AAU College Hockey Competitive Standards

Competitive standards for AAU College Hockey teams are criteria that govern the teams' conduct, performance, and operational practices across all divisions (DI, DII, DIII, Women & AAU Federation). These standards ensure that teams strive for excellence in their athletic performance and uphold the integrity and reputation of the AAU and AAU College Hockey Brand.

On-Ice Standards. These include adherence to the rules of the game, sportsmanship, and competitive requirements such as tournament qualification. Teams must demonstrate skill, strategy, and fair play during competitions, understanding that how they conduct themselves in-game reflects on the larger AAU College Hockey Community.

Off-Ice Standards. Off-ice standards relate to Scheduling, Roster Size, Adherence to Game Day Protocols, Use of Social Media, Team Marketing and Broadcasting, Team Uniform, Equipment, and Attire Protocols.

Division-Specific Compliance. Different divisions have unique eligibility requirements and more specific competitive standards that must be acknowledged and endorsed during the declaration process and are essential to the competitive integrity of AAU College Hockey.

Representation of Brand. Ensuring these standards are met is crucial for representing the AAU and AAU College Hockey Brand, reflecting the commitment to excellence, ethical conduct, and the overall enhancement of the student-athlete experience.

By maintaining these competitive standards, AAU College Hockey programs foster a competitive environment and instill values essential for student-athletes’ personal and athletic development.

COMPETITIVE STANDARDS FOR ALL TOURNAMENT DIVISIONS

1. All member teams must have an AAU Registered, Non-Athlete Head Coach.

2. All member teams must have a standard set of home (light) and away (dark) jerseys with consistent player-assigned numbers.

3. All member teams must provide a medical professional, EMT, or Athletic Trainer available to both teams during all scheduled home games.

4. All member teams must score all games live on the GameSheet Platform for all home games.

5. All member teams must adhere to the established uniform requirements outlined in the NCAA Rulebook. This includes matching jerseys, socks, helmets, and pants/shells for all games.

6. All member team players and coaches must adhere to the established dress code of professional, business casual, or uniform team attire for all AAU-sanctioned events, both at home and on the road, including matching team apparel and team equipment bags.

7. All members will play games under the rules for intercollegiate ice hockey as set forth by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (hereinafter referred to as the “NCAA”) unless superseded by AAU College Hockey’s Standards and Protocols.

8. All Home Teams will be responsible for scheduling and paying referees as established by the NCAA Rules of Play and AAU Member Conference Protocols for each game. The AAU College Hockey-approved referee format is 2 Referees and 2 Linemen, though the NCAA approves a 2 Referees and 1 Lineman format. Team use of the 2-1 format during the regular season is at the discretion of member conference protocols.

EXPANDED COMPETITIVE STANDARDS FOR MEMBERSHIP IN DIVISION II 

1. Each Division II team must schedule and compete in at least 16 intercollegiate hockey games, of which half (8) must be against AAU member teams from within the declared Division II membership. Of the minimum 8 against AAU Divisional Opponents, teams must play a minimum of 4 opponents, with 3 games counting towards the minimum game standard.

2. Each Division II team must possess and utilize social media platforms (Instagram and Twitter) to promote all team activities, including pre-and post-game content, and support AAU College Hockey and its members with their platforms.

3. Each Division II team will make efforts to ensure that most home games are available to fans via video streaming platforms, such as YouTube, Facebook Live, Black Dog Hockey, etc.

EXPANDED COMPETITIVE STANDARDS FOR MEMBERSHIP IN DIVISION III

1. Each Division II team must schedule and compete in at least 16 intercollegiate hockey games, of which half (8) must be against AAU member teams from within the declared Division III membership. Of the minimum 8 against AAU Divisional Opponents, teams must play a minimum of 4 opponents, with 3 games counting towards the minimum game standard.

2. Each Division II team must possess and utilize social media platforms (Instagram and Twitter) to promote all team activities, including pre-and post-game content, and support AAU College Hockey and its members with their platforms.

Competitive Game Agreement Between Teams

All games will be played in accordance with the rules for intercollegiate ice hockey as set forth by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (hereinafter referred to as the “NCAA”) unless superseded by AAU College Hockey’s Standards and Protocols.

The HOME TEAM will be responsible for the scheduling of and payment for referees as established by the NCAA Rules of Play, and AAU Member Conference Protocols for each game. The AAU College Hockey-approved referee format is 2 Referees & 2 Linesmen, though a 2 Referees & 1 Linesman format is approved by the NCAA. Team use of the 2-1 format during the regular season is at the discretion of member conference protocols. 

The Visiting Team will be responsible for their team’s travel, lodging, and meal expenses.

Both the Home and Visiting Teams warrant that all players participating in the game(s) are registered with the AAU and are eligible to compete under the rules of the AAU and the NCAA and are members in good standing within their respective college or universities.

Both teams agree to submit to their opponent an updated roster, including but not limited to, the first and last name of each player, their jersey number, their position (forward, defenseman, and goaltender), designation of the team captain(s) and any alternate captain(s), and the names of all members of the coaching staff. This can be done via the Game sheet link with each team’s current roster and names of coaches.

Unless otherwise agreed to in advance by both teams, the Home Team will wear white or light-colored jerseys and the Visiting Team will wear dark-colored jerseys.

Except for inclement weather which prohibits safe travel to or from the game as approved by the appropriate divisional commissioners or other such Acts of God, no game may be canceled without prior approval from both AAU College Hockey and the member conference(s). The notice must be provided 30 days prior to the scheduled game(s).

In the event of inclement weather or other such Acts of God, both teams may cancel this contract without penalty if agreed to by both teams before the scheduled game(s), and when there are no financial consequences for postponement of the game. However, if a game is canceled, even in good faith, due to inclement weather, unsafe travel conditions, or an Act of God, the canceling team, if the visitor, may be responsible for the financial expenses of ice and officials if the home team still retains the accrued expense.

Failure to attend, or host a scheduled game without good cause, and not communicating through the proper channels, shall result in the offending team being held responsible for all non-refundable expenses incurred by the aggrieved team, including but not limited to all ice costs and referee costs, travel, and lodging expenses; loss of “Good Standing Status” within AAU College Hockey, and the potential of additional fines or post-season consequences set forth by AAU College Hockey.