At least two (2) League-wide meetings shall occur at a central location as determined by the Board of Directors, including but not limited to the end and beginning of each season to elect Directors, vote upon policy, review the League’s finances, vote upon the addition or removal of member-teams, and transact other such business as needed.
Any member-team may submit policy proposals to the Board of Directors to be addressed for consideration at a League meeting. Proposals must be submitted in writing to the Student Directors and Commissioner at least two weeks prior to the scheduled meeting date.
The Board shall submit a meeting agenda to all member-teams one week before the scheduled meeting date.

ROSTERS AND SCHEDULES

Roster and Schedule Submission. Member-teams must submit rosters and schedules to the Board of Directors and League Webmaster at least one (1) week before their first game of the fall and spring semesters or no later than October 1 for the fall semester, and January 31 for the spring semester.
Roster Integrity. To promote fairness and transparency, IWCHL teams must submit a complete roster to the League Commissioner by October 1st or prior to the start of each season.
1. The roster should include players’ jersey numbers, full names, and be accompanied by a digital file containing images of their student ID cards.
2. Each team must submit to the League Commissioner an additional complete roster by January 15th or prior to the start of its second semester schedule. Complete supplemental team rosters must be submitted when any player additions take place during either semester. Supplemental rosters must be accompanied by images of each new player’s student ID card.
3. Failure to adhere to roster integrity rules shall result in all games in which an unlisted player has played to be forfeited by the team for which the unlisted player has played.
4. Impersonation of a listed player by another person will result in every game that listed player has played in to be forfeited.
5. Coaches can request referees to verify a player’s student ID card between periods and/or at the end of the game to confirm they are eligible.

NEW MEMBERS

New Members Process. Prospective Member-teams must have existed as a collegiate ice hockey program for no less than one (1) year prior to requesting admission to the League as a Presidential or Adirondack Member-team and must contact the Commissioner no later than March 1 with their interest and qualifications for joining the League for the following season. The Board of Directors shall determine if the potential member-team is sufficiently capable of upholding the requirements of the League; if admission of the prospective member-team to the League would negatively otherwise impact Divisional play; and any other potential concerns which shall be presented to the League by the Board of Directors at the subsequent League meeting. The prospective member-team will then present their proposal for admission at a League meeting. At the end of the meeting, prospective new member-teams will then be voted on by the existing member-teams of the respective Division which the prospective member-team wishes to join. Prospective member-teams will be admitted to the Division upon an affirmative vote by a majority of those existing member-teams in Good Standing in that Division in addition to the affirmative vote of the President, Vice President, and League Commissioner.
Probationary period. New member-teams shall be considered probationary for their first season within the Adirondack or Presidential Divisions. Teams in a probation period shall only retain a vote for motions regarding Divisional-specific policy at League meetings. Completion of all requirements will result in the probationary team transitioning to full-time status in Good Standing at the end of the determined probationary period.

GOOD STANDING

A full-time status team in Good Standing shall have completed all requirements by the deadlines as set out by the Board including: payment of dues, game scheduling and completion, attendance of a representative at League meetings, submission of requested documentation including rosters and game schedules, in addition to following all other IWCHL and national oversight body (Presidential Division) regulations, requirements, and rules of play.
All member-teams have equal voting rights at League meetings as long as they are in Good Standing with the League.
1. Any team who has not met any outstanding financial obligations to the League by April 1 will be considered not in Good Standing.
Failure to remain in Good Standing may result in voting privileges being suspended, forfeit of a member-team’s deposit, or potential expulsion from the IWCHL upon the determination of the Board of Directors.
Missing one League meeting will result in a warning to that member-team. Missing two League meetings will result in a loss of Good Standing.
Member-teams may only vote during meetings they have a representative in attendance for. Member-teams who do not have a representative present at a League meeting shall have no vote on motions proposed at that meeting.
Member-teams may be expelled from a Division upon the majority affirmative vote of two-thirds (⅔) of the Division’s current member-teams brought forth via a motion at a League meeting.

DIVISIONAL MOVEMENT

Moving Divisions. Moving between Divisions of member-teams must be voted on and approved by an affirmative vote of two-thirds of the member-teams in Good Standing in that Division which the member-team wishes to join for the upcoming season.
1. Member-teams wishing to move Divisions must contact the Board with their desire to do so no later than March 1; member-teams must then present to the League their reasoning for the switch at a League meeting along with their qualifications for joining the new Division.

REPRESENTATIVES

Representatives. All member-teams must designate an individual to represent their team to the League. This representative must be designated and identified to the Board of Directors and the League Commissioner at a post-season meeting for the upcoming season. This representative shall serve as the member-team’s point of contact for the Board of Directors and the Commissioner. Any and all communication between the member-team and the Board of Directors must go through this individual. This representative is charged by the member-team to ensure the member-team remains in Good Standing with the League and satisfies all Divisional requirements. This representative is required to attend all League meetings to ensure the member-team remains in Good Standing and is the sole authorized party able to cast a vote on behalf of the member-team.
1. It is the responsibility of the representative of the member-team to inform the League of their role as representative of their respective member-team, and to identify any changes or replacements of member-team’s representative for the following season.
2. A member-team’s representative and alternative representative may be any individual eighteen (18) years or older who is affiliated with the member-team in an official capacity as determined by the member-team’s parent institution. This role may be served by the team President, team Captain, team Head Coach, team Assistant Coach, etc.
3. A member-team’s representative may not be currently serving on the IWCHL Board of Directors.
Alternative Representatives. In the absence or other reasonable incapacitation of a member-team’s designated representative, a member-team may name an alternative representative to speak and vote on behalf of the member-team provided this alternative representative is communicated to the Board of Directors in writing no less than twenty-four (24) hours prior to an occurring meeting or vote, with both the representative and alternative representative included on the correspondence.

GAME SCHEDULING AND CANCELLATION POLICIES

No games are to be canceled within a two-week period unless for a valid reason as approved by the Board of Directors. In the event of an unavoidable cancellation, both member-teams are to communicate the cancellation between themselves, the Board of Directors, the League Commissioner, the national oversight body (Presidential Division), the Referee-in-Chief if applicable, and the League Webmaster as well as any communication regarding an agreed-upon makeup date for the game.
All game cancellations shall be considered a forfeit for the canceling team. Teams must submit a forfeit appeal form which shall be reviewed and determined by the League Commissioner.
1. If a game is canceled within a two-week period, the team which cancels shall be responsible for the financial cost of the game, including ice time, referee fees, transportation costs.
2. Financial costs of a canceled game may be split between teams in the event a game cancellation is the result of a valid reason approved by the Board or upon the mutual agreement of the teams.
Any member-team which forfeits three (3) games in a scheduled season without sufficient reasoning determined as acceptable by the Board is automatically ineligible for Divisional playoffs and is subject to immediate expulsion from the League pending the deliberation of the Board of Directors.
All games must be re-confirmed by the hosting member-team via email at least seven (7) days prior.
Email communication confirming game scheduling are considered contracts between teams and must be honored unless as otherwise provided for in these policies.
All member-teams must have both home and away uniforms. The home side will wear white unless they make acceptable arrangements in advance with the other team.
Member-teams can play as many non-League games as their schedule allows as long as they meet their League obligations and adhere to any game requirements as stipulated by the League and the national oversight body (Presidential Division).
All Presidential and Adirondack teams are required to schedule referees through the League’s Referee-in-Chief. Any member-team found to have not utilized proper officials will be fined up to $250 for not having proper officials which will be forfeited from the team’s deposit for the first occurrence and the team will be put on probation. If there is a second occurrence the team will be fined another $250 and will be expelled from the league immediately.

Presidential Division Requirements for Team Membership and Player Eligibility

Member-teams of the Presidential Division are required to join a national oversight body. As of 2018, all member-teams of the Presidential Division must join the ACHA and adhere to ACHA rules of play, eligibility requirements, policies, and protocols.
1. Member-teams found to be in violation of the national oversight body’s rules, requirements, policies, and protocols shall be subject to fines, loss of Good Standing, loss of voting rights, expulsion from the League, and/or other disciplinary measures as determined by the Board of Directors and League Commissioner.
2. Member-teams must submit documentation of their national oversight body to the League Commissioner before September 1.
3. Each member-team in the Presidential Division is required to decide and inform the ACHA if they will accept a bid to the ACHA national tournament if offered. This decision must be communicated to the Board of Directors and the League Commissioner prior to December 1 of the season for the determination of the allotment of the ACHA National tournament autobid.
Member-teams must pay League dues for the administration of the website, and a refundable deposit to ensure scheduled games occur before their first game or October 15, whichever comes first. This deposit will be forfeited if a team does not adhere to its confirmed scheduled games or other game rules as noted in the Presidential Division Rules of Play. Failure to pay either dues or deposit will result in the member-team being ineligible for playoffs until the dues and deposit are received by the Treasurer. Additional penalties for late payment of dues may be determined at the behest of the Treasurer and the League Commissioner.
Each member-team can carry as many players as their institution and/or charter bylaws allow. All players of member-teams in the Presidential Division of the IWCHL must meet the national oversight body’s requirements for eligibility.
1. Presidential teams will follow national oversight body guidelines concerning transgender players.
Former NCAA, varsity, Olympic, or other professional-type team players are required to be approved by both the national oversight body and the League Commissioner.
Member-teams found to have ineligible players will be required to forfeit each game in which an ineligible player was rostered.
Presidential member-teams can vote, through a majority of all teams in Good Standing, to change, add, or remove Presidential Division policies at any scheduled League meeting or by special meeting. A special virtual meeting can be held upon one week’s notice and if a quorum of at least two-thirds (2/3) of the member-teams in Good Standing are in attendance.

Presidential Division Rules of Play

Presidential member-teams are required to play each team in their sub-division twice, and each team in the opposing sub-division once. Failure to schedule and complete this game requirement may result in playoff ineligibility and expulsion from the League with the exception of circumstances deemed to be beyond the control of the member-team by the Board of Directors and League Commissioner.
Games will follow NCAA and national oversight body rules. This includes minor penalty length (two minutes) and time outs (one per team).
The home team is responsible for providing referees, a capable time-keeper, reporting the results on a scoresheet, supplying an athletic trainer, and submitting game scores to the IWCHL and the national oversight body.
1. Presidential member-teams are required to use national oversight body specific scoresheets.
2. Game results and a picture of the scoresheet must be emailed to the League Webmaster and League Commissioner within twenty-four (24) hours after the game has ended by the home team.
3. Home teams unable to provide a certified athletic trainer or other appropriate medical personnel by the official start time of the game are required to forfeit the game.
Games will consist of three twenty-minute (20:00), stop time periods. Any game less than three, twenty-minute (20:00), stop time periods shall be considered a forfeit for the home team.
At least one ice resurfacing shall occur per game, ideally between the second and third periods. If there is to be more than one ice making or the ice will be made at a different time it must be communicated and agreed upon by both teams before the away team fills out the score sheet.
Games shall have a minimum five-minute, maximum ten-minute warm-up. Playing of the National Anthem and introductions is at the home team’s discretion but should be discussed and agreed upon with the opposing team before either team takes the ice.
The game time listed on the League website shall be puck drop. The home team is responsible for informing the visiting team and referees what time to step on the ice either by clock run-down, verbal notice, or written notice.
During the regular season, there will be a five-minute 3-on-3 overtime period played at the end of regular play as required by the NCAA. If after five minutes the game is still tied, the game will end in a tie.
Goal differentials will be capped at eight for league games to promote good sportsmanship. When a lead of eight goals is reached, the game officially ends for the purposes of reporting the score and the score should be reported as such, but teams shall continue playing the game in full.
In the event of a forfeit, a game will be recorded as a 4-0 score for reporting to the ACHA.
Points for standings: Win=3 Points, OT Win=2 Points, Tie after OT=1.5 points , OT Loss=1 Point, Loss=0 Points

Adirondack Division Requirements for Team Membership and Player Eligibility

Member-teams of the Adirondack must pay League dues for the administration of the website, and a refundable deposit to ensure scheduled games occur before their first game or October 1, whichever comes first. This deposit will be forfeited if a team does not adhere to its confirmed scheduled games or other Adirondack Division Rules of Play.
Each member-team can carry as many players as their institution or charter by-laws allow so long as players are considered current students at the respective institution.
1. Member-teams cannot roster alumnae, faculty, staff, and other such individuals who are not considered current students.
2. Member-teams cannot roster any player who has previously played on an NCAA, varsity, or Olympic-type team. Some exceptions may be made through approval by the Commissioner.
3. Adirondack teams will follow member-team’s institutional guidelines concerning transgender players.
Member-teams found to have ineligible players will be required to forfeit each game in which an ineligible player played.
Adirondack member-teams can vote, through a majority of all teams in Good Standing, to change, add, or remove Adirondack Division rules at any scheduled League meeting or by special meeting. A special virtual meeting can be held upon one week’s notice and if a quorum of at least two-thirds (2/3) of the member-teams in Good Standing are in attendance.

Adirondack Rules of Play

Each team must play each team within their sub-division twice.
Games will follow NCAA rules except as otherwise stated within these rules. This includes minor penalty length (two minutes) and time outs (one per team).
The home team is responsible for providing referees, a capable time-keeper, recording the results on a scoresheet, supplying an athletic trainer, and submitting game scores to the IWCHL.
1. Game results and a picture of the scoresheet must be emailed to the League Webmaster and League Commissioner within twenty-four (24) hours after the game has ended by the home team.
2. Home teams unable to provide a certified athletic trainer or other appropriate medical personnel by the official start time of the game are required to forfeit the game.
Games will consist of three seventeen-minute (17:00), stop time periods with at least one ice resurfacing per game, ideally between the second and third periods. If there is to be more than one ice making or the ice will be made at a different time it must be communicated before the away team fills out the score sheet.
Games shall have a minimum five-minute, maximum ten-minute warm-up. Playing of the National Anthem and introductions is at the home team’s discretion but should be discussed with the opposing team before either team takes the ice.
During the regular season, there will be a five-minute 3-on-3 overtime period played at the end of regular play. If after five minutes the game is still tied, the game will end in a tie.
Points for standings: Win = 2 Points, Tie = 1 Point, Loss = 0 Points

Playoffs

The IWCHL Divisional playoffs will take place on the third or last weekend in February unless determined otherwise upon an affirmative vote of all member-teams at a League meeting.
Playoffs will take place at a centrally-located rink determined by the Board of Directors and approved by a majority affirmative two-thirds (⅔) vote of all League member-teams at a League meeting.
Playoffs for both Divisions may be, but are not required to be, held at the same location, to allow for possible Divisional-specific alterations of playoff structure.
The Board of Directors is responsible for securing ice times, athletic trainers, and all else necessary for the conductance of playoffs. The Referee-in-Chief will be tasked with providing referees.
1. Member-teams participating in playoffs shall split financial costs of playoffs unless otherwise determined by the Board of Directors.
Standings for playoff determination are based on points. In the event of a tie, the order of tie breakers is: a) head to head, b) goals against, c) goals for.
The top two teams in each sub-Division will be part of the playoffs. The top two teams will be selected based on their record within their sub-Division.
In order to be eligible for playoffs, team must have completed all their League game requirements by midnight on the Sunday before playoffs unless subject to such circumstances which resulted in games being unable to be played as determined by the League Commissioner and Board of Directors (e.g., inclimate weather, COVID-19, etc).
If a team cannot participate in the playoffs due to concerns such as budget and cost of playing, they will be asked to withdraw and the next seeded team will be given an invitation to playoffs. If this next team cannot accept the game, it will fall to the next seeded team. If after exhausting the entire Division, there is no team available, then the team will get a bye and will advance to the next round.
The structure of playoffs as outlined here may be amended to more adequately reflect either Divisional competition and/or number of member-teams in each Division upon a majority affirmative vote of two-thirds (⅔) of those member-teams in the respective Division of the proposed change.
1. Proposals to amend playoff structure may be put forth by the League Commissioner, the Board of Directors, or any member-team of the League
Amendments to playoff structure impacting Divisional playoffs of the current season must be finalized before the regular season begins.
Rules of play for Divisional playoff games shall adhere to the same rules of play for each respective Division listed in the League Policies.
The higher ranking team shall be the home team for playoff games and shall wear white unless otherwise arranged between the teams.
Semi-Finals Format: the number one ranked team of each sub-Division shall play the number two ranked team of the opposing sub-Division. The winners of both games shall advance to the Finals.
In the Presidential Division, there shall be a five-minute (5:00) 3-on-3 sudden victory overtime period played at the end of regular play upon a tie. If a winner has not been determined at the end of overtime, a shootout shall be played.
In the Adirondack Division, there shall be a five-minute (5:00) 3-on-3 sudden victory overtime period played at the end of regular play upon a tie. If a winner has not been determined at the end of overtime, a shootout shall be played.
Unless otherwise determined by the Board of Directors, the winner of the Presidential Division playoff shall receive the League’s allotted autobid to the ACHA national tournament. If the winner of the Presidential Division playoff elected to opt out of the National tournament, the autobid will fall to the Presidential playoff runner-up. If the runner-up team has opted out, it will fall to the next highest seeded Presidential member-team which has not opted out of the ACHA National tournament.
1. The League Commissioner is responsible for informing the ACHA which team has been allotted the autobid each year.
2. In the event playoffs are not played, the auto-bid would be awarded to the highest ranked Presidential team at the end of the regular season.
  1. In the event of a tie, the order of tie breakers is: a) head to head, b) goals against, c) goals for.
In the event of a shootout, the protocol shall be best of three rounds. If at the end of the shootout, the game remains tied, each team will select another shooter in a sudden-death situation. The first three shooters are ineligible until all players on the bench have attempted a shot. Any players in the penalty box are ineligible for all rounds of the shootout. Each team has an equal number of chances to shoot before a winner is declared.

Berkshires Division Requirements for Team Membership and Player Eligibility

1. Member-teams of the Berkshires must pay League dues for the administration of the
website, and a refundable deposit to ensure scheduled games occur before their first game
or October 1, whichever comes first. This deposit will be forfeited if a team does not
adhere to its confirmed scheduled games or other Berkshires Division Rules of Play.

2. Each member-team can carry as many players as their institution or charter by-laws allow
so long as players are approved for athletic participation by their respective institution.
a. Member-teams cannot roster any player who has previously played on an NCAA,
varsity, or Olympic-type team. Some exceptions may be made through approval
by the Commissioner.
b. Berkshires teams will follow member-team’s institutional guidelines concerning
transgender players.
c. Berkshires teams are not required to utilize one jersey number per player per
season, so long as the roster for each game notes which player is wearing which
jersey for that game.

3. Member-teams found to have ineligible players will be required to forfeit each game in
which an ineligible player played.

4. Berkshires member-teams can vote, through a majority of all teams in Good Standing, to
change, add, or remove Berkshires Division rules at any scheduled League meeting or by
special meeting. A special virtual meeting can be held upon one week’s notice and if a
quorum of at least two-thirds (2/3) of the member-teams in Good Standing are in
attendance.

Berkshires Rules of Play

1. Each team shall play a minimum ten game schedule to qualify for playoffs. This shall
include playing all other Berkshires teams twice.

2. Playoffs shall consist of the top two teams from the Division in a single championship
game.

3. Games will follow NCAA rules except as otherwise stated within these rules. This
includes minor penalty length (two minutes) and time outs (one per team).

4. The home team is responsible for providing referees, a capable time-keeper, recording the
results on a scoresheet, supplying an athletic trainer, and submitting game scores to the
IWCHL.

a. Game results and a picture of the scoresheet must be emailed to the League
Webmaster and League Commissioner within twenty-four (24) hours after the
game has ended by the home team.
b. Home teams unable to provide a certified athletic trainer or other appropriate
medical personnel by the official start time of the game are required to forfeit the
game.
c. It is recommended that Berkshires teams utilize the Referee-in-Chief to provide
referees for all games. Any referees not scheduled through the Referee-in-Chief
must be properly certified through USA Hockey and NCAA.

5. Games will consist of three seventeen-minute (17:00), stop time periods with at least one
ice resurfacing per game, ideally between the second and third periods. If there is to be
more than one ice making or the ice will be made at a different time it must be
communicated before the away team fills out the score sheet.

6. Games shall have a minimum five-minute, maximum ten-minute warm-up. Playing of the
National Anthem and introductions is at the home team’s discretion but should be
discussed with the opposing team before either team takes the ice.

7. During the regular season, there will be a five-minute 3-on-3 overtime period played at
the end of regular play. If after five minutes the game is still tied, the game will end in a
tie.

8.) Points for standings: Win = 2 Points, Tie = 1 Point, Loss = 0 Points

****************************************************************************************************
OLD VERSIONS

Approved September 2018 / Revised September 2019
Playoffs updated to East / West Presidential and North/South Adirondak structure Sept 2021

The IWCHL is split into two divisions, the Presidential and Adirondack. The rules for each division are outlined below. A majority of the rules for each division are the same, however, for clarity all rules are outlined separately for each division. If you have any questions, please email iwchlofficers@gmail.com.

Presidential Division

League Membership Requirements

To be considered to be a member team in good standing each team must pay a $70 league dues, which are due November 1st and a $500 refundable deposit before their first game or October 15th (whichever comes first). The fee is to pay for administration of the website. The deposit is for the purpose of insuring games scheduled will occur as scheduled. The deposit will be forfeited if a team does not adhere to the scheduling or game rules as noted below. Once you are a no-show for an away game or do not have the appropriate set up at a home game the team will forfeit their deposit and all future games will be cancelled immediately.
Each member team has equal voting rights as long as they are in good standing with the league.
Each member team must have their representative (or assignee) at the pre & post season meeting in order to be a team in good standing with the league. Each member team will have one vote (on post meeting surveys that will be sent out after the meeting) at meetings and it is up to the team to designate who that is if it is not the person listed on the representative list at the beginning of a meeting so there is no confusion.
Each member team must be a part of the same national oversight division. As of Spring 2018, all teams must join the ACHA.
The original teams as of May 1, 2015 are considered to be charter teams and do not need to apply to be accepted to the league. Being a charter team does not guarantee your continued membership to the league as each charter team must continue to adhere to all membership rules in order to stay in good standing. Any team that wants to be admitted to the league must apply to the league and be voted into the league. Any new team will be on probation for two years and can be admitted as a charter member after that time period if they have stayed in good standing.
These rules are a guideline for the league. The membership can vote (through a two-thirds majority of all teams in good standing) to change these rules at either of the two general meetings, by special meeting. A special meeting can be held only if there is ample notice given to all members (two weeks or more is preferred) and at least two-thirds of the members in good standing are in attendance.
A meeting can only be considered valid only if there is a quorum of teams in attendance. The definition of quorum requires that over half of teams in good standing be in attendance.

Registration of a Team

All teams must submit rosters to the league by November 1st for the first semester and any changes by February 1st for the second semester. Each team can have as many members on their club as their institution or charter/by-laws allow. All players must meet the Women’s ACHA D2 requirements for eligibility.
Each team must play each division team twice. If a game is cancelled due to acceptable circumstances outlined under additional rules, the teams will try to make up the game but if it cannot be accomplished then it will not be counted.

Rules of Play

Games will follow NCAA rules. This includes minor penalty length (two minutes) and time outs (one per team)
All referees must be competent and show that they are properly trained and certified to adhere to these rules. As of the Spring 2018 league meeting, all Presidential Teams are required to use the same scheduler. As of Spring 2018, all Presidential teams are required to schedule with George Starr. A fine of up to $250 for not having proper officials (as determined by the executive board) will be forfeited from the team’s deposit for the first occurrence and the team will be put on probation. If there is a second occurrence the team will be fined another $250 and will be expelled from the league immediately.
The home team is also responsible for having a capable time-keeper, providing and reporting the results on from a score sheet and having appropriate Athletic Trainer, Emergency personnel or emergency plan available (this must be shared with the visiting team before the game).
There will be a minimum of a five-minute warm-up (eight if possible). Playing/singing of the National Anthem and introductions is up to the home team but should be discussed with the opposing team before either team takes the ice.
All games will consist of three seventeen-minute periods with at least one ice making per game (preferably between the second and third periods). If there is to be more than one ice making or the ice will be made at a different time it must be communicated before the away team fills out the score sheet.
Goal differentials will be capped at eight for league games to promote good sportsmanship. When a lead of eight goals is reached, the game officially ends and the score should be reported as such, but teams are encouraged to continue playing to the end of the game.
During the regular season, there will be a five-minute 5 on 5 overtime period played at the end of regular play.
If after five minutes the game is still tied, then it will end in a tie. (19-20 Season)

Playoffs (2 Division Presidential (2019-Current) and 2 Division Adirondak (2018-Current)
Playoffs will take place at a centrally located rink determined by the Board of Directors and approved at the pre-season meeting.
If a team cannot participate in the playoffs due to budget constraints and cost of playing they will be asked to withdraw and the next seeded team will be asked to take that teams place. If the next team cannot accept the game, then it will fall to the next seeded team. If after exhausting the entire division, there is no team available then the team will get a bye and will move on to the next round.
There will be two playoff brackets, with a winner for each Division.
The top two teams in each Division will be part of the playoffs. The top two will teams will be selected based on their record within their division and will be decided based on their win/loss percentage. This is to accommodate for game(s) that were cancelled and could not be made up.
For the Presidential Division, the format will have the number one seed in the East and number one seed in the West Presidential Division seed play the number two seed from the West and East Presidential Division respectively.
Games played against a team that has been expelled do not count towards your win/loss percentage.
Standings are based on points as follows: two points for a win, one point for a tie, and zero points for a loss. In the event of a tie, the order of tie breakers is: a) head to head, b) goals against, c) goals for.
The playoff timing will be decided at the pre-season meeting.
There will be a 20-minute five on five sudden death overtime period played at the end of regular play.

Playoffs (Single Presidential (2014-2018) and Single Adirondak Division (2014-2017)

Playoffs will take place at a centrally located rink determined by the Board of Directors and approved at the pre-season meeting.
If a team cannot participate in the playoffs due to budget constraints and cost of playing they will be asked to withdraw and the next seeded team will be asked to take that teams place. If the next team cannot accept the game, then it will fall to the next seeded team. If after exhausting the entire division, there is no team available then the team will get a bye and will move on to the next round.
There will be two playoff brackets, with a winner for each Division.
The top four teams in each Division will be part of the playoffs. The top four will teams will be selected based on their record within their division and will be decided based on their win/loss percentage. This is to accommodate for game(s) that were cancelled and could not be made up.
For the Presidential Division, the format will have the number one seed play the number four seed and the number two seed play the number three seed. Games played against a team that has been expelled do not count towards your win/loss percentage.
Standings are based on points as follows: two points for a win, one point for a tie, and zero points for a loss. In the event of a tie, the order of tie breakers is: a) head to head, b) goals against, c) goals for.
The playoff timing will be decided at the pre-season meeting.
There will be a 20-minute five on five sudden death overtime period played at the end of regular play.

Additional Rules

No missing games or cancelling games within a two-week window of the game unless there is a valid exception or as approved by the board in advance or accepted through a vote by a majority of the membership (many clubs have to request school or outside transportation and cannot make changes within this timeframe and can cost upwards of $1,000 to do so). Examples of valid exceptions that do not need approval are harsh weather and the visiting team acknowledging that it will not be a problem and an agreed makeup date is scheduled immediately and the communication is forwarded to the board.
All games must be confirmed by the responsible member of the team at least three days prior to the contest.
All teams must have both home and away uniforms. The home team will wear white unless they make acceptable arrangements in advance with the other team.
Each team will have to make its own decision as to when to start their season league play. The IWCHL Division playoffs will be complete by the start of NCAA Division III spring sports season.
Each team registered with the ACHA will have to decide if they want to be included, if offered a bid, in the ACHA National Tournament and it has no bearing on their IWCHL status.
Teams can play as many non league games as their schedule allows as long as they meet their league obligations.
These bylaws were emailed to teams for review on Jun 30, 2015 and approved by an email vote with a voting deadline of Jul 15, 2015. Fourteen of the eighteen Charter teams voted to approve the bylaws, so they have been adopted to the league. The updated version of the rules based on the spring 2018 meeting was circulated on 26th day of September 2018.
League Board of Directors

An Executive Board will be elected from the membership to oversee league meetings, be part of the rules committee and see that the general management of the organization is adhered and lead the league forward.
The Executive board will be made up of any member or person that is agreed to by the membership to be an overseer and elected annually at IWCHL League end of season meeting. There will be a minimum of three and a maximum of five elected Executive Board members with one being the commissioner to oversee meetings and the rules committee.

Adirondack Division

League Membership Requirements

To be considered to be a member team in good standing each team must pay a $70 league dues, which are due November 1st and a $500 refundable deposit before their first game or October 15th (whichever comes first). The fee is to pay for administration of the website. The deposit is for the purpose of insuring games scheduled will occur as scheduled. The deposit will be forfeited if a team does not adhere to the scheduling or game rules as noted below. Once you are a no-show for an away game or do not have the appropriate set up at a home game the team will forfeit their deposit and all future games will be cancelled immediately.
Each member team has equal voting rights as long as they are in good standing with the league.
Each member team must have their representative (or assignee) at the pre & post season meeting in order to be a team in good standing with the league. Each member team will have one vote (on post meeting surveys that will be sent out after the meeting) at meetings and it is up to the team to designate who that is if it is not the person listed on the representative list at the beginning of a meeting so there is no confusion.
The original teams as of May 1, 2015 are considered to be charter teams and do not need to apply to be accepted to the league. Being a charter team does not guarantee your continued membership to the league as each charter team must continue to adhere to all membership rules in order to stay in good standing. Any team that wants to be admitted to the league must apply to the league and be voted into the league. Any new team will be on probation for two years and can be admitted as a charter member after that time period if they have stayed in good standing.
These rules are a guideline for the league. The membership can vote (through a two-thirds majority of all teams in good standing) to change these rules at either of the two general meetings, or by special meeting. A special meeting can be held only if there is ample notice given to all members (two weeks or more is preferred) and at least two-thirds of the members in good standing are in attendance.
A meeting can only be considered valid only if there is a quorum of teams in attendance. The definition of quorum requires that over half of teams in good standing be in attendance.

Registration of a Team

All teams must submit rosters to the league by November 1st for the first semester and any changes by February 1st for the second semester. Each team can have as many members as their institution or charter/by-laws allow for. Each player must be a member of the School community. Eligible players will include; students, faculty and alumni or others that are discussed and agreed upon at the annual Fall meeting. This is the less competitive league and the idea is to roster players that are of similar caliber as other teams in the Division. Teams cannot roster any non-student player that has previously played on an NCAA or Olympic type team. Some exceptions may be made through approval by the commissioner.
Each team must play each subdivision team twice. If a game is cancelled due to acceptable circumstances outlined under additional rules, the teams will try to make up the game but if it cannot be accomplished then it will not be counted.

Rules of Play

Games will follow NCAA rules. This includes minor penalty length (two minutes) and time outs (one per team)
All referees must be competent and show that they are properly trained and certified to adhere to these rules. If the referees are not scheduled through a known NCAA or ACHA scheduler it is the home team’s responsibility to insure that the referees are capable (we do not approve of any referee that is a member of the school and they must have the proper training). A fine of up to $250 for not having proper officials (as determined by the executive board) will be forfeited from the team’s deposit for the first occurrence and the team will be put on probation. If there is a second occurrence the team will be fined another $250 and will be expelled from the league immediately.
The home team is also responsible for having a capable time-keeper, providing and reporting the results on from a score sheet and having appropriate Athletic Trainer, Emergency personnel or emergency plan available (this must be shared with the visiting team before the game).
There will be a minimum of a five-minute warm-up (eight if possible). Playing/singing of the National Anthem and introductions is up to the home team but should be discussed with the opposing team before either team takes the ice.
All games will consist of three seventeen-minute periods with at least one ice making per game (preferably between the second and third periods). If there is to be more than one ice making or the ice will be made at a different time it must be communicated before the away team fills out the score sheet.
Goal differentials will be capped at eight for league games to promote good sportsmanship. When a lead of eight goals is reached, the game officially ends and the score should be reported as such, but teams are encouraged to continue playing to the end of the game.
During the regular season, there will be a five-minute 5 on 5 overtime period played at the end of regular play.
If after five minutes the game is still tied, then it will end in a tie. (19-20 Season)

Playoffs

Playoffs will take place at a centrally located rink determined by the Board of Directors and approved at the pre-season meeting.
If a team cannot participate in the playoffs due to budget constraints and cost of playing they will be asked to withdraw and the next seeded team will be asked to take that teams place. If the next team cannot accept the game, then it will fall to the next seeded team. If after exhausting the entire division, there is no team available then the team will get a bye and will move on to the next round.
There will be two playoff brackets, with a winner for each Division.
The top four teams in each Division will be part of the playoffs. The top four will teams will be selected based on their record within their division and will be decided based on their win/loss percentage. This is to accommodate for game(s) that were cancelled and could not be made up.
For the Adirondack Division, the format will have the number one seed of each subdivision play the number two seed of the other subdivision.
Standings are based on points as follows: two points for a win, one point for a tie, and zero points for a loss. In the event of a tie, the order of tie breakers is: a) head to head, b) goals against, c) goals for.
The playoff timing will be decided at the pre-season meeting.
There will be a 20-minute five on five sudden death overtime period played at the end of regular play.

Additional Rules

No missing games or cancelling games within a two week window of the game unless there is a valid exception or as approved by the board in advance or accepted through a vote by a majority of the membership (many clubs have to request school or outside transportation and cannot make changes within this timeframe and can cost upwards of $1,000 to do so). Examples of valid exceptions that do not need approval are harsh weather and the visiting team acknowledging that it will not be a problem and an agreed makeup date is scheduled immediately and the communication is forwarded to the board.
All games must be confirmed by the responsible member of the team at least three days prior to the contest.
All teams must have both home and away uniforms. The home team will wear white unless they make acceptable arrangements in advance with the other team.
Each team will have to make its own decision as to when to start their season league play. The IWCHL Division playoffs will be complete by the start of NCAA Division III spring sports season.
Teams can play as many non league games as their schedule allows as long as they meet their league obligations.
These bylaws were emailed to teams for review on Jun 30, 2015 and approved by an email vote with a voting deadline of Jul 15, 2015. Fourteen of the eighteen Charter teams voted to approve the bylaws, so they have been adopted to the league. The updated version of the rules based on the spring 2018 meeting was circulated on 26th date of September 2018.
League Board of Directors
- An Executive Board will be elected from the membership to oversee league meetings, be part of the rules committee and see that the general management of the organization is adhered and lead the league forward.
- The Executive Board will be made up of any member or person that is agreed to by the membership to be an overseer and elected annually at IWCHL League end of season meeting. There will be a minimum of three and a maximum of five elected Executive Board members with one being the commissioner to oversee meetings and the rules committee.

The Charter Teams from the 2015-2016 Season are:

Presidential Division (8 teams)
Boston College
Boston University
Merrimack College
Saint Anselm College
Union College
University of Massachusetts -- Lowell
University of New Hampshire
Westfield State University

Adirondack Division (10 teams)
Bates College
Colby-Sawyer College
Dartmouth College
Harvard University
Holy Cross
Keene State College
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Mount Holyoke College
Smith College
University of New England

The current teams for 2018-2019 season are:

Presidential Division (8 teams)

Boston College

Boston University

Merrimack College

Northeastern University

Saint Anselm College

University of New Hampshire

University of Vermont

Westfield State University

Adirondack Division (15 teams)

Bates College

Bridgewater State University

Curry College

Dartmouth College

Keene State College

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Mount Holyoke College

Norwich University

Smith College

Stonehill College

University of Maine

University of Massachusetts – Lowell

University of New England

Union College

Associate Division (7 teams)

Bishops College

Harvard University

College of the Holy Cross

St. Joe’s College

Trinity College

Wheaton College

Providence College

Colby-Sawyer College
*************************************************************************************************************************

SUPERSEDED
Current Rules / Policy / Guidelines at top of this page

IWCHL League Rules
(APPROVED 7-15-15, Updated 9Nov15)
****************************************************************************************************************************************
6Nov17 Update:

Clarification of game rules

Each team is allowed one time-out per game
Overtime periods will be played 4 vs 4 - 5 Minutes
Minor penalties are 2 min long

Clarification of standings

Standings are based on points as follows: 2 points for a win, 1 point for a tie, 0 points for a loss.
In the event of a tie, the order of tie breakers is: a) head to head, b) goals against, c) goals for

Mercy rule

Goal differentials will be capped at 8 for league games to promote good sportsmanship.
When a lead of 8 goals is reached, the game officially ends and the score should be reported as such, but teams are encouraged to continue playing to the end of the game.

Playoff dates

The playoff section has been updated to include the playoff dates agreed on at the pre-season meeting
(last two weekends of Feb).

******************************************************************************************************************************

League Membership Requirements
• To be considered to be a member team in good standing each team must pay a $60 league fee and a $500 refundable deposit before their first game or October 15 (whichever comes first). The fee is to pay for administration of the web site. The deposit is for the purpose of insuring games scheduled will occur as scheduled. The deposit will be forfeited if a team does not adhere to the scheduling or game rules as noted below. Once you are a no-show for an away game or do not have the appropriate set up at a home game the team will forfeit their deposit and all future games will be cancelled immediately.

• Each member team has equal voting rights as long as they are in good standing with the league.

• Each member team must have their representative (or assignee) at the pre & post season meeting in order to be a team in good standing with the league. Each member team will have one vote at meetings and it is up to the team to designate who that is if it is not the person listed on the representative list at the beginning of a meeting so there is no confusion.

• The original teams as of May 1, 2015 are considered to be charter teams and do not need to apply to be accepted to the league. Being a charter team does not guarantee your continued membership to the league as each charter team must continue to adhere to all membership rules in order to stay in good standing. Any team that wants to be admitted to the league must apply to the league and be voted into the league. Any new team will be on probation for two years and can be admitted as a charter member after that time period if they have stayed in good standing.

• These rules are a guideline for the league. The membership can vote (through a 2/3 majority of all teams in good standing) to change these rules at either of the two general meetings or by special meeting. A special meeting can be held only if there is ample notice given to all members (two weeks or more is preferred) and at least 2/3 of the members in good standing are in attendance.

• A meeting can only be considered valid only if there is a quorum of teams in attendance. The definition of quorum requires that over 50% of teams in good standing be in attendance.

League Board of Directors

• An Executive Board will be elected from the membership to oversee league meetings, be part of the rules committee and see that the general management of the organization is adhered and lead the league forward.

• The Executive board will be made up of any member or person that is agreed to by the membership to be an overseer and elected annually at IWCHL League Rules (APPROVED 7-15-15, Updated 9-19-15) the end of season meeting. There will be a minimum of three and a maximum of five elected Executive Board members with one being the commissioner to oversee meetings and the rules committee.

Registration of a Team
• League Divisions (named for mountain ranges in New England)

• Presidential Range Division, formerly known as the upper Division (aka PD)

• All teams must submit rosters to the league by November 1st for the first semester and any changes by February 1st for the second semester. Each team can have as many members on their club as their institution or charter/by-laws allow. All players must meet (although not required to join) the Women’s ACHA D2 requirements for eligibility.

• Adirondacks Division, formerly known as the lower Division (aka AD)

• All teams must submit rosters to the league by November 1st for the first semester and any changes by February 1st for the second semester. Each team can have as many members as their institution or charter/by-laws allow for. Each player must be a member of the School community. Eligible players will include; students, faculty and alumni or others that are discussed and agreed upon at the annual Fall meeting. This is the less competitive league and the idea is to roster players that are of similar caliber as other teams in the Division. Teams cannot roster any non-student player that has previously played on an NCAA or Olympic type team.

Rules of Play:
• Games will follow NCAA rules.

• All referees must be competent and show that they are properly trained and certified to adhere to these rules. If the referees are not scheduled through a known NCAA or ACHA scheduler it is the home team’s responsibility to insure that the referees are capable (we do not approve of any referee that is a member of the school and they must have the proper training). A fine of up to $250 for not having proper officials (as determined by the executive board) will be forfeited from the teams deposit for the first occurrence and the team will be put on probation. If there is a second occurrence the team will be fined another $250 and will be expelled from the league immediately.

• The home team is also responsible for having a capable time-keeper, providing and reporting the results on from a score sheet and having appropriate Athletic Trainer, Emergency personnel or emergency plan available (this must shared with the visiting team before the game).

• There will be a minimum of a five minute warm-up (eight if possible). Playing/Singing of the National Anthem and introductions is up to the home team but should be discussed with the opposing team before either team takes the ice.

• All games will consist of three 17 minute periods with at least one ice making per game (preferably between the 2nd and 3rd periods). If there is to be more than one ice making or the ice will be made at a different time it must be communicated before the away team fills out the score sheet.

• There will be a five minute overtime period played at the end of regular play. If after five minutes the game is still tied then it will end in a tie.

Minimum Number of Games
• PD: must play each division team twice

• If a game is cancelled due to acceptable circumstances (ie weather) the teams will try to make up the game but if it cannot be accomplished then it will not be counted.

• AD: must play each division team once

• If a team is to play another division team more than once the first game of the season is the one that counts towards the league record.

Playoffs:
• Each team should be willing to participate and host a playoff game if they are the higher seeded team.
If the upper team cannot accommodate hosting the game the lower seeded opponent has the option to host the game.
If a team cannot participate in the playoffs due to budget constraints and cost of playing they will be asked to withdraw and the next seeded team will be asked to take that teams place.
If the next team cannot accept the game then it will fall to the next seeded team.
If after exhausting the entire Division there is no team available then the team will get a bye and will move on to the next round.

• There will be two playoff brackets, with a winner for each Division.

• The top four teams in each Division will be part of the playoffs.
The top four will teams will be selected based on their record within their division and will be decided based on their win/loss percentage.
This is to accommodate for game(s) that were (IWCHL League Rules APPROVED 7-15-15, Updated 9-19-15) cancelled and could not be made up.
The format will have the number 1 seed play the number 4 seed and the number 2 seed play the number 3 seed. Games played against a team that has been expelled do not count towards your win/loss percentage.

• The playoff timing will be decided at the pre-season meeting.

OTHER GENERAL RULES
• No missing games or cancelling games within a 2 week window of the game unless there is a valid exception or as approved by the board in advance or accepted through a vote by a majority of the membership (many clubs have to request school or outside transportation and cannot make changes within this timeframe and can cost upwards of $1,000 to do so)

Examples of valid exceptions that do not need approval:
• Harsh weather

• Visiting team acknowledging that it will not be a problem and an agreed makeup date is scheduled immediately and the communication forwarded to the board.

• All games must be confirmed by the responsible member of the team at least 3 days prior to the contest.

• All teams must have both home and away uniforms. The home team will wear white unless they make acceptable arrangements in advance with the other team.

• Each team will have to make its own decision as to when to start their season league play.

The IWCHL Div. playoffs will be complete by the start of NCAA D3 spring sports season. Each team registered with the ACHA will have to decide if they want to be included, if offered a bid, in the ACHA National Tournament and it has no bearing on their IWCHL status.

• Games outside the league: Teams can play as many non league games as their schedule allows as long as they meet their league obligations.

These bylaws were emailed to teams for review on Jun 30, 2015 and approved by an email vote with a voting deadline of Jul 15, 2015. 14 of the 18 Charter teams voted to approve the bylaws, so they have been adopted to the league.

The Charter Teams for the 2015-2016 Season are:

Two “Associate Teams” were approved for the 2015-2016 season. They may schedule games
but are not eligible for playoffs this season.

Associates (2 teams)
Curry College
Norwich University

Important Dates for 2015-2016 Season

October 15 or first league game (whichever comes first) – League dues and deposits due
November 1 – preliminary rosters due
February 1 – final rosters due
February 14 – last day to complete regular season league games
February 20-21 – league playoffs, semifinals
February 27-28 – league playoffs, finals
March 5-6 – weather backup date for league playoff finals
**************************************************************************************************

SUPERSEDED
Current Rules / Policy / Guidelines at top of this page
2014-2015
Independent Women’s Hockey League Rules and Guidelines

Deadlines:

Home/away game Schedules due October 1, 2014
Team rosters are due at least 3 days before the first scheduled season game
Final Rosters due February 1, 2015
Regular season games must be completed before February 10, 2015
Division Playoffs begin February 14 & 15, 2015
Semi-finals: February 21-22
Final: February 28
Backup dates for playoffs: March 1, 7 & 8, if needed (e.g. weather delays)

Team Expectations:

If a player that is not on the team roster plays in a game, then the team forfeits that game
If a player that is not on the game roster for a game, plays in that game, the team will be charged with a 2 minute penalty
Teams are expected to follow DIII NCAA rules – the only exception is that MIT is permitted to have older players due to club status provided they are on the roster
Teams are expected to wear white jerseys at home games and dark jerseys away. If a team has only one color, they must inform the opposing team one week prior to the day of the game.
Before each game, it is recommended that game day contact info (phone number), jersey color, game time, rink location and bus schedule be confirmed with the opposing team.
Teams are expected to arrive at least 30 minutes before each game. If unable to do so, the team arriving late must inform the opposing team of their late arrival.
Each team will pay $50-100 for league expenses (TBD)
Home team will be responsible for referees, scorekeepers, and reporting scores

Season:

12 game season:
- Each team in each division will be played twice: once home and once away (2 times x 5 teams)
- Two crossover games will be played with two different teams in the other division (one home and one away): for more detail see the teams compromising each division below (one time x 2 teams)

NORTH DIVISION CROSSOVER GAMES

SALEM STATE J&W, BU

ENDICOTT J&W, BC

UNH WESTFIELD, BC

SAINT ANSELMS WESTFIELD, BU

KEENE MIT, UML

COLBY SAWYER MIT, UML

SOUTH DIVISION CROSSOVER GAMES

WESTFIELD UNH, ST. A's

J&W SALEM, ENDICOTT

MIT KEENE, COLBY SAWYER

BU SALEM, ST A's

BC UNH, ENDICOTT

UML KEENE. COLBY SAWYER

Points determine place in standings
In case of tie

Head to Head
Goals against
Goals for

Playoffs:

Division playoffs: Feb 14-15
- Top four in each division enter division playoffs
- Single elimination: 1 vs. 4, 2 vs. 3 (top team is home) to determine final four
- Top team in each matchup provides home ice for the game, and regular season home game expectations apply (i.e. home team provides referees etc.)

Finals: Feb 21-22 and Feb 28
- Top two from each Division playoff (total of four teams) first weekend
- Single elimination: 1 vs. 4, 2 vs. 3 (top team is home) to determine final two
- Top two play championship game for the CUP the following weekend
- Top team in each matchup provides home ice for the game

Game Cancellation:

Teams are expected to make every effort to play all games as scheduled at the start of the season. However, if a team cannot honor a game, they must give at least one week notice and the opposing team will have the discretion of either rescheduling the game or calling it a forfeit for the team that cancelled.
If a game is missed due to an uncontrollable event (such as weather), the two teams will reschedule if possible; if the game cannot be rescheduled, it will be counted as a missed game rather than a forfeit for either team (e.g. the number of games is decreased by 1 for both teams and total points for the season are normalized by the number of games).

Game Rules:

Time
- 7 minute warm up
- 3 periods (17 min each)
- 2 min penalties
Rules
- Hybrid Icing
- Game misconducts-NCAA rules (player thrown out of game will miss next game)
- Tie game: 5min overtime (4 on 4)
- Ice made between 2^nd and 3^rd period
Points
- 2 points for win
- 1 point for a tie
- 0 points for a loss

Schedule, Roster and Score Reporting:

Season game schedules and any updates/changes should be emailed to John Vlachos (jgvlachosjr@aol.com)
Team rosters (pre-season and final) should be emailed to Deb Elek (deb.elek@yahoo.com)
Game scores for each game should be emailed to Deb Elek within 3 days of the game by the home team
Standings will be maintained on the league website: http://htosports.com/SSU_WHOCKEY
Teams are encouraged to email player stats (goals and assists) to Deb Elek within 3 days after a game for update of the website. Goalie stats will also be entered and updated on the website if teams provide that information

Miscellaneous:

Additional league and playoff information will be posted and maintained on the league website including team contact info (under the “Staff” link) and rink addresses

INDEPENDENT WOMEN’S CLUB HOCKEY LEAGUE

CONFLICT OF INTEREST POLICY

Article I

Purpose

1.1. The League’s conflicts of interest policy is set out in Article X of its Bylaws, the purpose of

which policy is to protect the League’s interest when it is contemplating entering into a

transaction or arrangement that might benefit the private interest of an officer or director of the

League or might result in a possible excess benefit transaction. This policy is intended to

supplement but not replace any applicable state and federal laws governing conflict of interest

applicable to nonprofit and charitable organizations.

Article II

Definitions

2.1. Interested Person Any director, principal officer, or member of a committee with

governing board delegated powers, who has a direct or indirect financial interest, as defined

below, is an interested person.

2.2. Financial Interest A person has a financial interest if the person has, directly or indirectly,

through business, investment, or family:

a. An ownership or investment interest in any entity with which the League has a transaction or

arrangement,

b. A compensation arrangement with the League or with any entity or individual with which the

Organization has a transaction or arrangement, or

c. A potential ownership or investment interest in, or compensation arrangement with, any entity

or individual with which the League is negotiating a transaction or arrangement.

Compensation includes direct and indirect remuneration as well as gifts or favors that are not

insubstantial. A financial interest is not necessarily a conflict of interest. Under Article III,

Section 2, a person who has a financial interest may have a conflict of interest only if the

appropriate governing board or committee decides that a conflict of interest exists.

Article III

Procedures

3.1. Duty to Disclose In connection with any actual or possible conflict of interest, an interested

person must disclose the existence of the financial interest, and be given the opportunity to

disclose all material facts to the directors and members of committees with governing board

delegated powers considering the proposed transaction or arrangement.

3.2. Determining Whether a Conflict of Interest Exists After disclosure of the financial

interest and all material facts, and after any discussion with the interested person, he/she shall

leave the governing board or committee meeting while the determination of a conflict of interest

Conflicts Policy– Independent Women’s Club Hockey League Page 2 of 4 pages

is discussed and voted upon. The remaining board or committee members shall decide if a

conflict of interest exists.

3.3. Procedures for Addressing the Conflict of Interest

a. An interested person may make a presentation at the governing board or committee meeting,

but after the presentation, he/she shall leave the meeting during the discussion of, and the vote

on, the transaction or arrangement involving the possible conflict of interest.

b. The chairperson of the governing board or committee shall, if appropriate, appoint a

disinterested person or committee to investigate alternatives to the proposed transaction or

arrangement.

c. After exercising due diligence, the governing board or committee shall determine whether the

Organization can obtain with reasonable efforts a more advantageous transaction or arrangement

from a person or entity that would not give rise to a conflict of interest.

d. If a more advantageous transaction or arrangement is not reasonably possible under

circumstances not producing a conflict of interest, the governing board or committee shall

determine by a majority vote of the disinterested directors whether the transaction or arrangement

is in the Organization’s best interest, for its own benefit, and whether it is fair and reasonable. In

conformity with the above determination it shall make its decision as to whether to enter into the

transaction or arrangement.

3.4. Violations of the Conflicts of Interest Policy

a. If the governing board or committee has reasonable cause to believe a member has failed to

disclose actual or possible conflicts of interest, it shall inform the member of the basis for such

belief and afford the member an opportunity to explain the alleged failure to disclose.

b. If, after hearing the member’s response and after making further investigation as warranted by

the circumstances, the governing board or committee determines the member has failed to

disclose an actual or possible conflict of interest, it shall take appropriate disciplinary and

corrective action.

Article IV

Records of Proceedings

4.1. The minutes of the governing board and all committees with board delegated powers shall

contain:

a. The names of the persons who disclosed or otherwise were found to have a financial interest in

connection with an actual or possible conflict of interest, the nature of the financial interest, any

action taken to determine whether a conflict of interest was present, and the governing board’s or

committee’s decision as to whether a conflict of interest in fact existed.

b. The names of the persons who were present for discussions and votes relating to the

transaction or arrangement, the content of the discussion, including any alternatives to the

proposed transaction or arrangement, and a record of any votes taken in connection with the

proceedings.

Article V

Compensation

5.1.

a. A voting member of the governing board who receives compensation, directly or indirectly,

from the League for services is precluded from voting on matters pertaining to that member’s

compensation.

b. A voting member of any committee whose jurisdiction includes compensation matters and

who receives compensation, directly or indirectly, from the League for services is precluded from

voting on matters pertaining to that member’s compensation.

c. No voting member of the governing board or any committee whose jurisdiction includes

compensation matters and who receives compensation, directly or indirectly, from the League,

either individually or collectively, is prohibited from providing information to any committee

regarding compensation.

Article VI

Annual Statements

6.1. Each director, principal officer and member of a committee with governing board delegated

powers shall annually sign a statement which affirms such person:

a. Has received a copy of the conflicts of interest policy,

b. Has read and understands the policy,

c. Has agreed to comply with the policy, and

d. Understands the League is charitable and in order to maintain its federal tax exemption it

must engage primarily in activities which accomplish one or more of its tax-exempt purposes.

Article VII

Periodic Reviews

7.1. To ensure the League operates in a manner consistent with charitable purposes and does not

engage in activities that could jeopardize its tax-exempt status, periodic reviews shall be

conducted. The periodic reviews shall, at a minimum, include the following subjects:

a. Whether compensation arrangements and benefits are reasonable, based on competent survey

information, and the result of arm’s length bargaining.

b. Whether partnerships, joint ventures, and arrangements with management organizations

conform to the League’s written policies, are properly recorded, reflect reasonable investment or

payments for goods and services, further charitable purposes and do not result in inurement,

impermissible private benefit or in an excess benefit transaction.

Article VIII

Use of Outside Experts

8.1. When conducting the periodic reviews as provided for in Article VII, the League may, but

need not, use outside advisors. If outside experts are used, their use shall not relieve the

governing board of its responsibility for ensuring periodic reviews are conducted.

CERTIFICATION

2016