Here are three videos. Now that I have figured out my camera, I will try and shoot more video an see what I capture. Please ignore my commentary.
It is always fun to watch video with your daughter or son. It is also a really good learning tool for them to see what they did well and where they could have made another choice. Each video has different pieces of hockey.
Video One: A Decent Power Play (best viewed full screen)
Good point use. Nice passing. Outcome is 2 shots on goal and 1 that goes in.
Video Two: A Couple of Breakdowns (best viewed full screen)
Slow to back-check. No physical contact in neutral zone. Puck sent the wrong way.
This video is helpful so players can visually see what broke down and mentally think about what to do next time.
Video Three: A Simple Check (best viewed full screen)
I really don't think big checks or aggressive hitting belong in the youth game. You might notice that in the rest of my blog. Physical play is part of hockey and should remain in the game and the check should be used to get possession of the puck. A check should also be well controlled by the player as not to take themselves out of a play. A bad check leads to a penalty or can create a 5 on 4 because the checking player aggressively takes THEMSELVES out of the play. This is just a good basic check. You can help your child understand a check doesn't have to be over the top and basic physical contact is all they really need use to break up a play especially around the neutral zone.
You almost don't notice the effective subtle check on the far boards but the player is check off the puck and control changes.
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Monday, October 10, 2011
Bantam Black October 10th. A first of many!
The crisp air of October is upon us. This weekend can best be summed up with a video on how to set up and celebrate a goal. You will notice Kevin brings the puck up and dumps it in deep. Our forwards Alec and James chase the puck down and pressure the other team. Alex, the third forward, sets up in front of the net. James assists on the goal using his stick, Alec get fouled and assists using his body and Alex is set up to dump the puck into the net. That was his first goal of his youth career. Notice the team support in celebration of the goal.
The play continued to set up in the bleachers. Notice the cheering mother in orange who quickly gets the knuckle punches from another parent. A great cheer comes from the parent in blue and the guy shooting video catches the penalty and belts out goallllll!
To summarize... the puck was dumped in deep, the forwards applied pressure and set up around the net. The parents executed the hands in the air, the knuckle punch celebrations and they screamed harmonically. The gamer award goes to the coaches for teaching the kids and bringing this experience to everyone. Way to go Huskies! Now it is time for a few wins.
Watch the play set up and don't forget to watch it again to check out the parents in the bleachers. This is what life is about, in my opinion. Click the lower right corner of the the video to go to full screen.
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
USA HOCKEY RULE CHANGES: Legal and Illegal Hits and Contact
View the video from this link and it starts with illegal hits and hits to intimidate. The above embedded video starts with legal hits and the second half is illegal hits. Illegal Hits
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Concussion Protocol for Youth Ice Hockey
Major league baseball added a concussion protocol. USA Youth Ice Hockey should follow this path. A protocol for the player and a protocol for the player causing harm.
Here is the cut from Yahoo...
“It’s a huge step forward,” said Chris Nowinski, a leading advocate for concussion safety in sports. “This sort of program closes a lot of the major holes in their policy. This puts them at a very reasonable place. Leagues should have concussion protocols, if not for the ethics than at least to keep their best players on the field.
“It’s nice to see an innovation like the seven-day disabled list.”
The new DL, to be used only for concussions and other mild traumatic brain injuries, is the first change to disabled-list rules in more than 20 years. The shortened duration – the typical DL is 15 days – is sufficient to evaluate head injuries. Teams reluctant to lose a player for more than two weeks will be willing to err on the side of caution for a one-week absence.
Here is the cut from Yahoo...
“It’s a huge step forward,” said Chris Nowinski, a leading advocate for concussion safety in sports. “This sort of program closes a lot of the major holes in their policy. This puts them at a very reasonable place. Leagues should have concussion protocols, if not for the ethics than at least to keep their best players on the field.
“It’s nice to see an innovation like the seven-day disabled list.”
The new DL, to be used only for concussions and other mild traumatic brain injuries, is the first change to disabled-list rules in more than 20 years. The shortened duration – the typical DL is 15 days – is sufficient to evaluate head injuries. Teams reluctant to lose a player for more than two weeks will be willing to err on the side of caution for a one-week absence.
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Elbow Gets Cooke 10 Games and First Round of Playoffs
Here is cut from Yahoo Sports. Matt Cooke gets 10 games for throwing a flagrant elbow to the head of Ryan McDonagh. Let's see the youth leagues follow. Remove the reckless play and players.
DETROIT – For once, the NHL’s job was easy. Matt Cooke(notes) made it easy. He will sit out the Pittsburgh Penguins’ final 10 regular-season games and the first round of the playoffs because he had no excuse for the elbow he threw into the head of the New York Rangers’ Ryan McDonagh(notes) on Sunday, the latest incident for the player widely considered the dirtiest in hockey.
This time, it’s the team’s job that’s tough. As Pittsburgh captain Sidney Crosby(notes) recovers from a concussion and the player safety debate rages, the Penguins are trying to take the lead, calling for zero tolerance on head shots and stiffer discipline for repeat offenders. At minimum, they must make it clear they do not condone Cooke’s conduct.
DETROIT – For once, the NHL’s job was easy. Matt Cooke(notes) made it easy. He will sit out the Pittsburgh Penguins’ final 10 regular-season games and the first round of the playoffs because he had no excuse for the elbow he threw into the head of the New York Rangers’ Ryan McDonagh(notes) on Sunday, the latest incident for the player widely considered the dirtiest in hockey.
This time, it’s the team’s job that’s tough. As Pittsburgh captain Sidney Crosby(notes) recovers from a concussion and the player safety debate rages, the Penguins are trying to take the lead, calling for zero tolerance on head shots and stiffer discipline for repeat offenders. At minimum, they must make it clear they do not condone Cooke’s conduct.
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Youth Hockey RULE ENFORCEMENT: NO gray areas PLEASE
In their discussion groups Tuesday morning, the GMs went over the language for boarding and charging penalties sentence by sentence. “Prior to today’s meeting,” said Yzerman, a Hall of Famer who played for more than two decades, “I had maybe read the rule before or maybe heard the rule before, but not specifically understood it.” Yzerman wasn’t the only one who learned something. “Especially with charging, everybody has this whole thing in mind that it’s three steps,” Shero said. “It’s not in the rule book. So people have that wrong.”
The general feeling is that the boarding and charging rules already in the book – maybe with some tweaking – could be enforced more strictly, the way the hooking, holding and obstruction rules were after the lockout. The general feeling is that the players would adjust, as they did after the lockout.
If you read the above post, it essentially highlights the same problem in youth ice hockey. The rules are not followed as written but more as - as believed and accepted. The NHL has time to figure this out. They have millions of dollars. THERE IS NO THREE STEPS grace in charging. Which is basically checking a player without the puck. Even Steve Yzerman got it wrong.
Youth ice hockey doesn't have this luxury and the longer we wait to implement better methods of enforcing rules as written, youth players get hurt.
Youth ice hockey must protect the players. YOU CAN NOT hit a player without the puck. This is not difficulty. YOU CAN NOT strike a player in the head, neck, or back. There is no room to interpret these rule with discretion. If you check a play who doesn't have the puck in their possession, well it's a penalty.
This isn't rocket science. Follow the rules and impose harsher penalties for the most damaging behaviors. Hockey is a physical sport. Hockey is not a reckless sport. These changes will not change the game, only save injury.
The general feeling is that the boarding and charging rules already in the book – maybe with some tweaking – could be enforced more strictly, the way the hooking, holding and obstruction rules were after the lockout. The general feeling is that the players would adjust, as they did after the lockout.
If you read the above post, it essentially highlights the same problem in youth ice hockey. The rules are not followed as written but more as - as believed and accepted. The NHL has time to figure this out. They have millions of dollars. THERE IS NO THREE STEPS grace in charging. Which is basically checking a player without the puck. Even Steve Yzerman got it wrong.
Youth ice hockey doesn't have this luxury and the longer we wait to implement better methods of enforcing rules as written, youth players get hurt.
Youth ice hockey must protect the players. YOU CAN NOT hit a player without the puck. This is not difficulty. YOU CAN NOT strike a player in the head, neck, or back. There is no room to interpret these rule with discretion. If you check a play who doesn't have the puck in their possession, well it's a penalty.
This isn't rocket science. Follow the rules and impose harsher penalties for the most damaging behaviors. Hockey is a physical sport. Hockey is not a reckless sport. These changes will not change the game, only save injury.
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Should We Ban Head Hits in the NHL?: Is this a real question...
Below is the discussion starting again in the NHL. It sound funny to me... Should we ban head hits? Duh. But with regard to youth ice hockey, I would say to increase penalties for contacting the players neck, head, or back. Instituting mandatory 5 minute majors for this type of contact is the only way to get youth players to change the behavior. In additon to the 5 minutes, a 10 minute misconduct shall be assessed. Do it 2x's in a a game and your out of the game. Penalties must effect the player and team for this type of reckless play to end or be decreased to the lowest possible levels. No hits to the head, neck, or back. This is really a no-brainer.
Here is the article pasted from Yahoo.
This was the best player in the game, on pace for the best season of his career, concussed in the league’s showcase event. People inside and outside of the game have held up Crosby’s absence as the high cost of concussions and used it to argue for a ban on all hits to the head, whether intentional or unintentional.
"My position is there should be no head hits,” Penguins general manager Ray Shero said. “That’s the position of the Penguins, and that’s mine, and I brought it up today in our group.”
But the league has tried to take the emotion out of the equation and look at the cold, hard data. The hockey operations department studied all of the concussions suffered through March 1 and compared them to the same period last season, before Rule 48 was instituted to ban blindside hits to the head. Hockey ops showed the GMs video clips of virtually every concussion in the NHL this season and gave them statistics.
Crosby thought Steckel hit him intentionally. The league considered it incidental contact. Twenty-six percent of concussions though March 1 were from what the league labeled “accidental events” – teammates running into each other, players tripping on their own, pucks hitting players, inadvertent collisions of opponents. The number of accidental concussions doubled.
Asked after his skate Monday morning whether head shots should be banned, Crosby told reporters in Pittsburgh: “That’s a great question. I’d like to say yes. But it’s more than just saying that. There’s obviously got to be some clarity. Everything’s got to be looked at. It’s a pretty fast game. There may be times when guys maybe don’t (aim) for the head but come into contact with the head. What do you do in that situation?”
Crosby said banning deliberate head shots would take nothing from the game. Fourteen percent of all concussions through March 1 resulted from legal hits to the head. If you could cut that 14 percent, wouldn’t you do it? But Bettman called the legal hits to the head that some want outlawed “a small piece of the equation.” He said the data clearly show that no one thing caused concussions in the period studied and the actual reasons for the increase in the injury differ from the speculation
Here is the article pasted from Yahoo.
This was the best player in the game, on pace for the best season of his career, concussed in the league’s showcase event. People inside and outside of the game have held up Crosby’s absence as the high cost of concussions and used it to argue for a ban on all hits to the head, whether intentional or unintentional.
"My position is there should be no head hits,” Penguins general manager Ray Shero said. “That’s the position of the Penguins, and that’s mine, and I brought it up today in our group.”
But the league has tried to take the emotion out of the equation and look at the cold, hard data. The hockey operations department studied all of the concussions suffered through March 1 and compared them to the same period last season, before Rule 48 was instituted to ban blindside hits to the head. Hockey ops showed the GMs video clips of virtually every concussion in the NHL this season and gave them statistics.
Crosby thought Steckel hit him intentionally. The league considered it incidental contact. Twenty-six percent of concussions though March 1 were from what the league labeled “accidental events” – teammates running into each other, players tripping on their own, pucks hitting players, inadvertent collisions of opponents. The number of accidental concussions doubled.
Asked after his skate Monday morning whether head shots should be banned, Crosby told reporters in Pittsburgh: “That’s a great question. I’d like to say yes. But it’s more than just saying that. There’s obviously got to be some clarity. Everything’s got to be looked at. It’s a pretty fast game. There may be times when guys maybe don’t (aim) for the head but come into contact with the head. What do you do in that situation?”
Crosby said banning deliberate head shots would take nothing from the game. Fourteen percent of all concussions through March 1 resulted from legal hits to the head. If you could cut that 14 percent, wouldn’t you do it? But Bettman called the legal hits to the head that some want outlawed “a small piece of the equation.” He said the data clearly show that no one thing caused concussions in the period studied and the actual reasons for the increase in the injury differ from the speculation
Monday, March 14, 2011
A Draft to USA Hockey: Safety and Changes
This is my first draft of a letter to USA Hockey. I will review it for a few days for editing purposes and then decide where to send it. I do not believe anything I am writing is new. I simply believe it needs to be continuously put out to be read, heard, discussed, and hopefully addressed.
To All Participants of USA Hockey,
Youth ice hockey is a physical sport. It is not a reckless sport. Youth ice hockey is made of up several components; leagues, clubs, parents, and youth players that typically take their lead from USA Hockey. USA Hockey sets standard and provides educational material to address the safety and educational needs of the players, coaches, clubs, and leagues.
I have been involved with youth ice hockey for 5 years. There is a systemic flaw that I believe USA Hockey must address. You are the leaders and your name is being used by leagues and clubs. That flaw is the failure of leagues and clubs to adequately and fully follow your policies, procedures, and standards.
Leagues and clubs are selling themselves based on USA Hockey standards; however these standards aren’t being fully followed, enforced, or implemented to the highest possible degree. USA Hockey’s zero tolerance policy is a good example of a standard that is not fully followed or enforced by clubs and leagues. The scale of this systemic flaw is epidemic, in my opinion, but I recognize it varies from club to club or league to league. There are many leagues and clubs that do a good job. This is not about them.
I also believe that this flaw is not necessary a purposeful act on behalf of leagues and clubs but none the less it occurs. The failure to fully utilize and enforce USA Hockey standards leads to the harm of youth ice hockey players. I will not accept this as a part of business as usual. USA Hockey must demonstrate a proactive role in ensuring leagues and clubs fully meet USA Hockey standard. Point and period. You also need a clear direct method for parents and participants to direct concerns back to USA Hockey. A method that involves a timely response to our concerns.
The flaw is not only held by the above mention but also by the referee associations. The referees are not effectively trained or educated to make calls as indicated by USA Hockey. Rules are not enforced as written. You can not hide behind the word "discretionary". I just reviewed USA Hockey's new checking packet with regard to rule changes. After 150 hockey games, I can tell you that referees rarely make a call with regard to checking being a play for the puck. Checking has morphed into a NHL standard of free hits to the player with the puck, near the puck, or who has delivered the puck. This is the biggest cause of injury. Failure to differentiate between hitting and checking is a problem. It is what causes the greatest harm to our children.
Discretionary calling is not of value to youth ice hockey. The gray area is not effective for teaching youth players how to manage their behavior. While USA Hockey has very clear and easily identifiable standards for proper and improper checking and reckless contact; it seems the referees miss far too many penalties. Two players, for instance, received full straight armed punches last week, in a game I saw, to their face guards, after the whistles. The penalty for one was 2 minutes for head contact and the other one was just broken up. Is this discretion? What tone did the referees set in this game? The coach of that team, on his own, suspended the players for one game each. Where were the referees? Why is there such disparity in what to call?
I might argue that failure to clearly, fully, and accurately referee games is of more harm to the youth players then clubs and leagues that fail to follow USA Hockey standards to the letter. Spare me the discretionary rhetoric of the referee calls. While you all (all being everyone involved) hide behind “ref’s discretion”, youth players are seriously injured. The tone and safety of a game is set by the referees. If the referees fail to call a clean tight game immediately as outlined by USA Hockey, the youth players will push limits. Adults are responsible for managing the youth players.
How do you address the failure of the refereeing system? The blame is not on the referee. The first step is to increase the number of referees on ice or implement an off ice official that function only to enforce USA Hockey’s zero tolerance policy and enforce improper checking, contact to the head, neck, or back, and other behaviors that put youth players at risk. It is not acceptable to leave a such a significant component of youth ice hockey (refereeing) undertrained and under-supported. Support the referees with education and man-power. Do not blame individuals. Standards of practice can not only be on paper, they must be standards demonstrated in action. I believe USA Hockey has a clear responsiblity to ensure their standards are enacted at all levels of youth ice hockey, to the highest possible degree.
The second step is to provide adequate training and support to the referees so they can best understand how to manage a game. This requires a 10 fold increase in referee evaluations and a mechanism to get immediate feedback from players, parents, coaches, and clubs to respected referee associations. Discretionary calling is not an excuse for poor work quality. You have to increase the number of evaluated games and you have to do it as “surprise evaluations”. The referees need to be taught to error on the side of safety and not reckless play and realize at anytime their game may be evaluated. The good referees will only get better and the poor referees will learn or leave.
In addition to these steps, strong referees must be rewarded and poor referees disciplined. I am aware that pieces of my above suggestions exist. They need to be improved apon. The current system, to ensure the games are called with the highest standards to match USA Hockey’s rules and regulations is weak, to the point of neglect for the safety of our youth players. You must address the system of refereeing and policing safety in youth ice hockey games. This neglect will utimately fall on USA Hockey, if not addressed.
Finally, the penalties for youth players need to be different the NHL. You currently have it backwards. The clubs, leagues, and USA Hockey are taking penalties that are used for elite athletes and applying them to youth players that are physically and mentally still maturing. This is wrong. The NHL penalties do not work for youth players as a method to best reduce risk of harm to the players. The failure to make the calls is one issue I already addressed but the failure to use a penalty that actually shapes and prevent behavior is evident and it must be addressed aggressively.
There is argument to remove checking from youth ice hockey. I do not believe this is needed. Checking is not the issue. Reckless hitting and abusive bullying physical hits are the problem. I believe 98% of the players play with respect but make mistakes. I believe that 2% of the players intend to bully and harm and are allowed to get away with it. The solution is in increasing penalties for the most dangerous hit in youth ice hockey. The solution is in removing the reckless players quickly and immediately from the game. Further discipline can occur later if merited.
Institute a mandatory 5 minute major penalty for checking or forcefully contacting a player in the neck, head, and back. The player should also receive an automatic 10 minute misconduct. You have to understand a 2 minute penalty for elbowing or a 2 and 10 for boarding is weak. Discretion is less important than just strong penalties. The 5 minute major impacts the player, the coach and team, and the 10 minute misconduct removes the player. If the player can’t follow the zero tolerance rules of USA Hockey when penalized, eject the player. I don’t understand what youth ice hockey is afraid of. You are the adults in a youth league. Penalize the problem players, educate them, and remove them if they can’t learn and get along.
A player that receives two penalties for checking or contacting the head, neck, or back of a player, shall be suspended from immediate game play. The bench will have to serve the 5 minute major penalty and the 10 minute misconduct. Hit the players and team where it hurts if you truly want to reduce the most dangerous behaviors in youth ice hockey. If a team continues to get penalties like the above, I would suggest removing goals from their score and forfeiting games. The strength of these penalties will not harm competitive play and it will raise the standard of safety in youth ice hockey. A win win situation.
Finally, USA Hockey has set standards aimed at best managing a great sport. There is hope to expand youth ice hockey in the United States. There is desire to teach players, improve safety, and create a great experience for the player and parents. Changing checking to Bantam level without addressing my concerns but more so without ensuring clubs, leagues, and referees follow what has already been outlined by USA Hockey, will only mask the problem of injuries coming from reckless hitting. The emperor wasn’t wearing clothes. Rewriting your policies and procedures, without ensuring USA Hockey standards are followed to the highest degree and failing to deliver strong penalties for dangerous hits and contact, is like walking naked on the ice surface and saying you have latest in stealth impact protection.
Gary Pilarchik
To All Participants of USA Hockey,
Youth ice hockey is a physical sport. It is not a reckless sport. Youth ice hockey is made of up several components; leagues, clubs, parents, and youth players that typically take their lead from USA Hockey. USA Hockey sets standard and provides educational material to address the safety and educational needs of the players, coaches, clubs, and leagues.
I have been involved with youth ice hockey for 5 years. There is a systemic flaw that I believe USA Hockey must address. You are the leaders and your name is being used by leagues and clubs. That flaw is the failure of leagues and clubs to adequately and fully follow your policies, procedures, and standards.
Leagues and clubs are selling themselves based on USA Hockey standards; however these standards aren’t being fully followed, enforced, or implemented to the highest possible degree. USA Hockey’s zero tolerance policy is a good example of a standard that is not fully followed or enforced by clubs and leagues. The scale of this systemic flaw is epidemic, in my opinion, but I recognize it varies from club to club or league to league. There are many leagues and clubs that do a good job. This is not about them.
I also believe that this flaw is not necessary a purposeful act on behalf of leagues and clubs but none the less it occurs. The failure to fully utilize and enforce USA Hockey standards leads to the harm of youth ice hockey players. I will not accept this as a part of business as usual. USA Hockey must demonstrate a proactive role in ensuring leagues and clubs fully meet USA Hockey standard. Point and period. You also need a clear direct method for parents and participants to direct concerns back to USA Hockey. A method that involves a timely response to our concerns.
The flaw is not only held by the above mention but also by the referee associations. The referees are not effectively trained or educated to make calls as indicated by USA Hockey. Rules are not enforced as written. You can not hide behind the word "discretionary". I just reviewed USA Hockey's new checking packet with regard to rule changes. After 150 hockey games, I can tell you that referees rarely make a call with regard to checking being a play for the puck. Checking has morphed into a NHL standard of free hits to the player with the puck, near the puck, or who has delivered the puck. This is the biggest cause of injury. Failure to differentiate between hitting and checking is a problem. It is what causes the greatest harm to our children.
Discretionary calling is not of value to youth ice hockey. The gray area is not effective for teaching youth players how to manage their behavior. While USA Hockey has very clear and easily identifiable standards for proper and improper checking and reckless contact; it seems the referees miss far too many penalties. Two players, for instance, received full straight armed punches last week, in a game I saw, to their face guards, after the whistles. The penalty for one was 2 minutes for head contact and the other one was just broken up. Is this discretion? What tone did the referees set in this game? The coach of that team, on his own, suspended the players for one game each. Where were the referees? Why is there such disparity in what to call?
I might argue that failure to clearly, fully, and accurately referee games is of more harm to the youth players then clubs and leagues that fail to follow USA Hockey standards to the letter. Spare me the discretionary rhetoric of the referee calls. While you all (all being everyone involved) hide behind “ref’s discretion”, youth players are seriously injured. The tone and safety of a game is set by the referees. If the referees fail to call a clean tight game immediately as outlined by USA Hockey, the youth players will push limits. Adults are responsible for managing the youth players.
How do you address the failure of the refereeing system? The blame is not on the referee. The first step is to increase the number of referees on ice or implement an off ice official that function only to enforce USA Hockey’s zero tolerance policy and enforce improper checking, contact to the head, neck, or back, and other behaviors that put youth players at risk. It is not acceptable to leave a such a significant component of youth ice hockey (refereeing) undertrained and under-supported. Support the referees with education and man-power. Do not blame individuals. Standards of practice can not only be on paper, they must be standards demonstrated in action. I believe USA Hockey has a clear responsiblity to ensure their standards are enacted at all levels of youth ice hockey, to the highest possible degree.
The second step is to provide adequate training and support to the referees so they can best understand how to manage a game. This requires a 10 fold increase in referee evaluations and a mechanism to get immediate feedback from players, parents, coaches, and clubs to respected referee associations. Discretionary calling is not an excuse for poor work quality. You have to increase the number of evaluated games and you have to do it as “surprise evaluations”. The referees need to be taught to error on the side of safety and not reckless play and realize at anytime their game may be evaluated. The good referees will only get better and the poor referees will learn or leave.
In addition to these steps, strong referees must be rewarded and poor referees disciplined. I am aware that pieces of my above suggestions exist. They need to be improved apon. The current system, to ensure the games are called with the highest standards to match USA Hockey’s rules and regulations is weak, to the point of neglect for the safety of our youth players. You must address the system of refereeing and policing safety in youth ice hockey games. This neglect will utimately fall on USA Hockey, if not addressed.
Finally, the penalties for youth players need to be different the NHL. You currently have it backwards. The clubs, leagues, and USA Hockey are taking penalties that are used for elite athletes and applying them to youth players that are physically and mentally still maturing. This is wrong. The NHL penalties do not work for youth players as a method to best reduce risk of harm to the players. The failure to make the calls is one issue I already addressed but the failure to use a penalty that actually shapes and prevent behavior is evident and it must be addressed aggressively.
There is argument to remove checking from youth ice hockey. I do not believe this is needed. Checking is not the issue. Reckless hitting and abusive bullying physical hits are the problem. I believe 98% of the players play with respect but make mistakes. I believe that 2% of the players intend to bully and harm and are allowed to get away with it. The solution is in increasing penalties for the most dangerous hit in youth ice hockey. The solution is in removing the reckless players quickly and immediately from the game. Further discipline can occur later if merited.
Institute a mandatory 5 minute major penalty for checking or forcefully contacting a player in the neck, head, and back. The player should also receive an automatic 10 minute misconduct. You have to understand a 2 minute penalty for elbowing or a 2 and 10 for boarding is weak. Discretion is less important than just strong penalties. The 5 minute major impacts the player, the coach and team, and the 10 minute misconduct removes the player. If the player can’t follow the zero tolerance rules of USA Hockey when penalized, eject the player. I don’t understand what youth ice hockey is afraid of. You are the adults in a youth league. Penalize the problem players, educate them, and remove them if they can’t learn and get along.
A player that receives two penalties for checking or contacting the head, neck, or back of a player, shall be suspended from immediate game play. The bench will have to serve the 5 minute major penalty and the 10 minute misconduct. Hit the players and team where it hurts if you truly want to reduce the most dangerous behaviors in youth ice hockey. If a team continues to get penalties like the above, I would suggest removing goals from their score and forfeiting games. The strength of these penalties will not harm competitive play and it will raise the standard of safety in youth ice hockey. A win win situation.
Finally, USA Hockey has set standards aimed at best managing a great sport. There is hope to expand youth ice hockey in the United States. There is desire to teach players, improve safety, and create a great experience for the player and parents. Changing checking to Bantam level without addressing my concerns but more so without ensuring clubs, leagues, and referees follow what has already been outlined by USA Hockey, will only mask the problem of injuries coming from reckless hitting. The emperor wasn’t wearing clothes. Rewriting your policies and procedures, without ensuring USA Hockey standards are followed to the highest degree and failing to deliver strong penalties for dangerous hits and contact, is like walking naked on the ice surface and saying you have latest in stealth impact protection.
Gary Pilarchik
Hockey versus Checking: Needed Rules Changes in Youth Ice Hockey
Hitting and checking are not one in the same. Finishing your check is just code for hitting the player. Hitting was added as a statistic to track in the NHL but checking is not a statistic? The area is blurred. Hitting and checking are not one in the same. Youth ice hockey is not the NHL and leagues, clubs, parents, and USA Hockey are responsible for teaching the youth players the difference. Safety is taught not hoped for or wished. Hitting and checking are not one in the same. Address this difference in youth ice hockey now.
What is the difference between a hit and a check? It is really quite simple. A player with the puck is checked in order to move that player off the puck. A check is used to gain control of the puck or break up the play. The key here is possession of the puck. Checking a player that doesn’t have the puck is interference. Checking a player the passes the puck away, is still interference. He does not have the puck. You don’t agree? Research the game from the beginning. Watch a few games from the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s.
Hitting is well… contacting a player that doesn’t have the puck under the disguise of checking. It really is interference.
Somehow it became acceptable in the NHL to hit players after they delivered the puck or better known as finishing the check. Finishing is what? If the player just released the puck as contact was made? Released the puck for 1 second, 2 seconds, or more? Or is a player free to hit the guy that passed the puck until that puck is touched by another player? What exactly are the rules? There aren’t any. It is discretionary. And these discretionary calls have no place in youth ice hockey. Zero, none, nada – Youth ice hockey is not the NHL. Treat it that way.
My son is good shoulder checker. This weekend I saw some good hip checks. All done on players that had the puck. The check was done as a skill to gain control of the puck or break up the play on a player that was carrying the puck. Youth ice hockey can not have gray areas. You can not allow players to hit under the idea they are checking. If you believe gray areas must exist in youth ice hockey then error on the side of protecting the youth players. I also saw players hurt that were hit well after they delivered the puck. Well after, as in, the referees turned away to follow the puck and the players were then hit.
Youth ice hockey is not a complicated support to manage. What is difficult is changing the mindset or culture of youth ice hockey. Let me say this again – Youth ice hockey is not the NHL. Adapt rules that manage a youth league. Here you go… simple.
A player can only be checked if they are in control of the puck. The puck must be on their stick. If a player is checked who is without immediate possession of the puck a 2 minute interference penalty will be called.
Checking or contacting a player in the head, neck, or back is an automatic 5 minute major and a 10 minute misconduct. Harsh penalties for the most dangerous behavior.
Immediate game suspension for a player that receives a 2nd penalty for checking or contacting a player in the head, neck, or back. The player is ejected from the game and a bench player must serve a 5 minute major penalty.
A team receiving three penalties for checking or contacting a player in the head, neck, or back with forfeit 1 point/goal. Each additional penalty of this type will cost the team 1 point and a 5 minute major penalty will be given.
Now I am not saying these rules must be adopted as I wrote them. I am saying it is quite easy to significantly penalize the most dangerous behaviors in youth ice hockey. We are adults and adults are absolutely 100% responsible for making youth ice hockey safer.
Any delays at this juncture, with the current knowledge on concussions, is just plain negligent. Stop protecting reckless behavior and reckless players. Teach the players how to check and play physically. Significantly punish the dangerous behaviors. Remove the players that repeat offenses in the game quickly and punish the team for these dangerous behaviors. This is not a difficult choice. It will not harm competitive game play. It will only save harm to our children.
What is the difference between a hit and a check? It is really quite simple. A player with the puck is checked in order to move that player off the puck. A check is used to gain control of the puck or break up the play. The key here is possession of the puck. Checking a player that doesn’t have the puck is interference. Checking a player the passes the puck away, is still interference. He does not have the puck. You don’t agree? Research the game from the beginning. Watch a few games from the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s.
Hitting is well… contacting a player that doesn’t have the puck under the disguise of checking. It really is interference.
Somehow it became acceptable in the NHL to hit players after they delivered the puck or better known as finishing the check. Finishing is what? If the player just released the puck as contact was made? Released the puck for 1 second, 2 seconds, or more? Or is a player free to hit the guy that passed the puck until that puck is touched by another player? What exactly are the rules? There aren’t any. It is discretionary. And these discretionary calls have no place in youth ice hockey. Zero, none, nada – Youth ice hockey is not the NHL. Treat it that way.
My son is good shoulder checker. This weekend I saw some good hip checks. All done on players that had the puck. The check was done as a skill to gain control of the puck or break up the play on a player that was carrying the puck. Youth ice hockey can not have gray areas. You can not allow players to hit under the idea they are checking. If you believe gray areas must exist in youth ice hockey then error on the side of protecting the youth players. I also saw players hurt that were hit well after they delivered the puck. Well after, as in, the referees turned away to follow the puck and the players were then hit.
Youth ice hockey is not a complicated support to manage. What is difficult is changing the mindset or culture of youth ice hockey. Let me say this again – Youth ice hockey is not the NHL. Adapt rules that manage a youth league. Here you go… simple.
A player can only be checked if they are in control of the puck. The puck must be on their stick. If a player is checked who is without immediate possession of the puck a 2 minute interference penalty will be called.
Checking or contacting a player in the head, neck, or back is an automatic 5 minute major and a 10 minute misconduct. Harsh penalties for the most dangerous behavior.
Immediate game suspension for a player that receives a 2nd penalty for checking or contacting a player in the head, neck, or back. The player is ejected from the game and a bench player must serve a 5 minute major penalty.
A team receiving three penalties for checking or contacting a player in the head, neck, or back with forfeit 1 point/goal. Each additional penalty of this type will cost the team 1 point and a 5 minute major penalty will be given.
Now I am not saying these rules must be adopted as I wrote them. I am saying it is quite easy to significantly penalize the most dangerous behaviors in youth ice hockey. We are adults and adults are absolutely 100% responsible for making youth ice hockey safer.
Any delays at this juncture, with the current knowledge on concussions, is just plain negligent. Stop protecting reckless behavior and reckless players. Teach the players how to check and play physically. Significantly punish the dangerous behaviors. Remove the players that repeat offenses in the game quickly and punish the team for these dangerous behaviors. This is not a difficult choice. It will not harm competitive game play. It will only save harm to our children.
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Zdeno Skates Free and Player Recovers From A Broken Neck?
I can't understand this but read the clip below. More so this is what my concern is with youth ice hockey. Failure to crack down on reckless players, reckless hits, impact to smaller players from obscenely large players, hits to the neck, head, and back, and hits to players that DON'T have the puck aren't hockey plays. Hitting and checking are not the same thing. Hockey is physical sport but it can be better managed with better rules, better education, and better policies to address problem behavior.
Removing checking is not the answer. Removing the problem players and penalizing their actions strongly is the answer. It is time to modernize youth ice hockey. Protect the players and develop more highly skilled players. They are kids, protect them, teach them, and discipline their actions. The NHL can't get it right, youth ice hockey can.
Clipped From Yahoo
By Cotsonika The Full Article
So it was just an accident? So Zdeno Chara didn’t do anything wrong when he hit Max Pacioretty? So it isn’t Chara’s fault that Pacioretty’s head smacked into a stanchion between the benches and Pacioretty suffered a concussion and a broken neck?
The NHL decided against further discipline on Zdeno Chara for his devastating hit on Max Pacioretty.
So Chara skates free – other than the major penalty for interference and the game misconduct he received Tuesday night in the Boston Bruins’ 4-1 loss to the Montreal Canadiens – while Pacioretty faces a long, difficult recovery and an uncertain future?
I accept that accidents happen in hockey. Guys get hurt. It’s a contact sport.
And I have to admire the guts of NHL vice-president of hockey operations Mike Murphy, who reviewed video of the incident, conducted a telephone hearing with Chara and announced Wednesday that he could “find no basis to impose supplemental discipline,” knowing full well the outcry that would come from at least some corners of the hockey world.
But nothing?
“This was a hockey play that resulted in an injury because of the player colliding with the stanchion and then the ice surface,” Murphy said in a statement.
OK. It was a hockey play. But it comes at a time when concussions and questionable hits are plaguing the game, and the result was so severe and the punishment so light that you have to wonder: Why is this a hockey play? What’s next? Will a player be paralyzed? Will somebody die?
Removing checking is not the answer. Removing the problem players and penalizing their actions strongly is the answer. It is time to modernize youth ice hockey. Protect the players and develop more highly skilled players. They are kids, protect them, teach them, and discipline their actions. The NHL can't get it right, youth ice hockey can.
Clipped From Yahoo
By Cotsonika The Full Article
So it was just an accident? So Zdeno Chara didn’t do anything wrong when he hit Max Pacioretty? So it isn’t Chara’s fault that Pacioretty’s head smacked into a stanchion between the benches and Pacioretty suffered a concussion and a broken neck?
The NHL decided against further discipline on Zdeno Chara for his devastating hit on Max Pacioretty.
So Chara skates free – other than the major penalty for interference and the game misconduct he received Tuesday night in the Boston Bruins’ 4-1 loss to the Montreal Canadiens – while Pacioretty faces a long, difficult recovery and an uncertain future?
I accept that accidents happen in hockey. Guys get hurt. It’s a contact sport.
And I have to admire the guts of NHL vice-president of hockey operations Mike Murphy, who reviewed video of the incident, conducted a telephone hearing with Chara and announced Wednesday that he could “find no basis to impose supplemental discipline,” knowing full well the outcry that would come from at least some corners of the hockey world.
But nothing?
“This was a hockey play that resulted in an injury because of the player colliding with the stanchion and then the ice surface,” Murphy said in a statement.
OK. It was a hockey play. But it comes at a time when concussions and questionable hits are plaguing the game, and the result was so severe and the punishment so light that you have to wonder: Why is this a hockey play? What’s next? Will a player be paralyzed? Will somebody die?
Devastating Hit By Chara after the Puck is Passed
I have high expectations for changes in the CBHL. What I noticed over the last few weeks is the number of marginal reckless hits on youth players well after they deliver or move the puck. In my sons case, the referee didn't see them. It is evident that youth ice hockey needs to step up its standards, add referees, improve penalities, and set a better zero tolerance tone. Many good things come out of the CBHL, it is time to fix the problems and improve safety. Check out this hit by Zdeno Chara... well after the puck is moved. Reckless.
It is called in French. But you can hear the tone. This type of stuff happens in youth ice hockey. It is not about INTENT. It is about bad reckless hockey that is not fully penalized to the degree it must be penalized. You can not let youth players get away with reckless play. Please address this. Ther must be zero tolerance for this type of hit, hits to the head, neck, and back. Remove them from the immediate game. Penalize appropriately with supsensions and require eductation.
Max Pacioretty stretchered off after devastating Zdeno Chara hit
By Greg Wyshynski
Max Pacioretty(notes) and Zdeno Chara(notes) have history, stemming from their postgame shoving match in January. With just under 16 seconds remaining in the second period on Tuesday night, their rivalry took a stunning and disturbing turn: Chara rode Pacioretty into the glass between the benches, leaving him motionless on the ice before he was taken off on a stretcher:
Chara was given a 5-minute major for interference and a game misconduct. The refs declared the period over. The Canadiens told the AP that Pacioretty was "conscious and moving his extremities when he was taken to the hospital for observation."
Scary, scary scene ... but was it intentional? Clearly, Pacioretty had nudged the puck ahead and Chara finished a check to take him out of the play. The interference call was correct; the major was based on the injury. Was it a case of reckless play by Chara or simply unfortunate geography for the hit on Pacioretty?
It is called in French. But you can hear the tone. This type of stuff happens in youth ice hockey. It is not about INTENT. It is about bad reckless hockey that is not fully penalized to the degree it must be penalized. You can not let youth players get away with reckless play. Please address this. Ther must be zero tolerance for this type of hit, hits to the head, neck, and back. Remove them from the immediate game. Penalize appropriately with supsensions and require eductation.
Max Pacioretty stretchered off after devastating Zdeno Chara hit
By Greg Wyshynski
Max Pacioretty(notes) and Zdeno Chara(notes) have history, stemming from their postgame shoving match in January. With just under 16 seconds remaining in the second period on Tuesday night, their rivalry took a stunning and disturbing turn: Chara rode Pacioretty into the glass between the benches, leaving him motionless on the ice before he was taken off on a stretcher:
Chara was given a 5-minute major for interference and a game misconduct. The refs declared the period over. The Canadiens told the AP that Pacioretty was "conscious and moving his extremities when he was taken to the hospital for observation."
Scary, scary scene ... but was it intentional? Clearly, Pacioretty had nudged the puck ahead and Chara finished a check to take him out of the play. The interference call was correct; the major was based on the injury. Was it a case of reckless play by Chara or simply unfortunate geography for the hit on Pacioretty?
Saturday, March 5, 2011
NHL Suspends Player 10 More Game: He lost privilege to play!
Well read the cut of the article below from Yahoo Sports. A repeat offender, 1 game back, gets 10 more games suspension. Colin Campbell clearly stated it isn't about the outcome of the hit and injury... it's about intent. Maybe youth ice hockey will get it right this Spring and draft new rules and punishments based on reckless players, intent, and just head, neck, and back contact. It is just plain silly to support the problem players. Dump them. Give them a chance and dump them if they fail to follow the rules.
My son heads into the playoffs. They may face a player that has injured players numerous times. Perhaps that player is suspended, maybe he got his act together. I will be watching the first game, my son plays in the second game. I'll be very curious to see how the clubs step up to protect the players. If it is the same old same old... there will be a lot of angry parents with voices. The article below is about intent and not tolerating hits that can lead to harm. Youth ice hockey needs to grow up and get some real rules to protect the youth players.
In retaliation for Clutterbuck’s hit on Islanders rookie Justin DiBenedetto(notes), that drew a boarding penalty, Gillies drilled Clutterbuck and was given a major penalty for checking from behind and ejected.
Clutterbuck stayed in the game and then played Thursday at the New York Rangers.
“By targeting his opponent’s head, (four) shifts into his first game back from a suspension for a very similar action, Mr. Gillies has forfeited his privilege of playing in the league for 10 games,” NHL disciplinarian Colin Campbell said in a statement. “While it is fortunate there was no injury on the play, there can be no justification for a player delivering a dangerous check to an opponent in this manner.”
Gillies earned a nine-game suspension for charging Pittsburgh forward Eric Tangradi(notes) and hitting him high with an elbow before landing several punches in the brawl-marred game with the Penguins last month. Tangradi, who sustained a concussion, was also taunted by Gillies as he got back onto his skates.
My son heads into the playoffs. They may face a player that has injured players numerous times. Perhaps that player is suspended, maybe he got his act together. I will be watching the first game, my son plays in the second game. I'll be very curious to see how the clubs step up to protect the players. If it is the same old same old... there will be a lot of angry parents with voices. The article below is about intent and not tolerating hits that can lead to harm. Youth ice hockey needs to grow up and get some real rules to protect the youth players.
In retaliation for Clutterbuck’s hit on Islanders rookie Justin DiBenedetto(notes), that drew a boarding penalty, Gillies drilled Clutterbuck and was given a major penalty for checking from behind and ejected.
Clutterbuck stayed in the game and then played Thursday at the New York Rangers.
“By targeting his opponent’s head, (four) shifts into his first game back from a suspension for a very similar action, Mr. Gillies has forfeited his privilege of playing in the league for 10 games,” NHL disciplinarian Colin Campbell said in a statement. “While it is fortunate there was no injury on the play, there can be no justification for a player delivering a dangerous check to an opponent in this manner.”
Gillies earned a nine-game suspension for charging Pittsburgh forward Eric Tangradi(notes) and hitting him high with an elbow before landing several punches in the brawl-marred game with the Penguins last month. Tangradi, who sustained a concussion, was also taunted by Gillies as he got back onto his skates.
Thursday, March 3, 2011
We Couldn't Create it But Found One with the Montgomery Club
Wow... The Montogomery Club is offereing many things. An 8 game non-checking Spring League, an instructional scrimmage program, power skating, skills clinics, shooting clinics, and elite clinics. It is open to all youth players.
Montgomery Youth Hockey Association (MYHA)and the Rockville Ice Arena Spring Programs
All Programs are open to all boy and girl players from MYHA or outside MYHA. All programs have limited openings and will be filled on a first come basis. All programs except Cabin John Instructional will be held at the Rockville Ice Arena.
Schedules for all programs will be posted at MYHA.ORG.
REGISTRATION PROCESS
You can register three ways for any spring program:
1.) On-line at MYHA.ORG. Click on “Spring Registration On-Line” or go to the Rockville Ice Arena web site at rockvilleicearena.com and click on “Spring Registration On-Line”. Credit Card only payment for on-line registration.
2.) Complete the enclosed registration form and mail to Rockville Ice Arena 50 Southlawn Ct Rockville, MD 20850. Check only payment for mail in registration.
3.) Complete the enclosed registration form and bring to the Rockville Ice Arena. Check only payment for walk in registration.
You will receive an email confirmation of your registration within 7 days of your registration. If you are not already registered with USA Hockey, please register with USA Hockey on-line. Instructions for the USA Hockey registration are at the end of this booklet
THERE WILL BE NO REFUNDS FOR ANY REASON FOR REQUESTS RECEIVED AFTER APRIL 1 NO EXCEPTIONS. All requests for a refund must be IN WRITING and mailed to MYHA 50 Southlawn Court Rockville, MD 20850.
Spring League
What: Once a week fun league to keep your skills sharp. There will be four levels of play: Atoms/Mites, Squirts, Peewees, and Bantams/Midgets. This will be an 8 session program. There will be no checking at ay level of play and full equipment is required. A jersey will be provided for this program.
Who: All House and Travel players. The player should register for the level he/she is playing this season.
When: The spring league will play on Saturdays and will start on Saturday, April 2 and will conclude on Saturday, June 11 except for Saturday April 16, April 23, and May 28 when there will be no games. The team assignments and season schedules will not be determined until March 28, 2011 and at that time will be posted on MYHA.ORG.
Time: Most of the game slots will be on Saturday between the hours of 8:30 AM and 8:00 PM. Time slots on Saturday for each level will vary from week to week.
Cost: $310 per player for all levels.
Instructional Scrimmage
What: Once a week scrimmage play to sharpen your skills. This is the next step in hockey for the MYHA Instructional player. After months of working on your skills, it is time to play some games and have some fun. There will be four levels of play which will be determined at the conclusion of Registration from Youngest to Oldest. Coaches will be on the ice for the first couple of weeks to teach the players the rules of hockey and to help explain the game. This is a great opportunity to get out and get some game experience. This will be an 8 session program. There will be no checking at any level of play and full equipment is required.
Who: All Instructional level players.
When: The Instructional Scrimmage will play on Sundays and will start on Sunday, April 3 and will conclude on Sunday, June 12 except for Sunday, April 17, April 24, and May 29 when there will be no games. The team assignments and season schedules will not be determined until March 28, 2011 and at that time will be posted on MYHA.ORG.
Time: Sunday afternoon slots range from 4:25 PM to 5:25 PM, 4:50 – 5:50 PM, 5:25 PM to 6:25 PM, and 5:50 – 6:50 PM. The younger the player the earlier they will start.
Cost: $310 per player for all levels.
Instructional Program
What: Once a week clinic to introduce the new player to the fundamentals of hockey. There will be a total of 8 sessions. The player needs to be able to skate at least at the basic level of forward skating and stopping. Full equipment is required for this program. A jersey will be provided for this program.
Who: Any new player.
When: The Instructional Program will be held at the Cabin John Ice Rink and the Rockville Ice Arena. A player can only attend the program/rink they sign up for.
The sessions at Rockville Ice Arena will follow this schedule:
Sunday April 3 3:15 to 4:15 PM
Sunday April 10 3:15 to 4:15 PM
Sunday May 1 3:15 to 4:15 PM
Sunday May 8 3:15 to 4:15 PM
Sunday May 15 3:15 to 4:15 PM
Sunday May 22 3:15 to 4:15 PM
Sunday June 5 3:15 to 4:15 PM
Sunday June 12 3:15 to 4:15 PM
The sessions at Cabin John will follow this schedule:
Saturday April 2 10:45 to 11:45 AM
Saturday April 9 9:45 to 10:45 AM
Saturday April 30 10:45 to 11:45 AM
Saturday May 7 8:30 to 9:30 AM
Saturday May 14 10:45 to 11:45 AM
Saturday May 21 10:45 to 11:45 AM
Saturday June 4 10:45 to 11:45 AM
Saturday June 11 10:45 to 11:45 AM
Cost: $310 per player.
Power Skating Clinics
What: There will be two power skating sessions, 10 & Under and 11 & Older. Full equipment is required for all clinics.
Who: The focus of the Power Skating clinics is to develop strong fundamental skating skills. Heavy emphasis will be placed on Forward/Backward Stride, Edge Control, Forward/Backward Crossovers, Quick Starts, Speed, and Agility. Rob Keegan will make any final decisions as to the proper clinic for a player.
When: There will be two dates/times for the power skating clinics offered.
Program 1 for Power Skating will meet once a week for 8 weeks on Thursday starting on Thursday, April 7 and conclude on Thursday, June 2 except for Thursday, April 21 when there will be no session.
Program 2 for Power Skating will meet once a week for 8 weeks on Sunday starting on April 3 and concluding on Sunday, June 12 except for Sunday, April 17, April 24, and May 29, when there will be no sessions.
Time: Program 1 on Thursday:
Power Skating 10 & Under Session from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM.
Power Skating 11 & Older Session from 6:20 PM to 7:20 PM
Program 2 on Sunday:
Power Skating 10 & Under Session from 2:30 PM to 3:30 PM.
Power Skating 11 & Older Session from 2:50 PM to 3:50 PM
Cost: $310 per player for any clinic.
Skills Clinics
What: There will be two Skills clinics, 10 & Under and 11 & Older. Full equipment is required for all clinics.
Who: The focus of the Skills clinics will be to develop strong fundament al puck skills. Heavy emphasis will be placed on Stickhandling, Puck Control, Passing, and Shooting skills. Rob Keegan will make any final decisions as to the proper clinic for a player
When: There will be two dates/times for the skills clinics offered.
Program 1 will meet once a week for 8 weeks on Thursday starting on Thursday, April 7 and conclude on Thursday, June 2 except for Thursday April 21, when there will be no session.
Program 2 will meet once a week for 8 weeks on Sunday starting on April 3 and concluding on Sunday, June 12 except for Sunday, April 17, April 24, and May 29 when there will be no sessions.
Time: Program 1 on Thursday:
Skills 10 & Under Session from 7:10 PM to 8:10 PM.
Skills 11 & Older Session from 7:30 PM to 8:30 PM
Program 2 on Sunday:
Skills 10 & Under Session from 3:40 PM to 4:40 PM.
Skills 11 & Older Session from 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Cost: $310 per player for any clinic.
Shooting Clinics
What: There will be two Shooting Clinics, 10 & Under and 11 & Older. These Shooting Clinics will focus on the fundamental skills of Shooting. For the 10 & under session we will focus on the fundamentals of the Wrist Shot and Backhand Shot. For the 11 & Older session we will improve players fundamentals in Wrist Shot, Backhand Shot, Snap Shot, Slap Shot, and One-Timers. Both sessions will work on developing a quicker release of the above shots which will increase their goal scoring capabilities. This clinic is NOT just for forwards. The purpose of this clinic is to improve all players’ shooting skills. Full equipment is required for all the clinics.
Who: Any player who played wants to improve their shooting fundamentals as well as their accuracy and velocity with their shot.
When: These sessions will begin on Tuesday, April 5 and conclude on Tuesday, May 31, excluding April 19 when there will be no session.
Time: 10 & Under Session from 7:10 – 8:10 PM
11 & Older Session from 6:00 – 7:00 PM
Cost: $310 per player.
Checking/Defensive Clinic
What: 8 session program that will meet once a week to improve the player’s defensive skill. This clinic is NOT just for defensemen. The purpose of this clinic is to improve all players’ defensive skills. Some of the skills that will be worked on include angling, fore-checking, back checking, body checking, stick checking, containment, defensive zone coverage, etc. These are important skills for all players. Full equipment is required for all the clinics.
Who: Any player who played Peewee or any player who will play Peewee next season. This clinic is highly recommended for current Second Year Squirts as an added emphasis will be placed on the physical aspect of Hockey (i.e. giving and receiving Body Checks.)
When: These sessions will begin on Wednesday, April 6 and conclude on Wednesday, June 1, except Wednesday, April 20 when there will be no session.
Time: Program will meet from 5:50 PM to 6:50 PM
Cost: $310 per player.
Goalie Only Clinics – Younger and Older
What: There will be two sessions, 10 & Under and 11 & Older. The 10 & Under program will focus on the basic goal tender skills of positioning, movement, and body/equipment positions. The 11 & Older Program will work on these same skills but at a higher pace and teach the goalie different positioning in game situations. Full equipment is required for all the clinics.
Who: Christian Yngve will make any final decisions as to the proper clinic for a player.
When: This clinic will be offered on Tuesday night starting on Tuesday, April 5 and conclude on Tuesday, May 31 except for Tuesday, April 19 when there will be no session.
Time: 10 & Under Session from 6:00 to 7:20 PM.
11 & Older Session from 7:30 to 8:50 PM.
Cost: $310 per player for all levels.
Elite Clinics
What: This is an 8 session program that will meet once a week that will focus on high intensity skill development. Over speed training, flow drill and small games will also be included in this clinic. These clinics will be taught by Rob Keegan. There will be 3 sessions: 8 & Under, 10 & Under, and 11 & Older.
Who: Players who played on travel teams or house select teams this past season and are looking for a high tempo clinic and have the skills to skate at this pace. Rob Keegan will make any final decisions as to the proper clinic for a player. Any female player who played for a National Bound or Gold teams may participate in this clinic as well.
When: These sessions will begin on Wednesday, April 6 and conclude on Wednesday, June 1 except for Wednesday, April 20 when there will be no session.
Time: 8 & Under Session from 6:10 PM to 7:10 PM
10 & Under Session from 7:20 PM to 8:20 PM
11 & Older Session from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Cost: $310 per player for any clinic
Montgomery Youth Hockey Association (MYHA)and the Rockville Ice Arena Spring Programs
All Programs are open to all boy and girl players from MYHA or outside MYHA. All programs have limited openings and will be filled on a first come basis. All programs except Cabin John Instructional will be held at the Rockville Ice Arena.
Schedules for all programs will be posted at MYHA.ORG.
REGISTRATION PROCESS
You can register three ways for any spring program:
1.) On-line at MYHA.ORG. Click on “Spring Registration On-Line” or go to the Rockville Ice Arena web site at rockvilleicearena.com and click on “Spring Registration On-Line”. Credit Card only payment for on-line registration.
2.) Complete the enclosed registration form and mail to Rockville Ice Arena 50 Southlawn Ct Rockville, MD 20850. Check only payment for mail in registration.
3.) Complete the enclosed registration form and bring to the Rockville Ice Arena. Check only payment for walk in registration.
You will receive an email confirmation of your registration within 7 days of your registration. If you are not already registered with USA Hockey, please register with USA Hockey on-line. Instructions for the USA Hockey registration are at the end of this booklet
THERE WILL BE NO REFUNDS FOR ANY REASON FOR REQUESTS RECEIVED AFTER APRIL 1 NO EXCEPTIONS. All requests for a refund must be IN WRITING and mailed to MYHA 50 Southlawn Court Rockville, MD 20850.
Spring League
What: Once a week fun league to keep your skills sharp. There will be four levels of play: Atoms/Mites, Squirts, Peewees, and Bantams/Midgets. This will be an 8 session program. There will be no checking at ay level of play and full equipment is required. A jersey will be provided for this program.
Who: All House and Travel players. The player should register for the level he/she is playing this season.
When: The spring league will play on Saturdays and will start on Saturday, April 2 and will conclude on Saturday, June 11 except for Saturday April 16, April 23, and May 28 when there will be no games. The team assignments and season schedules will not be determined until March 28, 2011 and at that time will be posted on MYHA.ORG.
Time: Most of the game slots will be on Saturday between the hours of 8:30 AM and 8:00 PM. Time slots on Saturday for each level will vary from week to week.
Cost: $310 per player for all levels.
Instructional Scrimmage
What: Once a week scrimmage play to sharpen your skills. This is the next step in hockey for the MYHA Instructional player. After months of working on your skills, it is time to play some games and have some fun. There will be four levels of play which will be determined at the conclusion of Registration from Youngest to Oldest. Coaches will be on the ice for the first couple of weeks to teach the players the rules of hockey and to help explain the game. This is a great opportunity to get out and get some game experience. This will be an 8 session program. There will be no checking at any level of play and full equipment is required.
Who: All Instructional level players.
When: The Instructional Scrimmage will play on Sundays and will start on Sunday, April 3 and will conclude on Sunday, June 12 except for Sunday, April 17, April 24, and May 29 when there will be no games. The team assignments and season schedules will not be determined until March 28, 2011 and at that time will be posted on MYHA.ORG.
Time: Sunday afternoon slots range from 4:25 PM to 5:25 PM, 4:50 – 5:50 PM, 5:25 PM to 6:25 PM, and 5:50 – 6:50 PM. The younger the player the earlier they will start.
Cost: $310 per player for all levels.
Instructional Program
What: Once a week clinic to introduce the new player to the fundamentals of hockey. There will be a total of 8 sessions. The player needs to be able to skate at least at the basic level of forward skating and stopping. Full equipment is required for this program. A jersey will be provided for this program.
Who: Any new player.
When: The Instructional Program will be held at the Cabin John Ice Rink and the Rockville Ice Arena. A player can only attend the program/rink they sign up for.
The sessions at Rockville Ice Arena will follow this schedule:
Sunday April 3 3:15 to 4:15 PM
Sunday April 10 3:15 to 4:15 PM
Sunday May 1 3:15 to 4:15 PM
Sunday May 8 3:15 to 4:15 PM
Sunday May 15 3:15 to 4:15 PM
Sunday May 22 3:15 to 4:15 PM
Sunday June 5 3:15 to 4:15 PM
Sunday June 12 3:15 to 4:15 PM
The sessions at Cabin John will follow this schedule:
Saturday April 2 10:45 to 11:45 AM
Saturday April 9 9:45 to 10:45 AM
Saturday April 30 10:45 to 11:45 AM
Saturday May 7 8:30 to 9:30 AM
Saturday May 14 10:45 to 11:45 AM
Saturday May 21 10:45 to 11:45 AM
Saturday June 4 10:45 to 11:45 AM
Saturday June 11 10:45 to 11:45 AM
Cost: $310 per player.
Power Skating Clinics
What: There will be two power skating sessions, 10 & Under and 11 & Older. Full equipment is required for all clinics.
Who: The focus of the Power Skating clinics is to develop strong fundamental skating skills. Heavy emphasis will be placed on Forward/Backward Stride, Edge Control, Forward/Backward Crossovers, Quick Starts, Speed, and Agility. Rob Keegan will make any final decisions as to the proper clinic for a player.
When: There will be two dates/times for the power skating clinics offered.
Program 1 for Power Skating will meet once a week for 8 weeks on Thursday starting on Thursday, April 7 and conclude on Thursday, June 2 except for Thursday, April 21 when there will be no session.
Program 2 for Power Skating will meet once a week for 8 weeks on Sunday starting on April 3 and concluding on Sunday, June 12 except for Sunday, April 17, April 24, and May 29, when there will be no sessions.
Time: Program 1 on Thursday:
Power Skating 10 & Under Session from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM.
Power Skating 11 & Older Session from 6:20 PM to 7:20 PM
Program 2 on Sunday:
Power Skating 10 & Under Session from 2:30 PM to 3:30 PM.
Power Skating 11 & Older Session from 2:50 PM to 3:50 PM
Cost: $310 per player for any clinic.
Skills Clinics
What: There will be two Skills clinics, 10 & Under and 11 & Older. Full equipment is required for all clinics.
Who: The focus of the Skills clinics will be to develop strong fundament al puck skills. Heavy emphasis will be placed on Stickhandling, Puck Control, Passing, and Shooting skills. Rob Keegan will make any final decisions as to the proper clinic for a player
When: There will be two dates/times for the skills clinics offered.
Program 1 will meet once a week for 8 weeks on Thursday starting on Thursday, April 7 and conclude on Thursday, June 2 except for Thursday April 21, when there will be no session.
Program 2 will meet once a week for 8 weeks on Sunday starting on April 3 and concluding on Sunday, June 12 except for Sunday, April 17, April 24, and May 29 when there will be no sessions.
Time: Program 1 on Thursday:
Skills 10 & Under Session from 7:10 PM to 8:10 PM.
Skills 11 & Older Session from 7:30 PM to 8:30 PM
Program 2 on Sunday:
Skills 10 & Under Session from 3:40 PM to 4:40 PM.
Skills 11 & Older Session from 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Cost: $310 per player for any clinic.
Shooting Clinics
What: There will be two Shooting Clinics, 10 & Under and 11 & Older. These Shooting Clinics will focus on the fundamental skills of Shooting. For the 10 & under session we will focus on the fundamentals of the Wrist Shot and Backhand Shot. For the 11 & Older session we will improve players fundamentals in Wrist Shot, Backhand Shot, Snap Shot, Slap Shot, and One-Timers. Both sessions will work on developing a quicker release of the above shots which will increase their goal scoring capabilities. This clinic is NOT just for forwards. The purpose of this clinic is to improve all players’ shooting skills. Full equipment is required for all the clinics.
Who: Any player who played wants to improve their shooting fundamentals as well as their accuracy and velocity with their shot.
When: These sessions will begin on Tuesday, April 5 and conclude on Tuesday, May 31, excluding April 19 when there will be no session.
Time: 10 & Under Session from 7:10 – 8:10 PM
11 & Older Session from 6:00 – 7:00 PM
Cost: $310 per player.
Checking/Defensive Clinic
What: 8 session program that will meet once a week to improve the player’s defensive skill. This clinic is NOT just for defensemen. The purpose of this clinic is to improve all players’ defensive skills. Some of the skills that will be worked on include angling, fore-checking, back checking, body checking, stick checking, containment, defensive zone coverage, etc. These are important skills for all players. Full equipment is required for all the clinics.
Who: Any player who played Peewee or any player who will play Peewee next season. This clinic is highly recommended for current Second Year Squirts as an added emphasis will be placed on the physical aspect of Hockey (i.e. giving and receiving Body Checks.)
When: These sessions will begin on Wednesday, April 6 and conclude on Wednesday, June 1, except Wednesday, April 20 when there will be no session.
Time: Program will meet from 5:50 PM to 6:50 PM
Cost: $310 per player.
Goalie Only Clinics – Younger and Older
What: There will be two sessions, 10 & Under and 11 & Older. The 10 & Under program will focus on the basic goal tender skills of positioning, movement, and body/equipment positions. The 11 & Older Program will work on these same skills but at a higher pace and teach the goalie different positioning in game situations. Full equipment is required for all the clinics.
Who: Christian Yngve will make any final decisions as to the proper clinic for a player.
When: This clinic will be offered on Tuesday night starting on Tuesday, April 5 and conclude on Tuesday, May 31 except for Tuesday, April 19 when there will be no session.
Time: 10 & Under Session from 6:00 to 7:20 PM.
11 & Older Session from 7:30 to 8:50 PM.
Cost: $310 per player for all levels.
Elite Clinics
What: This is an 8 session program that will meet once a week that will focus on high intensity skill development. Over speed training, flow drill and small games will also be included in this clinic. These clinics will be taught by Rob Keegan. There will be 3 sessions: 8 & Under, 10 & Under, and 11 & Older.
Who: Players who played on travel teams or house select teams this past season and are looking for a high tempo clinic and have the skills to skate at this pace. Rob Keegan will make any final decisions as to the proper clinic for a player. Any female player who played for a National Bound or Gold teams may participate in this clinic as well.
When: These sessions will begin on Wednesday, April 6 and conclude on Wednesday, June 1 except for Wednesday, April 20 when there will be no session.
Time: 8 & Under Session from 6:10 PM to 7:10 PM
10 & Under Session from 7:20 PM to 8:20 PM
11 & Older Session from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Cost: $310 per player for any clinic
No Luck With Non Checking Scrimmage and Skills Clinic
We aren't able to get a non checking scrimmage and skills clinic going for between season training. The biggest issue is insurance. In order for it to work we need to be sponsored by a club. Maybe next year with more time and more planning. With club sponsorship we get insured by USA Hockey and the cost returns to a feasible range.
As my son ends his season, he had a concussion, knee injury, and hip injury. Mild thank goodness. It is a contact sport. It is physical. But still a lot more can be done to manage away bad and reckless behavior. The old ways and the old "refs discretion" isn't going to float anymore. Too much is known about head injuries and too little is being done to make changes in youth ice hockey. Our voices are definitely needed to bring change.
I have found interest in two areas... getting rules enforced and getting leagues to change the way they do business and finding additional between season events for my son to learn skills. If you are interested in teaching or making hockey safer for the kids... drop me a line.
As my son ends his season, he had a concussion, knee injury, and hip injury. Mild thank goodness. It is a contact sport. It is physical. But still a lot more can be done to manage away bad and reckless behavior. The old ways and the old "refs discretion" isn't going to float anymore. Too much is known about head injuries and too little is being done to make changes in youth ice hockey. Our voices are definitely needed to bring change.
I have found interest in two areas... getting rules enforced and getting leagues to change the way they do business and finding additional between season events for my son to learn skills. If you are interested in teaching or making hockey safer for the kids... drop me a line.
Bob Probert's Brain had Degenerative Disease
As the hockey season comes to the end the leagues and club bring up businesss for the Next Season. Here is another example of what repeated head trauma does. Protect our children. No hits to the head, neck, or back. Take care of the abusive and violent players. 98% of the players are harmed by the reckless 2% of players. Think about it and improve the safety of youth ice hockey.
"Does ice hockey cause brain damage?" - Slate
Get ready for a lot of that kind of talk, especially from the outsiders who have to specify it's "ice" hockey (what, no field hockey?). For talk about the future of fighting. About hits to the head. About the deleterious and injurious effects of a game played by large men at a high velocity. And, of course, about Sidney, which is right where CBS went with it.
The New York Times reported this morning that the late Bob Probert's brain tissue exhibited "the same degenerative disease, chronic traumatic encephalopathy" that more than 20 deceased NFL players and former NHL tough guy Reggie Fleming had when his brain was posthumously examined by Boston University's Center for the Study of Traumatic Encephalopathy.
Their findings don't spell out anything definitive on hockey's safety ... yet. And their subject was, shall we say, a unique specimen.
From the Times on Probert, who died of heart failure at 45 last summer:
"Does ice hockey cause brain damage?" - Slate
Get ready for a lot of that kind of talk, especially from the outsiders who have to specify it's "ice" hockey (what, no field hockey?). For talk about the future of fighting. About hits to the head. About the deleterious and injurious effects of a game played by large men at a high velocity. And, of course, about Sidney, which is right where CBS went with it.
The New York Times reported this morning that the late Bob Probert's brain tissue exhibited "the same degenerative disease, chronic traumatic encephalopathy" that more than 20 deceased NFL players and former NHL tough guy Reggie Fleming had when his brain was posthumously examined by Boston University's Center for the Study of Traumatic Encephalopathy.
Their findings don't spell out anything definitive on hockey's safety ... yet. And their subject was, shall we say, a unique specimen.
From the Times on Probert, who died of heart failure at 45 last summer:
Monday, February 28, 2011
Predictions and the First Round
1st Navy 28 points
2nd Southern Md 25 points
3rd Huskies 21 points
4th Montgomery 20 points
5th place tie 18 points Reston and Prince William
Well I got the order of the teams right. A bit off on the total numbers. Either way my son starts out the playoffs against Southern Maryland. A team that seems to have our number of late but a team we have also beat twice. Prediction 4-2.... the winning team... the team that best exemplifies team hockey. Both teams have the capacity to win it. At this point the teams have grown, capitalize on mistakes, and that should make for a tight playoff game. What can I say... beat the goalie moving the puck side to side and back-check. Aside from that I hope for no injuries, a nicely ref'd game, and a ball of fun for the Huskies.
2nd Southern Md 25 points
3rd Huskies 21 points
4th Montgomery 20 points
5th place tie 18 points Reston and Prince William
Well I got the order of the teams right. A bit off on the total numbers. Either way my son starts out the playoffs against Southern Maryland. A team that seems to have our number of late but a team we have also beat twice. Prediction 4-2.... the winning team... the team that best exemplifies team hockey. Both teams have the capacity to win it. At this point the teams have grown, capitalize on mistakes, and that should make for a tight playoff game. What can I say... beat the goalie moving the puck side to side and back-check. Aside from that I hope for no injuries, a nicely ref'd game, and a ball of fun for the Huskies.
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Help?: Adding A Between Season Youth Ice Hockey Event
I have a learned a lot about youth ice hockey over the last 6 months. I understand the layers, barriers, problems, and most importantly the passion of the volunteers that make up the clubs and league. I know that people care. I also know that change is difficult and change needs to be made to help protect the children. But change also needs to come to help keep children engaged in ice hockey. We need additional events to continually teach them a highly skilled game. The complexity of skills needed to be a hockey player requires additional teaching formats. As parents, we came up with a between season model to address the above.
We originally went to our club to express our safety concerns and I feel we are supported. How our concerns come to play out in the CBHL, is not the issue right now. I have researched youth hockey to death and found key themes; many players quit when checking occurs, hockey requires players to learn many skills, and checking over-shadows using and learning needed key skills. What does the latter mean? In a game setting the focus players have to put on checking (either checking or avoiding checking) inhibits the full development of other skills. Ill dig out the article later. Basically, it states a club that went to a non-checking format saw players skating, stick-handling, positioning, passing, and shooting skills and abilities improve drastically. Why? The kids could focus their energy on those aspects of the game and not on checking. It makes sense. The answer isn't just remove checking. The answer is to add additional events to engage and teach players.
As parents we wanted a between season event. Many of our kids only play hockey. We tried to develop a skills and non-checking scrimmage clinic. The goal was to give players a 16 session clinic to develop all the above aspects of their game in a full non-checking scrimmage. Our plan was to use 75 minute ice slots. The first 20 minutes would be about key elements of hockey and skills instruction. The remaining part of the session would be a full scrimmage that focused on non-checking game-play and that day's skill-de-jour. It would be a competitive non-checking scrimmage to practice the bazillion other key skills of hockey. Our goal was to add 8 more weeks of hockey to engage and teach the youth players. Our hopes were to maintain their passion, teach them, let them have fun, and remove the checking as a method allow the players to fully focus on the other skills needed to play hockey well. Not a bad idea. Right?
Well we got the ice time. Found 2 coaches. Found interested parents to volunteer to help out. Found players. And then found out insurance would be about $5000. Insurance was the deal buster. All of a sudden it went from like $400 a player to $800 a player. Talk about a barrier to keeping kids involved in hockey... We did find that Metro hockey is offering a similar program with 18 sessions; power skating, skills, and scrimmage. But I don't know Metro hockey.
So here we sit today with an idea for a between season event to teach youth players how to be more skilled and make for a better season next year. We plan to talk to our club and see if they are interested in our idea. They may be too exhausted from managing the season. We would like to fill the gap between the travel season with skills, skills and more skills development. I appreciate the past feedback, I have gotten from readers. I would appreciate help, in figuring out how to make this between season event work. I believe in addressing safety issues but I also believe (and learned) we really need to continually teach our players and keep them engaged in youth hockey. Improving safety doesn't exclude expanding hockey events.
We originally went to our club to express our safety concerns and I feel we are supported. How our concerns come to play out in the CBHL, is not the issue right now. I have researched youth hockey to death and found key themes; many players quit when checking occurs, hockey requires players to learn many skills, and checking over-shadows using and learning needed key skills. What does the latter mean? In a game setting the focus players have to put on checking (either checking or avoiding checking) inhibits the full development of other skills. Ill dig out the article later. Basically, it states a club that went to a non-checking format saw players skating, stick-handling, positioning, passing, and shooting skills and abilities improve drastically. Why? The kids could focus their energy on those aspects of the game and not on checking. It makes sense. The answer isn't just remove checking. The answer is to add additional events to engage and teach players.
As parents we wanted a between season event. Many of our kids only play hockey. We tried to develop a skills and non-checking scrimmage clinic. The goal was to give players a 16 session clinic to develop all the above aspects of their game in a full non-checking scrimmage. Our plan was to use 75 minute ice slots. The first 20 minutes would be about key elements of hockey and skills instruction. The remaining part of the session would be a full scrimmage that focused on non-checking game-play and that day's skill-de-jour. It would be a competitive non-checking scrimmage to practice the bazillion other key skills of hockey. Our goal was to add 8 more weeks of hockey to engage and teach the youth players. Our hopes were to maintain their passion, teach them, let them have fun, and remove the checking as a method allow the players to fully focus on the other skills needed to play hockey well. Not a bad idea. Right?
Well we got the ice time. Found 2 coaches. Found interested parents to volunteer to help out. Found players. And then found out insurance would be about $5000. Insurance was the deal buster. All of a sudden it went from like $400 a player to $800 a player. Talk about a barrier to keeping kids involved in hockey... We did find that Metro hockey is offering a similar program with 18 sessions; power skating, skills, and scrimmage. But I don't know Metro hockey.
So here we sit today with an idea for a between season event to teach youth players how to be more skilled and make for a better season next year. We plan to talk to our club and see if they are interested in our idea. They may be too exhausted from managing the season. We would like to fill the gap between the travel season with skills, skills and more skills development. I appreciate the past feedback, I have gotten from readers. I would appreciate help, in figuring out how to make this between season event work. I believe in addressing safety issues but I also believe (and learned) we really need to continually teach our players and keep them engaged in youth hockey. Improving safety doesn't exclude expanding hockey events.
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Huskies Clinch 3rd in the CBHL and Head to Aston
What at great year for Huskies. Looking way back they started as a team, in a tournament. To everyone's surprise (a pleasant surprise) they took second place in that tournament. They continued to play well, won over 20 games and now are in the CBHL playoffs. The won as a team, the lost as a team, and they have grown as a team.
What will February bring? We have a tournament in Aston next week, which I predict needing our room Sunday night for a game on Monday. We have the CBHL tournament and a finally a DC tournament in March. I can say every player has grown in some capacity in both the mental and physical skills realms. Measures of a truly good year for kids. The tournaments will be a fun end to the season for the players. Let's hope safety prevails and great hockey stems from that... Go Huskies!
What will February bring? We have a tournament in Aston next week, which I predict needing our room Sunday night for a game on Monday. We have the CBHL tournament and a finally a DC tournament in March. I can say every player has grown in some capacity in both the mental and physical skills realms. Measures of a truly good year for kids. The tournaments will be a fun end to the season for the players. Let's hope safety prevails and great hockey stems from that... Go Huskies!
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Youth Ice Hockey: The Quick Starts Forward and Backwards
From HockeyShare.Com: A great resource.
Forward Quick Start
Backward Quick Start 1 of 2
Backward Quick Start 2 of 2
Forward Quick Start
Backward Quick Start 1 of 2
Backward Quick Start 2 of 2
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Huskies Win One of Two and Clinch the Playoffs
The Huskies won against Reston 3-2 Sunday off the support of Lizzy's outstanding work in goal. She snuffed out at least 5 shots that had goal written all over them. Harsh, Noah and AJ added the offense. Strong back-checking by the boys of the red-line helped slow down the assault of Reston. We are in the playoffs, but I have to say Prince William and Reston have stepped up their games. Their speed, passing, and pursuit of the puck not only matched us but passed us this weekend. Taking this paragraph back to were it started... Lizzy saved our bacon and boys battled to snag the win. Let's see how the boys use their practices to patch the holes. They have the talent, they just need to hit the switches together.
Back to basics... pursue, pressure and pass.
Back to basics... pursue, pressure and pass.
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Changing Leagues, Clubs, and the NHL Fines Based on Man Hours Lost
I just read an interesting blog about a hit on a NHL hockey player. The details are as you would expect but the interesting point was what NHL hockey and the NHLPA might be discussing. The word is they are looking to attach financial penalites to the player that harms a player. Something like man hours lost are penalized (fines) to the penalized player. Interesting...
We don't have the luxury in youth ice hockey. I have seen it. A kid is hit in the back and out 4 weeks. The player that gets called for boarding gets maybe a game suspension.
We have been talking with our club and there really seems to be a push to full enforce the USA Hockey's Zero Tolerance Policy. That is great for our club. But the question is how does a League change the rules. Basically, all teams in the league get a vote. A democracy. To keep this short, my point is safety is not a democratic issue when it comes to kids in a youth ice hockey league. I can only hope the CBHL adopts and enforces stricter rules to protect my child and your child. Don't put safety to a vote. Just make it happen.
We don't have the luxury in youth ice hockey. I have seen it. A kid is hit in the back and out 4 weeks. The player that gets called for boarding gets maybe a game suspension.
We have been talking with our club and there really seems to be a push to full enforce the USA Hockey's Zero Tolerance Policy. That is great for our club. But the question is how does a League change the rules. Basically, all teams in the league get a vote. A democracy. To keep this short, my point is safety is not a democratic issue when it comes to kids in a youth ice hockey league. I can only hope the CBHL adopts and enforces stricter rules to protect my child and your child. Don't put safety to a vote. Just make it happen.
Monday, February 7, 2011
Huskies Win this Weekend and Gel
It is my opinion that teams grow in levels and jump up to the next one. They practice practice practice then all of a sudden it gels and they jump. Not individually but as a unit or team. This weekend the things they have been practicing for months seemed common, we might even take it for granted. They passed to the points like it was nothing. Shots were peppered in from the point, where the forwards collected the rebounds. The boys back-checked, passed, and played physically. They could be heard talking, setting up, and covering for each other as positions changed. There was little holding on to the puck and a lot of puck movement. Congrats to the Huskies for peaking in the right month and jumping up to the next level of play.
Since I don't believe in luck though I am very superstitious... here are my predictions. What I do know about the league this year is any of the 6 or 7 teams can land in the top 4. There is that much talent across the league. But being a Huskies fan and always wanting your team to finish in the top 10... I ran my algorithm based on Einsteinium Quantum Dyslexian mathemaphysics or EQD-mp. This is what it predicted. Not me, the equation.
1st Navy 28 points
2nd Southern Md 25 points
3rd Huskies 21 points
4th Montgomery 20 points
5th place tie 18 points Reston and Prince William
However it ends up, any of these team have the talent to make it in the top four. Good luck to them all.
Since I don't believe in luck though I am very superstitious... here are my predictions. What I do know about the league this year is any of the 6 or 7 teams can land in the top 4. There is that much talent across the league. But being a Huskies fan and always wanting your team to finish in the top 10... I ran my algorithm based on Einsteinium Quantum Dyslexian mathemaphysics or EQD-mp. This is what it predicted. Not me, the equation.
1st Navy 28 points
2nd Southern Md 25 points
3rd Huskies 21 points
4th Montgomery 20 points
5th place tie 18 points Reston and Prince William
However it ends up, any of these team have the talent to make it in the top four. Good luck to them all.
Friday, February 4, 2011
My Letter, Thanks, and Hopes for Safety Changes in Youth Ice Hockey
Below is my letter to Bud and the Huskies. I felt the meeting was very productive. I provided 10 suggestions based on my opinion and others ideas. I encourage all parents to write down their suggestions to improve safety and send them forward. None of the ideas are earth shattering. They just need a strong voice. I think we have that in Bud and the Huskies and most of the clubs. We just need to the CBHL to adopt them.
Morning,
I’ve been active and vocal because of player safety and because my son loves hockey. I wanted to really thank you both for your time. I believe there is great concern for the youth players in the Huskies organization and in the CBHL. I realize I am pushing quick change and I do feel the CBHL is on the threshold of significant change to improve the safety of the players. Delay, sadly, means greater chance of harm to children. That concerns drives me.
What I liked about the meeting was that it focused on action and on ideas of change and not on short-comings or excuses. It is understood that parents, coaches, referees, clubs, and the league may be good, bad, and between – yet, good or bad, all pieces have responsibility in quickly reducing risks and addressing best practice safety changes. Parents can’t create change without the club and the club can’t institute change without the league. We can not do this alone. By focusing on and expanding the good within youth ice hockey we can improve youth ice hockey for everyone
I would not down play the Huskies experience, professionalism, and strengths. Making change within the CBHL is the right avenue. However, if the CBHL, as an institution, has become too large, too slow to change, or too overwhelmed… a new league developed by the character of the Huskies, as I witnessed last night, and other passionate parties within the CBHL would be successful. The CBHL has to take a fresh look at its institutional process for prompt changes and see what can be improved. Please don’t let organizational debris slow the process. Waiting brings risks to children. It is the living people that volunteer that make the CBHL successful.
That being said… the method to make behavior change, be it youth ice hockey or employees at Wal-Mart, is structure. Structure, that on a daily basis reinforces, in my opinion, the Zero Tolerance of all unwanted behavior.
I would suggest the following safety issues in some form be adopted into the CBHL. I would be glad to help in away in their design and implementation. I recognize the current system manages the 98% of players, etc very well. But it is the 2% that cause great harm and probably takes up 98% of your time that could be spent elsewhere. These changes will improve safety for 100% of the players but only really impact the 2% of problem characters. 98% of the clubs and club members will applaud these changes and make the acceptance of the changes seamless. If the 2% can’t accept the changes, they can walk out or be shown the door.
1. Adopt a Zero Tolerance Referee/Sportsmanship position that randomly attends games. Their responsibility is behavior. Cost is an issue. It is money well spent. Identify a trigger mechanism that would determine the need of ZT refs for problematic games.
2. Provide parents, coaches, and players feedback questionnaires that can be filled out after each game about key areas of concern. Online would be best. You can’t over rely on penalty minutes. Or use some other sort of game assessment that grades behavior.
3. Institute game video review and educate all parties that video will be used randomly to manage potential problematic behavior and unwanted behavior. Ask for volunteers to video the games. Players, coaches, and parents will be reviewed for behavior. Let people now they are being evaluated. Let them know their actions on video may lead to disciplinary actions. Put it in the player's heads that a referee missing a call is not always a free pass.
4. Print out the core elements of the Zero Tolerance Policy and hang banners on the player benches and in the entrances to all youth ice hockey activities. These elements must be visible 24/7. It is the key to structure change and behavioral change. It is the focusing point for all disciplinary actions.
5. Instruct the Referees to fully enforce all components of Zero Tolerance and have them address the benches before each game for 60 seconds. This focuses the refs, players, and coaches on safety. Every game, every time.
6. Your penalties are too weak for the 2% that do the most harm. Your idea of progressive suspension like in your fighting rule is outstanding. Impacting the bench and outcome of the game is also needed for reckless hits and fouls. Adjust penalties.
7. Problematic players need to be given additional assignments that educate them on their behavior and teach them the appropriate way to behave. You can develop or purchase videos, create written assignments, and volunteer requirements. Most importantly, you must make the punished player earn their way back to the ice, not just serve time. Hockey is not a right, it is a privilege. This should be the CBHL's mantra.
8. You need to engage all parents in some capacity when it comes to their children’s safety and related changes. Surveys, parent advisor positions, work-groups, (what you did last night) monthly meetings, and other mechanism that invests the parents are needed. Several parent positions to the board or in a safety committee might be a starting point. The point is to work together.
9. All volunteers must be trained and supported monthly. Coaches, penalty box guy, score-sheet gal, and mangers. A structured volunteer program will not only create a safer game but will bring you more volunteers. The biggest deterrent to volunteering is lack of organizational support and structure.
10. Finally, you need a best practice standard generated by your clubs for your clubs. My son must be part of USA Hockey to join the club. A club must meet the CBHL’s best practice standards to participate in the League. Take the best components of each club and make it a requirement for all clubs. Again structure.
If you institute rule, structure, and policy changes that solely focus on safety, education, and Zero Tolerance… you will quickly see cultural and behavior change. The greatest barrier right now is fear of change. Identifying and implementing change is easy. Agreeing on change is difficult. I beg all clubs to look toward the greater good of one less injury to a child. Stop protecting the 2%. You don't need them.
You all know what needs to be done, not by my email, but because you all have already identified it and discussed it over the years. Nothing I suggest is new. The road-block now is on agreeing how to do it. Some things need a vote; other things need to be implemented without discussion. Democracy regarding safety improvement is not always the best policy.
Thanks,
Gary
Morning,
I’ve been active and vocal because of player safety and because my son loves hockey. I wanted to really thank you both for your time. I believe there is great concern for the youth players in the Huskies organization and in the CBHL. I realize I am pushing quick change and I do feel the CBHL is on the threshold of significant change to improve the safety of the players. Delay, sadly, means greater chance of harm to children. That concerns drives me.
What I liked about the meeting was that it focused on action and on ideas of change and not on short-comings or excuses. It is understood that parents, coaches, referees, clubs, and the league may be good, bad, and between – yet, good or bad, all pieces have responsibility in quickly reducing risks and addressing best practice safety changes. Parents can’t create change without the club and the club can’t institute change without the league. We can not do this alone. By focusing on and expanding the good within youth ice hockey we can improve youth ice hockey for everyone
I would not down play the Huskies experience, professionalism, and strengths. Making change within the CBHL is the right avenue. However, if the CBHL, as an institution, has become too large, too slow to change, or too overwhelmed… a new league developed by the character of the Huskies, as I witnessed last night, and other passionate parties within the CBHL would be successful. The CBHL has to take a fresh look at its institutional process for prompt changes and see what can be improved. Please don’t let organizational debris slow the process. Waiting brings risks to children. It is the living people that volunteer that make the CBHL successful.
That being said… the method to make behavior change, be it youth ice hockey or employees at Wal-Mart, is structure. Structure, that on a daily basis reinforces, in my opinion, the Zero Tolerance of all unwanted behavior.
I would suggest the following safety issues in some form be adopted into the CBHL. I would be glad to help in away in their design and implementation. I recognize the current system manages the 98% of players, etc very well. But it is the 2% that cause great harm and probably takes up 98% of your time that could be spent elsewhere. These changes will improve safety for 100% of the players but only really impact the 2% of problem characters. 98% of the clubs and club members will applaud these changes and make the acceptance of the changes seamless. If the 2% can’t accept the changes, they can walk out or be shown the door.
1. Adopt a Zero Tolerance Referee/Sportsmanship position that randomly attends games. Their responsibility is behavior. Cost is an issue. It is money well spent. Identify a trigger mechanism that would determine the need of ZT refs for problematic games.
2. Provide parents, coaches, and players feedback questionnaires that can be filled out after each game about key areas of concern. Online would be best. You can’t over rely on penalty minutes. Or use some other sort of game assessment that grades behavior.
3. Institute game video review and educate all parties that video will be used randomly to manage potential problematic behavior and unwanted behavior. Ask for volunteers to video the games. Players, coaches, and parents will be reviewed for behavior. Let people now they are being evaluated. Let them know their actions on video may lead to disciplinary actions. Put it in the player's heads that a referee missing a call is not always a free pass.
4. Print out the core elements of the Zero Tolerance Policy and hang banners on the player benches and in the entrances to all youth ice hockey activities. These elements must be visible 24/7. It is the key to structure change and behavioral change. It is the focusing point for all disciplinary actions.
5. Instruct the Referees to fully enforce all components of Zero Tolerance and have them address the benches before each game for 60 seconds. This focuses the refs, players, and coaches on safety. Every game, every time.
6. Your penalties are too weak for the 2% that do the most harm. Your idea of progressive suspension like in your fighting rule is outstanding. Impacting the bench and outcome of the game is also needed for reckless hits and fouls. Adjust penalties.
7. Problematic players need to be given additional assignments that educate them on their behavior and teach them the appropriate way to behave. You can develop or purchase videos, create written assignments, and volunteer requirements. Most importantly, you must make the punished player earn their way back to the ice, not just serve time. Hockey is not a right, it is a privilege. This should be the CBHL's mantra.
8. You need to engage all parents in some capacity when it comes to their children’s safety and related changes. Surveys, parent advisor positions, work-groups, (what you did last night) monthly meetings, and other mechanism that invests the parents are needed. Several parent positions to the board or in a safety committee might be a starting point. The point is to work together.
9. All volunteers must be trained and supported monthly. Coaches, penalty box guy, score-sheet gal, and mangers. A structured volunteer program will not only create a safer game but will bring you more volunteers. The biggest deterrent to volunteering is lack of organizational support and structure.
10. Finally, you need a best practice standard generated by your clubs for your clubs. My son must be part of USA Hockey to join the club. A club must meet the CBHL’s best practice standards to participate in the League. Take the best components of each club and make it a requirement for all clubs. Again structure.
If you institute rule, structure, and policy changes that solely focus on safety, education, and Zero Tolerance… you will quickly see cultural and behavior change. The greatest barrier right now is fear of change. Identifying and implementing change is easy. Agreeing on change is difficult. I beg all clubs to look toward the greater good of one less injury to a child. Stop protecting the 2%. You don't need them.
You all know what needs to be done, not by my email, but because you all have already identified it and discussed it over the years. Nothing I suggest is new. The road-block now is on agreeing how to do it. Some things need a vote; other things need to be implemented without discussion. Democracy regarding safety improvement is not always the best policy.
Thanks,
Gary
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Questions to Ask Your Club and League About Safety and Risk Reduction
Below are some questions I generated for a club meeting. I am thankful we have a responsive club. These questions might be questions you want to ask your club. They deal with the league our club plays in. I think, as parents, we have the right to know how safety is measured and modified.
Some other questions I have for Thursdays meeting…
I don’t expect they all can or should be answered in the meeting. I was hoping the CBHL could answer them and send the answers to all the parents. We are investing our time and money in the CBHL to teach our children. We expect the CBHL fully delivers what is in their by-laws. That includes all USA Hockey Rules, which inlcudes Zero Tolerance.
1. What tools/metrics are used by the CBHL to track concussions and other injuries? Are the outcomes used to determine the success or failure of implemented safety measures that is reducing the risks to harm?
2. What body oversees the implementation of safety protocols such as Heads Up Hockey? How do you determine what other safety measures need to be developed and implemented?
3. If it wasn’t for the Huskies concern, our persistence, and video… it seems like the only thing used to “assess” game safety is score-sheet penalty minutes. We know referees call games poorly and therefore the score-sheet in no way accurately documents behavior problems or injuries. Are there plans to improve the way games are assessed for safety? I suggest a section on the score-sheets that documents injuries and behavior. Or add volunteers to document game behavior.
4. Why don’t parents or managers have access to disciplinary actions of the Clubs and Leagues? We should know which players get in trouble and how they are punished. These are kids in a public league.
5. Injuries are not related to penalties. How is the CBHL tracking player injuries, causes of injuries, and how is that information used to create safety changes?
6. There appears to be no method to the success or failure of a referee’s ability to manage a game. While some are great others are poor, what is the current system to educated referees, and how do they get feedback on their performance?
7. The CBHL adopts USA Hockey Rules as in their bylaws; Zero Tolerance is part of USA Hockey. Why is it so poorly implemented in the CBHL? It seem like ZT would address many of the problems.
8. As a parent I feel like an unwritten method of the CBHL is to “weather” the storm of parent complaints (Huskies not included). That is we are placated and pacified with the hopes we go away and the season ends. As far as I can tell 9 out of 10 players and families are great. Why not remove the problem behaviors via policy and procedural changes and when that fails expulsion?
9. Does the CBHL even have a safety committee that includes parents, clubs, and board members? A committee that uses injury measurements and data to improve the safety of all youth players and reduce the risks of potential harm.
10. If the CBHL is unwilling to make improvements to best protect the youth players… Would the Huskies organization be willing to take their history, professionalism, and develop a premiere model of youth ice hockey? One that includes addressing all of the above and then some. But most importantly embraces USA Hockey’ Zero Tolerance Policy and ensures it is a living and breathing part of every hockey activity in the new league. I think we could create a national model. I know many people that would get involved and help.
Some other questions I have for Thursdays meeting…
I don’t expect they all can or should be answered in the meeting. I was hoping the CBHL could answer them and send the answers to all the parents. We are investing our time and money in the CBHL to teach our children. We expect the CBHL fully delivers what is in their by-laws. That includes all USA Hockey Rules, which inlcudes Zero Tolerance.
1. What tools/metrics are used by the CBHL to track concussions and other injuries? Are the outcomes used to determine the success or failure of implemented safety measures that is reducing the risks to harm?
2. What body oversees the implementation of safety protocols such as Heads Up Hockey? How do you determine what other safety measures need to be developed and implemented?
3. If it wasn’t for the Huskies concern, our persistence, and video… it seems like the only thing used to “assess” game safety is score-sheet penalty minutes. We know referees call games poorly and therefore the score-sheet in no way accurately documents behavior problems or injuries. Are there plans to improve the way games are assessed for safety? I suggest a section on the score-sheets that documents injuries and behavior. Or add volunteers to document game behavior.
4. Why don’t parents or managers have access to disciplinary actions of the Clubs and Leagues? We should know which players get in trouble and how they are punished. These are kids in a public league.
5. Injuries are not related to penalties. How is the CBHL tracking player injuries, causes of injuries, and how is that information used to create safety changes?
6. There appears to be no method to the success or failure of a referee’s ability to manage a game. While some are great others are poor, what is the current system to educated referees, and how do they get feedback on their performance?
7. The CBHL adopts USA Hockey Rules as in their bylaws; Zero Tolerance is part of USA Hockey. Why is it so poorly implemented in the CBHL? It seem like ZT would address many of the problems.
8. As a parent I feel like an unwritten method of the CBHL is to “weather” the storm of parent complaints (Huskies not included). That is we are placated and pacified with the hopes we go away and the season ends. As far as I can tell 9 out of 10 players and families are great. Why not remove the problem behaviors via policy and procedural changes and when that fails expulsion?
9. Does the CBHL even have a safety committee that includes parents, clubs, and board members? A committee that uses injury measurements and data to improve the safety of all youth players and reduce the risks of potential harm.
10. If the CBHL is unwilling to make improvements to best protect the youth players… Would the Huskies organization be willing to take their history, professionalism, and develop a premiere model of youth ice hockey? One that includes addressing all of the above and then some. But most importantly embraces USA Hockey’ Zero Tolerance Policy and ensures it is a living and breathing part of every hockey activity in the new league. I think we could create a national model. I know many people that would get involved and help.
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Creating a Zero Tolerance Referee: Developing Game Day Safety Habits to Reduce the Risks of Harm
Thank You for the Opportunity,
Two questions I would like addressed at the parent meeting are: (1) how will the CBHL ensure the pattern behavior of specific players and teams that I consider reckless, won’t occur in another game or during the championship games? (2) What is the difficulty of removing players that fail to demonstrate respectful play, and have already been punished and given opportunities to change? I don’t want to hear it is referee discretion.
I understand hockey is a physical sport. It is not a reckless sport. USA Hockey has laid very good foundation rules to manage abusive players, problem behavior, problem parents, and reckless hitting. The CBHL is not enforcing these rules in any responsible manner. Until this is addressed, all players both risk harm and miss opportunities to change their behavior.
This is not about issues with volunteer coaches, parents, missed calls by the referees, or other historical hockey barrier rhetoric that prevents safety changes. This is about maximizing the safety standards of youth ice hockey by using and enforcing written policies and in this case, using and enforcing them within the CBHL.
We are fortunate to have a responsive club but they can not reduce the risk of injuries alone. As parents we must vocally express our concerns. One club making changes does little to change a league.
I have studied the issue and my approach is to address weakness. I, along with other parents have identified problems and at this point I want to offer my solution that removes the arsonist. Currently clubs and parent are left to deal with and put out fires. This is unfair. Let a player determine their path to being expelled. Stop enabling them.
1. Issue the USA Hockey Zero Tolerance Rules to all. Address with the rules, a letter stating this policy will be followed to the T.
2. Purchase banners that state the USA Hockey Zero Tolerance Rules. Have expectations and consequences on the banner for all to see. These should be hung at all events on both benches. Referees should point the banners out to the coaches and players before every game. This will also remind and focus the referees on their responsibilities.
3. Direct and EDUCATE all current on ice referees to meet with each bench prior to the start of game. Both referees should gather the players and state the ZT rules will be enforced 100% and that they will lean toward the ZT rules for marginal hits. Also let the player know that cursing, banging the stick, and behavior fits will merit further penalties. This, as stated, focuses the referees on their responsibilities. Create structures that reinforce and maintain safety habits.
4. Implement a new position immediately that is called the Zero Tolerance Referee. That referee has one function and that is to manage player behavior under the USA Hockey Zero Tolerance Policy. They should be positioned between the penalty boxes. They are responsible for watching ice behavior, player behavior after the whistle, player behavior after a penalty is called, player behavior in the penalty box, and parent behavior. Any violations will merit additional penalties as clearly stated under the ZT rules. Standard referees mange game play.
5. Use volunteers from the Boards to fill the ZT Referee positions for this season. Establish a paid position next year. The cost per game if directed solely to the parents should be an additional $3 per game. This is well worth our children’s safety.
6. Review evidence of problematic players, coaches, and clubs and make a point to fully discipline them this season. If you fail to punish the 2%, you continue to harm the 98%. Focus on the positive players within the clubs and league. Make a statement about what is not tolerated in youth ice hockey.
These six changes will establish an attitude change in the CBHL and it will lead to behavior change and it will develop safety habits. Players, coaches, and parents will have to adapt. Keep in mind 98% of players and parents already manage themselves respectfully. Stop giving the 2% opportunities to continually hurt players and ruin the games. You are allowing the arsonists to build fires you have to put out. Allow them the opportunity to fall in line or fail. It is that simple. Stop making excuses for them to continue to participate in a sport that is not a right, but a privilege.
A final method that would further improve safety standards is the use of yellow and red cards, just like in soccer. Please consider this for next year. This would be the tool of the ZT referee. They would give players, parents, and coaches a yellow warning card that goes along with an additional penalty. You must establish a structure the guides all participants toward understanding Zero Tolerance of bad behavior will be enforced 99% of the time.
My concern is the old ways to discipline behavior don’t work for the 2% that do the most damage to our children. That needs to be addressed immediately.
Please, do not put this off until next year. By addressing this now, you will reduce harm to children and will set the tone for next season. Change is easy and people adapt. The hardest part is just implementing it.
Thanks again,
Gary
Two questions I would like addressed at the parent meeting are: (1) how will the CBHL ensure the pattern behavior of specific players and teams that I consider reckless, won’t occur in another game or during the championship games? (2) What is the difficulty of removing players that fail to demonstrate respectful play, and have already been punished and given opportunities to change? I don’t want to hear it is referee discretion.
I understand hockey is a physical sport. It is not a reckless sport. USA Hockey has laid very good foundation rules to manage abusive players, problem behavior, problem parents, and reckless hitting. The CBHL is not enforcing these rules in any responsible manner. Until this is addressed, all players both risk harm and miss opportunities to change their behavior.
This is not about issues with volunteer coaches, parents, missed calls by the referees, or other historical hockey barrier rhetoric that prevents safety changes. This is about maximizing the safety standards of youth ice hockey by using and enforcing written policies and in this case, using and enforcing them within the CBHL.
We are fortunate to have a responsive club but they can not reduce the risk of injuries alone. As parents we must vocally express our concerns. One club making changes does little to change a league.
I have studied the issue and my approach is to address weakness. I, along with other parents have identified problems and at this point I want to offer my solution that removes the arsonist. Currently clubs and parent are left to deal with and put out fires. This is unfair. Let a player determine their path to being expelled. Stop enabling them.
1. Issue the USA Hockey Zero Tolerance Rules to all. Address with the rules, a letter stating this policy will be followed to the T.
2. Purchase banners that state the USA Hockey Zero Tolerance Rules. Have expectations and consequences on the banner for all to see. These should be hung at all events on both benches. Referees should point the banners out to the coaches and players before every game. This will also remind and focus the referees on their responsibilities.
3. Direct and EDUCATE all current on ice referees to meet with each bench prior to the start of game. Both referees should gather the players and state the ZT rules will be enforced 100% and that they will lean toward the ZT rules for marginal hits. Also let the player know that cursing, banging the stick, and behavior fits will merit further penalties. This, as stated, focuses the referees on their responsibilities. Create structures that reinforce and maintain safety habits.
4. Implement a new position immediately that is called the Zero Tolerance Referee. That referee has one function and that is to manage player behavior under the USA Hockey Zero Tolerance Policy. They should be positioned between the penalty boxes. They are responsible for watching ice behavior, player behavior after the whistle, player behavior after a penalty is called, player behavior in the penalty box, and parent behavior. Any violations will merit additional penalties as clearly stated under the ZT rules. Standard referees mange game play.
5. Use volunteers from the Boards to fill the ZT Referee positions for this season. Establish a paid position next year. The cost per game if directed solely to the parents should be an additional $3 per game. This is well worth our children’s safety.
6. Review evidence of problematic players, coaches, and clubs and make a point to fully discipline them this season. If you fail to punish the 2%, you continue to harm the 98%. Focus on the positive players within the clubs and league. Make a statement about what is not tolerated in youth ice hockey.
These six changes will establish an attitude change in the CBHL and it will lead to behavior change and it will develop safety habits. Players, coaches, and parents will have to adapt. Keep in mind 98% of players and parents already manage themselves respectfully. Stop giving the 2% opportunities to continually hurt players and ruin the games. You are allowing the arsonists to build fires you have to put out. Allow them the opportunity to fall in line or fail. It is that simple. Stop making excuses for them to continue to participate in a sport that is not a right, but a privilege.
A final method that would further improve safety standards is the use of yellow and red cards, just like in soccer. Please consider this for next year. This would be the tool of the ZT referee. They would give players, parents, and coaches a yellow warning card that goes along with an additional penalty. You must establish a structure the guides all participants toward understanding Zero Tolerance of bad behavior will be enforced 99% of the time.
My concern is the old ways to discipline behavior don’t work for the 2% that do the most damage to our children. That needs to be addressed immediately.
Please, do not put this off until next year. By addressing this now, you will reduce harm to children and will set the tone for next season. Change is easy and people adapt. The hardest part is just implementing it.
Thanks again,
Gary
Monday, January 31, 2011
A Letter of Thanks to A Class Team: Huskies Lose 3-1
Hockey isn't about winning. It is so much more. I had to write a letter to the team we played Sunday. No -not a letter because of problems... a letter because they were a class act.
Southern Maryland Sabres,
I wanted to take the time to thank the coaches, parents, and most importantly the players for demonstrating what a youth ice hockey game should be like. I was greatly impressed by all involved because of the level of respect demonstrated, on and off the ice. Your players are big, skilled, and most importantly play respectfully. Their respectful play didn’t prevent them from playing physically; it made them stand out as one of the better clubs and teams in the league.
I wanted to thank the Sabres for restoring some of my hope for what youth ice hockey should be like on a daily basis. The kids played hard, the game was great, they battled, and they skated away having fun. I could not ask for more as a parent.
I have had extremely bad experiences from one parent from another team (on more than one occasion) where he came down yelling, “hockey is hockey let the boy’s play.” Of course I had to remind him hitting players and instructing his child to harm is not hockey. If that wasn’t bad enough he had to start yelling at my wife. I have seen another player from a second team, continually recklessly hit and harm our players. In both cases, I found the CBHL and coaches(of those teams) doing little to address this. To me it is a pattern that needs to be addressed. There seems to be parents, coaches, and clubs that don’t understand this is youth ice hockey. Hockey is physical sport. Hockey is not a reckless sport.
I feel the League and Clubs need to focus on the 98% of youth players that play with safety and respect in mind. When those 98% of kids come to play, you get a game like we had on Sunday. Sadly, I find the other 2% are tolerated and given chance after chance to change. Unfortunately, they don’t learn or change and it is our children that get repeatedly hurt.
Because of the failure of the CBHL to enforce the Zero Tolerance Policy of USA Hockey (thus far); I may not have my child play in the play-offs depending on the team. What I have seen from two unmentioned teams, and I have written letters to the CBHL, is just not youth ice hockey. My club has been great in hearing our concerns and I truly hope we get into and play you in the play-offs. I know what every team would win, would deserve a shot to be CBHL Champions. Your team already is above that title, attitude and game-play has already made them true champions. Your boys and our boys don’t need trophies.
Please let everyone involved know that one parent believes you all are a class hockey act and understand it isn’t about winning, it’s about the youth players, our children. When a victory comes from that, it is so much better for everyone.
Thanks
Southern Maryland Sabres,
I wanted to take the time to thank the coaches, parents, and most importantly the players for demonstrating what a youth ice hockey game should be like. I was greatly impressed by all involved because of the level of respect demonstrated, on and off the ice. Your players are big, skilled, and most importantly play respectfully. Their respectful play didn’t prevent them from playing physically; it made them stand out as one of the better clubs and teams in the league.
I wanted to thank the Sabres for restoring some of my hope for what youth ice hockey should be like on a daily basis. The kids played hard, the game was great, they battled, and they skated away having fun. I could not ask for more as a parent.
I have had extremely bad experiences from one parent from another team (on more than one occasion) where he came down yelling, “hockey is hockey let the boy’s play.” Of course I had to remind him hitting players and instructing his child to harm is not hockey. If that wasn’t bad enough he had to start yelling at my wife. I have seen another player from a second team, continually recklessly hit and harm our players. In both cases, I found the CBHL and coaches(of those teams) doing little to address this. To me it is a pattern that needs to be addressed. There seems to be parents, coaches, and clubs that don’t understand this is youth ice hockey. Hockey is physical sport. Hockey is not a reckless sport.
I feel the League and Clubs need to focus on the 98% of youth players that play with safety and respect in mind. When those 98% of kids come to play, you get a game like we had on Sunday. Sadly, I find the other 2% are tolerated and given chance after chance to change. Unfortunately, they don’t learn or change and it is our children that get repeatedly hurt.
Because of the failure of the CBHL to enforce the Zero Tolerance Policy of USA Hockey (thus far); I may not have my child play in the play-offs depending on the team. What I have seen from two unmentioned teams, and I have written letters to the CBHL, is just not youth ice hockey. My club has been great in hearing our concerns and I truly hope we get into and play you in the play-offs. I know what every team would win, would deserve a shot to be CBHL Champions. Your team already is above that title, attitude and game-play has already made them true champions. Your boys and our boys don’t need trophies.
Please let everyone involved know that one parent believes you all are a class hockey act and understand it isn’t about winning, it’s about the youth players, our children. When a victory comes from that, it is so much better for everyone.
Thanks
Friday, January 28, 2011
Mayo Clinic Injury Reduction & Our Parent Skills and Scrimmage Clinic
A group of parents have purchased 20 blocks of ice for between season hockey. We wanted to provide an alternative method for hockey development between seasonal travel hockey play.We will be opening it to 20 players. The focus of our clinic is skill development and fun.
The players will receive 15 -20 minutes of skill coaching at the beginning of each session. The players will scrimmage for the remainder of the time. It will be a full game atmosphere without checking. Any player that hits to the neck, head, or back will have to sit for the remainder of the session. Hockey is about mental and physical skill development. Our clinic removes checking as a method to allow youth players the opportunity to focus on speed, stick skills, positioning, and other mental aspects of the game without having to worry about getting check. Removing 1 aspect (checking) allows youth players to fully focus on 4 different skill areas of hockey development. We fully believe this we help the youth players develop essential skills and make the better players.
I will present the full model in February.
Below is small cut from an extensive Mayo Clinic study. It is page 32. You can read the entire PDF at this link. The most relevant information to my concerns are pages 30 onward. Mayo Article On Changes to Prevent Youth Ice Hockey Injuries
D. What Needs to be Done?
For several years investigators have tried to catch the attention of hockey’s decision makers by
publishing on the increased risk of injury to children playing in checking leagues.(11, 48) The resistance to change relates to the culture of ice hockey and a fear that such a rule will result in an inferior quality of player. Some coaches in non-checking leagues report on amazing skill development that can occur when players are not afraid of the big hits, but are confident to “go to the net” with speed, finesse and with the puck on their stick. The exemplary work by Emery and colleagues should persuade decision makers to postpone body checking until 14 years of age.(50,51) Decreasing body checking in developmentally immature youngsters, who still lack control over their “on-ice” checking skills, is now an evidence based necessity to decrease concussions in youth hockey.(11,66)
In the breakout session for this sector, hopefully actions on rules, regulations and enforcement will take place.
The players will receive 15 -20 minutes of skill coaching at the beginning of each session. The players will scrimmage for the remainder of the time. It will be a full game atmosphere without checking. Any player that hits to the neck, head, or back will have to sit for the remainder of the session. Hockey is about mental and physical skill development. Our clinic removes checking as a method to allow youth players the opportunity to focus on speed, stick skills, positioning, and other mental aspects of the game without having to worry about getting check. Removing 1 aspect (checking) allows youth players to fully focus on 4 different skill areas of hockey development. We fully believe this we help the youth players develop essential skills and make the better players.
I will present the full model in February.
Below is small cut from an extensive Mayo Clinic study. It is page 32. You can read the entire PDF at this link. The most relevant information to my concerns are pages 30 onward. Mayo Article On Changes to Prevent Youth Ice Hockey Injuries
D. What Needs to be Done?
For several years investigators have tried to catch the attention of hockey’s decision makers by
publishing on the increased risk of injury to children playing in checking leagues.(11, 48) The resistance to change relates to the culture of ice hockey and a fear that such a rule will result in an inferior quality of player. Some coaches in non-checking leagues report on amazing skill development that can occur when players are not afraid of the big hits, but are confident to “go to the net” with speed, finesse and with the puck on their stick. The exemplary work by Emery and colleagues should persuade decision makers to postpone body checking until 14 years of age.(50,51) Decreasing body checking in developmentally immature youngsters, who still lack control over their “on-ice” checking skills, is now an evidence based necessity to decrease concussions in youth hockey.(11,66)
In the breakout session for this sector, hopefully actions on rules, regulations and enforcement will take place.
An Open Letter To Youth Ice Hockey Parents: We Can Make Changes
This is a letter I sent to help raise the voice of parents. We can make changes in youth ice hockey that will reduce harm.
Good Morning,
I want to take the time to thank the Huskies organization for taking our concerns and all parents’ concerns seriously. There is not another club I would choose over the Huskies to represent the safety concerns of our children and youth players.
That being said, there is only so much a single club can do alone. The Huskies have demonstrated through their coaches, volunteers, and club attitude that safety and respect is an expectation of their youth club players. We can proudly see that in our children and coaching staff. It can also be found on the Peewee Blue team. They have 2 large skilled players that play physically, fast, and with respect. They exemplify how a player with size advantage should carry themselves on the ice. They do not play to intimidate and bully, they play to compete and have fun. They are very successful players. I am sure their parents are proud.
I am writing this email and sending this out on my own accord. I would like to encourage you to look at our 36 game season thus far and ask yourself if you feel USA Hockey’s Zero Tolerance Policy is being enforced to the highest level by the CBHL. The CBHL is responsible for the safety of our children. Did you know the rules existed? I don’t believe it is being enforced. I would like you to think about plays you have witnessed that take hockey from the physical sport it is, into the realm of a reckless sport. Have you seen players recklessly hurt?
Do you feel, as I do, that the safety of the 98% of youth players on ice that play respectfully is taking 2nd seat to the 2% of youth players that play without respect, harm repeatedly, and show no remorse? I think those 2% of players, once given the opportunity to change, should be removed, if they still need to learn. They should not (this sounds funny) be given the opportunity to show they learned by hurting or not hurting other players, our children. A pattern is a pattern. One or two tries, then you lose your right to player with other kids. End of story.
I don’t understand why repeat offenders are allowed to continue to play. This is not an adult league - it is a youth league. Hockey is not a right - it is a privilege. They can try again next year. However, keeping them (the 2%) in the league is taking precedence over protecting the other 98%. This is my opinion. It is, however, accurate.
If you are not familiar with Zero Tolerance, please search - USA Hockey Zero Tolerance. You will find a power-point presentation (by USA Hockey) and a summary. It, in short, states a player arguing with a call or demonstrating dissatisfaction must be given a mandatory (100%) 2 minute unsportsmanlike penalty. Continued expression of dissatisfaction will lead to a 10 minute misconduct, and then a game misconduct.
I have spent the last 3 months identifying ways safety can be addressed in youth ice hockey. Some of you may know I have a blog and we have established a website. I learned that Zero Tolerance was created to deal with problematic players and behavior. It was actually designed to help protect referees. If enforced as written, I know players on our team would not have been harmed. I ask you to recall an instance of a player from any team getting additional penalties under the Zero Tolerance Policy of USA Hockey. The CBHL, by the way, has in their by-laws the full adoption of USA Hockey Rules.
I can only recall 1 or 2 instances over a 3 year span that a Zero Tolerance penalty was called. I can, however, recall dozens of instances where it should have been called. Don’t be swayed by the cop-out and systemic barrier of referee’s discretion. This is a youth league and solutions are simple.
The CBHL must make immediate changes, this season. They can institute a Zero Tolerance Referee that stands between the penalty boxes. That referee is solely responsible for overseeing player, parent, and bench behavior. It is quite simple. Very similar to yellow and reds cards in soccer, a player can earn their way to an ejection. The on ice referees can manage the game and the ZT referees can mange behavior and game safety. They both can issue penalties. It is not rocket science. It is simply a process of recognizing this is not the NHL but a youth league. Adapt the rules to fit the needs of maintaining the highest standards of safety. I give the CBHL this solution free of consulting fees. There is no need to drag out discussions in a committee. Just make the change. The yellow card empowers the referee to take the next step. The yellow card signals warning. It is seen by every player and parent. It will reduce injury.
If safety and harm concerns you, now is the time for all concerned parents to speak out more loudly then the hockey rhetoric that protects abusive players and abusive behavior. I can tell you this… Change will not happen if you don’t speak up now. The CBHL is looking into our concerns. That may or may not lead to change. Very often, those wanting change are pacified with “a committee to look into things.” Changes can be made this season to protect our children and reduce the risks of harm. I personally will not be accepting anything less, and will exercise all my rights to improve safety and reduce the risk of harm for all our children, youth players.
I am encouraging you to write a letter of concern and send it through the appropriate channels to the CBHL. Your letter will represent your child. If you have questions, please email me or approach me at practices and games. Silence is not golden, in this case. Assertive letters are not golden. They are more valuable than that. They are our children. I encourage you to forward this to all hockey parents on all clubs. This issue is not only ours. We all want the same things; improved safety, more accountability, and less harm.
Gary
Good Morning,
I want to take the time to thank the Huskies organization for taking our concerns and all parents’ concerns seriously. There is not another club I would choose over the Huskies to represent the safety concerns of our children and youth players.
That being said, there is only so much a single club can do alone. The Huskies have demonstrated through their coaches, volunteers, and club attitude that safety and respect is an expectation of their youth club players. We can proudly see that in our children and coaching staff. It can also be found on the Peewee Blue team. They have 2 large skilled players that play physically, fast, and with respect. They exemplify how a player with size advantage should carry themselves on the ice. They do not play to intimidate and bully, they play to compete and have fun. They are very successful players. I am sure their parents are proud.
I am writing this email and sending this out on my own accord. I would like to encourage you to look at our 36 game season thus far and ask yourself if you feel USA Hockey’s Zero Tolerance Policy is being enforced to the highest level by the CBHL. The CBHL is responsible for the safety of our children. Did you know the rules existed? I don’t believe it is being enforced. I would like you to think about plays you have witnessed that take hockey from the physical sport it is, into the realm of a reckless sport. Have you seen players recklessly hurt?
Do you feel, as I do, that the safety of the 98% of youth players on ice that play respectfully is taking 2nd seat to the 2% of youth players that play without respect, harm repeatedly, and show no remorse? I think those 2% of players, once given the opportunity to change, should be removed, if they still need to learn. They should not (this sounds funny) be given the opportunity to show they learned by hurting or not hurting other players, our children. A pattern is a pattern. One or two tries, then you lose your right to player with other kids. End of story.
I don’t understand why repeat offenders are allowed to continue to play. This is not an adult league - it is a youth league. Hockey is not a right - it is a privilege. They can try again next year. However, keeping them (the 2%) in the league is taking precedence over protecting the other 98%. This is my opinion. It is, however, accurate.
If you are not familiar with Zero Tolerance, please search - USA Hockey Zero Tolerance. You will find a power-point presentation (by USA Hockey) and a summary. It, in short, states a player arguing with a call or demonstrating dissatisfaction must be given a mandatory (100%) 2 minute unsportsmanlike penalty. Continued expression of dissatisfaction will lead to a 10 minute misconduct, and then a game misconduct.
I have spent the last 3 months identifying ways safety can be addressed in youth ice hockey. Some of you may know I have a blog and we have established a website. I learned that Zero Tolerance was created to deal with problematic players and behavior. It was actually designed to help protect referees. If enforced as written, I know players on our team would not have been harmed. I ask you to recall an instance of a player from any team getting additional penalties under the Zero Tolerance Policy of USA Hockey. The CBHL, by the way, has in their by-laws the full adoption of USA Hockey Rules.
I can only recall 1 or 2 instances over a 3 year span that a Zero Tolerance penalty was called. I can, however, recall dozens of instances where it should have been called. Don’t be swayed by the cop-out and systemic barrier of referee’s discretion. This is a youth league and solutions are simple.
The CBHL must make immediate changes, this season. They can institute a Zero Tolerance Referee that stands between the penalty boxes. That referee is solely responsible for overseeing player, parent, and bench behavior. It is quite simple. Very similar to yellow and reds cards in soccer, a player can earn their way to an ejection. The on ice referees can manage the game and the ZT referees can mange behavior and game safety. They both can issue penalties. It is not rocket science. It is simply a process of recognizing this is not the NHL but a youth league. Adapt the rules to fit the needs of maintaining the highest standards of safety. I give the CBHL this solution free of consulting fees. There is no need to drag out discussions in a committee. Just make the change. The yellow card empowers the referee to take the next step. The yellow card signals warning. It is seen by every player and parent. It will reduce injury.
If safety and harm concerns you, now is the time for all concerned parents to speak out more loudly then the hockey rhetoric that protects abusive players and abusive behavior. I can tell you this… Change will not happen if you don’t speak up now. The CBHL is looking into our concerns. That may or may not lead to change. Very often, those wanting change are pacified with “a committee to look into things.” Changes can be made this season to protect our children and reduce the risks of harm. I personally will not be accepting anything less, and will exercise all my rights to improve safety and reduce the risk of harm for all our children, youth players.
I am encouraging you to write a letter of concern and send it through the appropriate channels to the CBHL. Your letter will represent your child. If you have questions, please email me or approach me at practices and games. Silence is not golden, in this case. Assertive letters are not golden. They are more valuable than that. They are our children. I encourage you to forward this to all hockey parents on all clubs. This issue is not only ours. We all want the same things; improved safety, more accountability, and less harm.
Gary
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Huskies Sink Navy 7-5 and Hand Them Their First Lost
Wow. The Huskies fought hard. Anytime you walk into someones backyard and take home a win, that's an accomplishment. When you take down an undefeated team that's impressive. When you do in the face of reckless players on the other team... (well I'm taking the 24 hour rule).
Three cheers to the Huskies for the win. A round of applause to AJ with not 3 but 4 goals. And let's not forget Lizzy's big saves that keep the momentum on the Huskies bench.
Every line contributed. Some lines put the puck in the net other lines shut down Navy and kept them from scoring. It takes a whole team to defeat the undefeated. Way to go HUSKIES!
Three cheers to the Huskies for the win. A round of applause to AJ with not 3 but 4 goals. And let's not forget Lizzy's big saves that keep the momentum on the Huskies bench.
Every line contributed. Some lines put the puck in the net other lines shut down Navy and kept them from scoring. It takes a whole team to defeat the undefeated. Way to go HUSKIES!
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Reduce Injuries By Letting the Referee's Address the Benches
One key to reducing injuries in hockey is education. It is very easy for all parties involved, to get lost in large debates about checking and major changes. These debates and discussions take time and often end without action. The problem with delaying action is that more kids get hurt while we wait. One problem that often causes delay is that we want to change to much in one swoop. Rather then making small changes while looking at larger changes, we choose the latter only. Both can be done. Tweak the existing systems with small changes.
Here is a simple way to help reduce injuries. USA Hockey and the Referee Associations need to agree to a single change. It is an educational change. Referees need to address the benches before each game for about 45 seconds. The coaches and players need to be directed to fully listen to the referees.
The referees need to remind the players of the following items. Below is an example of how a referee would address the bench.
You are all hockey players and I expect you all to play with respect. I will remove any player from the game that is hitting recklessly. I won't tolerate hits to the back and will penalize you. I expect you to play with 100% respect toward other players and check legally. I intend to make sure the game is played safely and fairly. If you want to end up in the penalty box or get ejected, start hitting players the wrong way.
Let me tell you this. Don't hit the player in the back. Don't hit the player in the head or neck. Don't cause a hit that puts another player in harms way. You are all hockey players. Play hard and play safe.
You might ask yourself isn't this understood. No it isn't. Education is about repetition and you are dealing with kids not adults. Every game, every time, every bench needs to be approached by the referees and given the content of the above example. It has to be a mandatory part of the game.
The goal is to reduce injury. The goal is to get the information in the youth players head of what not to do. This is a very easy change that will reduce injuries by making safety a routine part of the game.
Reminding the kids on the bench also reminds the referees about their responsibilities.
Making this a routine part of youth ice hockey would cost about 2 minutes of time. It is time well used.
The referees could also take 30 second between periods to address problem and reiterate the above. This is youth ice hockey not the NHL. Referees can be used differently.
Here is a simple way to help reduce injuries. USA Hockey and the Referee Associations need to agree to a single change. It is an educational change. Referees need to address the benches before each game for about 45 seconds. The coaches and players need to be directed to fully listen to the referees.
The referees need to remind the players of the following items. Below is an example of how a referee would address the bench.
You are all hockey players and I expect you all to play with respect. I will remove any player from the game that is hitting recklessly. I won't tolerate hits to the back and will penalize you. I expect you to play with 100% respect toward other players and check legally. I intend to make sure the game is played safely and fairly. If you want to end up in the penalty box or get ejected, start hitting players the wrong way.
Let me tell you this. Don't hit the player in the back. Don't hit the player in the head or neck. Don't cause a hit that puts another player in harms way. You are all hockey players. Play hard and play safe.
You might ask yourself isn't this understood. No it isn't. Education is about repetition and you are dealing with kids not adults. Every game, every time, every bench needs to be approached by the referees and given the content of the above example. It has to be a mandatory part of the game.
The goal is to reduce injury. The goal is to get the information in the youth players head of what not to do. This is a very easy change that will reduce injuries by making safety a routine part of the game.
Reminding the kids on the bench also reminds the referees about their responsibilities.
Making this a routine part of youth ice hockey would cost about 2 minutes of time. It is time well used.
The referees could also take 30 second between periods to address problem and reiterate the above. This is youth ice hockey not the NHL. Referees can be used differently.
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Huskies Win Key Game: Everyone Contributes
The Huskies beat Montgomery 6-4 on Sunday. It was a battle. The Huskies struct first scoring 3 goals. Montgomery battled back, eventually tieing it at 4-4. The game had importance for the play-off standings. With 6 minutes left, the Huskies fought hard. Alec P, Jimmy B, and Matthew R combined for the game winning point. Montgomery kept up the pressure but the Huskies responded with a 6th goal by Andrew P (unassisted). Here is the game winning goal (2nd goal in video). Notice the positioning and the pass.
Friday, January 14, 2011
A Very Good Huskies Power-Play
The power play is about positioning, passing, and shooting. After months of practice, this group of Huskies put it all together. Credits given at the end of the video.
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