Governance

What does the Exchange Consist of:

The exchange consists of 3 games in Pennsylvania in February and 3 games in Ontario in March.

There are three very important components to the exchange:

Sportmanship:

The players will learn the importance of playing as a team and sportsmanship in the game of Hockey.  There are no trophies to be won just the pure enjoyment of the game!

Education:

Through billeting the players will learn about families and customs of the area we are visiting and how people can be different and still enjoy the same things in life.

As well we will visit many different places along the way to allow the players to really get to know the area they are visiting.  Trips to Williamsport,  Hershey, York , Toronto,  Niagara Falls and St. Jacobs are among the highlights every year.

Fun and Friendship:

The most important component is Fun and Friendship.  This is not just about a game we enjoy playing.  A lifetime of great memories and friendship will be taken away from this experience well after the games have been completed.

 

Rules and Guidelines for the Friendship Exchange

Charter:  The Executive Committee of the Friendship Exchange shall organize, manage, and execute the Friendship Exchange in a manner that insures the safety of our children while promoting the growth of friendship between all of our participants in Canada and the USA.

Definitions;

  1. In the Interest of the Exchange = Any action or decision that promotes the Friendship Exchange Charter and/or Friendship Exchange goals.
  2. The Committee = American /Canadian governing body described below.

There are two governing bodies of the exchange.  The executive committee and the operational committee. 

 

American/Canadian  Executive Committees:

The chairman will be voted on by the committee in place at the time the position becomes vacant.  The board of Directors of the Minor Hockey Association will make the final approval of this candidate.  Once the chairman is in place he/she shall choose the members to fill the executive committee. 

The Executive Committee consists of 4-  (5)  officers:

  1. Chairman
  2. Vice Chairman
  3. Treasurer
  4. Secretary
  5. Member of Board of Directors (Canada Only)
    • The Committee shall have the sole right to establish, change, and enforce all exchange rules and guidelines.  Decisions will be made by a majority rules vote.  The Chairman shall have the deciding vote in the case of any tie.  A minimum quorum is required to vote and consist of:
    • 3 Officers excluding the Chairman
    • 2 Officers including the Chairman
    • It may be necessary for an officer to act on a situation without obtaining a majority vote.  In such an event, the committee is strongly encouraged to stand behind the officer.  In the event that the officers decision was not in the best interest of the Exchange as determined by the committee a reconciliation plan will be put in place by the committee.
    • The committee shall appoint sub-committee chairman as needed to manage and conduct activities such as:  Recruiting, Wearables, Social, etc.
    • Sub-committee chairman is encouraged to establish a sub-committee as needed.  Participation is strongly encouraged and should never be turned away.  Participation is in the best interest of the Exchange.
    • The Sub-committee chairman shall report at the monthly committee meeting their progress.
    • The Executive committee will choose and recruit the coaches from approved Minor Hockey coaches, to sit and operate on the operational committee.

American/Canadian Operational Committees:

            The members of this committee will be recruited by the executive committee.  All coaches must be approved members within their Minor Hockey Associations.  All rules and regulations concerning coaching selection will be followed as per USA Hockey/Hockey Canada and Minor Hockey Associations.

            The Operational Committee consists of the following members:

  1. A  coach or representative from every team playing in the exchange for that particular year.
  2. Any volunteer assigned to a sub- committee that is not associated with a team.
    • This committee will change every year with the changing of the coaching staffs
    • All coaches from a team can attend and participate in meetings (it is encouraged).  When an issue is to be voted on, every team will still receive one vote no matter the number of coaches attending any particular meeting.

 Hockey Team Coaching and Managing:

  1. Officially Coaching staff contains one head coach, 3 assistant coaches, and 1 team manager.
  2.  All 4 coaches must be registered with USA Hockey/Hockey Canada. 
  3. Additional coaches and co-managers are encouraged but will not be part of the official recognition at the social unless the team elects to pay for additional gifts.
  4. The Head Coach shall have the authority and responsibility to see that the games are played and conducted with the following key elements in mind:
  5. Safety of the Players and Fans
  6. Best interest of the Exchange

Hockey Players

  1. Team consists of 15 players and 2 goalies.  Teams exceeding 17 players will have to be approved by the committee and permitted by the opposing Canadian/USA team.
  2. All players must be registered with USA Hockey/Hockey Canada.
  3. Billeting is not an option it is a mandatory element of the program.   Should extenuating circumstances arise preventing a successful and safe billeting experience; the parent shall act in the best interest of the child.  The issue should be reported to the committee.
  4. A friendship last forever, and we do want to deter that in any way; however, we strongly encourage new billet paring each season.
  5. The committee shall have the authority to suspend participation in the Exchange.  All suspensions shall be reported to the players home rink In house hockey director for further disciplinary action.

The Game

  1. All games are non-checking. 
  2. Ice rules of the host country apply, USA Hockey/Hockey Canada and affiliated centers, for example:
  3. Mouth guards are required on USA ice
  4. Neck guards are required on Canadian ice
  5. Delayed off sides is allowed on Canadian ice
  6. Helmets will remain on players when on the ice at all times.  This includes during the singing of the National Anthems. 
  7. All players shall abide by the code of conduct and refrain from un-sportsmanship like conduct.  The head coach shall have the authority to discipline any player in accordance with USA Hockey/Hockey Canada Rules. 
  8. The score board shall not indicate more than a 5 goal lead during any game.

 Travel and Lodging:

  1. Coaches should encourage utilizing the Exchange bus.  Traveling by bus enhances the aspect “Friendship” and “Sportsmanship.”  Riding the bus promotes the best interest of the Exchange
  2. All players are required to conduct themselves in a courtesy manner.  The bus captain is granted the authority to use whatever means is necessary to insure a safe and friendly bus atmosphere.
  3. Alcohol is strictly prohibited on the bus.  Anyone found to be consuming alcohol and visibly intoxicated will be asked to leave the bus immediately. That particpant will be expected to find their own way home at their own expense.
  4. Note:  Exception shall be the use of the bus during the adult social. Alcohol is still prohibited on the buses.
  5. All players, parents, coaches, and guest shall conduct themselves in professional manner during the entire exchange; whether that is on the bus, in the hotel, on a side trip, or visiting local public places.

 Any changes to the rules and regulations above that effect  the core of the exchange programs must be approved by both executive committees, by majority.  The two committees may enforce further rules and regulations that effect the situations and programs they are operating within their associations.