Bylaws

ARTICLE 1 – PURPOSE

The purpose of the Los Angeles Hockey Officials Association (“LAHOA”) shall be to register, train, educate, develop, and evaluate ice hockey officials in the State of California for the purpose of improving the quality of amateur hockey throughout the State of California, ensuring uniformity of rule interpretations, fostering positive relationships among officials, coaches, players, and other persons involved in the sport of amateur ice hockey.

LAHOA shall further promote officiating excellence, maintain the highest standards of officiating conduct and performance, and provide a forum for the discussion, interpretation, and dissemination of information concerning ice hockey rules, mechanics, and officiating procedures.

In addition, LAHOA may cooperate with any recognized organization authorized to sponsor tournaments or amateur hockey competitions, in order to coordinate the methods and manner by which officials of LAHOA may be selected and assigned to ~~the~~ tournament games or other sanctioned events. The qualifications of said officials shall be determined by, and remain within the sole discretion and responsibility of, LAHOA.

In order to accomplish these purposes, LAHOA may administer evaluations, provide feedback, and conduct training seminars covering rules, skating, procedures, mechanics, conduct, and officiating standards, and will maintain close contact with USA Hockey and its applicable State and District Referees-in-Chief.

ARTICLE 2 – MEMBERSHIP

Section 2.1 – Membership Qualifications

Membership shall be restricted to those persons who have met the requirements established by the Board of Directors. The requirements shall include payment of annual dues, completion of a background check, and maintaining certification through USA Hockey.

Any member having outstanding fees, fines, or who is subject to an unresolved disciplinary action, suspension, or sanction, shall be considered a member not in good standing.

Section 2.2 – Voting Rights

Each member in good standing is entitled to one (1) vote on any issue requiring the consent of the general membership.

Any member not in good standing shall not have the right to vote.

Membership shall be renewed by all members each year in accordance with procedures established by the Board of Directors.

The President of LAHOA shall have voting rights at all meetings, including committees, with the exception of meetings of the general membership, where he or she shall cast a vote only to break a tie.

Section 2.3 – Registration Fees

Registration fees for all classifications of officials shall be ~~the amount deemed necessary by~~ established from time to time by resolution of the LAHOA Board of Directors.

Section 2.4 – Additional Information

Only members in good standing may vote, make bylaw proposals, or nominate themselves for a Board seat.

Section 2.5 – Lifetime Members

LAHOA members with at least twenty (20) years of membership who have also served on the Board of Directors shall be designated Lifetime Members at no additional cost.

Lifetime Members shall have no rights, privileges, or voting authority beyond those granted to Members in Good Standing and shall remain subject to all applicable bylaws, policies, procedures, rules, and requirements necessary to maintain good standing.

ARTICLE 3 – JURISDICTION

The LAHOA shall have final jurisdiction over all USA Hockey officiating programs and any hockey sanctioned by USA Hockey within the following counties of the State of California:

Los Angeles County, Ventura County, Santa Barbara County, Orange County, Kern County, San Bernardino County, and Riverside County.

Nothing in this Article shall be construed to supersede the authority of USA Hockey, the applicable District Referee-in-Chief, State Referee-in-Chief, or any governing body having superior jurisdiction under USA Hockey rules, regulations, or policies.

ARTICLE 4 – MEETINGS

Section 4.1 – Annual Meeting

The annual LAHOA meeting shall be held in the spring or summer of each year for the purpose of electing directors and for the transaction of any other business which may properly come before the membership at that meeting. Other meetings may be called by the LAHOA President when deemed necessary or appropriate.

Notice of the annual meeting shall be provided to the membership not less than twenty-one (21) days prior to the meeting date.

Section 4.2 – Quorum

A majority of the members of the LAHOA Board of Directors or Executive Committee shall constitute a quorum at any meeting.

Section 4.3 – Elections

Elections for the LAHOA Board of Directors shall be overseen by the Election Committee, assembled each year, and shall be conducted by electronic ballot utilizing election software approved by the Board of Directors and made available to all current LAHOA members in good standing.

Voting by proxy shall not be permitted unless otherwise required by applicable law.

The candidates receiving the highest number of valid votes, equal to the number of available Board positions for that election cycle, shall be elected to the LAHOA Board of Directors for the applicable three (3) year term.

Section 4.4 – Election Secretary

The Board of Directors shall appoint an Election Secretary who shall be responsible for conducting elections in accordance with rules approved by the Board of Directors.

Upon acceptance of the appointment, the Election Secretary shall form the Election Committee.

Additionally, the Election Secretary may appoint a Special Advisor to assist with election administration.

Section 4.5 – Election Committee

The Election Committee shall be formed at least three (3) months prior to the annual LAHOA meeting.

The Committee shall consist of:

the Election Secretary;
no more than three (3) oversight members who are Members in Good Standing; and
one (1) Board member appointed by the Board of Directors who is not an incumbent candidate in the election.

The Election Committee shall conduct and oversee the election process and report to the Board of Directors as necessary.

Section 4.6 – Electronic Meetings

Meetings of the membership, Board of Directors, Executive Committee, and committees may be conducted by electronic means, including videoconference, teleconference, electronic conferencing platforms, or other technology that permits participants to communicate simultaneously.

Motions requiring a vote may be considered and acted upon electronically, provided all eligible participants are given notice and a reasonable opportunity to participate.

Voting may be conducted electronically, including by email, electronic ballot, videoconference, teleconference, or other Board-approved methods that reasonably verify voter eligibility and preserve voting integrity.

ARTICLE 5 – BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Section 5.1 – General Powers

The Board of Directors shall have the authority to manage and conduct the business and affairs of LAHOA, subject to the bylaws and the applicable policies, procedures, rules, and regulations of USA Hockey.

LAHOA shall operate pursuant to an annual budget approved by the Board of Directors.

Expenses in excess of $200.00 beyond any approved budgeted amount shall require prior approval by a majority vote of the Board of Directors.

Section 5.2 – Number of Members

The number of Directors of LAHOA shall be ten (10).

Section 5.3 – Term

Each elected Director shall hold office for a term of three (3) years.

Any Member in Good Standing shall be eligible to serve on the LAHOA Board of Directors, subject to any additional qualifications established by these Bylaws.

Section 5.4 – Meetings

Meetings of the Board of Directors may be called by the President or by a majority of the Directors then serving.

Reasonable notice of Board meetings shall be provided to all Directors.

Section 5.5 – Good Standing

All Board Members shall remain Members in Good Standing throughout their term of office.

Failure to maintain good standing may constitute grounds for removal from office pursuant to these Bylaws.

ARTICLE 6 – OFFICERS

Section 6.1 – Number

The officers of LAHOA shall, at a minimum, consist of a President, Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary, and Registrar.

Such officers shall be elected by the Board of Directors every two (2) years.

This Bylaw does not alter the three (3) year term of an elected Director.

If an officer’s Board seat expires or otherwise becomes vacant, that officer’s executive office shall automatically expire simultaneously unless reappointed or reelected.

Section 6.2 – Removal

Any officer elected by the Board or Board of Director may be removed from office by a vote of two-thirds (2/3) or more of the Board of Directors whenever the Board determines that such removal is in the best interests of LAHOA.

In the case of a officer or director potential removal meeting, officer / director-to-be-ejected has the right to attend (and vote in) the meeting, which must be subject to the same notification requirements of other meetings.

Any Board of Director removed from office under this section shall be ineligible to seek reelection until the expiration of the member’s current term and two (2) complete Board election cycles thereafter.

Section 6.3 – Attendance of Meetings

All elected Directors shall attend at least seventy-five percent (75%) of Board meetings during each calendar year.

Exceptions may be granted for good cause as determined by the Board of Directors.

Any Director unable to attend a meeting shall notify the President as soon as reasonably practicable and provide the reason for the absence.

When a Director has missed three (3) meetings without good cause, the matter shall be placed on the agenda for Board review and appropriate action.

Any Director who fails to satisfy these attendance requirements may be removed by a vote of two-thirds (2/3) of the Directors present and voting.

Section 6.4 – Vacancies

In the event of a vacancy resulting from resignation, removal, death, incapacity, or any other reason, the President or the President’s designee may appoint a Member in Good Standing to fill the unexpired portion of the term.

Section 6.5 – President

The President shall be the chief executive officer of LAHOA and shall supervise and oversee the business and affairs of the Association.

The President shall:

preside at meetings of the membership and Board of Directors;
serve as an ex officio member of all committees;
call special meetings when deemed necessary; and
perform such other duties as may be assigned by the Board of Directors.

The President shall also oversee the training, rules, procedures, conduct, and development of LAHOA officials and shall coordinate such activities with USA Hockey through the applicable District Referee-in-Chief.

Section 6.6 – Vice President

In the absence, inability, or refusal of the President to act, the Vice President shall perform the duties of the President and shall possess all powers and authority of the President during such period.

Section 6.7 – Treasurer

The Treasurer shall have custody of and be responsible for all funds and financial records of LAHOA.

The Treasurer shall present a financial report at the annual meeting, including, but not limited to, a summary of revenues, expenditures, assets, liabilities, and other financial information reasonably requested by the President or Board of Directors.

The Treasurer shall ensure the timely filing of all required federal, state, and local tax returns and reports necessary to maintain LAHOA’s tax-exempt status, including any filings required under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

If LAHOA processes officiating payments on behalf of third parties, the Treasurer shall ensure the preparation and issuance of all required IRS Forms 1099 and related tax documents.

The President shall appoint a committee to review the Treasurer’s records and compliance processes annually.

Section 6.8 – Registrar

The Registrar shall:

maintain membership registrations and records;
certify eligible voting members;
maintain membership status information; and
coordinate registration procedures with USA Hockey.

Section 6.9 – Secretary

The Secretary shall maintain accurate minutes of all meetings, ensure that required notices are properly distributed, maintain official records of the Association, and perform all duties customarily associated with the office of Secretary.

ARTICLE 7 – STANDING COMMITTEES

Section 7.1 – General

The LAHOA may establish standing committees to administer and support the various components of its officiating program. Nothing in this Article shall limit the number of committees or committee members that may be established by the Board of Directors; provided, however, that the following standing committees shall exist at a minimum:

• Discipline Committee

• Development Committee

Section 7.2 – Ratification

All committees and committee appointments shall be subject to review, approval, modification, or dissolution by the Board of Directors or Executive Committee.

Section 7.3 – Discipline Committee and Board of Review

Recognizing the responsibility of recreational leagues, youth hockey associations, and other governing bodies to regulate the conduct of their own participants, including players, coaches, spectators, and team personnel, LAHOA shall maintain a process for reviewing the conduct and performance of its members in the execution of their officiating duties.

The President shall appoint a Chairperson of the Discipline Committee.

All complaints, protests, or allegations regarding the conduct, performance, or actions of a LAHOA member acting in an officiating capacity must be submitted in writing to the Chairperson of the Discipline Committee. A copy shall simultaneously be provided to the President.

In reviewing a complaint, the Discipline Committee Chairperson may recommend one or more of the following actions:

rejection of any complaint not submitted in writing;
rejection of any complaint based solely upon an official’s judgment call or discretionary application of playing rules;
rejection of any complaint determined to arise primarily from a personal dispute or conflict unrelated to officiating performance;
assessment of administrative fines authorized by Board policy, including fines for officiating no-shows or assignment failures; or
referral of the matter to a Board of Review for further investigation and adjudication.

When a disciplinary review is required, the Chairperson shall convene a Board of Review consisting of:

the Chairperson of the Discipline Committee;
two (2) members of the Board of Directors; and
two (2) Members in Good Standing who are not then serving on the Board of Directors.

Each member of the Board of Review shall promptly disclose any actual, potential, or perceived conflict of interest. The Discipline Committee Chairperson or President may remove and replace any individual whose participation may compromise the fairness or impartiality of the proceeding.

Any individual removed for a conflict of interest shall not participate in, observe, vote on, or otherwise influence the proceedings related to that matter.

The Board of Review shall have the authority to investigate complaints, conduct hearings, review evidence, interview witnesses, determine findings of fact, and impose disciplinary measures authorized by these Bylaws or Board policy.

The Chairperson shall provide written notice to the member subject to discipline by electronic mail at least seven (7) calendar days prior to the hearing whenever reasonably practicable. Such notice shall include:

the date, time, and location or electronic format of the hearing;
a summary of the allegations; and
any known supporting documentation.

The member shall have the right to:

appear before the Board of Review;
present evidence and witnesses;
respond to allegations;
review available evidence relevant to the complaint; and
be accompanied by an advisor or representative of their choosing, provided such individual shall not have voting rights or authority within the proceeding.

Following the hearing, the Board of Review shall meet in closed session and render a decision by majority vote.

The decision shall be communicated in writing to the member within ten (10) calendar days following the conclusion of the hearing.

Possible disciplinary actions may include, but are not limited to:

verbal warning;
written warning;
probation;
monetary fine;
suspension of assignments;
suspension of membership privileges; or
expulsion from LAHOA.

The following are examples of conduct that may constitute grounds for disciplinary action:

reporting for an assignment while under the influence of alcohol, illegal drugs, or any substance that materially impairs officiating performance;
repeated failure to appear for assigned games;
repeated failure to arrive on time for assigned games;
use of obscene, discriminatory, threatening, or abusive language directed toward any participant, spectator, official, or other person while acting in an officiating capacity;
gross misconduct, gross negligence, or demonstrated incompetence in the performance of officiating duties;
physical abuse of any participant except to the extent reasonably necessary to protect individuals or separate altercations;
falsification of records, reports, assignments, or membership information;
violation of USA Hockey rules, policies, or codes of conduct; or
any conduct determined by the Board of Review to be materially detrimental to the interests, reputation, or objectives of LAHOA.

Section 7.3.1 – Appeals

Any disciplinary decision imposed by the Discipline Committee or Board of Review may be appealed to the Board of Directors.

The appeal must be submitted in writing within ten (10) calendar days following delivery of the written decision and must clearly state the grounds for appeal.

The Board of Directors may affirm, reverse, modify, or remand the decision for further proceedings.

The decision of the Board of Directors shall be final and binding upon all parties.

ARTICLE 8 – AMENDMENTS

Section 8.1 – Procedures

These Bylaws may be amended at an annual meeting or at a special meeting of the membership properly called for that purpose.

Each proposed amendment shall be submitted to the President in writing.

No proposed amendment shall be eligible for consideration unless distributed to the membership at least twenty-one (21) calendar days prior to the meeting at which it will be considered.

Only Members in Good Standing may submit proposed amendments.

Anonymous submissions shall not be accepted.

Section 8.2 – Adoption

Following publication and discussion, a proposed amendment shall be adopted upon approval by a majority of the Board of Directors present and voting at a meeting where a quorum is established, unless a greater vote is required by law or these Bylaws.

Any amendment requiring approval of the general membership under applicable law shall be submitted to the membership for vote in accordance with those requirements.

ARTICLE 9 – PARLIAMENTARIAN

The Secretary shall serve as Parliamentarian for all meetings of LAHOA.

Except where inconsistent with these Bylaws, meetings shall be conducted in accordance with the most current edition of Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised.

ARTICLE 10 – NOMINATIONS AND ELECTIONS

The Board of Directors shall appoint an Election Secretary who shall conduct elections pursuant to rules approved by the Board of Directors.

Any Member in Good Standing who is at least eighteen (18) years of age may self-nominate for election to the Board of Directors.

Current Directors shall be eligible to seek reelection.

The Election Secretary shall publish notice of the nomination period and election schedule to the membership.

Nominations must be submitted in writing to the Election Secretary or their designee no later than twenty-one (21) calendar days prior to the annual meeting.

The order of expiration of Directors terms shall be as follows:

ELECTIONS 2028, 2031, 2034
Seat #1, Seat #2, Seat #3

ELECTIONS 2029, 2032, 2035
Seat #4, Seat #5, Seat #6, Seat #7

ELECTIONS 2027, 2030, 2033
Seat #8, Seat #9, Seat #10

This rotation of three (3) year terms shall continue, unless modified by Board action and ratified by a simple majority vote of the eligible membership taking part in the election. The three year rotation is intended to provide some stability to the Board in the initial years and still allow changes in leadership to occur regularly.

As first adopted at the special LAHOA formation meeting on August 28, 1991 and modified at the Board’s meetings on August 12, 1992, June 15, 1993, July 12, 1994, July 10, 1995, June 24, 1996, July 14, 1997, August 28, 2006, July 28, 2008, June 29, 2009, July 19, 2010, May 20, 2018, July 21, 2020, June 26, 2021, June 26, 2022, July 27, 2024 & June 29, 2025, June 27, 2026 for presentation to the members at the annual meeting as required in the bylaws.