To register with the governing bodies

[troll21]

There is some debate, and in some cases, associations not registering teams with Minnesota Hockey and USA Hockey. Both have pros an cons. But for individuals that are familiar with this issue: Do you think this could work at the Junior Gold Level?<br><br> <p></p><i></i>

[TartanCoach]

Troll21-<br><br>Interesting idea. There would be a lot of logistics to work out, but in the end the Jr. Gold leagues could become more in line with H.S. play - no more automatic off sides, 2 referee system. By not having to use USA Hockey insurance we wouldn't have to deal with the "our insurance doesn't cover that . . ." response that is so often used by our associations and district reps. Also, it would be a route in which we could bypass those in the various governing bodies that would like to see the Jr. Gold program go away.<br>I'm curious what others think/know about this option. <p></p><i></i>

[gferhock1]

I dont understand what you're saying, are there teams now that dont register or should we not register in the future for reasons ..... be more independent.....? <br>Explain please. <p></p><i></i>

[SLP Coach]

I first want to pre-face this by saying I am not all too familiar with the subject or Pros and Cons of such a decision. Below are just my guesses as to some things. Please correct me if I am wrong......<br><br>I believe there are 2 major issues that would be incurred IF any league would choose to become a Non-USA Hockey sanctioned league. <br><br>1. The Insurance Issue: This has been touched on, but I believe it is one of the most important reasons that MHL and others youth organizations are USA Hockey. USAH offers good insurance coverage to all teams affiliated at a inexpensive price. This covers ANY USAH event. (Incl most Mens League Play) Otherwise each league or even association would have to purchase independant insurance and that would significantly raise the price of participation. <br><br>2. Officiating: USAH has a quality level of officiating. All officals must be registered and educated in a proven manner. Sure the HS league has officials as well that could be used for Jr. Gold level that do a very good job as well. But again we must consider the cost differential of HS officials Vs USAH officials. Also along these lines there are much higher quantity of officials that are USA rather than MN HS certified. Hence a problem getting officials to ref Jr. Gold level games. For Instance there are 25 MHL league games plus tourneys for each team (28 in total). That totals 350 league games per year. 3 officials per game and we are talking 1050 official needed for games per season. Now on top of that we also must add in HS level games. Each HS team play 25 games per season. Times that by however many HS Hockey teams (for argument sake lets say 100) and we are talking adding 1250 HS Games. That is another 3750 officials needed for games per year. Needing to add 1050 Officials needed for games to those officials schedules to me does not seem like a very likely possibility, to me at least. <br><br>And on another note:<br>USA Has a good rule book. Sure there are a handful of things that could be different at a level such as Jr. Gold. But, from what I see the CONS to be able to play by those few different rules just doesn't seem like a very likely option. Plus then Jr. Gold would have to illustrate it's own new rule book. Who's going to write that?<br><br>Sure, I personally would like, for example, the off-sides rule to be a delayed off-sides but is all changing worth it? Unfortunately NO. <p></p><i></i>

[RinkRat22]

Good points SLPer! I was confused too. Where did this discussion originate? I think you hit on very essential and important points! <p></p><i></i>

[troll21]

Since I am new to the issue of not registering teams, here is what I know.<br><br>Some associations are not registering teams at certain levels with Minnesota Hockey and USA Hockey. The main reason is to avoid unnecessary costs to Minnesota Hockey and USA Hockey that is paid for by every player in the state. If I recall these two cost about $32.00. But I could be wrong. Another reason is the coaches certification, approximately $35 - 45 $ per session, unless you are advanced. What did you really learn in a room of 300 plus people? Also if you avoid registering, you can get more parents/ helpers to help assist on the ice and avoid additional costs. Another is blue puck issue, which surfaced this year ( at the younger age group). Stop signs do not need to be displayed. At the Junior gold level, high school rules could be enforced.<br><br>The biggest reason, from what I understand is that at certain levels, there is no return from Minnesota Hockey or USA Hockey to the players. The players in certain groups that do not get anything back are funding programs in which only a small percentage of players get to vamp the rewards of somebody else's fees. <br><br>Independence? Maybe. Associations would have a lot more control over the funds, where and who they play, and other things they see in like associations.<br><br>I am not saying just break off a create your own independent association and create isolation but take back hockey to your community, of what it should be: RINK RAT HOCKEY FOR OUR KIDS! Currently, I feel, we have lost this feeling. Everything is controlled by the State or USA Hockey.<br><br>I am sure there are more individuals out there that know more about this issue. <p></p><i></i>