Policies & Procedures

1.0 Introduction

The following information is provided to help you know more about Denver Country Club Youth Hockey Association (DCCYH). This is a living document and will be updated on an as required basis to incorporate new and/or changed information. DCCYH provides the opportunity for players to participate in all divisions and levels, from 8 and Under through Bantam.Specific rules may vary between the divisions, however; all divisions will comply with the policies set by the Board of Directors.

2.0 Definition of Division Orientation

The House Division teams primarily play other DCCYH teams. The House Division is a player development program with intent to teach the basic skills and rules of hockey by means of an organized schedule of practices and games. Considerable emphasis is placed on skill development, good physical conditioning, the importance of team work, discipline, and a healthy respect for teammates, opponents, coaches and the referees. Participation in the house division is designed to foster good character and citizenship. Although the game of hockey is competitive by nature, overall player development shall be emphasized more so than the competitiveness of the game.The Travel Division teams play against regional and national teams with the intention of being competitive with other associations in statewide competition and, depending on the level, also regional completion. Playing on a Travel Division team is a privilege, not a right. This privilege must be earned through physical and mental preparation as well as considerable hockey experience and skills. DCCYH will field a team in each age division at the highest level at which they can be competitive and subject to the structure of other governing bodies. This means that in some years, DCCYH may decide not to form a team at the B or C level. Teams will be composed of players of comparable skills. Although all players will be given the opportunity to play, game situations may dictate the amount of playing time for each player. Coaches are directed to be as fair as possible but have leeway given the game situation. The Director of Hockey shall supervise the teams.

3.0 General Information

DCCYH provides the opportunity for players to participate in a competitive travel or house hockey program. These programs are intended to promote sportsmanship, team play and build individual self- esteem and character.

Colorado Amateur Hockey Association

(CAHA) DCCYH is a member associate of CAHA, and as such, the DCCYH Board will appoint representatives for DCCYH to attend and participate in periodic CAHA meetings. CAHA conducts the annual State Championship Tournaments for Tier I and Tier II teams. All member associations of CAHA are USA Hockey Registered and follow USA Hockey rules and procedures. DCCYH will comply with Articles of Incorporation, Bylaws, Policies and Procedures, Rules and Regulations, Playing Rules, and decisions of CAHA and USA Hockey.

Player Safety

Member’s, coaches, Board members, Directors, required players, required volunteers, and Officials shall complete SafeSport training annually and background screening every two seasons.

Levels of Policies & Procedures

USA Hockey is the national governing body for the sport of hockey in the United States. The Annual USA Hockey Guide identifies the minimum policies and procedures that all USA Hockey members must adhere to. Affiliates, Leagues, and Associations are expected to monitor and enforce these policies. However, as the state governing body, the CAHA affiliate has the authority to impose stricter policies and procedures than identified in the Annual USA Hockey Guide. The SafeSport programs of USA Hockey, CAHA and DCCYH as amended from time to time are incorporated herein by reference and shall also govern DCCYH Players, Parents, Coaches, and others involved in DCCYH activities. As previously described herein, DCCYH and its Tier I program shall publish a Fact Sheet document typically known as the Tier I Program Handbook with Fact Sheet for all Tier I programs which will include any “Practice Player” policies which will have additional obligations to Parents and Players. Each year during the Registration process, Players will receive access to the electronic version and acknowledge DCCYH governing documents such as Bylaws, Policies and Procedures, Code of Conduct, and Financial Obligation Policy.

Number of Teams & Number on Teams

The number of Travel Division teams that DCCYH will field will generally be determined before tryouts. There always is a chance that this will change based on the numbers and skill level assessed during the tryout process. The number of House Division teams is determined before evaluations. In both the Travel Division and the House Division, these decisions are based on the number of players, skill levels and recommendations of coaches or Division Coordinators. Each coach or Division Coordinator may select the appropriate number of players within DCCYH guidelines. Travel Division teams will be composed of players of comparable skills. DCCYH follows CAHA guidelines. DCCYH may choose not to field a travel team in every division level. DCCYH guidelines for the number of players each team can consist of are: The minimum number of players at all age classifications will be 10 skaters and 1 goalie. The maximum number of players at all levels will be 18 skaters and 2 goalies. Travel Division team rosters are final on December 31. Prior to that date, player movement is possible (but not common) within rules defined by DCCYH, CAHA, and USA Hockey.

USA Hockey & CAHA Registration

Each Player, Coach, Manager, Volunteer, Director and Board Member shall register Online with USA Hockey and CAHA each season and provide a confirmation copy to the Association. All Teams shall be registered with USA Hockey and CAHA.

Coaches

All coaches (head and assistant) must submit a Coaching Application, proof of registration with CAHA, and a copy of their USA Hockey Coaching Education Program (CEP) card (front and back). DCCYH will register one head coach and no more than two assistant coaches and/or a team manager per team. Only certified and registered coaches including credentialed student coaches will be allowed on the ice during practices. This will be strictly enforced because of the USA Hockey insurance terms. The Programs for 8 & Under and 10 & Under teams shall not be limited by the coaching quantity provisions above. (REV 10-10-12)

Head Coaches shall be appointed annually by the Board of Directors upon there commendation of the VP of Travel, VP of House, Director of Hockey and Division Coordinator. Assistant Coaches are recommended by each Head Coach subject to the approval of the Director of Hockey, VP of Travel, VP of House and/or Division Coordinator as appropriate. Coaches must be at least 18 years of age. Student Coaches may participate in either the Travel Division or the House Division with the approval of the VP of House, VP of Travel and the Division Coordinator. Any coach under the age of 18 must be in full gear during practices unless otherwise dictated by USA Hockey.

In addition to coaching credentials, all coaches must be able to demonstrate competency in skating, hockey skills, teaching techniques, strategies, and skills in communicating with parents and players. Coaches must have attended (or will attend during the season) a coaching clinic sponsored by or approved by DCCYH including those mandated by USA Hockey and CAHA. The required coaching level designated by USA Hockey must be attained by December 31st of the current season. Coaches are encouraged to attend as many clinics as possible.

A Head Coach must have some prior coaching and/or playing experience. A Head Coach will be awarded the team of his/her choice whenever possible. Head Coaches and Assistant Coaches that are also a parent of a player on that same team will be considered on a case-by-case basis. In the event of multiple applications for the same position, a selection committee consisting of the Director of Hockey, VP of Travel, VP of House and Division Coordinators shall consider the following factors in determining an appointment: Seniority as a Head Coach in the DCCYH. Previous coaching performance Experience as a coach in the age level requested Experience as a coach in other age levels Attendance at coaching clinics The coach's knowledge of ice hockey Coaches who are parents of hockey players are generally assigned to the age level of their child. In the discretion of the DCCYH Board, coaches will have the option of having their children on the team they coach, if the child is at the appropriate skill level. The Assistant Hockey Directors (AHDs) will also be involved with the coaching selections at the request of the Director of Hockey or the Vice Presidents of House or Travel. All coaching assignments shall be under the supervision of the DCCYH Board including disciplinary procedures and actions at law in a court of competent jurisdiction.

Financial Obligation Policy

Once a player is rostered on a Travel Division or House Division team, then that player’s Team registration and other fees will be due in full. To be very clear, if a player completes try-outs or evaluations and is chosen for a team, that player immediately owes the full amount of the yearly player fees published in the DCCYH registration information for the applicable division. Each player will have 7 days from the day that player is placed on a roster to mail, hand deliver or electronically pay that player’s remaining fees to the DCCYH Registrar or other designee. If the player’s fees are not received by the DCCYH designee within the 7 days after such player is placed on a roster, such player will not be allowed to participate in any practices, games or other DCCYH activities until the fee is paid or arrangements are made acceptable to DCCYH via Payment Options which are part of the Registration Agreement or as otherwise negotiated with DCCYH’s Business Manager as approved by the DCCYH Board of Directors from time-to-time. If a player is placed on a roster and that player chooses to withdraw or otherwise leave the DCCYH team for any reason except for severe injury or a move 70 miles or more out of the City limits of Denver, then such player will be liable for all current season fees.

All House Division players must pay the full registration fee at the time of registration unless a Payment Option is provided in the Registration Agreement. Each House Division player will have the option to pay in full or arrange a payment plan. If a player chooses to use the payment plan, such player will need to pay the first installment at the time of registration. The Registration Agreement language for the 2012-13 season will be substantially similar to the following, which may be changed from time to time by the DCCYH Board of Directors.

The Participants agree to pay the DCCYH‟s fees pursuant to the fee schedules below. If the fees are not received on time, Player agrees he/she will not participate in any practices, games or tournaments until the fees and late payments are paid or other arrangements are made. Participants understand and agree that DCCYH may, at any time, remove the Player from play if he/she is delinquent on any payments. The Participants further agree that if the Player is placed on a roster the Participants will be liable for the entire season’s fees even if the Player does not play for any reason including, but not limited to, having been suspended, terminated or voluntarily quitting or leaving the DCCYH. DCCYH’s Board of Directors may, at its sole discretion, waive fees and charges if it finds that the Player quit playing because of a season ending injury or because the Player has moved out of the region served by DCCYH.

THE DCCYH BOARD OF DIRECTORS SHALL HAVE THE AUTHORITY TO DECIDE ALL DISPUTES RELATIVE TO PLAYER PAYMENTS AND REQUESTS FOR REFUNDS.

Refund Policy

DCCYH is reluctant to provide refunds because of the high fixed costs of running the Association. Refunds will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. All fees are set at the beginning of the season to cover season costs based on having a certain number of teams, ice costs, and other costs. If a player leaves after teams have been rostered, it is not possible to modify the remaining player’s fees to cover the leaving player’s cost. The DCCYH refund policy is as follows: 1. In order to be consistent with the Financial Obligation Policy noted above, DCCYH has established the following guidelines. If a player chooses to withdraw or otherwise leave the team for any reason except for severe injury or move 70 miles or more out of the city limits of Denver, then the player/family will be liable for all current season fees. In addition, DCCYH will not refund any of the season registration fees. 2. DCCYH will not consider partial season refunds. For example, if a player leaves due to injury or illness with the intention of returning to play within the season, no refunds will be made because the player is still in the program. 3. DCCYH may consider pro-rated refunds due to a season-ending injury or illness or a family moves more than 70 miles out of the city limits of Denver. The pro-rated amount will be based on when the injury/illness occurred and the money already obligated for DCCYH program expenses and shall be in the sole discretion of the DCCYH Board of Directors. 4. No refunds will be given for injuries or illnesses sustained after December 31st for the Travel Division or after the season is half over for the House Division. The actual length of the House Division regular season is based on the number of ice hours, rather than exact dates. Therefore, the House Division will be considered half over when a team has completed half of the budgeted practice and game time. 5. THE DCCYH BOARD OF DIRECTORS SHALL HAVE THE AUTHORITY TO DECIDE ALL DISPUTES RELATIVE TO PLAYER PAYMENTS AND REQUESTS FOR REFUNDS.

Late Registrations

Players who are accepted onto a Travel Division team after tryouts may receive a reduction in fees if the Board of Directors approves the rationale for the late registration. Regular Season registration cut off for Travel Division teams is December 31st as presently mandated by USA Hockey. Registration cut off is presently October 30th for House Division players. House Division players may be accepted after October 30th if a team roster is less than the number of players planned by DCCYH. All additions to House Division team rosters must be approved by the head coach, Division Coordinator, and VP of House in coordination with the Director of Hockey and the AHD House with ultimate authority for all roster adjustments remaining in the Board of Directors.

Player Release

Releases to play for another association will be issued based on the player's account being current. Request for releases must be made in writing. Player’s financial status may be shared with CAHA, USA Hockey, or other youth hockey associations. Unless otherwise arranged with the DCCYH Board of Directors, both a pending disciplinary action with DCCYH and any unpaid financial obligations to DCCYH will be grounds for DCCYH to restrict a player’s release. Financial obligations may include fundraisers in the discretion of the DCCYH Board of Directors. DCCYH will require a player release for all incoming players before they are allowed to participate in any team activities.

Player Returning After Leaving

If a player leaves DCCYH at the end of a season, that player can try-out and be accepted on a DCCYH team without prejudice. However, if any player that has been selected for a DCCYH team and that player leaves that team at any time before the end of the scheduled season to join a team in another hockey association in the state of Colorado, the player shall have to apply with the DCCYH Board of Directors to be accepted back into DCCYH. The Board will review each case, based on the reason for leaving and the needs of the Association. A player can be selected to try-out by board approval. All returning players must first apply with the Director of Hockey or as required by the DCCYH Board. The only exceptions will be for a player who leaves with his/her family that relocates to another city more than 70 miles outside the city limits of Denver. Players who withdraw from DCCYH prior to team selection for the next year forfeit their right to their jersey number and will only be allowed to try-out for future teams as a new player on a space available basis.

Damage/Destruction

Should any player(s), parent(s), or any team(s) willfully damages any property or equipment of any person or rink, all costs for repairs or replacement will be born by the guilty parties. In the event that two teams are involved, and the blame is debatable, both teams shall be assessed equally. Failure to pay may result in a player not being current and therefore not released from the Association. DCCYH is authorized to pursue legal action against all parties alleged to be involved with damage to property or equipment of any person or rink.

DCCYH Policies & Procedures and DCCYH Bylaws

The combination of DCCYH Policies & Procedures and DCCYH Bylaws provide a complete job description of each Board and non-Board participants' duties and a better understanding of how the Association works. These Policies and Procedures may be amended from time to time by the Board of Directors to include job descriptions. As previously described herein, the DCCYH SafeSport program as amended from time to time is incorporated herein by reference and shall also govern DCCYH Players, Parents, Coaches, and others involved in DCCYH activities.

DCCYH Monthly Board Meetings

Normally, the DCCYH Board of Directors meets once a month on the third Tuesday of the month and meetings are open to all members. Please keep in mind that dates and times for any Board meetings are tentative and do change. These meetings are open to the public and anyone is welcome to attend. Please email the Legal Advisor and the President if you wish to add an item to the agenda. Some items related to contracts and other sensitive matters may be conducted in an executive session. DCCYH’s Board encourages parent attendance and participation in Board meetings and the Annual Meeting.

Concerns & Grievances

Most concerns and grievances involve the team and should be handled within the team structure by contacting the Coach, Team Manager, or the Team Representative. See the concerns and grievances section in both Travel and House sections below. The 24 hour rule must be followed.

Insurance Information

All CSAHA players must be registered by USA Hockey to have access to some limited insurance in case of injury. If you wish more information, or need to file a claim, contact the Team Representative and/or consult and review the USA Hockey insurance coverage at www.usahockey.com.

4.0 Travel Specific Policies & Procedures

Levels of Play DCCYH has adopted the USA Hockey American Development Model (“ADM”) and is endeavoring to implement the ADM. While levels of play for the Travel Division are under review each year and are determined by USA Hockey and CAHA as of the 2008-2009 season, CAHA levels of play are as follows: Squirt: Ten (10) and under, Peewee: Twelve (12) and under, Bantam: Fourteen (14) and under.

Travel Division Team Selection

The Travel Division Team program is designed for the players who are highly skilled and desire the challenge of a highly competitive program. Players will be selected on the basis of ability and personal attributes based on past performance.

Travel Requirements

All DCCYH players are expected to travel to all away games. This should be considered before your player registers. This includes tournaments in which Travel Division teams are likely to participate and which are at various times throughout the season, usually on holidays such as but not limited to: Halloween, Thanksgiving, Martin Luther King weekend and President's Day. The higher the team level and the higher the division, then the more you should plan to travel.

Number of Games & Practices

The House Division Committee determines the number of games each House Division will play during the season. DCCYH determines the number of players and practices each team will have. This number is based on USA Hockey recommendations and available ice hours.

Ice & Dry-land Practices & Ice Hockey Games

Due to insurance and coordination constraints, all ice uses including, but not limited to, practices, scrimmages, and games must be scheduled through the DCCYH Scheduler and purchased under the DCCYH contracts. Coaches or parents are not allowed to buy ice for individual teams or individual players chosen by the coach or parent in order to have extra practices or scrimmages with other teams. Insurance coverage provided under the USA Hockey registration program for injuries occurring during events that have not been coordinated with the DCCYH Scheduler is subject to cancellation and/or denial. Any questions should be directed to the DCCYH Scheduler or the www.usahockey.com website.

Travel Team Grievances/Discipline

Address all complaints to the Team Representative, Head Coach, or the Team Manager in private. The 24 hour rule must be followed – this means that all complaints or discussions with coaches must wait 24 hours after the applicable game or practice where the incident related to a complaint arises. If the Coach and/or Team Manager/Representative is unable to resolve the problem, they will present the problem to the Hockey Director and/or Vice President of Travel for resolution. If the Hockey Director and/or Vice President of Travel can not resolve the problem, then the Vice President will bring the problem to the Disciplinary Committee for resolution. The Travel Disciplinary Committee is made up of the Vice President of Travel, Director of Hockey, Assistant Hockey Director Travel, Business Manager and President of the Association as well as the Legal Advisor, who will serve as a non-voting member of the Disciplinary Committee. The President may add other members to the Disciplinary Committee in the President’s discretion. At no time should a parent involve other Board members or parents with individual or team problems. If a parent feels that they can not address the problem to the Coach, Team Manager, and/or Team Representative, then they should address their problem directly to the Hockey Director and/or Vice President of Travel. Parents, players, and coaches will be (and have been) suspended from attending games, practices, and other events of DCCYH if they violate the player/parent (“Participant”) agreement, the standards of conduct, Policies and Guidelines, Bylaws, or USA Hockey’s no tolerance rules. Examples of behavior that will result in suspension include: yelling at coaches, refs or other parents, stepping on the ice without permission, violating the 24 hour rule, not fulfilling fundraisers, not participating in mandatory tournament shifts, etc.

Travel Disciplinary Committee

The Travel Disciplinary Committee consists of the parties described above. Decisions of the Committee shall be final, subject only to appeal to the full Board of Directors of DCCYH at the next regularly scheduled meeting or special meeting called by the President for, among other items, a Disciplinary Committee Appeal. The right of appeal is granted to any player, parent, coach, or other affected party who has been issued a suspension for more than two complete games. The appeal must be submitted in writing to the Legal Advisor for the Board of Directors and must provide all relevant facts at least 10 days prior to the next regularly scheduled meeting of the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors shall consider the appeal at the next regularly scheduled meeting. The Board may, at its option, take no action, reduce the suspension, or impose additional disciplinary action.

5.0 House Division Specific Policies & Procedures

Levels of Play

The levels of play for the House Division follow USA Hockey guidelines and are tailored to meet the needs of DCCYH’s membership.

DCCYH House Division Playing Divisions

All House Division players and coaches are USA Hockey Registered and follow USA Hockey rules and guidelines. DCCYH strongly encourages players to play within their own age group. All House Division players will be registered with USA Hockey at their natural age classification level and will play at that age level. House Team Player Selection The Director of Hockey, VP of House, AHD House and Division Coordinator as well as others invited to participate by the President shall assess the ability of all players in conjunction with the Division coaches and shall draft players evenly among all the teams. The draft procedure shall be consistent with the DCCYH rules. No House Division Team player shall participate on more than one DCCYH team.

House Division Grievances/Discipline

Address all complaints to the Team Representative, Head Coach, or the Team Manager in private. The 24 hour rule must be followed – this means that all complaints or discussions with coaches must wait 24 hours after the applicable game or practice where the incident related to a complaint arises. If the Coach and/or Team Manager/Representative is unable to resolve the problem, they will present the problem to the Hockey Director and/or Vice President of House for resolution. If the Hockey Director and/or Vice President of House can not resolve the problem, then the Vice President will bring the problem to the Disciplinary Committee for resolution. The House Disciplinary Committee is made up of the Vice President of House, Director of Hockey, Assistant Hockey Director House, Business Manager and President of the Association as well as the Legal Advisor, who will serve as a non-voting member of the Disciplinary Committee. The President may add other members to the Disciplinary Committee in the President’s discretion. At no time should a parent involve other Board members or parents with individual or team problems. If a parent feels that they can not address the problem to the Coach, Team Manager, and/or Team Representative, then they should address their problem directly to the Hockey Director and/or Vice President of House. Parents, players, and coaches will be (and have been) suspended from attending games, practices, and other events of DCCYH if they violate the player/parent (“Participant”) agreement, standards of conduct, Policies and Guidelines, Bylaws, or USA Hockey’s no tolerance rules. Examples of behavior that will result in suspension include: yelling at coaches, refs or other parents, stepping on the ice without permission, violating the 24 hour rule, not fulfilling fundraisers, not participating in mandatory tournament shifts, etc.

House Disciplinary Committee

The House Disciplinary Committee consists of the parties described above. Decisions of the Committee shall be final, subject only to appeal to the full Board of Directors of DCCYH at the next regularly scheduled meeting or special meeting called by the President for, among other items, a Disciplinary Committee Appeal. The right of appeals granted to any player, parent, coach, or other affected party who has been issued a suspension for more than two complete games. The appeal must be submitted in writing to the Legal Advisor for the Board of Directors and must provide all relevant facts at least 10 days prior to the next regularly scheduled meeting of the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors shall consider the appeal at the next regularly scheduled meeting. The Board may, at its option, take no action, reduce the suspension, or impose additional disciplinary action.

6.0 Player & Parent Procedures

Attendance

Because hockey is a team sport, it is necessary for all members of the team to attend all practices and games. Excused absences should be arranged with the player’s head coach.

Locker Room

Locker rooms will be supervised by a coach, assistant coach, or team manager at all times. In most cases, a responsible adult will be asked by the rinks to trade their car keys for locker room keys. All players are responsible for their own equipment. Coaches have the option to allow parents in the locker room when necessary; otherwise parents are not allowed in the locker room. If an 8 and Under needs his skates tied, he/she may come out of the locker room to have them tied. Usually, there will be enough adults (Coaches, Manager, etc.) in the locker room to tie 8 and Under skates. Players at the Squirt level and older are responsible for tying their own skates.

Hazing/Initiation Policy

Acts of hazing and/or initiation defined as acts of physical or mental mistreatment intended to intimidate or segregate players by age, ability, or otherwise, will not be tolerated. Players, coaches, and managers who participate in acts of hazing or initiation will be subject to disciplinary action up to and including expulsion from DCCYH. The Board of Directors and/or the Disciplinary Committee will review hazing incidents and impose penalties on a case-by-case basis.

Sportsmanship/Behavior or Players, Parents & Others

At all times, DCCYH players, coaches, and parents will abide by the Statement of Code of Ethics of the Youth Division of the Colorado Amateur Hockey Association (CAHA) or its successor document(s). Perceived violations should be as detailed in the Concerns and Grievances section of this handbook. Penalties for violations of the Code of Ethics could result in suspension from Association activities. The player and player’s parents (collectively known as “Participants”) will need to submit to the following: The Participants’ collectively and individually acknowledge that DCCYH’s programs are youth and family focused and, as such, Participants agree that each Participants’ conduct must, at all times, meet a high ethical and moral standard and must, at all times, cast a positive light on DCCYH. Therefore, DCCYH may terminate privileges of one or more member of Participants if at any time the DCCYH BOD finds that that person has committed any act or acts that fall below that standard, acts in such a way as to substantially put DCCYH into a negative light, fails to properly account for association monies, or Participants substantially fail to meet the terms of this Agreement. Such acts constituting grounds for termination include, byway of example, but are not limited to: criminal conduct, acts of moral turpitude, exposing DCCYH to uncontracted for or unauthorized liability, failure to follow the express instruction of the DCCYH BOD, inappropriate treatment of DCCYH members, failing to abide by DCCYH’s, CAHA's or USA Hockey’s code of conduct, or failing, in good faith, to abide by the terms of this Agreement. In the event the DCCYH BOD finds that it has such grounds to terminate one or more of the Participants, it shall promptly notify the member of the Participants verbally to be followed by a writing with a detailed description of the relevant conduct or alleged breach of Agreement. The DCCYH BOD shall then give the member of the Participants an opportunity to be heard by the DCCYH Disciplinary Committee with appeal to the DCCYH BOD regarding such conduct within 10 days of that written notice, during which period such member(s) of the Participants may be suspended, at the DCCYH Disciplinary Committee’s or DCCYH BOD's sole discretion, from any and/or all activities related to DCCYH. Parents and Players are subject to fines and/or suspensions for violations of USA Hockey, CAHA or DCCYH Policies including the reasonable cost of attorney fees and collection related to USA Hockey, CAHA or DCCYH’s enforcement of said Policies. Upon application, the Participants may request a hearing before the DCCYH BOD, after which it shall then determine, in its sole discretion, whether this Agreement should be terminated together with the privileges hereof or what disciplinary action may be appropriate. The DCCYH BOD shall further have the right to otherwise discipline the members of the Participants individually or collectively in such manner as it deems appropriate. Any determination of the DCCYH BOD shall be final. Such disciplinary action by DCCYH may be in addition to that applied by other organizations or individuals including law enforcement, criminal actions and civil actions.

Grievances & Disciplinary Committees

Grievances against players, parents, coaches, or others involved in the activities of DCCYH will be subject to these Policies and Procedures as well as other policies and procedures of DCCYH, CAHA, and USA Hockey. The Travel or House Disciplinary Committees are described in provisions earlier in this document and shall apply to all players, parents, coaches, and others involved in the activities of DCCYH.

Individual Team Rules Travel

Each Coach is responsible for providing all players and parents on that team with a list of all team rules. Parents and players will acknowledge receipt of these rules, which will be understood and agreed to by all involved. In general, behavior such as fighting, foul language, temper tantrums on or off the ice and stick banging will not be tolerated.

House Division Rules

All players will have a concentrated program of skill development principally involving skating instruction and hockey fundamentals. 8 and Under will participate in the USA Hockey ADM Program of skill development. This program will place great emphasis on the development of skating and basic hockey skills. The USA Hockey Initiation Program and Coaching Achievement Program shall serve as guide lines for the type of instruction to be emphasized. Modified games will be played and players will be rotated through all positions. Players may be moved up through the 8 and under program during the year as their skills develop. The decision to move a player within the 8 and under program will be made after consulting the Coach, Division Coordinator, and VP of House along with the parents of the player involved.

Squirts & Older

At this level, positional and team skills, as well as individual skills are taught. This is not competitive hockey. Emphasis will still be placed on instruction and development of skills. Standard USA Hockey rules will prevail except as modified by the Colorado Amateur Hockey Association and DCCYH. A 3 minute warm up before each game from the start of the official ice time. Two fifteen (15) minute running periods and one twelve minute stop time period. Experience as a coach in the age level requested. If it appears that the last period will exceed the allotted ice time, the last period will be running time. If the game ends before the allotted ice time, the teams may use the time for practice or other uses.

7.0 Equipment

Coaches Equipment DCCYH requires the use of helmets for all coaches for all practices. Each coach needs to provide all of their own personal equipment.

Players Equipment

Players need to provide all of their own equipment: USA Hockey approved helmet and face masks, mouth guard, jerseys (see below), shoulder pads, elbow pads, gloves, skates, breezers, socks, cup and supporter, shin guards and stick. All equipment should be labeled with the player's name and should be checked monthly. Skate blades need to be sharpened at regular intervals throughout the season. It is the parent's/player's responsibility to be sure equipment is in good repair prior to practices and games.

Team Equipment

DCCYH will provide each House team, 8 and Under through PeeWee, upon request with one set of goalie equipment to include: pads, monkey-suite, glove, and blocker. This will allow skaters an opportunity to play goalie without having to purchase the entire set of equipment. DCCYH will provide each team with water bottles, playboards, puck bag, pucks, and first aid kits. All team equipment must be returned or replaced at the end of the season.

Jerseys

Each Travel Division player is required by CAHA to have two game jerseys (one home & one away). New jerseys may be purchased through the Association. New jerseys will be ordered during try-outs or as applicable. Players need to bring both jerseys to all games. Player name tags have been eliminated and are not to be on the jerseys unless approved by the DCCYH Board of Directors in which case they will generally be ordered at the time of purchase for the game jerseys or as applicable.

Dress Code

The dress code for players will be recommended by the head coach and voted on by all team parents with majority being the decision maker. Player’s team warm-up jackets and pants are available through the Merchandise Coordinator. Some teams may decide to purchase team specific jackets, pants, etc. This decision must be voted on by all team parents with majority being the decision maker. The dress code for Miners teams’ players will be recommended by the head coach.

8.0 Parent Participation

All of us want to provide the best possible hockey experience for our children. There is a lot of work to be done to make this happen. Parents and adult relatives are encouraged to get involved! Learn how to run the clock, keep score, plan a party for the kids or do any of the hundreds of things that need to be done to make the year a success. The Team Representative has a list of all the jobs that need to be done throughout the year. The more you get involved, the more fun you'll have. Please be supportive of your player's coach and all of his/her teammates. Enthusiastic support during the games is appreciated by all of the players -- remember to cheer for the team and show good sportsmanship to the "other side. "The DCCYH Travel and House programs will promote sportsmanship and team play and work to build individual self-esteem and character. To ensure we work together to meet these objectives, parents should answer the following questions:

Why did I register my child for this hockey program?

The answer should be, "so that my child will have a positive, rewarding and fun experience learning and playing the game of hockey, which will benefit my child in his/her growth and development." It is important to be reminded that we as parents register our children in hockey programs for our children's benefit, and not our own. It is easy to fall into the mistake of living our athletic fantasies through our child's play.

What are my expectations of this program?

The answer should be, "to expect a safe, fun, rewarding and positive athletic experience for my child to enhance his/her physical, mental, and social growth development." Even teams with losing records can have a successful season! "To develop my child into a college or professional hockey player", is neither a healthy or proper expectation. A very small percentage of athletes ever become college or professional athletes. To develop pro hockey players is not the goal of the DCCYH program.

How should I measure the degree of success of my child's experience in this program?

The best answer is, "by the degree of positive growth, development and fun that my child has experienced in this program." All so often, parents measure the degree of success simply by the team's win/loss record. Granted, winning in important, however, at the end of the game the hidden questions should be: Did my child enjoy the activity? Was it fun? Did he/she learn good sportsmanship? Did he/she develop his/her hockey skills? Improve? Did he/she experience any growth in the team concept, physical, mental, or social health? Did my child learn to respect authority? Does he/she want to play hockey again? Remember, most young hockey players will long remember the fun times and exciting moments with their friends/teammates, and will soon forget their team's win/loss record. How and when can I or should I influence my child's experience in this hockey program? This is where the role of the hockey parent is so important. Many of life's values, ethics, and lessons are learned through youth athletics. Hockey parents set the standards and become the role model for these important ideals, which are played out in youth athletics. For example, when a hockey parent screams at the official after a questionable judgment call, the child learns a lesson in sportsmanship and respect for authority, which he/she will carry into adulthood. When a hockey parent tells his child to manipulate a rule to win the game, the child learns a lesson in winning and losing (in other words - win at all costs!). When a hockey parent makes excuses for the team's losses, the child never learns how to lose. When a hockey parent bad talks the coach on the way home from or to the game or practice then the child learns disrespect for coaches and maybe his/her future boss. The fact is, hockey parents are teaching their children important lessons and values of life whenever those subtle messages are learned through sport, and more importantly, these lessons are carried with the child into their adulthood. The hockey parent has an important role and a tremendous influence on their child's experience in the DCCYH program. If hockey parents keep in mind the philosophy of DCCYH when talking to their child about hockey or when attending games, then the child will likely enjoy the experience a lot more and will have a better opportunity to develop and grow in a positive fashion to their potential.

9.0 Internal Board Operating Policies: Record Retention Policy

DCCYH will retain records in an orderly fashion for time periods that comply with legal and government requirements. The following holding periods will be utilized for the maintenance of the documents listed below. Accounting Records Accounts Payable 7 years Accounts Receivable 7 years Audit Reports Permanent Chart of Accounts Permanent Depreciation Schedules Permanent Expense Reports 7 years Financial Statements (annual) Permanent General Ledger and General Journals Permanent Purchase Orders and Correspondence 7 years Purchase Requisitions 2 years Tax Returns and Working Reports Permanent Trial Balances (annual) Permanent Bank Records Bank Reconciliations 3 years Bank Statements 7 years Canceled Checks 7 years Corporate Records Board Minutes Permanent Bylaws, Charters, Articles of Incorporation Permanent Business Licenses Permanent Legal and Tax Correspondence Permanent Contracts – Minor Life + 4 years Insurance Policies, Accident, Claims Life + 4 years CAHA League, Association, and Independent Team Members shall establish a record retention policy that addresses accounting, bank, corporate, and employee records as appropriate. Additional records that may be applicable to the CAHA membership include: Accounting Records Loan Payment Schedules 7 years Fixed Asset Purchases Permanent Bank Records Checks for Capital Purchase Permanent Electronic Payment Records 7 years Petty Cash Vouchers 3 years Corporate Records Contracts – Major Permanent Contracts – Minor Life + 4 years Insurance Policies, Accident, Claims Life + 4 years Leasehold Improvements Permanent Lease Payment Records Lift + 4 years Employee Records Benefit Plans Permanent Employee Files (Terminated) 10 years Employee Applications 1 year Payroll Records and Employee Taxes 7 years.

Whistleblower Policy

A whistleblower as defined by this policy is a DCCYH member, volunteer, or board member of DCCYH who reports an activity that he or she considers to be illegal or dishonest to one or more other parties specified in this policy. The whistleblower is not responsible for investigating the activity or for determining fault or corrective measures; appropriate management officials are charged with these responsibilities. Examples of illegal or dishonest activities are violations of federal, state or local laws; billing for services not performed or for goods not delivered; and other fraudulent financial reporting. If a member or volunteer has knowledge of or a concern of illegal or dishonest fraudulent activity, the member or volunteer is to contact the DCCYH Legal Advisor and President who are responsible for investigation and coordinating corrective action. The member or volunteer must exercise sound judgment to avoid baseline allegation. A member or volunteer who intentionally files a false report of wrongdoing will be subject to discipline up to and including suspension. Whistleblower protections are to cover two important areas: confidentiality and retaliation. Insofar as possible, the confidentiality of the whistleblower will be maintained. However, identity may have to be disclosed to conduct a thorough investigation, to comply with the law and to provide accused individuals of their legal rights of defense. There shall be no retaliation against a whistleblower. This includes, but is not limited to, protection from retaliation in the form of an adverse action such as suspension, fines or threats of physical harm. Any whistleblower who believes he or she is being retaliated against must contact the DCCYH Legal Advisor and President immediately. The right of the whistleblower for protection against retaliation does not include immunity for any personal wrongdoing that is alleged and investigated. Members or volunteer with any questions regarding this policy should contact the DCCYH President or Legal Advisor.

Conflict of Interest

Conflicts of interest have the potential to cause legal problems as well as embarrassment for DCCYH, Colorado Amateur Hockey Association (CAHA) and USA Hockey. While transactions involving conflicts of interest are not prohibited, they must be duly considered by the DCCYH Board, based on disclosures as may be required by DCCYH. The conflict of interest policy defined in the USA Hockey Annual Guide is intended to help directors, officers, and certain other persons identify situations that present possible conflicts of interest and to provide a procedure whereby such potential conflicts may be reviewed by an appropriate party when necessary. DCCYH has adopted USA Hockey conflict of interest policy and DCCYH Board Members shall provide, in writing, acknowledgement of conflict of interest policy.

10.0 Financial Reporting to Membership

As a part of DCCYH’s Annual Meeting, DCCYH shall present or otherwise have the DCCYH Financial Report available for examination by the membership. DCCYH’s Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Form 990 for the prior year may be examined at the office of the Registered Agentor another DCCYH office after filing by DCCYH.

11.0 Amendments to These Policies & Procedures

Amendments to these Policies and Procedures may be made by the DCCYH Board of Directors from time to time.

By-Laws

Article I

The name of this corporation is Denver Country Club Youth Hockey Association and may be referred to as DCCYH, the Corporation, or the “Association”. The address of the Corporation shall be 1700 E 1st Ave Denver, CO 80218, or such other place within Denver County, Colorado, as the Board of Directors may determine from time-to-time. The Corporation may do business under one or more trade names duly registered with the State of Colorado.

Article II Purpose

A. The Corporation shall have as its purpose the promotion and encouragement of youth and young adult amateur ice hockey in the greater Denver metropolitan area. The Corporation is an affiliate of the Colorado Amateur Hockey Association (“CAHA”) and USA Hockey, Inc. (“USAHockey”). As such, the Association abides by all CAHA, and USA Hockey rules and regulations.

B. Contained within such purpose are the following objectives:
1. To foster, develop and promote youth ice hockey providing opportunities for players to reach their maximum potential;
2. To foster, develop and promote a developmental program which stresses yearly measurable improvement in the areas of individual skills and team play;
3. To provide a fun and encouraging environment for all youth under the direction of qualified adult leadership;
4. To promote sportsmanship amongst coaches, players and parents;
5. To develop the technical and teaching skills of the coaches;
6. To use fund-raising and volunteer resources to minimize cost to individual participants;
7. To develop character, sportsmanship, and physical fitness among the youth;
8. To promote, encourage, and improve the standards of youth amateur ice hockey and to introduce the sport of ice hockey to the youth of the metropolitan area;
9. To foster, develop, promote and sustain a mutually beneficial relationship between CAHA, USA Hockey and the Corporation.
10. To conduct an amateur hockey program consistent with the rules and regulations of the CAHA and USA Hockey.

Article III Non-Profit Tax Exempt Status

A. The Corporation is organized exclusively for charitable and educational purposes under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or the corresponding section of any future federal tax code.

B. No part of the net earnings of the corporation shall inure to the benefit of, or be These Bylaws may only be amended at the Annual Meeting of the membership or at a Special Meeting of the membership called for the purpose of determining such amendment(s). In order for any such amendment to pass, at least 2/3 of the ballots cast must favor such amendment. Copyright 2019 DCCYH. All Rights Reserved to its members, trustees, officers, or other private persons, except that the corporation shall be authorized and empowered to pay reasonable compensation for services rendered and to make payments and distributions in furtherance of the purposes set forth in the previous paragraph. No substantial part of the activities of the corporation shall be the carrying on of propaganda, or otherwise attempting to influence legislation, and the corporation shall not participate in, or intervene in (including the publishing or distribution of statements) any political campaign on behalf of or in opposition to any candidate for public office.

C. Notwithstanding any other provision of these articles, the corporation shall not carry on any other activities not permitted to be carried on (a) by a corporation exempt from federal income tax under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or the corresponding section of any future federal tax code, or (b) by a corporation, contributions to which are deductible under section 170(c)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code, or the corresponding section of any future federal tax code.

D. Notwithstanding any other provision of these articles, this corporation shall not, except to an insubstantial degree, engage in any activities or exercise any powers that are not in furtherance of the purposes of this corporation.

E. Upon the dissolution of the corporation, assets shall be distributed for one or more exempt purposes within the meaning of section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or the corresponding section of any future federal tax code, or shall be distributed to the federal government, or to a state or local government, for a public purpose. Any such assets not so disposed of shall be disposed of by a Court of Competent Jurisdiction of the county in which the principal office of the corporation is then located, exclusively for such purposes or to such organization or organizations, as said Court shall determine, which are organized and operated exclusively for such purposes.

Article IV Membership

A. Qualification. One parent or legal guardian who presently has, or within the past 24 months has had, a child registered to play hockey for a team that is a recognized team of the Corporation, and who is in good financial standing, is a member of this non-profit corporation. Any non-parent coach who is, or has been within the past 24 months, rostered for a team that is a recognized team of the Corporation and who is in good financial standing, is a member of this non-profit corporation. Further: (i) in the event a nomination and election for any Board of Directors’ position is not made due to lack of a qualified candidate, then the existing Board member shall continue to serve until a replacement is duly made by the Board or at a subsequent election and that Board member shall be a member; and (ii) any board members elected pursuant to the provisions of these bylaws shall be deemed a member.

B. Voting Rights. Each member is entitled to cast a vote for each player in that member’s family who is presently registered, or has been within the past 24 months registered, to play hockey for a team that is a recognized team of the Corporation, and who is in good financial standing. A non-parent coach that qualifies as a member in this Article IV, subsection A above shall be entitled to one vote. In order for a parent or legal guardian member to cast a vote, he or she must meet the qualifications as defined in Article IV, subsection A above and have been designated as the “voting member” on such qualified player’s last registration form filed with the Corporation or designated as the voting member most recently designated in writing to the Corporation. In the event any parent “voting member” is unable to cast his or her vote, he or she may assign such right, by a written assignment, to any other parent or guardian of such player.

C. Charitable Activities. As a condition of membership, members shall be required to assist with such charitable gaming operations authorized by the State of Colorado, to include but not be limited to raffles, as the Board may require.

D. Suspension. Any member’s failure to pay any fee or other sum of money as determined to be due by the Board of Directors or failure to participate in any DCCYH required charitable gaming operations shall suspend the membership of a member, including all voting rights and privileges, and shall also suspend the opportunity of such member's child to participate in practices or games. Membership, including all voting rights and privileges, and participation in practices and games by the member's child, shall be reinstated upon fulfillment of the member's financial obligations and any other criteria imposed as part of the suspension by the Board of Directors.

E. Rights. A member may be suspended or expelled, after due notice and an opportunity for a hearing, for conduct detrimental to the Corporation, by the vote of two thirds of the Board of Directors. The Secretary shall provide at least ten (10) days' notice to such member and to the members of the Board prior to the meeting at which such matter is to be considered. Such member shall be offered an opportunity to be heard at such meeting and to present testimony and other evidence in response to the charge or charges against him/her prior to any final disposition by the Board.

Article V Membership Meetings

A. Annual Meeting. The Annual Meeting of the members of the Corporation for the election of officers and directors of the Corporation and the transaction of such business as may properly come before the meeting shall be held in April or May of each year at a place and time determined by the Board of Directors.

B. Special Meetings. Special Meetings of the members of the Corporation for any purpose maybe called at any time by the President or two-thirds of the Board of Directors. Such meetings may be held electronically, at the discretion of the Board.

C. Notice. Notice of the date, place and time of the Annual Meeting, and, in the case of a Special Meeting, the general nature of the business to be transacted, shall be given or caused to be given by the Secretary to each member household by e-mail at least fifteen (15) days prior to such meeting. If a proposed amendment to these Bylaws is to be determined at such meeting, such proposed amendment shall be included with such notice or otherwise be made available to the members on the Corporation’s website. Such notice shall be given in writing via e-mail unless the President or a majority of the Board of Directors shall otherwise direct.

D. Quorum. The members present at the Annual Meeting or Special Meeting shall constitute a quorum. Except as otherwise provided by these Bylaws, all elections and all issues voted upon at the Annual Meeting or Special Meeting shall be decided by a simple majority of votes cast.

E. Rules of Procedure. The rules contained in the current edition of Robert’s Rules of Order, as Revised, shall govern the Corporation in all cases in which they are applicable and in which they are not in conflict with these Bylaws and any special rules of order the Corporation may adopt.

Article VI Board of Directors

A. Directors. The number of Directors shall be up to five (5) voting members plus the past president and up to two (2) legal advisors. The Board of Directors shall be elected from the membership of the Corporation except that up to two of the At Large Directors and the Legal Advisor(s) may be non-members at the time of their nomination and election. All Directors shall also serve as Officers of the Corporation and shall be elected as such. In the event a full slate of Directors is not elected by the membership, or in the event vacancies are created by resignation or otherwise, the Board of Directors may nominate and elect additional Directors to fill such vacancies for the remaining term of such vacant office. Directors shall cease to be qualified to occupy a position on the DCCYH Board of Directors if such Director has registered his/her child or ward in a program with another hockey organization where such program is competing with the programs offered by DCCYH.

B. Quorum. A majority of the number of voting Directors in office shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at any meeting of the Board of Directors.

C. Meetings. Meetings of the Board of Directors shall be held monthly and may be called by the President or, on request of any three Directors, shall be called by the Secretary. Notice of the date, place and time of the Board Meeting shall be given or caused to be given to each Board member by electronic mail at least twenty-four (24) hours prior to such meeting. Meetings of the Board of Directors may be held by conference call or other electronic means. The President shall preside over meetings. If the President is absent, the Vice-President shall preside. If the Vice-President is absent, them the Board of Directors present shall select a member to preside over the meeting by a majority vote.

D. Terms. The term of office of each member of the Board of Directors shall be two (2) years,except when the President moves into the position of Past President, which shall be also a two (2) year term. The terms of office for the President, Secretary and two of the five At Large Directors and one Legal Advisor shall expire when the end of the season falls in an odd numbered year. Should the President not run for re-election for the position of President, then that individual shall be automatically elected to the position of Past President for a two-year term non-voting position on the Board whether or not he/she continues to qualify as a member of the Association. The remaining positions of Vice-President, Business Manager/Treasurer, the other three of the five At Large Directors and the second Legal Advisor (if there are two) shall expire when the end of season falls in an even numbered year, with the goal to have (1) or less Directors running for election each year and to ensure continuity of the Board. In the event a nomination and election for any position are not made, then the existing Board member for that position shall continue to serve in that position until a replacement is duly made at a subsequent election.

E. Qualifications. All nominees for Directors must meet minimum requirements for the position being sought pursuant to the Job Descriptions for each position as set, and amended from time-to-time, by the Board of Directors. All nominees shall be members at the time of nomination except as follows: I. The Legal Advisors do not have to be members; II. Up to two At Large Directors may be non-members at the time of nomination if they are deemed by the Board of Directors to have education, training, experience and/or other unique qualifications that are deemed important for the operations and mission of the Corporation. Neither the Legal Advisors nor the At Large positions may have registered his/her child or ward in a program with another hockey organization where such program is competing with the programs offered by DCCYH; and III. The nomination of any such non-member must be approved by the Board of Directors.

F. Vacancies. Vacancies occurring due to the appointment of a current Director to a new position may be replaced by the Board of Directors. Such appointed individual shall fill the remainder of the term of the individual being replaced.

G. Nominating Committee. I. Approximately 3 months before the Annual Meeting, the Past President shall appoint a Nominating Committee whose purpose shall be to place before the membership a slate of candidates to serve as Officers and Directors of the Board of Directors for the period described herein. The Nominating Committee shall consist of seven members, as follows: the immediate Past President of the Corporation, the President, two active Directors and three members of the Corporation that are not serving on the Board of Directors. The immediate Past-President will serve as the Chair of the Nominating Committee. If the immediate Past President is unable or unwilling to serve, or if the board of Directors determines that it is not in Corporation’s best interest for him or her to serve in that role, the Board of Directors shall select a member of the Corporation to serve in that role for all purposes. II. Agreement of Nominees. In accepting candidacy for Director positions, the nominees agree to serve in any capacity requested by the President. III. Presenting the Slate. At least 3 weeks before the Annual Meeting, the Nominating Committee shall present to the membership the names of the Officers and Directors nominated to fill vacancies occurring on the Board of Directors.

H. Nomination by Others. Within seven days following the presentation of the report of the Nominating Committee, any Member may nominate any other Member in good financial standing to any vacancy which may exist for the up-coming term. Such nomination must be in writing, shall include a statement signed by the nominee of his or her willingness to serve, must be countersigned by five other Members, and shall specify the position for which the nominee is to be a candidate. Such nomination must be delivered to the President not later than 7 days following the presentation of the report by the Nominating Committee. No nominations may be made thereafter.

I. Voting and Elections. During the Annual Meeting or any Special Membership Meeting, no election materials shall be distributed within the election facility of such meeting by a candidate or proponent of a corporate document change. The candidate receiving the greatest number of votes shall be elected to the position on the Board for which such election is held. In the event of proposed changes to the corporate documents of the Corporation, changes may be acted upon as a whole, unless a specific item is called for discussion by a Board Member or there is a motion from a qualified voting member of the Membership at such meeting requesting a separate vote on any one item. (Any items called up for separate consideration shall be acted upon following the vote on the other Amendments as a whole.) In the case of a corporate document change ballot proposal, should the proposal receive more votes for the proposal than against, the proposal shall be deemed approved by the Membership and shall take effect immediately upon close of the election unless the proposal otherwise dictated.

J. During the intervals between the meetings of the members of the Corporation, the Board of Directors shall have, and may exercise, all of the powers of the Corporation in the management of the business and affairs of the Corporation in such manner as the Board may deem as being in the best interests of the Corporation. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Board shall have the power to fill vacancies in any office in the Corporation.

K. The Board of Directors shall, among other things, be responsible for the overall Association program, the job descriptions, and the policies and procedures of the Corporation. The Board may partially delegate the implementation of a portion of these activities as the Board deems appropriate to an Executive Director hired by the Corporation.

L. Any member of the Board of Directors who has failed to attend at least one-half of the regularly scheduled Board meetings, or misses more than 3 consecutive Board meetings, shall be subject to removal from the Board. Removal shall take place only after the Secretary has provided such Director with due notice, and the Board shall provide the Director with an opportunity for a hearing at a regularly scheduled or special Board meeting prior to disposition of the matter. A majority vote of the Board of Directors (excluding the offending Director) shall be required for removal of a Director under this section.

M. Any member of the Board of Directors who, in the opinion of the Board of Directors, has failed to adequately fulfill the duties of his or her position shall be subject to removal from the Board. Removal shall take place only after the Secretary has provided such Director with due notice, and the Board shall provide such Director with an opportunity for a hearing at a regularly scheduled or special Board meeting prior to disposition of the matter. A 2/3 vote of the Board of Directors present at such meeting (excluding the offending Director) shall be required for removal of a Director under this subsection.

N. The Corporation may retain independent contractors, vendors, consultants, coaches and/or employees for conduct the business of the Corporation and all Corporation business not handled by the Directors, Officers, and/or volunteers. All control over the activities relating to the terms of agreements with independent contractors, vendors, consultants, coaches and/or employees shall be retained by the Board of Directors as a whole and shall not be granted to any particular member of the Board or to any officer of the Corporation. Annually, the Board of Directors may review and approve limited stipends or reimbursements to volunteers. In the event that the Corporation hires any Executive Director, the Executive Director shall report to the Board of Directors and shall in general be supervised and controlled on a daily basis reporting to the Board’s President, or in the President’s absence, the Past President as described herein.

O. Transition. By approving these Amended and Restated Bylaws, it is the intent of the Members to provide for the continuity of all business matters that have been undertaken pursuant to the existing Bylaws (Amended and Restated 5/2/16) and to immediately transition to doing business under these Amended and Restated Bylaws. Therefore, the Members expressly: a) ratify all matters and agreements that are in existence as of the date of the approval of these Amended and Restated Bylaws without the requirement that such matters and agreements requiring further action; and b) agree that an election of Directors shall occur immediately following the successful election for approval of these Amended and Restated Bylaws so that the Association shall immediately commence governance under these Amended and Restated Bylaws; and c) agree and intend that the Directors elected pursuant hereto shall immediately take office and be able to conduct the business of the Association. Said election of Directors shall include: 1.Vice President 2. Business Manager/Treasurer 3. Five of Five At Large Directors: Two for One Year Term and Three for Two Year Term 4. Legal Advisors: One for One Year Term and One for Two Year Term; and) understand and acknowledge that the Directors presently serving in the positions noted below shall continue to the completion of their respective terms as if elected under these Amended and Restated Bylaws including: 1. President.

Article VII Officers

A. The Officers of the Association shall be as follows: President, Vice President, Past President,Business Manager/Treasurer, Secretary, five At Large positions and up to two Legal Advisors. All Officers shall also serve as Directors of the Corporation and the minimum duties of these positions noted below shall be maintained by the member holding such office together with the requirements of the Job Descriptions as amended from time-to-time and published by the Board of Directors. The Past President and Legal Advisors shall be non-voting members.

B. A vacancy in any office because of death, resignation, removal, disqualification, or otherwise, may be filled by an affirmative vote at a duly called Board meeting of a majority of the whole Board of Directors for the unexpired portion of the term of office.

C. The President shall be the principal Executive Officer of the Board and shall in general supervise and control all business and affairs of the Board. The President shall preside at all meetings of the members and of the Board of Directors. The President may sign, with the Secretary and any other proper Officer of the Association authorized by the Board of Directors, any deeds, mortgages, bonds, contracts, or other instruments which the Board of Directors has authorized to be executed. In general, the President shall perform all duties incident to the Office of President and such other duties as may be prescribed by the Board of Directors from time to time. In the absence of the President or in the event of the President’s inability or refusal to act, the Vice President shall perform the duties of the President and when so acting, shall have all the powers of and be subject to all restrictions upon the President. At the time of nomination and election, a candidate for President must have been a member of the Corporation in good standing for two years. In the event that the Corporation hires any Executive Director, the Executive Director shall report to the Board of Directors and shall, in general, be supervised on a daily basis by the Board’s President, or in the President’s absence, the Vice President as described herein.

D. The Past President, shall provide the Board with the benefit of his or her experience.

E. The Vice President shall assist the President and shall assume the duties and responsibilities of the President in the event the President is absent or unable to perform his/her duties.

F. The Secretary shall keep the minutes of all meetings of the Association in an appropriate minute book, give or serve all notices required by law, be a custodian of the Association’s records, sign official documents of the Association that require the signature of the Secretary,and perform such other duties of the Secretary as required by law or that may be delegated by Staff.

G. The Business Manager/Treasurer shall have the responsibility for planning, monitoring and adjusting the financial plan, budgeting, risk (insurance) plan, procurement processes, accounts receivable process, payments process, and other assignments delegated by the President. The Business Manager shall supervise and oversee the accounting consultant(s) with any Executive Director hired by the Corporation. The Business Manager/Treasurer shall have the responsibility for planning, monitoring and adjusting the overall DCCYH calendar plan and budget with the Executive Director.

H. The At Large Directors shall serve in such rolls as they are given by the Board.

I. The Legal Advisor(s) shall provide general legal counsel to the Corporation; one of the Legal Advisors shall be the registered agent of the Corporation; shall be custodian of the Corporate records; and either or both shall oversee any third-party attorneys or other professionals retained by the Corporation for the purposes, including, but not limited to, contracts and legal matters. At the time of nomination and election and throughout his/her term, a candidate for Legal Advisor must be a Colorado Licensed Attorney. He/she shall be deemed a member of the corporation.

Article VIII Indemnification

A. Every director, officer or agent of the Corporation shall be indemnified by the Corporation against all expenses and liabilities, including counsel fees, reasonably incurred by or imposed against him in connection with any proceeding to which he may be made a party, or in which he may become involved, by reason of his being or having been a Director, Officer, or agent of the Association, whether or not he/she is a Director, Officer or agent at the time such expenses are incurred, except in any case wherein the Director, Officer or agent is adjudged guilty of willful misfeasance, malfeasance, or fraud in the performance of his duties.

B. In the event of a settlement, the indemnification provided herein shall apply only when the Board of Directors approves such settlement as being in the best interests of the Corporation.

C. Any indemnification by the Corporation shall be allowed only to the extent permissible under applicable law.

D. The Board of Directors shall purchase liability insurance in order to implement the provisions of this Article.

Article IX Fiscal Year

The fiscal year of the Corporation shall be from July 1 through June 30 of each year.

Article X Amendments to Bylaws

These Bylaws may only be amended at the Annual Meeting of the membership or at a Special Meeting of the membership called for the purpose of determining such amendment(s). In order for any such amendment to pass, at least 2/3 of the ballots cast must favor such amendment. Copyright 2019 DCCYH. All Rights Reserved

Safe Sport Program

Introduction

Introduction to the CAHA SafeSport Handbook

Denver Country Club is committed to improving the skill development, the safety and the welfare of our athletes. The SafeSport Program is designed to provide clear guidelines and expectations for all players, coaches and organization members on:

1. Abuse or misconduct prevention strategies

2. Appropriate behavior

3. Effective response to concerns

Unfortunately, youth sports can be a place where misconduct, including physical and sexual abuse has the potential to occur. This Denver Country Club approved document will provide the guidelines for appropriate behavior in hopes that the risk of abuse will be minimized. These measures, while aimed at protecting youth, also serve to better protect adult coaches and volunteers.

USA Hockey and Colorado Amateur Hockey Association (CAHA) has long had systems in place to protect its participants from physical abuse, sexual abuse and other types of abuse and misconduct that can be harmful to youth hockey players and other participants. These include without limitation Physical Abuse, Sexual Abuse, Screening, Locker Room Supervision, and Hazing Policies, in addition to Codes of Conduct applicable to administrators, coaches, officials, parents, players and spectators. All forms of abuse and misconduct are prohibited by CAHA. This SafeSport Handbook collects USA Hockey’s and CAHA’s various policies to protect its participants from all types of misconduct and abuse.

CAHA requires all members to fully participate in both the CAHA Safesport Handbook and the USA Hockey SafeSport handbook. In 2017 the U.S. Center for Safesport opened and will now have jurisdiction over sexual misconduct reports and violations. CAHA members are required to report these violations to the U.S. Center for Safesport, USA Hockey, Denver Country Club Safesport coordinator or Michelle Peterson.

Bullying

Bullying is the use of coercion to obtain control over another person or to be habitually cruel to another person. Bullying involves an intentional, persistent or repeated pattern of committing or willfully tolerating physical and non-physical behaviors that are intended to cause fear, humiliation, or physical harm in an attempt to socially exclude, diminish, or isolate another person. Bullying can occur through written, verbal or electronically transmitted expression or by means of a physical act or gesture. Bullying behavior is prohibited in any manner in connection with any USA Hockey sanctioned activities or events.

Examples of bullying prohibited by this Policy include, without limitation physical behaviors, including punching, kicking or choking; and verbal and emotional behaviors, including, the use of electronic communications (i.e., “cyber bullying”), to harass, frighten, degrade, intimidate or humiliate. Bullying does not include group or team behaviors that are reasonably designed to establish normative team behaviors or promote team cohesion. Bullying also does not include rough play or conduct between opponents that occurs during or in connection with a game that is covered by the USA Hockey Playing Rules. Such conduct should be addressed under the Playing Rules.

Threats

A threat to harm others is defined as any written, verbal, physical or electronically transmitted expression of intent to physically injure or harm someone else. A threat may be communicated directly to the intended victim or communicated to a third party. Threatening behavior is prohibited in any manner in connection with any USA Hockey sanctioned activities or events.

Any USA Hockey participant or parent of a participant who engages in any act of threatening or harassing behavior is subject to appropriate disciplinary action including but not limited to suspension, permanent suspension, and/or referral to law enforcement authorities. The severity and pattern, if any, of the threatening behavior and/or result shall be taken into consideration when disciplinary decisions are made.

Harassment

Harassment includes any pattern of physical and/or non-physical behaviors that (a) are intended to cause fear, humiliation, or annoyance, (b) offend or degrade, (c) create a hostile environment, or (d) reflect discriminatory bias in an attempt to establish dominance, superiority, or power over an individual participant or group based on gender, race, ethnicity, culture, religion, sexual orientation, gender expression, or mental or physical disability.

Examples of harassment prohibited by this Policy include, without limitation such non-physical offenses as (a) making negative or disparaging comments about a participant’s gender, sexual orientation, gender expression, mental or physical disability, race, religion, skin color, ethnic traits or other legally protected grounds; (b) displaying offensive materials, gestures, or symbols; and (c) withholding or reducing practice or playing time to a participant based on his/her sexual orientation, gender expression (not to include prohibitions on participation when eligibility is based on gender), disability, religion, skin color, ethnic traits or any legally protected grounds. Sexual harassment is a type of harassment covered under the USCSS Policies and Procedures.

Hazing

There shall be no hazing of any participant involved in any of USA Hockey’s Member Programs by any employee, volunteer, independent contractor or other participant.

Hazing includes any conduct which is intimidating, humiliating, offensive, or physically harmful. The hazing conduct is typically an activity that serves as a condition for joining a group or being socially accepted by a group’s members.

Examples of hazing prohibited by this Policy include, without limitation, requiring or forcing (including through peer pressure) the consumption of alcohol or illegal drugs; tying, taping, or physically restraining a participant; sexual simulations or sexual acts of any nature; sleep deprivation, or the withholding of water and/or food; social actions (e.g. grossly inappropriate or provocative clothing) or public displays(e.g. public nudity) that are illegal or meant to draw ridicule; beating, paddling, or other forms of physical assault, and verbal abuse or threats or implied threats. The activity known as “Locker Boxing” (fighting with helmet and gloves) is also a form of hazing that can produce head trauma in children and young adults and is prohibited in any USA Hockey Member Program.

CAHA SafeSport Program

A set of Policies and Procedures at the state level created by Colorado Amateur Hockey Association(CAHA) aimed at the protection of its players, members, staff and volunteers in the prevention of abuse and misconduct. All CAHA Members, Leagues, Associations and Independent Teams must adhere to the Program.

CAHA SafeSport Coordinator

The CAHA SafeSport Coordinator is responsible for monitoring Association and Team compliance with the USA Hockey SafeSport Program and CAHA SafeSport Program.

Covered Individuals

Jurisdiction Over Covered Individuals Pursuant to the USOC National SafeSport Policy, the jurisdiction of the USCSS applies to (collectively, “Covered Individuals”):

1. Any individual who currently is, or was at the time of a possible SafeSport Code Violation, within the governance or disciplinary jurisdiction of the National Governing Body (NGB), and/or who is seeking to be within the governance or disciplinary jurisdiction of the NGB, for example through application for membership;

2. All individuals, both athletes and non-athletes, an NGB or the USOC formally authorizes, approves or appoints (i) to a position of authority over Athletes or (ii) to have frequent contact with Athletes; and

3. Additional individuals an NGB identifies as being within the Office’s jurisdiction.

USA Hockey has determined that Covered Individuals within USA Hockey and its programs includes:

(i) Those persons registered with USA Hockey as Registered Participant Members(players and coaches), referees, and the “Ice Manager/ Volunteer” category.

(ii) All persons serving as a member of USA Hockey’s Board of Directors, on a national level council, committee or section, or in any other similar positions appointed by USA Hockey
.
(iii) All coaches, officials or staff (e.g., trainers, physicians, equipment managers) for any USA Hockey team, camp or national level program.

(iv) All USA Hockey national staff.

(v) Any person that is elected or appointed by a USA Hockey Affiliate or Member Program to a position of authority over Athletes or that have frequent contact with Athletes (even if not registered with USA Hockey).

Child Physical Abuse

Abuse or Child Abuse or Neglect means an act or omission that threatens the health or welfare of a child in one of the following categories:

*Skin bruising, bleeding, malnutrition, failure to thrive, burns, and fracture of any bone, subdural hematoma, soft tissue swelling, or death and:

1. The condition or death is not justifiably explained.

2. The history given concerning the condition is at variance with the degree or type of such condition or death.

3. The circumstances indicate that the condition may not be the result of an accidental occurrence.

4. A controlled substance is manufactured in the presence of a child, on the premises where a child is found, or where a child resides.

5. A child test positive at birth for either a schedule I or II controlled substance, unless the child test positive for a schedule II controlled substance as a result of the mother’s lawful intake of such substance as prescribed.

Physical Abuse and Misconduct in Sport

It is the policy of USA Hockey that there shall be no physical abuse of any participant involved in any of its Member Programs by any employee, volunteer, independent contractor or other participant. Physical abuse means physical contact with a participant that intentionally causes or has the potential to cause the participant to sustain bodily harm or personal injury. Physical abuse also includes physical contact with a participant that intentionally creates a threat of immediate bodily harm or personal injury. Physical abuse may also include intentionally hitting or threatening to hit an athlete with objects or sports equipment. Physical abuse behaviors include but is not limited to the following: pulling, kicking, hitting, punching, slapping, pulling hair, pilling ears, grabbing, shoving, and hazing.

In addition to physical contact or the threat of physical contact of a participant, physical abuse also includes the providing of alcohol to a participant under the age of consent and the providing of illegal drugs or nonprescribed medications to any participant.

Sexual Abuse, Child Sexual Abuse and Misconduct

Sexual abuse involves any sexual activity with a minor where consent is not or cannot be given. This includes sexual contact with a minor that is accomplished by deception, manipulation, force or threat of force regardless of whether there is deception or the minor understands the sexual nature of the activity. The sexually abusive acts may include sexual penetration, sexual touching, or non-contact sexual acts such as verbal acts, sexually suggestive written or electronic communications, exposure or voyeurism. Many times, this behavior involves a minor and a person in a position of trust or position of power.

Prohibited sexual misconduct also includes romantic or sexual relationships between adults such as coaches or others in a position of trust and authority and minor participants.

All forms of sexual abuse and misconduct involving a covered individual will be investigated by the U.S. Center for SafeSport.

Emotional Abuse

When a participant is exposed or subjected to emotional abuse means an identifiable and substantial impairment or a substantial risk of impairment of the participants intellectual or psychological functioning or development. Examples of emotional abuse prohibited by this Policy include, without limitation: a pattern of (a) verbal behaviors that (i) attack a participant personally (e.g., calling them worthless, fat, or disgusting); or (ii) repeatedly and excessively yelling at a particular participant or participants in a manner that serves no productive motivational purpose; (b) physically aggressive behaviors, such as (i) throwing sport equipment, water bottles, or chairs at or near participants; or (ii) punching walls, windows, or other objects; and (c) acts that deny attention and support, such as ignoring a participant for extended periods of time, or routinely or arbitrarily excluding participants from practice or training.

Misconduct

Conduct which results in harm, the potential for harm or the imminent threat of harm. Age is irrelevant to misconduct. There are six types of misconduct in sport: emotional, physical, sexual, bullying, harassment and hazing.

Minor

Participant under the age of 18.

Peer to Peer Sexual Abuse/Misconduct

Approximately 1/3 of all sexual abuse occurs at the hands of peers, other minors, and the obligation to report extends to peer-to-peer sexual abuse. Peer-to-peer sexual abuse covers sexual activity between minors without equality or as a result of coercion, physical force, threats, trickery or emotional manipulation to elicit cooperation. There can be an aggressor, age difference or an imbalance in power or intellectual capabilities.

Grooming Behaviors

Grooming is the process of desensitization that predators use on minors to prepare and trick them into accepting sexual abuse. Grooming is a way for the perpetrator to gain trust and confidence and draws the victim into a secret sexual relationship. Grooming can include but is not limited to: targeting a victim, isolation, meeting the minor’s needs, giving a child special attention, buying gifts and having power and control over the minor.

Participant

Includes any person that is registered with USA Hockey or an Affiliate or Member Program to USA Hockey, and further includes , even if not so registered, any person that has regular, routine or frequent access to or supervision over minor participants, and all persons in a supervisory position of a USA Hockey Member Program.

Responsible Adult

Shall mean and refer to a person within a Member Program that has either been assigned or has assumed certain duties within a local program or for a particular team.

SafeSport Program

The Olympic community’s initiative to recognize, reduce and respond to misconduct in sport.

U.S. Center for SafeSport

USA Hockey has delegated the jurisdiction and authority to the U.S. Center for SafeSport to (1) investigate all reports or allegations of sexual abuse or misconduct (as referenced in Section 1 under Sexual Abuse and Misconduct Policy and defined by the U.S. Center for SafeSport), (2) issue any interim suspension or measures pending conclusion of the investigation, (3) make recommendations of sanctions or disciplinary action as a result of such investigation, and (4) adjudicate such matter

USA Hockey SafeSport Program

A set of Policies and Procedures that assist organizations in the prevention of abuse and misconduct as well as required training; screening and background check program; reporting and responding policies; and how to monitor and supervise. For more information on the USA Hockey SafeSport Program visit http://www.usahockey.com/SafeSport.aspx.

USOC

Will refer to the United States Olympic Committee.

USCSS

Will refer to the U.S. Center for SafeSport.

USCSS Policy and Procedures

Will refer to those certain procedures adopted by the USCSS for the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Movement’s sport National Governing Bodies, which may be found at www. safesport.org/response- resolution/policies.
 

Resources

Child Abuse Information	www.childwelfare.gov
CAHA SafeSport Coordinator Larry Oletski	[email protected] 303-908-0188
Local Police Number	720-913-1300
Local Social Services	720-934-3000
Denver Country Club SafeSport Coordinator (Peter Conlon)	[email protected]
Sex Offender Registration Website	www.sor.state.co.us
USA Hockey SafeSport Number	1-800-888-4656
USA Hockey SafeSport Email	[email protected]
USA Hockey SafeSport Website	www.usahockey.com/safesport
U.S. Center for SafeSport	www.safesport.org or 720-524-5640

For the following USA Hockey SafeSport sections please go to www.usahockey.com/safesport
SafeSport Educations and Awareness Training
SafeSport Screening and Background Program
SafeSport Responding to Abuse and Other Misconduct
SafeSport Monitoring and Supervision of the Program
 

Colorado Child Abuse Reporting Laws

What Constitutes Abuse:

Act or omission where child is subjected to sexual assault, molestation, exploitation, emotional abuse or prostitution; where child is in need of food, clothing, shelter, medical care or supervision because parent or guardian fails to do so; where child exhibits evidence of skin bruising, bleeding, malnutrition, burns fractures, etc.; or circumstances indicate a condition that may not be the product of an accidental occurrence

Mandatory Reporting Required By:

Physicians, child health associate, dentist, chiropractor, nurse, hospital personnel, school employee, social worker, mental health professional, veterinarian, peace officer, pharmacist, psychologist, fireman, victim’s advocate, commercial film and photographic print processor, clergyman, paid coaches of youth sport organizations

Basis of Report of Abuse/Neglect:

Reasonable cause to know or suspect that a child is subject to circumstances or conditions which would reasonable result in abuse or neglect

To Whom Reported:

County or district department of social services or local law enforcement agency

Penalty for Failure to Report or False Report:

Willful violation: Class 3 misdemeanor plus liability for proximately caused damages

For more information and definitions go to www.childwelfare.gov
 

Denver Country Club Code of Conduct

Denver Country Club is fully committed to safeguarding the welfare of all players and members of the organization. It recognizes the responsibility it has to promote safe practices to protect players from abuse and misconduct. Denver Country Club has adopted clear guidelines and protocols to minimize the opportunity for abuse and misconduct and to help staff, volunteers and parents recognize inappropriate or undesirable behavior. Denver Country Club is committed to embrace differences and diversity and respect the rights of all players and members and will follow these guiding principles:

· The welfare of each player is the primary concern.

· The rights, dignity and worth of all players should always be respected.

· All players, whatever their age, culture, race, ethnicity, mental or physical disability, ability, gender, language, racial origin, socio-economic status, sexual orientation, gender expression, genetics, religious belief, sexual identity, or skill level have the right to protection from all forms of abuse or misconduct.

· Denver Country Club will work in partnership with parents, players, staff, and volunteers to promote the welfare, health and development of our players.

Denver Country Club will:
· Promote and implement the USA Hockey and CAHA SafeSport Programs to safeguard the well- being of its players and to prevent abuse and misconduct from occurring.

· Recruit, train, support and supervise staff, members and volunteers to protect players from abuse and to reduce risk to them.

· Require staff, members and volunteers to adopt and abide by the USA Hockey and CAHA SafeSport Programs. ·Respond and report any allegations, disclosure or concern of misconduct or abuse of a player as stated in CAHA SafeSport and USA Hockey SafeSport Programs.

· Regularly monitor and evaluate the implementation of the SafeSport Program and make any necessary changes.

· Have open and regular communication with parents or guardian(s) of a player regarding any concerns or issues.

Electronic Communication Policy

Denver Country Club understands that social media is a popular communication tool for players, parents and coaches. Denver Country Club is also aware that social media is a venue where inappropriate behavior and misconduct can occur. The risk associated with social media include: inappropriate access, sharing personal information, bullying, unwanted and unsupervised contact between adults and minors, receiving unwanted material, online grooming for sexual abuse or actual unlawful sexual exploitation.

Failure to comply with CAHA SafeSport or USA Hockey SafeSport Program guidelines can result in disciplinary action. Denver Country Club has a zero tolerance rule when it comes to player safety and preventing abuse and misconduct.

Coaches are prohibited from having players joined to or connected through their personal Facebook page or any other similar social media application.

Texting, Email and Similar Electronic Communications

If it is necessary for a coach or staff member to send a direct text message or email to a player, the following guidelines must be followed: 

· A parent (or guardian) must be copied.

· It must be signed so it is clear as to whom or what organization is sending the message. Just using the number or email address for identification is not sufficient.

· It should be non-personal and for the purpose of communicating information about team activities.

· It should never include or contain offensive, sexual or inappropriate language or photos.

· The time of day and the number of messages sent should be considered .

· Records should be kept of every coach’s current cell number and email accounts.

When a player feels the need to text or email a coach or staff member, the following guidelines must be followed:

· A parent (or guardian) must be copied

· It should be sent only with information regarding the organization or team or club activities

Social Media (Facebook, Snapchat and Similar Sites)

·Coaches are not to have contact with players on any social media application.

·Players are never to post pictures of other club members or players that can be hurtful or embarrassing or without their permission.

·Protecting the identity and privacy of all Denver County Club’s players is required. Do not post names, photos or identifying information at any time.

·Players and parents can “friend” the official Denver Country Club page and coaches can communicate to players through the site. The communication must be open, transparent and professional in nature and for the purpose of communicating information about the team or club activities.

· Social media sites should not be used to abuse or criticize the organization, members or players.      

Request to Discontinue All Electronic Communication or Imagery with Athlete

Following receipt of a written request by the parents of a minor player that their child not be contacted through any form of electronic communication (text, email) by coaches or other adults in the program, the local program, team, coaches and administrators shall immediately comply with such request without any repercussions for such request.

Locker Room Policy

Denver Country Club wants all players to be safe on and off the ice. Denver Country Club is also aware that the locker rooms provide a place where abuse and misconduct can occur. Players are particularly vulnerable in locker rooms due to various stages of dress and undress and because players are less supervised. Player to player issues such as sexual abuse, bullying, hazing and harassment often occur when players are not supervised.
 
Adherence to Locker Room Guidelines can reduce opportunities for misconduct and abuse. It will also allow for a fun and safe place for players while still holding to hockey traditions. Denver Country Club asks that players and coaches follow USA Hockey and CAHA SafeSport Program guidelines at all times.

Denver Country Club requires all players and coaches to report to their Hockey Director any and all misconduct, abuse or violations immediately.

All programs are responsible to work with their teams and coaches to adequately ensure that locker room monitors are in place at all appropriate times. It is the policy of USA Hockey that all USA Hockey Member Programs must have at least one responsible screened adult (which may include coaches, managers or other volunteers) present monitoring the locker room during all team events to assure that only participants (coaches and players), approved team personnel and family members are permitted in the locker room and to supervise the conduct in the locker room.    

Player Behavior

·  Locker rooms and showers should be used by same aged peers when possible, no mixed gender allowed

· Opposite sex players should be provided separate changing and showering facilities.

· The showers are for showering only. No horseplay, urinating on others, physical contact, sexual activity or other forms of misconduct is allowed.

· No bullying, hazing, harassment, discrimination, fighting or locker boxing.

· Players are not permitted to touch other player’s genital area or their own in a way that will make others uncomfortable.

· The use of a mobile device’s recording capabilities in the locker rooms is not permitted at any USA Hockey sanctioned event, provided that it may be acceptable to take photographs or recordings in a locker room in such unique circumstances as a victory celebration, team party, etc., where all persons in the locker room are appropriately dressed and have been advised that photographs or recordings are being taken.

·  No pornographic materials are permitted in the locker room.

· Nudity is kept to a minimum. After showering players are asked to dress quickly.

· No drugs, alcohol or other illegal substances are allowed.

· No physical contact between players in a sexual nature is allowed.

· The locker room is not a place to criticize or humiliate teammates.

· Shower and changing at the club/organization are optional.

Co-Ed Locker Rooms

As a team sport in which youth teams can often include both male and female players, special circumstances may exist that can increase the chance of abuse or misconduct. If the team consists of both male and female players, both female and male privacy rights must be given consideration and appropriate arrangements made. It is not acceptable under USA Hockey’s Sexual Abuse Policy for persons to be observing the opposite gender while they dress or undress. There are a variety of ways to comply with the above tenets, and what works may depend on the locker rooms that are available at a particular facility. Where possible, the male and female players should undress/dress in separate locker rooms and then convene in a single dressing room prior to the game or team meeting. Once the game is finished, the players may come to one locker room and then the male and female players proceed to their separate dressing rooms to undress and shower (separately), if available. If separate locker rooms are not available, then the genders may take turns using the locker room to change and then leave while the other gender changes. When separate locker rooms are used, both locker rooms must be properly monitored. Where possible, when both male and female players are together in the locker room, there should be at least two adults in the locker room that have been properly screened in compliance with USA Hockey Screening Policy.

Coaches Behavior

· The responsible adult that monitors and supervises the locker room shall have completed SafeSport training and completed a background check through the association.

· Acceptable locker room monitoring could include having locker room monitors inside the locker room while participants are in the locker room, or could include having a locker room monitor in the immediate vicinity (near the door within arm’s length and so that the monitor can sufficiently hear inside the locker room) outside the locker room that also regularly and frequently enters the locker room to monitor activity inside

· If the monitor(s) are inside, then it is strongly recommended that there be two monitors, both of which have been screened.

· If a coach needs to speak to an individual player in the locker room, the door must remain open or another coach or parent must be present.

· Coaches should have a separate place to change and shower.

· Coaches are never to be nude among players.

· Locker room monitors are to report any SafeSport violations, misconduct or abuse immediately and following the reporting guidelines.

Hazing, Bullying and Sexual Harassment Policy

Denver Country Club feels strongly that hazing, bullying, sexual harassment, initiation rituals and physical punishments are not permitted within the organization. Any form of misconduct by the team, coach or an individual in attempt to bond or take action against another individual or group of individuals, which result in abuse, harassment, intimidation or any form of degradation is not allowed by any player, coach, volunteer or member of Denver Country Club.

Player and coaches are also required to follow the USA Hockey and CAHA SafeSport Hazing and Bullying Guidelines.

Denver Country Club is committed to offering an environment that is free of intimidation and abuse and has zerotolerance for misconduct. Denver Country Club requires all members to report any of the following behaviors.

Hazing

Hazing can be defined as any actions, whether physical, sexual, verbal, mental, emotional or psychological which subjects another person or group, voluntary or involuntary, with a result that has the intended or unintended effect of abusing, mistreating, degrading, humiliating, harassing, or intimidating the person who may be younger, weaker or have less power. These behaviors are prohibited by players, coaches, parents or any member or associate of Denver Country Club. The following are examples of, but not limited to, misconduct that is prohibited by Denver Country Club.

Hazing Behaviors:

·  Forcing the consumption of alcohol, drugs or other substances

· Shaving of body parts

· Any activity that is illegal, perverse, or publicly indecent

· Vandalism of any property or forced participation in pranks

· Dietary restrictions, sleep deprivation or creation of excess fatigue or other unhealthy behaviors

· Deprivation of sleep or disturbing individuals during normal sleep hours, creating of excessive fatigue

· Calisthenics intended as a physically abusive exercise

· Physical abuse of any kind (paddling, whipping or beating)

· Mentally abusive or demeaning behavior

· Forced tattooing, branding or public stunts

· Road trips, kidnapping, drop offs or any other such activity

· Subjecting a member to cruel and unusual psychological conditions

· Morally degrading or humiliating games or activities

· Verbal or cruel harassment including yelling and screaming

· Participation in sexual rituals or assaults and/or required nudity or contact

· Deception or threat contrived to convince the new member that he/she will not be permitted to join

· Required songs, chants, yelling or screaming

· Activities that promote or encourage the violation of state laws and club policy.

Hazing does not include challenging team workouts or assigning team duties to specific players.    

Bullying

Bullying can occur when there is an imbalance of power and the person who is older, larger, stronger or more aggressive uses his or her power to control or harm someone in a weaker position. The person bullying has the intent or goal to cause harm (i.e. the act is not accidental) and the action is usually repetitious.

Bullying Behaviors:

· Physical pushing, kicking, hitting, pinching, slapping, punching, etc…

· Name calling, sarcasm, spreading rumors, persistent teasing and emotional torment through ridicule, humiliation and/or the continual ignoring of individuals

· Racial taunts, graffiti, gestures.

· Sexual comments and/or suggestions.

· Unwanted physical contact.

· Socially spreading rumors.

· Leaving players out of group activities, telling them they are unwanted.

· Cyberbulling; using the internet, email, texting, mobile phones, social media or other digital technologies to do harm to others.     

Sexual Harassment

Sexual Harassment is unwanted, often persistent, sexual attention and any other behavior with sexual overtones that creates a hostile work or learning environment.

Sexual Harassment Behaviors:

· Written or verbal abuse threats, physical contact, sexually graphic literature, sexual advances, demands for sexual favors.

· Sexually oriented comments, jokes, lewd comments or sexual innuendoes, taunts about a player’s body or dress.

· Intimidating sexual remarks.

· Physical contact, fondling, pinching or kissing.

· Offensive phone calls or photos and/or bullying on the basis of sex.

· Sexual violence such as sexual assault, rape, and sexual coercion.

Physical Contact Policy

It is sometimes appropriate and necessary to have direct physical contact with players in order to develop their skills. These guidelines have been created to provide practical guidance for Denver County Club coaches and those working directly with players to keep players safe and promote a safe environment for staff and members. Rules for physical contact must be set to reduce the potential for misconduct. Players, coaches, volunteers and organization members are required to follow these guidelines and to report immediately those who violate them.

Appropriate Physical Contact

· Physical contact takes place in public or in the presence of others.

· Physical contact for the purpose of developing skill or technique.

· Physical contact with no potential for physical or sexual intimacies during the contact.

· The contact is for the benefit of the player, not to meet an emotional or other need of an adult.

· Celebratory gestures such as high-fives, fist bumps, pats on the back, shoulder and head are appropriate.

· Consolation gestures such as publicly embracing a crying athlete.

· Physical contact assisting an injured player off the ice, preventing an injury or treating an injury are appropriate.

· Touching in a non-threatening, non-sexual manner.

Prohibited Physical Contact

· Lap sitting

· Lingering, maintaining prolonged or repeated embraces that go beyond what is appropriate.

· Slapping, hitting, punching, kicking or any other physical contact meant to discipline, punish or achieve compliance from an athlete.

· Playful yet inappropriate contact that is not a part of regular training, (e.g. tickling, horseplay, wrestling)

· Continued physical contact that makes an athlete visibly uncomfortable

· Contact involving touching of genital area, buttocks or breasts

· Physical contact that intentionally causes or has the potential to cause the player to sustain bodily harm or injury

· Physical or sexual abuse, harassment or misconduct

· Kissing, back rubs or massages.

Coaches Behavior Policy

If Denver Country Club coaches choose to offer private lesson, the organization will require they follow the guidelines.

Denver Country Club expect all coaches to abide by appropriate player/coach conduct. Denver Country Club mandates that coaches put player safety first and always be aware of their own actions and behaviors and the possible consequences. All staff and volunteers should be encouraged to demonstrate exemplary behavior in order to promote player’s welfare and reduce the likelihood of abuse.

· Follow USA Hockey and CAHA SafeSport Photographic and Recorded Images of Players Guidelines.

· Follow USA Hockey and CAHA SafeSport Physical Contact Guidelines.

· Always work in open environments visible to others.

· Try to provide lessons with other coaches at the same time.

· Maintaining a safe and appropriate distance when working with kids to avoid any confusion.

· Never be alone with a player. Have another coach or parent present.

· Have conversations on the ice or in public, never behind closed doors.

· Move meetings that may start in private to public areas.

· When providing private lessons, do not change or dress with a minor.

·  Employees, coaches and volunteers who are also a player’s parent or guardian may provide shared transportation for any player(s) if they pick up their player first and drop off their player last.

· During lessons, adhere to the purpose of the lesson and avoid horseplay or rough, physical or sexual play or games.

· If you need to discuss sensitive issues related to the sport that you think has the potential to upset a player, have another coach or parent join the discussion.

· Private lessons are to be held at appropriate locations and times. No lessons will be held at places or time(s) that could cause confusion about the purpose of the lesson or the nature of the relationship.

·  Do not exchange gifts unless part of a team activity with full participation.

· Do not socialize with the players outside of hockey. Do not participate in dinners, movies or activities alone with an athlete and unrelated to hockey.

Report the following to your SafeSport Coordinator immediately:

·  If the player seems unreasonably upset.

· If a player is sexually inappropriate with you or another player.

· If the player questions any of your actions or behaviors.

· If the player misunderstands or misinterprets any actions or behaviors on your part.

· If the player discloses abuse, misconduct or questionable behavior by another player, coach or other person.

· Any general overall concern for the player that was made aware during your time together.

Travel Policy

Denver Country Club recognizes the importance of travel for competitive hockey team and expects respectable and mature behavior for our participants both home and away. Denver Country Club also understands the additional risk misconduct during overnight travel. It is encouraged to have parents arrange all local travel requirements.

The following guidelines are a requirement for players who wish to travel with their team. Any violation of these guidelines will result in disciplinary actions. Coaches and players are to report any violations, to the Hockey Director or SafeSport Coordinator immediately.

Player Behavior

· Travel guidelines must be agreed upon and signed by players before travel is permitted.

· Players are not permitted in coach’s room alone, only as a team.

· Players should always travel in pairs when leaving the premises.

· Drugs, alcohol and other illegal substances are not permitted in player’s rooms.

· Pornographic material is not allowed among players and in rooms during travel.

· Roommates will shower alone and allow for privacy of others when changing.

· Guests other than teammates are not allowed in player’s rooms.

· Players are required to follow all travel rules and Code of Conducts.

· Players will have access to their parents without permission of the coach but must be within the parameters of curfew times. Visits with parents outside of curfew times, need to be discussed with coaches prior to curfew breach.

· Players involved in a romantic relationship shall not share a hotel room or sleeping arrangements with each other.

Coaches Behavior    

· Regardless of gender, a coach shall not share a hotel room or other sleeping arrangement with a minor player unless the coach is the parent, guardian or sibling of the player or unless the parent or guardian of the minor player is also sharing the same hotel room (e.g., two adults, one or both of whom is a coach, and their children, share a hotel room).

· It is strongly recommended that organizations and teams incorporate a parent consent for any minor player that will travel without his or her parents.

· Coaches, parents and other adults are not allowed in a player’s room except for emergencies

· Coaches are only allowed in a player’s room if accompanied by another adult or coach

· Sleeping arrangements will be decided by coach, based on age, gender and personality prior to departure

· It should be pre-determined what locations players are free to visit, the curfew time(s) and when and where team meetings will be held

· Coaches and team chaperones should have rooms near the player’s rooms

· If a meeting inadvertently begins in private, the meeting should be moved to an open and observable location

· Coaches and other assigned adults should conduct room checks together at curfew time(s)

· Players will have access to their parents without permission of the coach

· Coaches are not permitted to drive or transport players alone, unless an emergency medical need exists. If the coach is a parent they can drive other athletes as long as their child is in the car at all times. ·         When a player is traveling without parents, coaches are required to notify player’s parents before taking disciplinary action, other than playing time during a game

· Besides coaches, another adult should be present and assist with child safety issues and the welfare of the children during travel    

Billeting Policy

It is recognized that some youth and junior hockey players do leave home to play hockey in a location away from their parents. In those circumstances, the organization or team typically arranges for the player to live with a host or billet family. Having youth players live outside their homes increases risk for abuse and misconduct to occur. All organizations and teams that arrange for players to live with billet families shall have written policies and procedures in place to govern the arrangement. All USA Billeting policies and procedures shall be followed including the following requirements:

•  No more than two players should be housed with any one billet family (at the Junior level, there may be exceptions to the number of players permitted in one billet home if approved by the USA Hockey Junior Council).

•   All adults living in the household of the billet family shall be screened in accordance with the USA Hockey Screening Policy prior to the player moving in with the family.

•   It is strongly recommended that all billet families be two-parent homes. However, single parent billet families may be acceptable, but the organization or team shall take additional reasonable steps to regularly monitor the billeting arrangement and its compliance with the USA Hockey SafeSport Policies.

•  All adults living in the household of the billet family shall have completed training in compliance with the Education and Awareness Training Policy prior to the player moving in with the family.

•  Billet families and the player and player’s parents shall all sign an agreement with the organization and/ or team that they will comply with the rules and regulations for the billeting arrangement and the USA Hockey SafeSport Policies. Revised 6/2/2017 USA Hockey SafeSport Program Handbook

•  Based upon the requirements of the jurisdiction, the player’s parents shall sign and provide a power of attorney and/or guardianship (as necessary by applicable state law) to the billet family adults to allow for them to make emergency medical and schooling decisions.

•  Each team shall have a billet coordinator who shall be responsible for overseeing compliance with the Billeting Policy and all other USA Hockey SafeSport Policies.

•   The team shall have a mandatory curfew for all billeted players. The host family may have an earlier curfew.

•   Players shall agree to comply with the house rules of the billet families, including curfews, chores/ cleaning, telephone usage, etc. Complaints about unusual rules shall be addressed with the team billet coordinator.

•   Players shall not stay overnight at any other home except with the permission of the player’s parents and advance notification to the billet family and team billet coordinator.

•   Players are not to drive billet family vehicles without automobile liability insurance as required by applicable state law, and documentation and approval of the billet family.

•   The organization’s/team’s billeting policy shall include requirements that the billet family maintain appropriate homeowners/renters insurance.

•   Players staying with a billet family shall be permitted to make regular check-in phone calls to parents. Team personnel and billets shall allow for any unscheduled check-in phone calls initiated by either the player or parents.

Screening/Background Checks

All Coaches, Managers, Board of Directors and Billet families are required to register with CAHA and complete screening and background checks every season.

All Parent Volunteers, Locker Room Monitors, Team Drivers and Travel Chaperones are required to register with Denver Country Club and complete screening and background checks every season. These participants are not required to register with CAHA unless they are a Coach, Manager, Director or Billet family.

Responsibility Of Denver Country Club to SafeSport

It is the responsibility of the Denver Country Club to adhere to and uphold all the criteria in the SafeSport program.

Responding and Reporting Abuse Concerns:

Denver Country Club believes it is the responsibility of all members, participants, staff, volunteers, parents and players to report concerns of abuse or misconduct. It is NOT the organization’s responsibility to decide the credibility or validity of a report of concern, only the responsibility to report it. The organization should not attempt to evaluate or investigate the report or be concerned with false reporting, but to respond appropriately and swiftly to avoid further distress to the victim. Everyone at Denver Country Club is required to report any and all concerns regarding sexual abuse, physical abuse, emotional abuse, bullying, hazing, coach misconduct, player misconduct and any other forms of inappropriate behavior immediately to the appropriate investigative agency:

· Your organizations SafeSport coordinator

· USA Hockey SafeSport

· CAHA SafeSport Coordinator

· U.S. SafeSport Center (for all reports of covered individuals involving a sexual component)

· Law Enforcement or Social Services

Reporting Policy

It is the policy of USA Hockey and CAHA SafeSport Programs that every employee or volunteer of any USA Hockey sanctioned program must report:

1. Suspicions or allegations of child physical or sexual abuse. They are to be reported to the appropriate agency, either law enforcement authorities or social services agency

2. Actual or perceived violations of the USA Hockey and CAHA SafeSport Programs. They are to be reported to USA Hockey, CAHA and Local SafeSport Coordinators.

3. Any violations of CAHA policies prohibiting emotional abuse, sexual harassment, bullying, threats and hazing. They are to be reported to the appropriate Member and CAHA SafeSport Coordinators.  

A report must be made when the reporter suspects or has reason to believe that a child has been abused or neglected, or when the reporter has knowledge of, or observes a child being subjected to, conditions that would reasonably result in harm to the child.

Further, in addition to any legal obligation to report sexual abuse or misconduct to law enforcement authorities, all Covered Individuals are required to and shall promptly report any alleged violations of the Sexual Abuse and Misconduct Policy to either the USCSS or to USA Hockey as set forth below and in Section 4 of the USCSS Policies & Procedures. A Covered Individual’s failure to report may subject such person to disciplinary action by the USCSS.

Concerns, suspicions or suspected “grooming” behaviors are to be told immediately to the SafeSport Coordinator.

Responding to Concerns

There are a number of reasons a person might need to report a concern:

· In response to something a young person has said to you - a disclosure

· In response to signs or suspicions of abuse

· In response to allegations made against an organization member, staff or volunteer

· In response to allegations made about a parent or someone not working within the organization

· In response to bullying or hazing

· In response to violating USA Hockey and CAHA SafeSport Procedures

· Observation of inappropriate behavior

· In response to anything that makes the reporter uncomfortable based on inappropriate behavior by an adult or player.

It should be clear, even if the incident occurred outside of Denver Country Club, it should still be reported to authorities. Know that authorities have professional in interviewing child victims about abuse and it is not Denver Country Club’s job, so do not attempt to interview any child about a disclosure.

Always:

· Stay calm.

· Reassure the person reporting concerns, that they have done the right thing.

· Don’t judge.

· Listen carefully, take it seriously.

· Write down exactly what the person reporting concerns says using his or her own words.

· Ask open-ended questions only to clarify, who, what, where and when.

· Let the person reporting concerns know you have to tell someone.

·  Report incident to appropriate authorities.

· Let the person reporting concerns know what your next steps are and who you will be sharing the information with.

· Fill out the appropriate forms.

Never:

· Panic.

· Show disbelief.

· Project your own reactions onto the child.

· Make promises you can’t keep or assure confidentiality.

· Make the person reporting concerns repeat the information unnecessarily.

· Delay in reporting to your supervisor and local authorities.

· Make assumptions.

· Approach the alleged abuser.

· Take sole responsibility for the information you have.

· Try to investigate the allegations.

· Make negative comments about the alleged perpetrator.

· Share personal information about you or your child.

· Probe for more information.

Record:

· Person reporting’s full name, age, date of birth, home address and telephone number
· Any time, date or relevant information
· Who the concern is regarding
· Using the reporter’s words, give an account of what happened
· Document any visible injuries 
· Document your next steps 
· Document date of time of informing the Hockey Director Document date, time and who you spoke to at the law enforcement or social service agency.

Confidentiality

To the extent permitted by law, and as appropriate, Denver Country Club will keep confidential the complainant’s name on request, not make public the names of potential victims, the accused perpetrator or people who made a report of physical and sexual abuse to the authorities.

Immediate Suspension or Termination

When an allegation of abuse or misconduct is made against a staff member, player or coach, that individual will be removed from interaction with players immediately and the organization will cooperate with the investigation and conduct its own internal investigation, if necessary.

No one is assumed guilty based upon a reported concern, but player safety is paramount, therefore suspensions are appropriate until the investigation(s) is complete.

Hiring Guidelines

When hiring a new staff or volunteer person to work within the Denver Country Club organization, we will include child sexual abuse prevention screening into the general screening process. This process is for all adults and youth who are looking for employment or volunteer positions within the organization. Denver Country Club will not make exceptions for applicants familiar with the organization or who are past employees.

While no screening can identify every potential child abuser, you can reduce the risk by learning all you can about an applicant; most importantly their interest in working with youth. Denver Country Club believes that that SafeSport Program will deter coaches who may be at risk for abusing players from applying with the organization. Denver Country Club will follow USA Hockey and CAHA SafeSport Screening Programs.

Educate Applicants

· Share your USA Hockey and CAHA SafeSport policies with all applicants. This will let them know the dedication to abuse and misconduct prevention and might deter some applicants.
· Share all Codes of Conducts.
· Inform applicant that signature and full participation of the SafeSport Program is required.
· Ask if applicant has any problems with the SafeSport Programs or Codes of Conduct.
· Ask what type of supervision the applicant prefers to work under?
· Question the applicant with specific scenarios regarding child safety. Look for appropriate responses that fit your policy and procedures.
· Document commitment to SafeSport Program

Questions for Applicants

· Describe what appropriate behavior around youth is, how should physical contact happen and what are appropriate adult/youth boundaries?  

· Tell me about your relationship with children? Adults?
              o   Here you are looking for healthy child and adult relationships.
              o   Who does the applicant prefer to spend time with?

· What do you enjoy doing with children?
              o   Does the applicant describe doing normal activities with youth? Or does it appear excessive?

· How do you see your role in the lives of children in our program?

· Have you ever been disciplined for your behaviors toward children?

· Has anyone ever misunderstood or questioned your relationship/behaviors with children?

· Is there anyone who might suggest you not work with youth? Why?

· Is there an age or gender you prefer to work with?
                o   Having a specific age or gender can be a red flag. Ask follow up questions for clarification.

· What other hobbies and activities do you enjoy?
                o   Does this include children or does she/he enjoy normal adult activities?
                o    Does the applicant have adult relationships as well and enjoy adult activities?

Taking and Use of Photographic and Recorded Images of Players

Denver Country Club wants to promote fun hockey activities and information about the organization and/ or its players through photographs, recorded images and videos whether on our website or through print. To do this in a way that ensures the safety of players and members, Denver Country Club has safeguards to protect inappropriate use of images or recorded images. (This includes the use of a camera, digital camera, video recorder, mobile phone or personal digital assistant device or other recording device.)

There are risks posed directly and indirectly through the use of photographs and recorded images. These images can be used as a means of identifying players thus leaving them vulnerable to people who wish to “groom” them for child abuse or possibly provide information to estranged parents. Also, the images themselves can be used, modified and shared among the offender population. To avoid misuse, Denver Country Club requires the following guidelines be adhered to.

· Ask for parental permission prior to use of a player’s image. Be clear with parents as to how the image will be used and stored (see parental consent form).

· Never publish personal data (email, phone, home address or other information) of a player without signed consent form.

· Only use images of players suitably dressed to reduce the risk of inappropriate use.

· When recording a player for teaching purposes or recruiting needs, care should be taken in storing such recordings and who they are shared with.

· Members should be vigilant and report any unknown individuals who are recording or photographing organization members.

· Members also need to report any concerns regarding inappropriate taking or publishing of photographs or recorded images.

· Report any violations.

Hiring a Professional Photographer

· Have the photographer sign the volunteer Code of Conduct and read this guideline.

· At large events, all parties interested in taking photos should register personal details with Denver Country Club.

· Provide clear guidelines about expected behavior and content of the photography.

· Photographers must wear identification, provided by Denver Country Club, at all times.

· Do not allow photographer unsupervised access to players or one-on-one photo sessions without parent permission.

· Do not approve photo sessions outside events or at a participant’s home.

· Ensure the images taken reflect the positive aspects of hockey and the organization.

The DCC Hockey Program Contact Information

DCC Hockey Director, Max Caulkins 303.359.4676 or [email protected] with any inquiries about the program or Hockey Program Manager Peter Conlon 719.251.5167 or [email protected].