Effective Date: This policy shall take effect on August 1, 2026.
1. Purpose #
The Medicine Hat Minor Hockey Association (“MHMHA”) is committed to providing a complete, sanctioned minor hockey program that promotes player development, safety, fairness, and sustainable participation.
The purpose of this policy is to:
- Protect the integrity of sanctioned hockey programming
- Deter participation in non–sanctioned hockey teams during the MHMHA regular season
- Support continued growth and participation within MHMHA
- Ensure alignment with Hockey Alberta and Hockey Canada policies related to non-sanctioned hockey
2. Definitions #
For the purposes of this policy:
a) Non-Sanctioned Team #
Any hockey team, program, league, or organization that is not sanctioned, approved, or recognized by Hockey Canada and/or Hockey Alberta for the applicable season.
b) Regular Season #
The period commencing with MHMHA evaluations/tryouts and concluding with the completion of MHMHA league and playoff play for that season, as determined annually by MHMHA.
c) Participation #
Active involvement with a hockey team or program, including but not limited to:
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- Registering or playing as a participant
- Practicing or training with a team
- Competing in games, scrimmages, or exhibitions
- Coaching, managing, instructing, or otherwise directing team activities
d) Operation of a Team #
Any role involving leadership, organization, instruction, administration, or decision-making for a team, including head coaches, assistant coaches, managers, and similar positions.
3. Scope of Application #
This policy applies exclusively to participation in non–sanctioned hockey teams operating during the MHMHA regular season.
This policy does not apply to:
- Non-sanctioned spring or off-season hockey programs operating entirely outside the MHMHA regular season
- Activities expressly permitted under Hockey Alberta or Hockey Canada regulations
4. Coaches and Managers #
4.1 In-Season Ineligibility #
Any coach or manager who participates in the coaching, management, or operation of a
non-sanctioned hockey team during the MHMHA regular season shall be ineligible to coach or manage any MHMHA team during that same regular season.
4.2 Suspension Upon Return #
Any coach or manager who has participated in the operation of a non-sanctioned hockey team during the MHMHA regular season shall be subject to a one–year suspension from all coaching and/or managing roles within MHMHA upon their return.
The suspension shall commence at the time the individual becomes otherwise eligible to return to MHMHA programming.
5. Players #
5.1 Evaluation Restrictions #
Any player who participates in a non-sanctioned hockey team during the MHMHA regular season shall, upon return to MHMHA, be ineligible to participate in MHMHA AA or AAA evaluations for a period of one (1) full season.
5.2 Permitted Participation #
Players subject to this restriction shall remain eligible to:
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- Register with MHMHA
- Participate in community and CAHL evaluations and programming, subject to all other MHMHA policies
6. Determination and Enforcement #
6.1 Authority #
The MHMHA Board of Directors shall have sole authority to determine whether participation in a non-sanctioned team has occurred for the purposes of this policy.
6.2 Evidence #
Determinations may be made using any reasonable information available to MHMHA, including but not limited to registration records, public disclosures, team rosters, or confirmations from governing bodies.
6.3 Finality of Decision #
All determinations and disciplinary consequences imposed under this policy are final and binding.
No internal appeal, review, or exemption process shall be available.
7. Member Responsibility and Communication #
All members, including players, parents, coaches, and managers, are responsible for understanding and complying with this policy.
MHMHA shall publish and communicate this policy annually prior to the commencement of the regular season.
Failure to claim awareness or understanding of this policy shall not relieve any member from its application.
8. Policy Review #
This policy shall be reviewed by the MHMHA Board of Directors at its discretion, or as required by changes to Hockey Alberta or Hockey Canada governance.
