Camrose Minor Hockey Bylaws

Click here to download the CMH Bylaws document (PDF).

Policies

1.	Program Outline
2.	Registration
3.	Team Personnel
4.	Player Movement
5.	Affiliation
6.	Fund-Raising and Financial Accountability
7.	Bingo
8.	Tournaments
9.	Travel
10.	Formal Complaint, Suspension, and Appeal Process
11.	Guide For Handling Complaints Against Minor Hockey Coaches
12.	Ice Scheduling
13.	Ice Scheduling - End Date for Teams
14.	Registration Refunds
15.	Resident & Non-Resident Player

1. PROGRAM OUTLINE

The Camrose Minor Hockey Association offers a full range of programs to meet the interests and requirements of a wide variety of participants. Programs are offered to meet the various levels of skill and commitment of our participants.

a) Initiation Hockey Program

All participants must be registered with Camrose Minor Hockey. Camrose Minor Hockey offers an Initiation Hockey program for participants at the pre-Novice level. This is a developmental program designed to introduce participants to the basic skills and techniques of the game of hockey. This program is based upon the Canadian Hockey Initiation Program.

b) Girl's Hockey

All participants must be registered with Camrose Minor Hockey. Efforts continue to develop a Girl's Hockey Program as a part of Camrose Minor Hockey. At this time the program has grown to form 3 teams. Interested players should contact the Girl's Hockey Coordinator to discuss the options which are currently available for girls registering with Camrose Minor Hockey.

c) Local Hockey Program

All participants must be registered with Camrose Minor Hockey. This program is designed for the player who has lesser skills or is unable to make the commitment of time and resources which are required at the Representative level. The Local program is offered for players at the Novice through PeeWee levels. The number of teams and players per team is dependant upon the number of registrants. Typically, the local program involves less commitment in terms of time, travel and cost, although the actual amount of time, travel and cost is left at the discretion of the particular coach, parents and participants. Viewed as a developmental and recreational program, the expectation is that all players receive approximately equal opportunity.

Placement on the Local teams occurs following a number of evaluation sessions in which all participants are rated and then drafted onto teams, with the intent to create teams of relatively similar abilities. Camrose Minor Hockey reserves the right to modify the actual placement of players where situations of significant inequality occur.

Teams in the Local program are entered in leagues which will provide a reasonable level of competition and a minimum of travel and expense. Camrose Minor Hockey will provide all Local teams (except at the Novice level) with the opportunity to participate in a “Home” tournament. Involvement in out-of-town tournaments is at the discretion of coaches, parents, and participants.

d) Representative Hockey Program

All participants must be registered with Camrose Minor Hockey. The Representative Program is intended for the player with more advanced skills, who is willing and able to commit to a more intense hockey experience. The Representative Program is offered in the Atom through Midget age categories. Viewed as a competitive program, participants should expect a greater amount of travel and cost, and understand that there is a greater focus on team success. Due to the increased cost of the Representative Program, participants will be levied an additional “Representative” fee.

To play for a Representative team, players must attend and be selected through the tryout process. Each participant is guaranteed at least two tryout sessions prior to any players being released. These tryout sessions will take place in September. Players interested in the Representative team tryouts must check the appropriate area on the registration form, and will then be notified as to the times of the tryout camps.

Teams in the Representative Program are entered in leagues which will provide a reasonable level of competition. Typically this means that these Representative teams will be doing significantly more traveling than the Local program, and participants and parents must be prepared for this commitment.

Camrose Minor Hockey will provide selected Representative team with the opportunity to host a “Home” tournament. Involvement in out-of-town tournaments is at the discretion of the coaches, parents and participants.

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2. REGISTRATION

a) Conditions

All players must be registered with Camrose Minor Hockey. Any local player wanting to try-out for another association (at the “AAA” level) must have a letter of permission to try-out. If they are successful in making the club, then they need a release. Situations arise in which out of town players try out for Camrose Minor Hockey teams, with the understanding that if released, they will return to their home association. In these situations, players must be registered with Camrose Minor Hockey prior to going on the ice and have a letter of permission to try-out from their home association. Should they return to their home association, they will be issued a pro-rated refund (normally $25 will be taken off fro a try-out fee).

b) Early Registration

Early registration is held for 3 evenings in June. On these dates, the early registration fees will be in effect.

c) Regular Registration

Regular registration is held for 3 evenings in late August or early September. On these dates, the regular registration fees will be in effect.

d) Qualifications

- Camrose Minor Hockey

It is the policy of Camrose Minor Hockey that all interested players are welcome in the Camrose Minor Hockey program provided that:

i) All applicable fees are paid

ii) Participants reside in the City of Camrose

iii) Participants reside in the County of Camrose

iv) Participants from outside the County of Camrose do not reside in or closer to an “AA” centre.

v) The registration of participants from outside jurisdictions does not result in move to a higher status (i.e. “AAA”) in accordance with Hockey Alberta Policy

vi) In order to preserve order and fairness in our Association, Camrose Minor Hockey reserves the right to monitor the number of outside association players in our system, and to release non-association players in order to maintain our Associations current categorization.

e) Fee Structure

The Basic Registration Fee is calculated on a yearly basis by Camrose Minor Hockey Association. The Basic Registration Fee is calculated as the amount of cost incurred by Camrose Minor Hockey to offer the Basic Program at the particular age level of the registrant. This Basic Registration Fee is paid by all registrants at each level, and represents the basic number of ice sessions and cost at that particular level.

i) Local Program – The registrants in the Local Program pay the Basic Registration Fee which covers the registrant's fees for that program.

ii) Representative Program – The registrants in the Representative Program pay the Basic Registration fee which covers the registrants fees for that program. In addition, participants in the Representative Program will be levied an additional fee to cover the costs of the additional expenses incurred at the Representative level.

The cost of the program (hrs. used X per hour cost of operation), minus rent paid by the program, divided by the number of participants = the deficit per participant.

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3. TEAM PERSONNEL

Camrose Minor Hockey passed a motion ( June 21/04 ) that states:

“No Alcohol is allowed on the Bus, Arena, Dressing Room and Bench.”

a) Coaches

i) Application and Selection Process

Applications are accepted on an annual basis by the Camrose Minor Hockey Association from individuals interested in coaching one of the Camrose Minor Hockey teams. Application forms may be obtained during any of our June registration dates or from the Minor Hockey Coordinator. A coach's application form is included in this manual. (See Appendices). Coaches may be asked to attend an interview session with the Coaches Selection Committee.

All applicants will be notified personally by a member of the Coaches Selection Committee as to the outcome of their Application.

ii) Responsibilities of the Coach

· Oversee all team operations

· Follow Camrose Minor Hockey Association Policies and Guidelines

· Explain philosophy and plans to parents and players prior to tryouts and hold team and parent meetings as required during the year

· Selection of team

· Release of players

· Attend games and practices

· Conduct properly prepared practices (See Appendices for sample practice information and plans)

· Ensure that all players are given the opportunity to develop in a non-threatening environment

· Ensure that no hazing of players is tolerated

· Develop and administer all team rules

· Follow all Hockey Canada and Hockey Alberta rules

· Complete Hockey Alberta Registration Cards (See Appendices)

· Report to Camrose Minor Hockey as required

· Ensure proper use, care and return of all Camrose Minor Hockey equipment and sweaters

· Ensure that all players are properly and fully equipped when practicing and/or playing

· Show respect to all players, parents, competitors and officials and encourage all those associated with your team to act in similar fashion

· Represent Camrose Minor Hockey in a respectable fashion

· Be a positive role model for all those you encounter

Any member of the Camrose Minor Hockey Committee, Camrose Minor Sports Association, and the City of Camrose Leisure Services Department have the authority to enforce any of these rules at any time. Camrose Minor Hockey reserves the right to suspend any coaches or team officials for violation of rules.

iii) Expectations and Qualifications

Local League Coaches

Local League Coaches are encouraged to attain a minimum of the “Initiation” Level Coaches Certification. “Coach” Level Certification is recommended. Camrose Minor Hockey will pay the registration fee for any coach wishing to attain either the “Initiation” or “Coach” Level Certification. Local League Coaches are reminded that this is primarily a developmental program, with the focus on participation rather than a win at all costs approach. All players should receive equitable amounts of ice time. Local League Coaches will be required to assist in the pre-season evaluation and drafting process.

Representative Coaches

Representative Level Coaches must obtain the “Coaches” Level Certification in order to coach at the Provincial level. Hockey Alberta continues to increase the level of certification required to coach at a Zone or Provincial level. Coaches are strongly encouraged to continually update their qualifications. Camrose Minor Hockey will pay the registration fee for any coach wishing to attain a provincially mandated level of coaching certification. While the Representative Program is by nature a highly competitive program, coaches are reminded of their responsibility to develop all of their players. Coaches are expected to personally speak to all players being released, conveying to them the areas which need improvement. As well, the coach of the next level is to be notified of all players who have been released. Each player is to receive at least two skates prior to being released.

iv) Try-Out and Evaluation Camps

The try-out process can be very stressful on both participants and parents. As coach, it is your responsibility to try to alleviate this situation as much as is possible. Therefore, the following format is recommended.

Information meeting prior to Try-Outs

Topics to be discussed:

a) How the selection process will work

b) Number of ice sessions

c) Outline of year i.e. travel, tournaments, league games

d) Financial commitment

e) Coaches philosophy

f) Expectations of players and parents

g) Procedure for release of players

h) Options for released players

v) Parent Meeting

Communication with players and parents cannot be over-emphasized. Hockey involves a very significant commitment, and parents have the right to have input and be informed of the operations of the team. Open lines of communication will improve the hockey experience for all concerned. The following is a list of suggested times and agendas for parent meetings.

Pre-Selection

- as noted earlier

Post-Selection

- Program outline

- Collect start-up fees

- Team goals and philosophy

- Solicit team officials

- Questions and Answers

Mid-Season

- Review of program

- Team official's reports

- Play-off information

- Questions and answers

Post-Season

- Overview of season

- Post-Season evaluations

- Appreciation to players, team officials and parents

- Questions and answers

b) Assistant Coaches

i) Selection Process – The selection of Assistant Coaches is the responsibility of the Coach. In the selection of Assistant Coaches, Coaches are reminded that they are responsible to Camrose Minor Hockey for the operation of their team. When selecting Assistant Coaches please ensure that their conduct with the players, other teams, and officials is of a professional nature.

ii) Responsibilities – The responsibilities of the Assistant Coach (es) will be as decided upon by the Coach. Coaches are encouraged to choose who will complement the on-ice efforts of the team.

c) Managers

i) Role and Responsibilities – Coaches are urged to appoint a Team Manager to assist in the day to day operations of the hockey team. Team Managers can be invaluable in the organization of fund-raising initiative, scheduling of travel arrangements, booking of tournaments, scheduling time etc. All teams should maintain a team file. This should include:

- Team roster

- Sweater number of each player

- Player information sheets (See Appendices)

- Proposed budget

- Financial reports (See appendices)

- Year-end reports of banking information, etc

d) Team Treasurer

i) Budgets and Financial Accountability – Whenever a Camrose Minor Hockey team is generating income (fund-raising, 50/50 sales, team fees, tournament income, etc) accurate and detailed financial records must be maintained. Parents must have access to these records, and Camrose Minor Hockey may request accurate and detailed financial statements from all teams. It is recommended that the team Treasurer and Manager assist and share in all financial activities of the team.

ii) Fund-Raising and Disbursement of Funds – Treasurers should make themselves familiar with Camrose Minor Hockey Policy in regards to fund-raising and canvassing of local businesses. It is the belief of Camrose Minor Hockey that any fundraising initiatives be directed toward the sole purpose of providing for the hockey experience of the players. It is recommended that disbursement of team funds be jointly handled by the Treasurer and another of the team personnel.

e) Team Trainers

i) Role and Responsibilities – In an effort to reduce the number and severity of hockey injuries, Hockey Canada has instituted a Risk Management Initiative. An integral component of this Initiative is the involvement of a qualified trainer with every hockey team. The role of the trainer is to monitor the risk level, be prepared to access emergency assistance, and to ensure that in the event of an injury, the player is maintained in a safe state until emergency help arrives.

ii) Training and Certification – To this end, Hockey Canada will be conducting Hockey Trainer seminars which Camrose Minor Hockey will be making available to interested parties. At this point in time, trainers are recommended to assist in the care of minor injuries, monitoring facilities to maintain a safe environment, and to be prepared to summon medical aid. It is recommended that all teams appoint a trainer to fulfill these functions. It is not expected that team trainers deal with serious injuries.

iii) Injury Reporting – In the event of injury to a player or any registered team personnel, please complete and submit a Canadian Hockey Injury Report. Forms and directions are included on the following pages.

iv) First Aid Kit – Many minor injuries can be dealt with quickly and effectively if an adequately equipped first aid kit is available. All Camrose Minor Hockey teams will be provided with an approved first aid kit. It becomes the responsibility of the Team Trainer to ensure that these first-aid kits remain fully equipped. All first-aid kits are to be returned in equipped fashion at the conclusion of the season. A list of recommended components is included on the following pages and also in the Appendices at the back of this manual.

v) Player Information Sheets – All minor hockey teams must carry up-to-date Player Information Sheets. The information contained on these forms may be necessary in the event that emergency care is required. A sample Player Information Form is available on the following page and also in the Appendices at the back of this manual.

f) Tournament Chairperson

· Assist in tournament organization

· Organize volunteers

· Organize draws and raffles

· Prepare trophies

· Supervise tournament operations

g) Bingo Chairperson

· Act as a liaison with Camrose Minor Hockey Bingo Director

· Communicate with Camrose Minor Sports Association Bingo Director

· Organize Bingo workers

h) 50/50 Chairperson

i) Other positions as necessary

As Coach, you will be very busy preparing your team. Access your parent's assistance. You will have a more enjoyable experience and so will your parents and players.

j) Players

i) Code of Conduct

Players are responsible for cleaning, maintaining and returning all equipment and sweaters which are the property of Camrose Minor Hockey. Name bars must be removed prior to the return of sweaters.

Players must supply all of their own equipment which must be C.S.A. certified and in satisfactory condition. Goaltenders will be provided with pads, blockers, trappers and monkey suits.

Must obey all team rules

Must conduct themselves in a respectable manner at all times

Must remain off ice surface until flooding is complete and ice surface has been fully prepared.

The following will not be tolerated by Camrose Minor Hockey:

· Abuse of referees

· Abuse of team officials

· Abuse of off-ice officials

· Abuse of facilities

· Abuse of uniforms and equipment

· Abuse of players

· Use of drugs, alcohol and tobacco at any function associated with Camrose Minor Hockey and/or the player's team

· Swearing

· Disruptive behavior

Any member of the Camrose Minor Hockey Committee, the Camrose Minor Sports Association and the City of Camrose Leisure Services Department has the authority to enforce any of these rules at any time. Camrose Minor Hockey reserve the right to suspend players for violation of these rules.

k) Parents

i) Code of Conduct

Cooperate with Coaches, Managers etc

Help Coaches as necessary. Where problems arise, deal with them in a mature manner. Bring problems which cannot be resolved to the Executive of Camrose Minor Hockey through the formal complaint process, and we will help to resolve the problem.

Do you share with fund-raising, committee work, driving etc.

Ensure that your child has proper and adequate equipment. Hockey is a physical game and quality equipment is necessary to avoid injury.

Encourage and support players of all ability levels

Reinforce the “team” concept

Take an active part in your child's hockey experience. Attend practices and games and be supportive of their efforts.

Be patient with and support the officials. They have a difficult task and we need them.

Travel with care. Do not allow children to drive. Parents are expected to drive.

Participate in the activities of your team and your minor hockey program. Volunteers are always needed and appreciated.

Help your child have fun in hockey

Reinforce positive lifestyle qualities

Be a parent that your child is proud of

Represent the City of Camrose and the Camrose Minor Hockey Association with class and dignity.

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4. PLAYER MOVEMENT

a) Policy and Guidelines

Any permanent player movement to a division other than that which their age dictates, must be approved by Camrose Minor Hockey.

It is the position of Camrose Minor Hockey that, in situations in which a player is invited to move up and play with a higher level team, this opportunity be granted to that player, unless the team to which that player is sheeted/carded, has previously scheduled games.

Any Coach requesting a player from another team must first make a request from the affected Coach, then the affected player's parents, and finally the player.

This policy has the following conditions:

· Prior to the submission of team sheets/cards to Hockey Alberta , there is no stipulation on player movement.

· After December 15 th , player movement is restricted to affiliates.

· After the January 10 th deadline of Hockey Alberta , an individual player may move up to the higher affiliated team a maximum of 5 League and or Zone or Provincial games, after which that player must remain with the higher team for the duration of the season.

· Following the 5 th game, any further movement for that player must be ratified by the Board of Camrose Minor Hockey.

Questions regarding the interpretation of this policy should be addressed to the Camrose Minor Hockey Board or the Minor Hockey Coordinator .

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5. AFFILIATION

a) Policy and Guidelines

Affiliation was created to assist the system by allowing teams relief when illness or injury occurs.

The Affiliation works as such:

· A team may have affiliated with it one team only

· This team must come from a lower division and both teams must be from the same Minor Hockey Association.

Two options for Affiliation exist:

· Team to Team allows for the movement of players upward between affiliated teams

· Named Affiliates allows a team to name up to 19 players from lower divisions who would serve as affiliates for that particular team.

Affiliation must be declared and filed in writing no later that December 15 th of each season. At the end of a playing season, affiliations cease to be recognized. For the use of an affiliated player, both Coaches must agree that he can move up to play in the higher category. All affiliations must be signed by the local Minor Hockey Association President.

As noted in Player Movement, prior to January 10 th , a property affiliated player may play an unlimited number of games with his affiliated team. After January 10 th , the affiliated player may play for a period of five (5) games and should be noted on the game sheet as an “AP”. After his sixth (6) game, that affiliated player must remain up with the higher team.

After the January 10 th Hockey Alberta deadline and following an affiliated players fifth (5) game and prior to that affiliated players sixth (6) game, the Camrose Minor Hockey Board must ratify any further movement for that player.

Invitational tournaments and exhibition games are not included in games played after January 10 th of each season.

Camrose Minor Hockey follows a Team to Team Affiliation . Midget “AA” to Midget “A” to Bantam “AA” to Bantam “A” to Bantam “B” to Pee Wee “AA” etc. Atom “A” are affiliated to the Atom Local Program by naming 19 affiliated players.

The Affiliation structure of Camrose Minor Hockey is submitted to Hockey Alberta by Camrose Minor Hokey and therefore does not require any action on the part of individual Coaches.

Further questions regarding Affiliation should be directed to Camrose Minor Hockey.

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6. FUND-RAISING AND FINANCIAL ACCOUNTABILITY

a) Fund-Raising and Financial Accountability

The Camrose Minor Hockey Association understands the need for team fund-raising and support the efforts of our teams to provide their players with quality hockey experiences. Camrose Minor Hockey makes the following requests of all teams that engage in fund-raising.

Maintain complete and accurate financial records of all activities which involve the generation and/or disbursement of any and all funds associated with your team. Copies of these financial records must be available to all parents. As well, Camrose Minor Hockey may request financial records.

b) Insurance Coverage and Registration

All fund-raising activities MUST be registered with our Minor Hockey Coordinator

There are a number of reasons for this:

· Unless your fund-raising activity has been properly registered as such through the Minor Hockey Coordinator and Hockey Alberta , you have NO insurance coverage. Should an accident occur as part of an unregistered fun-raising activity, the team officials are liable.

· Many teams have traditional fund-raising activities. Camrose Minor Hockey are supportive of these traditional fund-raising activities and wish to avoid conflicts among our teams as a result of an overlap.

· Timing of fund-raising activities is important. Registration of fund-raising activities through the Minor Hockey Coordinator will help to avoid a duplication of a similar fund-raising activity such as a bottle drive.

c) Canvassing of Businesses

Camrose Minor Hockey request that canvassing of our Business Community be kept to a minimum. Many of these businesses are already supporting our program through sponsorships and their taxes.

It is expected that the revenues generated through team fund-raising are for the purpose of financing hockey experiences for the players

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7. BINGO

a) Policies and Guidelines

Camrose Minor Hockey are awarded a limited number of Bingos on a yearly basis through our parent organization, the Camrose Minor Sports Association. CMSA holds the License under which Camrose Minor Hockey are a registered member.

Traditionally, Bingos have been worked by the players and parents of players in the Representative Program. Camrose Minor Hockey then receive funding from the Camrose Minor Sports Association which in turn is put into the payment of our Ice Rental Account with the City of Camrose, Camrose Minor Hockey then provide travel expense assistance to the teams who worked the Bingo.

All teams involved in Bingo must follow the complete Policies and Guidelines of:

· The Alberta Gaming Commission

· The Rose City Bingo Association

· The Camrose Minor Sports Association

· Camrose Minor Hockey Association

· For further information, contact the Bingo Co-ordintor for Minor Hockey.

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8. TOURNAMENTS

a) Policies and Guidelines, Sanctions and Travel Permits

Camrose Minor Hockey are supportive of involvement of our teams and players in the experience of tournament hockey.

Camrose Minor Hockey will provide the opportunity for all Camrose Minor Hockey teams from Atom through Midget to participate in a Camrose tournament each year.

Any Camrose Minor Hockey team which desires to participate in an out-of-town tournament may do so providing that the following conditions are satisfied:

· All Policies and Guideline of Camrose Minor Hockey are followed

· The tournament has been officially sanctioned by Hockey Alberta (See Appendices for sample Sanction)

· All necessary travel permits have been completed and filed with the Minor Hockey Coordinator (See Appendices for sample travel permit)

· the involvement and support of players and parents has been received

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9. TRAVEL

It is the policy of Camrose Minor Hockey, that no player shall be in control of a vehicle in which other players are passengers. Parents are requested to ensure that they drive to all team-related activities.

When traveling to out-of-town games, teams are encouraged to make use of bus services. A number of charter agencies are available locally.

Travel permits must be completed whenever a team travels outside of our Zone. Travel permits will be completed by the Minor Hockey Coordinator upon notification of intent to travel.

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10. FORMAL COMPLAINT, SUSPENSION AND APPEAL PROCESS

Camrose Minor Hockey request that all concerns and complaints be forwarded in written form to any member of the Board. Concerns and complaints will not be acted upon unless received in written form. All formal concerns and complaints will be dealt with at the next regularly scheduled meeting of the Camrose Minor Hockey Association unless the concern is of an emergency nature at which point a meeting will be arranged at the earliest possible date.

In situations where it is deemed necessary, Camrose Minor Hockey reserves the right to implement disciplinary action. In such situations, the party in question will be invited to appear before the Camrose Minor Hockey Executive to provide information.

Appeals must be submitted in writing to any member of the Board. Appeals will be dealt with at the next regularly scheduled meeting of the Camrose Minor Hockey Association unless the Appeal is of an emergency nature at which point a meeting will be arranged at the earliest possible date.

Concerns and/or Complaints involving Referees or Linesmen should be submitted in writing to:

- Referee's Assigner

- Camrose Minor Hockey President

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11. Guide for handling complaints against Minor Hockey Coaches

Prior to the Board considering a complaint, the complainant must confirm that they have had a discussion with the coach concerning the complaint.

Once there has been a discussion and if no resolution has occurred, the following procedure will be followed:

The complaint must be in writing. It must include sufficient detail for the reader to understand the issue.
The complainant must give a written consent for the complaint to be released to anyone required to deal with the complaint, which may result in the complaint being public.
The complaint, once authorized, will be forwarded to the Coaches Committee, who in their absolute discretion will assess the merit of the complaint, usually through consultation with the complainant.
If it is decided that the complaint has merit, the Coaches Committee shall have a meeting with the affected coach, sharing with the coach the written complaint.
At the conclusion of the meetings outlined in (3) and (4), the Coaches Committee shall form a decision relative to the complaint.
The Coaches Committee shall forward a recommendation to the Board.
The Board shall communicate their decision to the complainant in writing.
In the event that the procedure is terminated at the conclusion of (3), which would indicate that the written complaint has not been shared with anyone but the Coaches Committee, the written complaint shall be returned to the complainant, or destroyed. It is only after a complaint has been handled by the Board that the complaint would be kept on file.