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RULES & ETHICS COMMITTEE

The R & E Committee is appointed for the purpose of investigating and submitting findings with respect to alleged violations by corporation members, players, coaches, employees or agents of any applicable by-laws, rules and regulations, and/or policies, whether promulgated by the Amateur Hockey Association of Illinois (AHAI), the Northern Illinois Hockey League (NIHL), Chicago United Hockey League (CUHL), USA Hockey, the corporation, or other governing body having jurisdiction over the corporation, and its members, coaches, and players.

Suspensions and/or Disciplinary Hearings shall be conducted pursuant to USA Hockey By-Laws and Rules in effect at the time of the alleged violation or rule infraction. The current USA Hockey By-Laws and Rules can be found on the USA Hockey website in the annual guide.

Committee Members:
Scott Ehling (Chair)
Tony Zielinski
Andy Tomcho

COMPLAINTS MUST BE MADE IN WRITING

A written complaint/Incident Report is required. Verbal complaints to board members or R & E committee members will not be reviewed. The written complaint/Incident Report must be made in writing and sent to:

Huskies Hockey Club
Attn: Rules & Ethics Committee
Email: ScottEhling@HuskiesHockeyClub.com

If there are situations that involve criminal conduct or pose any threat to the safety to our children, players, families, coaches, guests, referees, officials, or anyone else, we encourage everyone to contact the police immediately. The Huskies R & E Committee is not a law enforcement agency and does not have powers of arrest.

The Huskies Incident Report Form

Uniform Requirements 

All Huskies players are required to wear the following items as part of the official uniform 

• Huskies issued home and away jersey 
• Huskies issued home and away socks 
• Huskies issued navy blue pant shell 
• Navy blue (preferred) or black helmet – (no white/red/royal) 
• Navy blue (preferred) or black gloves 
• Team practice jerseys 

HUSKIES HOCKEY CLUB ZERO TOLERANCE ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

The Huskies Hockey Club, Inc., in conjunction with its Rules and Ethics Committee, is a summarized supplement to The Huskies Hockey Club Rules and Regulations posted on the Club’s website.

Each parent, player, and participant has a duty to act responsibly and within the overall mission of The Huskies Hockey Club, USA Hockey,  AHAI, and other governing bodies of youth hockey.  The Huskies Hockey Club continues to vigorously strive for the highest standards of sportsmanship in ice hockey.

Every participant, whether player, coach, referee, official, administrator, parent, or spectator has the responsibility to comply with and respect Zero Tolerance and to behave in a respectable manner.

Listed below is a summary of the Huskies Hockey Club Zero Tolerance Policy.  We are committed to enforcement, in accordance with the regulations adopted by USA Hockey and the Amateur Hockey Association of Illinois (AHAI), and each league we participate in.

Zero Tolerance essentially means that everyone involved in ice hockey shall act in a respectful and sportsmanship-like manner so that ice hockey will be a strongly desirable and rewarding experience and that disrespectful and/or unsportsmanlike conduct will not be tolerated.   Loss of self-control is NEVER acceptable.

Players shall not:

1. Openly dispute or argue with the decision of an official, coach, administrator, spectator, or player whether on the ice or off the ice.
2. Use obscene, vulgar, or racial language at any time, even if not directed at a particular person.
3. Make any intentional physical contact with the body, puck, stick, or equipment of another player after the whistle has blown or the buzzer has sounded.
4. Taunt any other player, coach, official, administrator, or spectator.
5. Encourage abusive or unsportsmanlike behavior in any player, coach, official, administrator, or spectator.
6. Continue to engage in zero-tolerance conduct once advised not to do so.  Also, players must voluntarily leave a facility once advised to do so by an official, administrator, or security personnel.
7. Engage in off-ice physical violence or fighting or abusive physical contact.

Parents & Spectators shall not:

1. Use obscene or vulgar language at any time toward any official, player, coach, or spectator.
2. Verbally dispute, argue, or protest an official’s decision.  No taunting or ridiculing of officials will be tolerated.
3. Taunt, ridicule, provoke, bait, or threaten players, coaches, officials, or other spectators.
4. Return to the facility after being ejected.
5. Engage in any actions that require the use of third parties to control the conduct of the situation such as rink personnel, league personnel, or security personnel.

Enforcement of zero tolerance may be determined by the game official and can be subject to further review by the HHC Rules and Ethics Committee.  Each case will be reviewed and further penalties may be issued by USA Hockey, AHAI or the league in which the team participates.  Penalties will be assessed based upon the following classifications (See Page Two for Zero Tolerance Classification and Penalties)

HUSKIES HOCKEY CLUB ZERO TOLERANCE CLASSIFICATIONS AND PENALTIES

Class 1

• Inappropriate verbal or non-verbal disrespectful behavior not covered in Class 2 or Class 3
• Minimum 30 day suspension

Class 2

• Open disputing or arguing with the decision of an official, coach, administrator, spectator, or players
• Obscene or vulgar language or the use of a physical act that is vulgar or obscene or racial or swearing
• Visual or verbal sign(s) of dissatisfaction with any official, coach, or administrator's decision)
• Encouraging disrespectful or unsportsmanlike behavior in any player, coach, official, administrator, or spectator
• Taunting or ridiculing officials, coaches, players, administrators, or spectators
• Throwing any object directed in the spectator's viewing area, at a person, in the playing area (including the bench area) the ice or as to create the potential of a safety hazard or issue
• Physical contact using the body or stick after the whistle is blown or the buzzer has sounded
• Not stopping Zero Tolerance conduct once advised to do so
• Not voluntarily leaving a facility once advised to do so by any official, administrator, or security personnel
• Minimum 60-day suspension

Class 3        

• Complete loss of self-control
• Physical violence, fighting, or physical contact while the person is upset or angry
• Threats of any nature
• Intimidation
• Returning to the facility after being ejected
• Any actions that require the use of third parties to control the conduct or situation, such as rink personnel, league or Club personnel, or security personnel
• Any other loss of self-control

The Huskies Hockey Club subscribes to the “24 Hour Rule” policy with regard to the reporting of a complaint or issue of concern.

1. There shall be no contact with any member of the coaching staff regarding an issue of concern before, during or after a hockey game for a 24 hour period following the occurrence of the issue or concern.
2. 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 team manager and coaching staff.    The meeting shall be confidential and should the coaching staff feel the manager’s attendance improper, they shall utilize the assistant coaches to document the meeting.  These documents shall be maintained by the coach for future reference should the need arise.
3. Should a satisfactory result not be accomplished by the meeting, the Huskies Hockey Director shall be notified and meet with the parties and report to the board of directors based on the need.
4. Should the matter be unresolved after the coach and hockey directors meetings, the board of directors rules and ethics committee shall be notified and will schedule a meeting or respond in writing based on the complaint content.
5. Should this rule be violated, the suspension under the Zero Tolerance policy is 30 days.

Appeals of any Huskies Hockey Club committee decisions may be made to the Board of Directors.  The appeal must be submitted to the President of the HHC in writing within fourteen (14) calendar days of the committee decisions.

The Huskies Hockey Club ("Club") is dedicated to fostering a positive and respectful environment for all members, coaches, and their families both on and off the ice. In order to uphold our values of "leadership, commitment, and outstanding character," we require strict adherence to the following social media and electronic communications policy as a condition of participation in the Club:

1. Respectful and Responsible Communication

1.1. All Club members, coaches, and their families are expected to engage in electronic communications, including social media, in a respectful and responsible manner. Communication should demonstrate integrity, sportsmanship, and positive representation of the Club.

1.2. Communications should never be derogatory, hateful, vengeful, or otherwise disrespectful towards the Club, its members, coaches, or any other person associated with the Club or any other hockey club or organization.

1.3. It is strictly prohibited to engage in any form of electronic communication that may harm the goodwill or reputation of the Club, its members, coaches, or any other person associated with the Club or any other hockey club or organization.

2. Anti-Bullying and Harassment

2.1. Sending text messages, emails, or any other electronic communication with the intent to abuse, bully, humiliate, or harass any Club member, coach, or any other individual associated with the Club or any other hockey club or organization is strictly forbidden.

2.2. Any form of cyberbullying, including sharing harmful content, spreading rumors, or engaging in online attacks, will not be tolerated within the Club.

3. Communication Review and Sanctions

3.1. The Club's Rules and Ethics Committee will oversee and review all reported incidents related to electronic communications and social media behavior that may violate this policy.

3.2. If any communication is found to be in violation of this policy, appropriate sanctions will be determined by the Rules and Ethics Committee. Sanctions may range from warnings and probation to suspension or, in severe cases, expulsion from the Club.

3.3. The Club reserves the right to report serious incidents to the appropriate hockey governing bodies, such as AHAI or SafeSport if necessary.

4. Personal Social Media Accounts

4.1. While individuals are free to maintain personal social media accounts, they are reminded to be mindful of their public image and to avoid representing the Club or its official positions without authorization.

4.2. When discussing Club-related matters on personal accounts, individuals must clearly state that their views do not represent the official stance of the Club.

5. Reporting Incidents

5.1. Any Club member who witnesses or experiences electronic communication or social media behavior that violates this policy is encouraged to report the incident to a Club official or the Rules and Ethics Committee promptly.

5.2. All reports will be treated with strict confidentiality, and no individual will face retaliation for reporting an incident in good faith.

By adhering to this Social Media and Electronic Communications Policy, we aim to maintain a positive and respectful environment within the Huskies Hockey Club. It is essential for all members, coaches, and families to uphold these guidelines to ensure the well-being of our Club community.

Please also remember that there is absolutely no videos of photos to be taken in the locker room. This is a violation of USA Hockey's policy and SafeSport which can be read in full here.

In the event of a hockey-related injury to a player, the Huskies Hockey Club may elect to credit up to, but not to exceed, six (6) weeks or a maximum of one-fourth (25%) of a member’s financial obligation should the injury be a non-career threatening injury (i.e. broken bone, separation or dislocation of a joint). However, should a more severe injury occur, then the financial reimbursement will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis and the potential reimbursement may exceed the standard one-fourth rule. The credit request should be made at the completion of the season and is based on the financial position of the Association and with the approval of the Board of Directors of the Huskies Hockey Club. The decision of the Board of Directors of the Huskies Hockey Club is final.

In the event of a non-hockey-related injury or illness to a player, the member may submit a request for an injury credit to the Board of Directors of the Huskies Hockey Club for consideration. The member must provide information to the Board of Directors describing the nature and cause of the injury. Should the injury be a non-career threatening injury (i.e. broken bone, separation, or dislocation of a joint), then the injury credit shall not exceed one-fourth (25%) of a member’s financial obligation. Should a more severe injury occur, or a medical condition rises, then the matter will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis and the potential credit may exceed the standard one-fourth rule. Following the completion of the season, The Board of Directors of the Huskies Hockey Club will review the request and make a decision related to the request for the injury credit. The decision of the Board of Directors of the Huskies Hockey Club is final.

RETURN FROM ILLNESS OR INJURY POLICY

In the event that your player misses (3) consecutive Huskies Hockey Club days of practices and/or games due to illness or injury of any type, a doctor's note providing a full release to return to sport with no restrictions is mandatory in order to participate in the next Huskies Hockey Club event, practice or game. There are no exceptions to this requirement.

All sports and free play are associated with risk for injuries, including head injuries and/ concussions, from participation as a player, official or coach in ice hockey. It is important that all participants and parents/legal guardians learn about concussion prevention, recognition, treatment and return to play.

The following is a brief, informative overview of traumatic head injuries and is not designed to be relied upon as a replacement for medical advice by a physician: A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury-or TBI- caused by a bump or blow to the head or by a hit to the body that causes the head and brain to move quickly back and forth. Bouncing or twisting of the brain in the skull can cause chemical changes and sometimes stretching of the brain cells. A concussion disrupts the way the brain normally works. Most concussions are mild, but all concussions should be taken seriously because permanent brain damage and death can occur from another injury. A concussion may be difficult to recognize. A player does not have to be "knocked-out" to have a concussion- less than 10% of players actually lose consciousness. Signs and symptoms may show up right after the injury or can take hours or days to fully appear.

It is the Huskies Hockey Club Policy, which mirrors the policy of USA Hockey, that if a person reports one or more symptoms or demonstrates any signs of concussion after a blow to the head or body, s/he should be kept out of practice, play or training immediately and referred to a health care professional with experience in concussion management. A concussed brain needs time to heal and the person is much more likely to have

another concussion if they return to soon. Repeat concussions are usually more severe and take longer to heal. Return to play is allowed only after the individual is without symptoms, has progressed through the concussion protocol and is cleared by the health care professional.

USA Hockey provides all participants with information and educational materials about concussions, including the risk of sustaining a concussion, how to minimize these risks, concussion signs and symptoms, and USA Hockey's program for returning to play following a concussion.USA Hockey's Concussion Management Program can be found on the USA Hockey website at: http://www.usahockey.com/safety-concussions.

By checking the box and placing my initials in the box below, participant, and participant's parent(s) and/or legal guardian(s) if participant is a minor, hereby acknowledge: (1) that I have had the opportunity to review information on concussions provided by USA Hockey, including the signs and symptoms of a concussion; (2) that participating in the sport of ice hockey involves the risk of sustaining a concussion and that I knowingly, freely and fully assume all such risks, and hold the HHC harmless; (3) that any participant suspected of possibly sustaining a concussion will be removed from practice or competition (and that I will remove myself from practice or competition) and not return to practice or competition until cleared in writing by a licensed health care provider trained in the evaluation and management of concussions; (4) it is recommended that the clearing licensed health care provider be the same licensed health care provider that initially diagnosed the concussion, but being that situations arise where same is not possible, the Club will handle return to play on a case-by-case basis and may request documentation from additional medical providers if deemed insufficient; and (5) that I shall follow USA Hockey's Post-Concussion Return to Play Protocol prior to returning to play.

All player number assignments will follow the guidelines as set forth in this policy:

• Even birth-year players will have an even number, and odd birth-year players will have an odd number.
• If the player was with the Huskies for the previous fall season, they will have their number reserved for the following fall season.
• For incoming new players, they shall request three numbers as their choices. If all three numbers have been assigned to other players within their birth year, then the board-appointed Uniform Committee Chairperson has the right to assign a number that is not in use.
• The only exception to this guideline is the use of sibling jerseys. The Board will allow the use of a sibling jersey number as long as it does not create a conflict with other players within the group of potential teammates that have already entered the rank of playing on a travel team.
• In the event of a conflict where two players using the same number are rostered on a given team, the Equipment Committee Chairperson will determine who has participated in the Huskies program the longest. The player with the most seniority will be allowed to keep the number unless he/she wishes to change numbers.