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DVCHC Playing Rules & Eligibility / Constitution & By-Laws
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                                               Playing Rules and Eligibility

 

a)         The rules governing play in the Delaware Valley Collegiate Hockey Conference shall be exactly as those prescribed in the NCAA Ice Hockey Guide, with the following exceptions:

 

1.         i)             All players including goalkeepers are required to wear an

internal mouthpiece that covers at least 4 front teeth of one jaw. For violation of this rule, the offending player will be assessed a two minute minor penalty. Penalty should be called automatically by the referees or when brought to the attention of the referees by the captain of the non-offending team (only when the offending player is on the ice). (Jun. 96)

 

ii)            Five minute major for second infraction in the same game (Jun. 96)

 

iii)         Game misconduct and review by Commissioner under Article VII Section 4 (Other Suspensions) for third infraction in the same game. (Jun. 96)

 

iv)        A one game suspension will be assessed against any player for multiple offenses against the above rules. (Jun. 96)

           

2.            Fighting, Spearing, Butt-Ending, and any penalty involving intent to injure. Any player involved in a fight during the course of a Conference game or a Non-Conference game and so penalized by the referee in that game; or any player receiving a major penalty for spearing, butt-ending, or any penalty involving intent to injure shall receive an automatic game disqualification (DQ) and a one game suspension from his teams' next Conference game. (Regular season game or playoff game). For a second offense, the penalty shall be automatic game disqualification (DQ) and suspension from his teams' next two (2) Conference games (Regular season game or playoff game). A third offense shall result in a game disqualification (DQ) and suspension from the remainder of his teams' Conference games that season, both regular season and playoffs. Multiple game suspensions will be assessed for any combination of the above offenses. Every player disqualification results in a penalty against that player's team. After three (3) player disqualifications, the team is put on probation by the Conference. After six (6) player disqualifications, the team is suspended by the Conference. (Jun. 96)

 

3.            Suspensions.  A player who receives an automatic suspension shall serve that suspension in the next regularly scheduled league game. Failure to do so will result in the forfeiture of said game and an additional automatic suspension of same duration plus one game. The offending team must indicate suspended player(s) and uniform number of suspended player(s) on subsequent game scoresheets. Any suspended player's uniform number may not be used. Coaches must designate offending players on the scoresheet. (Jun. 96)

 

4.         Other Suspensions.  Suspensions for other unsportsmanlike offenses shall be determined by the Commissioner. (Jun. 96)

 

5.            Eligibility.  Any registered student, whether undergraduate or post-graduate, carrying a minimum of four (4) academic credits, may compete in conference play of the school of his registration. A player will be eligible to compete for five (5) years within a five (5) year period. (Jun. 96)

 

a)         All teams must register other players as 1 through 5 based on the number of years played in this conference or another conference. (Jun. 96)

 

b)         Players can be added at any time by proper written notification to the President, sealed by the school registrar and must be received prior to being listed on a game roster. (Jun. 96)

 

6.            Roster.  A roster of players, certified by a school official with a stamp or a seal and listing:

1.             Player's name

2.            Student id #

3.             Number of credits rostered

4.         Number of years played in conference (1-5) as stated in Article VII, part 6, shall be in the hands of the League President prior to the first contest of the season. Failure to do so will result in forfeiture of said contest(s) until such a roster has been received. (Jun. 96)

 

7.            Scoresheets.

a)         Game scoresheets must be legibly printed and postmarked (mailed to the Commissioner) within (2) calendar days from the game date. There will be a $10. Per occurrence fine to a team that submits a late scoresheet.

b)         Scoresheets must be filled out by both teams and given to the scorekeeper no later than 15 minutes prior to the game. (Jun. 97)

 

8.         Failure to have one of the named coaches present at game time will result in

the following:

1.            The team will not be penalized in the first period but failure to have a

coach by the second period will result in a 5 minute major to start the second and third if a coach is not present. (Jun. 96)

2.            Additional penalties shall be determined by the Commissioner. (Jun.96)

 

CONSTITUTION

AND

BY-LAWS

 

 

2003 04 Member Teams

 

Division II

Bucknell

Franklin & Marshall

Lafayette

LaSalle

Millersville

Saint Joseph

College of New Jersey

Temple

 

Division III

Bryn Athyn

Kutztown

Penn State-Berks

Penns State-Delaware County

Rowan

Rurgers-Camden

Shippensburg

Widener

 

Women

American University

Drexel

Univ of Pennsylvania

 

                                  Rev. 12/03

CONSTITUTION

 

ARTICLE 1

 

NAME

 

a)         The name of this league shall be the Delaware Valley Collegiate Hockey Conference (DVCHC). (Mar. 96)

 

b)         The purpose of this league is to provide for organized collegiate hockey among colleges, universities, and community colleges in the Delaware Valley and surrounding areas. (Mar. 96)

 

ARTICLE 2

 

MEMBERSHIP

 

a)         The Delaware Valley Collegiate Hockey Conference shall consist of college level schools with comparable admission policies and athletic philosophies. Each member school shall be entitled to one vote on all matters concerning the functions of the Conference. (Mar. 96)

 

b)             Application for membership to the DVCHC must consist of the following:

            1.            Application for membership to the DVCHC in writing.

2.         Formal presentation at a DVCHC meeting to the current members consisting of an overview of:

                        a)            Ice facilities

                        b)            Club membership

                        c)            Coaching staff

                        d)            Financial status

3.         Entry fee of $5OO. (Refundable upon non-admittance to the DVCHC) (Mar. 96)

 

c)             Probationary Membership. Schools wishing to become full members of the Conference shall be granted a one-year probationary membership by a simple majority vote of the schools currently comprising the Conference. Any school granted probationary membership shall:

            1.            Subscribe to the statement of membership.

            2.            Be responsible for payment of all dues on an equal basis with the present

membership.

            3.            Have no voting rights.

4.         Be eligible for competition in regular season and championship competition.

5.            Pay full league dues prior to first game.

                        (Mar. 96)

 

d)         After a probationary period of one-year (season), the probationary member shall be re-assessed as to performance over the past season.  Following this re-assessment, the probationary member shall be granted full membership by a vote of two-thirds (2/3) of the current membership. (Mar. 96)

 

ARTICLE 3

 

OFFICERS

 

a)         The officers of this Conference shall consist of a President, a Vice-President, a Secretary, a Treasurer and a Commissioner. (Mar. 96)

 

b)            President. The President shall preside at all meetings of the Conference; shall call special meetings as provided in the by-laws, shall appoint all special committees and represent the league. (Mar. 96)

 

c)         Vice-President. The Vice-President shall discharge the duties of the president in his absence and oversee any special committees formed under the direction of the President. (Mar. 96)

 

d)            Secretary. The Secretary shall assist the President preparing agendas, keeping minutes of all meetings and take responsibility for any mailings or communications, newsletters or updates to DVCHC member team representatives and/or any other parties as designated by the President. The Secretary shall keep custody of all records (except team rosters and treasury) pertinent to the organization. (Mar. 96).

 

e)            Treasurer. The Treasurer with approval of the President or member schools, shall receive all dues and assessments of the conference and will make all necessary expenditures which will be deposited and withdrawn from an account designated by the DVCHC. He or she shall report quarterly to the members, the receipts, expenditures and the balance on hand. (Mar. 96)

 

f)                    Commissioner. The Commissioner will oversee the league during the regular season, playoffs and championship series. He or she has authority over all disciplinary actions of players, coaches and member schools. He or she acts as a mediator and makes judgments on disputes between members and will make rulings on any protests lodged in accordance with the DVCHC Constitution and By-Laws. (Mar. 96)

 

g)         Each member in good standing must have a representative hold a position or sit on a committee for a period of 1 year. (Apr.01)

 

 

 

 

ARTICLE 4

 

MEETINGS

 

a)         All Conference meetings shall be attended by a representative of each member school. If the regular representative for some reason cannot attend a meeting, it is his responsibility to appoint someone from his school to attend that meeting. If no representative is available, the President should be notified 24 hours prior to the meeting. (Mar. 96)

 

b)                  There will be a $50. Per occurrence fine for a team that fails to attend any regularly scheduled DVCHC meeting or any specially scheduled DVCHC meeting. (Mar. 96)

 

c)         There be 4 meetings per year.  These 4 meetings would be MANDATORY, meaning each team must be represented.  A pre-season meeting in August, a mid-season meeting in November, a meeting after winter break in January, and a post-season meeting in April. (Nov. 02)

 

 

 

ARTICLE 5

 

SPORTSMANSHIP

 

a)         General Procedure

While sharing in the general opinion that the fundamental solution for any problem with sportsmanship rests with each school, the By Laws Committee has selected the following specific suggestions as being the most helpful in maintaining and strengthening he bonds of sportsmanship within the conference.

            1.            The holding of a team meeting at the beginning of each new season to

acquaint and reacquaint each team member with the desires of the conference in the matter of sportsmanship.

2.         The reporting to the conference by the visiting school of any breach of conduct emanating from spectators. Such reports are to be drawn as specifically and carefully as possible. (Mar. 96)

 

b)         EACH COACH SHOULD...

1.         Be present behind the bench for each regularly scheduled game. Each team should have at least one coach behind the bench for each scheduled game. If none of the coaching staff is present 15 minutes prior to start of contest, the Captain of the team will assume all coaching duties. He (the Captain) will serve all penalties assessed to the coach for said game in question. Persistent abuse of this section of the constitution will result in disciplinary action taken against said coach.

2.         Be well versed in the rules and agreements of the Delaware Valley Collegiate Hockey Conference.

3.            Accept the judgment decisions of officials as closed matters.

4.         Go on the presumption that every other coach is as honest and sportsmanlike as himself. (Jun. 97)

 

c)            CONTESTANTS SHOULD BE TAUGHT...

            1.            To play according to the spirit of the rules without looking for every legal

loophole to gain unfair advantage.

2.         To refrain from baiting opponents by directing derisive remarks at him during the course of a game.

3.         To refrain from baiting or questioning officials during the course of a game.

 

ARTICLE 6

 

AMENDMENTS

 

a)            Amendment proposals must be presented in writing to the President prior to a meeting. This constitution may be amended by a vote of two thirds (2/3) of the schools present at a meeting. The President must present any proposals to the DVCHC membership at the next meeting.

 

 

BY-LAWS

 

ARTICLE l

 

Special Meetings

 

a)         Special meetings of the Conference may be called by the President, or at the written request of two (2) member schools. (Jun. 96)

 

ARTICLE II

 

Quorum

 

a)         At any meeting of the Conference, two thirds (2/3) of the schools in the Conference shall constitute a quorum. (Jun. 96)

 

ARTICLE III

 

Election of Officers

 

a)         Officers of the Conference shall be elected annually at the Spring (April) meeting. A person may hold any office in the Conference without limitation to time, as long as the Conference membership is satisfied with their performance, and so indicates by re-election. (Jun. 96)

 

b)         Offices of the Conference shall be elected from among those persons representing their schools in the Conference, and shall be limited to full member schools.

(Jun. 96)

 

ARTICLE IV

 

Order of Business

 

a)         The order of business at all regular meetings of the Conference shall be as follows:

 

            1.            Call to Order

2.             Attendance

            3.            Reading of the Minutes

            4.            Reports and Communications

5.             Committees

6.             Elections

            7.            Unfinished Business

            8.            New Business

9.             Adjournment

(Jun. 96)

 

ARTICLE V

 

Rules of Order

 

a)         Unless otherwise provided for, the rules governing the meetings of this conference shall be "Roberts Rules of Order". (Jun. 96)

 

ARTICLE VI

 

Conference Dues

 

a)         The dues for each school in this Conference shall be determined by the Treasurer and the President prior to the September meeting each year. To be included is an itemized breakdown of how dues are spent by the conference. Payment of dues assumes that each team adheres to and abides by the Constitution and By-Laws. (Jun. 96)

 

b)         League bills are due as follows:

 

            1.             First Half before first game or October 10 (whichever is sooner).

2.         Second Half before first game in January or January 10 (whichever is sooner).

Except

3.         Probationary schools must pay dues n full before their first game or October 10 (whichever is sooner). (Jun. 96)

 

c)         The penalty for failure to comply with paragraph "b" of this article shall be suspension of the offending school from the Conference until the delinquent dues have been paid. Any games missed due to such suspension shall be considered as forfeited

(Jun. 96)

 

ARTICLE VII

 

Rules and Eligibility

 

a)         The rules governing play in the Delaware Valley Collegiate Hockey Conference shall be exactly as those prescribed in the NCAA Ice Hockey Guide, with the following exceptions:

 

1.         i)             All players including goalkeepers are required to wear an

internal mouthpiece that covers at least 4 front teeth of one jaw. For violation of this rule, the offending player will be assessed a two minute minor penalty. Penalty should be called automatically by the referees or when brought to the attention of the referees by the captain of the non-offending team (only when the offending player is on the ice). (Jun. 96)

 

ii)            Five minute major for second infraction in the same game (Jun. 96)

 

iii)         Game misconduct and review by Commissioner under Article VII Section 4 (Other Suspensions) for third infraction in the same game. (Jun. 96)

 

iv)        A one game suspension will be assessed against any player for multiple offenses against the above rules. (Jun. 96)

           

2.      Fighting, Spearing, Butt-Ending, and any penalty involving intent to injure. Any player involved in a fight during the course of a Conference game or a Non-Conference game and so penalized by the referee in that game; or any player receiving a major penalty for spearing, butt-ending, or any penalty involving intent to injure shall receive an automatic game disqualification (DQ) and a one game suspension from his teams' next Conference game.

(Regular season game or playoff game). Multiple game suspensions will be assessed for any combination of the above offenses. Every player disqualification results in a penalty against that player's team.  Each player is limited to a maximum of 3 DQs.  Once a player has reached the 3-DQ limit, there will be a review by the commissioner on an individual basis.  As to the wording, it was decided to amend the wording to eliminate the Progressive Suspensions from 1, 2, 3 and done to 1, 2, 3 then review by Commissioner. 

Also, the wording regarding Regular Season League Game when referring to how many games a player sits his/her suspension was amended to read Scheduled Game which is defined as games, which appear on the schedule that was submitted to the DVCHC and ACHA prior to the first game of the season.  (Nov.02)

 

3.            Suspensions.  A player who receives an automatic suspension shall serve that suspension in the next regularly scheduled league game. Failure to do so will result in the forfeiture of said game and an additional automatic suspension of same duration plus one game. The offending team must indicate suspended player(s) and uniform number of suspended player(s) on subsequent game scoresheets. Any suspended player's uniform number may not be used. Coaches must designate offending players on the scoresheet. (Jun. 96)

 

4.         Other Suspensions.  Suspensions for other unsportsmanlike offenses shall be determined by the Commissioner. (Jun. 96)

 

5.            Eligibility.  Any registered student, whether undergraduate or post-graduate, carrying a minimum of four (4) academic credits, may compete in conference play of the school of his registration. A player will be eligible to compete for five (5) years within a five (5) year period. (Jun. 96)

 

a)         All teams must register other players as 1 through 5 based on the number of years played in this conference or another conference. (Jun. 96)

 

b)      Players can be added at any time by proper written notification to the President, sealed by the school registrar and must be received prior to being listed on a game roster. (Jun. 96)

            c)   Each member team become ACHA. (Apr.01)

                        -Number of credits needed, 6 years in 6 years eligibility

                        -20 minute periods

                        -The fee for ACHA is to be included in league fees

            Amendments to motion:  Any team may decide not to join the ACHA, but they would play in Divisin III.  Teams with over 5 years membership in the DVCHC may decide to refrain from the ACHA.  This Proposal was put to a vote and accepted unanimously with amendments. (Apr.01)

 

6.            Roster.  A roster of players, certified by a school official with a stamp or a seal and listing:

1.             Player's name

2.            Student id #

3.             Number of credits rostered

4.      Number of years played in conference (1-5) as stated in Article VII, part 6, shall be in the hands of the League Commissioner prior to the first contest of the season. Failure to do so will result in forfeiture of said contest(s) until such a roster has been received. (Jun. 96)

5.  No team will allow non-rostered players to play, there is to be no variance from official roster, no changing of jersey numbers once assigned.  (Apr.01)

 

 

7.            Scoresheets.

a)         Game scoresheets must be legibly printed and postmarked (mailed to the Commissioner) within (2) calendar days from the game date. There will be a $10. Per occurrence fine to a team that submits a late scoresheet.

b)         Scoresheets must be filled out by both teams and given to the scorekeeper no later than 15 minutes prior to the game. (Jun. 97)

 

8.         Failure to have one of the named coaches present at game time will result in

the following:

1.            The team will not be penalized in the first period but failure to have a

coach by the second period will result in a 5 minute major to start the second and third if a coach is not present. (Jun. 96)

2.            Additional penalties shall be determined by the Commissioner. (Jun.96)

 

 

 

ARTICLE VIII

 

Postponements

 

a)         No game shall be postponed, except by mutual consent of the coaches of the two schools involved, and with the approval of the Commissioner. (Jun.96)

 

b)         Any postponed contest shall be played at the earliest possible date. (Jun. 96)

 

c)         Visiting team must contact host team (14) days before game time if wishing to cancel or postpone game.  Failure to do so will result in the ice time and referees' fees being paid for by the visiting team. Payment by offending team will be deducted from the dues in the treasure of said team. Continuation of said team in league play will depend on the receipt by the treasurer of the sum involved within 14 days.

 

 

ARTICLE IX

 

Contests

 

a)         Regular season games in the Delaware Valley Collegiate Hockey Conference shall consist of three (3) seventeen (17) minute periods with an ice cut between the 2nd and 3rd periods with no provision for overtime for Division III teams; and three (3) twenty minute periods with an ice cut after the 1st and 2nd period and no provision for overtime, (Apr. 02)

 

b)         At the conclusion of the regular season, the team that has accumulated the most points in their respective divisions (to be determined by awarding two (2) points for each win and (1) point for each tie) shall be declared the regular season champion. In case of a tie, regular season champion shall be determined in the following order

 

1.            The team with the most games won.

 

2.         The team among those involved having accumulated the most points in "head-to-head" competition.

 

3.         The team among those involved having scored the most goals in "head-to­head" competition.

 

4.         The team among those involved having allowed the fewest goals in "head to head" competition.

 

5.            The team having scored the most goals for the season.

 

6.            The team having allowed the fewest goals for the season.

 

7.         In the unlikely event that the above listed tie-breakers fail to produce a winner, duplicate awards shall be presented.

 

8.         Order of finish during regular season shall determine home team all through the play-offs. (Jun. 96)

 

c)         Play-Offs.  The playoff format is as follows and will be played on two consecutive weekends at the conclusion of the regular season Dates are to be determined each year.

 

1.            Division II:  Top (5) teams, 1st place gets bye.

5th place plays 4th place 2nd place plays 3rd place.

Winner of 5 vs 4 plays 1st.  That winner plays the winner of 2nd vs 3rd in a 3-game final.  This would use 6 game slots. (Apr.02)

 

2.                  Division III:  Top 6 teams, 1st and 2nd get bye.

3rd plays 6th 4th plays 5th.

Lowest seed winner plays 1st place next highest seed winner plays 2nd place.  The winners go to a 3-game final.  This would use 7 game slots. (Apr.02)

 

3.            The winners in each division will be considered the Conference Playoff Champion for said Division. (Jun. 96)

 

d)            Procedure for All-Star Team selection to be determined at Conference meetings.

 

e)         Game Officials.  Delaware Valley Collegiate Hockey Conference games will be officiated using a two referee system as outlined in the NCAA Ice Hockey Guide by referees from the association contracted for at the beginning of each season by the Conference. A minimum of one referee from said association must be present or the contest cannot be considered an official game.

 

ARTICLE X

 

Disputes

 

a)      All disputes or differences in regard to contests, other than player eligibility, shall be submitted in writing by the coach to the Conference Commissioner and postmarked no later than forty-eight (48) hours (two working days) following the conclusion of the contest or will not be considered. The dispute shall be decided by the Executive Committee. Exception -when time is of essence; the Coach may call the Conference Commissioner.

 

ARTICLE XI

 

Awards

 

a)         A permanent trophy shall be awarded to the team(s) declared to be the first place finisher at the conclusion of the regular season play.

 

b)         The Spikes Trophy (non-permanent) shall be awarded to the play-off winner.

 

c)         In addition, individual trophies shall be awarded to the following persons:

 

1.            Most Valuable Player

2.            High Scorer

3.            Outstanding Defenseman

4.         Low Goals against (team award) "Trophy and award to be purchased and awarded by LaSalle"

5.            Finbarr O'Connor Sportsmanship Award

 

d)         All of the awards cited in paragraph c, sub-paragraph one (1) through four (5) shall be voted on by the Conference with the exception of high scorer and low goals against which shall be awarded statistically and the sportsmanship award which will be awarded by the conference President. Said vote shall be taken at the Conference final meeting.

 

 

ARTICLE XII

 

Review

 

All teams, players, coaches team officials, league officers and referees (who are assigned conference games) shall be fully aware of our Constitution and should be fully aware of "Sportsmanship and General Procedure" section of the Constitution.