Muskegon Junior Lumberjacks Inc. By-Laws
Table of Contents: Article I – Organization Section 1.1: Association Office Section 1.2: Correspondence Address Section 1.3: Purpose Section 1.4: 501(c)(3) Status Article II - Membership Section 2.1: Eligibility Section 2.2: Non-Discrimination Statement Section 2.3: Membership Application Section 2.4: Dues and Fees Section 2.5: Suspension Section 2.6: Member Voting Privileges Article III - Government Section 1: Affiliations Section 2: Association Board Section 3: Board Member Selection and Eligibility Section 4: Board Elections and Appointments Section 5: Terms and Term Limits Section 6: Voting Privileges Section 7: Quorum Section 8: Rescinding Board Votes Section 9: Board Meetings and Attendance Section 10: Board Resignations, Dismissals, and Vacancies Section 11: USA Hockey and MAHA Jurisdiction Section 12: USA Hockey and MAHA Indemnification Section 13: USA Hockey Screening and Abuse Policies Section 14: Dispute Resolution Section 15: Staffing Needs Section 16: Compensation Article IV - Duties of the Association Board Section 1: President Section 2: Vice President Section 3: Hockey Director Section 4: Treasurer Section 5: Operations Manager Section 6: Members at Large Article V - Finance Section 1: Fiscal Year Section 2: Fees Section 3: Payment Plans and Financial Assistance Section 4: Bank Withdrawals Section 5: Approval of Association Obligations Section 6: Spending Authority Section 7: Gifts and Contributions Page 1 of 18
Section 8: Non-Standard Programs and Events Section 9: Contracts Section 10: Utilization of Fees Article VI – Limitations Article VII - Conflict of Interest Section 1: General Section 2: Vendors Section 3: Ice Rinks Article VIII - Dissolution Article IX – Amendments Article X –Committees Section 1: General Section 2: Dispute Resolution Committee Section 3: Disciplinary Committee Article XI -Team Size, House Draft Procedures, & Travel Tryout Process Section 1: Team Organization Section 2: Registration and Rostering: Participants and Teams Section 3: Player Evaluation and Draft
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Article I - ORGANIZATION
Section 1.1 - Name The name of this organization shall be Muskegon Junior Lumberjacks Inc., hereinafter in the By-Laws referred to as the Association.
Section 1.2 - Place Section 1.2.1: Association Office The office of the Association shall be the Muskegon Lumberjacks offices in the Mercy Health Arena
Section 1.2.2: Correspondence Address The correspondence address shall be: Junior Lumberjacks Inc. 470 W Western Muskegon, MI 49440
Section 1.3 - Purpose The purpose of the Association is to: • Provide Members with quality coaching staff, skill appropriate training and competition, where players will have the opportunity to develop to their highest potential in athletic and team skills. • Provide ice hockey programs, leagues, camps and educational clinics to participants within Muskegon County and surrounding areas; Instill the values of team work, sportsmanship and fair play. • Provide the opportunity to develop players leadership and citizenship skills • Provide an environment where all persons on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, socioeconomic status or other inappropriate criteria as prescribed by law, shall be treated fairly, with respect, and in a positive, supportive manner at all Association events • Conduct operations with a level of fiscal responsibility, which will ensure the viability of the organization for the future • Foster mental health, physical safety, fairness, and fun
Section 1.4: Exempt Status Notwithstanding any other provisions of these articles, the Association is organized shall be operated exclusively as a tax-exempt organization under the provisions of Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) as amended and as may by amended in the future, or the corresponding section of any future federal tax code.
Article II - Membership
Section 2.1: Eligibility of Membership Any USA Hockey-registered child whose age conforms to the guidelines set
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forth by USA Hockey and the Michigan Amateur Hockey Association (MAHA) is eligible to apply for membership. Players must remain registered and in good standing with USA Hockey and MAHA.
Section 2.2: Non-Discrimination Statement Provide an environment where all person on the basis or race, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, socioeconomic status or other inappropriate criteria as prescribed by law, shall be treated fairly, with respect, and in a positive, supportive manner at all Association events
Section 2.3: Membership Application Membership shall be by application, completed in its entirety and accompanied by annual dues payment or initial deposit payment of the installment plan established by the Board for that year. The Application, Player Agreement and any other associated forms must be signed (an electronic acknowledgement may be used) by a parent or legal guardian for any applicant under the age of 18 years.
Application for membership may be denied if: • Dues from prior year were not paid, even if from another organization; • Prior suspensions are still outstanding; • Equipment or other obligations from a prior year are still outstanding; • Proper proof of age within five days of request by the Association is not received;
(a) Regular Members: One (1) parent or guardian of a registered player shall be designated a Regular Member for purposes of voting in elections and at annual and special membership meetings. The Regular Member must be designated each year for each player at the time of player registration on the registration form.
(b) Player Members: Each registered player in the Association is considered a Player Member.
Section 2.4: Dues and Fees The Board shall set the dues amount and a proposed payment plan for each age group at each level of participation prior to the commencement of the season. Any applicant not financially capable of paying his or her annual dues with proposed payment plan may negotiate a payment plan with the Treasurer or Operations Manager, and/or apply for financial assistance through a scholarship. Any payment plan, other than that established below, shall be in writing, signed by the applicant and supported by a 2/3rds majority vote in support by the Board.
If member becomes behind the payment plan by more than 15 days a reminder email will be sent to the member for payment, if more than 31 days the member will be suspended immediately until the member has become Page 4 of 18
current or new terms have been established and agreed upon by 2/3 majority vote of the Board for that members’ dues. All agreements must be in writing and signed by the member and Operations Manager. Any member account that is left outstanding more than 120 day from December 15 shall subject to civil litigation and the filing of small claims suit.
Members will be required to pay for any equipment/apparel ordered for the benefit of the participant.
Payment Plan Details for All House Teams: Registration: $250 non-refundable deposit Thru September 15: 25% of Yearly Fee Thru October 15: 50% of Yearly Fee Thru November 15: 75% of Yearly Fee Thru December 15: 100% of Yearly Fee
Payment Plan Details for All Travel Teams: Registration: $500 non-refundable deposit Thru September 15: 25% of Yearly Fee Thru October 15: 50% of Yearly Fee Thru November 15: 75% of Yearly Fee Thru December 15: 100% of Yearly Fee
Section 2.5: Suspension Any member can be suspended from participation in the activities of this organization by a majority vote in support by the Board, if said member violates any rule or regulation as set forth by the By-Laws, or Rules Governing the Game of Ice Hockey as promulgated and amended by USA Hockey; or is not in compliance with the payment terms set forth by the Board of Directors. No Member may commence participation in any activities of this Association until he or she has met the requirements as set forth in these articles.
Section 2.6: Member Voting Privileges Each Regular Member is entitled to one vote per player member on each matter submitted to a vote of the members. Player Members shall not be entitled to vote on any matters submitted to a vote of the members, including the election of directors. A vote may be cast either orally or in writing, as determined by the Board of Directors. When an action, other than the election of directors, is to be taken by a vote of the members, it shall be authorized by a majority of the votes cast by the members entitled to vote, unless a greater vote is required by statute or these by-laws.
Article III – Government Section 1: Affiliations The Association shall be, and is hereby governed by the rules of USA HOCKEY and Michigan Amateur Hockey Association (MAHA) and other Page 5 of 18
hockey leagues as appropriate, and shall abide by its own rules and procedures as well as those set forth within these leagues.
Section 2: Association Board The Government of this Association shall be vested in an 8-member Board of Directors and 3 members that are employees of the Association:
The Board of Directors consists of the: President VP 5 Members at Large
Employees of the Association: Hockey Director Treasurer Operations Manager
The hockey director will report to the Board of Directors. They will recommend and guide his employment. They may recommend his hiring and firing to the Muskegon City Manager.
Section 3: Board Member Selection and Eligibility Each Board Member is elected by majority vote of the current board members.
Section 4: Board Elections and Appointments Election cycles for the Board of Directors: All board members will hold their positions on a two year cycle beginning the first of June. No member may serve more than two consecutive terms unless extension approved by the voting members of the Board of Directors.
Nominations for the Board of Director positions will be solicited from the members in November of the election year. Elections are to be completed by December 31 of each election year by electronic voting methods. Newly elected Board members will participate in Association activities and Board meetings effective January 1 of the election year so that the newly elected member will have a proper transition period and opportunity to provide input into the upcoming program year. The incumbent Board member(s) stays in place through the end of the fiscal year (May 31) to aid in the transition. The newly elected Board member(s) does not have voting rights until the 1st of the new fiscal year (June 1)
Appointments are made by December 31 of each election year, so that the newly appointed member will have a proper transition period and opportunity to provide input into the upcoming program year. The incumbent stays in place through the end of the fiscal year (May 31) to aid in the transition.
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Section 5: Terms and Term Limits ● Each Board member shall be elected for a term of two years ● Each Program Director position will be appointed for a term of two (2) years or as needed. ● Elected Board of Directors – 6 years limit ● President, Member at Large #1, #3 and #5 are up for re-election on odd numbered years. ● Vice President, Member at Large #2, #4 and #6 are up for re-election on even numbered years. ● Employees-until employee resigns or is voted out. No term limit
Once the board member reaches his/her term limit, said person cannot run for or be nominated for the same position he or she just occupied. However, the out-going board member can run for different positions on the Board. At the discretion of the Executive Board, a Director may be reappointed to his/her position beyond the normal term or term limit should there be no willing candidate to fill that position.
Section 6: Voting Privileges ● Each Board member has one vote. ● Hockey Director, Operations Manager and Treasurer do not vote on items brought before the board ● President does not vote unless to break a tie vote. ● President, Hockey Director, Operations Manager & Treasurer will vote on election of all Board Members ● Motions, seconds, discussion, debate, and voting may be done via electronic means through e-mail or text at any time.
Section 7: Quorum A "quorum" of at least 2/3 of the standing Board members must be present at any Board meeting for valid voting to take place. A vote can only be passed with a quorum present and a 51% voting for the initiative.
Section 8: Rescinding Board Votes Once a vote has been passed or dismissed the decision shall stand until the next scheduled Board of Directors meeting or at the time that a 'special meeting' is held. A quorum must be present to redress the issue.
Section 9: Board Meetings and Attendance There shall be regular meetings of the Board of Directors, not less than quarterly. It is recommended that the Board of Directors meet monthly during the playing season. These meetings are open to the membership, but said members have no vote. At the discretion of the Board of Directors these meetings may contain a private or closed portion in which the Board of Directors may meet as needed.
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Board of Directors-only meetings may be scheduled as deemed necessary by the Board of Directors.
Meeting minutes will be approved by a simple majority vote in support by the Board within 10 days of the meeting. If approval is not met and requires further discussion, said discussion must be held at the next Board of Directors meeting. Directors can approve the minutes in writing or via email. The Administrator or designee must record the voting results at the next Board meeting.
Each Board member shall have the responsibility to attend the Board meetings. 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.
Section 10: Board Resignations, Dismissals, and Vacancies ● Any Board Member desiring to resign may do so by giving notification of their intent to the President or Operations Manager in writing or via email. The President or Operations Manager will convey this information to the Board prior to the next Board meeting. The minutes of the next Board meeting must record this resignation, and it is at this Board meeting when the resignation becomes effective. ● A vacancy is deemed to exist if any member of the Board of Directors has been absent from three (3) consecutive Board meetings without good cause. Vacancies on the Board shall be filled by a majority vote in support by the Board of an appointee. Such appointee shall serve out the remainder of the term to which appointed. ● The Association Board of Directors reserves the right to dismiss or remove an Association Board member or a paid employee of the Association from their position. Any Board member may be removed: (a) With or without cause, by a majority vote of all of the members; or (b) With cause, by a (2/3) two-thirds vote of all of the directors other than the director potentially subject to removal. ● The subject Board member shall be informed in writing or via email five (5) days prior to a meeting of the Board to discuss and vote on such action. Following said meeting, the outcome of the Board’s decision shall be immediately conveyed to subject Board member in writing or via email. An unscheduled vacancy on the Board shall be filled, for the remainder of the vacated position's term, by an appointee that has expressed interest by any solicited or unsolicited means. This appointee must be approved by a majority vote of the Board present at a meeting where a quorum is present. If the remaining time on the vacated position's term is less than one year, this time will not be counted against the applicable term limit as outlined in Article V, Section 6.
Section 11: USA Hockey and MAHA Jurisdiction The Association shall abide by and act in accord with the Articles of Incorporation, Bylaws, Rules and Regulations, Playing Rules and decisions of Page 8 of 18
the Board of Directors of USA Hockey and of the Michigan Amateur Hockey Association (MAHA), and such documents and decisions shall take precedence over and supersede all similar governing documents and/or decisions of the Association. Further, the Association shall assist USA Hockey in the administration and enforcement of the provisions of the Bylaws, Rules and Regulations, Playing Rules and decisions of the Board of Directors of USA Hockey, within and upon its members and/or within its jurisdiction.
Section 12: USA Hockey and MAHA Indemnification The Association, an Association of USA Hockey, Inc. and MAHA, shall indemnify and hold harmless USA Hockey, the Board of Directors of USA Hockey and each member thereof, the Executive Committee of USA Hockey and each member thereof, the councils and committees of USA Hockey and each member thereof, and all other elected, appointed, employed or volunteer representatives of USA Hockey from any and all claims, liability, judgments, costs, attorneys' fees charges and expenses whatsoever, arising from the acts and omissions of Association, except to the extent (I) that USA Hockey or its afore described representatives caused such claims, liability, judgments, costs, attorneys' fees, charges or expenses by their own intentional neglect or default or (ii) that such acts or omissions were the direct result of compliance with the Articles of Incorporation, Bylaws, Rules and Regulations, Playing Rules or decisions of the Board of Directors of USA Hockey. Further, the Association understands and acknowledges that USA Hockey and its afore described representatives have assumed such assignment, function, office or capacity upon the express understanding, agreement and condition that they be so indemnified and held harmless to the extent described in this bylaw.
Section 13: USA Hockey Screening and Abuse Policies The Association shall comply with the USA Hockey screening and abuse policies and enforce the provisions thereof.
Section 14: Dispute Resolution In the event a controversy or dispute arises regarding the construction, interpretation, or application of the Bylaws, Rules and Regulations, decisions of the Board, the dispute shall first be submitted to the Dispute Resolution Committee for resolution in accordance with Rules and Regulations governing the appeals process. Such appeal must be submitted in writing to the Association President no later than ten (10) days after a hearing and/or a decision was rendered. The Association Dispute Resolution Committee will review the appeal in no more than thirty (30) days after the appeal was submitted. The written Notice of Appeal shall contain the name, address and telephone number of the party presenting the appeal, a brief statement of the decision or inaction for which the Appeal is made, and be accompanied by any documentary evidence or writings relevant to the appeal. The decision of the Association Dispute Resolution Committee shall be announced orally and in writing within forty-eight (48) hours of the hearing. A copy of such written decision shall be transmitted to the Board and the parties to the Appeal within forty-eight (48) hours of the hearing. Page 9 of 18
Section 15: Staffing Needs The Board of Directors may elect to solicit applications for a compensated staff position as deemed appropriate.
Section 16: Compensation: a) Board Members: No Board Member of the Association shall receive any compensation from the Association for time or services rendered, except that Board Members may be reimbursed for expenses actually incurred by them incidental to activities on behalf of the Association and only then at the discretion of the Board. b) Others: When authorized by the board, a person shall be reasonably compensated for services rendered to the corporation as an employee, agent, or independent contractor, except as prohibited by these bylaws. c) Travel Head Coach: Up to $5000 d) House Head Coach: 2 players fees to be distributed amongst all coaches and team managers. Note: The head coaches player may play at with no fee but this player fee is part of the player fee’s being distributed. e) Assistant Coaches (All levels): Determined by Head Coach f) Team Manager (All Levels): Determined by Head Coach
Article IV -Duties of the Board of Directors Section 1: Duties of the Board Members ● Oversee the vision and mission of the organization ● Oversee all matters related to business ● Oversee all contracts including ice negotiation with the advisory committee ● Oversee all Sponsorship endeavors ● Oversee the Hockey Director ● Fundraising coordinator ● Scholarship Fund manager ● Administers the scholarship and fundraising efforts ● Distribute all program and reference materials to all users ● Ensures all program participants are properly registered with USA Hockey
Section 1: President He or she shall have the power to call special meetings of the board. The president shall sign all corporate documents and agreements on behalf of the corporation, unless the board instructs that the signing be done with or by some
Page 10 of 18 other officer, agent, or employee of the corporation. The president shall see that all actions taken by the board are executed and shall perform all other duties incident to the office. The president will also be a signor on all bank accounts.
Section 2: Vice President The vice president shall have the power to perform duties that may be assigned by the board. If the president is absent or unable to perform his or her duties, the vice president shall perform the president’s duties until the board directs otherwise. The vice president shall perform all duties incident to the office.
Section 3: Hockey Director The Hockey Director/Coaching Director: ● Maintain a complete set of written policies and procedures with respect to hockey programs and ensure compliance of all instructional staff ● Responsible for the design, formation, and implementation of youth hockey programs ● Organization of youth teams by ages and skills ● Conduct interviews and select coaches with the assistance of the Board for all youth teams and hire staff for camps and clinics ● Determine availability of leagues for teams to compete within ● Ensure USA and MAHA rules of play are enforced ● Create and maintain complete education system for coaches under USA Hockey and MAHA guidelines ● Attend USA Hockey and MAHA meetings and seminars as are required and approved by the Operations Manager ● May be required to serve or if unavailable may designate a Board member to serve as tournament director of all rink-sponsored tournaments ● Liaise between parents, coaches, players, and respond to all questions and concerns in a professional manner ● Follows the job description written by the Muskegon City Manager ● Perform all duties incident to the office and other duties assigned by the board ● Reports to the Board of Directors Section 4: Treasurer ● Invoices ● Assist with fundraising and scholarships. ● Projected annual budget and monthly updates. ● Has charge and joint custody, along with President and Operations Manager, over corporate funds. ● Keep accurate books and records of corporate receipts and disbursements. ● Deposit monies received by the corporation at such depositories on the corporation’s name that may be designated by the board. ● Complete all required corporate filings. ● Prepare financial statement for distribution to the Board at monthly board meetings. ● Provide copies of all online statements from the previous month for inspection by the board at the monthly board meetings. Page 11 of 18
● Prepare the annual report to be presented at the annual meeting. ● Sign checks, along with the President and Operations Manager, by the corporation. ● Prepare all financial documents requested by the board. ● Perform all duties incident to the office incident to the office and other duties assigned by the Board. ● Reports to the Board of Directors.
Section 5: Operations Manager ● Meeting minutes ● Bylaw updates ● Coordinate website updates, social media and maintenance ● Hiring, training, evaluating, scheduling and performance management of all hockey staff/coaches/referees/scorekeepers ● Coordination of referees for all house and tournament functions ● Assigning off-ice officials for all house and tournament functions ● Ensure teams and coaches are properly registered with USA Hockey and MAHA ● Ensures teams are properly rostered and fully compliant in MAHA/USA hockey’s current system ● Deposit monies and collect payments ● Is an administrator on Quickbooks ● Works closely with Treasurer/Bookkeeper on all financials ● May sign checks to be distributed by the corporation ● Must be member of all committees ● Perform all duties incident to the office and other duties assigned by the board. ● Registrar ● MAHA Rep ● Adray Rep ● Works with the Lumberjacks ● Reports to the Board of Directors
Section 6: Members at Large: The Members-at-Large shall serve as liaisons with the constituency of the general membership that they are assigned to, shall attempt to keep themselves informed as to the opinions and interests of the members and the state of the corporation’s program(s), and shall regularly advise the Board accordingly. The Members-at-Large will also perform other duties from time to time as may be delegated by the Board. Duties that may be delegated to Members at Large may consist of but not limited MAHA Rep, Adray Rep and Mite Coordinator/Director, Fundraising Director, Apparel Director, or any other committees.
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(a) Member at Large #1 (b) Member at Large #2 (c) Member at Large #3 (d) Member at Large #4 (e) Member at Large #5
Article V - Finance Section 1: Fiscal Year The Fiscal Year of the Association runs from June 1st through May 31st.
Section 2: Fees The Board of Directors shall set the fees for each age group at each level of participation prior to the beginning of the season. The Board prior to the commencement of the season shall also determine installment plans if applicable.
Section 3: Payment Plans and Financial Assistance Any applicant not financially capable of paying his or her annual dues with the proposed payment plan may negotiate a payment plan with the Board and/or Treasurer and may apply for a scholarship available through the Association. Any payment plans other than that established above shall be in writing, signed by the applicant and supported by a majority vote of the Board. A 10% late fee will be assessed to balance owed at the end of the season. The advisory committee and/or treasurer has the ability to waive the late fee on a case by case basis once a payment of late fees has been made and a payment plan is established.
Section 4: Bank Withdrawals Funds of the Association shall be withdrawn from the bank with which they are on deposit by the signatures of the Treasurer and/or Operations Manager.
Section 5: Approval of Association Obligations No obligations shall be made in the name of the Association without prior approval of the Board.
Section 6: Spending Authority No monies over $1,000.00 shall be disbursed without approval of a majority vote in support by the Board of Directors. Approval may be at a Board meeting or via email. Normal operating costs identified, as part of the annual operating budget, shall be deemed to be approved with acceptance of the budget.
Section 7: Gifts and Contributions The organization may receive gifts and contributions and may raise and use funds in any manner compatible with status as a tax-exempt organization. Gifts which would prejudice such status may not be accepted.
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Section 8: Non-Standard Programs and Events Special functions such as tournaments or development programs outside of normal league functions shall have a budget submitted to the Board for a majority approval.
Section 9: Contracts The Board may enter into contracts for the purchase of ice time and other services necessary for the efficient functioning of the Association.
Section 10: Utilization of Fees The Board shall ensure each constituent member is reasonable for information relating to utilization of fees charged for participation in the Association in which they are participating. Requests for information regarding fees may be made to the Operations Manager.
Article VI - Limitations No part of the net earnings of the Association shall inure to the benefit of, or be distributable to, its members, trustees, officers, or other private persons, except that the Board of Directors shall be authorized and empowered to pay reasonable compensation for services rendered and to make payments and distributions in furtherance of the purposes set forth in Article III hereof. No substantial part of the activities of the association shall be carrying on of propaganda, or otherwise attempting to influence legislation and the association shall not participate in, or intervene in (including the publishing or distribution of statements) any political campaign on behalf of any candidate for public office. Notwithstanding any other provision of these articles, this association shall not, except to an insubstantial degree, engage in any activities or exercise any powers that are not in furtherance of the purpose of this association.
Article VII - Conflict of Interest Section 1: In General: At any meeting of the Board of Directors, any director who has a financial or uniquely personal interest in the action being discussed or taken by the Board of Directors shall be excused from at least part of the discussion of that matter, and shall not be entitled to vote on the proposed action. In situations where a director is so excused, the excused director shall be counted for purposes of determining whether a quorum is present, but shall not be counted for purposes of determining the majority necessary to approve the action.
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Section 2: Vendors: Individuals who are vendors or employees of vendors who receive payment from the Corporation for goods or services are precluded from serving as an officer member of the Board of Directors. They may serve on the Board of Directors as a general member of the Corporation with voting rights; however, they must disqualify themselves and abstain from voting on any issue from which they may derive personal benefit. Section
Section 3: Ice Rinks: Individuals involved with the management of any ice rink or are employees of any ice rink are precluded from serving as an officer or member of the Board of Directors. They may serve on the Board of Directors as a general member of the Corporation with voting rights; however, they must disqualify themselves and abstain from voting on any issue from which they may derive personal benefit.
Article VIII -Dissolution Upon the dissolution of the affairs of the Association, whether voluntary or involuntary, the assets of the Association, after all debts have been satisfied, shall be distributed to the other nonprofits; i.e. Muskegon Lumberjack Charitable Foundation. Article IX - Amendments These articles may be amended at any meeting of the association by a majority vote in support by the Board of Directors, providing previous notice of the purpose’s amendment has been given five days in advance.
Article X -Committees Section 1: General The Association will require the formation and running of committees to ensure a smooth and efficient operation as needed. All committee chairpersons shall be appointed by the Board of Directors. Committees, as needed, shall be made up of Board members, association members, and/or other approved volunteers. All committees will have one (1) spokesperson selected by that committee to update the Board at meetings, or when requested to do so. The Board can approve the formation of additional committees when deemed necessary.
Section 2: Dispute Resolution Committee This committee is responsible for financial and administrative dispute resolution. Members appointed by the advisory committee.
Duties: ● All representatives will discuss each request and make a decision. ● All representatives will support the final decision;
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● The request from a member and the resulting response will be done in writing or via email.
● Member making the request may be asked to attend to provide information to the Directors; ● The resulting response will be communicated in writing or via email to the member, and the Board's decision will be final.
Section 3: Disciplinary Committee During the season there will be infractions caused by players, coaches, and possibly parents. This committee will ensure that the proper steps are taken to resolve the infraction, and that the Association has communicated to other Associations where necessary. This committee reserves the right to dismiss or remove a Muskegon Junior Lumberjacks Inc. Coach, and Team Manager from their position if ethical and moral behaviors are not deemed suitable for Muskegon Junior Lumberjacks Inc. and its youth programs.
Duties: ● Will submit disciplinary guidelines with recommendations for suspensions or other disciplinary to the advisory committee or Executive board for approval. ● Committee will work closely with each of the Association’s teams and it is the team's responsibility to notify the committee of any infraction. ● The response or resolution will be provided in writing or email to the party necessary and the advisory committee or board. The response needs to be decided within six (6) days of the incident. ● This committee will work closely with the Association’s league contact to ensure all infractions are properly logged at the league level. ● Escalation will be to the Board of Directors who will discuss the issue at the next closed Board meeting. Member in violation may be asked to attend to provide information to the Board. The resulting response will be communicated in writing or via email to the Member, and the committee’s decision will be final. Article XI -Teams Section 1: Team Organization ● Head Coach: The head coach is responsible for the team's activities, staying within the framework of the by-laws of the Association as determined by the Board. The coach may not enter additional league tournaments or incur additional expenses without the approval of the Board. He/she will be responsible to follow all USA Hockey and MAHA Hockey Rules and Regulations. The head coach must attend eighty (80) percent of the team's games and practices to remain in good standing. Failure to comply with this attendance requirement may result in disciplinary action as voted on by the Board. Each coach must hold a pre-season parent/player meeting in conjunction with the Hockey Director. ● Assistant Coach: The assistant coach shall work under the direction of the Head Coach and fill in as the head of the team when the Head Coach cannot be present. He will be responsible to follow all USA Hockey and MAHA Hockey Rules and Regulations. Page 16 of 18
● Team Manager: The team manager will be responsible for the administration of the team including keeping of the team book and functionality, including scheduling of games and practices as well as team accomplishments. It is highly recommended that team managers attend board meetings during the season. ● Players: Must be registered with USA Hockey and abide by USA Hockey and MAHA requirements.
Section 2: Registration, Rostering, Participants and Teams ● All Participants must be USA Hockey registered before participating in any manner. ● Before playing any games, a team must have a USA Hockey Certified roster from the appropriate USA Hockey Associate Registrar. All rosters and required paperwork with signature must be submitted to the appropriate USA Hockey Associate Registrar for review and certification 72 hours before your first scheduled game. Any team presenting an incomplete roster with incomplete required paperwork for any player, coach, or managers will have them removed from the roster by drawing a line through their name. ● At the Travel Hockey Squirt, Pee Wee, Bantam and Midget age division,
each team must roster (11) players up to (18) players at the coach's discretion, including goaltenders. The maximum number of players shall not exceed 18. The minimum number of players each team can roster, including goaltenders is 11. Coaches may request an exemption to add more players through a board vote. ● All squirt house teams may roster 14 players including the goalie, with a minimum of 10, including a goalie. Coaches may request an exemption to add more players through a board vote. ● All Peewee and Bantam House teams may roster 15 players including the goalie, with a minimum of 11, including a goalie. Coaches may request an exemption to add more players through a board vote.
Section 3: Player Evaluation and Draft A: Evaluation Skate 1. There shall be an evaluation skate of all House players to be scheduled by the hockey director and coaches. This evaluation skate shall be observed by each respective level’s head coach(es), the hockey director, and any additional association members the board may appoint on a case by case basis in order to evaluate each individual player. The Association will appoint coaches to run players through a series of drills to exhibit their skills on ice.
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2. Evaluation Form and rating process: A list of eligible players will be distributed to each evaluator. Each evaluator will rate individual players on their overall skill level when compared to the whole within their respective age group. A 1-4 scale will be utilized, with a 1-being the highest skill, a 2-being above average skill, and 3-average level and 4-below average skill. An average of each player’s rating will be taken by adding together each individual evaluator’s player rating and dividing that by the total number of evaluators. B: Draft: 1. Shall follow all rules as stated in MAHA Annual Guide: Rules and Regulations: Article 4.D.8. 2. Head coaches must be present at the MAHA supervised draft, to be scheduled by the Association, in order for teams to be drafted. Each coach will have been given an average rating of each individual player within their respective age divisions. It is the goal of the Association to adhere to MAHA’s regulation of maximum second year players in regards to overall number of players per team. 3. Coaches will take turns selecting players, beginning with players rated at 1, until all 1 level players are selected. All coaches will then take turns selecting players rated at 2 until all level 2 players are selected. Coaches will then take turns selecting players rated at a 3, until all level 3 players and then until all 4 levels are selected. Special requests, including, but not limited to, requests to not have specific coaches and ride shares will be considered and allowed if they do not interfere with the creation of ability equal teams if submitted in writing to the board before the draft. Ability equal teams will be determined by the sum of all players on a team compared to the sum of all players on other teams within the same age division. No more than 2 total skills points may separate teams with the same number of total players. Teams having differing number of total players may have a point spread of 4.
Original BY-LAWS were accepted by the Muskegon Junior Lumberjacks Inc. Board. Date: 2/16/2016 Revision: Revised Article XIII, add Bantam division and team count. Revision: Revised Participants and Teams, and Player Evaluation and draft. 7/27/17 Revision: One year Validity only. Revised board structure and player evaluation draft. 8/7/19 Revision: Overhauled to meet MAHA Government requirements. January 31, 2021
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