Out of State Residency Requirements and Waiver

Frequently Asked Questions:

1.       What is an Interstate Transfer Waiver?

An Interstate Transfer Waiver is an approval which allows a player who resides in one state/Affiliate to play in another state/Affiliate. Example: A player who resides in Wisconsin wishes to play for a team in Illinois during the regular season.

2.       Why do players now require an Interstate Transfer Waiver?

USA Hockey passed a rule in January 2026 which requires players to request a waiver to play in a different state than the player’s residency, unless a written agreement exists between neighboring states.

For more information, see USA Hockey Rules & Regulations / Article III. TEAM MEMBERSHIP AND REGISTRATION, (pages 170-173, USA Hockey Rules and Regulations)

E. Proper Affiliate for Team/Program Registration.

F. Affiliate Residency Rule for Tier II and Recreational Hockey Players

3.       Who is affected by the Interstate Transfer Waiver?

Tier II Youth, Tier II Girls and Tier III (Recreational) players.

4.       Who does not need an Interstate Transfer Waiver?

Tier I Youth or Tier 1 Girls

If Affiliates have written agreements those will take precedence over this policy and not require an Interstate Transfer Waiver. This can be different even within each state, so please check with your club or Affiliate Registrar.

5.       How do you request an Interstate Transfer Waiver and what is the process?

Check with your home affiliate website for forms and procedures

Affiliate agreements may include different submission, review, decision and appeal timelines / procedures than the USAH rule.

6.       Good rules of thumb:

Start the process for Interstate Transfer Waiver early.

Document and save all communications.

State /Affiliate registrars can be helpful with guidance.

Current AHAI agreements with neighboring affiliates:

Wisconsin (WAHA):

The Brat Stop Agreement (effective June 29, 2013)

Open Boundaries: WAHA: All of Kenosha County & Racine County (south of Highway 20). AHAI: Illinois has no boundaries.

Players residing within the above open boundary may register with any of the below clubs with no Interstate Transfer Waiver required:

• Kenosha
• Pleasant Prairie (Tier III, Recreational)
• Vipers
• All players outside the above boundaries wishing to play for a club across the state border should follow the Interstate Transfer Waiver process outlined by their home Affiliate. Players residing in Illinois who wish to play for a WAHA club other than Kenosha or Pleasant Prairie should follow the AHAI process outlined below.

Indiana:

No affiliate agreement is currently in place. Any player residing in Illinois wishing to play in Indiana should follow the AHAI process.

Any player residing in Indiana wishing to play in Illinois should refer to Indiana’s process.

Missouri:

No affiliate agreement is currently in place. Any player residing in Illinois wishing to play in Missouri should follow the AHAI process.

Any player residing in Missouri wishing to play in Illinois should refer to Missouri’s process.

Iowa:

No affiliate agreement is currently in place. Any player residing in Illinois wishing to play in Iowa should follow the AHAI process.

Any player residing in Missouri wishing to play in Illinois should refer to Missouri’s process. 

AHAI Process to request an Interstate Transfer Waiver:

• Complete and submit the online application.
• The application may be found here.
• Once approved, the waiver is valid for subsequent seasons at that same club. Should a player change clubs, a new Interstate Transfer Waiver must be completed.
• Applications must be completed prior to attending tryouts.
• Questions? Please check with your club’s registrar or the AHAI registrar, (registrar@ahai.org).