Rules and Ethics
The AHAI Rules & Ethics Committee (R&E) has authority over off-ice misconduct and violations of AHAI’s By-Laws and Rules & Regulations. The Committee can suspend, place on probation, or impose other disciplinary actions against any person, team, or organization found to have violated rules or acted in a way not in the best interests of amateur hockey.
Each Member Organization has its own R&E Committee that manages issues at the local level. Cases may reach AHAI through the appeal process, or when the matter is more appropriately heard at the state level. In those cases, AHAI conducts an investigation and hearing following USA Hockey Bylaw 10 to ensure rules are enforced fairly and consistently.
Decisions of AHAI’s R&E Committee are final unless a written Notice of Appeal is filed with the AHAI President within 10 days of the decision. Appeals are reviewed by the AHAI Board of Directors, whose decision is final.
Contact us if you have any questions regarding the process. When in doubt, please reach out!
Parents: What You Need to Know
As a parent in Illinois youth hockey, you must follow the bylaws, rules, and policies of:
- USA Hockey
- AHAI
- Your Member Organization/Club
Your organization’s rules are typically available on its website, in a handbook, or from a board member.
Situations where you may encounter Rules & Ethics:
1. You or your child violates a rule
Common issues include violating USA Hockey’s Zero Tolerance Policy, misconduct in the locker room, inappropriate social media use, or bullying.
These matters are usually handled at the organization level under USA Hockey Bylaw 10. Discipline can include warnings, suspensions, or expulsion.
Note: Zero Tolerance violations result in an automatic, non-negotiable five-game suspension.
2. You believe another member violated a rule
Report the violation through your Member Organization’s complaint process.
If unsure how to proceed, contact a board member or your club president.
Member Organizations: Your Role in Discipline
Each Member Organization is responsible for:
- Following its own bylaws and policies, as well as those of USA Hockey and AHAI
- Making rules and policies easily available to members
- Receiving and investigating complaints
- Issuing discipline when necessary
- Holding hearings and determining discipline under USA Hockey Bylaw 10
Process Guide:
Overview of the Rules & Ethics process (Complaint → Hearing → Appeal) (Need link)
Templates (customize for your club):
- Sample Rule Violation Form – Intake form for documenting a complaint
- Sample Hearing Notice – Template for notifying parties of a hearing
- Sample Hearing Determination – Template for communicating a decision
- Sample Appeal Request – Template for appealing a decision
Training Resource:
Watch AHAI’s August 6, 2025 training session on member-level discipline (Need link)