Taking a look at the MAHA rule changes

By Stefan Kubus –

While the Tier 1 organizational changes highlighted the Sunday voting session at the Michigan Amateur Hockey Association meeting, there were other notable rule changes decided upon, as well. Here is a look at the summary of the rules discussed and voted on, along with the ‘intent’ of each rule as documented on the official rule submission form:

Click here for our article on the Tier 1 organization rule changes

Rule No. Bylaw 5, I, 3 – NOT ADOPTED

Elections for district directors are now staggered, because it is possible that there could be a complete turn over of a district council in a given year.

“For districts with 7 directors: 2 year one, 2 year two, 3 year three; and districts with 4 directors: 1 year one, 1 year two, 2 year three.”

Staggering the elections allows for a more seamless transition and allowed the chance for candidates wishing to join a council to run on a yearly basis rather than having to wait for three years to run.

 

Rule No. I, D, a. – ADOPTED

“An Affiliate Association or Club shall not sponsor a team in another Affiliate Association or Club.”

In previous seasons, MAHA has allowed Associations to sponsor teams in other Associations. This only serves to destroy local Associations. This rule will help back up District Associations that must develop players and provide a full complement of teams at each age classification. Additionally, the rule will help prevent the conflict of interest that is present with cross-sponsorship by Associations/Clubs. (effective July 13, 2014)

 

Rule No. II. Registration and Rostering – ADOPTED

To make it clear what age and divisional classifications a team must register at, a minor clause was added that states, “Teams must roster in the age and divisional classification in which they participate for league play. Exceptions can be granted by the State Playoff Committee if a league is not available at the age and divisional classification the team wishes to register at.” (effective July 13, 2014)

 

Rule No. VI, L, 3, h. – ADOPTED (Girls’ recreational – all age groups)

A rule was removed that stated female players could participate in only one age classification higher than the player’s actual birth year. At the developmental level, a wide range of players are often needed just to field a team, and preventing more players and teams from playing prevents the growth of the game. (effective July 13, 2014)

 

Rule No. VI.M.4.e.5.a & VI.M.5.h.5.a – ADOPTED

“Associations that did not have a team or fielded a single entry team in this division the previous regular season must provide evidence of open draft skates and/or registration. This shall be done by publishing the dates and times on a MAHA District website, or a local newspaper or routine hockey publications at least two weeks prior to the first draft skate. A copy of this must be submitted to the District Chair prior to the draft skate and/or registration.” (effective July 13, 2014)

 

Rule No. VI, M, 8, a. – ADOPTED (C youth classifications)

There are less C teams in associations and therefore mandating the number of C teams an association can have before they can play outside their association is making it difficult for most associations to get outside games for these teams. Now, regardless of the number of C youth teams at any particular age level in an association, neighboring associations can schedule inter-association games. (effective July 13, 2014)

 

Rule No. X. A. – ADOPTED

To make it clear what age and divisional classifications a team is eligible at for Districts and States, a clause was added to this rule stating, “teams shall be eligible to participate only in the age and division classification in which they participate for league play during the regular season. Teams not participating in a league shall only be eligible in the age division classification in which they play the majority of their games prior to Districts.” (effective July 13, 2014)

 

Rule No. XII, K, 1. – ADOPTED (period times for girl’s rec. divisions)

In order to sync the girls’ and boys’ rec divisions period times for the State Playoffs, youth 18U BB and girls’ rec. 19U will have three, 15-minute stop-time periods. The same format also applies to youth 16U B and girls’ rec. 16U, and youth 14U and girls’ rec. 14U. (effective July 13, 2014)

 

Rule No. II, N, 3, (2) – ADOPTED (registering and rostering)

“In the absence of a girls team in their youth B team association a female player may roster on a girl’s house recreational team that is offered in another local association.” (effective July 27, 2014)

In many areas, there are no girls teams in an association but a neighboring association may have one that they could join for the 20 games to give them the experience of playing with the girls.

 

Rule No. X.H.1.a – ADOPTED (District, State Playoff Eligibility)

Classifications, divisions and categories which do not hold district playoffs before State Tournaments will have until the first game of the State Championships to obtain the correct game count. (effective July 13, 2014)