To ensure fairness and safety in team placements, the AYHA strictly adheres to USA Hockey's policies on player movement between age levels. The AYHA firmly adheres to USA Hockey's stance that playing down in age categories is generally not permissible. This policy is rigorously enforced to maintain fairness, safety, and the integrity of competitive play within all age groups.
Mandatory Age-Level Registration
Before any consideration for playing down can proceed, players must be registered at their appropriate age level within the association. This requirement is a prerequisite to ensure that each request to play down is based on a legitimate and thoroughly evaluated need, maintaining the integrity of the association's commitments to player development and competitive balance.
Strict Criteria for Consideration
● Playing down is only considered under exceptional circumstances, primarily for medical reasons supported by a comprehensive physician’s recommendation.
● Endorsements from the respective age group coaches and the Director of Hockey are mandatory, detailing why a player's participation at their chronological age level is not advisable. These endorsements must go beyond mere size and skill concerns.
● History of previous participation in youth sports and written statements from previous coaches if applicable.
Proactive Alternatives to Playing Down
● Addressing Size Concerns: Rather than playing down, the use of more advanced protective gear, particularly more protective helmets, is advocated for players concerned about size discrepancies.
● Skill Enhancement: Skill level concerns should be addressed through a structured development plan, not by playing down. This may involve additional practice time with younger age groups, private coaching sessions, or attendance at skill-enhancement camps.
Policy Enforcement
● The intention of this policy is to cultivate a competitive and safe environment that encourages personal growth and skill development. Playing down for the purpose of enhancing team competitiveness contradicts our association’s values and goals.
● The Director of Hockey and coaches are tasked with devising strategies to ensure all players can succeed and contribute meaningfully within their age-appropriate groups.
● Any attempt to mislead, manipulate, or bypass the Playing Down Policy, including the falsification of birth certificates or medical records, will be considered a serious violation of the Code of Conduct. Such actions will necessitate a mandatory Code of Conduct hearing, potentially leading to expulsion from the association. Moreover, all attempts to circumvent this policy will be reported to USA Hockey, emphasizing our commitment to integrity and fairness within the sport.
Board Submission and Approval
● The Directory of Hockey is required to validate any physician recommendations by speaking directly with the physician. The Director of Hockey should confirm the recommendation is applicable to hockey and has not been taken out of context.
● Upon meeting the criteria for consideration to play down, the Director of Hockey must present the player’s case to the association’s board for initial approval. This step ensures that all internal evaluations and recommendations align with the organization's standards and ethics.
USA Hockey Final Approval
● If the board approves the request, it will then be forwarded to USA Hockey via the MidAm district for final approval. The ultimate decision resides with USA Hockey, emphasizing the adherence to national guidelines and the welfare of the player within the sport.
● It's imperative that all involved parties—players, parents, coaches, and the Director of Hockey—agree to the submission of the request to USA Hockey, signifying unified support for the decision.
This process reinforces the seriousness with which requests to play down are handled, underscoring the commitment to player safety, competitive fairness, and developmental appropriateness within our association and under the overarching governance of USA Hockey.
This policy emphasizes the importance of player safety, development, and adherence to USA Hockey's standards, ensuring all participants are positioned for success and growth within their appropriate age levels.
Updated July 14, 2024.