In 1996, the Amateur Hockey Association of Illinois (AHAI) passed a law that allows a hockey player to make only two choices on where to play travel hockey. This change removed geographical boundaries that were once in place. This is commonly referred to as the “Two Choice Rule”. This rule follows a player throughout his entire youth hockey career – Mite to Midget.
TIER II teams are considered “A” and “AA” Travel teams. All Falcons Travel teams are TIER II teams. The only exceptions are the Mite ½ yr. A2 Developmental Travel teams that are formed in December of each playing season. Those teams will not be considered TIER II teams, even though they play a”travel type” schedule.
All Falcons House league teams are “C” teams are therefore not TIER II teams. The Falcons do not register teams at the “B” level.
At the start of each hockey season, AHAI requires the Falcons to counsel each player/parent new to TIER II hockey OR new to the Falcons Hockey Association’s travel teams, as to the specifics of the “Two Choice Rule”. During this counseling session, these players/parents will be required to acknowledge in writing the choice(s) that they have made. This form is called a TIER II Declaration Form.
A player only makes a choice after they have made a team AND signed a roster. Attending try-outs is NOT considered making a choice! Therefore, a player can try-out with as many different hockey clubs as possible or prudent.
Once a player has used up the two choices, that player is generally not restricted from moving back and forth between those two choices. The Falcons do not restrict a player from coming back to the Falcons, if they decide to play elsewhere in a different year.
A player wishing to receive a third or substituted choice will have to make a written appeal to AHAI for relief on the TIER II rule. There are very specific criteria that AHAI will utilize before granting a substitute choice. A common example would be if a player has used both choices in the Chicagoland area and subsequently moves to downstate Illinois. More than likely, that player would be granted a substituted choice.
Further information regarding the TIER II process will be discussed during the Travel try-outs, or send an e-mail to registrar@falconshockey.org.
