PLAYER MOVEMENT 

USA hockey mandates that players cannot play below their age group. Exceptions can be made only in cases where disabilities prevent a player from participating at their age appropriate level. Such requests must be made to the Board of Directors and will require recommendation from the player’s physician. Note that beginning players can be enrolled in Initiation, instead of Mite or Squirt, but Squirt age players cannot be enrolled at the Mite level. 

The IYHA Board of Directors may, at its discretion, move players upward in age classifications in order to achieve a balanced team population. Such Board decisions will be made in conjunction with and on the recommendation of coaches, with parents' approval. 

The IYHA philosophy of player development is that it is usually best for all players to play within their respective age group. However, in special circumstances a player may benefit from participating in a higher age group. Requests to play “up” must have the support of the appropriate coaches and be made in writing to the IYHA Board of Directors at the beginning of the season.

Any new player, registering for the first time at IYHA MUST play within their age group.