EYHA has no options on this issue.  USA Hockey, Inc. policy states that a player will not be allowed to play/skate down unless the player has a medical condition.  USA Hockey, Inc. does not accept stature, gender, skating/playing ability as acceptable reasons for a play down waiver as they do not rise to the level of a handicap under the definitions and current court decisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). 

A documented medical condition is the only basis for a play down waiver.  Most of the medical conditions which have been permitted involve mental, physical or emotional impairments that create a handicapping situation for the player to have to overcome. 

The medical condition must be documented in the form of a written statement from the player’s doctor describing the medical condition.  The doctor’s statement must be accompanied by a written statement from the player’s parent(s) requesting a “play down” exclusion from EYHA/Mid-American/USA Hockey, Inc. policy.  These statements and any additional documentation must be submitted to the EYHA Registrar, Sonja Wilcox.  She will review and forward information to Mid-American District/USA Hockey.  The Mid-American District will provide the final ruling.
 
EYHA divides teams based on skating and skill abilities within USA Hockey’s American Developmental Model.  The ADM supports USA Hockey’s Playing Down policy.