MIHC Substance-Free Participation and Eligibility Compliance Policy
McKinney Ice Hockey Club (“MIHC”) does not independently conduct drug or alcohol testing of its Participants. Instead, MIHC adheres to and enforces the substance-related standards and eligibility consequences established by USA Hockey’s Safe Sport Program and, where applicable, by the UIL Anabolic Steroid & Drug Testing Program for Participants who are also UIL-eligible high school student-athletes. This policy explains how MIHC recognizes and applies external determinations rather than administering its own testing program.
Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to:
- Promote the safety, health, and development of MIHC Participants without MIHC operating its own substance-testing program.
- Ensure MIHC eligibility decisions remain consistent with governing body determinations from USA Hockey and, where applicable, UIL.
- Provide a clear process for how MIHC responds when a Participant is found in violation of an external testing or conduct standard.
- Protect the integrity of MIHC programs and the welfare of other players, families, coaches, and volunteers.
No Independent MIHC Testing
MIHC does not administer, order, or fund its own drug or alcohol testing of Participants. MIHC relies on the testing, adjudication, and eligibility determinations made by the appropriate governing body: UIL for UIL-eligible high school student-athletes, and USA Hockey/Safe Sport for conduct and supervision standards applicable to all Participants, coaches, and volunteers.
UIL Anabolic Steroid Testing Recognition
For Participants who are UIL-eligible high school student-athletes, MIHC recognizes that UIL administers a random anabolic steroid testing program for grades 9–12 at UIL member schools; UIL testing applies only to anabolic steroids, not general controlled substances. If UIL notifies a school, and the school or family notifies MIHC, that a Participant received a confirmed positive result or refused UIL-directed testing, MIHC will apply the following recognition standard rather than conducting any testing itself:
| UIL Determination | MIHC Recognition Response |
|---|---|
| First confirmed positive or refusal | MIHC suspends the Participant from MIHC games, practices, and travel for the same period as the UIL suspension (30 school days) |
| Second confirmed positive or refusal | MIHC suspension mirrors the UIL one-calendar-year suspension |
| Third confirmed positive or refusal | MIHC suspension mirrors the UIL determination for the remainder of the Participants high school eligibility period |
Reinstatement to MIHC activities requires proof that the Participant has satisfied UIL’s own reinstatement requirements, including any required exit test administered under the UIL program. MIHC does not independently verify, administer, or dispute the underlying UIL test; it relies on the official UIL/school determination.
USA Hockey Safe Sport Recognition
MIHC adopts and enforces USA Hockey Safe Sport Program conduct standards, which govern participant safety rather than athlete drug testing. Under these standards, no coach, volunteer, locker-room monitor, chaperone, or other adult Participant may be under the influence of alcohol or drugs while performing duties involving minor athletes. Providing alcohol to an underage Participant, or providing illegal drugs or non-prescribed medication to any Participant, is prohibited misconduct under Safe Sport and will result in MIHC action, including immediate removal and mandatory reporting to Safe Sport and/or USA Hockey.
If USA Hockey, the U.S. Center for SafeSport, or the Affiliate makes a finding of misconduct, suspension, or ineligibility against a coach, volunteer, or Participant related to substance misconduct, MIHC will enforce that determination as a condition of continued MIHC involvement, without independently re-investigating the underlying conduct.
MIHC’s Role: Recognition, Not Investigation
MIHC’s role under this policy is limited to:
• Receiving notice of a confirmed UIL or USA Hockey/Safe Sport determination.
• Applying the corresponding MIHC eligibility consequence described above.
• Maintaining confidentiality of any information received.
• Coordinating with the parent or guardian on reinstatement timing once the governing body’s own requirements are satisfied.
MIHC does not select Participants for testing, collect samples, use a laboratory, or make independent findings of substance use; all underlying determinations remain the responsibility of UIL or USA Hockey/Safe Sport.
Appeal Process
Because MIHC does not conduct its own testing, any appeal of a positive result or misconduct finding must be pursued through the applicable governing body’s own appeal process (UIL for steroid test results; USA Hockey/Safe Sport for conduct findings). MIHC will adjust its eligibility consequence to reflect the outcome of that external appeal once MIHC receives official notice of a reversed or modified determination.
Confidentiality
MIHC may receive and maintain records of governing-body determinations in a confidential manner, disclosing them only to persons with a legitimate need to know, such as the parent or guardian, the Compliance Officer, and designated Club leadership.
No Guarantee
This policy reflects MIHC’s reliance on external governing bodies for substance-related determinations. Nothing in this policy guarantees that all substance use will be detected by UIL or USA Hockey, prevents all harm, or creates any contractual right to participation.
Club Authority
MIHC may interpret and apply this policy in its reasonable discretion, subject to applicable law, Club bylaws, and any governing rules adopted by USA Hockey, the Affiliate, UIL (where applicable to a Participant’s school eligibility), or the relevant league. MIHC may revise or discontinue this policy at any time.
Legal Disclaimer
McKinney Ice Hockey Club (“MIHC”) is a Texas nonprofit corporation and IRS-recognized 501(c)(3) youth sports organization. MIHC is not a school district, is not governed by UIL, and does not determine school eligibility, academic eligibility, or school participation status. MIHC’s recognition of UIL and USA Hockey/Safe Sport determinations under this policy is a club administrative practice only and does not create, expand, or limit any rights beyond those specifically provided by applicable law or governing organization requirements.
Participation in MIHC activities is a privilege and may be conditioned on compliance with MIHC bylaws, team rules, safety policies, conduct standards, Safe Sport requirements, and any applicable rules adopted by USA Hockey, the Affiliate, or the relevant league. MIHC may, in its discretion and to the fullest extent permitted by law, deny, suspend, restrict, or terminate participation for conduct, safety, eligibility, or risk-management reasons, including conduct occurring outside MIHC activity when MIHC determines that such conduct affects the safety, welfare, reputation, or operational integrity of the Club.
Nothing in this policy or disclaimer shall be construed as a guarantee of team placement, roster status, playing time, future participation, or continued membership. Eligibility recognition decisions under this policy are administrative club determinations only. They are not medical diagnoses, legal judgments, or school-district eligibility determinations, and they should not be relied upon as a substitute for legal, medical, or professional advice. Parents or guardians remain responsible for obtaining their own legal or medical advice when needed.
If any portion of this policy is found unenforceable or inconsistent with applicable law, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect to the maximum extent permitted by law.