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BRYHA is following the USA Hockey national standard of age groups/classifications for game play.  These are age groupings that have been extensively researched for both safety and development on a national level over many years.  However we do understand that while rare there are at times needs to move a player up or down one level of play.  As always BRYHA first and foremost concern is safety for everyone participating within BRYHA programs.  Safety is the number one consideration when looking at moving a player up or down a level.

The following must be followed in order for a player to be moved from an age grouping. This policy ONLY applies to inhouse leagues.  ALL other programs MUST follow USA Hockey policy.

1. All players must register at the correct age group at the start of the season.

2. A Play Up/Down request application MUST be submitted by November 1st prior to being considered to change age group for 1st ½ season, and prior to January 1st to be considered to change age group for 2nd ½ season.  Only one request must be submitted per full season.

3. A coaching assessment will be completed over 2-4  on ice sessions at the players correct age level after application has been received.

4. Coach assessment will look at the following areas where the recommendations will be reported back to the board for official vote

   1. SAFETY TO EVERYONE - Can this player safely play at the level wanting to move into AND  will others be able to play safely with this child in the level with them.  Is there any USA Hockey regulations that will be cause for invalidating benefits to the players/coaches/association with players moved to a new age group.

   2. DEVELOPMENTALLY APPROPRIATE - Is the move developmentally appropriate for the player wanting to move AND is it developmentally appropriate for the other players in the age group to have the player moved into theirs. Is the move in line with USA Hockey’s ADM model of hockey development.

   3. OVERALL EFFECT ON CURRENT AGE GROUP - if a player is moved will it affect the overall vitality or growth of the current age group. 

5. Coach assessment will be given to the BRYHA board for vote. Board vote will be conducted at the next scheduled board meeting and parent/guardian will be notified of the decision next business day.  

In event that player in review is a child of or a family member of a board member. The board member will be considered biased and not vote in the process. A non-bias coach(s) and or referee(s) will fill in to vote for board member(s) as selected by BRYHA President and approved by the parents and or guardians or player in review.