These By-Laws are established under the authority of Article 11 of the GCMHA Constitution.

BY-LAW NO. 1 - THE DUTIES OF THE OFFICERS

a. The President: (Voting Member) shall be responsible for all aspects regarding the operation of the association; shall preside at all meetings; shall not vote except in the case of a tie when he/she shall cast the tie-breaking vote; shall ensure that the meetings are conducted in accordance with Robert's Rules of Order; shall exercise the authority of the association in cases of emergency, subject to ratification by the entire Executive within a reasonable period of time; shall be the official spokesperson for the Association as a member of the Gloucester Hockey Association Board of Directors.

b. The Immediate Past President: (Voting Member) shall attend all meetings and act in an advisory capacity, with the right to vote; may hold the position of Chairperson of Standing or Special Committees; may represent the GCMHA as a member of the Board of Directors of the GHA. Shall serve as the GCMHA representative to the Gloucester Blackhawks.

c. Vice-President: Finance and Administration: (Voting Member) shall perform the duties of the President in their absence or on request and shall then have all the rights and powers of that position; may hold the position of Chairperson of a Standing or Special Committee; when acting as President, shall not vote except when such vote is needed to break a tie; shall be responsible for the administrative functions of the Association which shall include the responsibilities of Treasurer; Registrar; Fundraising and Sponsorship; Tournament Director; Webmaster; Ice Manager; Secretary and Equipment Manager.

d. Vice-President: Hockey Operations: (Voting Member) shall perform the duties of the President or the Vice-President: Finance and Administration in their absence or on request and shall then have all the rights and powers of those positions; may hold the position of Chairperson of a Standing or Special Committee; when acting as President, shall not vote except when such vote is needed to break a tie; shall be responsible for the on-ice operations aspects of the Association which shall include the responsibilities of Director: House League; and Coordinator - Risk and Safety.

e. The Chairperson - Discipline: (Voting Member) shall report to the President and shall be the chairperson of the GCMHA Discipline Committee which shall be composed of the Chairman, Vice-President: Hockey Operations, the Director: House League and/or Director: Development and the appropriate Level Convenor; shall attend (or delegate a Committee member to attend) the regular meetings of the GHA Discipline Board and shall deal with any disciplinary problems as might arise in the GCMHA jurisdiction.


Hockey Operations

f. Director: House Leagues: (Voting Member) shall report to the Vice President: Hockey Operations and be responsible for the operations of the Association's House League Teams, which shall include the responsibilities of the Novice, Atom, Peewee, Bantam and Midget convenors; shall be responsible for the distribution of all House League and play-off schedules provided to the Association by the GHA; shall be responsible for selecting the evaluation committee, prior to the pre-season rating sessions. A list of names of potential evaluators, will be submitted to him/her by each Level Convenor. He/She will then select a minimum of three (3) names from each list and those so selected will serve as an evaluation committee for each level and they shall act under the direct supervision of the Level Convenor. Each evaluation committee will be used for selecting that level's House League teams.

g. Director: Development: (Voting Member) shall report to the Vice-President: Hockey Operations and be responsible for the player and coach development within the GCMHA, which shall include the responsibilities of the Coach Mentor and IP Convenor, when required, will coordinate the hosting of Coach Level Clinics. Shall assist all GCMHA Level Convenors in the movement, and recording of movement of all players between the GCMHA Representative "B" teams and the GCMHA House League Teams; shall assist the Past President in all matters pertinent to GHA and GCMHA relative to Representative "B" hockey, including matters of conduct, discipline rules and regulations, etc.; shall report matters of discipline to the designated Representative "B" league Convenors, executive and/or officials as laid out in the GHA and ODMHA league procedures.

h. The Level Convenors: (Voting Member) under the general direction of the Director: House League or where appropriate the Director: Development, and on behalf of the Executive to whom they are at all times accountable:

i) shall

1) Superintend the operation of all teams operating within their respective divisions and shall, prior to the start of the playing season, convene a meeting of all coaches and managers under their jurisdiction, for the purpose of informing them of that which is expected of them in accordance with these By-Laws;

2) At any time deemed necessary, discuss Association policies and principles with team officials, concerning their conduct or the conduct of their players;

3) After having discussed matters relative to conduct, non-adherence to principles, rules and regulations directly with team officials without obtaining the desired results, the Convenor shall recommend to the Discipline Committee actions to be taken against such team officials or players;

4) In cases of flagrant misconduct, intoxication, public displays of anger or other actions deemed to be sufficiently severe, the Level Convenor shall immediately take whatever action is deemed practicable in the circumstances. Such action will be subject to review by the Discipline Committee;

5) Assist the appropriate Director in the movement and recording of all players and shall have full authority to prohibit indiscriminate moving of players, as per GHA Constitution;

6) In all matters pertinent to a given level, the Level Convenor thereof has the mandate of the Executive to make emergency decisions for or on behalf of the Executive. Such decisions must be subsequently ratified by the Executive;

7) Advise the Executive through the appropriate Director of any alleged misconduct or incompetence on the part of Referees or Linesmen;

8) Should attend as many games as deemed necessary to ensure compliance with these By-Laws by team officials;

9) Perform other duties as prescribed by the President and/or the Executive.

i. The GHA Representatives - Novice C and Initiation: (Voting Member) will be represented by GCMHA at all GHA Convenors meetings as scheduled by the GHA Vice-President of House League.

j. Coach Mentor (Voting Member): shall report to the Director: Development and will provide strategies and guidance that will improved the quality of GCMHA coaches including but not limited to: on ice sessions, classroom training, game and practice observation and feedback.

k. Risk and Safety Coordinator: (Voting Member) shall report to the Vice President: Hockey Operations and shall communicate to and ensure Team Officials specified by the GCMHA Executive are clear of criminal records (Police Checks completed) and have attended Speak Out or related Risk and Safety sessions requested by the GCMHA Executive. Will also communicate Risk and Safety policies received from GHA or ODMHA to Team Officials and the GCMHA Executive. He/She can sit on the Discipline Committee and where possible, attend parent/spectator/player related Risk and Safety Awareness sessions hosted by GHA and ODMHA; shall be responsible for Equipment Manager; and when required, will coordinate the hosting of a Coach Level Clinic.

l. The Equipment Manager: (Voting Member) shall report to the Safety and Risk Coordinator and shall be responsible for the GCMHA hockey equipment; specifically, the purchase of equipment, maintaining an up-to-date inventory, proper risk and safety standards, repairs and cleaning as approved by the GCMHA Executive, and shall provide to the GCMHA President a complete inventory of all equipment held as of the last day of each fiscal year.

Note: All equipment issued to an individual or team official shall be duly signed for with the person signing being responsible for the return of the equipment. Goalie equipment signed out to boys or girls under the age of 18 shall require the signature of the parent or guardian as the responsible person. Should this equipment be lost, stolen or damaged, then the individual accepting the responsibility shall be held accountable to the GCMHA Executive and may be liable for replacement costs. All items of equipment lost or stolen shall be reported immediately to the Equipment Manager. Equipment not in use shall be stored in the Armstrong Arena. Three keys only will be held, one by the Equipment Manager, one by the GCMHA President and one held by the Arena Manager, for use in the event of an emergency, i.e., fire or police. The key held by the Arena Manager shall be sealed.


Finance and Administration

m. The Treasurer: (Voting Member) shall report to the Vice President: Administration and Finance and shall receive all monies payable to the GCMHA, other than monies relating to Registration, and deposit same in a bank account to the credit of the Gloucester Center Minor Hockey Association; shall submit a monthly financial report at scheduled Executive meetings, Annual and General meetings; shall prepare a budget for submission to the first meeting of the Executive each year; and shall maintain financial records which are subject to independent audit at the end of the fiscal year.

n. The Registrar: (Voting Member) shall report to the Vice President: Administration and Finance and shall be responsible for the preparation, administration and supplies for the registration of GCMHA hockey players; shall ensure that all those registered qualify for play in the GCMHA according to GCMHA By-law No. 4 e), and that the required documentation is presented at the time of registration; shall ensure the required fees have been paid or arranged to be paid, collect any deferred fees and administrative fees (recovery of NSF charges, late registration fees, cancellation fees, etc.) associated with registration, should post-dated cheques or agreed late payments not be honoured; shall ensure that all fees received (including post-dated cheques) are deposited to the GCMHA account, as soon as possible after receipt; shall provide the Treasurer with a reconciliation of player names and fees paid; from the registration cards, shall prepare player lists by division for distribution to the Convenors; shall inform the GCMHA Executive of any irregularities with regard to registered players; and shall provide teams with the necessary information and documentation should they be required to be "carded".
o. The Ice Manager: (Voting Member) shall report to the Vice President: Administration and Finance and shall serve as a member of the GHA Ice Scheduling Committee to assist in the preparation of the GHA league game schedules and playoffs; shall recommend to the GCMHA Executive, the purchase of any ice time available from other arenas; shall distribute the ice time to the Level Convenors, taking into consideration the age group; shall approve all invoices and/or payment of ice time purchased. Any additional ice time made available to the GCMHA shall be allotted by the Ice Manager to the teams on a rotational basis

p. Tournament Chair: (Voting Member) shall report to the Vice President: Administration and Finance and shall be responsible for the administration and operation of all GCMHA Tournaments.

q. The Chairperson – Fundraising and Sponsorship: (Voting Member) shall report to the Vice President: Administration and Finance and shall be responsible for administering and recommending changes to the GCMHA Sponsorship policies; shall be responsible for soliciting sponsors, the sale of GCMHA crests, buttons, hats, T-Shirts, etc., shall present suggestions to the GCMHA Executive and team officials regarding ways and means of raising funds, shall maintain the trophy case at Armstrong and Potvin Arenas, and shall be responsible for the organization of special Executive events, team photos, etc. as they may be approved on behalf of the Association.

r. The Secretary: (Voting Member) shall report to the Vice President: Administration and Finance and shall issue notices of all meetings; maintain minutes of all meetings, records and directories; shall have custody of all documents and records pertaining to the affairs of the GCMHA, except financial records.

s. Webmaster: (Voting Member) shall report to the Vice President: Administration and Finance and shall be responsible for the management and development of the GCMHA website; and shall support the GCMHA with respect to all activities on the World Wide Web, including the monitoring of all GCMHA materials used by third parties.


BY-LAW NO. 2 - GCMHA EXECUTIVE POWERS AND DUTIES

a. The GCMHA Executive shall have full control of the affairs of the GCMHA and shall have power to amend, within the terms of the Constitution, the By-Laws, Rules, Duties and Regulations of the GCMHA. Immediate notice of all such changes shall be forwarded to all team officials by the Level Convenors.

b. Unless granted a leave of absence by the GCMHA Executive, any Executive member of the GCMHA who absents himself/herself from two consecutive meetings without just cause may have his/her office declared vacant by the Executive.

c. If a GCMHA executive member participates in activities with interests conflicting with those of the GCMHA and his/her activities or conduct are detrimental to the interest of, or a discredit to the GCMHA and its members, his/her office may be declared vacant by a simple majority vote of all members of the Executive.

d. Should a vacancy occur among the elected Executive, that vacancy may be filled in accordance with Article 6 c. of the Constitution.

e. The Executive, may reprimand or suspend any team official, team, individual player, under GCMHA jurisdiction, for any conduct, individual or collective, on ice or off, that in the opinion of the Executive is either:

1. Contrary to the principles of fair play and good sportsmanship;

2. A serious or continuing infraction of the playing rules, or the Constitutions, By-Laws, Duties, Rules and Regulations of the GCMHA, GHA, ODMHL, ODMHA, CHA or any other affiliated minor hockey organization or association; or

f. The Executive shall determine all questions arising from emergencies not provided for in the Constitution, the By-Laws and/or the Rules, Duties and Regulations.

g. Each year the Executive shall solicit applications for position of coaches and request such applications on a prescribed form.

h. Coaches' appointments shall be recommended by a committee consisting of the Vice-President: Hockey Operations; the Director: House Leagues and the Director: Development. Any decision against the recommendation of the committee should be by a simple majority vote of the Executive. The term of office as a Coach shall commence with the above vote and expire April 30 of the following year.


BY-LAW NO. 3 - THE TEAM OFFICIALS

a. Coaches will supply to the Director: House League, a list of potential team officials immediately following selection of the team players. The appointment of these team officials must be approved by the Vice President: Hockey Operations.

b. A volunteer accepting the appointment as a team official shall automatically be listed as a member of the GCMHA and shall abide by the GCMHA Constitution, By-Laws, Rules, Duties and Regulations and any other regulations of the affiliated associations.

c. All Team Officials must comply with the coaching guidelines established by the GCMHA Executive.

BY-LAW NO. 4 - REGISTRATION

a. The registration process and the registration fee shall be determined by the GCMHA Executive at the May monthly meeting.

b. Proof of age such as a birth certificate, baptism record, or sworn affidavit must be presented at the players' first registration. Each year, the parent or guardian of the player must be present to sign the registration card or form releasing the GCMHA, its members, from any liability, etc.

c. At time of registration, the Registrar shall determine the age group of hockey the boy/girl, who shall then be placed according to his/her age as of December 31 of the current year in accordance with CHA rules.

d. In accordance with the zone and district rules and regulations, no resident in the GCMHA area may register for minor hockey with any other organization, league or association, in or outside of the old City of Gloucester, except in the school he or she is attending and playing school hockey. Any request for transfer of registration must first be submitted for approval of the GCMHA Executive.

e. An individual who was registered with the GCMHA in the season prior to the current season and has moved from the GCMHA area, but continues to reside within the City of Gloucester, may continue to play in the GCMHA if there is room on a team in his/her category. Players must first register in their Association of residency and request a transfer to the GCMHA.

BY-LAW NO. 5 - PLAYER AFFILIATION

a. Once a player is placed on a team in the GCMHA then his/her first obligation will be to that hockey team. If the player is found to be playing for a hockey team, other than his/her school hockey team, then the player shall be removed from the GCMHA team, upon the recommendation of the Discipline Committee and approval of the GCMHA Executive.

BY-LAW NO. 6 - DIVISIONS AND LEVELS OF HOCKEY

a. The GCMHA shall provide the opportunity for those registered to participate in the Initiation Program, or a division of hockey as prescribed by the GHA.

BY-LAW NO. 7 - TEAM AFFILIATION

a. No GCMHA hockey team shall become affiliated with any other hockey association or organization, or participate in an interlocking game schedule or any other hockey game schedule, unless approved by the GCMHA Executive.

BY-LAW NO. 8 - PLAYING RULES

a. The playing rules of the CHA, ODMHA, ODMHL, GHA, or any other organization, league, association, etc., that the GCMHA becomes affiliated with shall apply.

b. When there is a discipline matter involving a player, or team official, that is to be dealt with by the GCMHA Discipline Committee, that player or team official shall be suspended and the hearing shall be held no later than seven (7) days following the incident.

c. All matters of discipline resulting from other areas, leagues, organizations or associations that involve a GCMHA player or team official shall be reviewed by the GCMHA Discipline Committee.

BY-LAW NO. 9 - FINANCES

a. All monies of the GCMHA shall be held by the GCMHA Executive in an approved financial institution to the credit of GCMHA. The Treasurer shall be responsible to pay all invoices and shall receive and keep control of all monies and expenditures in accordance with the GCMHA budget.

b. The GCMHA funds are derived from registration fees, sponsors, donations, fund raising and grants where available.

c. The GCMHA Executive may require the countersigning of all cheques on GCMHA bank accounts. A minimum of one member of the Executive in addition to the Treasurer shall have signing authority.

d. The GCMHA Executive shall regularly (2-4 years) appoint an independent financial auditor and an annual audit shall be done in regards to the GCMHA financial records.

e. Refunds of registration fees for players who withdraw for any reason will be subject to the following charges:

• After September 1st - $50 administrative fee
• After the 1st league game - $50 plus 15% of the total fees paid
• After November 1st - $50 plus 30 % of the total fees paid
• After December 1st - $50 plus 45% of the total fees paid
• After January 1st - No refund

f. Refunds of team fees for players who withdraw for any reason will be subject to the following charges:

• After the 1st league game - 15% of the total fees paid
• After November 1st - 30 % of the total fees paid
• After December 1st - 45% of the total fees paid
• After January 1st - No refund

g. All board members will serve the board without renumeration.

h. Upon dissoloution of the Gloucester Centre Minor Hockey Association,all money left in the break open lottery account will be donated to a non-profit organization operating in Ontario.


BY-LAW NO. 10 - THE NOMINATING COMMITTEE

a. The Nominating Committee shall consist of members appointed at the regular GCMHA Executive meeting. The Chairperson shall be specified by the GCMHA Executive.

b. All elections conducted by the Nominating Committee shall be by ballot unless otherwise determined by the membership at the Annual meeting.

BY-LAW NO. 11 - DISCIPLINE APPEALS

a. All requests for appeals involving activities of the GCMHA shall be heard and dealt with by the GCMHA Executive at a regular or special meeting. All appeals shall be in writing, and may be submitted to any member of the GCMHA Executive within 72 hours.

BY-LAW NO. 12 - MEMBERSHIP APPEAL

a. Any member who wishes to appeal actions or treatment by his/her team officials may do so by writing to the GCMHA Executive. This can only be done after such actions have been taken to respective team coach and respective Level Convenor