August 27, 2026

 

BRYHA Policies; Parent Resources
BRYHA is committed to maintaining open communication with our families and ensuring that parents
understand how our Association operates. These policies have been in place since the establishment of Blue
Ridge Youth Hockey Association and have been consistently applied throughout the Association’s history.
Many members will recognize most, if not all, of these policies, but with the new growth of our organization,
BRYHA felt it was beneficial to have the most frequently asked about policies listed in one place to make it
easily accessible for parents. This list is not inclusive of all BRYHA policies, but is intended to provide clarity
about frequently asked about policies, procedures, and decision-making processes. Should you need
additional clarification or review of any BRYHA policies, you may reach out to a Board member or request a
meeting with the Executive Board. Because BRYHA has a responsibility to protect the privacy of individual
players and families, we will not discuss individual player situations, disciplinary matters, medical information,
or individual team-placement decisions in a public forum.
 

Player Placement; Team Formation
o Age group structure: Age groups will be structured in a manner that provides each player with the most
appropriate opportunity for development, participation, and a positive hockey experience, while
maintaining appropriate safety and competitive balance. BRYHA has adopted this policy consistent with
USA Hockey age classifications and recommendations, and player-safety guidance. Currently, it is the
policy of BRYHA to group the following age groups when necessary: 6u: may be combined with 8u as
appropriate; 8u: may be combined with 6u as appropriate; 10u: may be combined with 12u as
appropriate; 12u: may be combined with 10u as appropriate; 14u: may be combined with 16u as
appropriate; 16u: may be combined with 14u as appropriate. BRYHA does not combine any 8u and 10u
teams OR 12u and 14u teams because of player-safety and development considerations.
 

House League team formation: To provide the best possible opportunities for player development and
participation, BRYHA will structure age groups in accordance with USA Hockey guidelines and
recommendations, as well as BRYHA Policies, while considering player safety, developmental needs, and
appropriate team balance, in order to create teams. These are age groupings that have been extensively
researched for both safety and development on a national level over many years. Number of teams and
combination of teams will all be subject to overall number of participants and will be determined based
on what is in the best interest of the league as well as individual player development.
o Travel team eligibility: BRYHA currently does not require try-outs to participate on a Travel team. Early
Registration is offered to secure a spot, and teams are filled on a first come, first serve basis. Coaches
will consider the following factors for position placement within teams: player development, team
needs, safety, skill level, attendance, attitude and overall function of the team. Once a travel team
becomes full, we will start a wait list to collect names of other players interested in playing. Should a
team have openings or we have enough player interest to make multiple teams, then those players on
the wait list will be assigned to a team on a first come, first served basis.
 

Play Up/Down Policy: 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 a need to move a player up or down one level of play. As always, BRYHA’s 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. If you feel that your child needs
to play up/down, it is encouraged to discuss with your child’s coach. Play Up/Down Request forms may

be submitted through our website, but the policy is written at length within the Parent/Player
Handbook. It is BRYHA’s policy to allow movement when necessary for House teams. We currently do
NOT accept play up/down requests for BRYHA Travel teams. This policy is applied consistently to all
players and is not based upon individual player preference, parent request, skill level or team need.
BRYHA’s’ commitment to player development does not override its responsibility to place players in an
age-appropriate and safe playing environment.

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PLAYER SAFETY
o Injury Policy: The safety and well-being of our players is the Blue Ridge Youth Hockey Association’s
highest priority. Coaches have the authority and responsibility to remove a player from the ice
whenever they believe the player has been injured or is unable to safely continue participation. This
includes situations in which a concussion or other potentially serious injury is suspected. For a full
outline of the Injury / Return to Play Policy, please see the Parent/Player Handbook.
o Concussion Policy: A player diagnosed with, or suspected of having, a concussion will not be permitted
to return to hockey participation until the player has completed the appropriate return-to-play process
and has received written clearance from a qualified medical provider, when required under applicable
USA Hockey guidelines or medical recommendations.
o Equipment Requirements: Full gear (including neck guard and mouth guard) is required for all hockey
practices and games. For Learn to Play, full gear is highly recommended, although not required. At a
minimum, a bicycle helmet, gloves, knee/elbow pads are required.
o Return to Play: BRYHA follows USA Hockey’s Return to Play process. When applicable, written
documentation from a qualified medical provider may be required. BRYHA coaches and volunteers do
not diagnose or clear players for return to play. When there is a question regarding a player’s ability to
safely participate, the player’s health and safety will take priority over participation. BRYHA follows the
standard “When in doubt, Sit them out” policy.

​

FINANCIAL POLICY
o Financial Records: BRYHA is committed to financial transparency and maintains its financial records in
accordance with applicable law. General financial information will be made available to members
through a normal reporting process or upon request. All requests for financial records will be handled in
accordance with any BRYHA Bylaws as well as applicable Virginia law.
o Registration Fees: Registration fees are determined based on need and actual costs for the season. The
number of participants who show interest during early registrations will help determine costs for the
upcoming season. Costs are based solely off of total expense of ice, officials, and jerseys for each team.
The objective of BRYHA is to keep costs as low as possible, in order to provide a way for every child who
wants to be part of the team to have the opportunity to lace up their skates and play.
o Payment Plans: BRYHA currently allows payment plans to help make registration costs more affordable
for families. Early Registration fees may be required to secure a spot on a travel team, but outside of
this cost, all additional fees will start being billed in October and can be broken down into five equal
monthly payments through the season.
o Refund Policy: BRYHA has a strict no refund policy. No refunds, No exceptions.
o Financial Assistance: Financial Assistance is available for families in need. Options must be requested
from the Executive Board and will be allotted on a first come, first serve basis and as assistance is
available. Any accounts that are 30 days past due may result in loss of ice time until the account is
brought current. Because of this, it is highly encouraged to reach out to a Board Member for assistance
before you become 30 days behind.

o Fundraising: Fundraising and Donations are a big factor for BRYHA’s success. These allow us to do the
little things for each player to make each season better than the last. It also affords us the opportunity
to help other children, as needed, whose families are having a financial hardship. By helping raise funds,
you are helping contribute to the future of hockey within our communities.

​

PARENT AND PLAYER EXPECTATIONS
o Code of Conduct – Our complete Code of Conduct is listed in the Parent/Player Handbook. We would
encourage all players and their parents to become familiar with this Policy and exercise every effort to
abide by these expectations.
o Coach/Parent Communication: BRYHA encourages the 24-houor rule for communicating with your
coach. This requires parents and players to wait a full day after a game or practice before contacting a
coach to discuss complaints, playing time or strategy. This mandatory cooling-off period prevents
emotional outbursts and promotes calm, productive communication. All other information between
coaches and parents can be communicated through the Group Me app. If any parent needs access to
this app, please let a coach or Board member know and we will be happy to help assist setting up an
account so that all parents can stay informed
o Grievance / Complaint process: Parents should not use team group chats, social media, or public
forums to resolve individual disputes involving players, coaches or BRYHA decisions. The defined path
for filing a grievance is as follows: Step 1: Coach/Team Manager *for ordinary team-level questions or
concerns* Step 2: President/Hockey Director *for hockey development, placement, or team concerns*
Step 3: Executive Board *For policy concerns, disputes, or appeals* Step 4: Board Decision *Final
organizational determination*

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GOVERNANCE
o Board Members: BRYHA board member positions consist of President, Vice President, Treasurer,
Secretary and Registrar.
o BYLAWS: Blue Ridge Youth Hockey Association Bylaws remain on file and are available to any member
of the Association, upon request.
o Board Responsibilities: The Board has the power to enter into contracts, collect and disburse funds,
assess fees, enter into agreements with other associations, and exercise all powers and functions under
law which are customarily exercised by similar associations. They will oversee the overall function of the
organization and ensure the proper implementation of all policies, written and otherwise, for the
betterment of the Association as a whole. BRYHA understands that parents may not always agree with
every decision. Our responsibility is to apply our established policies consistently and to make decisions
based on player safety, development, and the best interests of the Association.
o Meeting/Contact Information: BRYHA wants parents to be informed and know not only what decisions
are made, but how and why those decisions are made as well. As such, BRYHA is committed to
maintaining open, consistent and professional communication with its members. Should a member
need access to the Executive Board for questions, concerns or any other reason, you may set up a
meeting by contacting the Board thru our website, email, phone, text or in person. Contact information
should be available through your coach as well.
o Communication: It is the goal of the Association to make its current bylaws, player policies, safety
policies, and other parent-facing policies reasonably accessible to members. Updates will be posted on
the website, as needed, and each parent will have access to the Parent/Player Handbook as well.
BRYHA will communicate significant policy changes to members in a timely manner; either by way of a
parent meeting or through announcement within the Group Me parent app. General financial
information is available through appropriate Association request, consistent with applicable law and the

Association’s governing documents. Individual player matters, personnel matters, disciplinary matters,
medical information, confidential family information, and other matters requiring privacy will not be
discussed publicly. Questions or concerns regarding BRYHA policies should be submitted through the
Association’s established communication process, so that they can be reviewed and addressed
appropriately. Despite our commitment to transparency, confidential information or individual player
matters shall not be publicly disclosed. BRYHA will strive to provide meaningful information about how
decisions are made while protecting the privacy of its players, families, volunteers, and staff.