Suspensions and Appeals

• When a Match Penalty is reported, the Committee Chair assigns an investigator.
• The investigator notifies the Club in writing, and the Club President or Head Team Official must notify the player/coach of the hearing date.
• Witnesses are interviewed, and a written report is prepared for the committee.
• During the hearing, the offending party may present their case.
• After deliberation, the committee decides whether the suspension is considered time served or whether additional suspension is required.
• The ruling is communicated directly to the player or coach.

• If an individual fails to attend two scheduled hearings, the Committee may proceed “in absentia” with only a written statement.
• Notice of an “in absentia” decision will be mailed, and the 10-day appeal period begins at that time.
• Appeals must be filed in writing within 10 days of a ruling.

• A Match Penalty is given to a player or coach for serious violations of USA Hockey rules.
• Players or coaches receiving a Match Penalty are suspended immediately until a hearing is held.
• Hearings must be scheduled within 30 days of the incident.
• If a hearing cannot be held in that time, the individual is reinstated temporarily but may face further suspension once the hearing is completed.
• Game Misconducts are also reviewed by the ASRC. Coaches and players must understand that officials’ reports play a central role in determining any suspension time.

Referees and officials play a critical role in documenting penalties:

• Officials must accurately record all Game Misconducts and Match Penalties on the game score sheet.
• Officials may take the score sheet into their locker room postgame to verify details before finalizing it. Coaches should not sign until this is complete.
• Officials may add penalties after the game if incidents occur once the score sheet has left the scorer’s table.
• A written Game Report must be filed within 24 hours and forwarded to the ASRC and Illinois RIC.
• Officials are instructed not to answer questions such as “How long will I be suspended?” since only the ASRC may determine the suspension length after review.

• Do not escalate situations when a penalty is called. Dismissals should be orderly.
• After a Match Penalty, players/coaches are immediately suspended from all USA Hockey activities pending a hearing.
• The suspended party, their parent/guardian (if a minor), their coach, and Club President must attend the hearing.
• If no coach is present, the hearing will not proceed, the suspension carries forward, and the coach may also face supplementary discipline for failing to attend.
• Coaches are responsible for ensuring their players have a fair hearing and must attend hearings with their players.

• Appeals of ASRC rulings must be submitted within 10 days.
• Appeals are filed with the AHAI President, Kevin Bolger (president@ahai.org)

Leaving the Bench

• No player or coach may leave the bench to participate in an altercation.
• Incidents are reviewed by the ASRC and may result in 5+ game suspensions for players and coaches.

Contact with Officials

• No player or coach may have physical contact with a game official.
• USA Hockey recommends a 1-year suspension for intentional contact.
• The ASRC enforces this guideline strictly.

Supplementary Discipline (USA Hockey Rule 410)

The ASRC may investigate and impose suspensions if:

• The incident results in significant injury or risk of injury.
• The incident occurs outside the normal play of the game.
• A League or Club President submits a written request within 14 days, including:
• Description of events and reasons for review
• Copy of the official score sheet
• Contact information for all witnesses

The ASRC may also review any incident at its discretion, whether or not penalized during the game.