BY-LAWS

Article I. Name

Section 1.01 The name of this organization shall be College Hockey East (CHE). The address of this organization shall be 826 E 44th Street, Erie, PA 16504.

Article II. Purpose

Section 2.01 The purpose of this organization is to offer a competitive league of college hockey teams that provides standards, structure, regulates operation, and promotes sportsmanship.

Section 2.02 The purpose and activities of the association shall be limited at all times to those specified in Section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

Article III. Full-Time Membership

Section 3.01 Full-Time Membership shall consist of any college or university who is voted on and in by a 2/3 vote of the Commissioner and the Association’s Team Representatives. Membership shall also consist of all current full-time members who are in good standing.

Section 3.02 Full-time Membership Requirements

(a) All full-time members must be in good standing by having all dues, referees, home ice rink, and all subsequent fines paid in full.
(b) All full-time members must register their team with USA Hockey. Additionally, all team coaches, players, officers, and team representatives must register with USA Hockey before the team’s first CHE regular season, exhibition, and/or non-conference game. If it is discovered that a regular season CHE game was played with a player not registered under USA Hockey, the game(s) played will be forfeited by the offending team and all subsequent fines for forfeiture will be due immediately.
(c) All full-time members must comply with these by-laws at all times.
(d) All full-time members must comply with the Billing Contract set forth annually by the Commissioner and approved by the Board of Directors.
(e) All full-time members are required to pay association dues set forth annually by the Commissioner and approved by the Board of Directors.
(f) All full-time members who wish to continue yearly membership for the upcoming season must declare in writing using the CHE Declaration Form signed by a school official and with a nonrefundable down payment (25% of previous year league dues) towards the following year by March 31st. The CHE Declaration Form and Invoice will be distributed by the Commissioner following the conclusion of the CHE Championship Finals. Failure to complete this process will result in that team operating as a provisional team for the following season once the CHE Declaration Form and Invoice have been completed and paid.
(g) Membership may be revoked for a full-time or provisional member by a 2/3 vote by the Commissioner and the association’s Team Representatives.
(h) All full-time members must have a non-player head coach.
(i) All full-time members must have a general manager, president, and/or a team representative who will conduct all off-ice operations of the team. (It is recommended that the off-ice representative be a non-coach, non-player, and also be a member of the team’s institution.)
(j) All full-time members must possess home and away sweaters. The main color of the home sweater must differ from the main color in the away sweater. All players on an individual team must have uniform sweaters.
(k) All CHE teams must be registered members of the American Collegiate Hockey Association (ACHA).

Article IV. Provisional Membership

Section 4.01 Provisional Membership is the status of the first season of a new team who wishes to enter CHE for the first time. However, the general membership reserves the right to amend the status to “full-time member” for a new team’s first season played in CHE for reasons deemed necessary or for extenuating circumstances.

Section 4.02 Provisional Membership Requirements and Restrictions

(a) A new team who wishes to enter the association must petition in writing to either the CHE Commissioner or Associate Commissioner requesting membership in CHE and the team(s) must attend the final Annual Spring meeting to be considered for the upcoming season. Full-time membership shall be considered and voted on for a provisional team during the final meeting of the current season.
(b) Provisional membership shall only be granted for a team who receives a majority vote by the Commissioner and the individual Team Representatives.
(c) Provisional members are required to pay the full amount of the CHE annual dues.
(d) Provisional members are required to pay the full amount of the CHE All-star Game, CHE All Star Challenge Team, and College Expo dues.
(e) Provisional members are excluded from participating in the CHE Playoffs and Championship Game. However, provisional members are eligible to participate in the CHE All-Star Game, ACHA All Star Challenge, and College Expo.
(f) Provisional Members must possess the following:
- 1) Completed College Hockey East Application
- 2) Their school administration’s written approval.
- 3) A non-player head coach.
- 4) A general manager, president, and/or a team representative who will conduct all off-ice operations of the team. (It is recommended that the off-ice representative be a non-player, non-coach, and also be a member of the team’s institution.)
- 5) Home and away sweaters. The main color of the home sweater must differ from the main color in the away sweater. All players on an individual team must have uniform sweaters.
- 6) Home rink location.
(g) Provisional members are required to play the association’s full-time member teams at least once. However, depending on the number of provisional teams wishing to enter the league in one season, the general membership or board of directors reserves the right to alter the game requirements against provisional members. A system of fair amount of play against provisional members must be determined.
(h) The provisional member’s Team Representative will not have voting rights. Voting rights will only be granted to a team who is voted in as a full-time member at the final Annual Spring Meeting. However, voting may only begin in the “new business” item listed on the agenda.
(i) All provisional members must comply with these by-laws.
(j) Any new team requesting membership is required to post a $1,000 (1-thousand dollars) full time membership/entrance fee to CHE by October 1 of the first full time CHE playing season. The fee shall be credited to the team after completing their second consecutive season of CHE play toward their third season’s dues if approved by a league vote. If the team forfeits the fee, it shall be divided evenly amongst all full time members.

Article V. Governance

Section 5.01 The affairs of this association shall be governed by the Board of Directors.

Section 5.02 The principal office of the association shall be the current elected CHE Commissioner.

Article VI. Board of Directors

Section 6.01 The Board of Directors shall consist of seven (7) members. The members shall include the League’s Officers who are the Commissioner, Associate Commissioner, and the league’s Executive Assistant(s), along with four (4) Team Representatives (representation will be determined annually based on division alignment).

Section 6.02 Only the Commissioner and the four (4) Team Representatives shall have voting rights.

Section 6.03 The Team Representatives who serve on Board of Directors will be elected annually at the final meeting.

Section 6.04 The Team Representatives who sit on the Board of Directors must have served as a non playing member of their management or coaching team for a CHE member team for at least two consecutive semesters or one complete season.

Section 6.05 The Board of Director’s Rights and Responsibilities:

(a) Interpret, define, and explain all provisions of the league's bylaws and Rules.
(b) Call meetings of the league.
(c) Impose and enforce penalties for violation of the bylaws or rules.
(d) Remove any penalties for violation of the bylaws or rules.
(e) Appoint committees from the board and/or the membership representatives, supervise committee work, and receive reports.
(f) Approve budgets and direct the expenditures of the league.
(g) Rule in the case of disputes regarding player eligibility requirements.
(h) Direct which issues will be voted on by Board only, by members only, or by all eligible parties.
(i) Rule in case of a dispute between teams or Board Members that arises from a situation that is not covered by the bylaws.
(j) Serve as the Appeal Committee for special hearings that may include player, coach, and/or team representative suspensions and/or penalties. Any Board Member affiliated with the team/player/coach shall be allowed to hear testimony in the Appeal, but will not be permitted to vote. The Appeal Committee’s decision is final.

Article VII. League Officers

Section 7.01 The officers for this league shall be the Commissioner, Associate Commissioner, and The League’s Executive Assistant(s).

Section 7.02 The officers will serve on the Board of Directors, however only the Commissioner shall have full voting rights.

Section 7.03 The combined responsibilities of the League Officers shall be to administer and conduct the business of the league.

Section 7.04 A League Officer may be removed from office by a 2/3 majority vote of the individual team representatives.

Article VIII. Commissioner (President/Treasurer)

Section 8.01 The individual team representatives will annually vote and elect a Commissioner at the season’s final Spring League Meeting. A majority vote is needed for the election of a commissioner.

Section 8.02 The commissioner shall govern the association for the good of the league and its full-time and provisional member teams.

Section 8.03 The Commissioner will serve as the Chairman of the Board of Directors and will set forth the agenda for all league meetings. He/she shall have full voting rights and may make motions.

Section 8.04 The Commissioner shall be responsible for the administration of approved CHE policies, rules, and activities as outlined in the CHE by-laws. The Commissioner shall be responsible to the Board of Directors in the performance of duties and serve as a voting member of the Board of Directors.

Section 8.05 The Commissioner shall serve as a representative of the organization in matters where the Board has not designated another person as an organizational representative.

Section 8.06 The Commissioner of the CHE is the Chairman of the league Officers. The Commissioner will select an Associate Commissioner and Executive Assistant(s) from the best-qualified volunteers available. Each staff position will help the Commissioner in carrying out his duties to the board and the association as a whole. These positions must be approved by the Board of Directors.

Section 8.07 The league shall be responsible for funding any and all personal expenses paid by the Commissioner to conduct league business. The Board of Directors must approve all expenses. The league will also pay an annual stipend, approved by the Board of Directors, to the Commissioner’s Office for services rendered. This stipend will be reviewed annually for all positions.

Section 8.08 The Commissioner shall serve as the League Treasurer and submit the season’s budget to the Board of Directors for approval at the season’s first meeting. Furthermore, the Commissioner shall present the season’s income and expenses along with receipts to the Board of Directors and the individual Team Representatives at the season’s final meeting. The commissioner does reserve the right to have a Executive Assistant appointed as Treasurer of the CHE but must announce this by the CHE Fall meeting and must be approved by the Board of Directors.

Section 8.09 The Commissioner may call special meetings of the Board of Directors or individual Team Representatives.

Section 8.10 The Commissioner will oversee the proper working organization, management, and conduct of all member teams.

Section 8.11 The Commissioner will submit to all individual Team Representatives at the season’s first annual Fall meeting an annual CHE Information and Billing Contract that will outline the season’s goals and objectives, fiscal responsibilities of each member team, playoff/all-star game dates and locations, and any other information deemed necessary.

Section 8.12 The Commissioner will serve as the Co-Chairman of the CHE Playoffs and Championship game and will coordinate and market the event.

Section 8.13 If the Commissioner is removed form office after the start of the season, the Associate Commissioner will assume all responsibilities and complete the season.

Section 8.14 The Commissioner may suspend any player, coach, and/or team representative for any action or conduct deemed unsafe, inadequate, or unprofessional. The defending person(s) may appeal the Commissioner’s decision to the Appeal Committee at a special hearing. The defendant’s appeal must be submitted to the Commissioner in writing. The Appeal Committee may overturn the Commissioner’s decision or alter penalties levied. The Appeal Committee’s decision shall be final without appeal.

Section 8.15 The Commissioner shall serve as a voting member of the general membership and Board of Directors.

Article IX. Associate Commissioner (Vice President)

Section 9.01 The Commissioner shall appoint an Associate Commissioner approved by the Board who will serve as a League Officer and a member of the Board of Directors.

Section 9.02 The Associate Commissioner shall not have voting rights.

Section 9.03 The Associate Commissioner’s responsibilities shall be:

(a) To serve, make rulings, settle disputes, and administer in the absence of the Commissioner.
(b) Assist the Commissioner in directing league business.
(c) Act as league statistician who will collect and collaborate weekly team and player statistics.
(d) Maintain the game sheets for the entire season.
(e) Collect all game sheets involving any League Team and examine each for any indications of Game Disqualifications and Gross Misconducts. He will inform Commissioner of any such findings and issue appropriate information to the offending team/player at the Commissioner's discretion.
(f) Assist the Commissioner with any disciplinary issues pertaining to, but not limited to, interpretation of NCAA, ACHA, CHE, and/or USA Hockey rules.
(g) Serve as Co-Chairman of the annual CHE All-Star Game, College Expo, and CHE All Star Challenge Team General Manager who will coordinate and market the event under supervision by the Commissioner.
(h) Chair any special committees formed by the Commissioner or the Board of Directors.
(i) Record and present the minutes of any CHE Meeting.
(j) Assume all the responsibilities of the Commissioner and complete the season in the event that the Commissioner is removed from office.
(k) Serving as the CHE All Star Challenge Team General Manager the duties shall consist of:
- Secure a coaching staff
- Organize tryout/all star game structure with coaching staff
- Secure proper jerseys and socks for the event
- Secure practice time for the team prior to the event
- Secure hotel and travel arrangements for the team for the event
- Organize the weekend of the games activities
- Organize a budget, including expenses for the coaching staff

Section 9.05 The league shall be responsible for funding any and all personal expenses paid by the Associate Commissioner to conduct league business. The Board of Directors must approve all expenses.

Article X. Executive Assistant (Secretary)

Section 10.01 The commissioner shall appoint the league’s Executive Assistant(s) who will serve as a League Officer and a member of the Board of Directors. These chosen seats require approval from the Board of Directors.

Section 10.02 The Executive Assistant shall not have voting rights.

Section 10.03 The Executive Assistant’s responsibilities shall be:

(a) To advise all members of the association in regards to rules, decisions, motions, referees, precedence, and all business of the league.
(b) Serve as chair for any special committees formed by the Commissioner or the Board of Directors.
(c) Act as league historian who will collect and collaborate statistics, facts, news, memorabilia, and all media for the preservation and history of this association.
(d) Assist the Commissioner and/or the Associate Commissioner with any business conducted or chaired for the league.
Section 10.04 The league shall be responsible for funding any and all personal expenses paid by the Executive Assistant(s) to conduct league business. The Board of Directors must approve all expenses.

Article XI. Team Representatives

Section 11.01 All teams will appoint a Team Representative who will serve as a liaison between the league and their team. At the season’s final meeting, each team will appoint this individual who will be allowed voting rights on issues granted by the league and these by-laws. Furthermore, each representative/team will be granted three (3) alternates who will possess the same powers as the appointed Team Representative and may serve and vote in his absence. Only these four (4) individuals may have voting rights.

Section 11.02 Team Representatives shall be titled General Manager or President and will be responsible for conducting all the off-ice business for their team and will be the contact for all league business.

Section 11.03 It is recommended that the Team Representative be a member of the individual institution and not be a playing member or coach.

Section 11.04 After having served one complete season or two consecutive semesters, a Team Representative will be eligible for the Board of Directors and will have voting rights. Alternates may not serve on the board.

Section 11.05 The Team Representative will be responsible for supplying the league with any business, materials, or information that is required by the Commissioner, League Officers, or Board of Directors.

Article XII. Player Eligibility and Responsibilities

Section 12.01 Eligibility

(a) All players must be registered students of their respective school and be eligible according the ACHA Division III Eligibility Requirements.
(b) All players must have the current season's USA Hockey forms filled, the fee paid for, and the record on file with both the USA Hockey Registrar and the League office by team's first game. For all ACHA teams this will be included in their dues.
(c) Eligibility rules are mandatory for all games, regardless whether or not the contest is an official league game or not.
(d) Coaches cannot be players.
(e) No player may receive any financial disbursements, for any reason, directly from the college hockey program, booster club, or hockey program sponsor. The CHE will follow the ACHA Division III Manual in regards to Financial Disbursements.
(f) Players will follow the ACHA Division III eligibility requirements in regards to the number of semesters they are eligible to compete in.
(g) The CHE shall consist of two semesters. The first semester for each individual team shall be from the date of that team’s first regular season game to December 25. Furthermore, the second semester shall be from December 26 to the final regular season game of an individual team.
(h) Players must not have played the sport of ice hockey professionally at any level.
(i) Players must not have participated in Tier I, Major Junior A Hockey

Section 12.02 Player Responsibilities

(a) All players will be required to fill out the following information and submit it to the Commissioner’s office by September 30th of the season, or the first CHE league game of the season. Whichever comes first:
- 1) CHE player application
- 2) Eligibility forms must be completed and signed by each player, and status as a student confirmed with signature by the respective school Registrar, or a qualified person working in the Registrar's Office. Forms must be returned to the Commissioner’s office by September 30th of the season. Failure to turn in this form may result in immediate forfeiture of a team's games.
- 3) CHE Waiver, Release, and Indemnity Agreement.

Section 12.03 Freshman Eligibility

(a) Freshman status shall be considered a players first and second semester of eligibility regardless of academic year.
(b) Freshmen will follow the ACHA Division III manual in regards to eligibility.

Section 12.04 Transfer Students

(a) Transfer students shall be granted the same QPA requirement exemption as freshmen students, stated in Article XII, Section 12.03 (a) and (b) of these bylaws, regardless of academic year.
(b) Any player who transfers from one current CHE provisional or full time member team to another while academically ineligible, must serve one full semester of ineligibility at the school he/she transferred to.
(c) Regardless of transfer status, undergraduate and graduate transfer students are only allowed 10 semesters of league eligibility.
(d) Transfer students must submit an academic transcript from the CHE school they transferred from to the league office before he/she is eligible for play (if it applies).

Section 12.05 With the exception of total CHE semesters played and CHE transfer requirements; beginning the 2003-2004 season any player who is eligible for and participates on an American Collegiate Hockey Association (ACHA) member team shall be eligible for play in the CHE. Furthermore, the player(s) are required to comply with their respective ACHA Divisional requirements.

Section 12.06 Any questions regarding player requirements not stated in these by-laws (for ACHA and non-ACHA members) shall be determined by using the requirements of at least the ACHA Division III player eligibility requirements.

Section 12.07 Any team who does not submit a copy of the academic verification form prior to the first game of each semester shall forfeit the games played (regardless of opponent or circumstance) and all subsequent forfeiture fines, as prescribed by these by-laws and playing rules, will be due immediately.

Section 12.08 All teams must have their ACHA dues paid for in full by September 30th of the season.

Article XIII. Meetings

Section 13.01 The Board of Directors and the Team Representatives shall meet at least three (3) times regularly. The three meetings shall be the annual Fall (September), Winter (December), and Spring (May/June) meetings.

Section 13.02 Special meetings of the Board and/or membership may be called by the Commissioner. Such notice shall be made at least 72 hours prior to that meeting. Such meetings shall not address amendments to the Bylaws unless at least (1) weeks’ notice has been given.

Section 13.03 A quorum for Board of Director’s meetings shall constitute attendance by at least 51% of the Board membership.

Section 13.04 The Commissioner shall preside at all league meetings. In the absence of the Commissioner, the Associate Commissioner shall preside at all meetings.

Section 13.05 If an individual Team Representative or his/her 3 alternates fail to attend any of the three annual meetings (Fall, Spring, Summer), the team will be fined $150.00 per meeting unless approved by the Commissioner and the Board of Directors and the team provided at least two weeks’ notice. The Commissioner and the Board of Directors have the right to waive this fine in the event of extenuating circumstances provided the team gives notice to the Commissioner.

Section 13.06 All sanctioned CHE meetings will be conducted under Robert’s Rules of Parliamentary Procedure.

Section 13.07 Minutes will be recorded and handed out at every sanctioned league meeting and reported at following meetings by the Associate Commissioner.

Section 13.08 The Spring and Fall meetings will be face to face meetings every year. The Winter meeting will be a conference call at the discretion of the League Office.

Article XIV. Team Roster

Section 14.01 All players must meet the eligibility requirements as stated in Article XI.

Section 14.02 A maximum of 21 players may dress for a team in a game regardless of circumstance. However, if only one goalie dresses to play, the team may only dress up to 19 additional skaters. If two (2) goalies are dressed to play, there may be up to 19 additional skaters and if there are three (3) goalies dressed to play, there may only be up to 18 additional skaters.

Section 14.03 Each team must consist of at least one Coach and/or General Manager. The Coach's duties include running practices and all on-ice affairs of the team. The General Manager's duties include running all off-ice affairs and dealing directly with the League.

Section 14.04 Rosters, including all players and coaches, must be submitted to the League by October 15 of the season with the following information: Name, number, position, height, weight, hometown, last team played for, telephone number(s) and e-mail address.

Section 14.05 Any subsequent additions to the roster must be immediately sent to the Commissioners office, before the first game the new player(s) plays. Failure to do so may result in forfeiture of the game after review by the Commissioner and all subsequent forfeiture fines will be due immediately.

Section 14.06 To add a player to the roster, all the pertinent information and paperwork, such as USA Hockey form, updated team roster and eligibility confirmation for that player, must be submitted to the League no less than seventy-two (72) hours before the CHE Roster Freeze date (as specified by the CHE on a yearly basis). A player may play before their paperwork is submitted, as long as the league is notified. In the event that their paperwork is not completed by the deadline or if they are deemed ineligible, the team will forfeit the games in which the ineligible player played in and all subsequent forfeiture fines will be due immediately.

Section 14.07 Any school that organizes more than one team in a college league shall be restricted in how many games in which any given player may participate for more than one team. A player is considered to have participated in a game when they are dressed for and/or appears on the score sheet for any game for that team, regardless of whether the player gets any playing time. Any player is permitted to participate in up to five (5) games for the team in the “higher league/level” without losing eligibility for the team in the “lower league/level.” If that player participates in a 6th game for the “higher team”, they may not again participate in any games for the “lower team” for the remainder of the season.

Article XV. Game Scheduling

Section 15.01 Each team must play a home and away game with every team in their division. Furthermore, depending on league format, each team must play all other non-divisional and provisional team(s) at least once.

Section 15.02 Forfeits

(a) The first forfeit of a team due to non-extenuating circumstances (to be determined by the Commissioner and approved by the board) will be the deduction of two (2) points (if the game was played the team will be deducted an additional two (2) points), a fine of $300.00 to the league, and the reimbursement of all financial loss to the aggrieved team plus two points to the aggrieved team for the game.
(b) The second forfeit of a team due to non-extenuating circumstances (to be determined by the Commissioner and approved by the board) will be suspension from playoffs, a fine of $300.00 to the league, and the reimbursement of all financial loss to the aggrieved team.
(c) The third and following forfeits of a team due to non-extenuating circumstances (to be determined by the Commissioner and approved by the board) the offending team shall be fined $100.00 per game and the reimbursement of all financial loss to the aggrieved team(s). Multiple (three [3] or more) forfeits for any reason may result in suspension or expulsion from league play as determined by the board of directors.
(d) If a game is delayed more than 30-minutes from the scheduled start time by fault of the home or away team, they will forfeit the game and all subsequent fines will be due immediately.

Section 15.03 Teams may play exhibition games against teams not in the league, but they are still subject to the same CHE rules and requirements outlined in these bylaws (with the exception of the length of periods).

Section 15.04 The home team is responsible for securing referees for the contest. If the home and visiting teams switch venues more than two weeks (15 days or more) prior to the game, it becomes the new home team's responsibility to secure referees. Otherwise, if the switch occurs less than two weeks (14 days or less) prior to the scheduled game, the original home team is responsible for obtaining referees.

Section 15.05 If the home team is unable to obtain referees, and cannot demonstrate extenuating circumstances for this failure to the Commissioner and the Board of Directors, the visiting team will be awarded a forfeit victory and all subsequent forfeiture fines will be due immediately.

Section 15.06 A minimum of three (3) certified officials are required to officiate each CHE league game utilizing the system prescribed by the ACHA. If, under extenuating circumstances, only two officials show up, the game shall be officiated using the two referees system. If in the event only one Official shows up, under extenuating circumstances, the game shall not be played and the incident will be reviewed by the Commissioner to determine if a forfeit will be awarded to the visiting team or, if, when and where the game will be rescheduled.

Section 15.07 The full league schedule for each CHE team is due in writing to the Commissioner’s Office by September 1st. Changes to the CHE schedule are permitted following this date only if agreed upon by both teams. September15th shall be the final date for changes to the league schedule, any changes past this date must be submitted to the Commissioner’s Office for approval.

Section 15.08 The official League schedule must be on file with the League by September 15th, of the season and will be published on the web site. It is up to each team to confirm their schedule with the League's schedule.

Section 15.09 To cancel or re-schedule games without the consent of the opposing team, the following must be followed:

(a) If the visiting team cancels:

1) Thirty days (30) before the playing date - no cost.
2) Fifteen (15) to twenty-nine (29) days before the playing date - half the cost of ice.
3) Zero (0) to fourteen (14) days before the playing date - full cost of ice and referees, if paid for.

(b) If home team cancels:

1) Zero (0) to fourteen (14) days before the playing date - full cost of travel costs that were already paid. In any scenario, if a team cancels a game they are expected to find an adequate replacement for the team they canceled on. Subsequent fines may be lifted if the canceling team finds an adequate replacement. The League, via the Commissioner, also reserves the right to further fine any team that cancels a game for not acting in good faith when attempting to assist the canceled team in finding a new opponent.

Section 15.10 The Commissioner reserves the right to charge a road team that cancels a game the tickets that are pre-sold only if there are receipts.

Section 15.11 If a game is canceled by a team and it is not rescheduled 72 hours or more before the canceled game, the contest will be considered a forfeit and the offending team will be subject the terms that apply in Article XV, Section 15.02 of these by-laws along with the terms that apply listed in Article XV, Section 15.09 of these by-laws.

Section 15.12 All teams are required to purchase at least two and one half (2.5) hours of ice-time for all league games (It is recommended that teams purchase three (3) hours of ice-time to prevent game curfews).

Section 15.13 The Commissioner will rule in case of any scheduling incidents requiring third-party arbitration where the circumstances are not previously outlined in the by-laws. All appeals of the Commissioner's decision may be directed to the Board of Directors. To overturn the Commissioner’s ruling there must be an affirmative vote of three (3) of the four (4) remaining voting members.

Section 15.14 All CHE member teams are required to have signed game contracts with any non-CHE opponent (home or away) and excluding CHA member teams, regardless of game circumstance. Teams may use the standard game contract drafted by the ACHA or any other CHE approved game contract.

Article XVI. Game Procedures

Section 16.01 Official League Score Sheets

(a) Score sheets must be used for each game and completed by an official scorekeeper who will fill out the sheet in full with all the sections complete, totaled, and signed by the appropriate personnel.
(b) Score sheets must be completed in the elapsed time of the period and shots-on-goal must be recorded and totaled for each period.
(c) All score sheets must be mailed (postmarked) to the Commissioner’s office no more than two (2) business days after the contest regardless of game circumstances.
(d) Any score sheet that is not completed in full will not be considered an official score sheet and will be returned to the home team. Consequently, that game will not be recognized as an official game. Only until the Commissioner’s office receives an official score sheet will the game results and statistics be official.
(e) Final game scores may be telephoned or e-mailed to the commissioner’s office; however, any posting of a final game score by such means will be an unofficial result.
(f) The top copy of the score sheet is to be sent to the Commissioner’s office, the second copy is to be kept by the home team, and the third copy is to be given to the visiting team before they depart from the game or mailed to them immediately following.

Section 16.02 Captains must be designated on score sheet and uniform.

Section 16.03 All CHE divisional and non-divisional games will be 20-minutes per period for three (3) periods. However, non CHE league games may vary in period length.

Section 16.04 In any situation where a game is subject to curfew the home team must inform the officials and the visiting team of the curfew time when meeting prior to the game as indicated in the standardized CHE Game Protocol. When the curfew time hits, the game will end regardless of the time remaining on the game clock. Either a clock displaying the actual time or a clock counting down to the curfew time must be displayed prominently in the arena in plain view of the official and both coaches. These requirements do not apply to any rink which does not subject CHE games to a curfew. Should a game be suddenly curfewed without any notice to the visiting team and/or officials, the home team shall forfeit the game.

Section 16.05 Overtime Procedure for Regular Season Games:

(a) A five (5) minutes overtime period in CHE is mandatory for all league play if the game is tied at the end of regulation.
(b) If at the end of the overtime period during regular season play the score is still tied, there shall be a shoot-out to determine a winner. The shoot-out shall be conducted under the rules prescribed by the NCAA Ice Hockey Rules and Interpretations and/or the ACHA.
(c) If at anytime a game is curfewed the score shall be final regardless of whether or not the score is tied.

Section 16.06 Certified Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT’s), Paramedic, Doctor or higher.

(a) EMT’s, Paramedic, Doctor and/or higher who possess the proper equipment and certification are required for all league or exhibition games.
(b) If the home team fails to schedule an EMT or higher, the game will be forfeited by the home team and all subsequent fines will be due immediately. No league game will be played without an EMT or higher present.
(c) By fault of an EMT or higher, if they do not show up, the game will not be played.
(d) If it is discovered that a game was played without a “proper” certified EMT or higher, the home team will be fined $100.00 for the first offense and forfeit the game(s) for following offenses. All subsequent forfeiture fines will be due immediately.

Section 16.07 Game Officials

(a) The home team must provide and pay for three officials for each home game.
(b) The home team must provide at least two (2) off-ice game officials. One will be the official scorekeeper while the other one will be the timekeeper. Both these duties are outlined in the USA Hockey Off-Ice Officials Guidebook.
(c) Referees and Linesmen must be certified Officials. They will use the official NCAA Ice Hockey Rulebook.
(d) Any complaints about specific referees may be directed to the attention of the Commissioner.

Section 16.08 Game Times

(a) All Sunday through Thursday CHE regular season and provisional games must be scheduled to start at or prior to 6:00 PM.
(b) All Friday and Saturday CHE regular season and provisional games must be scheduled to start at or prior to 10:00 PM.
(c) Any exceptions to these times must be granted by the Commissioner’s office only if the home and away teams mutually request permission in writing.

Section 16.09 Game Protocol

(a) All CHE regular season games (including home games against non-CHE opponents) shall be played under a standardized game protocol. The game protocol shall be approved annually by the league membership.
(b) No team is permitted on the ice two (2) hours prior to the official posted game time. Any “extra” ice that has been purchased by the home team can be used after the game has officially ended and the visiting team has left the ice.

Article XVII. All-Star Game, CHE All Star Challenge Team, and College Expo

Section 17.01 The league shall conduct one All-Star game and College Expo per year to serve as events that will promote, market, and advertise the individual hockey programs, schools, and the league.

Section 17.02 All-Star Game

(a) The league will sponsor and determine the date, time, and location of the event and provide the individual teams with all necessary information.
(b) All teams who are in good standing and are participating in a current year’s season are recommended to participate in the All-Star Game and College Expo regardless if they are provisional or full time members.
(c) The format and player requirements for the All-Star Game and CHE All Star Challenge Team will be determined annually by the League Officers.
(d) Following completion of play, the Commissioner along with two (2) others will determine the game’s Most Valuable Player (MVP).
(e) All teams are to pay All-Star Game, CHE All Star Challenge Team, and College Expo dues determined annually by the Commissioner and approved by the Board.
(f) The Commissioner and Associate Commissioner will serve as the Co-Chairmen for the All-Star game.

Section 17.03 CHE All Star Challenge Team

(a) Player Selection – Every ACHA member team part of the CHE/CHA will submit 5 players each to the CHE All Star Team Selection Committee, with non ACHA member teams submitting 3 players to the CHE All Star Team Selection Committee (excluding second teams from CHE member teams). From this list of players the Head Coach for CHE Select Team and the two CHE All Star coaches will select two CHE All Star teams to consist of no more 21 players per team.
(b) Coach Selection – The CHE Select Team Head Coach will be selected from applications submitted by September 1 of that given year from all CHE/CHA Head Coaches. The two CHE Select Assistant Coaches will serve as the Head Coaches for the individual CHE All Star Teams. The current Executive Committee will select a CHE All Star Challenge Staff consisting of a Head Coach and (2) Assistant Coaches from all received applications by the CHE/CHA Fall League Meeting. Assistant coaches for the CHE All Star Game will be selected with the rosters for the CHE All Star Game.
(c) CHE All Star Challenge team Selection – The CHE All Star Challenge team will be named by February 1st of that given year by the CHE All Star Challenge Selection Committee. Each player selected will submit in writing prior to February 15th their intent to play for the team at the All Star Challenge as well as complete all required paperwork and agree to any financial responsibility. All decisions by the CHE All Star Challenge Section Committee are final.

Section 17.04 College Expo

(a) The College Expo will be the primary focus of the event and it is designed to display informational materials regarding the individual institution’s academics and hockey programs. In addition, the expo is a “recruiting tool” for schools and coaches.
(b) It is recommended that all teams be present and appoint an individual or individuals that will distribute, display, and promote their institution. Those individuals must be knowledgeable of the academic and hockey departments of the school.
(c) It is recommended that the person(s) sitting at the expo table be a member of the institution, full time staff or faculty, and not be a playing member of the hockey team.
(d) All written or verbal information given out at the College Expo to the public shall be free of charge.
(e) Teams and schools are responsible for providing their own materials, displaying them, and decorating their table.

Article XVIII. Playoffs and Championship Game(s)

Section 18.01 The Playoffs and Championship game(s) will be the final games conducted by the league will take place during the final week(s) of the season.

Section 18.02 The Playoffs and Championship game’s date, time, and location will be determined annually by the League Officials, approved by the Board, and will be announced at the season’s first meeting.

Section 18.03 The format and structure for the playoffs, for an upcoming season, will be determined annually by the Commissioner and approved by the Board at the season’s final annual Spring meeting.

Section 18.04 The league will sponsor the playoffs and appoint all appropriate assistance and manpower for the games.

Section 18.05 The Commissioner will serve as the Chairman for the Playoffs and Championship game(s).

Section 18.06 The roster freeze date for the Playoffs and Championship game(s) will be determined annually and announced by the Board of Directors at the season’s first meeting.

Section 18.07 In the event of inclement weather during the CHE post season games, the request to reschedule or cancel the game(s) must be made to the commissioner’s office no later than six (6) hours prior to the scheduled contest.

Article XIX. Standings

Section 19.01 Current standings will be published by the following week of the previous week’s games by Friday at 12 PM by the League on the official web site. Two (2) points will be awarded for a win, one (1) point for a tie or shoot out loss and zero (0) for a loss.

Section 19.02 Results of the standings will determine the seeds for the playoffs. The first place team in the regular season will receive the first seed; second place will receive the second seed, etc. In the event of a regular season tie, the following will be used for tie-breakers:

(a) Tie Breakers Between Two Teams:
- 1) Team with least number of non-extenuating forfeits.
- 2) Head to head
- 3) Most wins
- 4) Points in Divisional Games
- 5) Goal Differential in Divisional Games
- 6) Goal Differential in Non-Divisional Games
- 7) Goals For
- 8) Goals Against
- 9) Coin Toss
(b) Tie Breakers between more than two teams:
- 1) Team with least number of non-extenuating forfeits.
- 2) Most wins
- 3) If one team owns head to head tiebreaker advantage over all teams involved, they will advance. If a team has head to head disadvantage over all teams involved, they will be eliminated. If this reduces the number of teams in the tiebreaker to two, the Tie Breaker between two teams will be used.
- 4) Points in Divisional Games
- 5) Goal Differential in Divisional Games
- 6) Goal Differential in Non-Divisional Games
- 7) Goals For
- 8) Goals Against
- 9) Coin Flip -- If a coin flip occurs for first place, both teams will be considered Co-Regular Season Champions.

Section 19.03 League games that are forfeited or canceled will be considered a win (2 points) for the non-forfeiting team and a forfeit loss (0 points) for the forfeiting team pending confirmation by the Commissioner. Non-League games that are canceled with no on-ice activity will be ruled no-contests and will not be considered in the official league standings.

Article XX. Provision for Change in the Bylaws

Section 20.01 These bylaws may be amended by the affirmative vote of two-thirds of the membership of the organization present at a meeting publicized in advance. Proposed changes shall be included in writing with a meeting announcement.

Section 20.02 In the event that changes or modifications need to be made to the bylaws, the following are the steps to take:

(a) If an eligible voting member proposes a change to the Bylaws:
- 1) A party (Team Representative or board member) must second the motion.
- 2) Proposed amendment must be discussed thoroughly among all parties.
- 3) A vote must be taken with a proxy (75% of eligible voters must be present), with a two-thirds majority vote required for the amendment to pass.
- 4) If the vote is approved, the changes must be documented in the official league bylaws with a date and the word "Amendment" placed next to the new text.

Article XXI. Limitations

Section 21.01 The League is not responsible for the actions or behavior of any of its member teams. All teams play at their own risk and release the League of any liability stemming from any League-related activity, including going to, participating or coming from a League-sponsored event.

Section 21.02 In the event that a specific incident is not covered by the bylaws, the Commissioner and/or the board may use the following references in order to establish precedent:

(a) NCAA Ice Hockey Rules/Guidelines
(b) ACHA Division III Manual
(c) USA Hockey Rules/Guidelines

Article XXII. Dissolution

Section 22.01 In the event the CHE finds it necessary or desirable to dissolve or cease to function as a non-profit corporation, all remaining assets shall be distributed to an organization or organizations, to be selected by the Board of Directors, which qualify as exempt organizations within the meaning of Section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954, or any succeeding provision of Federal Tax Law.

College Hockey East By-Laws and Playing Rules

Proposed CHE Governing Documents 2018

Proposed CHE Transitional Resolutions 2018

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