MCH Info

POLICY & PROCEDURE MANUAL

(REVISED SEPTEMBER 1, 2024)

1. MISSION STATEMENT

Midwest College Hockey (MCH) is an organization comprised of American Collegiate Hockey Association Division 1 programs. The primary purpose of the WCHL is to promote structured competitive regional collegiate ice hockey in the midwest/central United States.

 

 2. CONFERENCE MEMBERSHIP

A.  The MCH shall consist of hockey teams from any four-year college or university located in the United States of America that is playing (or will play) ACHA D1 hockey.

B.  Effective with the 2024-2025 season, the MCH members are as follows:

  1. Illinois State University;
  2. Iowa State University
  3. McKendree University;
  4. Midland University;
  5. Minot State University;
  6. Northern Illinois University;
  7. University of Illinois;
  8. University of Jamestown;
  9. University of Mary; and
  10. Waldorf University.

For scheduling and conference playoff purposes only, the MCH will be divided into two divisions:  the North Division will be comprised of Midland University, Minot State University, University of Jamestown, University of Mary, and Waldorf University.  The South Division will be comprised of Illinois State University, Iowa State University, McKendree University, Northern Illinois University, and University of Illinois.

C. ACHA D1 teams seeking admission to the MCH as a conference member subsequent to the 2019-2020 season must submit an application (paperwork and a $3,000.00 fee) to the MCH Commissioner on or before November 1 of the preceding year for which the team is seeking admission (i.e., on or before November 1, 2019 for the 2020-2021 season).

D. Applications for admission will be considered for the full season of play that starts during the next calendar year.

E. The November 1 deadline may be waived for any individual team petitioning for membership if the current MCH membership votes unanimously to allow for the exception for that particular team at that specific point in time.

F. Any new conference member joining Midwest College Hockey is required to pay a $3,000 fee.  $1,000 shall be absorbed into the conference budget.  The remaining $2,000 will serve as a deposit and will be applied to the new conference member’s annual conference fees in its 2nd and subsequent seasons until this fund is depleted.

G. Applications for admission to the MCH submitted by teams that are not (or will not be) playing ACHA D1 hockey will be summarily denied.

H. Applications for admission to the MCH submitted by ACHA D1 teams that are playing (or will play) ACHA D1 hockey will be submitted to the MCH Commissioner for review and consideration.  If an application for admission is recommended by the MCH Commissioner for further consideration after review, the application will then be submitted to the existing MCH member teams for membership consideration of the application.

I. A positive recommendation by the MCH Commissioner and a supermajority vote of approval from the existing MCH member teams (i.e., 4 of 6 members, 5 of 7 members, 6 of 8 members, 7 of 9 members, etc.) is required for an application for admission to the MCH to be granted.

J. Upon admission to the MCH, newly admitted conference members must complete a mandatory one (1) year probationary period.  During this probationary period, newly admitted conference members will be expected to attend MCH conference meetings and participate in the MCH play as an “auxiliary member” but will not be accorded any voting rights at MCH conference meetings.  Upon satisfactory completion of the probationary period, newly admitted conference members will be afforded all rights and privileges as existing MCH member teams.

K. MCH member teams seeking to depart the MCH must provide written notice to the MCH Commissioner of such intentions at least two (2) calendar years in advance of the actual date of departure.

 

3. COMMISSIONER AND COMMITTEES

A. The MCH member teams shall elect an individual to serve as MCH Commissioner to manage all business and affairs involving the MCH.  The Commissioner shall serve until such time as he/she voluntarily relinquishes his/her duties as Commissioner or a unanimous vote of the MCH member teams to replace the current Commissioner with another individual.

B. A Rules Committee will be created to handle any disputes between MCH member teams during the season.

C. The Rules Committee will consist of the MCH Commissioner and a representative from each MCH member team that is not a party to the dispute at issue.

D. Allegations of MCH and/or ACHA rules violations and protests must be submitted to the MCH Commissioner in writing within forty-eight hours (48) hours after the actual incident occurs.  The Rules Committee will sit in judgment of allegations of rules violations and protests.  All protests must be acted upon by the Rules Committee within fourteen (14) days of submission to the MCH Commissioner.

E. An Appeals Committee consisting of the teams at hand or any MCH member team having an issue with the ruling/resolution of a matter by the Rules Committee can be summoned, and appeal the ruling/resolution within forty-eight (48) hours of receiving said ruling/resolution.  The Rules Committee will then have forty-eight (48) hours to reconsider the original ruling/resolution and resolve the issues and concerns raised on appeal.

F. Any issue in need of a Rules Committee can be submitted to the MCH Commissioner for consideration.  If the MCH Commissioner determines that said issue needs immediate response (other than as set forth above), a Rules Committee can be summoned for consideration and resolution of said issue (timetable TBA).

 

4. CONFERENCE MEETINGS

A. Two (2) conference meetings will be held annually, which may be held in person and/or telephonically:

1.Summer/Fall Meeting – Rules clarification and interpretation, finalize schedule details, etc.

2.Spring Meeting – held in conjunction with ACHA Annual Meeting, review of season, ACHA issues, etc.

B. Additional conference meetings may be held as deemed necessary by the MCH Commissioner.

C. The MCH calendar year will be the same as the ACHA calendar year (August 1 to July 31).

D. A representative of each MCH member team must be in attendance at each conference meeting.  Any team not providing a representative at the conference meeting may be fined $500 per meeting.

E. A quorum shall constitute at least six of the MCH member teams in attendance.

F. Each MCH member team is accorded one vote on applications, motions and other items discussed at conference meetings.

G. All MCH member teams are to furnish and update names, addresses, telephone numbers, facsimile numbers and email addresses for their respective schools/coaches.

H. All votes not specified herein with a percentage shall be decided by majority vote.

I. In any situation in which a team does not have a vote, it shall not prevent said team from expressing their opinion/position on the matter being addressed.

J. In the event of a tie vote, the MCH Commissioner will render a vote to break the tie.

 

5. MEMBERSHIP OBLIGATIONS AND BENEFITS

A. Membership Requirements:

  1. Annual payment of season membership dues to the MCH Commissioner by August 30th prior to the beginning of each season unless otherwise directed by the MCH Commissioner.

2. All MCH teams shall be a member in good standing and must adhere to all American Collegiate Hockey Association Division 1 standards, policies, and procedures.

3. Every player on a MCH team must electronically sign the ACHA waiver, roster, and other forms deemed necessary by the ACHA.

4. Each MCH team must be a registered student organization, sports club or other similar classification in good standing with their respective institution.

5. MCH teams must participate in mandatory organizational meetings, provide timely response to requests for information and feedback, and communicate weekly with the MCH Commissioner. All scores and statistics are to be delivered via facsimile or email no later than each Monday evening to the MCH Commissioner.

B. Membership benefits:  MCH members shall benefit in the following: A website which includes game schedules, results, general MCH information, links to individual team websites and the ACHA;  and players recognized for exceptional performance in the naming of an All-conference First Team and Second Team.

C. Suspension of Membership Benefits:

  1. Membership affiliation and benefits may be suspended or withdrawn for non-compliance with any and all MCH rules or regulations.

2. To clarify, membership affiliation and benefits may be withdrawn with or without cause by a majority vote of the Rules Committee.  For example, the MCH may withdraw membership due to dissatisfaction with general on-ice or off-ice demeanor or overall competitiveness of a member team. The MCH is not limited to these remedies. Any perceived variation from overarching vision or strategy of the MCH or its individual teams would be a sufficient reason to review.

3. Suspension of benefits may include, but are not limited to the removal of team participation from conference, probationary status for one or more seasons, or forfeiture of games for violation of player eligibility requirements.

4. All suspensions of benefits for violations shall be decided by the MCH Commissioner.

5. All suspension of benefits may be appealed in writing within five (5) days to the MCH Commissioner who shall present any new information to the other MCH member teams and a decision shall be rendered within three (3) days. All appeals decisions will be final.

 

6. CONFERENCE DUES AND INSURANCE 

A. Annual MCH conference dues will be $900.00.

B. All MCH member teams are required to submit the full roster (players and coaches) to the ACHA via online registration to be insured through USA Hockey.  This must be done prior to the first game played by the respective MCH member team.  If not submitted prior to the first game played by the respective MCH member team, that team and/or its individual players and/or coaches may potentially forfeit any rights to insurance provided by USA Hockey if an incident occurs.

 

7. OFFICIALS

A. For all MCH games, MCH member teams must utilize ACHA certified officials who comprehend and abide by all ACHA officiating rules regarding game play.

B. At a minimum, each MCH member team is to utilize a three (3) man officials system (1 referee, 2 linesmen); however, a four (4) man system (2 referees, 2 linesmen) is preferred.

C. It is the responsibility of the home team to provide officials for each MCH game.

D. All complaints regarding officiating should be directed to the appropriate Head Official/Assigner/Scheduler for the MCH member school which secured the services of the official(s) in question.

 

8. TEAM ROSTERS

A. General Player Eligibility:  All players must meet ACHA D1 eligibility requirements.

B. Academic Requirements:  The MCH shall use the same academic requirements established by the ACHA Division 1.

C. Team rosters must be submitted to the MCH Commissioner on official ACHA roster form prior to a team’s first scheduled conference contest (form is emailed by ACHA Commissioner or can be forwarded by MCH Commissioner). Each player must sign the ACHA Signature Sheet before its submission to the ACHA Commissioner and the MCH Commissioner.  Teams not submitting a roster prior to their 1st game may be fined $100.00 per game, for every game played without a roster.

D. Any additions to the original roster must be submitted to the MCH Commissioner prior to the individual(s) in question playing in a conference game.

E. Final rosters will be frozen on February 15th. All spring eligibility sheets are due January 31st to the ACHA Commissioner (and copied to the MCH Commissioner).

F. Any players not academically eligible in either fall or spring semesters that play in MCH conference games may have their team forfeit each game in violation.

G. Both the fall and spring roster must be certified (stamped) by the school’s registrar to verify player eligibility as a bona fide student.  After the registrar completes and verifies the roster, it is to be sent by the registrar’s office directly to the ACHA D1 Commissioner and the MCH Commissioner.

H. Any challenge regarding the eligibility of a player on a MCH team roster must be presented in a timely manner to the MCH Commissioner in writing. The MCH Commissioner may request proof of eligibility from the team/university of the player in question.

 

9. CONFERENCE PLAY, GAME REGULATIONS AND DISCIPLINE

A. The MCH will use the rules of play specified in the NCAA Rule Book unless specified otherwise in the ACHA Division 1 Policies and Procedures.

B. For the 2024-2025 season, each MCH conference member will play twenty (20) conference games.

C. All conference contests will consist of three twenty-minute periods.  If the game is tied after regulation, a five (5) minute, 3-on-3 overtime period shall commence.  If still tied after the overtime period, a three (3) player shootout shall determine the winner.  If still tied after the three player shootout, a sudden death shootout shall determine the winner.

D. A point system will be followed when determining the MCH conference standings, as follows:

  1. A regulation win in a conference game is worth 3 points;

2. An overtime/shootout win in a conference game is worth 2 points;

3. An overtime/shootout loss in a conference game is worth 1 point; and

4. A regulation loss in a conference game is worth 0 points.

E. MCH teams shall adhere to the procedures recognized by the ACHA regarding roster size and number of players permitted to dress in each game.

F. Disqualification procedures will adhere to the procedures recognized by the ACHA. No special situations shall be taken into consideration regarding the disqualification of a player or coach.

G. Any player who receives a disqualification penalty must sit out the proscribed number of games in accordance with ACHA and NCAA rules.  The penalty for playing a disqualified player in the player’s next conference game is an automatic forfeit.

H. If at all possible, no conference games will start after 9:00 p.m. local time.

I. All players, coaches, and officials on and off the ice shall observe sportsmanship of the highest order, before, during, and after the game in which they represent the MCH. Unsportsmanlike conduct displayed by players or coaches towards the opposing team or officials will not be tolerated. At the conclusion of the game in which unsportsmanlike behavior has occurred, a written assessment may be submitted by team officials/coaches directly to the MCH Commissioner’s office for review and consideration.  Any player, coach, or team who continues to display unsportsmanlike conduct may be brought before the conference for disciplinary action.  These reviews and any enforcement will take place as soon as possible after a written report is submitted. Subsequent infractions will be handled on a case-by-case basis and may use progressive discipline.

J. The MCH Commissioner may suspend a MCH player or coach that has a history of severe abuse to preserve the integrity of the game and/or conference, even if the abusive action(s) are not expressly denoted as violations of any NCAA, ACHA or rules contained herein.  This suspension may be appealed to the Rules Committee.

K. SUPPLEMENTAL DISCIPLINE:  The MCH Commissioner has the right to instill supplemental discipline to preserve the integrity of the conference.

  1. The MCH Commissioner will forward for review all game reports received from officials and any other pertinent information that may lead to potential supplemental discipline to a consulting USA Hockey official selected at the discretion of the MCH Commissioner.

2. The USA Hockey official selected at the discretion of the MCH Commissioner will review and forward all information along with a recommendation to the MCH Commissioner when he deems it that supplemental discipline is necessary.

3. Any party who receives supplemental discipline may appeal the decision of the MCH Commissioner to a Disciplinary Appeals Board in a timely manner.

4. The Disciplinary Appeals Board will consist of representatives from three conference teams as assigned by the MCH Commissioner on a rotating basis.  More specifically, the Disciplinary Appeals Board will be assigned on the basis of the next three teams in alphabetical order of team name and will only consist of representatives of teams who are not a party to the issue at hand.  Where possible, it will be expected that each team-affiliated Disciplinary Appeals Board member will be a non-coaching/administrative representative.

5. The Disciplinary Appeals Board has the right to uphold, rescind, or amend the penalties levied by the MCH Commissioner in whole or in part.

L. Game contracts are RECOMMENDED. Game contracts should be filled out completely for all non-conference games and retained by each team. A copy of every game contract is to be submitted to the MCH Commissioner.  No game contracts will be necessary for MCH conference games scheduled by the MCH Commissioner.

 

10. EQUIPMENT

A. All MCH players must utilize playing equipment as permitted by the NCAA rulebook and as modified by the ACHA rules and regulations.

B. Each team must have a complete matching set of home and away jerseys.  Both sets shall consist of large permanent numbers on the backside of the jersey.  Player numbers for individual players should remain stable throughout the season.

 

11. HOME TEAM RESPONSIBILITIES

A. To provide timer and scorer.

B. To schedule at least three (3) certified on-ice officials. Each home team must have contracts with the referee association in their district for all conference games. Expenses relating to the failure of a referee(s) to work a game are the direct responsibility of the home team.

C. To send out contracts for all contests including directions to home arenas.

D. To provide a certified athletic trainer (ATC), emergency medical technician (EMT), a fully stocked first aid kit, and/or access to immediate ambulance/emergency medical services.

E. To submit team rosters to the registrar and subsequently to the MCH Commissioner by the specified dates.

F. To submit the ACHA score sheet for each game played the preceding week to the ACHA Commissioner and the MCH Commissioner on or before 5:00 P.M. on each Monday via fax or email.

G. To submit the game results to the ACHA Commissioner and the MCH Commissioner immediately after the conclusion of a game via phone, text or email.

H. To submit game disqualifications to the MCH Commissioner for all contests, conference or non-conference via phone, text or email.

I. To provide practice pucks for warm-ups for the visiting team.

J. To provide adequate security and as reasonably as possible keep fans away from the visiting bench, locker room, or behind the visiting goaltender.

K. To report/score all home games and any non-ACHA away games into the ACHA’s website in a timely manner.

L. A $25.00 fine may be imposed for each instance of late or non-submission of score sheets and/or game results.

 

12. REGULAR SEASON CONFERENCE CHAMPION

A. The regular season MCH champion shall be the team that has the highest total of conference points at the conclusion of all conference games in the regular season.

B. Any additional games not scheduled by the MCH Commissioner as part of the conference schedule will count neither towards conference standings nor as a tiebreaker in determining conference standings.

C. In Case of a tie at the end of the regular season, the tie breakers are as follows:

  1. Most conference wins;

2. Head to head win/loss record (total conference points in head-to-head games);

3. Head to head goal differential in conference games;

4. Goal differential in all MCH regular season games;

5. Coin flip.

6. In the event of a multiple-team tie-breaker, if one team owns a head-to-head win/loss tie-breaker advantage over all other teams involved, then it will advance.  If a team has a head-to-head win/loss disadvantage over all other teams involved, then it will be eliminated.  Tie-breaker criteria starts over if a team is eliminated from a multiple-team tie-breaker scenario.

 

13. POST SEASON TOURNAMENT/PLAYOFF

A. There will be a three-day, eight-team single elimination post-season MCH playoff tournament as the conclusion of the MCH regular season and before the ACHA D1 National Championship Tournament.  The winner of the MCH playoff tournament will earn the MCH autobid to the ACHA M1 National Championships.

B. The location of the MCH playoff tournament will be selected by the MCH Commissioner in consultation with MCH member teams.  For the 2024-2025 season, the MCH playoff tournament will be hosted by Illinois State University.

C. Teams will be seeded for the MCH playoff tournament in the same position as they finished the MCH regular season in their respective division (i.e., #1 in the North division, #1 in the South division, #2 in the North division, #2 in the South division, etc.)

D. For the 2024-2025 season, the format of the MCH playoff tournament will be as follows (game times and schedule TBA):

Friday

Game 1 – #1 North vs #4 South

Game 2 – #1 South vs #4 North

Game 3 – #2 North vs #3 South

Game 4 – #2 South vs #3 North

Saturday

Game 5 – Game 1 winner vs Game 4 winner

Game 6 – Game 2 winner vs Game 3 winner

Sunday

Game 7 – Game 5 winner vs Game 6 winner

E. At all times, the highest seeded team in any MCH playoff tournament game will be designated as the Home Team.

F. A 2 referee, 2 linesman officials system will be utilized for all MCH playoff tournament games.

G. A traveling trophy/cup will be named the “Lindsay Cup” and awarded to the MCH Playoff tournament champion.

H.  The Lindsay Cup must be returned to the MCH Commissioner’s office by Janaury 31st of each calendar year, or a $500.00 fine will be assessed.  If the Lindsay Cup is in need of repair, lost, or stolen, it must be fixed or replaced by the school in possession before return to the MCH Commissioner.

14. POST-SEASON AWARDS

A. A MCH All-Conference team (First Team and Second Team) comprised of 12 players (6 forwards, 4 defensemen, and 2 goalies) will be selected each season.  Voting for said All-conference team shall be by MCH coaches.  Coaches will be permitted to vote for their own players; however, coaches will be permitted to vote only one of their own players for First Team consideration and only one of their own players for Second Team consideration.

 

15. TEAM ACTIVITIES/OPERATIONS

A. All MCH teams are to submit their weekly ranking to the ACHA D1 Commissioner in a timely manner (with a courtesy copy to the MCH Commissioner) for each ACHA D1 ranking period.  Failure to submit the ranking consistent with the ACHA D1 rules may result in a $100.00 fine that must be paid to the MCH prior to the next ACHA D1 ranking period.  Continued failure to participate in the ACHA D1 ranking process may result in expulsion from the MCH.

B. Any MCH team which fails to honor a confirmed scheduling commitment except under an act of God may have membership benefits suspended immediately and declared ineligible for the conference championship. Compensation shall be rendered to the relevant team for travel expense and/or ice and referee costs.

C. Any team using an ineligible player in a MCH game may forfeit the game in which the player participated. A notice to the ACHA shall be written alerting it of the incident. The team who used the ineligible player may be subject to suspension of membership.

D. Conference scheduling:  All teams are to first schedule MCH games before it schedules any non-conference games in any upcoming season.  The MCH Commissioner shall present a proposed conference schedule to the MCH member teams on or before November 1 of the preceding season for review and consideration by the conference membership.  MCH member teams are to present the MCH Commissioner with a list of available dates for their respective ice hockey facilities as soon as possible to permit the proposed conference schedule to be assembled and presented for consideration on or before November 1 of the preceding season.

 

NEED TO CONTACT THE MCH? PLEASE DIRECT ALL INQUIRIES TO:

Christopher Perry, Commissioner

2300 Southwest 89th Street, Suite F

Oklahoma City, OK  73159

Tel: (405) 488-4048

Email:  MCHCommish@gmail.com