Atlantic Amateur Hockey Association

In accordance with USA Hockey and AAHA Rules and Regulations, the information provided by your Association shall serve to document your intent for consideration of the awarding of the above-referenced status for the upcoming season. This application, and any additional supporting documentation requested, shall be reviewed by the Tiering Committee to determine your Association’s compliance with these rules and regulations. The AAHA encourages all those applying for the above-referenced status to be completely familiar with the Tiering Rules and Regulations, which include participation percentage maximums.

Within this application, there is a reference to AAHA "Sanctioned" Leagues.  These leagues are AYHL, MAWHA, DVHL and NJYHL.

This Annual Tiering Application must be completed for each Tier Level (i.e. Tier I Youth, Tier I Girls, Tier II Youth and Tier II Girls).  

Changes to the commitments on this application must be reported to the Affiliate President by April 1st and may be subject to the approval of the AAHA Executive Committee.  

TIER II POLICY

General Acceptance of Competent Tier II Programs: Since Tier II is intended as a less competitive classification of youth hockey than Tier I, no limiting percentages will be applicable and the criteria for granting Tier II designations shall be less stringent. Once a team is designated as Tier II, it shall be presumed to retain that designation unless otherwise recommended by the Tier II Selection Committee and approved by the President. The President, with the advice and recommendation of the Tier II Selection Committee shall generally grant Tier II designation requests at each level based upon the following criteria:

Criteria for Determining Tier II AA National Tournament Bound Designations. Tier II AA National Tournament Bound hockey is a competitive level of youth travel hockey within the Affiliate. Tier II teams should be those that have demonstrated a consistent level of competition, organization, and development of youth hockey players for advancement to Tier I or other youth hockey programs and for their enjoyment and recreation. The Affiliate designations shall be based upon the following criteria:

(1) Proficient Level of Quality. Prospective Tier II AA National Tournament Bound teams must demonstrate their willingness and ability to perform at proficient levels both on the ice and in their administration; including, each of the following:

(2) On-Ice Quality and Proficiency. Teams must demonstrate the ability to field teams of competent skill level(s) to compete and develop youth travel players in the future; and

(3) Coaching. Teams must have qualified coaches, in good standing and demonstrate effective training and development standards and protocols; and  

(4) Responsible Organizational Governance. Teams must demonstrate that they are part of a responsible organization with a willingness and ability to consistently adhere to USA Hockey and Affiliate bylaws, rules, regulations and policies, including those of any league of which it is a member; and

(5) Financial Responsibility. Teams must demonstrate their willingness and ability to meet their financial obligations; and

(6) Access to Suitable Facilities. Teams must demonstrate consistent and reliable access to suitable facilities; and

(7) Full Season Teams.  Teams must be full season teams (8) Other Requirements. Teams must meet such other requirements, as the Affiliate shall from time to time adopt.

Association Affiliation. Every prospective Tier II AA National Tournament Bound team must be part of a Association or program and demonstrate a viable feeder program. Each prospective Tier II AA National Tournament Bound team shall have a minimum of three (3) age level teams below the requested level so as to demonstrate an established feeder program. (Example – If applying for 14U level a team would be required to have the following feeder teams, 8U-10U-12U or similar combination, within its Association or a working relationship with another Association that has its primary home within the same rink facility).

ADM/AAHA Affiliate Compliance. All prospective Tier II AA National Tournament Bound teams must provide evidence that their affiliated Association is ADM/AAHA Affiliate compliant.

Annual Application Teams must re-apply for Tier II AA National Tournament Bound 14U, 16U and 18U designation each year. 

Please direct questions to: info@aahahockey.org