TABLE OF CONTENTS

FINANCE AND MEMBERSHIP
>ARTICLE I -- FEES
Section 1 -- New Membership
Section 2 -- Annual Dues and Other Fees
Section 3 -- Club Deposits
Section 4 -- Ice Forfeiture Bonds
Section 5 -- USA Hockey Team Registration Fee and Individual Membership Fee
Section 6 -- Schedule of DVHL Fines and Miscellaneous Charges
Section 7 -- Investing of Escrow Account

>ARTICLE II -- NEW MEMBERSHIPS
Section 1 -- General Membership
Section 2 -- Associate Membership

>ARTICLE III -- FORFEITS
Section 1 -- Escrow
Section 2 -- Notice to Reschedule
Section 3 -- Postponement of Game

THE DVHL SCHOLARSHIP FUND

>ARTICLE IV -- RULES AND GUIDELINES

ELIGIBILITY AND PLAYING RULES

>ARTICLE V -- REGISTRATION AND GENERAL RULES REFERRING TO PLAYERS
Section 1 -- Entitlement
Section 2 -- Rostering
Section 3 -- Player Movement
Section 4 -- A,B & C Teams
Section 5 -- Tier 1 and Junior Players
Section 6 -- General Rules
Section 7 -- Tampering

>ARTICLE VI -- PROJECTION OF TEAMS
Section 1 -- Timetable

>ARTICLE VII -- PLAYING RULES
Section 1 -- Governing Rules
Section 2 ‑ Time Durations
Section 3 ‑ End of Time Slot
Section 4 – Scoresheet handbook and player roster
Section 5 -- Suspended Players and Coaches
Section 6 -- Fighting
Section 7 -- Match Penalty
Section 8 ‑ Ice and Facilities Responsibility
Section 9 -- Protests
Section 10 -- Appeals.
Section 11 -- Player Achievements
Section 12 -- Unsuitable Playing Conditions
Section. 13 -- Club Colors.
Section 14 -- Referee Accreditation.
Section 15 -- Coaching Accreditation
Section 16 -- League Season.
Section 17 -- League Championship
Section 18 -- Scheduling
Section 19 -- Delinquent Scoresheets
Section 20 -‑ DVHL Playoffs and district championships
Section 21 -‑ Rules for DVHL Playoffs

>ARTICLE VIII -- ALL-STAR TEAMS

>ARTICLE IX -- LEAGUE STATISTICIAN

>ARTICLE X -- PLAYER DEBT

>ARTICLE XI -- ANNUAL GUIDE

>ARTICLE XII -- DEFINITIONS

CONSTITUTION

>ARTICLE I -- NAME AND PURPOSE
Section 1 -- Name
Section 2 -- Purpose
Section 3 -- Registration/Evaluations/Tryouts

>ARTICLE II -- MEMBERSHIP
Section 1 -- Members
Section 2 -- Associate Members

>ARTICLE III -- BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Section 1 -- Organization
Section 2 ‑- Duties

>ARTICLE IV -- MEETINGS
Section 1 -- General
Section 2 -- Quorum.
Section 3 -- Order of Business at Annual Meetings

>ARTICLE V-- AMENDMENTS

>Back to Top

FINANCE AND MEMBERSHIP 

ARTICLE I -- FEES

Section 1 -- New Membership

A. New membership shall be ten dollars ($10.00) per Club.

B. New memberships shall be voted by the May meeting of the applicable season.

Section 2 -- Annual Dues and Other Fees

A. Annual dues and certain other fees are set annually by the Board of Directors and are payable before October 15.

B. A late charge of twenty-five dollars ($25.00) per Club will be assessed after October 15 for late payment of dues or fees.

C. Annual dues are used to defray administrative costs, to purchase trophies or prizes and for other expenses.

D. NOTE: All monies due from member Clubs from the prior year must be paid in full by April 1 of the current season or no games will be scheduled for the following season.

Section 3 -- Club Deposits

A. A League meeting attendance bond deposit of sixty dollars ($60.00) will be made by a new Club prior to October 15 and will be held in escrow until that Club ceases membership.

B. For non‑attendance at a regularly scheduled meeting, from  August through May, including the annual Presidents’ Meeting, by at least one Director:

1. A Club will be penalized thirty dollars ($30.00) for the first infraction.
2. The second infraction carries a sixty dollar ($60.00) fine.
3. The fine for the third infraction is one-hundred twenty dollars ($120.00) and the loss of all voting rights for the balance of the season.

Section 4 -- Ice Forfeiture Bonds

A. A Club deposit of four-hundred dollars ($400.00) will be held in escrow until the annual meeting.

B. This deposit will be used to defray upheld claims by other Clubs under Article III.

>Back to Top

Section 5 -- USA Hockey Team Registration Fee and Individual Membership Fee

A. The USA Hockey registration fee per team is established by USA Hockey.

B. The fees (per team) shall be determined from year to year and assessed to each member team.

C. These fees shall be collected by the League per Article I, Section 2 above.

D. Membership in USA Hockey, Inc. is mandatory for all players in the DVHL.

Section 6 -- Schedule of DVHL Fines and Miscellaneous Charges

A.	New Membership Fee (per Club)	$10.00
B.	Late Payment Fee (dues or fees)	$25.00
C.	League Meeting Attendance Bond	$60.00
D.	Ice Forfeiture Bond	$400.00
E.	Adding or Dropping a Team or changing levels on a team after 48 hour grace period from petitioning meeting (per Team)	$500.00
F.	Filing a Protest	$50.00
G.	Filing an Appeal	$50.00
H.	Missed Board Meeting Fine (1st)	$30.00
I.	Missed Board Meeting Fine (2nd)	$60.00
J.	Missed Board Meeting Fine (3rd)	$120.00
K.	Missed Coaches Meeting Fine (per Team)	$50.00
L.	Missed Scorekeepers Meeting Fine (per Club)	$30.00
M.	Missed Managers Meeting (Per Team)	$50.00
O.	Delinquent Scoresheets (per Week)	$20.00
P.	Missed Ace Coordinator Meeting (per Club)	$50.00
Q.	Change of League Game after September 15 (per game, unless waived by the Executive Committee)	$100.00
R.	Missing paperwork after required date (per Club)	$30.00
S.	Failure to file coach’s report for match penalties or game misconducts as required by the bylaws	$30.00
T.	Forfeiture of a league game without league permission	$400.00

Section 7 -- Investing of Escrow Account

A. All monies shall be invested in a prudent manner.

B. All investment instruments shall have the full backing and guarantee of the U.S. Government, or be insured by FDIC or FSLIC.

C. Invested monies shall remain liquid and shall not be invested for duration greater than one year, to coincide with the fiscal year of the league.

D. The exception to this rule shall be that money may be invested in a money market account following the same guidelines per Article I, Section 7, Paragraph A.

E. All investments shall be approved by the membership.

>Back to Top

ARTICLE II -- NEW MEMBERSHIPS

Section 1 -- General Membership

A. A Hockey Club may apply for membership in the DVHL by sending an authorized member of that Club to a regularly scheduled meeting of the Board of Directors and requesting membership.

1. Written notice of intent to apply must be received by the President at least fourteen (14) days prior to the meeting at which the Club intends to apply.
2. The following conditions must be met for membership consideration:
   a) A Club must enter more than one (1) team.
   b) A Club may enter on a one (1) year probationary basis.
3. Once accepted as a member, a Club will continue as a probationary member until the next annual meeting, at which a vote will be taken to accept the Club as a permanent member, continue its probationary status for another year, or terminate membership.
4. While a Club is a probationary member, it will have full voting rights, except on votes concerning membership status, and be subject to the same rules as a regular member.
5. A probationary member's association with the League may be terminated for cause by due process during a season.
   a) Termination of probationary membership must occur with the affirmative votes of 2/3 of the quorum present at a regularly scheduled meeting.
6. Acceptance of a new member into probationary membership shall occur by affirmative vote of 2/3 of the quorum present.
7. Probationary Clubs are subject to rostering limitations as specified under Eligibility and Playing Rules, Article V -- Registration and General Rules Referring to Players.

Section 2 -- Associate Membership

A. A hockey team, club and/or league can apply for associate membership in the DVHL only when entering one team participating in a tournament where you must be a member of a league and who will not be playing a league schedule.

B. All rink owned and operated in-house programs who are only allowed participation in the C division will be considered Associate Members.

C. All Associate Member teams must be USA Hockey registered.

D. Associate member organizations must agree to such participation in DVHL activities as may be determined by the Executive Committee and/or the Board of Directors, and may include such items as attendance at meetings, fundraising, playoffs, scoresheets, etc.

E. Acceptance of Associate Member organizations in the DVHL shall be contingent on a favorable vote by two-thirds (2/3) of the quorum present at a regularly scheduled meeting and must be reaffirmed annually.

F. The Associate Member will have no voting rights in any matters other than what applies to their participation in the league.

>Back to Top

ARTICLE III -- FORFEITS

Section 1 -- Escrow

A. Each Club shall deposit and maintain an escrow as set by Article I, Section 4, paragraph A which is refundable at the Annual Meeting.

B. This escrow is to be used to cover the cost of forfeits as declared by the Commissioner.

C. Forfeiture of ice bond will occur regardless of offending team.

D. A written request for ice bond forfeiture shall be sent to the Commissioner.

E. Forfeiture of a league game without league permission will result in a $400 fine to the offending club.

Section 2 -- Notice to Reschedule

A. A fine of $100.00 will be assessed to any team requesting a scheduling change after September 15th, unless waived by the Executive Committee.

Section 3 -- Postponement of Game

A. In the event of extraordinary circumstances such as automobile accidents, hazardous road conditions, loss of ice surface due to rink equipment, etc. a game may be postponed.  (Sickness, such as flu, is not an extraordinary circumstance.)

B. To postpone a game, a team must follow this procedure:

1. Phone call to the other team's official DVHL-listed League Scheduler explaining the extraordinary circumstances.
2. If unable to reach the scheduler, to any other person listed for the opposing team's Club, e.g. the President or other representative to DVHL listed on the DVHL phone and address list.
3. If unable to reach any of the above-listed people, to any Executive Board Member of the DVHL Executive Committee.
4. If this procedure is not followed, the offending Club will be responsible for payment to the non-offending Club regardless of circumstances.

C. If a team postpones a game, it will still be responsible for ice and game forfeiture.

1. The Presidents of the involved Clubs (or their appointed representative) will then be responsible to agree to reschedule or ask for payment for each game postponed in this manner.
2. All disputes will be referred to the League Commissioner.
3. If both parties still do not agree, the matter will be referred to the February meeting of the DVHL Board of Directors.
4. Visiting teams must confirm game times within seventy-two (72) hours in advance of a regularly scheduled game.

D. Any game not played as a result of extraordinary circumstances shall be rescheduled within one (1) week of its original scheduled date.,

E.  All canceled games shall be replayed prior to February 15 of the current season.

F.  All procedures concerning forfeits and rescheduling as contained in these by‑laws and/or the League Constitution shall be rigidly adhered to by all members.

G. NOTE: By-law reads that game must be rescheduled, not replayed within one (1) week.

H. When a team fails to appear for a game (or appears with fewer than the required number of players as described in Article III, Section 3, Paragraph 1), where the time and place appear in the official DVHL schedule, where the two teams did not agree in advance to reschedule the game and notify the league scheduler or Commissioner accordingly, and where there are not extraordinary circumstances (see above), the game will automatically be a forfeit win for the non‑offending team.

1. If the non-offending team prefers to play the game, it will be rescheduled at the convenience of the non-offending team, and at the expense (ice cost and referees) of the offending team.
2. The amount specified by the non-offending team (if it is the home team) must be received at least forty-eight (48) hours in advance of the rescheduled time.
3. If not, the game will remain a forfeit, and the non-offending team is no longer responsible to play the game.

I. A team which does not have a minimum of six (6) players on its bench by ten (10) minutes after the scheduled game time shall forfeit the game.

J. If games are not played as per schedule before expiration of League play, a forfeit victory will be awarded to the non‑offending team as determined by the Commissioner.

K. Games awarded to a team by way of forfeit may be appealed by the penalized team to the Executive Committee.  No fee is required.  The Executive Committee will address the matter within seven (7) days and their decision will be final.

L.  All forfeits will be reviewed by the Executive Committee to determine the validity of the forfeit.  Forfeits of a league game without league permission will result in a $400 fine to the offending club.

1. If a forfeit is found to be invalid, disciplinary measures may be imposed. 

>Back to Top

THE DVHL SCHOLARSHIP FUND

ARTICLE IV -- RULES AND GUIDELINES

A.  Be it resolved that the DVHL intends to form a scholarship fund to help our players advance in post‑secondary education, and in furtherance of that aim promulgates the following rules governing the administration of the scholarship fund.

B.  The minimum scholarship to be awarded shall be two-hundred fifty dollars ($250.00).

C.  The maximum number of scholarships to be awarded in any one (1) year is five (5). The maximum number is being set so as not to diminish the impact and significance of the DVHL Scholarship to both the recipients and the community at large.

D.  The scholarships awarded shall be announced at graduation; however, the DVHL shall direct payment to the recipient's scholastic institution. In no event shall scholarships be awarded to the recipients directly.

E. The DVHL shall have a separate account set up for the DVHL Scholarship Fund.

F. When the principal amount of the DVHL Scholarship Fund reaches twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000.00), the DVHL Executive Board shall have the discretion to award scholarships consisting of interest earned thereon in the previous year together with the principle amount in excess of twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000.00). In no event shall any applicant receive a scholarship larger than one-thousand dollars ($1,000.00). All other principal in excess of twenty‑five thousand dollars ($25,000.00) which is not distributed in any given year shall be left in the DVHL Scholarship Fund for future distribution.

G.  The twenty-five thousand dollar ($25,000.00) ceiling amount on the principal of the DVHL Scholarship Fund shall be subject to review every five (5) years by a Committee appointed by the DVHL Executive Board.

H.  The DVHL Executive Committee shall at their June meeting decide the amount to be awarded the following year.

I.  The Scholarship Award Fund is to be limited to earned interest and a general fund amount to be decided by the DVHL Executive Board. Any excess general fund monies in the DVHL Treasury and future fundraising activities may be deposited to increase the principle of the DVHL Scholarship Fund.

J. Upon recommendation of the DVHL Scholarship Fund Committee, the DVHL Executive Board may exercise their general rulemaking power and make any modifications deemed necessary to promote the aims and goals of the DVHL Scholarship Fund.

K. The funds shall not be used for another purpose other than Scholarship Awards.

L. The Scholarship Committee shall consist of five (5) members elected by the DVHL Members to serve for a term of two (2) years. The election term shall be staggered to prevent a complete turnover of the committee in any one (1) year.  The term for the first year shall consist of two (2) members serving two (2) years.

M. All recommendations by the Scholarship Committee shall be made at the April meeting of the DVHL.

N. The Scholarship Committee shall also be responsible for publicizing the deadlines for submitting applications and advising the recipients and recipients' secondary school of their scholarship award.

O. The availability of applications for consideration for a DVHL Scholarship shall be made public through:

1. Handouts to Member Clubs
2. Oral communication by interested DVHL Members

P. An applicant for the DVHL Scholarship Fund must be a member in good standing of a registered DVHL club for a minimum of three (3) consecutive years.

Q. The Scholarship Committee shall be responsible to verify that the scholarship recipient has, in fact, graduated from high school.

R.  All recipients of the DVHL Scholarship in any given year shall receive equal dollar value awards.

>Back to Top

ELIGIBILITY AND PLAYING RULES

ARTICLE V -- REGISTRATION AND GENERAL RULES REFERRING TO PLAYERS

Section 1 -- Entitlement

A. Any player who is an amateur in good standing shall be entitled to membership in this League.

Section 2 -- Rostering

A. Rostering will occur by age division.

1. Each Club will submit to the appropriate Vice President a list of all players registered in each age division prior to the first League game of any of that Club's teams in that age division.
2. Additions to the roster may not be made after December 31, except for relocation of greater than twenty (20) miles, or the player has never played organized hockey (Tier I or II club hockey). House league are eligible.
3. Appeals to roster additions, after cutoffs, must be made to the appropriate Vice President, and proper player movement forms submitted, as prescribed in this Article.

B. Each team is to have an official, completed DVHL Rostering Form for that team submitted to and in the hands of the appropriate Vice President prior to the team's first DVHL game. Otherwise the offending organization will be fined $500 and/or forfeit as decided by the Executive Committee that game and all subsequent games involving non-submission of the roster(s). No protest will be entertained for the failure to abide by this rule.

C. A player can be rostered on only one (1) DVHL club.

D. No player will be allowed to play in a League game unless rostered.

E.  Whenever an ineligible player's name appears on a game sheet, the game will be played and is subject to protest.

F.  The roster of each team on a probationary Club is limited to having a maximum of two (2) players who were rostered with other DVHL Clubs in the previous year.

1. This would include the rosters of teams from DVHL Clubs that may choose to participate in either the CBHL or NJYHL.
2. These players must have a written release from their previous Club to be rostered on a probationary Club.
3. The only exceptions are:  Prior, written agreement from affected Clubs in the area of the new Club or if a club ceases operation.

G. Team rosters for teams on probationary Clubs, including at least ten (10) players actually registered with that Club, must be received by the President at least seven (7) days prior to the regularly scheduled DVHL meeting in October of the current season.

H. At least ten (10) players on such a roster must be "frozen", and may not be removed from that roster for the current playing season.

I. A female player may be rostered on a boy’s team and a girl’s team, with the same or separated DVHL clubs, during the same competitive season.

>Back to Top

Section 3 -- Player Movement

A. Until December 31, each team will be allowed six (6) moves within an age division and/or between age divisions (goalies exempt).  This does not include assignment of a player to an in-house program which must occur at the time of player evaluations per section 3 of the Constitution. 

B. Unless approved by the appropriate Vice President (or to any member of the Executive Committee if the appropriate Vice President is unavailable), players will not be permitted to move down and play in a lower division unless that move is a permanent one.  Such player will not be eligible to be considered for any further movement for the remainder of the season.  All player movement must be to a higher division or level, i.e. B to A, A to AA.

C. A move in any direction is considered one (1) move.

D. Notification of these moves must be made (by telephone) to the appropriate Vice President (or to any member of the Executive Committee if the appropriate Vice President is unavailable) PRIOR to the player's participating in a DVHL game.

E.  The completed "Player Movement Confirmation Form" prescribed by the Commissioner must be faxed or mailed within five (5) days of the "moved" player's effective date for participation in League play (at the new level).  This form will then be marked received by the appropriate Vice-President, dated and faxed back to the originator.

F.  Failure to follow the above procedures may cause the player to be declared ineligible, and the game to be forfeited.

G. The "Player Movement Confirmation Form" is also required to follow up on roster additions and deletions.

H. Goalies may be moved from one team to another team (at division or level within a division) on an exception basis.

1. This move must be approved by the appropriate Vice President, or member of the Executive Committee, in the absence of the Vice President.

I. NOTE: A player movement from one level to the next, e.g. mite to squirt, constitutes two (2) movements, one (1) being charged to each team.

J. Once a player is deleted from your roster, that player can not be added back to your roster except as described in section 3A.  Any exception to this rule must be presented to the Executive Committee for final approval.

K. Player additions and player movements to a team that had been granted their petition during the petitioning process must have the approval of the appropriate vice president of the level in question.

>Back to Top

Section 4 -- A, B & C Teams

A. All Clubs will field either Mite, AA, A, B, C, junior teams.

B. The status (Mite, AA, A, B, C, junior teams) of teams must be declared at the League scheduling meeting.

C. All teams will be registered as open rostered teams.

D. Definition of Levels

1. AA Division
   a)  Must have a minimum of six (6) teams
   b)  Will consist of the strongest teams at each age level
   c)  Will consist of teams from an organization who has three or more teams on a level
   d)  Will consist of teams from an organization who has two or less teams on a level who has scored 65% or higher in their combined percentages from the prior season. (Combined percentages will be construed by the percentage of the level being declared with the percentage of the level beneath it.)
   e) Clubs that have 3 teams at a level or who has scored 65% or higher in their combined percentages, may petition to participate in the “A” Division, but will forfeit their league championship and post season eligibility.  If as a result of petitioning, a club has more than one team at a level, the team with the better record will forfeit their league championship and post season eligibility.
   f) Will advance to Districts (Southern teams not included) Southern teams are included in competition for the League title wherever applicable
   
   NOTE: (This will allow the teams that are strongest to play each other, and not have to play the weaker (A, B) teams.  This also cuts down on traveling for families)
   
   
2. A Division
   a)  Will consist of remaining teams.
   b)  It is at the discretion of the Executive Committee to move a team from the A division to the AA division.
   
   
3. B Division
   a)  Will consist of teams from organizations that already have AA or A teams on that level.
   b)  Clubs that have 1 team at a level may petition to participate in the “B” Division, but will forfeit their league championship and post season eligibility.  If as a result of petitioning, a club has more than one team at a level, the team with the better record will forfeit their league championship and post season eligibility.
   
   The petitioning meeting of the Executive Committee must be completed prior to the schedulers meeting. 
   
   
4. C Division
   a)  The C division will consist of limited travel teams from existing DVHL clubs and rink owned and operated in-house teams.
   b)  All rink owned in-house teams will be considered an Associate DVHL member, as defined in Section 2 of the DVHL Constitution.  There will be no entitlement to enter teams at any other division level.
   c)  The C division will play a 12 game league schedule, which will be based on team participation.
   d)  The C division will be restricted to play in a predefined geographic division, which will be based on team participation.
   e)  The DVHL will establish a fee structure which will include league fees for the C Division.
   f)The C division will not have playoffs.
   g)  Any rink owned and operated in-house programs must register at least 2 teams to participate in the C division as an associate member.

>Back to Top

Section 5 -- Tier 1 and Junior Players
A. Any player or players having been registered or having participated in a league game on a Tier 1 or Junior level team during the current season may not participate on a DVHL team unless that player is deleted from the Tier 1 or Junior team roster for the current season. (Tier 1 or Junior means Atlantic League or equivalent or any Junior team whether independent or tournament bound)

1. Such a move must be approved by the Executive Committee.
2. Once having been rostered on a DVHL team, the movement of that player or players back to a Tier 1 or junior team shall be cause for protest and possible forfeit of any DVHL games in which such player(s) participated.
3. Tier 1 includes both Major and Minor players.

Section 6 -- General Rules

1. A. Birth records must be available for inspection by the Board of Directors or Commissioner.  Any player who cannot secure a birth certificate or other satisfactory proof of age may obtain a permit to play by appearing before the Commissioner with one of his parents who must make a satisfactory affidavit regarding the player's age.

Section 7 -- Tampering

A. Tampering is defined as recruiting of a rostered and/or registered player without the prior written approval from the organization of the rostered and/or registered player.
B. No coach, manager or club official connected with a registered team may entice, influence or otherwise tamper with a player rostered with another registered team without the prior written approval of a club president or his designee. The DVHL president must be advised in writing by the club president of any designee.
C. A release will not be effective until it has been received in writing and signed by the current officer of the association who is not a parent of the player or a member of the team involved.
D. After investigating the matter to the fullest extent, the Executive Committee may invoke the following penalties:

1. To the player; a rostered, protected player who takes the ice with another team without prior written approval may not play for that organization for at least the remainder of the current season, regardless of obtaining a subsequent release.
2. To all others; any individual or organization that violates the above rules is also subject to fine, probation or suspension, or may not be eligible to participate in DVHL playoffs or District Tournament.

>Back to Top

ARTICLE VI -- PROJECTION AND DECLARATION OF TEAMS

Section 1 –Timetable

A. Clubs will be required to project and declare teams, for the purpose of scheduling, as follows:

1. April League Meeting -- First estimate of teams by level.
2. May League Meeting -- Revised estimate of teams by level.
3. August League Meeting – Final Declaration of teams by level.

B. Any club adding or dropping a team or changing the level of a team after a 48 hour grace period following the leagues’ petitioning meeting will be penalized, as follows:

1. Any club that adds or drops a team or changes the level of a team after the 48 hour grace period following the leagues petitioning meeting will be fined five-hundred dollars ($500.00) for each team added, dropped or changed.

ARTICLE VII -- PLAYING RULES

Section 1 -- Governing Rules

The rules governed by USA Hockey will be the playing rules for the DVHL

Section 2 ‑ Time Durations

Age Group	Minor Penalty	Major Penalty	Misconduct	Periods
Mites	1 minute	3 minutes	5 minutes	12 minutes
Squirt	1.5 minutes	4 minutes	8 minutes	12 minutes
Peewee	2 minutes	5 minutes	10 minutes	15 minutes
Bantam	2 minutes	5 minutes	10 minutes	16 minutes
Midget	2 minutes	5 minutes	10 minutes	16 minutes
Junior	2 minutes	5 minutes	10 minutes	15 minutes

Section 3 ‑ End of Time Slot

A. Ice and facilities responsibilities

1. Establish the end of the time slot before the start of the game.
2. Play two (2) full periods in accordance with the DVHL time durations shown in Article VII, Section 2 using stop-clock periods.
3. Prior to the start of the third period, take the remaining time for the game slot, divide that time in half, and play that time, stop clock for the third period.
4. Do not exceed the published time period for the third period. E.g. 20 minutes left to play -- 10 minute stop--clock third period.
5. At no time will a running clock be used.

B. If the third period time is cut in accordance with league rules, and there is ice time remaining when the game clock reads 0:00, the game is over.

1. The remaining ice time is not to be used for additional game time.
2. Once the third period begins, the clock will not be altered.
3. If the ice slot is over and there is still time on the clock, the game is over (curfew).

>Back to Top

Section 4 – Scoresheet handbook and player roster

A. The scoresheet handbook is a part of the DVHL Playing Rules and Procedures.

B. Every player (except mites), and assistant coaches participating in a league game must sign the game scoresheet prior to participating in the game.

C. If a player or assistant coach has not signed the scoresheet and participates in the game, the head coach is subject to a one game suspension.

D. The head coach shall be designated on the scoresheet at the beginning of the game and shall sign the scoresheet as the end of the game to verify the scoresheet

Section 5 -- Suspended Players and Coaches

A. Any player or coach who is suspended cannot sit or stand on or near the bench of his team. He must watch the game from the stands.

B. A suspended player or coach is obligated to appear at the next scheduled game(s) (the actual number of games is equal to the suspension).

1. Prior to the game, the suspended player/coach is required to sign the scoresheet in the area allocated for suspended players and coaches.
2. He must also print his name, number and team.
3. If the team has a scheduled game, and a player or coach is supposed to sign, and he does not, the game does not count toward satisfying his suspension.
4. 4.  If a player or, coach signs in the game roster section instead of the area allocated for suspended players/coaches, the game does not count toward satisfying his suspension.
5. If a coach has more than one team, he must serve his suspension with the team for which he received the suspension.
6. Signing the scoresheet is required for 'game' suspensions, not 'day' suspensions such as gross misconduct and match penalty.

C. All suspensions incurred during a DVHL scheduled League game must be served in a DVHL scheduled league game.

1. This does not relieve a suspended player or coach from serving his suspension in accordance with USA Hockey (i.e. non-league games scheduled prior to the next league game).
2. A player or coach may in fact sit out more games than the original suspension in order to fulfill his obligation.

D. Suspended players occupy a position on the game roster, and shall be counted toward the maximum number of players permitted on the bench even though ineligible to participate in the game or be on the team bench.

E.  Any suspension not served during the current season will carry over into the next season.

1. Carry-over suspensions follow the player/coach, not the team or club.
2. If a player/coach moves up from one age classification to another, the carry-over suspension still must be served.
3. If a player/coach moves to a different Club, the carry-over suspension still must be served.

F.  Proof of serving a suspension must be submitted to the Commissioner at or before the May Board Meeting or the suspension will carry over to the next season without exception.

1. Signature on the scoresheet in the area allocated for suspended players/coaches or indication of name, number,  and team is the only proof that will be accepted for service of a suspension.

G. Whenever a player or coach receives a game misconduct or match penalty, the coach or his designee (e.g. team manager) shall file, with the League Commissioner a written report (sent by fax or email) in the form required and shall include a copy of the score sheet from the game in which the penalty was imposed.  The report shall be filed within seventy-two (72) hours following the conclusion of the game.

H. Any party aggrieved by the decision of the Commissioner regarding the imposition of a suspension may appeal that decision to the Ex. Committee of the DVHL by written request to the Commissioner or the League President.  The appeal shall be accompanied by a check for the appropriate filing fee.  All appeals shall be heard following regularly scheduled monthly DVHL meetings.  The filing of an appeal shall not toll the execution of the suspension unless the Ex. Committee determines that the suspension shall not be executed pending the appeal hearing.  At the appeal hearing, the aggrieved may present witnesses and other evidence that it deems appropriate.

I. Any party aggrieved by the decision made by the Ex. Committee following an appeal hearing on a suspension or any other matter, may appeal that decision in writing addressed to the DVHL President.  Upon receipt of that appeal, the DVHL President shall appoint a three member panel composed of individuals who are not members of the DVHL Ex. Committee to hear the appeal.

J. Any party aggrieved by the decision made by the three member appeal panel appointed for that purpose by the DVHL President may appeal that decision in writing addressed to the Atlantic District who shall administer that appeal pursuant to the Atlantic District rules.

>Back to Top

Section 6 -- Fighting

A. Fighting Penalties for Bantam through Junior

1. If a player incurs a major penalty for fighting, which by USA Hockey rules is accompanied by a game misconduct penalty, the player shall sit out three (3) DVHL games for the first infraction, five (5) games for the second infraction, and shall be suspended for the balance of the season for the third infraction.

B. Fighting Penalties for Mite through Peewee

1. If a player incurs a major penalty for fighting, which by USA Hockey rules is accompanied by a game misconduct penalty, the player shall sit out one (1) DVHL game for the first infraction, two (2) games for the second infraction, and shall be suspended for the balance of the season for the third infraction.

Section 7 -- MATCH Penalty

A. For a match penalty, or for physical abuse to a referee, the USA Hockey rules regarding hearings, etc. shall be disposed by the League Commissioner.  In no case will a player cited for these infractions be allowed to participate in any game or practice until the Commissioner has ruled or thirty (30) days have elapsed.

Section 8 ‑ Ice and Facilities Responsibility

A. The home team shall be responsible for providing sufficient ice time, the necessary facilities and equipment, and two (2) USA Hockey qualified referees in all age divisions, and it is their responsibility to pay for them.

Mite	1 hour 15 minutes total time
Squirt	1 hour 15 minutes total time
Peewee	1 1/2 hours total time
Bantam	1 1/2 hours total time
Midget	1 1/2 hours total time
Junior	1 1/2 hours total time

1. If two (2) referees are not present for the League game, the decision to play the game or not will be made by the visiting team.
2. If the decision is made to play the game, no protest can be made on the issue of number of referees.
3. If the decision is made not to play the game, it must be rescheduled by the home team, at their expense.
4. Under no circumstances will the originally scheduled game be considered a forfeit because of the lack of two referees.

B. Official’s game fee: If a game is officiated by only one official, that official will be paid on and one-half times the individual game fee for that level. Under no circumstances will the official receive the entire game fee for both officials.

C. To expedite the game it is recommended that a timed four (4) minute warm‑up period be adhered to and a one (1) minute limit be observed when changing ends at the end of a period.

D. The home team shall notify the visiting team what the end of the time slot is before the start of the game.

E. A game is not an official game unless two (2) full periods are played.

1. If two (2) full periods are not played, no recognition of the game being played will occur, except in cases of serious misbehavior, such as match penalties or gross misconduct (which may have been the cause of game incompletion).
2. Serious cases of misbehavior will be decided by the Commissioner per the rules of USA Hockey.

>Back to Top

Section 9 -- Protests

A. Protests will be recorded on the front of the original copy of the official scoresheet in the remarks area, and signed by the protesting coach.

1. All protests will be null and void if a written explanation of the protest accompanied by a fee of fifty dollars ($50.00) is not received by the Commissioner within seventy-two (72) hours.
2. If the protest is won, the money is returned.
3. Protests regarding the use of an ineligible player may be made upon discovery and are not subject to the seventy-two (72) hour rule.

B.  If a game must be replayed, the same player roster must be used.

1. All suspensions incurred or served during a protested/rescheduled game will count as a League suspension or service.

C. All protests and ice forfeiture bond requests must be made in writing to the Commissioner.

D. All correspondence with the DVHL Executive Committee, President or Commissioner (e.g. Appeals and Protests) shall only be through the Club President or his designee as provided to the DVHL Executive Committee.

Section 10 -- Appeals

A. Appeals on the Commissioner's decision must be presented in writing to the Executive Committee, accompanied by a fee of fifty dollars ($50.00).

1. No suspension will be reversed during the appeal.

B. All correspondence with the DVHL Executive Committee, President or Commissioner (e.g. Appeals and Protests) shall only be through the Club President or his designee as provided to the DVHL Executive Committee.

C. Any party aggrieved by the decision of the Commissioner regarding the imposition of a suspension may appeal that decision to the Ex. Committee of the DVHL by written request to the Commissioner or the League President.  The appeal shall be accompanied by a check for the appropriate filing fee ($50.00).  All appeals shall be heard following regularly scheduled monthly DVHL meetings.  The filing of an appeal shall not toll the execution of the suspension, unless the Ex. Committee determines that the suspension shall not be executed pending the appeal hearing.  At the appeal hearing, the aggrieved may present witnesses and other evidence that it deems appropriate.

D. Any party aggrieved by the decision made by the Ex. Committee following an appeal hearing on a suspension or any other matter, may appeal that decision in writing addressed to the DVHL President.  Upon receipt of that appeal, the DVHL President shall appoint a three member panel composed of individuals who are not members of the DVHL Ex. Committee to hear the appeal.

E. Any party aggrieved by the decision made by the three member appeal panel appointed for that purpose by the DVHL President may appeal that decision in writing addressed to the Atlantic District who shall administer that appeal pursuant to the Atlantic District rules.

>Back to Top

Section 11 -- Player Achievements

A.In the event that the game is not replayed, individual player achievements will stand.

B.In the event that the Commissioner orders a game to be replayed, individual player achievements in the original game will not stand.

Section 12 -- Unsuitable Playing Conditions

A.It shall be left to the judgment of the referees at the rink to decide whether the ice or conditions are suitable for play.

B.Note: The Commissioner may order any Club to play a postponed game on 48 hour's notice.

Section. 13 -- Club Colors

A club must request permission from the DVHL membership for approval to make a change in venue or a change in name.  Majority vote will be accepted.

Club colors shall be fixed by the Ex. Committee at the preseason meeting.  Where unavoidable conflicts arise, it shall be the responsibility of the home team to take corrective action.  If a club intends to have one shirt, it shall not be white.  It should be their team color other than white.

Section 14 -- Referee Accreditation

A.All referees will have accreditation from USA Hockey as per USA Hockey rules and conditions, and will be approved prior to the beginning of League play by the Referee-In-Chief and Commissioner.

1. Any Club which violates this rule will be subject to game forfeiture and Club suspension from DVHL.

B.It is the home team responsibility to make sure that there be no immediate relationship between a player and a referee or coach and referee.

C.The officials in a League game are recommended to be at least two (2) hockey age levels and four (4) years older than the team they are refereeing.

1. However, it remains the responsibility of the referee assignors to determine the qualifications and skill level of referees in the area, and to assure that officials assigned to a game have capabilities commensurate with the level of play in the assigned game.
2. Under no circumstances shall officials be assigned to a game at the same hockey age level at which they themselves would be eligible to play, unless approved by the League Referee-in-Chief.

Section 15 -- Coaching Accreditation

A.All coaches must be accredited and have background checks according to the by-laws set forth by the AAHA.

B.Each DVHL Club is mandated to have an Ace Coordinator to work with the DVHL Coach-in-Chief Section 16 -- League Season A.The League Season shall be declared by the August Meeting for start and end dates.

>Back to Top

Section 17 -- League Championship & PLAYOFF DETERMINATION

A. The League champions in each division will be determined as follows:

1. League standings are accumulated by awarding a team two (2) points for a win, one (1) point for a tie and no (0) points for a loss.
2. Should two (2) or more teams be tied for first place, the following criteria shall be used to break that tie:
   a)  The highest number of points gained in the games involving the tied teams.
   b)  The highest number of games won in League competition.
   c)   If a tie still results, a playoff game (or games) shall be held to determine the winner.

B. Note:  Under no circumstances are goals or goal differentials used to determine League winners or second place finishers.

C.  If teams have an unequal number of games played, the following criteria shall be used:

1. The highest percentage of points obtained vs. points available.
2. If tied after 1. above, a playoff game (or games) shall be held to determine the winner.

D. The Executive Committee will give final approval on which teams may participate in District Tournaments.

E. No player may participate in DVHL playoffs, AAHA district tournaments or USA Hockey National Tournaments with a DVHL team unless said player has played in atleast one DVHL league game and has been on a DVHL roster since atleast December 31 of the season.

Section 18 -- Scheduling

A. In order to eliminate ice time inequities in the League, each team will play each other an equal number of times (i.e. 1 home and home, 2 home and home, etc.).

B. The number of League games to be played in each division and section will be determined from year to year by the Board of Directors at the August meeting.

C. After the master schedule has been established, schedule changes shall only be permitted upon the agreement of BOTH teams involved in a particular game.

D. Game changes must be sent to the Master Scheduler via e-mail or fax, with confirmation by both teams, not less than three (3) days prior to the affected game, by the team requesting the change.

E. No games shall be rescheduled on a date later than the last allowable date for completion of league competition.

F. Any team that requests a game be re-scheduled after September 15th shall pay a fine of $100.00 for each game re-scheduled, unless waived by the Executive Committee.

G. Any league games played between two teams from the same club within the same division must be played on or before December 15 of that league year.

>Back to Top

Section 19 -- Delinquent Scoresheets

A.  All organizations shall file all scoresheets for each game played and all scoresheets must be postmarked by the Wednesday following the completion of that game.

B.  Any Club whose scoresheet is not received will be notified, and within two (2) weeks of that notification, if said scoresheet is still not in, shall cause that game to be forfeited by the team responsible for the delay, regardless of the actual outcome of the game. (The home team is responsible for the forwarding of the completed scoresheet to the Commissioner.)

C.  Prior to each season the League President shall designate a person within the League responsible for receiving scoresheets.

D.  A fine of twenty dollars ($20.00) per week per missing scoresheet will be assessed, subject to a maximum of five (5) weeks, to each Club missing a scoresheet.

Section 20 -‑ DVHL Playoffs and district championships

The format for DVHL Playoffs and the method to determine teams going to the District Championship tournament shall be selected by the Board of Directors each year at the September monthly meeting, after District formats are announced and DVHL teams have been set.

When the petition of any member club to register a team at a level lower than that assigned by the league is granted by the league, that team shall be ineligible to participate in post season district competition as well as DVHL playoff competition.

>Back to Top

Section 21 – Rules for DVHL Playoffs

A.  DVHL rules will be followed for playoff games.

B.  Ice Slot Times:  All slots will be 1.5 hours with no curfew

C.  Three‑man referee system shall be used.

D.  Overtime

1. In the case of a tie game, there will be sudden-death overtime utilizing the following format:
2. Three (3) minutes stop time  five-on-five
3. Three (3) minutes stop time  four-on-four
4. Three (3) minutes stop time  three-on-three

E.   Any skater on the roster may be used.

F.   Changing on the fly is permitted.

G.  Goaltenders do not change ends.

H.  There will be a thirty (30) second break at the end of each three (3) minutes to allow for player change-over.

I.  Any unexpired penalty incurred in the third period will carry over into the overtime period.

J.Any unexpired penalty incurred in the overtime period will carry over into the next overtime period.

1. If a penalty is assessed within the last two minutes of the four-on-four overtime, the penalty shall be carried over to the three-on-three overtime as follows:
   a)   Three-on-three overtime shall begin as four-on-three to maintain the power play.
   b)   At the expiration of the penalty, the teams shall play four-on-four.
   c)   At the first stoppage after the power play ends, the play will resume as three-on-three.

K. Regular penalties shall be assessed during the overtime period except under the following conditions:

1. A major or minor penalty is assessed when that team is already shorthanded, then a penalty shot shall be awarded to the non-offending team.
2. The shooter is to be chosen by the coach from the players on the ice.
3. If the penalty shot is not successful, the offending player must serve the full time of the penalty.
4. The team may replace the penalized player on the ice.
5. This does not apply when coincidental penalties are assessed.

L. If a penalty is assessed in a three-on-three situation:

1. The player shall be given ten (10) minute misconduct and will not be permitted to participate in the shoot-out.

M.   If a second penalty is assessed in a three-on-three situation:

1. The non‑offending team will be awarded a penalty shot.
2. The penalized player shall be given ten (10) minute misconduct and will not be permitted to participate in the shoot-out.

N.If at the end of the three (3) overtime periods a tie still exists, there shall be a shoot-out.

1. Five (5) players from each team shall participate.
2. Players must be indicated on the scoresheet prior to the start of the game.
3. Visiting team will shoot first.
4. Winner is based on total goals scored after all players have had their turn.

O.If still tied after the first round, shoot-out is repeated until a winner is determined.

P.   No protest of playing rules shall be permitted.

Q.Time-outs are not permitted during the overtime periods.

R.  All games are to be played at one rink and the total cost of the playoffs including referee fees and ice time will be billed to all clubs based on the number of teams they have participating in the league (including petitioned teams).

S.   In DVHL Playoffs, all games will be played until there is a winner as described above.  In the event that two or more teams finish with the same record in any round-robin format, the following tie breakers will be observed:

a.If two teams are tied in a four team round robin, the result of the head to head game will break the tie

b.If three teams are tied in a three or four team round robin, the following tie breakers will be observed (there can be no head to head tie breaker among all three teams in this case)

1. Highest goal differential (goals for minus goals against)
2. Highest goal ratio (goals for divided by goals against)
3. If #1 and #2 do not produce a winner among all three teams, then the head to head result among the two leading teams in tiebreaker #1 will break the tie, having eliminated the third team.
4. If the goal differentials and goal ratios are all equal, then the highest seeded team from the regular season will be declared the winner.

In the event that pursuant to section 20 of this article, a format other than a round robin is in effect, tie breakers for that format shall be determined by the Ex. Committee and posted at the rink before the first game of the playoff.

>Back to Top

ARTICLE VIII -- ALL-STAR TEAMS

A. The League may maintain and support All-Star Teams in all age groups.

B. Players will be elected to All-Star on ability only, and consideration will not be given to equal representation from member teams in the DVHL.

C. Players will be eligible for All-Star consideration only if they are registered members of the DVHL Clubs.

D. No suspended player may participate in any DVHL All-Star game without Commissioner's review and authorization.

E. The All-Star game will not count toward satisfying any part of a suspension.

F. Suspensions in both inter- and intra-league All-Star games shall be served in accordance with DVHL rules as if the All-Star game were a League game.

ARTICLE IX -- LEAGUE STATISTICIAN

A. The DVHL shall have as a non-voting member on its Executive Committee a person appointed by a majority vote of the Executive Committee to keep weekly statistics concerning each game played in the League. This person shall hold the title of Statistician.

B. Statistics on all games played shall be disseminated bi-weekly.

1. The statistical format to be adhered to by the Statistician shall be determined prior to the beginning of each season by the Executive Committee.

C. The person designated as Statistician shall receive compensation for his/her services.

1. The League shall set the level of compensation for the Statistician at the beginning of each season for the forthcoming season.
2. The compensation paid to the Statistician shall be included in the DVHL budget for that season.

>Back to Top

ARTICLE X --PLAYER DEBT

A. No Club may accept a player who has an outstanding monetary obligation to another club in the District as noted on the District Financial Obligation List published prior to the start of each new season.

B. The President shall be advised by March 1 regarding any outstanding monetary obligations on the part of any player.

C. The President shall advise all member Clubs of the DVHL of the members who have outstanding monetary obligations to the Clubs by April 1.

ARTICLE XI --ANNUAL GUIDE

A. Each season during October, the Executive Committee shall cause to be published an Annual Guide.

B. The Annual Guide shall consist of at least the following information:

1. A list of all teams with the names and addresses of each club president, and head scheduler.
2. Directions to all rinks used by member clubs.
3. A copy of League By‑Laws and the Constitution.
4. A list of all League officers with addresses and telephone numbers.

ARTICLE XII -- DEFINITIONS

A. When used in these By-Laws, all forms of the masculine pronoun "he" shall also be deemed to refer to the feminine.

B. Definition of DVHL League game:

1. A game listed in the Official DVHL Master Schedule
2. A DVHL Playoff game

C. DVHL: Delaware Valley Hockey League

D. AAHA: Atlantic Amateur Hockey Association (Atlantic District)

E. NJYHL: New Jersey Youth Hockey League

F. CBHL: Capital Beltway Hockey League

G. In-house teams

1. Club-sponsored in-house refers to the Club with which the player is registered.
2. Rink-sponsored in-house refers to the home rink in which the club skates.
   
   

>Back to Top

REVISED AND RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED

Dean Frost, President
Amended October 24, 1979
Amended April 9, 1980
Amended April 8, 1981

Richard P. Byrnes, President
Amended October 13, 1982
Amended November 10, 1982
Amended April 13, 1983
Amended April 11, 1984

William H. Deihm, President
Amended April 10, 1985
Amended April 11, 1986

Joan Schofield, President
Amended April 8, 1987
Amended April 1988
Amended April 12, 1989

Thomas Koester, President
Amended April 11, 1990

Harold Hilsher, President
Amended April 10, 1991

A.M.  Montagna, President
Amended April 8, 1992
Amended April 14, 1993
Amended April 13, 1994
Amended April 12, 1995
Amended April 10, 1996

Colleen Marinari, President
Amended April 1997
Amended April 8, 1998
Amended April 14, 1999
Amended April 12, 2000
Amended April 12, 2001
Amended April 11, 2002
Amended April 9, 2003
Amended April 9, 2004
Amended April 13, 2005
Amended April 12, 2006
Amended April 11, 2007

>Back to Top

Delaware Valley Hockey League Constitution

ARTICLE I -- NAME AND PURPOSE

Section 1 -- Name

A. This organization shall be known as the Delaware Valley Hockey League, hereinafter referred to as the DVHL.

Section 2 -- Purpose

G. The purpose of the DVHL is to promote, govern and improve organized hockey in he Delaware Valley area by authority of USA Hockey, Inc.: to foster among its members, supporters and teams a general cooperative spirit; to maintain and increase interest in the game of hockey; to have and exercise a general care, supervision and direction over the playing interest of its teams and players.

H. In addition, member clubs are expected to provide a developmental opportunity for as many players as possible.

SECTION 3 – REGISTRATION/EVALUATIONS/TRYOUTS

A. Under no circumstances does a DVHL club hold “tryouts”.  Tryouts are defined by allowing a player to be evaluated for a team without first being pre-registered for the club for the season for which that player is being evaluated.

B. No player may step foot on the ice of a DVHL club unless the player and the player’s parent/guardian has signed a registration agreement to play for and/or be financially committed to that club for the intended season by submitting a non-refundable deposit.  A player who is assigned to an In-house program is entitled to a refund of the deposit less an evaluation fee as determined by the club.

C. Once a player has signed a registration agreement to play for and/or be financially committed to the club, that player can then be evaluated to play on a team with that club or with an affiliated in-house program.

D. Clubs may cut players from their program (Mite, AA, A, B, C, Junior) only where the number of players at any particular age level makes the formation of a team a financially impractical situation.  Assigning a player to an in-house team or developmental travel teams not in the DVHL (either club-sponsored or rink-sponsored) is permitted and is not considered the same as cutting a player.  Any assignment to an in-house program must occur at the time of evaluation (example – if you hold your evaluations in May and do not make final travel team assignments until September, the assignment of the player to in-house must occur in May at the evaluation).  Assignment of a player to an in-house program at any time other then at the evaluation, will be considered a cut and violation of this section.  An assignment of any player to an in –house program automatically releases that player from the travel club registration agreement and that player is free to be registered and evaluated by any other DVHL club.  Any assignment to in-house must be in writing and contain the aforementioned release.  Not withstanding anything herein contained to the contrary, if at anytime after the evaluation process a team, but not an individual player, is eliminated because it is financially impractical, the club may offer those affected players a spot in an in-house program without being in violation of this section.

E. Evaluations may not occur any earlier then 48 hours after the USA Hockey Tier 1 National Tournament is completed.

F. Any player who signs a Club registration form and/or makes a financial commitment to that Club will remain the property of that Club for the balance of the season, unless released by that Club in writing.

i. Verbal releases will be permitted, provided the verbal release is given to the appropriate Vice President of that level, Commissioner, or member of the Executive Committee.

ii. A written AAHA release must follow. However, this player must be rostered by December 31 of that playing season (February 10 for juniors). 

iii. Should a player not be able to obtain a release from his Club, he shall have the right to appeal to the Executive Committee, whose decision shall be binding.

>Back to Top

ARTICLE II -- MEMBERSHIP

Section 1 -- Members

A. Membership in the DVHL shall be composed of such hockey teams, clubs and/or leagues as shall agree to abide by and comply with the rules of DVHL and the decisions of the DVHL officials, who have been duly elected or appointed.

1. Acceptance in the DVHL shall be contingent on a simple majority favorable vote by the Board of Directors.

B. Discharge of a member Club from DVHL will take place after formal petition is forwarded to the Board of Directors at least two (2) weeks prior to a regularly scheduled monthly meeting.

1. If a majority present at such meeting accepts such petition after discussion, a motion for discharge must be passed by two-thirds (2/3) majority vote.

C. All member Clubs must be registered with USA Hockey by November 1 of the playing year.

1. If not so registered, a warning will be forwarded by the Secretary and ten (10) days additional will be allowed.
2. All League games up to such registration date will be forfeited.
3. If no action is taken by November 10, all subsequent games may be forfeited.

D. The terms of office of Officers and Directors will be from May 1 to April 30 inclusive.

Section 2 -- Associate Membership

A.  A hockey team, club and/or league can apply for associate membership in the DVHL only when entering one team participating in a tournament where you must be a member of a league and who will not be playing a league schedule.

B. All rink owned and operated in-house programs who are only allowed participation in the C division will be considered Associate Members.

C. All Associate Member teams must be USA Hockey registered.

D. Associate member organizations must agree to such participation in DVHL activities as may be determined by the Executive Committee and/or the Board of Directors, and may include such items as attendance at meetings, fundraising, playoffs, scoresheets, etc.

E. Acceptance of Associate Member organizations in the DVHL shall be contingent on a favorable vote by two-thirds (2/3) of the quorum present at a regularly scheduled meeting and must be reaffirmed annually.

F. The Associate Member will have no voting rights in any matters other than what applies to their participation in the league.

>Back to Top

ARTICLE III -- BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Section 1 -- Organization

A. The Board of Directors shall consist of two (2) members from each member organization, the Immediate Past President and the Commissioner.

1. An alternate must be named by October 1 to take the place and vote for an absent regular member.

B. The Executive Committee shall consist of the Officers of the Organization and shall be responsible for executing the policies initiated by the Board of Directors.

C. The Officers shall be the President, Executive Vice‑President, First Vice‑President, Second Vice‑President, Secretary, Treasurer, Commissioner.

D. It is not mandatory that an elected officer be a Director from his respective club or any Club.

E.  The President and other Officers will be elected by the Board of Directors at the April regular meeting.

1. Their term of office shall be one year beginning midnight, May 1.

F.   Should the President be unable to complete or assume his year in office, the Executive Vice‑President will assume the office for the duration of the term.

G. If other Officers cannot assume or complete their terms, an election will be held by the Board of Directors.

H. There shall be a League Commissioner appointed annually by the President, ratified by the Board of Directors, and he shall be a member of the Executive Committee and Board of Directors with full voting powers.

I. The Nominating Committee, chaired by the President, shall present a complete slate of candidates at the final regular Board meeting, which shall precede the Annual Meeting.

J. The Immediate Past President will automatically be a member of the Board of Directors.

Section 2 ‑ Duties

A. The Board of Directors shall meet monthly during the months of August through May.

B. The Commissioner shall be responsible for all matters pertaining to conduct, deportment and behavior of its officials, coaches, parents and players; for determining the necessary disciplinary action to be invoked and issuing notice of such decisions to the Board of Directors and to the respective individuals involved; and for declaration of forfeited games as required or suggested by the By-laws.

C. The Treasurer shall keep an accurate record of all monies received and disbursed.  All extraordinary expenditures must be reviewed and approved by the Board of Directors.

D. The Secretary shall keep accurate records of all meetings and shall distribute copies of these to all members of the Board of Directors.

E.  The First Vice-President will be responsible for the DVHL rostering and the proper operation of teams at and above the Bantam classification.

F.  The Second Vice-President will be responsible for the DVHL rostering and the proper operation of teams at and below the Peewee classification.

G. A committee, composed of the elected Officers of the DVHL, shall control and direct All‑Star activities.

H. The Board of Directors shall appoint all Honorary Officers.

I.  All members of the Board of Directors must be notified of the time and the place of all meetings at least one week in advance of the meeting, unless the President calls a special meeting.

>Back to Top