Minnesota Hockey's Participation Rule
Participation Rule
Youth hockey players must play within the affiliate boundaries as defined by MH. If a player desires to play on a team outside of the player’s affiliate boundary, the player must obtain written permission (waiver) from the president of the governing body of both the releasing and receiving organization and receive the approval of the responsible district director(s). A player that participates without the necessary waiver is considered an ineligible player. Refer to the MN Hockey section entitled Eligibility Provisions. A waiver must be obtained before a player can participate outside their affiliate boundary. A player that registers or participates with their affiliate cannot participate with any other affiliate with out a waiver.
Starting with the 2009-2010 session, Affiliate Participation for Squirt aged players and above is redefined as players attending school in the Affiliate’s geographic area, rather than those who are residing in the Affiliate of Residence.
1. Mite aged players may choose to register either their Affiliate of School Attendance or their Affiliate of Residence.
2. For school districts with multiple High Schools and multiple MH Affiliates, participation for Squirt aged players and above shall be defined by one of the following:
a. A player attending an elementary, middle or junior high school whose geographical attendance area is completely within the geographical attendance area of a single high school is a member of the MH Affiliate covering that high school’s area.
b. A player attending an elementary, middle or junior high school whose geographical attendance area overlaps the geographical attendance areas of multiple high schools is a member of the MH Affiliate covering the location of the residence of the player’s parent(s) or legal guardian(s).
3. Changing Schools; A player who newly enrolls in a school outside of the geographic boundary of their current Affiliate without a corresponding change of residence shall elect one of the following:
a. Retain full eligibility to compete at any classification in their Affiliate prior to the new school enrollment for one (1) year beginning with the first day of attendance in the new school, after which time the player shall become fully eligible in their Affiliate of School Attendance; or
b. Be eligible at the “B’ classification or lower in their new Affiliate of School Attendance for one (1) year beginning with the first day of attendance in the new school.
4. For the 2009-2010 Season, players that participated in their Affiliate of Residence for the 2008-2009 Season but attended school elsewhere will be given a one time choice to continue participation in their Affiliate of Residence. The alternate [participation determination will continue through that player’s Youth or Girls’ Hockey career unless the player moves outside of their Affiliate of Residence geographical boundary, at which time school attendance will be used to determine Affiliate participation.
5. A player who is denied a waiver by his/her affiliate may appeal in writing to the responsible District Director who, after investigation, will issue a ruling. The decision of the District Director is final. Refer to the MN Hockey section entitled Eligibility Provisions
For more Information see the Minnesota Hockey Webpage
