Helmet Mandate
As you are all aware, USAH instituted a new helmet mandate for all youth coaches last year. Helmets are to be worn at all times during all on ice activities that require coaches physically be on the ice. This includes (but is not limited to) all practices or controlled scrimmages. While it is the association’s responsibility to enforce this rule; if it should become apparent that the association is unable to satisfy this obligation properly, SAHOF and the USAH ACE administrators must step in. There have been many problems in the past with compliance with this rule. Reasons cited have been everything from discomfort to having private insurance. One thing is clear, they are all missing the point. USAH is the governing body for our sport and the rule has been adopted (with some very good reasons) and it must be enforced accordingly. Many rinks have written their own policy to ensure compliance with this mandate. Last year SAHOF composed, and voted in, an enforcement policy. It is a three step process that reads as follows:
1. First offense: Written Warning..... This is done by the issuing of an incident report card. The incident report is given by the Ace Administrator to the Association. Copies are then Emailed to Affiliate President, Association Ace, District Coach-in-chief, District and affiliate Ace Directors.
2 Second offense: One Game Suspension.....This will be the very next game the coach has scheduled. Scrimmages that magically appear out of convenience will not count. It must be a previously scheduled game.
3. Third Offense: Mandatory Hearing before the SAHOF disciplinary committee....Possible sanctions can include but are not limited to a thirty (30) day suspension of the coach pursuant to SE District guidelines, a fine to the association as well as the coach, and team elimination from SAHOF and District playoffs.
Respectfully,
Jeff Wood-SAHOF PRESIDENT
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