GSHL Rules and Regulations

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GREATER SASKATOON HOCKEY LEAGUE (GSHL)

RULES/REGULATIONS

                              I.  PREAMBLE

 

a.       It is the intent of these Bylaws and Regulations to clarify the philosophy, scope and purpose of the Greater Saskatoon Hockey League (GSHL) by developing common objectives and shared understandings with regards to organization, administration and expectations of all those involved in the programs.

 

 

a.      The name of the league shall be known as the GREATER SASKATOON HOCKEY LEAGUE, hereinafter known and referred to as the “GSHL” and the name of the governing body will be known as the GSHL EXECUTIVE.

 

      III.    JURISDICTION AND OPERATION

 

a.      The GSHL shall have jurisdiction to register and govern all Tier I AA Hockey in the Pee-wee, Bantam, and Midget age groups in the area of the City of Saskatoon, including surrounding areas designated to interlock with the Saskatoon Minor Hockey Association (“designated area”).   

b.      The GSHL shall abide by all regulations, bylaws and rules of Hockey Canada, the Saskatchewan Hockey   Association (“SHA”), and the Saskatoon Minor Hockey Association (“SMHA”).

c.       The GSHL, through cooperation with the SMHA, shall maintain operation and control over all teams under its jurisdiction and registered with and under the control of the SMHA.  SMHA, through cooperation with the GSHL, shall stipulate rules and conditions of participation for teams interlocking (“Interlocking Members”) with the SMHA and playing within the GSHL, but these teams shall be operated and controlled by the Minor Hockey Association under which they are registered.

d.      The following SMHA hockey zones will form the Membership of the GSHL:

Zone D Renegades

Zone G Redwings

Zone H Flyers

Zone M Aces

Zone W Bobcats

Zone X Wild

Interlock Centers (designated area) as deemed by SHA and SMHA.

 

                             IV.    OBJECTIVES OF THE GSHL

 

a.      To foster and promote an elite level of Tier 1 AA hockey in Saskatoon.

b.      To control and administer Tier 1 AA hockey in accordance with the rules and regulations and etiquette of the game under its jurisdiction.

c.      To ensure all age-eligible persons who wish to play Tier 1 AA Pee-wee, Bantam, and Midget hockey and who reside in the designated area have an opportunity to compete for a position on a team operating within the GSHL.

d.      To ensure a high level of competition within the GSHL league.

e.      To ensure the integrity of the program for all participants to enjoy their experience.

 

                            V.    MEETINGS AND APPOINTMENT OF OFFICERS
 

      1. Meetings

 

a.      General Meetings will require a minimum of five GSHL Executive, including the Chairperson (or his/her designate), to carry a quorum in order for decisions to be made.

b.      General Meetings are to be held at a minimum of once per month during each playing season.

c.      Special time sensitive meetings along with the Chairperson (or his/her designate) may be called at any time with less than the five Executive present in order for decisions to be made. Once a decision is made the remaining Executive will be notified.

d.      Decisions will be final once a majority vote of 50% of the Executive plus one is reached during any GSHL General Meeting.

e.      At no time shall a GSHL Executive member carry more than one vote.

 

      2. Appointments/Elections

 

a.      The Chairperson is to ask of each Executive member’s intentions prior to internal elections in March followed by a vote to fill the positions which may become available on an annual basis.

b.      Outside candidates for Executive positions must bring forth a nomination letter from their respective zone, the SMHA or the GSHL. The candidates must go through the Chairperson who will put forward all names to the Executive prior to elections or appointment followed by an internal GSHL Executive vote. The same will also apply in the case of an Executive position becoming vacant or not being filled.

c.      Where more than one candidate has expressed interest in one position and only after each candidate is provided the opportunity to address the Executive, each current Executive will vote by secret ballot, and the candidate with the most votes shall be elected to the Executive position for which they were nominated.

d.      The Chairperson position is to be filled by an external vote as mandated by the SMHA and will carry a minimum two year term.

e.      The elections of the GSHL Executive shall take place annually each March at the GSHL general meeting and shall consist of a term of two years as follows: Secretary, Registrar, 2^nd Year Incumbent Coordinators, Website Coordinator and Goaltender Coordinator will fall on the odd calendar years. Past Chairperson, Treasurer, Equipment Coordinator, 1^st Year Co-Coordinators and Tournament Coordinator will fall on the even calendar years.

f.        For the Peewee, Bantam and Midget Coordinator positions only, these positions will be filled with one returning Incumbent 2^nd year Coordinator and one 1^st year Co-Coordinator whenever possible.

g.      Each Executive member shall only be allowed to hold one Executive position unless extenuating circumstances warrant holding additional positions.

h.      GSHL Members at Large are to be appointed by the zones on an annual basis and submitted to the GSHL Chair through the SMHA.

 

                            VI.    GSHL EXECUTIVE AND DUTIES

 

     1.  Chairperson

 

a.      To ensure that the GSHL is being administered uniformly in all respects.

b.      To be the official spokesperson of the GSHL to the SMHA, attend SMHA meetings as required and report to the Executive any matters relevant to the GSHL.

c.      To ensure that Executive meetings are held regularly, all Executive are notified of meetings and decisions, and to preside over all meetings, or appoint a designate when unable to preside over any called meeting.

d.      To ensure that all tryout ice arrangements are completed.

e.      To assist where possible during tryouts, draft procedures, coach selection interviews, tournaments and during the playing season.

f.        Along with the SMHA Executive Director or designate, contact all released players from the drafts.

g.      To oversee all members of the GSHL Executive and all other members participating within the GSHL.

h.      To serve as a liaison between coaches, assistant coaches, managers and members within the GSHL and the appropriate Coordinator(s).

i.        To report and assist in decisions being made at the meetings of the GSHL.

j.        For the duration of his/her tenure of office, the GSHL Chair shall not be allowed to be a head coach, manager or treasurer of any hockey team registered within the GSHL.

k.      To sit as the Midget “AAA” Committee member as assigned by the SMHA.

l.        To carry out and report to the GSHL Executive all relative duties to his/her office and ensure that all reports are submitted to the Secretary within one week of a meeting.

m.    Shall vote only in case of a tie at the GSHL general meetings.

 

     2. Past Chairperson

 

a.      When or where applicable or available, to provide continuity from year to year.

b.      To act in an advisory capacity to the current Executive as well as chair the GSHL coaches discipline committee.

c.      To fill in where necessary when the Chairperson is unable to fulfill his/her duties.

d.      To carry out such duties as may be designated by the Chairperson relative to his/her office and ensure all reports are submitted to the Secretary within one week of a meeting.

e.      To chair the GSHL elections on any given year.

f.        In the event where a Past Chairperson is unable to fulfill their duties for any reason an Acting Past Chairperson may be appointed at the discretion of the Executive to hold this position for a time period equal to the remaining duration of the Chairperson’s term.

g.      To assist during the tryout process and tournaments.

h.      Position shall carry one vote unless in the designate Chairperson role.

 

     3.  Secretary

 

a.      To keep accurate records of proceedings of all meetings of the GSHL.

b.      To assist in decisions being made at the meetings of the GSHL.

c.      To take care of such correspondence as delegated to him/her by the GSHL Executive.

d.      To make available a copy of all minutes to the GSHL Executive within one week of a general meeting.

e.      To carry out and report to the GSHL Executive all relative duties to his/her office.

f.       To assist during the tryout process and tournaments.

g.      Position shall carry one vote.

 

     4. Treasurer

 

a.      To keep accurate records of all monies received and disbursed, and to report the same on a monthly basis to the GSHL Executive and SMHA Executive.

b.      To collect and report all  teams final budgets playing within the GSHL as required.

c.      To report and assist in decisions being made at the meetings of the GSHL.

d.      Prior to leaving the Executive, the Treasurer shall turn over any and all records pertaining to the GSHL and make a full accounting of the records to the GSHL Executive. Audit may be required to be carried out.

e.      To carry out and report to the GSHL Executive all relative duties to his/her office and ensure that all reports are submitted to the Secretary within one week of a meeting.

f.       To assist during the tryout process and tournaments.

g.      Position shall carry one vote.

 

     5. Registrar

 

a.      To be responsible for all team and player registrations and to ensure all deadlines for the registration of players and the registration of all teams are met.

b.      To be submit all completed team official lists in to the Chairperson, appropriate Coordinator(s) and the SMHA.

c.      To report and assist in decisions being made at the meetings of the GSHL.

d.      To carry out and report to the GSHL Executive all relative duties to his/her office and ensure that all reports are submitted to the Secretary within one week of a meeting.

e.      To assist during the tryout process and tournaments.

f.        Position shall carry one vote.

 

     6. Equipment Coordinator

 

a.      Responsible for the storage, care, and maintenance of all equipment purchased by, and the property belonging to the GSHL, including but not limited to team jerseys, socks, pucks, tryout supplies and equipment.

b.      To purchase equipment for all Saskatoon teams playing in the GSHL as required on an annual basis.

c.      Present equipment budget to the GSHL Executive on an annual basis, and obtain approval to purchase such equipment as required by the GSHL.

d.      To report and assist in decisions being made at the meetings of the GSHL.

e.      To prepare and record an accurate equipment in and out list.

f.       To coordinate with coaches/managers of the GSHL teams regarding specific days for pick-up and drop off of jerseys and equipment.

g.      To carry out and report to the GSHL Executive all relative duties to his/her office and ensure that all reports are submitted to the Secretary within one week of a meeting.

h.      To assist during the tryout process and tournaments.

i.         Position shall carry one vote.

 

     7. Coordinators (Peewee, Bantam, Midget and Goaltender)

 

a.      To schedule coaches interviews in late May or early June for the upcoming season.

b.      Participate in the Coach Selection Process for their respective division.

c.      To notify accepted and non-accepted coaches by the end of June for the upcoming season.

d.      For duration of his/her term a coordinator shall not be allowed to head coach, manage or treasure a team in their respective division.

e.      If/when an issue arises on their respective child’s team they must immediately involve another Coordinator/Executive member and the Chairperson.

f.       To organize evaluators, shooters, on ice helpers, timing officials and set up of timing equipment, jerseys etc for the tryouts in the fall.

g.      Ensure that timing and game evaluation sheets from tryouts are signed off by a minimum of three Executive members.

h.      In a case when a coordinator has a child trying out in their respective division they must ensure an independent third party GSHL Executive member signs off on all tryout forms.

i.        Ensure that all ice time regarding time trials, bubble games and scrimmage evaluation games are coordinated for their respective division.

j.        To ensure all tryout data is entered promptly on the GSHL website and that the commissioners from the six SMHA zones are notified promptly as well of their released players to ensure smooth movement of players.

k.      Operate and administer their respective division under provisions of the GSHL for tryouts, regular season, tournament and playoffs, under the direction of the Chairperson and the GSHL Executive.

l.        Serve as a liaison of communication between coaches, assistant coaches, and managers in their respective division and the GSHL Executive.

m.    Responsible for the distribution of the important date to remember schedule, suspension list, regular season and playoff schedule to each team’s coaches/managers.

n.      To carry out and report to the GSHL Executive all relative duties to his/her office and ensure that all reports are submitted to the Secretary within one week of a meeting.

o.      To assist during the tryout process and GSHL tournaments.

p.      Each coordinator shall carry one vote.

 

     8. Website Coordinator

 

a.      To report and assist in decisions being made at the meetings of the GSHL.

b.      Responsible for maintaining and updating the website in an acceptable timely manner as well as maintain stats for the bantam and midget age levels.

c.      To carry out and report to the GSHL Executive all relative duties to his/her office and ensure that all reports are submitted to the Secretary within one week of a meeting.

d.      To assist during the tryout process and tournaments.

e.      Position shall carry one vote.

 

     9.  Tournament Coordinator

 

a.      To report and assist in decisions being made at the meetings of the GSHL.

b.      Responsible for coordinating all tournaments governed by the GSHL.

c.      To carry out and report to the GSHL Executive all relative duties to his/her office and ensure that all reports are submitted to the Secretary within one week of a meeting.

d.      To assist during the tryout process and tournaments.

e.      Position shall carry one vote.

 

    10. Members at Large (Zone Representatives)

 

a.      To assist during the tryout process and tournaments and obtain assistance as required from their respective zones memberships.

b.      To assist in providing on ice helpers required for timed sessions during tryouts.

c.      To assist in discussions during the regular scheduled general meetings.

d.      To report back to their respective zones all information where applicable.

e.      To carry out and report to the GSHL Executive all relative duties to his/her office.

f.        Shall carry a vote only during appointments and elections of Executive members.

 

                            VII.    REGULATIONS

 

      1. GSHL Executive Honorarium Policy

 

a.      Each voting GSHL Executive member shall receive an honorarium for their services.

b.      A post dated cheque is required, dated for March 1^st of the following spring ensuring compliance to minimum requirements to fulfilling their duties. This cheque will not be cashed if minimum requirements are met (attendance during tryouts, meetings etc).

 

     2.  GSHL Tournament Policy

 

a.     The GSHL tournament policy mandates the assistance of the GSHL Peewee teams to participate as timekeepers during the scheduled games of the Bantam GSHL Tournament.

b.     This is to be made aware to the respective Peewee coaches once they have been awarded a team after the interview process. The team managers will then be required to meet with the GSHL Tournament Coordinator to set up the schedule.

 

     3. GSHL Coach Selection Process

 

a.      All Coaches and Assistant Coaches MUST apply by a set and pre-determined date prior to the start of any given season and receive approval from the GSHL Coaches Selection Committee.

b.      The GSHL Coaches Selection Committee will be comprised of the appropriate Coordinators, Chairperson and one or two other pre-determined GSHL Executives.

c.      Head Coaching candidates must go through an interview process with not more than five GSHL Coaches Selection Committee Members including the Chairperson (or designate), and not more than one SMHA Representative to a maximum of five interviewers.

d.      Other GSHL Executive may provide input towards all candidates to the chairperson or appropriate coordinators on all applicants from which a list of candidates will be provided prior to the interviews for consideration based on the following criteria.

e.      The coaches selection criteria will be a series of interview questions with a final rating based on: 1) Experience, 2) Knowledge of Players, 3) Background/History, 4) Interview Preparedness/Season Plan and 5) Previous Coaching Evaluations.

f.        Once this process is complete the coaches involved will be notified of the successful and unsuccessful candidates by the appropriate coordinator(s).

g.      The remaining Executive will be notified of the successful and unsuccessful coaching applicants.

 

     4. GSHL Tryout/Draft Process

 

a.      To ensure that equal opportunity for all players to participate in the GSHL Tier I City Wide Program.

b.      Players must attend tryouts to be considered and placed into their respective draft. An exception will be followed in case of injury only when accompanied by a Doctor’s note. Player’s placement ranking will be based on past level in which player was involved and assistance in placing the player accordingly will be completed by the coaches and coordinators (see refund policy).

c.      Players must have played in the GSHL or AAA in the past season to be considered for Regulation (VII.4.b) and must seek out and gain GSHL Executive approval for a concession.

d.      There will not be a tryout fee refund in the case of a player wishing to place their name into the draft as that will be considered as their tryout (see refund policy).

e.      Timed Trials (where applicable) are to be utilized to assist in obtaining a workable number of participants. Depending on numbers, participants may/may not move forward from the timed trial portion of tryouts.

f.        Bubble and Scrimmage games may/will be held to determine rankings of players for the draft and formation of the teams. This list shall never be made public with immediate removal of Executive member should a violation occur.

g.      Third Party Independent Evaluators will be utilized when available.

h.      Coaches will not be permitted to see the final draft list until commencement of their respective draft. Coaches will be notified of this at their respective meeting in June.

i.        Coaches may hand in their final list to the coordinators for review by the coordinators and chairperson after tryouts are completed and prior to the night of the draft.

j.        Skaters names will be pooled in rounds and organized for their draft in alphabetical order only and not by individual skilled ranking (exception: goalies).

k.       Any coach’s child, when their child’s respective pool comes up, will only see them listed as the coach’s 1^st or 2^nd pick in that pool, alphabetically and not by ranking.

l.        120 (approximately) skaters will be made available for the draft with the top 48 forwards and top 30 defensemen as protected players with six teams participating. If five teams are participating the numbers will be as follows; 40 forwards and 25 defensemen as must pick etc. This allows the coaches to only 1 forward and 1 defenseman as a free pick through the bubble area only of the prepared draft list.

m.   Goaltenders will be ranked by the evaluators and the final list will only be made available to the coaches on their respective draft night.

n.     18 (approximately) goaltenders will be carried into the scrimmage/bubble games to compete for the positions which are available for the upcoming season. The goaltenders will be ranked from 1-18 based on evaluations throughout the tryout process. If there are six teams the top 12-15 goalies only will be made available to draft with the top 10-13 available to draft if there are 5 teams.

o.     Once the draft commences on the scheduled evening, there will be no interruptions or stoppages until such time that the draft is completed. All teams are final once the draft is complete. Trades must take place with all coaches and GSHL Coordinators present and must also be in agreement by all.

p.      Cellular phones will not be permitted for use by the coaches for the entire duration of their respective draft.

q.      Head Coaches will only be permitted at their respective draft.

r.        Upon conclusion of all respective drafts, coaches must return all papers containing draft information to any GSHL official. Coaches will only be permitted to leave the draft with a copy of their drafted team.

 

     5. GSHL Player Movement Policy

 

a.      In Midget only, the next goalie to move up into the GSHL if necessary will be the next ranked goalie and so on. This name will be made aware to the coaches at the draft and forwarded to SMHA to ensure proper steps are    followed thereafter.

b.      In the event that a goalie is returned to the GSHL from Midget AAA, the last picked Midget goalie at the draft will be returned to the SMHA for reassignment under SMHA rules for goalies. The Midget Coordinator will advise this goalie and the parents of the possibility of this occurring prior to the team’s first ice time.

c.      It will be determined by the GSHL Executive which released players will be moved up to Tier 1 should the AAA Midget teams call up a skater immediately following the draft.

d.      All player movement within the GSHL will be subject to approval by the GSHL Executive whether due to injury or Midget AAA movement.

e.      Players moving into the GSHL after the start of the season and up to December1^st will be subject to
pro-rated registration fee plus a jersey fee. From December 1^st – January11^th players will be subject to a $100.00 administration fee plus a jersey fee.

 

6. GSHL Conflict Resolution Policy

 

a.      In order for the GSHL Executive to address any team conflict/issue, a signed letter must be presented in writing or by email to any GSHL/SMHA Executive member.

b.      If a conflict arises within the GSHL and is brought to the attention of any GSHL/SMHA official, whether it is written or verbal then the Chairperson must be notified immediately.

c.      If any GSHL or SMHA official has a child on a team where any conflicts arise they must involve a third party GSHL Executive to handle their team situation.

d.      If any GSHL or SMHA official is assisting in any allowable capacity on a team they must immediately notify and involve the Chairperson and remove themselves from all team conflicts. The Chairperson may appoint a designate to address the situation.

e.      It is the responsibility of the GSHL Executive to protect any forthcoming individuals privacy in regards to conflicts at all times.

f.       The Chairperson is to notify the remaining Executive of any conflicts which require attention.

 

                             VIII.    GSHL – TRYOUT FEE/REFUND POLICY

 

     1. Guidelines

 

a.      All refund requests must be submitted in writing (email is acceptable) to the GSHL Registrar or GSHL Treasurer.  E-mail addresses are available on the website.

b.      All requests must be submitted in writing (e-mail is acceptable) at minimum of one week prior to the commencement of the respective tryout.  The player’s name, age division, and reason for withdrawal must be clearly stated.  Also include the person’s name to which payment should be issued, and the mailing address (complete with postal code).

c.      Upon receipt, the Coordinators and Chairperson will be notified.

d.      Requests that require Executive approval will be presented at the next available general meeting and voted on by the Executive. 

e.      Refund payments will be mailed within two weeks of receipt of request and/or Executive approval (if required).

f.        Registration fee refunds from the start of the playing season will be considered on a case by case basis until December 1^st.

g.      Refunds granted after the start of the season and up to December 1^st will only receive ½ of the registration fee. The player’s insurance fee will also be deducted from the refund.

h.      Requests after the start of the season will only be considered when received in writing and when accompanied with a doctor’s certificate or due to a family emergency.

i.        There will be no registration fee refunds considered after December 1^st of any current playing season.

 

     2. Peewee and Bantam Divisions

 

a.      Refunds for tryout fees will be processed for any given reason when the request is received up to and including August 15.

b.      Refunds will be processed for reason of injury, when the request is received in writing, accompanied by a doctor’s note, up to five days prior to the start of tryouts.  If the injury occurs within five days of the start of tryouts, the appropriate GSHL division coordinator must be notified within 24 hours of the injury, or as soon as reasonably possible under the circumstances.

c.      If an injured player withdraws from the tryout process, but receives a concession from GSHL and is eligible to be drafted, there will not be a refund of the tryout fee.

d.      Requests for refunds after August 15, but prior to the start of tryouts, for any reason other than injury, including family emergency or death in the family, are subject to Executive approval.

e.      Any request not received prior to the start of tryouts will not be considered.

 

     3. Midget Division

 

a.      Refunds for tryout fees will be processed for any given reason when the request is received up to and including September 15.

b.      Refunds will be processed for reason of injury, when the request is received in writing, accompanied by a doctor’s note, up to five days prior to the start of tryouts.  If the injury occurs within five days of the start of tryouts, the appropriate GSHL division coordinator must be notified within 24 hours of the injury, or as soon as reasonably possible under the circumstances.

c.      If an injured player withdraws from the tryout process, but receives a concession from GSHL and is eligible to be drafted, there will not be a refund of the tryout fee.

d.      Refunds will be processed for players carded by Midget AAA teams, when the request is received at least five days prior to the start of tryouts, or as soon as the information is received from the team.

e.      Requests for refunds after September 15, but prior to the start of tryouts, for any reason other than injury or carding with a Midget AAA team, including family emergency or death in the family, are subject to Executive approval.

f.       Any request not received prior to the start of tryouts will not be considered.

 

                  IX.  AMENDMENTS TO BYLAWS AND REGULATIONS

 

a.      When making amendments to any of the GSHL Bylaws or Regulations the GSHL Chair must be notified by way of Notice of Motion in writing thirty (30) days prior to a general meeting. The Chairperson will then be responsible to notify the remaining Executive of the Notice of Motion.

b.      In order for a Notice of Motion for an amendment to any of the GSHL Bylaws or Regulations to pass there must be a majority vote of 75% of the Executive.

 

            X.    REMOVAL OF EXECUTIVE MEMBERS

 

a.      Any GSHL Executive member may be removed from office by dereliction of duty, conduct which may be detrimental to the GSHL or any other just cause by a majority vote of 75% of the Executive.