Aligned with USA Hockey Bylaw 10

This policy establishes standards of conduct, disciplinary procedures, and protections for all participants in McKinney Ice Hockey Club (“MIHC”). It is intended to implement and comply with USA Hockey Bylaw 10 (Dispute Resolution, Discipline, Arbitration) at the club level.

This policy applies to all MIHC players, coaches, volunteers, staff, officials, parents/guardians, and Board members. MIHC acts as a “Disciplinary Authority” and local league/association/program under Bylaw 10, and will use the Unified Procedure in Bylaw 10.C for all Discipline (suspensions, probations, censures, or other discipline) and for any challenge to an Administrative Action, except where Bylaw 10.D expressly permits action without a prior hearing. 

This policy operates in harmony with the USA Hockey Bylaws and Annual Guide, the Texas Amateur Hockey Association (“TAHA”), the AT&T High School Hockey League (“AT&T HSHL”), and the U.S. Center for SafeSport’s jurisdiction and rules. MIHC must enforce all binding SafeSport, USA Hockey, TAHA, and AT&T HSHL sanctions within its program, including any national‑scope suspensions that are one year or longer or are imposed for sexual misconduct.

MIHC recognizes the independent jurisdiction and authority of the U.S. Center for SafeSport, USA Hockey, TAHA, and AT&T HSHL to receive reports, investigate, and adjudicate alleged misconduct under the U.S. Center for SafeSport Code, the USA Hockey Safe Sport Program Handbook, and other Applicable Rules.

Where the U.S. Center for SafeSport, USA Hockey, TAHA, and/or AT&T HSHL issue a valid interim or final finding, sanction, or eligibility determination involving an individual affiliated with MIHC, MIHC may:

• Enforce those decisions fully within MIHC (including suspensions or permanent ineligibility), and
• Use those determinations as the factual basis to decide club‑level membership and participation consequences, with a club‑level hearing when required by Bylaw 10’s Unified Procedure. 

MIHC will not re‑investigate the underlying facts except where specifically required by applicable rules or law.

Where the U.S. Center for SafeSport has exclusive jurisdiction (e.g., sexual abuse/misconduct, certain related SafeSport behaviors), MIHC will not conduct its own investigation while SafeSport is investigating, but may implement interim measures (including Summary Suspension) as permitted by Bylaw 10.D(3)(a) to protect participants. 

Nothing in this section limits or delays mandatory reporting to law enforcement, Child Protective Services, SafeSport, USA Hockey, TAHA, or AT&T HSHL.

Terms such as “Party,” “Discipline,” “Disciplinary Authority,” “Administrative Action,” “Playing Rules Suspension,” “Summary Suspension,” and “Unified Procedure” have the same meanings as in USA Hockey Bylaw 10

The Disciplinary Committee (“Committee”) follows principles of procedural fairness:

• Impartiality and absence of conflicts
• Timely and adequate notice
• Reasonable opportunity to be heard and present evidence
• Access to evidence used in decision‑making (subject to redaction to protect minors)
• Proportional and consistent sanctions
• Protection against retaliation.

To comply with Bylaw 10.C(4)(a), any MIHC hearing must be conducted by a hearing panel of at least three reasonably disinterested and impartial persons. 

Unless a conflict exists, the MIHC Disciplinary Committee consists of:

• President (Chair)
• Vice President
• Hockey Director (voting)
• Safety & Conduct Director

Any Committee member who is a complainant, witness, family member, or otherwise materially involved in the incident has a conflict and must recuse. 

If recusal reduces the impartial voting members below three, the President (or Vice President if the President is conflicted) will appoint one or more additional Board members or qualified, disinterested advisors so that the panel has at least three impartial voting members

A quorum is three voting members. Decisions require a simple majority. The Committee’s jurisdiction is limited to MIHC programs, except where an Affiliate or USA Hockey extends the scope of a suspension under Bylaw 10.C(4)(h). 

MIHC uses three categories—Minor, Serious, and Gross Violations to organize misconduct consistent with Bylaw 10’s concept of “Applicable Rules” and conduct unsuitable for hockey.

Low‑risk, often unintentional conduct that can be corrected through education or coaching (e.g., first‑time unsportsmanlike conduct, minor parent misconduct, team‑rule technical issues).

Behaviors that create risk, disrupt the team environment, or violate core standards (e.g., repeated unsportsmanlike conduct, bullying, harassment, intimidation, verbal abuse, property damage, safety protocol violations).

Severe misconduct that endangers safety or integrity (e.g., physical abuse, sexual misconduct, grooming, hazing, retaliation, serious threats, criminal acts, weapons, or conduct requiring SafeSport or law‑enforcement reporting). Gross Violations may justify Summary Suspension under Bylaw 10.D(3)(a).

All Adults with regular contact with minors are Mandatory Reporters under USA Hockey Safe Sport policies and must report suspected abuse, sexual misconduct, grooming, hazing, physical abuse, or threats of harm to:

• The U.S. Center for SafeSport
• Law enforcement or Texas CPS, where applicable
• USA Hockey and TAHA, consistent with their reporting procedures.

If a complaint is within the U.S. Center for SafeSport’s jurisdiction, MIHC will:

• Not conduct its own investigation while SafeSport is investigating
• Cooperate with SafeSport and law enforcement
• Implement interim measures (e.g., Summary Suspension, restricted participation, supervision) where necessary to protect safety, as allowed by Bylaw 10.D(3)(a).

After SafeSport, USA Hockey, or TAHA issues findings, sanctions, or case closure, MIHC may:

• Enforce those sanctions fully at the club level
• Decide whether a MIHC hearing is necessary solely to determine additional club‑level membership or participation consequences
• Ensure that any MIHC action does not conflict with external sanctions or jurisdiction. 

Complaints may be submitted orally or in writing to the Safety & Conduct Director, any Board member, or coaching staff. Complaints involving minors, abuse, or imminent harm must be escalated immediately.

Within a reasonable time (aiming for 72 hours), the Committee Chair or Safety & Conduct Director reviews the complaint to determine:

• Whether the matter is primarily a MIHC club issue or falls within USA Hockey, TAHA, AT&T HSHL, or SafeSport jurisdiction
• Whether safety or integrity concerns warrant interim measures or Summary Suspension under Bylaw 10.D(3)(a).

If Discipline may be imposed, or upon written demand from a Party contesting Discipline or an Administrative Action without a prior hearing, MIHC appoints a Disciplinary Committee consistent with Section 4 and Bylaw 10.C(4)(a).

In matters falling within the jurisdiction of the U.S. Center for SafeSport, MIHC shall convene a Disciplinary Committee panel pursuant to Article 10 of the USA Hockey Disciplinary Process upon receipt of SafeSport’s final findings by the McKinney Ice Hockey Club. The panel’s authority shall include implementing, recognizing, and enforcing the outcome determined by SafeSport, which may include, without limitation:

(i) dismissal of the allegation,

(ii) findings imposing conditions or restrictions, or

(iii) findings resulting in suspension or permanent ineligibility.

Consistent with Article 10 and subject to SafeSport’s exclusive jurisdiction over allegations of sexual misconduct and other designated prohibited conduct, MIHC retains the independent authority, as a 501(c)(3) member organization of USA Hockey, to review the conduct underlying the SafeSport matter and to impose additional disciplinary measures that are reasonably necessary to protect the safety, welfare, and integrity of MIHC programs. Any such additional sanctions shall not conflict with, diminish, or alter the sanctions imposed by SafeSport, but may supplement those sanctions where permitted under USA Hockey policies and MIHC’s bylaws.

The hearing panel must hold the hearing no later than thirty (30) days after its appointment, unless the Parties agree to a later date and the panel approves, in accordance with Bylaw 10.C(4)(b). A Party under Summary Suspension or facing a potential suspension may request an expedited hearing; the panel will exercise reasonable efforts to accommodate such a request. 

No later than seven (7) days before the hearing date, MIHC will provide written notice to all interested Parties stating:

• Time, place, and manner of the hearing
• How the hearing will be conducted
• Grounds for any proposed Discipline or Administrative Action
• Possible consequences of an adverse finding
• Issues to be resolved by the panel. 

A Party under Summary Suspension may waive the seven‑day notice period to secure a quicker hearing, as allowed by Bylaw 10.C(4)(c). 

Any Party to a MIHC disciplinary hearing may be represented or assisted by legal counsel at their own expense. The hearing panel may set reasonable rules for counsel’s involvement so long as each Party has a fair opportunity to present its case and is treated substantially equally, consistent with Bylaw 10.C(4)(e).

Counsel for any Party is prohibited from directly questioning, examining, or cross-examining any minor athlete involved in the disciplinary matter. This restriction applies to live testimony, virtual testimony, written or recorded statements, and any other form of examination.

If a Party seeks to pose questions to a minor athlete, counsel must submit all proposed questions in writing to the Hearing Chair. The Hearing Chair shall determine, in their sole discretion, whether each question is appropriate, relevant, and not harmful to the minor, and may rephrase, modify, or exclude questions as necessary.

The Hearing Chair may choose to: (i) ask the approved questions directly to the minor on the Party’s behalf; (ii) have the questions answered through a parent, guardian, or designated representative; or (iii) rely instead on investigator testimony, written statements, SafeSport intake materials, or other documentary evidence in lieu of minor testimony.

Where the complainant or witness is a minor, the Hearing Panel may elect to rely on investigator reports, fact-finder summaries, coach or staff testimony, or verified written statements in place of any live participation by the minor. No Party or counsel shall have the right to compel a minor’s live testimony.

Limitations placed on counsel’s ability to question minors shall apply equally to all Parties and shall not be deemed to impair any Party’s fair opportunity to present its case, consistent with USA Hockey Bylaw 10.C(4)(e).

A Party intending to have counsel appear must notify MIHC in writing at least seven (7) calendar days before the scheduled hearing, providing counsel’s name and contact information. This aligns with the standard seven‑day hearing notice period in Bylaw 10.C(4)(c) and allows for practical scheduling. 

MIHC may, in reasonable and good‑faith discretion, adjust or continue a hearing date once, for up to fourteen (14) days, to ensure that MIHC’s counsel (or designated legal advisor) can participate, provided that:

• The hearing still occurs within thirty (30) days of panel appointment unless a later date is agreed by all Parties and approved by the panel, as allowed by Bylaw 10.C(4)(b); and
• Any Party under Summary Suspension retains the right to request an expedited hearing, which the panel will attempt to accommodate

The hearing panel may hold a formal or informal hearing and may hear any evidence it believes relevant, set reasonable limits on time, evidence, and documentation, accept witness testimony and written statements, and establish other rules so long as Parties are informed of the procedures and treated substantially equally. 

Any Party that may be subject to Discipline may submit a written response to the allegations before the hearing. All documents or evidence to be considered by the panel must be provided to the Parties reasonably in advance, subject to proper cause and redaction approved by the panel. 

Parties may be represented by counsel at their own expense and minors must have a parent/guardian present; adults may bring a support person (non‑attorney), in addition to any legal counsel. 

For Discipline, the Disciplinary Authority (MIHC) bears the burden to prove by a preponderance of the evidence (more likely true than not) that the Party violated Applicable Rules or engaged in conduct unsuitable for hockey, consistent with Bylaw 10.C(4)(f). 

For any challenge to an Administrative Action, the challenging Party bears the burden to prove by a preponderance that the action was arbitrary or capricious or not supported by the facts. 

The hearing panel will use reasonable efforts to:

• Render its decision within five (5) business days after the close of the hearing or record, and
• Deliver a written decision within fifteen (15) business days thereafter. 

The written decision will include:

• Findings of material fact
• Conclusions as to which rules or policies were violated, if any
• The order of the panel (sanctions and effective dates)
• A statement of any appeal rights and deadlines

Unless extended by TAHA or USA Hockey under Bylaw 10.C(4)(h), MIHC Discipline applies only to MIHC programs. Suspensions of one year or more or suspensions for violations of sexual misconduct policies are automatically national and must be enforced across USA Hockey programs.

Consistent with Bylaw 10.D(3)(a), MIHC may impose a Summary Suspension (temporary club‑level suspension or participation restriction) prior to a hearing, but only when:

• A Party has been arrested for a crime
• A Party is alleged to have assaulted another
• A Party is alleged to have violated USA Hockey Safe Sport Policy (including abuse between adults); or
• There are other serious violations of written, USA‑Hockey‑approved policies that present significant risk

Any Summary Suspension must be in writing and must inform the Party of:

• The grounds for the Summary Suspension; and
• The right to request a hearing under the Unified Procedure.

The suspended Party must request a hearing within seven (7) days of notification for the Unified Procedure to apply. 

Upon a timely hearing request, MIHC will convene a panel and hold a hearing as in Sections 7–9, using reasonable efforts to schedule it within thirty (30) days of panel appointment, consistent with Bylaw 10.C(4)(b). While the Summary Suspension is in effect, the Party remains ineligible to participate in the affected MIHC activities until the hearing panel issues its decision or the suspension expires, consistent with Bylaw 10.C(4)(g) and 10.E(2)(e).

A Party under Summary Suspension may request an expedited hearing to challenge the suspension; the panel will use reasonable efforts to provide such expedited hearing in line with Bylaw 10.C(4)(b) and 10.D(3)(a).

MIHC may impose, singly or in combination, warnings, game suspensions, probation, removal from roster, season‑long suspension, ineligibility for future participation, termination of membership, or other conditions, provided they are consistent with USA Hockey, TAHA, AT&T HSHL, and SafeSport sanctions.

The Committee may consider aggravating and mitigating factors, including prior history, intent, impact on minors, cooperation, or remorse, without creating any contractual right to a particular sanction.

If a Party fails to appear at a properly noticed hearing without good cause, the Committee may:

• Proceed in the Party’s absence
• Evaluate available evidence and issue findings and sanctions as if the Party had appeared
• Treat non‑attendance as a separate Serious Violation; and
• Draw reasonable adverse inferences from unjustified non‑cooperation, while still applying the preponderance standard. 

All sanctions remain in effect unless modified on appeal. 

MIHC may provide a club‑level appeal to an Independent Appeal Board of at least three disinterested members who had no prior involvement, with at least one SafeSport‑trained member. The Appeal Board reviews the record and may uphold, modify, or overturn the decision if it finds that the Committee acted arbitrarily or capriciously, made clearly erroneous material findings, or misapplied controlling rules in a way that affected the decision, mirroring Bylaw 10.E standards.

Beyond MIHC, any right to appeal to TAHA, USA Hockey, or the USA Hockey National Appeal Committee is governed by Bylaw 10.E, including the requirement to file a written Statement of Appeal within fourteen (14) days of receipt of the decision, with sanctions remaining in effect during appeal.

MIHC will:

• Maintain confidentiality to the fullest extent allowed by law and Applicable Rules
• Retain disciplinary records and decisions for at least seven (7) years and share them as needed with Affiliates or USA Hockey
• Prohibit retaliation against any person who reports, participates in, or appeals a disciplinary matter, with retaliation itself subject to Discipline under Bylaw 10.C(4)(i). 

By enrolling in, participating in, or maintaining membership with MIHC, each Member agrees to submit all hockey‑related Disputes and Discipline to this policy and to the USA Hockey Bylaw 10 framework as the exclusive internal remedy, subject to any external rights expressly provided in those Bylaws or applicable law. 

MIHC’s interpretation and application of this policy are subordinate to and will be superseded by USA Hockey Bylaws, TAHA rules, AT&T HSHL rules, and SafeSport determinations in the event of any conflict. 

McKinney Ice Hockey Club (“MIHC”), as an independent Texas 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation and member‑driven organization, retains the right under Texas law and in alignment with USA Hockey Bylaw 10.B(1) and 10.C(1) to determine membership eligibility, to impose Administrative Actions affecting membership status, and to terminate the membership of any Party who violates MIHC’s Bylaws, published policies, Codes of Conduct, or Applicable Rules established in accordance with USA Hockey standards.

Membership in MIHC is a privilege and is not a vested property right. Continued membership and participation in MIHC activities is conditioned upon adherence to all Governing Documents, compliance with this Disciplinary Policy, and acceptance of MIHC’s disciplinary authority and decision‑making.

MIHC may take “Administrative Actions” (as defined in USA Hockey Bylaw 10.B(1)) that affect a Party’s membership eligibility and participation status without issuing formal Discipline under the Unified Procedure, provided that: 

• The Administrative Action is taken in accordance with MIHC’s published bylaws and policies;
• The Party has an opportunity to contest an Administrative Action through a hearing under the Unified Procedure or by written petition to the MIHC Board, if permitted under MIHC’s Bylaws; and
• MIHC does not take any Administrative Action that would directly conflict with a binding determination by SafeSport, USA Hockey, TAHA, or AT&T HSHL

Examples of Administrative Actions may include removal from a roster for failure to pay dues, ineligibility for travel or tournament participation due to non‑compliance with safety or eligibility rules, suspension of volunteer or coaching privileges, or termination of membership for persistent violation of club policies or conduct standards.

MIHC’s Board of Directors, or its designated Disciplinary Authority under this Policy, may:

Terminate the membership of any Party for:

• Gross Violations under Section 5.3, including but not limited to conduct that endangers the safety or welfare of minors, violates SafeSport policies, or poses reputational or legal risk to MIHC;
• Failure to comply with a final disciplinary order or sanction imposed under this Policy;
• Repeated Serious Violations that demonstrate a pattern of unwillingness to adhere to MIHC standards;
• Criminal activity, arrest, or conviction for conduct involving moral turpitude;
• Violation of mandatory reporting obligations to SafeSport, law enforcement, or USA Hockey;
• Obstruction of MIHC’s investigation, retaliation against reporting parties or witnesses, or interference with disciplinary processes;
• Breach of confidentiality or unauthorized disclosure of sensitive MIHC disciplinary matters; or
• Any determination by SafeSport, USA Hockey, TAHA, or AT&T HSHL that results in a permanent suspension or permanent ineligibility, which MIHC will enforce by terminating club membership.
• Implement membership termination decisions in a manner consistent with the Unified Procedure in Bylaw 10.C when required by that procedure, or through Administrative Action when allowed under Bylaw 10.B(1).

If SafeSport, USA Hockey, TAHA, or AT&T HSHL issues a final determination that a Party has violated applicable policies and has been permanently suspended, permanently ineligible, or banned, MIHC will enforce such determination within its program and will immediately terminate or permanently restrict the membership and participation status of such Party. 

MIHC’s termination of membership is a complementary club‑level enforcement action and does not constitute a separate appeal or challenge to the external governing body’s decision.

Membership in MIHC, participation in MIHC activities, roster placement, and access to MIHC facilities are revocable privileges, not vested contractual rights or property interests. By enrollment or participation, each

Member acknowledges and agrees that:

• MIHC retains discretion to revoke membership or participation privileges in accordance with this Policy and applicable law;
• Termination of membership is a final club‑level decision unless reversed on internal appeal (if MIHC offers an appeal process) or unless required to be reviewed under Bylaw 10 when MIHC’s action constitutes Discipline;
• No Member has a contractual right to continued participation, roster placement, tournament or travel eligibility, or coaching or volunteer appointments; and
• Membership termination may be effective immediately upon MIHC Board decision or after completion of this Policy’s Unified Procedure, depending on the nature and severity of the violation and MIHC’s determination of the appropriate process. 

When MIHC proposes to terminate membership as a Disciplinary sanction (not as an Administrative Action), MIHC will:

• Provide written notice of the grounds for termination;
• Offer an opportunity for a hearing under the Unified Procedure (Sections 7–9), unless the termination is authorized as a Summary Suspension under Bylaw 10.D(3)(a);
• Permit the affected Party to appeal the termination decision in accordance with Section 14 of this Policy; and
• Ensure all procedures comply with USA Hockey Bylaw 10. 

When MIHC exercises membership termination as an Administrative Action (e.g., for failure to pay dues, non‑compliance with published eligibility rules, or enforcement of a SafeSport external determination), MIHC will provide written notice of the termination and the underlying grounds and will, upon written request by the affected Party, allow a reasonable opportunity to contest the Administrative Action through a hearing or petition consistent with Bylaw 10.C(4) or other MIHC processes.

Upon termination of membership by MIHC:

• The Member is immediately ineligible to participate in any MIHC‑sanctioned activities, including games, practices, tournaments, travel, volunteer roles, and coaching positions;
• The Member’s name is removed from all MIHC rosters and records as an active participant;
• The Member may not represent MIHC in any capacity;
• Any fees paid to MIHC are forfeited unless the MIHC Board approves a refund at its sole discretion;
• MIHC will report permanent suspensions or permanent ineligibility terminations to USA Hockey, TAHA, and AT&T HSHL as required by those governing bodies’ procedures; and
• The Member retains any appeal rights afforded under this Policy or USA Hockey Bylaw 10, but appeals do not stay the termination’s effect. 

By enrolling in, participating in, or maintaining membership with MIHC, each Member acknowledges and agrees that:

• This Policy and MIHC’s Bylaws establish the internal procedures for resolving disputes over membership termination, Discipline, and Administrative Actions;
• MIHC’s decisions regarding membership eligibility, disciplinary sanctions, and Administrative Actions are final and binding within the MIHC organization, subject only to the appeal procedures in Section 14 and any rights expressly provided in USA Hockey Bylaw 10;
• Each Member submits to the jurisdiction of MIHC’s Disciplinary Committee and Board as provided in this Policy;
• Initiation of external court proceedings in violation of Bylaw 10’s dispute‑resolution framework may subject the Member to additional costs and further discipline under Bylaw 10.A(3); and
• MIHC, its Board members, officers, Disciplinary Committee members, and volunteers are protected from liability to the fullest extent permitted under Texas law and applicable volunteer‑protection statutes for good‑faith decisions and actions taken in accordance with this Policy and in compliance with USA Hockey, TAHA, SafeSport, and AT&T HSHL requirements.

This Disciplinary Committee Policy & Procedures document is adopted by McKinney Ice Hockey Club (“MIHC”) for internal governance, risk‑management, and member‑relations purposes. It is an internal policy framework and does not constitute legal advice, does not create an attorney client relationship with any Member, and does not guarantee any particular outcome in any disciplinary or membership matter. Members are encouraged to consult their own legal counsel regarding any rights or obligations that may arise under this Policy or applicable law.

Nothing in this Policy, in MIHC’s Bylaws, or in any other club document shall be construed to create any vested property right, employment relationship, or contractual entitlement to membership, continued participation, specific team placement, coaching or volunteer roles, or access to MIHC events or facilities.

Membership and participation are privileges that may be limited, conditioned, or revoked in accordance with this Policy, the MIHC Bylaws, Applicable Rules, and the requirements of USA Hockey, TAHA, AT&T HSHL, and the U.S. Center for SafeSport.

If any provision of this Policy is inconsistent or in conflict with the USA Hockey Bylaws (including Bylaw 10), USA Hockey Rules & Regulations, TAHA rules, AT&T HSHL rules, or policies and determinations of the U.S. Center for SafeSport, those higher‑level rules and determinations control. In such circumstances, this Policy will be interpreted, modified, or disregarded as necessary to remain in compliance, and MIHC expressly disclaims any intent to supersede, alter, or limit the authority of those governing bodies.

MIHC intends to follow the procedures and timelines described in this Policy; however, MIHC retains reasonable discretion to modify procedures, timelines, or formats in good faith do not, by themselves, create any claim for damages against MIHC where required by participant safety, practicality, directives from governing bodies, or applicable law, provided that fundamental fairness and applicable USA Hockey Bylaw 10 requirements are observed. Good‑faith delays or deviations necessary to accommodate investigations, legal processes, or safety concerns do not, by themselves, invalidate disciplinary decisions.

Good‑faith delays or deviations necessary to accommodate investigations, legal processes, or safety concerns do not, by themselves, invalidate disciplinary decisions or create any independent claim for damages against MIHC, provided that core fairness and applicable USA Hockey Bylaw 10 requirements are observed.

Nothing in this Policy shall be interpreted as a waiver by MIHC, its Board, officers, volunteers, agents, or representatives of any defenses, privileges, immunities, or protections available under Texas law, federal law (including the federal Volunteer Protection Act), or applicable insurance policies. MIHC expressly reserves all legal rights and defenses in any claim, dispute, or proceeding, whether or not referenced in this Policy.

MIHC, its Board members, officers, Disciplinary Committee members, coaches, team managers, and volunteers shall not be liable for actions or omissions undertaken in good faith and within the scope of their duties in administering this Policy, enforcing Governing Documents, or complying with USA Hockey, TAHA, AT&T HSHL, and SafeSport requirements, to the fullest extent permitted by law. Nothing in this section protects any individual from liability for willful misconduct, gross negligence, or acts outside the scope of their role.

MIHC cannot control, and does not make any representation or warranty regarding, the actions, timelines, or determinations of law‑enforcement agencies, courts, the U.S. Center for SafeSport, USA Hockey, TAHA, AT&T HSHL, or any other external authority. MIHC’s internal decisions may be informed by, but are not guarantees of, outcomes in those external processes, and Members should not rely on MIHC proceedings as a substitute for independent legal or other professional advice.

By enrolling in, participating in, or maintaining membership with MIHC, each Member agrees to submit disputes arising out of or relating to MIHC membership, eligibility, or Discipline to:

• The internal procedures set forth in this Policy; and
• The dispute‑resolution framework in USA Hockey Bylaw 10,

and to first exhaust those procedures before pursuing any external remedies, except where applicable law expressly provides otherwise. Failure to follow the procedures in USA Hockey Bylaw 10 may subject a Member to additional discipline and potential responsibility for costs and fees as described in that Bylaw.

Nothing in this Policy is intended to limit any non‑waivable rights under Texas or federal law, including any rights that cannot legally be waived in advance.

If any provision of this Policy or this legal disclaimer is held invalid, illegal, or unenforceable by a court or governing authority of competent jurisdiction, such provision shall be enforced to the maximum extent permissible, and the remaining provisions shall continue in full force and effect.

MIHC reserves the right, in the discretion of its Board of Directors and in consultation with applicable governing‑body requirements, to amend, supplement, or rescind this Policy and this disclaimer at any time. Continued membership and participation after any such change constitute acceptance of the updated Policy and disclaimer.