Changing Associations

ajj2and3 · Post by **ajj2and3** » Sun May 15, 2011 7:36 am

Our 'A' level mite is moving to new school and is changing associations. Going from mediocre group of Squirts to strong group of Squirts with good competition among 1st year Squirts- Does being a new kid play into tough decisions during tryouts? Anything we need to do as parents to ensure a fair evaluation and process? Do we keep a low profile and let the chips fall where they may? (Suggestions, Comments?)
Yes, I will be in the Pub this year with the Bantam parents......

interestedbystander · Post by **interestedbystander** » Sun May 15, 2011 9:00 am

"Anything we need to do as parents to ensure a fair evaluation and process?"

Hmmmm.............the cynic in me desperately wants to answer this question, however, I will take the high road this morning. Good luck with your move.

Inigo -- have at it!!!

HockeyDad41 · Post by **HockeyDad41** » Sun May 15, 2011 9:38 am

I wouldn't worry, there are no politics in the tryout process, that would just be wrong.

A couple of gift baskets sent to the right people might not hurt though.

Deep Breath · Post by **Deep Breath** » Sun May 15, 2011 11:17 am

I haven't seen a 3-1 fastball served up like this since Ron Davis last pitched for the Twins. I, however, am also going to take the high road this fine Sunday and let this one alone.

InigoMontoya · Post by **InigoMontoya** » Sun May 15, 2011 11:51 am

Prior to your arrival in the association alliances have been made, palms have been greased, babies have been kissed, and a pecking order has begun since those kids first laced 'em up as 4 year olds - "Hey, look at that. Bobby, Johnny, and Jimmy only fell down three times on the way to the blueline; the others fell down four times. Those 3 are going to make a great first line when they're squirts."

Either your new association is pretty fair, or it's a good ol' boys club.
Either you are a buttkisser, or you are not.

If the association is fair and your kids really can skate, he'll be placed where he should be - kisses or not.
If the good ol' boys already have the roster submitted to the district, there really isn't a whole lot you can do - maybe get your wife augmented.

If it's his first year and you're new, you should rather he be a top 5 B1 player than a bottom 5 A player. Let him earn his teammates respect; let him create a tiny little buzz around him about what a good, hard working player he is and the A team will come next year - without the drama of taking Bobby, Johnny, or Jimmy's spot.

However, the fact that you asked the question in the first place has led these cynics to assume that you are in fact a buttkisser and that your kids is not really as good as you think he is. If that's the case, then grab the kneepads and the lipgloss, you've got a lot of catching up to do.

old goalie85 · Post by **old goalie85** » Sun May 15, 2011 3:23 pm

Inigo-perfectly stated!!!

ajj2and3 · Post by **ajj2and3** » Sun May 15, 2011 4:01 pm

Good advice
Thanks for taking the time indigo

interestedbystander · Post by **interestedbystander** » Sun May 15, 2011 5:09 pm

Inigo...I knew you would come through for us. Bravo!!!!

HockeyDad41 · Post by **HockeyDad41** » Sun May 15, 2011 5:49 pm

Don't listen to these guys. You need to immediately start an aggressive marketing campaign on behalf of your skater. I would suggest hiring a local firm but if you can't find one, then go west coast. East coast hockey marketing is a joke. Good luck.