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 by the AHAI R&E Committee. 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.
Training Video & Resources
As we discussed during the training, our most important message is simple: we are here to help. If a misconduct or disciplinary situation arises during the season and you’re unsure who to contact or how to proceed, please reach out and we’ll make sure you get connected with the right person to assist with your needs.
To help your organization navigate these situations, we’ve included the training recording along with several sample documents that may be useful during the Rules & Ethics process. These templates are intended as starting points and should be reviewed and adapted to fit your organization’s specific circumstances.
Sample Rules & Ethics Documents
- Sample Rule Violation Form – Intake form to document the nature of a complaint and the individuals involved before beginning an investigation.
- Sample Hearing Notice – Template for notifying involved parties of a scheduled hearing.
- Sample Hearing Determination – Template for communicating the outcome of a hearing.
- Sample Appeal Request – Template for requesting an appeal of a disciplinary decision.
- Discipline Procedures: Complaint to Appeal - A resource providing additional guidance on navigating the disciplinary process from the initial complaint through a potential appeal.
USA Hockey Resources
We also encourage your organization to become familiar with the following USA Hockey resources, which are commonly referenced when addressing disciplinary matters:
- USA Hockey Bylaw 10 Guidance – Bylaw 10 governs the disciplinary process and addresses many of the procedural questions that may arise.
- USA Hockey Codes of Conduct - Codes of Conduct for players, parents, coaches, and spectators. Consider posting these on your club website and requiring written acknowledgment from players and parents.
- USA Hockey Coaching Ethics Code – Ethical requirements for coaches in addition to the Code of Conduct.
- USA Hockey Zero Tolerance Policy – The policy provides for an automatic five-game suspension for violations, with no exceptions. Please make sure families understand this policy at your season kickoff meeting.
Our goal is to help every club handle disciplinary matters promptly, fairly, consistently, and in compliance with AHAI and USA Hockey requirements.
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)