Texas Amateur Hockey Association

A number of new rule changes were approved at the recent 2011 Annual Congress of USA Hockey. All coaches, officials, players, league administrators, and member association representatives are strongly encouraged to review the Rule Change Summary prepared by USA Hockey. Also, everyone should also review closely the Rule Change Commentary prepared by Ken Reinhard, TAHA Referee in Chief. The 2011-13 Official Rules of Ice Hockey book should be available online soon at www.usahockey.com.

For teams playing in Canada or directors of tournaments with teams from Canada, please review the agreement below between USA Hockey and Hockey Canada related to the recently approved 12U Body Checking rule of USAH.

Please find attached the approved Affiliates Guidelines Regarding Non-Sanctioned Play. The Guidelines address the types of rules that USA Hockey and its Affiliates may put in place and/or enforce with respect to non-sanctioned play. The version that was sent to you in November was for your review and not in final form. The earlier draft document was released to others and has been quoted in various online forums and other correspondence. There are some changes in this version, which should be used and viewed as the official policy of USA Hockey. This document may be distributed to your local associations and programs to provide them with further guidance.

We were able to have discussions with nearly all Affiliate Presidents prior to finalizing this document, and were able to answer your questions and discuss the application of these guidelines within the Affiliates. We continue to be available to answer your questions and discuss any specific situations. Also, any individuals on the committee comprised of myself, Joe Baudo (New York Affiliate President, jbaudojr@roadrunner.com), Dave Margenau (Minnesota Affiliate President, dmargenau@aol.com), Steve Stapleton (Legal Council Member, SStapleton@lawweathers.com) and Rae Briggle (National Office, raeb@usahockey.org), are available to answer your questions on these subjects.
 

Best Regards,

Casey Jorgensen

Casey Jorgensen | General Counsel
1775 Bob Johnson Drive | Colorado Springs, CO 80906