All we have heard from the USPHL is that they are not going to be sanctioned by USA Hockey this season. But there is much more to the story.
As we know, the USPHL attempted to get a late, and incomplete application for USA Hockey sanctioning at the winter meetings. That application was denied based upon its untimely presentation as was deemed “out of order”.
A short time later the USPHL stated they were going to register as a U-20 league under USA Hockey’s Mens or Adult division. The Mens/Adult division has many age groups and classifications within it. This move was seen as being very creative and looked to be the way forward for the USPHL under USA HJockey next season.
Then, just recently the USPHL seemed to have a change of heart and announced they will play as an independent league for the 2013-2014 season. No explanation was given.
TJHN has learned the how and why through Junior Council and Adult Council members.
Apparently circumventing the rules was not taken well by many within USA Hockey. The result was an emergency rule change. In an email obtained by TJHN, John Vanbiesbrouk said the following:
Following submission of a proposal by the Adult Council, and in response to concerns expressed on a call involving several USA Hockey directors, the USA Hockey Executive Committee exercised its emergency powers to amend the Rules & Regulations concerning the age of players in the Adult U.S. category. Thus, the following sentence was added at the end of Section II.A.1. of the Rules & Regulations (pg. 116 under “Classifications” – “Adults” – “Adults U.S.”):
| However, only 25% of an Adult U.S. registered team may be under the age of 20 unless approved by the Vice President, Adult Council Chairman. |
Vanbiesbrouk also addressed the deadline for Junior Certification for the 2014 season saying:
The USPHL has since announced that it will instead operate as a non-sanctioned Junior League for the 2013-14 season. The USPHL has also announced that it intends to apply to become certified as a USA Hockey certified Junior League for the 2014-15 season. Applications for new league formation are due on April 15, 2013. No applications have been considered by the Junior Council, and the Junior Council will consider all such applications according to the process for certifying new leagues set forth in the Annual Guide (see page 167).
With today being April 15th, the deadline has arrived. Will the application be in? Will it be complete? If so, will it get approved? These questions must be answered and we will know by the time the June meetings are over.
Moving forward though, the USPHL member teams have no roster protections from any governing body. Any other team in the world can simply sign players off of USPHL rosters and there will be nothing any USPHL team can do.
If youre a player going to the USPHL and someone in the NAHL recruits you and you want to leave…..If a Canadian team recruits you and you want to leave…..If you simply dont like anything…..You can leave any time.
Think this scenarion wont actually happen? If you do, then you have not met the right recruiter.
Who is going to provide insurance for the players while they compete? Not every player has their own insurance these days. Player transportation insurance? Under USA Hockey players are insured while traveling.
Who is going to provide checks on billetts? What is the criteria determing who can coach?
Lots of important questions to be answered, and lots more that will come from parents that would be paying the USPHL bills.
TJHN will update this story as more information becomes available.
