Section I

The name of the Organization shall be Nazareth Hockey Club, Inc. and is hereafter referred to in these Bylaws as the NHC.

Section II

The fiscal year of the NHC shall commence on October 1^st of each year.

Section III

The organization shall be considered non-profit, non-partisan, and non-sectarian.

Section IV

The name of the NHC, or, the names of any Officers or Coaches of the NHC in their official capacities, may not be used in connection with any commercial concern or with a partisan interest, or, for any purpose not appropriately related to the promotion of the objectives of the NHC.

Section V

The NHC is not affiliated with the PIAA.

Section VI

The NHC is recognized by the Nazareth Area School District (NASD) as a club team, however, there is no affiliation between the NHC and the NASD in terms being of a school sponsored and sanctioned activity.

Section I

The purpose of the NHC is to;

-   Provide opportunities for Nazareth Area Middle and High School students, without regard to race, color, sex, age, religion or national and ethnic origin, to learn to play ice and roller hockey.

-   To benefit the participants of the NHC by promoting and encouraging an understanding of the sport, while demonstrating a sense of fair play and team spirit in the sport of ice and roller hockey.

-   To fund participation of NHC teams in the Lehigh Valley Scholastic Ice Hockey League (LVSHL) and similar organized roller hockey organizations.

-   To operate the NHC within the guidelines set forth in the Bylaws of the USA Hockey and LVSHL organizations.

Section II

The NHC is organized exclusively as an organization described within the meaning of the Internal Revenue Code federal income tax section 501 (a) as an organization described in section 501 (c) (3).

Section III

The NHC will not benefit in any fund-raising program where there is a direct benefit to the member or parents who raise the funds. The NHC will not conduct any fund-raising where members or parents receive credit or points for their fund-raising participation, which may be used to offset membership fees or expenses. The NHC will support all members, even if they or their parents do not participate in fund-raising activities.

Section IV

The NHC is not formed for pecuniary or financial gain and no part of the assets or income shall be used to the benefit of its officers, directors or participants.

Section V

It is the intent of the NHC to build a sense of community based upon shared civic values and places emphasis on the fun, education, and close relationships that are formed during participation in the NHC with all members and participants of the NHC.

Section VI

The values and success of the NHC are built through, and developed with, parent and player participation at all levels.

Section VII

No part of the activities of the NHC shall be used for the purposes of carrying on of propaganda, or, otherwise attempting to influence legislation, and, the organization shall not participate in, or intervene in (including the publishing or distribution of statements) any political campaign on behalf of any candidate for public office.  Notwithstanding any other provision of this document, the organization shall not carry on any other activities not permitted to be carried on (a) by an organization exempt from federal income tax under Section 501 (c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or corresponding section of any future federal tax code, or (b) by an organization, contributions to which are deductible under Section 1780 (c)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code, or corresponding section of any future federal tax code.

Section VIII

Upon the dissolution of the Corporation, the Executive Committee shall, after making provisions for the payment of all liabilities of the corporation, dispose of all the assets of the corporation in the manner, or to an organization or organizations organized and operated exclusively for charitable, educational, religious, or scientific purposes as shall at the time qualify as an exempt organization or organizations under Section 501 (c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code or corresponding section of any future federal tax code, or shall be distributed to the federal government, or to a state or local government, for a public purpose.

Section IX

Any assets not disposed of shall be disposed of by the Court of Common Pleas of the County in which the principal office of the corporation is then located, exclusively for such purposes, or, to an organization or organizations, as the court shall determine, which are organized and operated exclusively for charitable, educational, religious, or scientific purposes.

Section I

The objectives of the NHC are;

1.  To establish, promote, and improve, organized youth hockey within the Nazareth Area.

2.  To encourage and develop sportsmanship, respect, and team spirit between all players for the betterment of their physical and emotional well being.

3.  To provide an opportunity for players within the Nazareth Area to participate and compete in the sport of ice and roller hockey, in an organized manner at the appropriate competitive levels within the LVSHL or similar organized roller hockey organizations.

Section II

To achieve the aforementioned objectives, the NHC will;

1.  Provide proper, qualified, and certified coaching in accordance with the USA Hockey Guidelines.

2.  Provide organized competition at levels commensurate with the player’s age and ability.

3.  Register each qualified player with USA Hockey, the LVSHL and similar organized roller hockey organizations.

4.  Provide adequate practice ice time to ensure the NHC teams are competitive within the LVSHL, and, to provide, game ice time as scheduled by the LVSHL.

5.  Adhere to, and follow, the most current Bylaws of USA Hockey, the LVSHL, and similar organized roller hockey organizations.

Section I

Participation in the NHC shall be available to any eligible parent, guardian, or player without regard to race, color, sex, age, religion or national and ethnic origin.

Section II

Eligible team players are defined and rostered with NHC in the following manner for play in the LVSHL as defined by the LVSHL bylaws;

1.   Varsity - Player may not be 19 years of age or older before September 1 of the playing season. Player may be in grades 9, 10, 11, or 12.

2.   Junior Varsity – Player must be under 16 years of age on September 1 of the playing season.

3.   Middle School Check – Player may not be older than 13 years of age by January 1 of the playing season.

Section III

With the exception of the NHC Middle School Check team, the following are the player eligibility requirements for NHC Varsity and Junior Varsity team members;

1.) Varsity or Junior Varsity team member must be attending a school within the Nazareth Area School District (NASD).

2.) The player may live within the Nazareth Area School District however, the player attends a school that does not support a team.

3.) The player is home or cyber schooled and lives within the Nazareth Area School District.

Section IV

Those Varsity and Junior Varsity players interested in playing ice hockey that do not reside in the NASD, or, do not reside in a School District where an organized team has a presence, may still play in the LVSHL by contacting the LVSHL directly, or optionally, contacting a member of the current NHC Executive Committee for additional information.

Section V

Should the NHC be unable to fully field Varsity or Junior Varsity teams to participate in the LVSHL (known as a “pure” team), the NHC Executive Committee will inform the LVSHL Executive Committee that additional players are required to round out a team roster. The NHC will then participate in the LVSHL Player Pool and will pursue additional Varsity and Junior Varsity players by obtaining these additional players through the LVSHL Player Pool process as defined by LVSHL Bylaws.

Section VI

NHC Varsity and/or Junior Varsity teams containing players outside the NASD will be considered “non-pure” as defined by the LVSHL. A “non-pure” status limits the NHC in terms of extended season competition outside the jurisdiction of the LVSHL.

Section VII

Players obtained through the LVSHL Player Pool Process, may continue to participate with the NHC until such time as;

a.) A participating LVSHL team is formed within the player’s resident school district.

b.) The player becomes eligible for the next age level of play. As an example, if a Junior Varsity team member was obtained originally through the Player Pool process, that player may stay with the NHC through his/her Junior Varsity eligibility. Upon being eligible for Varsity team play, the player must once again enter the LVSHL draft process.

Section VIII

NHC Middle School Check players are eligible to move up the NHC Junior Varsity squad only if they are attending a school in the NASD.

Section IX

NHC Middle School Check players, not resident in the NASD and eligible to move to the next level of play, must enter the LVSHL Player Pool  Process to continue playing in the LVSHL, or, they must join the team within the player’s resident school district if one exists.

Section X

NHC Middle School Check players may be obtained from outside the NASD providing that no program exists for that player, within the school district in which they reside.

Section XI

There are no provisions within the LVSHL Bylaws for a Middle School Check Player Pool.

Section XII

All NHC players are required to supply their own, ice hockey certified equipment as well as, ensure the payment of fee’s as described in the Club Fees section of this document.

Section XIII

All NHC players will be asked to provide their medical history which will be placed on file with the club as reference for the coaches.

Section XIV

All NHC players will be required to provide a copy of their birth certificate, which will be placed on file with the NHC Secretary.

Section I

Only players of the NHC considered to be in good standing (fees paid in full), shall be eligible to participate in practice and scheduled league games.

Section II

The NHC Executive Committee shall set participation fees for each season. Fees are dependant on the LVSHL playing schedule, scheduled practice times, and, LVSHL and USA Hockey club participation fees.

Section III

No player who has an outstanding balance from any previous season will be allowed to register as a player with the NHC until all back payments are received and have cleared the Bank.

Section IV

Any player who is ten (10) days late in any payment due the NHC may be suspended from all on-ice activities until such time as he/she becomes current with the fees owed to the NHC.

Section V

Temporary absences caused by other activities, illness, or, injuries, are not the cause for forgiveness of payments. Only a season ending injury ceases the obligation to make payments. Such release shall be given only after the receipt of written confirmation from a Medical Doctor.

Section VI

Player’s families will be responsible for the timely payment of all fees and assessments. Any expense incurred by the NHC collecting said fees is the responsibility of the player’s family.

Section I

The officers of the NHC shall consist of a 8 person Executive Committee (EC). The EC shall consist of a President, Secretary, Treasurer  Registrar (known as the Officers), and, the coaches from the Varsity, Junior Varsity, Middle School and Youth teams.

Section II

The Officers of the NHC shall be elected by ballot vote in the month of April.

Section III

All Officers shall assume their positions for a term of one year or until election of a successor.

Section IV

All Officers shall assume their official duties following their election in April.

Section V

Election Process

a.) Individuals desiring to hold an elected position within the NHC should notify the Executive Committee of their intentions at least two weeks prior to the elections in April.

b.) Nominations from the floor will also be accepted on the day of elections.

c.) Only those nominated persons, who have confirmed their consent to serve if elected, shall be placed as a candidate for election.

d.) Officers shall be elected by a majority vote from within the legal parent(s)/guardian(s), of the player(s) currently registered, and in good standing within the NHC.

e.) The legal parent(s)/guardian(s), of the player(s) must be present at the time of the voting.

f.) Written and signed votes are also acceptable but must be received prior to the election.

g.) E-mail votes are also acceptable and must be directed to the Secretary of the NHC.

h.) All votes by either mail or e-mail, must contain the individual’s name and phone number for validation.

i.)  Two votes are permitted per family.

j.)  A mailing to the legal parent(s)/guardian(s), of the player(s) announcing the upcoming election as well as any nominations received pre-mailing, will be performed at a minimum, 10 days prior to April meeting.

Section VI

Office Vacancy

Should a vacancy in the Executive Committee arise, the remaining Executive Committee shall fill the vacancy on an interim basis until such time as the next election cycle.

Section VII

Removal

Any officer may be removed from office by an affirmative vote of a majority of those in attendance and entitled to vote at a special meeting of the NHC called for that purpose.

a.) Charges for removing an officer must be brought to the attention of the Executive Committee.

b.) These charges must be investigated and reviewed by the remaining EC members.

c.) The Executive Committee will make their recommendations in writing, no more than ten (10) days after the completion of the investigation.

d.) This written recommendation and subsequent notification will include a final decision on whether to remove the officer or, allow them to maintain their position.

Section I

President – The President of the NHC shall;

1.) Have general and active supervision of the affairs of the NHC.

2.) Preside at all meetings.

3.) At the discretion of the President, a facilitator may be called upon to progress any meeting while the President deals with specific issues.

4.) Be defined as a member of the Board of Directors to the LVSHL and the primary interface between the LVSHL and the NHC.

5.) Attend all meetings as required by the LVSHL, or, ensure that a qualified representative(s) will be in attendance.

6.) Represent the NHC, in any professional manner necessary, during the LVSHL Board of Directors meetings.

7.) Report the minutes, in writing to the Executive Committee members, of each LVSHL Board of Directors meeting a maximum of 10 days post the monthly BOD meeting.

8.) Have the power to make decisions arising from emergencies not provided for in the NHC Bylaws.

9.) Be responsible, along with the Treasurer, for ensuring that player’s who are delinquent in paying club fees, do not participate in on-ice activities.

10.) Chair the review and modifications of the NHC Bylaws.

11.) Create Club newsletter on a monthly or as needed basis.

12.) Post any opening Executive Committee positions and the date of the next NHC General meeting.

13.) Be responsible for any/all advertising on behalf of the NHC.

14.) Be responsible for coordinating any player recruitment and player retention activities through information sessions, in-school flyers and newspaper ads.

15.) Negotiate and coordinate practice ice time with the local available ice skating facilities.

16.) Be responsible for the acquisition and posting of all practice sessions.

17.) Be responsible for obtaining game schedules from the LVSHL.

18.) Be responsible for the cancellation and rescheduling of any game and the subsequent coach notification of same.

19.) Be responsible for any press releases related to NHC activities.

Section II

Secretary – The Secretary of the NHC shall;

1.) Record minutes of all NHC Executive Committee and club meetings.

2.) Send copies of the minutes to the NHC Executive Committee one (1) week prior to the next meeting.

3.) Maintain a file of all coaching certificates.

4.) Maintain a file of all Executive Committee member Background checks.

5.) Be responsible for the mailing of any NHC parent/player correspondence.

6.) Perform such additional duties as may be assigned by the President.

Section III

Treasurer – The Treasurer of the NHC shall;

1.) Be responsible for all funds, securities, and investments of the organization.

2.) Receive and disburse money as directed by the Executive Committee.

3.) Maintain accurate and up to date records of the financial status of the NHC.

4.) Provide a quarterly, or as requested, Treasurer’s report on the financial position of the club.

5.) Notify parents of players about delinquent NHC payments.

6.) Advise the President and Coach if the player becomes ineligible for NHC participation due to non-payment.

7.) File any/all appropriate tax information on a timely basis to maintain the Organizations tax exempt status.

8.) Bill and maintain records of all player payments.

9.) Prepare a proposed budget prior to the start of player registration for the new season.

10.) Perform such additional duties as may be assigned by the President.

Section IV

Registrar – The Registrar of the NHC shall;

1.) Be responsible for insuring all club members are duly & timely registered with USA Hockey and AAHA.

2.) Collect and maintain all required records associated with the registration of NHC members.

3.) Communicate to the EC any information and rule changes that affect the club and its members.

4.) Communicate and institute any changes necessary to insure that NHC remains in compliance with all USA, AAHA and LVSHL registration rules.

5.) Maintain a file of birth certificate copies of all current registered players.

6.) Maintain up to date rosters of each team.

7.) Maintain up to date mailing lists of each team.

8.) Provide the President with copies of birth certificates, medical information forms and general USA Hockey and LVSHL information.

Section V

The Treasurer and/or President shall sign all checks, drafts, or orders of payment of money. Treasury accounts shall be held in the name of Nazareth Hockey Club, Inc. with the President and the Treasurer being the only authorized individuals to withdraw from said account.

Section VI

Head Coaches – All NHC Head Coaches shall;

1.) Participate with NHC Officials as working members of the NHC Executive Committee.

2.) Have the final decision on player eligibility as it relates to skill level so as not to cause harm to the player, teammates, referee’s, or other competitors.

3.) Conduct themselves in a professional manner both on and off the ice.

4.) Ensure that all players are given an equal opportunity to demonstrate their abilities and team spirit, without regard to race, color, creed, religion, or family ties.

5.) Ensure that the team roster is signed by all players prior to the start of each game.

6.) Ensure the accuracy and eligibility of all players rostered to the particular team.

7.) Sign game scoring sheets and ensure they are delivered to the proper LVSHL mail box.

8.) Provide proof of USA Hockey Coaching certification.

9.) Provide the instruction necessary to the team players so as to make the NHC teams competitive within the LVSHL.

10.) Inform the President, in writing, of any issues that may be occurring within the team members and/or with parents of team players.

11.) Attend all scheduled practice and game events.

12.) Reinforce the obligations and conduct expectations of the NHC to the parents and players of the team.

13.) Inform the President, in writing, of any needs or materials the team may have.

14.) Adhere to and assure team adherence to all USA Hockey and LVSHL rules and regulations.

15.) Ensure that a Medical Doctor release form is received for any player returning from an illness or an injury. This release is to be given to the NHC President.

16.) Create and submit in writing, any “bench rules” the coach may deem appropriate for proper handling of the team. Once reviewed and approved by the NHC Executive Committee, these “bench rules” will be distributed to the parents and players of each team.

17.) Perform such additional duties as may be assigned by the President.

Section VII

Assistant Coaches – While not considered members of the NHC Executive Committee, Assistant Coaches are both welcomed and necessary for a cohesive team. Assistant coaches are expected to conduct themselves in the same manner as the head coach and shall;

1.)  Along with the Head Coach, contribute to the final decision on player eligibility as it relates to skill level so as not to cause harm to the player, teammates, referee’s, or other competitors.

2.) Conduct themselves in a professional manner both on and off the ice.

3.) Ensure that all players are given an equal opportunity to demonstrate their abilities and team spirit, without regard to race, color, creed, religion, or family ties.

4.) Ensure that all team roster information is signed by all players prior to the start of each game.

5.) Ensure the accuracy and eligibility of all players rostered to the particular team.

6.) Sign game scoring sheets and ensure they are delivered to the proper LVSHL mailbox.

7.) Provide proof of USA Hockey Coaching certification.

8.) Contribute to the instruction necessary to the team players so as to make the NHC teams competitive within the LVSHL.

9.) Inform the Head Coach, in writing, of any issues that may be occurring within the team members and/or with parents of team players.

10.) Attend all scheduled practice and game events.

11.) Reinforce the obligations and conduct expectations of the NHC to the parents and players of the team.

12.) Inform the Head Coach, in writing, of any needs or materials the team may have.

13.) Adhere to and assure team adherence to all USA Hockey and LVSHL rules and regulations.

14.) Ensure that a Medical Doctor release form is received for any player returning from an illness or an injury. This release is to be given to the NHC President.

15.) Perform such additional duties as may be assigned by the Head Coach and/or President.

Section VIII

Team Manager – Team Managers of the NHC will be asked to coordinate parent participation at the individual team level for the;

1.) Spectator admission collection at all home games and the remitting of the game receipts to the Treasurer.

2.) The running of the clock for all home games.

3.) The score keeping for all home games.

4.) The procurement and submitting of game score sheets to the LVSHL at the designated area.

5.) Report any coach/team needs to the President.

Section IX

Special Events Coordinator – The Special Events Coordinator of the NHC will be asked to submit proposals, and, the overall coordination of the Club parent/player participation for;

1.)    The annual club picnic.

2.)    Sponsor solicitations.

3.)    Apparel acquisitions.

4.)    Fund raising activities.

5.)    Report on any of the above activities to the NHC Executive Committee.

Section X

Responsibilities – All NHC Executive Committee members are required to;

1.) Perform their duties as described in these Bylaws.

2.) Deliver to their successor all official matter, not later than ten (10) days following the election of their successors.

3.) Perform their duties without receiving any remuneration for the performance of said duties.

4.) Provide proof of individual Background checks.

5.) Take responsibility and accountability for any and all club property in their use or possession.

Section I

Players – The Players of the NHC shall;

1.) Represent the NHC in a mature, professional and responsible manner at all times.

2.) Respect and accept the decisions of the coaches and official’s.

3.) Attend all scheduled practices and games. If unable to do so, the player will be required to notify their head coach.

4.) Respect and strive to improve both yourself and your teammates.

5.)  Work together as team both on and off the ice.

6.) Inform the coaching staff of any injuries sustained either on or of the ice.

7.) Be advised that coaches “bench rules” are to be considered an extension of the NHC Bylaws.

Section II

Parents – The Parents of the NHC are asked to;

1.)    Represent the NHC in a mature, professional and responsible manner at all times.

2.) Respect and accept the decisions of the coaches and official’s.

3.) Ensure that all players attend the scheduled practices and games. If unable to do so, inform the head coach as soon as possible.

4.) Provide assistance to the NHC through;

-   Support of the officials, coaches, and, all team members.

-   Support of the activities of the NHC through volunteering when asked.

-   Support of the individual teams by volunteering to run the clock, keep score, or to take admission for home games.

5.) Provide for and/or arrange for transportation to/from all practices and games. If unable to do so, contact the head coach or other team members for assistance.

6.)    Pay all team fees when due.

7.)    Participate in fundraisers as required.

8.)    Be active in the NHC organization.

9.)    Attend annual NHC organizational meetings.

10.)Conduct themselves in a controlled and respectful manner at all games.

11.)Upon the return of a player from an injury or illness, provide to the head coach, Medical Doctor statements releasing the player to resume their playing activities.

12.)Provide adequate Ice Hockey certified playing equipment for each family player rostered.

13.)Bear in mind that the entire Executive Committee and Coaching staff of the NHC is made up of volunteers. These volunteers are contributing a great deal of their own personal time and effort to ensure the success of the NHC. The Executive Committee of the NHC take and perform their assigned roles very seriously. Negative or derogatory criticism that is without substance, or, where positive and constructive alternatives/solutions are not offered is very detrimental to the entire organization.

14.)Bear in mind that the decisions of the NHC Executive Committee are final and that the decisions are made based on consideration for each situation. Also that, the decisions made will be predicated upon the overall concerns of the club vs. the concerns of the individual.  

Section I

The NHC Disciplinary Committee shall be made up of all 6 members of the Executive Committee.

Section II

It shall be the duty and obligation of each coach to report any non-game situation (i.e. off ice or practice) misconduct to the President within one (1) day of the occurrence.

Section III

Some infractions of the USA Hockey, LVSHL, and similar organized roller hockey organizational rules may mandate automatic suspensions of players. These infractions will be initially treated as minimum however, the NHC President reserves the right to extend the suspension if the individual displays a chronic disregard of the rules of the club and/or the USA Hockey, LVSHL, or similar organized roller hockey organizational rules.

Section IV

When a Player(s) commits an infraction of the rules, the player(s) may be suspended from further club participation until a review is held. The Disciplinary Committee will conduct the review within ten (10) days of the start of the suspension, at which time, a final decision of the NHC will be rendered.

Section V

If a parent is asked to leave a game by a game official, in addition to any penalties that may be imposed by a hosting rink or league, the following NHC penalties will be imposed;

First Offense: Written warning from the NHC Executive Committee.

Second Offense: The offending parent/guardian will not be permitted into the facility of their child’s next 2 games.

Third Offense: The offending parent/guardian will not be permitted into the facility of their child’s next 4 games.

Section VI

The NHC reserves the right for the NHC Head Coaches to create and maintain their own player “bench” rules. The Head Coaches will create and submit in writing, any “bench rules” the coach may deem appropriate for proper handling of the team. Once reviewed and approved by the NHC Executive Committee, these “bench rules” will be distributed to the parents and players of each team.

Section I

The NHC Grievance Committee shall be made up of all 6 members of the Executive Committee.

Section II

Grievances may be submitted in writing directly to the NHC President.

Section III

Said Grievance must detail specific violation of the rule, Bylaw or define a specific situation within the organization being grieved.

Section IV

Grievance concerning a Coach or an Executive Committee member, must first be presented to that individual.

Section V

The Grievance Committee shall have the express authority to interpret the Bylaws and render a decision.

Section VI

The Grievance Committee must convene a hearing ten (10) days of being notified of the grievance action.

Section VII

The decision of the Grievance Committee will be defined in writing and forwarded to the parties involved.

Section VIII

All decisions of the Grievance Committee are final and cannot be appealed.

Section IX

No grievance will be accepted concerning referees or their decisions.

Section I

These Bylaws may be amended, repealed, or altered, in whole or in part, by a majority vote at the Annual NHC meeting, or, at a Special Meeting of the NHC called for that specific purposed.