Membership Terms, Limitations, Exclusions and Eligibility

1. PURPOSE (Texas Law, SafeSport Compliance, and 501(c)(3) Governance)

This policy establishes the legal and operational framework for determining eligibility, acceptance, denial, suspension, reinstatement, and termination of membership in the McKinney Ice Hockey Club (“the Club”), a Texas nonprofit corporation organized under Chapter 22 of the Texas Business Organizations Code and recognized as a tax‑exempt charitable organization under § 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

The purpose of this policy is to:

• Protect the safety, health, and welfare of all players, coaches, volunteers, and families participating in Club programs;
• Ensure compliance with the rules, regulations, and mandates of USA Hockey, the Texas Amateur Hockey Association (TAHA), and the U.S. Center for SafeSport;
• Fulfill the Club’s fiduciary duties of care, loyalty, and obedience under Texas law by implementing risk‑management practices that prevent harm and maintain the Club’s insurability and public trust;
• Preserve the Club’s charitable and educational purpose, ensuring that all activities align with its tax‑exempt mission to promote youth development, teamwork, and character through amateur athletics; and
• Affirm that membership and participation are privileges, not contractual rights, subject at all times to the discretionary authority of the Board of Directors acting in good faith within the scope of its lawful responsibilities.

Actions taken under this policy are performed in furtherance of the Club’s charitable mission and within the protections afforded by the Texas Charitable Immunity and Liability Act (Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code § 84.001 et seq.). The Club’s primary duty under Texas law is to safeguard participants and organizational integrity, not to guarantee membership, team placement, or continued involvement.

2. GOVERNING AUTHORITY

The Club is governed by:

• The Texas Business Organizations Code, Chapter 22 
• The Texas Charitable Immunity and Liability Act (Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code § 84.001 et seq.) 
• USA Hockey rules, regulations, and SafeSport policies 
• The U.S. Center for SafeSport Code and enforcement actions 
• The Club’s Articles of Incorporation, Bylaws, and policies & procedures governed under a risk management framework and industry best practices for 501c3 youth sports organizations. 

3. NATURE OF MEMBERSHIP

3.1 MEMBERSHIP AUTHORITY AND DISCRETION (TEXAS NONPROFIT AND 501(C)(3) COMPLIANCE)

Membership in the Club is a revocable privilege, not a vested right. Consistent with Chapter 22 of the Texas Business Organizations Code (TBOC), the Texas Charitable Immunity and Liability Act (Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code § 84.001 et seq.), the Internal Revenue Code § 501(c)(3), and all duties owed under USA Hockey, TAHA, and U.S. Center for SafeSport regulations:

• The Board of Directors retains sole and absolute discretion to grant, deny, suspend, or terminate membership when, in its judgment, such action protects the Club’s safety, welfare, mission integrity, or legal compliance.

• No applicant or participant acquires a property, contractual, or due‑process right to membership or continued participation, as membership exists solely to advance the Club’s charitable and educational objectives.

• The Board’s decisions made in good faith, within the scope of its duties, and for legitimate nonprofit purposes are shielded from personal liability under the Charitable Immunity and Liability Act.

• Actions taken under this section shall be deemed consistent with the Club’s fiduciary duty of care and obedience as required for 501(c)(3) entities, including the duty to manage risk, ensure participant safety, and protect organizational assets.

• Documentation supporting any decision under this section shall be maintained with official Board records in accordance with Texas nonprofit governance standards.

3.2 NO GUARANTEE OF ACCEPTANCE OR CONTINUATION

Registration with USA Hockey, payment of any fees, prior participation, team placement, or acceptance of a roster position does not create or imply a contractual right or entitlement to membership, participation, or renewal within the Club.

Membership and participation exist solely at the discretion of the McKinney Ice Hockey Club Board of Directors, pursuant to Chapter 22 of the Texas Business Organizations Code, the Club’s Bylaws, and its obligations as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.

The Club’s acceptance of fees or forms shall not be construed as a binding agreement for services, placement, or participation, and any refund or denial of membership shall not constitute damages or liability under Texas contract or tort law.

This policy is consistent with the Club’s duty under USA Hockey, TAHA, and SafeSport regulations to act in the best interests of player safety, competitive integrity, and organizational welfare—not as a commercial or for‑profit enterprise.

3.3 DISCRETIONARY AUTHORITY (TEXAS NONPROFIT AND 501(C)(3) STANDARD)

Pursuant to the Texas Business Organizations Code, Chapter 22, and consistent with the Club’s Articles of Incorporation, Bylaws, and its 501(c)(3) charitable purpose, the Board of Directors retains full and exclusive authority over all membership determinations. To safeguard participant welfare and the Club’s compliance obligations, the Club may, at its sole and absolute discretion:

• Accept or deny any application for membership, registration, or participation, without obligation to disclose detailed reasoning beyond the best interests of the Club and its members;
• Place, suspend, restrict, or terminate any membership or participation at any time to protect safety, maintain program integrity, or ensure compliance with applicable USA Hockey, TAHA, and SafeSport policies;
• Refuse reinstatement after withdrawal, refund, or any disciplinary action when reinstatement would, in the Board’s judgment, present risk to participant safety, conflict with SafeSport standards, jeopardize 501(c)(3) compliance, or expose the Club to legal or reputational harm.

Decisions made pursuant to this authority and in good‑faith compliance with applicable laws and governing‑body regulations are presumed valid and protected under the Texas Charitable Immunity and Liability Act (Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code § 84.001 et seq.).

• The exercise of this discretion constitutes fulfillment of the Board’s fiduciary duty of care, loyalty, and obedience as recognized under federal 501(c)(3) and Texas nonprofit governance standards.

4. ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS (TEXAS LAW, USA HOCKEY, AND SAFESPORT COMPLIANCE)

To preserve participant safety, fulfill the Club’s charitable mission, and comply with governing‑body and legal standards, all members, players, coaches, volunteers, and participants must:

• Maintain current and valid USA Hockey registration and roster eligibility under Texas Amateur Hockey Association (TAHA) guidelines;
• Complete and maintain all required SafeSport training and background screening, as mandated by the U.S. Center for SafeSport, USA Hockey, and federal law under the Protecting Young Victims from Sexual Abuse and SafeSport Authorization Act of 2017 (34 U.S.C. § 20341 et seq.);
• Strictly adhere to all Club policies, codes of conduct, behavioral standards, and directives issued by the Board of Directors or its designees, including those addressing safety, harassment‑free participation, and sportsmanship.

Failure to satisfy or maintain any eligibility requirement shall result in automatic ineligibility or suspension from all Club activities until full compliance is verified. Such ineligibility may be imposed without prior notice when necessary to prevent foreseeable risk of harm or violation of federal, state, or SafeSport regulations.

Compliance obligations under this section are a condition of membership, participation, and facility access, not a contractual right, and shall be enforced consistent with the Texas Business Organizations Code (Chapter 22), the Texas Charitable Immunity and Liability Act, and the Club’s 501(c)(3) fiduciary duties to protect participants and organizational integrity.

5. SAFESPORT COMPLIANCE (MANDATORY)

5.1 AUTOMATIC INELIGIBILITY AND ORGANIZATIONAL DUTY (TEXAS LAW, FEDERAL LAW, AND USA HOCKEY COMPLIANCE)

In accordance with the Texas Business Organizations Code § 22.221, the Texas Charitable Immunity and Liability Act (Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code § 84.001 et seq.), the Protecting Young Victims from Sexual Abuse and SafeSport Authorization Act of 2017 (34 U.S.C. § 20341 et seq.), and all applicable USA Hockey, Texas Amateur Hockey Association (TAHA), and U.S. Center for SafeSport rules and codes of conduct:

• Any individual who is the subject of an active disciplinary action, finding, or restriction under SafeSport, USA Hockey, TAHA, or any recognized national governing body — including suspension, temporary suspension, restriction, probation, interim measure, or limitation on participation — is immediately and automatically ineligible to participate in any Club activity, event, or role involving players, volunteers, or Club operations.
• Automatic ineligibility takes effect upon receipt of official notice by the Club, USA Hockey, TAHA, or SafeSport database publication. No independent investigation, appeal, or override by any Club official is permitted while a sanction remains active.
• The Club’s Board, officers, and team personnel have a non‑delegable legal and fiduciary duty under Texas law and federal statute to act promptly to restrict participation of any sanctioned individual. This action is necessary to prevent foreseeable risk of injury, abuse, negligent supervision, or violation of mandatory‑reporting obligations.
• Failure by any Board member, coach, or volunteer to enforce these restrictions, or to knowingly allow participation by a sanctioned individual, constitutes a breach of the fiduciary duty of care and loyalty under Texas nonprofit law and may result in removal and referral to SafeSport or USA Hockey disciplinary review.

• All compliance records including notice, verification, action taken, and confirmation of compliance shall be retained for not less than seven (7) years, in accordance with the Club’s risk‑management, record‑retention, and nonprofit governance policies.

• The Board may adopt additional procedures for verification of SafeSport eligibility status consistent with 501(c)(3) risk‑management standards, USA Hockey and TAHA guidance, and the Club’s obligation to maintain a physically and emotionally safe environment for all participants.

The Club’s unwavering policy is that the safety and welfare of participants supersede all competitive, financial, or organizational considerations. The Club shall err on the side of participant protection whenever any question arises regarding eligibility or SafeSport status.

5.2 NO LOCAL OVERRIDE THE CLUB SHALL NOT OVERRIDE OR DISREGARD ANY SAFESPORT DETERMINATION.

In strict accordance with the Texas Business Organizations Code § 22.221, the Texas Charitable Immunity and Liability Act (Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code § 84.001 et seq.), the Protecting Young Victims from Sexual Abuse and SafeSport Authorization Act of 2017 (34 U.S.C. § 20341 et seq.), and the governance authority of USA Hockey, TAHA, and the U.S. Center for SafeSport:

• The Club, its Board of Directors, officers, coaches, team managers, and volunteers have no authority to alter, delay, reinterpret, lessen, or disregard any SafeSport, USA Hockey, or TAHA disciplinary action, interim measure, or finding of ineligibility.
• No appeal, waiver, or exception process shall be created at the local level that would permit participation or access to Club programs by any person who remains subject to an active sanction or restriction.
• The Club shall fully enforce and honor all published suspensions, restrictions, or eligibility determinations issued by SafeSport, USA Hockey, or TAHA, regardless of local opinion or prior service history.
• Any attempt to override or disregard a valid SafeSport or governing‑body determination constitutes a violation of this Policy, a breach of the fiduciary duty of care and obedience under Texas law, and may result in immediate removal, discipline, or referral to the appropriate authority.
• Strict adherence to external determinations is considered an essential component of the Club’s 501(c)(3) compliance and risk‑management protocol, ensuring continued eligibility for insurance coverage, SafeSport certification, and charitable standing.

The Club shall at all times defer to the jurisdiction and findings of the U.S. Center for SafeSport, USA Hockey, and TAHA as binding and non‑negotiable requirements for membership participation.

5.3 INDEPENDENT AUTHORITY (TEXAS LAW, SAFESPORT, AND 501(C)(3) COMPLIANCE)

Pursuant to the Texas Business Organizations Code, Chapter 22, the Texas Charitable Immunity and Liability Act (Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code § 84.001 et seq.), the Protecting Young Victims from Sexual Abuse and SafeSport Authorization Act of 2017 (34 U.S.C. § 20341 et seq.), and the Club’s obligations as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization serving youth participants:

• The absence, expiration, or removal of a SafeSport, USA Hockey, or TAHA restriction or sanction shall not create any right, expectation, or entitlement to membership, participation, or reinstatement within the McKinney Ice Hockey Club.
• The Board of Directors retains exclusive and discretionary authority to deny, suspend, or withhold membership where, in its judgment, such action is necessary to protect the safety, reputation, or lawful operation of the Club, regardless of external eligibility status.
• Nothing in this section shall be construed to create a contractual, property, or employment right in membership or participation. Membership remains a voluntary and revocable privilege under Texas law.
• Decisions made by the Board in good‑faith exercise of its fiduciary duties of care, loyalty, and obedience are conclusively presumed valid and are afforded the protections of the Texas Charitable Immunity and Liability Act.
• The Club may impose more restrictive safety or eligibility standards than those set by SafeSport, USA Hockey, or TAHA whenever the Board determines such measures are appropriate for participant welfare or organizational risk management.
• This independent authority ensures continued compliance with the Club’s 501(c)(3) charitable purpose to operate youth programs safely, lawfully, and in the best interests of participants and the community without exposure to liability for discretionary membership decisions made in good faith.

6. DENIAL OF MEMBERSHIP (TEXAS LAW, USA HOCKEY, AND SAFESPORT COMPLIANCE)

Consistent with the Texas Business Organizations Code, Chapter 22, the Texas Charitable Immunity and Liability Act (Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code § 84.001 et seq.), the Internal Revenue Code § 501(c)(3), and all applicable USA Hockey, Texas Amateur Hockey Association (TAHA), and U.S. Center for SafeSport compliance rules:

• The Board of Directors retains full and exclusive authority to deny membership, registration, or participation whenever it determines, in good faith, that such action is necessary to protect participant safety, uphold program integrity, or fulfill the Club’s legal, ethical, or charitable obligations.
• Grounds for denial may include, but are not limited to:
• Prior, pending, or substantiated SafeSport, TAHA, or USA Hockey disciplinary action.
• Conduct or behavior determined by the Board to be detrimental to the safety, welfare, or moral well‑being of players or participants.
• Violation of Club policies, codes of conduct, or behavioral standards inconsistent with USA Hockey or SafeSport expectations.
• Risk‑management or liability concerns, including actions or histories reasonably deemed to endanger participants, expose the Club to potential claims, or conflict with its nonprofit purposes.
• The Board is not required to disclose detailed reasoning or supporting documentation for any membership denial or restriction and may simply state that the decision was made in the best interests of participant safety and the Club’s lawful operation.
• Denial decisions made in good‑faith compliance with this policy, SafeSport standards, and applicable law are entitled to the presumption of validity and immunity from civil liability under the Texas Charitable Immunity and Liability Act.
• This discretionary authority shall be exercised consistent with the Board’s fiduciary duties of care, loyalty, and obedience under 501(c)(3) governance principles and the Club’s obligation to operate exclusively for charitable and educational purposes.
• Nothing herein shall be construed as creating any contractual or property right in membership, participation, or continued activity within the Club.

7. SUSPENSION AND TERMINATION (TEXAS LAW, SAFESPORT, AND 501(C)(3) COMPLIANCE)

7.1 GROUNDS FOR ACTION

Consistent with the Texas Business Organizations Code, Chapter 22, the Texas Charitable Immunity and Liability Act (Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code § 84.001 et seq.), and the Club’s SafeSport and USA Hockey/TAHA compliance obligations, the Board of Directors retains the exclusive authority to suspend, restrict, or terminate membership or participation whenever, in its judgment, doing so is necessary to protect participant welfare, preserve program integrity, or fulfill the Club’s charitable and legal duties.

Membership or participation may be suspended or terminated for, but not limited to, the following reasons:

• Violation or pending investigation under SafeSport, USA Hockey, or TAHA rules or directives.
• Harassment, abuse, bullying, or other forms of misconduct in violation of the SafeSport Code, state law, or Club policy.
• Failure or refusal to comply with Club policies, the Code of Conduct, or lawful directions from Club officials.
• Conduct, speech, social‑media activity, or behavior deemed by the Board to bring disrepute, reputational harm, or potential liability to the Club, its affiliates, or its members.

7.2 IMMEDIATE PROTECTIVE ACTION

The Club may impose immediate interim suspension without prior notice or hearing whenever timely action is required to ensure participant safety, comply with SafeSport or USA Hockey directives, or mitigate foreseeable risk of injury, discrimination, negligent supervision, or public harm.

Such interim measures shall remain in effect until reviewed by the Board of Directors or its designated disciplinary committee. The exercise of this protective authority constitutes the Board’s fiduciary duty of care and obedience under Texas and federal 501(c)(3) law and is presumed valid when undertaken in good faith and consistent with the Club’s charitable mission.

7.3 EFFECT OF TERMINATION

Termination of membership or participation results in:

• Immediate cessation of all membership privileges, including team involvement, practice or game participation, facility access, and representation of the Club in any capacity.
• No right to reinstatement, financial recovery, or damages under Texas contract or tort law; membership is strictly voluntary and revocable.
• Loss of eligibility to participate in Club activities until the Board grants explicit written reinstatement after formal review.
• Termination and suspension actions taken under this section are protected by the Texas Charitable Immunity and Liability Act, provided they are executed in good faith within the scope of the Club’s nonprofit and charitable functions.

The Club’s decision to suspend or terminate is final except where expressly superseded by SafeSport or USA Hockey jurisdiction.

8. REFUNDS AND WITHDRAWAL (TEXAS LAW AND 501(C)(3) COMPLIANCE)

Consistent with the Texas Business Organizations Code, Chapter 22, the Texas Charitable Immunity and Liability Act (Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code § 84.001 et seq.), the Internal Revenue Code § 501(c)(3), and all applicable USA Hockey, Texas Amateur Hockey Association (TAHA), and U.S. Center for SafeSport compliance rules:

• The Board of Directors retains full and exclusive authority to deny membership, registration, or participation whenever it determines, in good faith, that such action is necessary to protect participant safety, uphold program integrity, or fulfill the Club’s legal, ethical, or charitable obligations.
• Grounds for denial may include, but are not limited to:
• Prior, pending, or substantiated SafeSport, TAHA, or USA Hockey disciplinary action.
• Conduct or behavior determined by the Board to be detrimental to the safety, welfare, or moral well‑being of players or participants.
• Violation of Club policies, codes of conduct, or behavioral standards inconsistent with USA Hockey or SafeSport expectations.
• Risk‑management or liability concerns, including actions or histories reasonably deemed to endanger participants, expose the Club to potential claims, or conflict with its nonprofit purposes.
• The Board is not required to disclose detailed reasoning or supporting documentation for any membership denial or restriction and may simply state that the decision was made in the best interests of participant safety and the Club’s lawful operation.
• Denial decisions made in good‑faith compliance with this policy, SafeSport standards, and applicable law are entitled to the presumption of validity and immunity from civil liability under the Texas Charitable Immunity and Liability Act.
• This discretionary authority shall be exercised consistent with the Board’s fiduciary duties of care, loyalty, and obedience under 501(c)(3) governance principles and the Club’s obligation to operate exclusively for charitable and educational purposes.
• Nothing herein shall be construed as creating any contractual or property right in membership, participation, or continued activity within the Club.

8.1 REFUNDS DO NOT CONFER RIGHTS

Consistent with the Texas Business Organizations Code, Chapter 22, the Texas Charitable Immunity and Liability Act (Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code § 84.001 et seq.), and the Club’s 501(c)(3) charitable purpose:

• The issuance of any refund, credit, or partial reimbursement, or the approval of a voluntary withdrawal, immediately terminates the membership relationship and all participation rights within the McKinney Ice Hockey Club.
• A refund or withdrawal does not create or imply any future right, preference, or entitlement to reinstatement, participation, or placement on any team or within any program.
• Payment of dues, registration fees, or similar contributions represents support of the Club’s charitable mission, not a purchase of guaranteed services, roster spots, or competitive opportunities.
• The Club’s acceptance or refund of funds shall not be construed as a contractual obligation under Texas law; participation is a revocable privilege granted at the discretion of the Board of Directors in accordance with its fiduciary duty to protect participant safety and organizational integrity.
• Refund determinations are made in good faith and within the protection of the Texas Charitable Immunity and Liability Act, insulating the Club, its directors, and volunteers from personal liability for discretionary financial or membership decisions.

8.2 REAPPLICATION AND FUTURE ELIGIBILITY

• Any former member or participant who has withdrawn, been refunded, or otherwise separated from the program must submit a new membership application before resuming participation.
• Reapplication is subject to full discretionary review by the Board of Directors, which may consider prior conduct, safety compliance, risk‑management factors, and the overall best interests of the Club.
• The Board may, in its sole discretion, deny reapplication without detailed justification, provided the decision is made in good faith, consistent with USA Hockey, TAHA, and SafeSport regulations, and in furtherance of the Club’s 501(c)(3) charitable purpose.
• Decisions made under this section are final and not subject to appeal or judicial review, except to the limited extent required by USA Hockey or SafeSport jurisdiction.

The Club’s refund and withdrawal policy exists to preserve financial stewardship, participant safety, and legal compliance not as a consumer service guarantee.

9. REINSTATEMENT (TEXAS LAW, USA HOCKEY, AND 501(C)(3) COMPLIANCE)

Reinstatement after suspension, termination, withdrawal, or refund is not automatic and shall occur only in the sole and absolute discretion of the McKinney Ice Hockey Club Board of Directors. Any consideration of reinstatement shall comply with:

• The Texas Business Organizations Code, Chapter 22, governing nonprofit corporation authority;
• The Texas Charitable Immunity and Liability Act (Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code § 84.001 et seq.), protecting good‑faith acts of directors and volunteers;
• The Internal Revenue Code § 501(c)(3) fiduciary duties of care, loyalty, and obedience; and
• All applicable USA Hockey, TAHA, and U.S. Center for SafeSport rules and eligibility standards.

A request for reinstatement requires:

• Formal written review and determination by the Board of Directors or a duly authorized committee; and
• Comprehensive evaluation of participant safety, risk exposure, reputation, and organizational impact, including compliance with SafeSport training and screening requirements.

The Board of Directors may deny, defer, or condition reinstatement for any lawful, reasonable, and good‑faith reason consistent with its fiduciary duties under the Texas Business Organizations Code, Chapter 22, including but not limited to concerns involving:

• Participant safety and welfare,

• Integrity and effective operation of Club programs,

• Undue or onerous compliance requirements that, in the Board’s judgment, unreasonably burden the Club’s volunteers, insurability, or charitable resources relative to the risk addressed, or

• Consistency with the Club’s mission and charitable purpose as a 501(c)(3) youth sports organization.

Any decision to deny or condition reinstatement shall be deemed an exercise of the Board’s fiduciary duty of care, loyalty, and obedience and is fully protected under the Texas Charitable Immunity and Liability Act (Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code § 84.001 et seq.), provided it is made in good faith within the scope of the Club’s nonprofit purpose.

Denial, deferral, or conditional reinstatement does not create, imply, or support any cause of action, damage claim, or entitlement to participation, reinstatement, or compensation. Membership in the Club is a revocable privilege, not a contract, property interest, or right.

All reinstatement actions taken under this section are conclusively presumed valid and enforceable under Texas law and are final, subject only to the limited jurisdiction of USA Hockey and the U.S. Center for SafeSport where applicable.

10. PROCEDURAL GUIDELINES (TEXAS LAW AND 501(C)(3) COMPLIANCE)

10.1 BOARD AUTHORITY

Consistent with the Texas Business Organizations Code § 22.221 and the Club’s Bylaws, all final authority concerning membership eligibility, suspension, denial, reinstatement, or discipline rests exclusively with the Board of Directors or a duly designated committee acting under delegated authority.

• The Board’s actions shall constitute the official act of the Club when made in good faith, within the scope of its nonprofit purpose, and in compliance with applicable federal, state, and governing‑body regulations.
• Directors, officers, and volunteers are protected from personal liability for such acts under the Texas Charitable Immunity and Liability Act (Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code § 84.001 et seq.) when acting in good faith.

10.2 Administrative Due Process

The Club recognizes the value of procedural fairness and may, where practicable and consistent with participant safety, provide written notice and an opportunity for a written response prior to or following a membership action.

• Any review or response process provided by the Club shall be administrative and charitable in nature, not adversarial or judicial.
• Such processes are intended to assist the Board in exercising informed discretion, not to create or imply any contractual, property, or civil right to membership, hearing, or appeal.
• No member, participant, or applicant shall have an enforceable expectation of continued participation, reinstatement, or compensation based on such administrative review.

10.3 Finality of Decisions

• All Board decisions related to membership or discipline are final, binding, and conclusive when made in good faith, except to the limited extent a matter falls under the exclusive jurisdiction of USA Hockey, TAHA, or the U.S. Center for SafeSport.
• No internal or external appeal, arbitration, or litigation right is created or implied by participation in, or reference to, this policy.
• Decisions rendered under these procedures are presumed valid and lawful under the Texas Charitable Immunity and Liability Act and the Club’s 501(c)(3) fiduciary obligations of care, loyalty, and obedience.

The Club’s procedural framework is designed to demonstrate transparency and fairness while preserving the Board’s ultimate legal authority and immunity to act swiftly in the best interests of participant welfare, risk management, and organizational integrity.

11. NON‑DISCRIMINATION (STATE AND FEDERAL COMPLIANCE)

The McKinney Ice Hockey Club operates as a Texas nonprofit corporation organized under Chapter 22 of the Texas Business Organizations Code and as a tax‑exempt organization under § 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

• The Club prohibits discrimination based on race, color, national origin, sex, religion, disability, or any other status protected by federal or Texas law.
• Nothing in this section restricts the Club’s authority to act on safety, conduct, eligibility, or policy‑related grounds, or to impose reasonable restrictions necessary to comply with SafeSport, USA Hockey, TAHA, or other applicable risk‑management standards.
• All eligibility, participation, and disciplinary decisions shall be made in good faith, based solely on legitimate, mission‑related reasons consistent with the Club’s charitable and educational purpose.

12. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY (TEXAS IMMUNITY AND FIDUCIARY PROTECTION)

By applying for or accepting membership, each player, parent, guardian, volunteer, and participant acknowledges and agrees that:

• The Club’s overriding legal and fiduciary duty is to protect the safety and welfare of its participants above any individual’s opportunity for participation or competitive placement.
• Denial, suspension, or termination of membership or participation for reasons consistent with this policy does not constitute damages, breach, or liability under Texas law. Participation is a voluntary, revocable privilege.
•  Directors, officers, and volunteers acting in good faith and within the scope of their duties are expressly protected from personal liability by the Texas Charitable Immunity and Liability Act (Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code § 84.001 et seq.) and the Volunteer Protection Act of 1997, 42 U.S.C. § 14501 et seq.

This policy constitutes a comprehensive release of contractual or tort claims against the Club, its affiliates, or volunteers arising from good‑faith actions under this policy.

13. POLICY INTERPRETATION AND 501(c)(3) COMPLIANCE

• The Board of Directors retains exclusive authority under Texas Business Organizations Code § 22.221 to interpret, enforce, and amend this policy.
• In exercising that authority, the Board shall prioritize:
• Participant safety and welfare;
• Compliance with the U.S. Center for SafeSport Code, USA Hockey, and TAHA rules; and
• Protection of the Club’s charitable assets, reputation, and mission.
• All interpretations and enforcement shall be consistent with the Club’s federal tax‑exempt status and public‑benefit purpose under § 501(c)(3).
•  Actions taken or policies applied in good faith shall be presumed valid and entitled to statutory immunity under the Texas Charitable Immunity and Liability Act.

14. SEVERABILITY AND SUPREMACY

• If any provision of this policy is held invalid or unenforceable under Texas law, the remaining provisions shall continue in full force.
• In the event of conflict between this policy and any other Club guideline, bylaw, or procedure, this policy shall control on all matters related to membership eligibility, discipline, participant safety, and legal compliance.
•  This supremacy extends to all subordinate team or program rules, which must remain consistent with the Club’s charitable purpose and governing‑body mandates.

15. ACKNOWLEDGMENT AND CONSENT

Participation in any McKinney Ice Hockey Club program constitutes acknowledgment, understanding, and voluntary acceptance of this policy by all players, parents/guardians, coaches, officials, and volunteers.

• Participants affirm that they have read and agree to abide by this policy and all referenced safe‑sport, legal, and governing‑body standards and all policies of MIHC as a condition of membership.
• Acceptance of membership constitutes a binding waiver and release of claims consistent with the Texas Charitable Immunity and Liability Act for actions taken by the Club or its representatives in good‑faith compliance with this policy.
• This acknowledgment confirms each member’s understanding that participation is a privilege, not a right, and is subject at all times to the discretionary authority of the Board of Directors.

16. NOTICE, KNOWLEDGE, AND ACCEPTANCE OF POLICIES (TEXAS LAW AND 501(c)(3) COMPLIANCE)

Pursuant to the Texas Business Organizations Code § 22.221, the Texas Charitable Immunity and Liability Act (Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code § 84.001 et seq.), and consistent with the Club’s obligations under USA Hockey, TAHA, U.S. Center for SafeSport, and IRS § 501(c)(3) governance standards:

• Ignorance or lack of knowledge of Club policies, procedures, terms, or amendments does not excuse non‑compliance or nullify enforcement of any Club rule, directive, or disciplinary action.
• Acceptance of a membership offer, team placement, roster position, or participation in any Club‑sanctioned activity constitutes explicit acknowledgment and binding acceptance of all Club policies, procedures, codes of conduct, risk‑management requirements, and terms of participation as they exist or may be amended by the Board of Directors.
• Each member, player, and parent/guardian is charged with the duty to remain informed of current policies, all of which are publicly available through the Club’s designated website or administrative office. Continued participation signifies ongoing consent to these rules and to subsequent changes implemented in good faith under Board authority.
• No individual may claim lack of notice, misunderstanding, or absence of personal agreement as grounds to contest or evade any policy, sanction, or eligibility determination.
• Acceptance of membership, registration, or roster placement further constitutes acknowledgment that the Club’s Board of Directors retains discretionary authority to interpret and enforce all policies consistent with applicable Texas law, SafeSport standards, and the Club’s charitable mission.
• These provisions create a presumption of informed consent and agreement by all participants and guardians. The Club’s publication and reasonable dissemination of its policies satisfy all notice requirements under Texas law for a charitable nonprofit organization.

Former members of the McKinney Ice Hockey Club, including players, parents, guardians, coaches, volunteers, and participants who have terminated, withdrawn from, or allowed their seasonal membership to expire, knowingly and voluntarily release, waive, and forever discharge the Club, its Board of Directors, officers, committee members, employees, agents, volunteers, insurers, successors, and assigns from any and all claims, demands, actions, causes of action, losses, damages, liabilities, costs, or expenses of any kind—whether known or unknown, suspected or unsuspected—that may have arisen or could arise from their prior participation, membership status, eligibility decisions, disciplinary actions, team selections, or any other matter related to their involvement with the Club during any previous season.

This release applies to all legal theories including negligence, breach of contract, breach of duty, emotional distress, defamation, discrimination, or wrongful exclusion, except only in cases of the Club’s proven gross negligence, intentional misconduct, or willful violation of law. Former members acknowledge that directors, officers, and volunteers acted as agents of a Texas nonprofit corporation entitled to full immunity under the Texas Charitable Immunity and Liability Act (Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code § 84.001 et seq.), the Texas Business Organizations Code Chapter 22, and the federal Volunteer Protection Act of 1997 (42 U.S.C. § 14501 et seq.) for all good-faith actions taken during the former member’s tenure.

This release survives membership expiration indefinitely and is binding upon former members, their heirs, executors, administrators, successors, and assigns. By participating in any prior season or accepting any past roster placement, former members affirmatively consented to this comprehensive release as a condition of their historical involvement with the Club.

Membership in the McKinney Ice Hockey Club is granted on a seasonal basis only and automatically expires at the conclusion of each playing season as determined by the Board of Directors. All membership rights, privileges, and obligations terminate upon season end unless expressly renewed through the Club’s registration process for the subsequent season. Notwithstanding this seasonal expiration, for purposes of the Club’s annual general membership meeting typically held at the season-ending banquet a member retains voting rights at that single meeting even if their formal seasonal membership has technically expired, provided they were a member in good standing during the season just completed. This limited voting extension exists solely to facilitate democratic governance at the annual gathering and does not constitute renewal or extension of membership, which requires separate affirmative application and acceptance by the Club.