as a result of such injury, and 4. that request shall be made in writing to the Bruins Board within the same season that the injury occurred. The Bruins Board of Directors may upon majority approval waive/refund a portion of the fee that it deems reasonable based upon the facts and circumstances of the request. 4

5 Section 3 - Policies Relating to Conduct Code of Conduct All Chicago Bruins Hockey Club members, including players, coaches and parents, shall be required to sign their respective Code of Conduct contract as set for by the Bruins Board of Directors Mandatory Parent and Player Meetings All Chicago Bruins Hockey Club players and parents shall be required to attend a mandatory meeting where they will review all of the policies relating to conduct and sign either the Parent Code of Conduct or Player Code of Conduct contract. No player or parent will be allowed to attend a game until they have attended their respective mandatory meeting Zero Tolerance In an effort to keep ice hockey a more desirable and rewarding experience for all participants, The Chicago Bruins Youth Hockey Club has adopted a policy requiring all participants including but not limited to the players, coaches, and parents/spectators to maintain a sportsmanlike and educational atmosphere before, during and after all Bruins-sanctioned games. Specifically; Parents/Spectators If the game is stopped by on-ice officials when the parents/spectators displaying inappropriate and disruptive behavior interfere with other spectators or the game, the on-ice officials will identify violators to the coaches for the purpose of removing parents/spectators from the spectators viewing and game area. Once removed, play will resume and lost time will not be replaced. This inappropriate and disruptive behavior shall include but not be limited to; use of obscene or vulgar language in a boisterous manner to anyone at anytime; taunting of players, coaches, officials or other spectators by means of baiting, ridiculing, threat of physical violence or physical violence; throwing of any object in the spectators viewing area, players bench, penalty box or on ice surface, directed in any manner as to create a safety hazard. Coaches If a coach receives a penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct for: 1. Openly disputes or argues any decision by an official. 2. Uses obscene or vulgar language in a boisterous manner to anyone at any time. 3. Visually displays any sign of dissatisfaction with an official's decision including but not limited to standing on the boards or standing in the bench doorway with the intent of inciting the 5

6 officials, players or spectators. Players If a player receives a penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct for: 1. Openly disputes or argues any decision by an official. 2. Uses obscene or vulgar language at any time, including any swearing, even if it is not directed at a particular person. 3. Visually demonstrates any sign of dissatisfaction with an official's decision. Any time that a player persists in any of these actions, they shall be assessed a misconduct penalty. A game misconduct shall result if the player continues such action. Penalty Should this policy be violated the offending party may be subject to a suspension or in severe situations expulsion. The severity of the suspension shall be determined by the Bruins Rules and Ethics Committee on a case by a case basis. In determining the appropriate penalty the Bruins Rules and Ethics Committee shall review the past history of the offending party as well as the specific circumstances relating to the case Twenty-Four (24) Hour There shall be no contact with any member of the coaching staff regarding an issue of concern for a 24 hour period following the occurrence of an issue of concern. Definitions: For purposes of this policy the terms shall be defined or interpreted in the following manner: contact shall be avoided when the initiating party knowingly approaches the coach or member of the coaching staff in a confrontational/angry state of mind. issue of concern in no way shall an issue relating to the safety of a player be interpreted to within the confines of this policy. Should there be an issue of concern after the 24 hour period has passed, the parent shall contact the Team Manager and schedule a meeting which shall be documented and attended by the manager and coaching staff. These documents shall be submitted to the Bruins Rules and Ethics Committee for future reference should the need arise. Should satisfaction not be accomplished by the meeting, the Vice President of Hockey shall be notified and meet with the parties. Should the matter be unresolved after the afore-mentioned meetings, the Board of Directors of the Chicago Bruins Hockey Club shall be notified and will schedule a meeting or respond in writing based on the complaint content. 6

7 Penalty Should this policy be violated, the offending party may be subject to a suspension or in severe situations expulsion. The severity of the suspension shall be determined by the Bruins Rules and Ethics Committee on a case by a case basis. In determining the appropriate penalty the Bruins Rules and Ethics Committee shall review the past history of the offending party as well as the specific circumstances relating to the case Consumption Abuse It is the considered judgment of the Board of Directors of Chicago Bruins Hockey Club (hereinafter referred to as the Bruins ) that consumption/use/abuse of mood altering substances is detrimental to a healthy state of mind, body, and spirit in an athletic participant. This is especially true for those participants aspiring to develop their talents in the furtherance of their playing, or coaching, or officiating careers in the sport of ice hockey. Substance Abuse Violation The Chicago Bruins Hockey Club prohibits all players, coaches or team officials from the use of mood altering substances during active participation in its games, practices, training sessions and sponsored programs/activities. Definitions For purposes of this policy, the words mood altering substances shall include the following: Penalty 1. Intoxicating beverages, including, but not limited to, alcohol. 2. Illegal drugs, including but not limited to, Cannabis. 3. Non-prescription or prescribed controlled substances. 4. Prescription or non-prescription controlled substances when used for purposes other than treatment of a medical condition. Should this policy be violated the offending party may be subject to a suspension or in severe situations expulsion. The severity of the suspension shall be determined by the Bruins Rules and Ethics Committee on a case by a case basis. In determining the appropriate penalty the Bruins Rules and Ethics Committee shall review the past history of the offending party as well as the specific circumstances relating to the case Hazing It is the policy of Chicago Bruins Hockey Club that there shall be no hazing of any participant involved in any of our programs, Training Camps, Clinics, or Events by any employee, volunteer, participant or independent contractor. 7

8 Definition: Conduct which is insulting, intimidating, humiliating, offensive, or physically harmful to any other player or member of the Bruins Organization. Any player, team official, member of a team, or member of the Bruins Organization having been party to or having had knowledge of any degrading hazing, or initiation rite, without reporting it or taking action, shall be subject to appropriate discipline as set forth by the Bruins Rules and Ethics Committee. Penalty: Should this policy be violated the offending party may be subject to a suspension or in severe situations expulsion. The severity of the suspension shall be determined by the Bruins Rules and Ethics Committee on a case by a case basis. In determining the appropriate penalty the Bruins Rules and Ethics Committee shall review the past history of the offending party as well as the specific circumstances relating to the case Physical Abuse It is the policy of the Chicago Bruins Hockey Club that there shall be no physical abuse of any of any member in its programs, tournaments or events. Physical Abuse Definition: Physical abuse means physical contact with a participant that intentionally causes the participant to sustain bodily harm or personal injury. Physical abuse also includes physical contact with a participant that intentionally creates a threat of immediate bodily harm or personal injury. Physical abuse does not include physical contact that is reasonably designed to coach, teach or demonstrate a hockey skill. Permitted physical conduct may include, but is not necessarily limited to, shooting pucks at a goaltender, demonstrating checking and other hockey skills, and communicating with or directing participants, during the course of a game or practice, by touching them in a non-threatening, non-sexual manner. Penalty: Upon filing of the complaint alleging a violation of the aforementioned policy the alleged violator shall be immediately suspended pending a hearing before the Bruins Rules and Ethics Committee. Should this policy be violated the offending party may be subject to a suspension or in severe situations expulsion. The severity of the suspension shall be determined by the Bruins Rules and Ethics Committee on a case by a case basis. Further, the violation shall be immediately reported to AHAI for further disciplinary action. 8

9 Sexual Abuse It is the policy of the Chicago Bruins Hockey Club that there shall be no sexual abuse of any of any member in its programs, tournaments or events. Sexual abuse of a minor participant occurs when an employee, volunteer or independent contractor touches a minor participant for the purpose of causing the sexual arousal or gratification of either the minor participant or the employee, volunteer or independent contractor. Sexual abuse of a minor participant also occurs when a minor player touches an employee, volunteer or independent contractor for the sexual arousal or sexual gratification of either the minor participant or the employee, volunteer or independent contractor, if the touching occurs at the request or with the consent of the employee, volunteer or independent contractor. Neither consent of the player to the sexual contact, mistake as to the participants age, nor the fact that the sexual contact did not take place at a hockey function are defenses to a complaint of sexual abuse. Penalty: Upon filing of the complaint alleging a violation of the aforementioned policy the alleged violator shall be immediately suspended pending a hearing before the Bruins Rules and Ethics Committee. Upon proof of a violation of this policy, the violator will be permanently banned from all Chicago Bruins Hockey Club sanctioned events and programs. Further, the violation shall be immediately reported to AHAI for further disciplinary action Verbal Abuse It is the policy of the Chicago Bruins Youth Hockey Club that there shall be no verbal abuse of any of any member in its programs, tournaments or events. Verbal Abuse Definition: Verbal abuse means any threat of physical contact with a participant that intentionally causes the participant to have fear of bodily harm or personal injury. Verbal abuse also includes any insults directed at a member solely designed to belittle, intimidate or embarrass another member of the organization. Penalty: Upon filing of the complaint alleging a violation of the aforementioned policy the alleged violator shall be immediately suspended pending a hearing before the Bruins Rules and Ethics Committee. Should this policy be violated the offending party may be subject to a suspension 9

10 or in severe situations expulsion. The severity of the suspension shall be determined by the Bruins Rules and Ethics Committee on a case by a case basis. Further, the violation shall be immediately reported to AHAI for further disciplinary action. Section 4 - Policies Relating to Tryouts, Team Selection and Ice Time Travel Team Tryouts and Team Selection The Chicago Bruins Hockey Club will conduct tryouts for teams that will compete in any league other than the Northwest Hockey League and in-house leagues as needed. Prior to tryouts there will be a notice published by written or electronic means. Notice will include an overview of the program to be offered, anticipated costs, registration requirements, as well as the dates and times related to the programs activities. Tryouts and Team Selections will be conducted in a fair and impartial manner under the supervision of the Vice-President of Hockey and the Tryouts Committee. All slots on all Bruins teams are open for competition. Selections will be based upon the player's abilities and the coach's view of the needs of the team. Positions will not be "promised" to a player prior to tryouts, whether the player is currently with the Bruins or from another organization. Attendance at Tryouts Players wishing to play for the Bruins must participate in the scheduled tryouts. Unless waived by the Board of Directors of the Bruins, players must attend at least one of the scheduled tryouts. Failure to meet this requirement or obtain the waiver makes a player ineligible for selection. However, current Bruins players may be excused from attending tryouts by a majority vote of the Board of Directors based upon extenuating circumstances (e.g. illness, injury, and special family circumstances). A player who has received a waiver as provided within this policy and as a result has not participated in tryouts may be placed on a team upon the recommendation of the Vice President of Hockey Director and majority approval by the Board of Directors. Recruiting Bruins Board members, coaches, managers or other officials may not directly or indirectly promise a player a position on any Bruins team. Conducting Tryouts Tryouts will be conducted in a fair and impartial manner. The Vice-President of Hockey and the respective Tryout Committee members shall at their discretion establish the proper number and structure of tryout sessions. 10

11 Team Selection All slots on all teams are open for competition. The only exceptions to this rule are situations where a head coach has a son/daughter who is eligible to play on the coach's team. Sons/daughters of coaches may generally be selected in advance to be on the parent's team. Otherwise, a player may not be promised a position on a Bruins team prior to tryouts. Coaches are responsible for the choice of players for his/her team. Such decision should be made in a fair and impartial manner, based upon the player's abilities and the needs of the team. Skating skills, experience, work ethic and commitment are among the criteria that coaches may consider when making selections. Race, gender, ethnic background and religion are not. Coaches should seek input from the Vice-President of Hockey and the appropriate Tryout Committee member(s) in making these decisions. However, the coaches ultimately make the selection of players. Selections may begin during tryouts. The highest tiered teams in an age group will select first and will continue until its roster is filled. The next highest team will select its players next. The selection process will proceed in this manner until all teams have been selected. Bruins Preference Coaches are encouraged, when making team selections, to consider the fact that a player has previously been with the Bruins (or the Flames or Grizzlies). This is not intended to give a Bruins player a "right" to a position on a team. It should be viewed as a "tie-breaker" when deciding between a Bruins player and a roughly equal player from outside of the organization. Skating Up Players will tryout and be selected only for teams in their age group. However, on rare occasions, a player may be asked to skate up. Skating up must be for the benefit of the organization and the player, not at the request of the player or coach. Any such action must be initiated by the Vice-President of Hockey with the parent's consent and approved by the Bruins Board of Directors; said approval shall be on annual basis. Skating Down A player who elects to tryout for the Bruins agrees to play on the team for which he/she is selected. Players may decline selection on one team to play for a lower level Bruins team with approval of the Bruins Board of Directors. Said request shall only be approved if the player is able to demonstrate due hardship and the Bruins Organization is able to field a competitive team at the higher level. Players Placement after Tryout Any player who participates in the on-ice tryout process and is not selected to a team will be entitled to a refund minus the established tryout fee. Players who participate in the tryout process and are selected to a Bruins team but for whatever reason refuse join that team will not be entitled to any refunds. 11

12 Return Policy A player who has left the Bruins to play for another travel hockey organization or NWHL/House team may return to the Bruins. All returning players will be required to complete the tryout and team selection process to be placed on a team Developmental Ice Time Travel Program The Chicago Bruins Youth Hockey Club (hereinafter referred to as the Bruins ) supports a play to win philosophy; however, the philosophy shall be adhered to within the confines of developmental ice time for all players. Coaches are encouraged to use their best efforts to give ice time fairly to all players on their team. Developmental Ice Time "Developmental ice" does not mean "equal ice" in each game, nor should it be confused with balanced ice time (see Balanced Ice Time Policy House Program). The flow of the game, penalties, power plays and penalty killing may occasionally result in unequal playing times in a particular game. In addition, some teams may carry two lines of defense and three lines of forwards that will obviously result in different playing times between defensemen and forwards. Further, coaches may choose to use certain players during the last few minutes of a close game to give the team its best chance to win. This could result in some players finishing the game with more ice time than others players. On the other hand, coaches are encouraged to fully use all players. Use of all players in "specialty" situations (e.g. power player, penalty killing, etc.) develops Bruins players and is strongly encouraged. For these reasons, ice time may not be equal in each and every game, but should be roughly equal over the course of the season. Level of Play The level that a team plays may also have an impact upon playing time. "Mite" level teams should have nearly equal ice times among all players. On the other hand, "Midget" level teams may be in more games where ice times differs among players and may require the stronger players on the ice more at the end of some games. However, even among the older teams, the goal remains to give all players a roughly equal amount of ice and a variety of game experiences, taking into account the competitive nature of play. Motivation/Discipline Motivation and discipline may also affect ice time. Coaches may use a player's ice time as a motivational/disciplinary tool, either for violations of team rules, repeated failures to follow directions or for lack of "hustle" during a game. When this occurs, the coach should explain to the player how he/she failed to meet the coach's expectations and the impact that this will have on the player's ice time. As is always the case, motivational/disciplinary actions should be applied consistently and without regard to the perceived "importance" of a player to a team. A coach, at his or her discretion, may suspend a player for up to one game. However, any such disciplinary action by the coach beyond one game must submitted to and approved by the 12

13 Bruins Rules and Ethics Committee in accordance with the Bruins Standards of Conduct" policy. Goalies In general, the "developmental ice" policy applies to goalies. However, it is left to the coaches to decide how to rotate goalies on teams with more than one. Coaches may choose to play both goalies in one game. The coach may also choose to play goalies game-by-game. In the latter situations, coaches are not required to play goalies in alternating games. Coaches may choose to play a goalie in consecutive games so long as the games played during the course of the season roughly even out between the goalies. This is not considered disciplinary action, as discussed above, and will not normally involve the Bruins Rules and Ethics Committee. Penalty Should this policy be violated the offending party may be subject to a suspension or in severe situations expulsion. The severity of the suspension shall be determined by the Bruins Rules and Ethics Committee on a case by a case basis. In determining the appropriate penalty the Bruins Rules and Ethics Committee shall review the past history of the offending party as well as the specific circumstances relating to the case NWHL Team Selection All teams registered within the Chicago Bruins Hockey Club (hereinafter referred to as the Bruins ) NWHL or House League Program are to adhere to a fair and balanced team selection process. Number of Players for NWHL Teams Each NWHL team will have a maximum of 16 players. This includes 15 skaters and one goalie. A team may roster multiple goalies. To be considered as a goalie on a team with 15 skaters, a player must commit to play goalie at least 2/3 of the games as goalie. As a guideline, each team will have a minimum of 11 players. The Board shall have the right to change this if it is in the best interest of the club. This will mostly apply to the younger levels such as mite and squirt. In the case of a team with 11 players and no designated goalie, the coach will determine on a game by game basis who will be designated as the team goalie. Once a level receives the maximum number of player registrations, every completed registration received from that point on will go on a waiting list until the minimum numbers of player s registrations are received in order to form another NWHL team. Confirming registration When a completed registration is received, that player will be assigned the number of which player he/she is and put on to the list of that level. As an example, if he is the 12 th peewee registration received, he would be given the number pw12. If they were the 17 th peewee 13

14 registration received, they would be put on a list for the second team. The number that each registration is assigned is only utilized to ensure that team counts remain accurate. They do not guarantee placement with a particular coach. All players that are on a waiting list and not placed on a team will be notified the day before teams counts are due to NWHL. Determining Priority If two player registrations are received at the same time, and only one spot on a team remains, the tie will be broken using the following criteria. 1) A player that has played with the Bruins (Flames or Grizzlies) in the past will have priority over a player that has never played for the Bruins. 2) If both players have played for the Bruins, the player with more seasons will have the priority. 3) If both players have the same amount of seniority, the player that played the most recent season will have priority. 4) If all things are equal, a coin toss will be used. NWHL Team Selection process In the case where there are multiple NWHL teams at a given level, teams will be selected through a draft. NWHL players will be rated during an evaluation session held over at least a two day period. Players will be selected by the head coaches on an alternating basis until all players are selected and teams will be created to be as equal in strength as possible Balanced Ice Time NWHL/House Program All teams registered within the Chicago Bruins Hockey Club House League Program are to adhere to a Balance Ice Time philosophy (hereinafter referred to as BIT ). There are four defined points to BIT. 1. Even line rotation throughout the entire game (Lines should be played in a rotating fashion), 2. No power play lines, 3. No penalty kill lines, and 4. BIT for goalies will be based on alternating full games, alternating periods or equal periods per number of goalies. Penalty: Should this policy be violated the offending party may be subject to a suspension or in severe situations expulsion. The severity of the suspension shall be determined by the Bruins Rules and Ethics Committee on a case by a case basis. In determining the appropriate penalty the Bruins Rules and Ethics Committee shall review the past history of the offending party as well as the specific circumstances relating to the case. The Chicago Bruins Youth Hockey Club will at the minimum adhere to the penalties as prescribed by the league in which the team is registered. 14

15 Bruins Uniform Policy and Dress Code Section 5 Team Guidelines In order for Chicago Bruins Hockey Club to maintain a consistent appearance that reflects well on the organization and its participants, the following uniform policy is effective: 1) All Bruins players will be required to wear approved jerseys and socks. Each player must have a home and away jersey with matching socks. Uniforms will be maintained and cleaned when needed. 2) Players will not wear any insignia, patches or symbols that are not approved by the Chicago Bruins Hockey Club Board of Directors. 3) Coaches and Assistant Coaches shall present a uniform professional appearance while on the bench. 4) Bruins warm-up jackets can be utilized to present a uniform professional appearance. Numbers Players with odd number birth years will select odd numbers and even birth year players will select even numbers. Players will select three number choices but are not guaranteed one of the numbers chosen. If all three numbers asked for are not available, a number may be chosen for a player. If two players at the same level wish to utilize the same number, the player with the most seniority as a Bruins (Flames or Grizzlies) player will be given the requested number. Seniority is determined by the number of consecutive fall hockey seasons the player has been a member of the Bruins. Trading of numbers may be allowed between players at the same level under certain circumstances but require approval from the Bruins Board of Directors. Alternate Jersey (Third Jersey) - The use of alternative jerseys must be approved by the Board of Directors. An alternate jersey will be considered for approval only when that is similar in theme or design as that of the normal jerseys Slush Fund 1. Each team may create a segregated account in which the deposit of any funds collected for the team s benefit. 2. The team shall be responsible for any expenses incurred throughout the year that are not paid by the Chicago Bruins Hockey Club. All tournament fees, travel expenses and team expenses may be paid from the slush fund. Travel Expenses shall include hotel expense, food expense and gas expense for the head coach of travel teams - with the exception of head coaches that also have a child on the team. 3. If a slush fund is utilized, each player shall be responsible for his/her proportionate share of the slush fund. The player s failure to pay his/her proportionate share of approved team expenses may result in that player being removed from participation in team and Bruins activities. 4. Any additional travel that would be considered outside the normal travel of the team shall only be permitted upon the approval of the team, the team shall be required to vote, one vote per player, with a minimum of 75% in approval of the additional travel. 15

16 For purposes of this section outside the norm shall be defined as any travel which exceeds 270 miles from the rink, requires a family to incur an additional expense of over $ for that trip, or would require that family to spend in excess of $1, for travel related expenses for the season. Section 6 Volunteer Obligation Policy The Chicago Bruins Hockey Club is a not-for-profit organization that relies on its volunteers to operate effectively. As such, the Bruins shall adhere to the following Volunteer Obligation Policy. Each family, will be required to put a refundable deposit, an amount determined on an annual basis by the Board of Directors, towards the volunteer program. The volunteer obligation deposit will be collected with the fall fees at the beginning of each fall season. The deposit is fully refundable as soon as a family has fulfilled its volunteer obligation to the organization, as outlined in the annual policy as set forth by the board of directors. Any family that chooses to not volunteer may exercise a buy-out option by making a donation in the amount of that year s volunteer obligation deposit payable to the Chicago Bruins Hockey Club. No player will be permitted to sign a roster without providing the volunteer obligation deposit or choosing the buyout option and making the appropriate donation. Section 7 Conflict of Interest Policy The Chicago Bruins Hockey Club (hereinafter referred to as the Bruins) shall adhere to the following Conflict of Interest Policy. The purpose of the conflict of interest policy is to protect the Bruins interest when it is contemplating entering into a transaction or arrangement that might benefit the private interest of an officer or director of the Bruins or might result in a possible excess benefit transaction. This policy is intended to supplement but not replace any applicable state and federal laws governing conflict of interest applicable to nonprofit and charitable organizations. Definitions a. Interested Person - Any director, principal officer, or member of a committee with governing board delegated powers, who has a direct or indirect financial interest, as defined below, is an interested person. b. Financial Interest - A person has a financial interest if the person has, directly or indirectly, through business, investment, or family: a. An ownership or investment interest in any entity with which the Organization has a transaction or arrangement, a compensation arrangement with the Bruins or with any entity or individual with which the organization has a transaction or arrangement, or a potential ownership or investment interest in, or compensation arrangement with, any entity or individual with which the organization is negotiating a transaction or arrangement. 16

17 c. Compensation - Compensation includes direct and indirect remuneration as well as gifts or favors that are not insubstantial. A financial interest is not necessarily a conflict of interest. A person who has a financial interest may have a conflict of interest only if the appropriate governing board or committee decides that a conflict of interest exists. Duty to Disclose In connection with any actual or possible conflict of interest, an interested person must disclose the existence of the financial interest and be given the opportunity to disclose all material facts to the directors and members of committees with governing board delegated powers considering the proposed transaction or arrangement. Determining Whether a Conflict of Interest Exists After disclosure of the financial interest and all material facts, and after any discussion with the interested person, he/she shall leave the governing board or committee meeting while the determination of a conflict of interest is discussed and voted upon. The remaining board or committee members shall decide if a conflict of interest exists. Procedures for Addressing the Conflict of Interest a. An interested person may make a presentation at the Board of Directors or committee meeting, but after the presentation, he/she shall leave the meeting during the discussion of, and the vote on, the transaction or arrangement involving the possible conflict of interest. b. The President of the Board of Directors or committee shall, if appropriate, appoint a disinterested person or committee to investigate alternatives to the proposed transaction or arrangement. c. After exercising due diligence, the Board of Directors or committee shall determine whether the Organization can obtain with reasonable efforts a more advantageous transaction or arrangement from a person or entity that would not give rise to a conflict of interest. d. If a more advantageous transaction or arrangement is not reasonably possible under circumstances not producing a conflict of interest, the Board of Directors or committee shall determine by a majority vote of the disinterested directors whether the transaction or arrangement is in the Organization s best interest, for its own benefit, and whether it is fair and reasonable. In conformity with the above determination it shall make its decision as to whether to enter into the transaction or arrangement. Section 8 Complaint and Disciplinary Policy This disciplinary policy provides the framework to address violations of rules and regulations established by Chicago Bruins Hockey Club, Northern Illinois Hockey League, Northwest Hockey League, Central States Developmental Hockey League, Amateur Hockey Association of Illinois, or USA Hockey. This policy is not intended to resolve private disputes or issues that arise regarding general operations. Concerns related to scheduling, uniforms, fundraising, tournaments or other business should be presented to the Board of Directors at scheduled meetings. 17

18 Rules and Ethics Committee The Board of Directors will establish a Rules and Ethics Committee to investigate and provide recommendations regarding disciplinary violations. The Rules and Ethics Committee will include a minimum of three (3) members from within the Bruins organization. The Committee will serve and be appointed as needed by the Board of Directors. The Committee will work under the supervision of the Vice President of Operations and report their findings to the entire Board of Directors Notice of Complaint When a Rules & Ethics complaint is filed and after a preliminary review it is not dismissed, the President of the Board of Directors will notify the member who is the subject of the complaint. The notice will include the nature of the complaint and the procedures the Board will follow in resolving the matter. The notice will inform the member that he/she will be afforded an opportunity to respond to the complaint. The notification of the complaint should be made in writing. The notification can be delivered either electronically or through US Mail. Oral notifications should only be made if it is not practical to do so in writing Investigations Once the Board has received and reviewed information about a Rules & Ethics complaint, it will forward it to the Rules and Ethics Committee for investigation. The Rules and Ethics Committee will normally investigate most complaints. If the complaint warrants, the Rules and Ethics Committee may request the Board of Directors to appoint an individual to act as an Investigator. The Investigator should not be a member of the Board, the VP of Hockey, have a personal or family interest in the outcome of the matter or otherwise create the appearance of bias. The Investigator will interview the individuals and witnesses involved, review documents and other materials and collect information to the extent reasonably necessary to determine the facts of the matter. All members of the Bruins shall cooperate in the investigation Reports of Investigations Once an investigation has been completed, the Investigator shall prepare a report. The report will be forwarded to the Rules and Ethics Committee and/or the Board of Directors. The report should include the investigators findings regarding the complaint. The report will be used to determine the disposition of the complaint Summary Suspension Members may be suspended from Bruins activities, including attendance at games or practices, pending resolution of a complaint. "Summary suspensions" are appropriate only when a complaint has been filed with the Board against a member alleging a serious violation or a threat to others. Where such allegations are made in a complaint, the Board shall at the recommendation of the Rules and Ethics Committee meet to determine whether a summary 18

19 suspension should be imposed. A summary suspension may be imposed upon the vote of two thirds of the Board of Directors. Nothing in this section shall prohibit the Board from acting independent of the Rules and Ethics Committee if needed. If a summary suspension is imposed, the President or the Rules and Ethics Committee Chairperson shall inform the member of the suspension and its parameters Opportunity to Respond to a Compliant Any member who is the subject of a complaint will be given the opportunity to respond either in writing or in person. The Board of Directors may choose to hear the matter or refer it to the Rules and Ethics Committee. The Board will not proceed with disciplinary action prior to the subject member being given the opportunity to respond. The subject member may waive the opportunity to respond or may be deemed to have waived the opportunity to respond if he or she does not do so in a reasonable period of time set by the Board or the Rules and Ethics Committee. The subject of the complaint does not have a right to appear before the Board of Directors in person to respond. However, the Board may allow the person to do so if, and when it is relative, important or practical Disciplinary Action The Board of Directors may take disciplinary actions against any player, coach, parent, Board member or other individuals associated with the Bruins for violation of rules related to amateur hockey. This may include but is not limited to probation, suspension from games/practices, exclusion from other activities or expulsion from the organization. If necessary, disciplinary action against a member can include suspending or excluding the member s player from games, practices or other activities. The President will administer a vote on disciplinary action. In order to impose discipline on a member the discipline must be approved by a 2/3 vote of the Directors. The Secretary will record the vote into the minutes of the meeting. There is no right to appeal disciplinary action imposed by the Board of Directors Grievance Committee Disputes that arise at the team level should try to be fairly resolved at the lowest possible level. Generally, these matters should be reported to the team managers and/or coaches. Managers and coaches are encouraged to work with members to resolve disputes in an expeditious and fair manner. In cases where a dispute cannot be resolved at the team level or it is not practical to present the issue to the team manager or coach(s) the matter may be referred to Grievance Committee. The Grievance Committee will include a minimum of two (2) members from within the Bruins organization. The Grievance Committee will serve and be appointed as needed by the Board of Directors. The Committee will work under the supervision of the Vice President of Operations. If the Grievance Committee is not able to bring an issue to closure, the issue will then be brought to the Board of Directors who will determine what actions, if any, are to be taken. 19

20 Complaints Filed with the Board Although members are encouraged to resolve complaints regarding minor issues at the team level, this may not always be possible. In such cases, a complaint may be referred to the Board. Complaints filed with the Board must be in writing. Written complaints may be given to any member of the Board of Directors. A written complaint may also be sent to the Bruins PO Box addressed to the attention of Complaint. The Board of Directors may refer complaint to either the Rules and Ethics Committee or Grievance Committee for a formal review. If the Board determines that a formal review is not necessary, the Board of Directors may dismiss an issue by majority vote without further action. In such a case, the President will notify the person filing the complaint of the Board's action and the reason the Board dismissed the compliant Retaliation No coach, manager or other member will take any action against a person who has made a compliant in good faith. "Good faith" means that the person who makes the complaint actually believes that a policy has been violated and has a reasonable basis in that belief. A person who does not make a complaint in good faith is subject to disciplinary action by the Board of Directors Conflict and Repealer Section 9 - Miscellaneous Provisions Any and all Chicago Bruins Hockey Club Policies in conflict herewith are hereby repealed to the extent of such conflict Severability If any section, paragraph, clause, or provision of any policy set forth herein shall be held invalid the invalidity thereof shall not affect any of the other policy or provision of the Chicago Bruins Hockey Club Effective Date The Policies set forth herein shall be effective immediately upon the passage and approval by the Chicago Bruins Hockey Club Board of Directors and publication of said polices in accordance with the by-laws of the Chicago Bruins Hockey Club. 20