MHHOA CHARTER

A. Goals and Purposes

This organization has the following purposes:

1. Provide officiating services to the ice hockey organizations in our territory.

2. Provide training and development of ice hockey officials in our territory.

3. Support the growth and development of members of ice hockey in our territory.

4. Be active members of and support the goals of NIHOA, USA Hockey, and other appropriate organizations.

B. Elected Officers

Elections of officers will be held at an association meeting in March or April. Attendance is mandatory for all members at this meeting. All association officers must be at least 18 years of age and a level three official at time of election and shall be elected for two (2) year terms. Officers must be a resident of the following counties: Dutchess, Orange, Putnam or Ulster Counties in the State of NY.

Nominations to each office shall require “member in good standing” status with the association for the past three (3) consecutive years.

The officers of the association and their duties are:

1. President

The President of the association shall be the chief officer of the association and shall:

· Preside at all association meetings;

· Preside at all board meetings;

· Be the association’s representative to the national NIHOA organization;

· Be the association’s representative to any High School Leagues, any college prepatory schools, and any other secondary school hockey leagues;

· Appoint any standing or special committees of the association.

· Ensure that all officers meet the responsibilities of their positions as outlined in the Charter

· Promptly handle all grievances by members

The President shall report to the association on the state of these organizations at all association meetings.

The President shall not be an officer of another officiating association or the president of any hockey organization serviced by this association when elected or at any time during the elected term.

The President must be a NIHOA certified member when elected.

2. First Vice President

The First Vice President shall:

· Preside at any meetings the President is unable to attend

· Assist the President and the Secretary on appropriate business.

· Fulfill the duties of President when needed

· Evaluate all level 3 and 4 officials over 18 years of age

· Represent the organization at NIHOA or High School level meetings

. . The Vice President must be a level 3 certified official for at least 3 years.

3. Second Vice President

The Second Vice President of the association shall:

· Preside at any meetings the President and the First Vice President are unable to attend;

· Be the association’s representative to the national USA Hockey organization;

· Be the association’s representative to local youth hockey, Senior League, and other USA Hockey based hockey leagues.

· Fulfill duties of 1^st VP when needed

· Evaluate all level 1-2 officials and level 3 officials under the age of 18

· Collect all game reports and distribute to appropriate organizations at their request

The Second Vice President shall report to the association on these responsibilities at all association meetings.

The Second Vice President must be at least an USA Hockey rated member when elected.

4. Secretary

The Secretary shall:

· Record the minutes of all association, board, and special meetings of the association;

· Handle association correspondence with outside organizations;

· Keep up to date lists of association members and key individuals of the organization served by the association;

· Publish any official newsletters of the association;

· Verify the certification status of each association member.

· Obtain and retain Independent Contractor Agreements from all members

· Maintain records to determine “members in good standing”

· Communicate to Treasurer and scheduler members who do not attend meetings

· Report to nominating committee appropriate information

The Secretary shall report on these duties at each association meeting.

The Secretary must be at least an USA Hockey rated member when elected.

5. Treasurer

The Treasurer shall be the chief fiscal officer of the association and shall:

· Prepare annual budgets for the association;

· Collect dues and fines from the association’s members;

· Collect all fees paid for the association’s services;

· Pay the association members for games they have officiated;

· Pay other expenses as authorized by the association.

· Report differences between budget and actual expenses

· Keep accurate records of organizations financial status including monthly reconciliation’s, accounts receivable and accounts payable etc.

The Treasurer shall report on the financial status of the association at all association and board meetings.

The Treasurer must be at least an USA Hockey rated member when elected.

The position of Treasurer and scheduler will be the only two elected positions that one member can hold during the same term. An individual who holds both positions will have only one vote in matters pertaining to board approval. Two individuals holding the positions of treasurer and scheduler will each have one vote in board related matters.

C. Executive Board

The officers of the association, including elected officers and the appointed positions of Scheduler and Referee – In - Chief, shall make up the Executive Board and shall be responsible for setting policy, discipline, and other general guidelines of the association. The Executive Board will be charged with negotiating game fees with all leagues the Chapter provides service to.

D. Special Positions

The association shall have the following special positions, appointed by association President.

1. Referee – In – Chief

2. Scheduler

These are appointed positions to the Executive Board with no voting privileges. If the same member holds more than 1 position, that member shall have only one vote.

1. Referee – In - Chief

· The Referee-in-Chief shall interpret, understand and be the liaison to USA Hockey, ACHA, and NIHOA for all rules pertaining to the sport of ice hockey and shall:

· Organize all clinics for USA Hockey certification

· Organize all additional training as considered necessary

· Ensure that all members are evaluated and provided with constructive feedback organize the association’s rules interpretation sessions;

· Organize and run the association’s training program;

· Organize and run the association’s on-ice evaluation program;

· Clarify rules interpretation questions with national organization;

· Develop and administer NIHOA test as required

· Develop and administer ACHA test as required

· Participate in the training and evaluation of all officials

· Administer all NIHOA testing and solicit prospective members

The Referee-in-Chief must be a Level 3 official for at least 3 years at the time of appointment

2. Scheduler

The president appoints this position

The association scheduler shall:

· Assign games based on Chapter participation, Executive Board input and USA Hockey guidelines

· Assign members to the games that are the association’s responsibility;

· Notify members of any changes in assignments;

· Be the association’s scheduling interface to the organizations served by the association;

· Inform the Treasurer of the games actually officiated by each member;

· Obtain USA Hockey certifications verifying the seasonal status of members

In carrying out these duties the scheduler shall be guided by the Executive Board.

The position of Treasurer and scheduler will be the only two positions that one member can hold during the same term. An individual who holds both positions will have only one vote in matters pertaining to board approval. Two individuals holding the positions of treasurer and scheduler will each have one vote in board related matters

E. Association Committees

The following committees will be appointed by the association President and will report on their activities when request by the President.

1. Recruiting Committee:

The Recruiting Committee shall publicize the association and its activities and shall support interested people who wish to be involved in hockey officiating.

2. Nominating Committee:

The Nominating Committee shall place in nomination for the association’s consideration, the names of qualified members to serve as association officers. The Nominating Committee will validate each nominee’s “member in good standing” status prior to submitting the nomination.

3. Disciplinary Committee:

The Disciplinary Committee shall be composed of the Executive Board. The Disciplinary Committee shall meet on an as needed basis to discuss and assess fines and/or suspensions to officials: under the following circumstances:

· Missed game assignments without proper notification to the chapter scheduler;

· Improper conduct of an official before, during, or after a game assignment.

· When needed to determine applications in accordance with the Code of Conduct which is part of this Charter and must be used in conjunction thereof

4. Special Committee:

The association President may appoint special committees to investigate and advise on any topics to the association.

F. Membership

The association shall have the following classes of membership:

Only USA Hockey rated, Probationary, and NIHOA Certified members are eligible to vote on association business.

Definitions for MHHOA membership

Member in good standing (MIGS):

Ø Paid annual dues

Ø Annual independent contractor agreement signed and submitted

Ø Must attend 75% of MHHOA meetings (12 month moving basis). No absence excuses accepted except extreme hardship. President to determine valid hardship.

Ø No improperly missed game assignments in a 12 mm year

Ø Old attendance rules in effect on a diminishing 1-year basis, phased out incrementally beginning the date new attendance rules are ratified, except as a consideration for NIHOA membership. In those instances, the new attendance rule is effective a stated above. (See NIHOA membership rules)

Ø Be certified through USA Hockey as an Ice Hockey Official

Note: Game assignments are an earned privilege, based on performance and participation. The executive board reserves the authority to restrict the level and volume of game assignments for any member.

Probationary member of MHHOA:

Ø Any member of MHHOA that does not meet the above criteria on any specified date

Ø By a 2/3 majority vote of the executive board, any member exhibiting conduct detrimental to the MHHOA and ice hockey (see member review process)

Ø Probationary member assignments may be restricted in quantity and level of play, equivalent to one level below current certification, as recommended by the most recently published USA Hockey guide. This rule does not apply to newly certified officials

Ø Probationary members are excluded from post-season (playoff, play-down) assignments

Ø A probationary member list will be published on or about November 15, February 15, and April 15 each season. Status of members at these intervals will be a factor for eligibility in the MHHOA NIHOA chapter and consideration and playoff assignments.

Member review process:

Ø A member review may be convened for conduct detrimental to the MHHOA and ice hockey

Ø The current president of the MHHOA has the sole authority to request a member hearing. In the case of the president’s unavailability, the first vice president shall possess the power to call for a hearing

Ø Once the decision is made to conduct a hearing, it must be conducted within 21 days. The referee that is the subject of the proceedings must be notified in writing of the date, location, and time

Ø The hearing shall be presided over by the MHHOA president. In his absence, the first vice president shall assume this responsibility

Ø A minimum of 3 executive board members must be present at any hearing

Ø By a 2/3-majority vote, a hearing may result in a wide range of actions, from no action to expulsion of the subject member.

Ø Hearing decisions shall be committed to writing and mailed to the subject member within 7 days of the hearing date

Ø Any hearing decisions are separate and apart from any action that may be taken by the governing body of USA Hockey or NIHOA

NIHOA/ACHA eligibility:

Note: Any references to a membership vote require the physical presence of a minimum of 2/3 of current membership for a valid vote

Ø Member in good standing of MHHOA each year as of November 15

Ø Level 3 USA official for at least 1 year

Ø 21 years of age. This requirement may be waived by a simple majority vote of the current NIHOA membership, but no one is eligible below the age of 18. The age requirement is determined on November 15 of the current season

Ø A skating test date will be announced. All members who meet the NIHOA eligibility and member in good standing requirements interested in becoming NIHOA certified must attend the skating test. There will not be a second skating test and written applications for NIHOA consideration are not required. Simply let the President know you plan on taking the skating test. Participants will be judged on their ability to pass 75% of at least four areas of testing. All participants will be notified of their results.

Ø Passed skating test- If passed, two “blind” evaluations will be performed based on the advanced criteria. The participant must average a better than satisfactorily between the two evaluations. The results will not be discussed at the conclusion of each of the evaluations but the President will discuss the overall average of the two with the participants.

Ø Passes “blind” evaluation-Will be invited to take the NIHOA test at a date to be determined. There will not be a second test date.

Ø Passes NIHOA test- participant becomes a probationary NIHOA member for one full year (as defined in these rules)

Ø A blind evaluation is defined as one conducted without notice by a pre-determined, qualified evaluator.

Ø Officials that qualify for this level will be eligible to officiate club college games as assigned by this organization. Eligibility requirements will be distributed annually by the National ACHA Referee-In-Chief to the MHHOA referee-in-chief, who will, together with the board, invite eligible candidates to participate. In case of a tie vote by the board, the president shall cast the deciding vote.

Membership transfer in requests:

Ø Members of other NIHOA chapters that move within this chapter’s jurisdiction must meet the current MHHOA member in good standing requirement

Ø Members of other NIHOA chapters that move within this chapter’s jurisdiction must produce a letter of recommendation from prior chapter

Ø Once the prospective transferee meets the MIGS requirement, the current NIHOA membership will vote to accept the applicant. A 2/3 majority is required for membership acceptance

Ø If an transfer applicant fails to obtain the required votes, he must follow the same procedure as a new applicant

NIHOA/ ACHA Member in good standing:

Ø Paid annual dues

Ø Annual independent contractor agreement signed and submitted

Ø Must attend 75% of NIHOA/ACHA meetings (12 month moving basis). No absence excuses accepted except extreme hardship. President to determine valid hardship.

Ø No improperly missed game assignments in a 12 mm year

Note: NIHOA game assignments are an earned privilege, based on performance and participation. The President, Referee-in-Chief and NIHOA assignor reserve the authority to restrict the level and volume of game assignments for any NIHOA member.

Probationary member of Mid-Hudson NIHOA chapter:

Ø Any NIHOA member of Mid-Hudson NIHOA chapter that does not meet the MIGS criteria on any specified date

Ø By a 2/3 majority vote of the chapter membership, any member exhibiting conduct detrimental to the MHHOA and ice hockey (see member review process)

Ø Probationary member assignments may be restricted in quantity and level of play certified officials

Ø Probationary members are excluded from post-season (playoff, play-down) assignments

Member review process:

Same as MHHOA review process, except the executive board panel must be current NIHOA members. In the instance that 3 board members with NIHOA status are not available, the President shall appoint NIHOA member(s) to serve on the hearing panel, as needed

G. Dues

Dues shall be paid in advance on a yearly basis. The Treasurer shall propose a dues structure at the annual meeting to support the association’s budget, and the dues structure shall require a majority vote of the association’s members present to become effective.

Current annual dues is as follows:

Level 1 $15

Level 2 $35

Level 3 $40

NIHOA $40

H. No-shows

All members are expected to perform their game assignments. The Disciplinary Committee shall set the disciplinary policy for members who do not carry out their game assignments. Any official who misses a game assignment or any other association responsibility shall be fined as prescribed by the fine schedule established by the Disciplinary Committee at the beginning of the season. Each official shall be provided with the fine schedule and policy prior to the start of each season.

The Disciplinary policy is a part of the Charter and is to be used in conjunction with the Code of Conduct and policies established by the Executive Board.

I. Meetings

The Executive Board of the association shall set the association-meeting schedule and agenda, and shall designate the meetings where attendance is mandatory. The election of officers will take place every two years during the March or April meeting. The March/April meeting shall be the association’s annual meeting and the election of officers shall take place at this meeting. The Executive Board may call emergency meetings. Fifty (50%) percent of the association’s voting members shall constitute a quorum.

J. Charter Revisions

This charter may be revised by a two thirds (2/3) vote of the association’s members eligible to vote.

J. Disciplinary Policy

We provide an important service to the organizations we serve. Two officials will be scheduled and must show up for their assignments. Hockey is fast paced and has the potential to be of a violent nature. The potential for serious injury, loss of game control is greater when one or no officials show up for their assigned game.

We expect all officials regardless of age to be responsible and act responsibly in conducting their officiating duties. Failure to follow policies and procedures may result in suspensions and or monetary penalties.

As prescribed by the association charter, the Disciplinary Committee will meet during the off-season in the summer months to discuss and define the disciplinary policy and the code of conduct for officials for the upcoming season. These policies shall be distributed annually at the organizational meeting held in September. The disciplinary policy is a list of rules by which all members of the Mid-Hudson Hockey Officials Association are required to abide by. Those members who wish not to abide by the defined policy can be fined, suspended, or in extreme cases expelled from the association. All rules listed below are basic responsibilities of officiating games and being a member-in-good-standing in the chapter.

· Failure to officiate a scheduled game assignment (No-show)

FINE as prescribed by chapter fine Schedule Plus game fee
30-day suspension from officiating schedule
Incident reviewed by Disciplinary Committee

· Late notification to chapter scheduler of game assignment cancellation

FINE as prescribed by chapter fine Schedule Plus game fee

· Failure to attend mandatory chapter meetings

FINE as prescribed by chapter fine schedule
indefinite suspension for officiating schedule until next meeting attendance

· Failure to follow chapter policies including completing accurate and neat reports and forwarding the report to the chapter Referee-in-Chief in a timely fashion.

FINE as prescribed by chapter fine schedule

Any official incurring disciplinary action may file a written grievance within fourteen (14) days of the incident to the chapter Referee-in-Chief who chairs the Disciplinary Committee. This process shall be used for all grievances including those created by emergency situations or situations beyond the control of the official (weather, accident, incapacitation, etc.).

K. Independent Contractor’s Agreement

The Mid-Hudson Hockey Officials Association, Inc., requires each member official to sign the below waiver stating their relationship to the association solely as an independent contractor:

Must be signed and returned to Bob Humphries by November 20, prior to being scheduled for any games. Return W-9 form to Bob Humphries.

Independent Contractors

Each member of the Mid-Hudson Hockey Officials Association shall be considered an independent contractor and is the sole person responsible for their tax, personal and insurance liability. Each member shall sign a waiver stating his or her status as an independent contractor. Consistent with IRS guidelines, the waiver shall include the following stipulations:

1. Each official is responsible for his or her tax liability.

2. Each official is responsible for providing his or her own equipment and uniform.

3. Each official is responsible for providing their own transportation to and from each game assignment and any other chapter functions.

4. Each official is responsible for providing his or her own meals.

5. Each official shall attend an annual, mandatory, on-ice clinic organized and provided by USA Hockey. Each official is responsible for acquiring any additional training as prescribed by USA Hockey and/or NIHOA.

6. Each official is free to officiate for any officiating association with the understanding that any liability insurance acquired through the chapter is null and void if the game assignment was not scheduled through the chapter scheduler. Each official may accept or decline any game assignment assigned by the chapter scheduler.

7. Each official and their parents understand the hazards of ice hockey and officiating an ice hockey contest. By signing this waiver, you are absolving the Mid Hudson Hockey Officials Inc. from all liability should any type of injury occur including life threatening injuries. By signing you waive your right to sue the Mid Hudson Hockey Officials Association, Inc. the board of directors of the Mid Hudson Hockey Officials Association, Inc. and the individual member officials.

Understanding and accepting Article K of our charter, the association requires you to sign the following Independent Contractor’s Waiver: I, acknowledge the fact that as a member of the Mid Hudson Hockey Officials Association, Inc. (MHHOA), I will participate in all MHHOA functions as an independent contractor and shall be responsible for all of my own tax liabilities.

I understand that I am not an employee of Mid-Hudson Hockey Officials Association, Inc. I understand MHHOA will not garnish any wages for any federal, state, or local taxes including FICA and that I am responsible for declaring any income earned as an independent contractor on my income tax returns. I understand as an independent contractor that I am responsible for the items stipulated in Article K of the Mid-Hudson Hockey Officials Association Charter.I have received a copy the chapter’s Referee’s Code of Conduct and Disciplinary Policy. I have read both documents and agree to adhere by the standards put in place by the association to promote professionalism and responsibility understand that MHHOA does not guarantee nor promise a minimum amount of games per month/season per official.

Signature Social Security # Date

Parent/Guardian Acknowledgment: (Parent/guardian please complete this section if above official is under the age of 18 years old)

I, ____________________________, acknowledge the fact that my child has received a copy of the chapter’s Referee’s Code of Conduct and Disciplinary Policy. I have read both documents and agree to support my child efforts to be an active member in the Mid-Hudson Hockey Officials Association, including providing transportation to and from any game assignments and chapter meetings.

Parent/Guardian Signature Date

L. Code of Conduct

The Code of Conduct for Officials was developed to explain what is expected of a member of our association.

You will be expected to:

· Officiate all games you are scheduled.

· Promptly cancel any game assignments where you have a scheduling conflict where you will not be able to officiate any game you know you will not be able to officiate

· Attend all mandatory chapter meetings

· Call your partner 24 hours prior to game assignment to verify who you are doing the game with

· Arrive to rink for each game assignment a recommended 30 minutes prior to start of the game.

· Dress professionally in proper referee attire as defined by USA Hockey (clean stripes and black pants, black helmet secured w/chinstrap, black skates w/white laces taped to boot, etc.)

· Conduct yourself with a professional attitude of a certified USA Hockey Official before, during, and after any game.

As a responsible member of our association, you will NOT:

· Use alcohol or illicit drugs before or during any game assignments or chapter events

· Physically or verbally abusing of any player/coach/parent/spectator as an official before, during, or after any game

· While participating in a game as a player, coach or spectator, showing disrespectful or inappropriate behavior, including physical or verbal abuse, towards an official before, during, or after any game

· Use chapter information (ie.roster, letterhead, fee schedules) in a manner not approved by the Board of Directors.

· Distributing chapter materials including chapter rosters and phone lists, game assignment schedules, fee/fine/meeting schedules, or the association charter to anyone outside of the association.

· Acting in a violent or disruptive manner at chapter meetings or chapter events

L. Page 2 Code of Conduct

· Intentionally accepting and officiating game assignments in which a direct family relative (son, daughter, brother, sister, etc.) is a member of either team involved in the game.

Situations do arise when an official is needed to cover a game. In this case it is left up to the discretion of the official as to whether or not he feels he can officiate the game without bias.

When such situations arise, the Disciplinary Committee will meet on an “as needed” basis to determine whether or not the actions of official involved require disciplinary action.

Any official placed before the Disciplinary Committee for any violation can file a written grievance within 14 days of the incident to state his case. In the event the Disciplinary Committee feels an official’s conduct warrants expulsion from the association, the committee will recommend to the active chapter that such action be taken. Any member may be expelled from the chapter.