NORTH HOCKEY Bylaws
NORTH ATTLEBORO HOCKEY ASSOCIATION, INC
BY-LAWS
I. NAME
II. AFFILIATIONS
III. PURPOSE
IV. MEMBERSHIP
V. GOVERNMENT
VI. AMENDMENTS
VII. FINANCIAL OBLIGATIONS
VIII. ELECTIONS
IX. MEETINGS
X. OUTSIDE REPRESENTATION
XI. COMMITTEES
XII. AUTHORITY TO BIND
XIII. RULES OF ORDER
XIX. REMOVAL FROM OFFICE
XV. DUTIES OF BOARD MEMBERS
XVI. GENERAL RULES
XVII. SELECTION OF COACHES, ASSISTANT COACHES AND TEAM MANAGERS
XVIII. COACHES RULES
XIX. TRY-OUTS AND TEAM PLACEMENT
XX. CODE OF CONDUCT
XXI. GENERAL ARTICLE
ARTICLE I. NAME
Section 1. The name of the organization shall be legally known as the NORTH ATTLEBORO HOCKEY ASSOCIATION, INC.
A. It shall also be known as the NAHA.
ARTICLE II. AFFILIATIONS
Section 1. This organization shall be, and is hereby governed by the rules of USA HOCKEY and MASSACHUSETTS HOCKEY.
Section 2. Eligibility to participate in the "North Attleboro Hockey Association" is not determined by sex, race, creed, or color. The "North Attleboro Hockey Association" does not discriminate against any person based upon sex, race, creed, or color.
Section 3. Notwithstanding any other provisions of these articles, the corporation is organized exclusively for one or more of the purposes as specified in Sec. 501 (C) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954, and shall not carry on any activities not permitted to be carried on by a corporation exempt from the Federal income tax under IRC Sec. 501 (C) (3) or corresponding provisions of any subsequent Federal tax laws.
Section 4. No part of the net earnings of the corporation shall inure to the benefit of any member, trustee, director, officer, of the corporation, or any private individual (except that reasonable compensation may be paid for services rendered to or for the corporation), and no member, trustee, director, officer of the corporation or any private individual shall be entitled to share in the distribution of any of the corporate assets on dissolution of the corporation.
Section 5. No substantial part of the activities of the corporation shall be carrying on propaganda, or otherwise attempting to influence legislation, except as otherwise provided by IRC Sec. 501 (h) or participating in, or intervening in (including the publication or distribution of the statements), any political campaign on behalf of candidates for public office.
Section 6. In the event of dissolution, all of the remaining assets and property of the corporation shall, after necessary expenses thereof, be distributed to another organization exempt under IRC Sec. 501 (C) (3) or corresponding provisions of any subsequent federal government, or state, or local government for a public purpose. The organization that will receive the remaining assets and property will be determined by a vote of the NAHA Advisory Board.
ARTICLE III. PURPOSE
The purpose of this organization shall be:
A. To teach the art of skating to all participating in the program.
B. To instruct to those participating, the fundamentals of ice hockey.
C. To instill the necessary attitudes for team spirit and sportsmanship through success and cooperative effort.
D. To foster safety, fairness, and fun.
ARTICLE IV. MEMBERSHIP
Membership shall consist of:
A. The parents or legal guardians of those participants in the NAHA program.
B. Any officer without a child in the NAHA program must be accepted by the general membership at the annual meeting.
ARTICLE V. GOVERNMENT
Section 1. The elected governing body of the program shall be known as the "Advisory Board" and shall consist of 5-11 individuals.
Section 2. The Advisory Board will elect from their ranks, by majority vote, a Chairperson, Assistant Chairperson, Treasurer and Recording Secretary.
Section 3. The chairperson, Assistant Chairperson, Treasurer and Recording Secretary will be elected for a term of one year.
Section 4. At least 5 members of the Advisory Board must be present at any Board meeting for valid voting to take place.
Section 5. All elected officers shall be determined by a vote of the majority (greatest number of votes) of the eligible vote, of the program membership present and voting.
Section 6. A vacancy on the Advisory Board shall be filled, for the remainder of the year, by an appointee selected by the remaining Advisory Board members.
ARTICLE VI. AMENDMENTS
Section 1. The by-laws may be amended by a majority vote (greatest number of votes) of the members present at any general membership meeting, provided written notice of the proposed action has been given to each member ten days prior to the time action is to be taken.
Section 2. Any member of the Advisory Board may propose amendments in writing and said member will notify the general membership.
ARTICLE VII. FINANCIAL OBLIGATIONS
Section 1. The Advisory Board shall determine all fees and assessments.
Section 2. The Advisory Board shall set, at the start of each season, rules regarding payments and payment schedules, and shall see that every member receives a copy of those rules.
Section 3. In the event that a player is to be suspended for non-payment, that player shall be notified in writing by the Chairperson, on behalf of the Advisory Board, at least seven (7) days prior to suspension.
Section 4. The Chairperson shall notify the Coach of any player that is to be suspended for non-payment as soon as possible.
Section 5. Only the Advisory Board may authorize suspensions of players for financial matters.
Section 6. No program funds shall be used by anyone without the Advisory Boards approval.
Section 7. No special dues schedules or rates shall be set without authorization of the Advisory Board.
Section 8. All finances and financial matters shall be under the control of the Advisory Board.
Section 9. The Chairperson, Assistant Chairperson Recording Secretary and Treasurer shall be the only endorsees authorized to disperse NAHA funds. All funds are to be dispersed by check and checks written for over $500 require the signature of the two of the following individuals: Chairperson, Assistant Chairperson Recording Secretary or Treasurer.
ARTICLE VIII. ELECTIONS
Section 1. Election of the Advisory Board shall be at the "Annual Membership Meeting".
Section 2. Prior to the election of officers, at the "Annual Membership Meeting", the Chairperson and the Treasurer shall give reports. The Chairperson’s report will reflect any important matters concerning the program. The Treasurer's report will reflect the financial condition of the program to the date of the meeting and will have been previously audited.
Section 3. Voting will be by individual ballot and no member shall cast more than one vote. Proxies or votes in absentia will not be recognized.
Section 4. Candidates shall be nominated from the floor during the annual membership meeting. Acceptance or refusal of candidacy may be made by absentee letter.
Section 5. Officers shall take office at the end of the program season. The Program's fiscal year shall end and begin with the change of officers at the end of the Program season.
Section 6. The first Advisory Board meeting, after the annual membership meeting, shall constitute a "transition" meeting attended by all board officers; incoming, outgoing, and incumbent. The purpose of this meeting will be to insure a smooth transition in those areas where there is a change in officers.
Section 7. Candidates for office shall be members of the Program as defined in ARTICLE IV. MEMBERSHIP.
ARTICLE IX MEETINGS
Section 1. The Chairperson or a majority of the Advisory Board may call “General Membership Meetings” and Advisory Board Meetings.
Section 2. Advisory Board meetings shall be scheduled monthly or as needed and shall be open to the membership.
Section 3. The agenda of the General Membership Meetings will be set by the Chairperson after discussion with the Advisory Board. No other business, other than that on the agenda, shall be transacted at the meeting.
Section 4. An "Annual Membership Meeting", for the purpose of electing officers, shall be held each year during the last week in March.
Section 5. Notice of the Annual Membership Meeting and General Membership Meetings shall be published prior to said meetings.
ARTICLE X. OUTSIDE REPRESENTATION
The members of the Advisory Board shall be the official representatives of the NAHA in all areas, which come under their jurisdiction. However, they may appoint other delegates.
ARTICLE XI. COMMITTEES
Section 1. The Advisory Board can and may determine the committees deemed proper and necessary to fulfill the object and purpose of the program.
Section 2. The Advisory Board shall appoint all committee chairpersons.
Section 3. The Chairperson and Assistant Chairperson shall be ex-officio members of all committees.
Section 4. Committees, as needed, shall be made up of volunteers.
Section 5. Special committees may be appointed by the Advisory Board, as needed.
ARTICLE XII. AUTHORITY TO BIND
No member of this program shall contract for or enter into any agreement, or otherwise obligate this program, financially or otherwise, without proper authorization from the Advisory Board.
ARTICLE XIII. RULES OF ORDER
The rules contained in "Robert's Rules of Order" (Newly Revised) shall govern this organization in all cases to which they are applicable, and where they are not inconsistent with the by-laws of the organization.
ARTICLE XIV. REMOVAL FROM OFFICE
Any officer or advisor may be removed from office as a result of failure to fulfill the duties of said office, or for conduct detrimental to the best interests of the Program. Said removal must follow the following procedures:
A. A petition stating the charge shall be filed with the President and signed by two-thirds of the Advisory Board.
B. The Secretary shall notify, in writing, each Board member ten (10) days before the question will be placed on a meeting agenda.
C. Said officer or advisor shall be given written notice of the charge at least ten (10) days before the question will be placed on a meeting agenda.
D. The petitioners shall present their case first; said officer or board member shall be heard second; and the vote taken third. A two- thirds vote of the Advisory Board shall be necessary to remove said officer or board member from office.
E. Should said officer be the President, the Vice President shall preside over removal proceedings.
ARTICLE XV. DUTIES OF OFFICERS OF THE ADVISORY BOARD
Section 1. PRESIDENT
A. Shall be the Chief Executive Officer of the NAHA.
B. Shall act as Administrative Representative at all outside activities concerning the Program.
C. Shall be responsible for appointing and charging all committees and appointing committee chairpersons, acting for or on behalf of NAHA, with the approval of the Advisory Board.
D. Schedule season's activities relative to administrative functions.
E. Ensure that funds are available.
Section 2. VICE PRESIDENT
A. Act as President when the President is unavailable.
B. Perform those duties assigned to him/ her by the President.
Section 3. SECRETARY
A. Shall keep permanent records of the business meetings of the organization and of events of importance.
B. Shall be in charge of all correspondence.
C. Shall keep current a general membership list.
D. Shall provide a copy of the current By-Laws at all meetings.
E. All records of the Secretary shall remain the property of the organization.
Section 4. TREASURER
A. Shall keep detailed financial records.
B. Shall keep the Advisory Board up to date on all financial matters affecting the running of the program.
C. Shall outline the financial status at all NAHA general meetings.
D. Shall only dispense funds in accordance with By-Laws and other rules pertaining to expenditure of NAHA funds.
E. Shall prepare an audited report, for NAHA "Annual Membership Meeting", for presentation to the Program membership.
F. Shall be responsible for obtaining and retaining tax-exempt status and filing of appropriate reports with the State and Federal agencies.
ARTICLE XVII. SELECTION OF COACHES, ASSISTANT COACHES AND TEAM ADMINISTRATORS
Section 1. A. All prospective coaches must fill out an application and submit it to the Advisory Board..
B. All coaches must be appropriately patched according to the MASSACHUSETTS HOCKEY guidelines. Coaches must attend a coaching clinic appropriate to their level by December 31 of the current year.
C. All applicants must be given every opportunity to participate in coaching. If there is more than one applicant for a particular team, the applicants not selected may be given the option to coach at a different level if there is another coaching slot open.
D. A coach may select his/her own assistant coach only if there is a position open without an available applicant, with the approval of the Advisory Board.
E. Coaches, assistant coaches, Team Administrators, all on ice volunteers and the NAHA Advisory Board are required to fill out a CORI form. Failure to do so will result in an individual’s ineligibility to participate in the NAHA.
Section 2. All teams must have at least one assistant coach. If a team loses their assistant coaches to the point that there aren't any assistant coaches on the team, then it shall be the responsibility of the team coach to select an assistant of his/her choice. If a coach does not select an assistant within seven (7) days of being without one, then the Advisory Board will assign one.
Section 3. Team coaches shall ask for a volunteer to be the Team Administrator. Each team must have a Team Administrator. If there are no volunteers for Team Administrator, the Coach or Assistant Coach will assume those duties.
Section 4. The Team Administrator shall be responsible for distributing all schedules, newsletters, notices and other materials to the team players, and the
collection of monies, when applicable. The purpose of this position is to relieve the Coach so that he/she may concentrate on coaching the team and will not have to worry about all of the team players receiving any of the above information.
Section 5. The first Assistant Coach will act as the Coach in the Coach's absence.
ARTICLE XVIII. COACH'S RULES
Section 1. A. All players shall receive equitable ice time in all practices, games, and scrimmages.
B. No coach will use physical force, abusive language, or publicly chastise any player as a means of discipline.
Section 2. The team coach shall ensure that his/her team has:
A. Assistant Coach(es)
B. Team Administrator
C. First Aid Kit
D. All proper and necessary equipment.
Section 3. Coaches may publish team rules that are non-conflicting with USA HOCKEY or NAHA rules with regard to:
A. Discipline
B. Practice time
C. Parents meetings
ARTICLE XIX. TRY-OUTS AND TEAM PLACEMENTS - See Ammendments
A. Evaluators
1. Mite/Squirt - Evaluations to be done by coaches or adult players outside the division they are coaching or involved in.
2. MS and HS evaluated by OUTSIDE evaluators (preferred) or coaches NOT involved in these divisions.
B. Evaluation Procedure
1. 1st session - 1 hour skills/1 hour scrimmage. 2nd session - 1 hour scrimmage
2. 4-5 Stations
3. Evaluations based on a 1-7 scale for both skills & scrimmage
4. Raw scores by evaluators are totaled. The scrimmage portion weighs 60% and the skills portion weighs 40%.
5. All players MUST attend tryouts - any exceptions referred to Board. Player must contact NAHA president to request absence from tryout. These exceptions must be presented to board and coaches prior to tryout session. The player will need to attend another scheduled practice/tryout for evaluation by NAHA coaches. This pertains also to players unable to attend a tryout due to injury or illness.
6. Player unable to tryout due to injury or financial constraint will rely on evaluation and input by current coach. And/or most recent coach.
C. Selection Process
1. All players attend tryout 1 (skills) - evaluation scores given to director
2. All players attend tryout 2 (scrimmage) - evaluations given to director for calculations.
3. Top designated number of players after 2nd evaluation are automatically placed on 1st Team. They will attend the 3rd tryout so that the bubble players may be evaluated in comparison but these players are NOT being reevaluated. These players are NOT notified of their status at this point. (see attached)
4. Bubble players (# predetermined by Board when registration #'s are received) and top designated players are notified to attend a 3rd tryout. Based on Board discretion, all players may be asked to return to third tryout.
If multiple scores fall within a narrow margin, the bubble number may be increased to reflect this circumstance.
5. If a player who has previously played on an upper level and he/she falls below the bubble after evaluations, that player will be placed in the bubble for re-evaluation. This will not affect the original, designated bubble number.
6. If additional players in bubble are within similar score ranges, they may be included in the bubble.
7. Bubble players are observed by coaches (A&B) in a scrimmage format. Selections are at the discretion of both coaches (A&B) with final selection made by first coach These selections are based on Coach's choice, and factors such as position, potential, ability and attitude. Selections are presented at a Board Meeting for approval. If contested, the final determination will be made by a majority vote of the Board. If no agreement can be reached, the Board will have the final say based on player evaluation and prior coach's commendations.
8. Players are notified by HEAD COACH only. No other form of communication is considered official. Notification should be done in a timely and efficient manner making sure all players are notified at the same time.
9. Coach evaluations will be performed at end of season but not used in the team selection process unless desired by coach. (not required for Mite level)
10. All evaluation are kept on file with the Association President for 1 year and not revealed to any one without Board approval.
11. Goalie selections are based on discussion amongst coaches. There is a possibility of having a rotating schedule.
D. Grievances
1. All grievances must be submitted in writing to the Association President to be placed on upcoming agenda.
2. No changes in rosters are permitted without majority approval by NAHA.
E. Other
1. Sibling, carpool or any other requests are NOT reason for placement on same team.
2. A player is not automatically assumed to stay on present team in a following year. All team placements are based on attendance and evaluations at a yearly NAHA tryout.
3. Players who register late to the program are placed on the lower level team. Any roster changes require Board approval and must be based on the interest to all NAHA teams.
4. NAHA players are asked to play up only if necessary and on a rotation basis (players eligible determined by coaches and Board)
5. Adhering to League rules, players are only eligible to play "up" a division 3 consecutive games or 5 separate games until considered rostered on the upper team. NAHA abides by local league rules. .
6. Based on registration numbers, if more than one team is to be selected at any given level, the number of players will be divided equally. If the registration numbers fill the designated rosters (decided by Board at prior meeting), then the first team will leave 2 open spots until 1 week prior to the start of the season, in the event that a new player moves to town and needs to be properly placed.
7. If more players are needed to fill out the A team roster, players are selected to be moved up at coach’s discretion, based on position, improvement, etc.
8. During regular season games, coaches may only bring on additional players to the current team roster number.
XX CODE OF CONDUCT
Section 1. All players and parents must read and sign the NAHA Code of Conduct before the first scheduled practice. Refusal to do so, by either the parent or player, will make said player ineligible to participate in NAHA scheduled practices and games.
ARTICLE XXI. GENERAL ARTICLE
Any circumstance, rule or regulation not covered herein, shall fall under the jurisdiction of the Advisory Board.
We, the undersigned, representing at least a quorum of the Executive Officers of the Board of Directors of the North Attleboro Hockey Association, Inc. do hereby attest that the by-laws contained within this document, are the latest revision of the North Attleboro Hockey Association By-Laws, as voted by the general membership of the Association on June 7, 2004. These By-Laws shall supersede all other by-laws established before this date, and shall be the governing by-laws of the North Attleboro Hockey Association until such time as the general membership of this organization shall elect to alter or amend them.
 
 
Board members must adhere to the following By-Laws as voted at the May, 2005 NAHA Meeting:
Board Members and council members are required to attend 8 monthly board meetings per year, based on 12 meetings per year. Board members or council members are dismissed if 3 consecutive meetings are missed or 5 in any year. 
Any parent or member may become a voting member for electing officers and council members, upon attendance of 3 consecutive meetings and maintains attendance at 6 meetings per year.
 
 
Addendums – August 2010
Tryout Process
·         Evaluations done by outside evaluators
·         Skaters perform skills & drills hour 1 scrimmage - hour 2 (only 2 hours available for this year)
·         Players rated by evaluators and top 10 (# determined by # trying out) automatically placed on Team 1
·         A predetermined number of players are placed in the “bubble” (based on number of players trying out. Bubble Players are asked to return to second tryout along with top # of players.
·         Roster numbers and bubble # selected, determined by board prior to giving to coach. 
·         A player may have a weak tryout or if evaluations seem to be off, may be recommended to return to second tryout by coach. They will be return as a “bubble” player.
·         Selection from the "Bubble" players are at discretion of both coaches (A & B) with final selection made by first coach. 
·         Selections are based on ability/position/character. Selection is coach’s privilege. 
·         Siblings are NOT automatically placed together.
·         Players are not “automatically” placed on team of previous year but is weighed heavily. Board Approval required. 
·         Players not selected or "cut" may be offered a "practice only" option for a designated, specific price.
·         Roster selections are submitted to NAHA Board for final approval. 
·         Calls are to be made in a timely manner during a specific, designated time frame .
·         All roster selections are HIGHLY CONFIDENTIAL and calls to players are to be made by COACHES ONLY.
·         Evaluation scores are kept for one year.
Tryout Requirements
·         Tryouts date and time will be announced. All players are expected to attend a tryout. . 
·         Players unable to attend tryouts due to UNFORSEEN circumstances are asked to attend another scheduled practice/tryout for evaluation. Must notify President of absence prior to tryout. If available, players are asked to attend, whether they are able to go on the ice or not.   
·         Players unable to tryout due to injury will rely on evaluation and input by current coach. Players are asked to attend if able to do so. 
Roster Determinations/Changes
·         Leave 1st team with a lighter roster from start to allow room for players to be moved up (new players to town, players who were unable to attend a tryout)
·         Players who join late or decide late to join NAHA, are placed on the lower team and are evaluated for no more than 5 weeks. Recommendation is made by coach as to what level player should be placed. 
·         ANY ROSTER CHANGES to any NAHA team must be voted and approved by the NAHA Board. - Decision must be based on the interest to all NAHA teams.
Playing Up
·         Players are asked only to play up if necessary and on a rotation basis (players eligible determined by coaches and board). 
·         No more than 3 consecutive games / No more than 5 games. (automatic advancement to next team)
·         Players may only be asked to play up to number of rostered players on team. Players may only be called up from the direct team below. (eg – Mite B to Mite A, Squirt A to Pee Wee B)
Tournaments
·         Tournament Rosters are limited to those who are registered players of North Attleboro Hockey.
·         Only players rostered on the North Hockey USA Hockey rosters are eligible to participate in any games and / or tournaments. 
·         Players being invited to play for a different team must first be obligated to their own team’s schedule.
·         All Tournaments /.Scrimmages participation must be approved by NAHA
·         All tournament rosters must follow NAHA guidelines and be approved by NAHA.
·         Tournament Fees are determined by NAHA
·         NAHA will provide each coach with a certified USA roster for tournament participation.
Discounts
·         The discounted Goalie Fee ONLY applies to those playing as a GOALIE ONLY. If a player participates on any team as a skater, they are to pay the full NAHA registration fee.
·         Only one discount is applied per player, being the lower of the two. Eg – goalie or sibling. 
Coach
·         Helmets are to be worn at all times on the ice
·         All coaches are to be USA hockey certified, USA Hockey Confirmed CORI’d and on the NAHA roster to participate with any team.
·         4 qualified Coaches are allowed on bench.
·         North Hockey will provide for up to 4 coaches per team.

Addendum September 2015

Coach/Player Discipline – Behavior and/or Language
·        The North Hockey Board reserves the right to remove a player or parent from a rink or its membership due to violation of the USA code of Conduct.
 
Locker Room Policy
 

• Locker Room Monitoring The North Devils program has predictable and limited use of locker rooms and changing areas (generally 30 minutes before and following practices and games). This allows for direct and regular monitoring of locker room areas.  While constant monitoring inside of locker rooms and changing areas might be the most effective way to prevent problems, we understand that this would likely make some players uncomfortable and may even place our staff at risk for unwarranted suspicion.  We conduct a sweep of the locker rooms and changing areas before players arrive, and if the coaches are not inside the locker rooms, a coach (each of which has been screened) will be posted directly outside of the locker rooms and changing areas during periods of use, and leave the doors open only when adequate privacy is still possible, so that only participants (coaches and players), approved team personnel and family members are permitted in the locker room.  Team personnel will also secure the locker room appropriately during times when the team is on the ice
• Parents in Locker Rooms Except for players at the younger age groups – Squirts and under, we discourage parents from entering locker rooms unless it is truly necessary.  If a player needs assistance with his or her uniform or gear, if the player is or may be injured, or a player’s disability warrants assistance, then we ask that parents let the coach know beforehand that he or she will be helping the player. 
  Naturally, with our youngest age groups it is necessary for parents to assist the players getting dressed.  We encourage parents to teach their players as young as possible how to get dressed so that players will learn as early as possible how to get dressed independently.  In circumstances where parents are permitted in the locker room, coaches are permitted to ask that the parents leave for a short time before the game and for a short time after the game so that the coaches may address the players.  As players get older, the coach may in his or her discretion prohibit parents from a locker room. 
   
• Mixed Gender Teams Some of our teams consist of both male and female players.  It is important that the privacy rights of all of our players are given consideration and appropriate arrangements made. Where possible, North Devils will have the male and female players dress/undress in separate locker rooms and then convene in a single locker room before the game or team meeting.  Once the game or practice is finished, the players may come to one locker room for a team meeting and then the male and female players proceed to their separate locker rooms to undress and shower, if available.  If separate locker rooms are not available, then the players will take turns using the locker room to change. We understand that these arrangements may require that players arrive earlier or leave later to dress, but believe that this is the most reasonable way to accommodate and respect all of our players.