With affiliation (AP) requests starting to come up, we wanted to send out a quick clarification on the Hockey Saskatchewan and Yorkton Minor Hockey affiliation rules so everyone understands how the process works.

Our goal is simply to make sure everyone understands the rules ahead of time and that affiliations are handled consistently across YMH. 

Remember - NO AP's can be on the ice until they are rostered on their regular team

The most important things to know are:

1. A player can only AP to ONE team.
Once a player is officially affiliated to a team, they cannot also AP to another team. Please make sure you understand which team your child is being affiliated to before agreeing.

2. Female and Coed affiliations are separate.
A Female team can only affiliate a player who is registered on a Female team, and a Coed team can only affiliate a player who is registered on a Coed team.

This means that if a female player is registered only on a Coed team, she cannot AP to a Female team.

If a female player is registered on both a Female and Coed team, she may be eligible to affiliate in either stream — but she can still only AP to ONE team total.

3. APs are intended to replace missing players — not simply strengthen a roster.
Under YMH rules, affiliated players in U7, U9, U11 (Tier 1 and Tier 2) and U13 are only eligible to play to replace missing players. For other divisions, Hockey Saskatchewan regulations and guidelines apply.

APs are not intended to simply add stronger players to an otherwise complete lineup.

APs cannot be used as replacements for suspended players. A suspension does not create an AP opening on the roster.

4. Permission is required EVERY TIME an AP is called up.
Under YMH rules, a player cannot participate with their AP team without permission from the coach of the team they are registered on.

Permission must be obtained each and every time the AP player participates with the higher-division team.

Your registered team remains your primary team.

5. Being asked to play does not automatically make someone an AP.
The player must be properly affiliated and approved before participating in a game with the AP team.

YMH coordinates the AP selection process through the appropriate teams and Division Liaisons. Coaches should not independently make AP arrangements outside of the proper YMH affiliation process.

6. Being an AP does not guarantee games.
Affiliation makes a player eligible to be called up when permitted under the applicable YMH and Hockey Saskatchewan rules. It does not guarantee a certain number of games, practices or ice time with the AP team.

7. Think carefully before accepting an AP position.
Because a player can only be affiliated to one team, accepting an affiliation may prevent them from accepting another AP opportunity later in the season.

Once an affiliation has been officially filed, families should not assume that the player can simply switch to another AP team later.

Common Questions

Can my child AP to two different teams?
No. One player = one AP team.

Can a team bring up an AP just to make the team stronger?
For YMH U7, U9, U11 Tier 1/2 and U13 teams, no. APs may only be used to replace missing players. Other divisions are governed by the applicable Hockey Saskatchewan rules.

Can we use an AP because one of our regular players is suspended?
No. A suspended player does not create an AP opening.

My daughter plays Coed hockey. Can she AP to a Female team?
Only if she is also properly registered on a Female team. Being registered only on a Coed team does not make her eligible to AP to a Female team.

My daughter is registered in both Female and Coed hockey. Can she AP to one team in each?
No. She may be eligible for either type of affiliation, but she still only gets one AP team.

Does my regular team have to give permission for my child to play an AP game?
Yes — every time. YMH rules require permission from the coach of the player's registered team each time the player participates with the higher-division team.

Can we switch AP teams later?
Do not assume so. Once a player has been officially affiliated, Hockey Saskatchewan rules restrict releasing that player from the affiliation during the season. Any permitted changes must follow the proper YMH and Hockey Saskatchewan process.

Is there a deadline?
Yes. Affiliations must be completed within the applicable Hockey Saskatchewan deadlines of January 10.

There are additional affiliation rules depending on age, division and level of hockey. If you are unsure whether your child is eligible for a particular affiliation or whether an AP can be used for a particular game, please check with your YMH Division Liaison before the player participates.

Failure to follow the affiliation rules can result in disciplinary action, so it is important that APs are properly registered, approved and used for their intended purpose.