Lakeville Hockey Back in Hot water? Bantam A

[silentbutdeadly3139]

I agree with this. Why do some kids tryout so good and then tail off during the season? Do you think it's a self confidence thing?

One big thing is its very easy to get "up" for the tryout cause the goal is right there in front of you. Its another thing to get up for each shift in a game, every game during a season. Because of time constraints many tryouts are forced to evaluate on the obvious things, the individual skills. But as the players move to games and have to thinks as part of a team those same skills don't necessarily translate to the games.

[High Off The Glass]

Been through 10 years of tryouts as a board member. No matter how hard you try to design a system, it is never right.

I have listened to many sob stories, seen kids cry, even saw a dad cry.

One thing is ALWAYS true. Kid acts like his parent. Uptight parent = uptight kid.

Pick your battles, this ain't one of em.

10 YEARS AS A BOARD MEMBER! Why would someone spend that amount of time on a youth hockey board? Do your couple of years, try to make a difference, and move one with your life! Does someone honestly think that their way of thinking is so important that they spend 10 YEARS on a hockey board?

[WB6162]

Been through 10 years of tryouts as a board member. No matter how hard you try to design a system, it is never right.

I have listened to many sob stories, seen kids cry, even saw a dad cry.

One thing is ALWAYS true. Kid acts like his parent. Uptight parent = uptight kid.

Pick your battles, this ain't one of em.

I think it's time for you to retire.

[InigoMontoya]

Perhaps the best way to choose teams is to let the kids choose the teams. It's their sport and they certainly can't do any worse than adults.

Great idea. The kids know who the best players are. If you were to walk into any classroom in the state and ask, "who is the smartest?" 9 out of 10 would point to the same kid.

[silentbutdeadly3139]

Perhaps the best way to choose teams is to let the kids choose the teams. It's their sport and they certainly can't do any worse than adults.

Great idea. The kids know who the best players are. If you were to walk into any classroom in the state and ask, "who is the smartest?" 9 out of 10 would point to the same kid.

It's interesting how kids are either confident enough in themselves, realize its not a big deal, or just speak the truth and point to someone else when asked who is the best. Then life ( perhaps parents? ) distort their perception.

[Jimbo99]

Perhaps the best way to choose teams is to let the kids choose the teams. It's their sport and they certainly can't do any worse than adults.

Great idea. The kids know who the best players are. If you were to walk into any classroom in the state and ask, "who is the smartest?" 9 out of 10 would point to the same kid.

It's interesting how kids are either confident enough in themselves, realize its not a big deal, or just speak the truth and point to someone else when asked who is the best. Then life ( perhaps parents? ) distort their perception.

The problem with this line of reasoning is that if you really watch what's going on, you'll notice that kids (from a very early age) get virtually all their information from the adults that surround them. The best player is not the most skilled kid they see, he's the one playing center on the first line who plays while they sit. The smartest kid is not the most intelligent, he's the one the teacher seems to like best. It's easy for the kids to point those kids out. It's who they want to be.

Adults, for better or worse are now extremely involved in little league sports. We owe it to the kids to do the best we can. They're watching and learning all the time. Most often, what they're taught is that skill and intelligence have little to with it. Just bitch and schmooze and spend some more money to get ahead. It's the American way.

[hockey_is_a_choice]

Jimbo99, you're a little jaded in your thoughts on kids. I'm with InigoMontoya. Go into most middle school classrooms and ask the kids who are the smartest kids in the class and they will point to the smartest kids. This has nothing to do with who teachers like best. The kids know who is the best reader. They know who can spell and who can't. They know who always knows the answer to math problems and who can't count to ten. Many teachers have their middle school students correct their classmates' math and grammar homework, thus the kids know firsthand who the best students are and who is struggling.





Go to any outdoor rink and watch kids pick teams for shinny hockey. They do a nice job of dividing the teams so that the talent is allocated nicely between the two teams. Yes, some kids will make decisions based on who they perceive is the teacher's or coach's favorites, but I've overheard middle school boys talking among themselves regarding how a parent coach always puts his kid on the ice during the power play, penalty kill and tight game situations; the boys' collective opinion was that Timmy, who was sitting on the bench during those situations, is a much better defenseman and should be on the ice, instead of the coach's kid. Kids get it--perhaps better than adults.



Kids also know who is a good teammate and who is a royal pain in the locker room. They know who is humble and who is arrogant. They know who lacks confidence and who is too confident. They know who cheats drills and who works hard. They know who quits when the team is behind and who tries to rally the troops. They know who takes stupid penalties on a regular basis and who makes the best passes. They know who is a puck hog and they know who will go dig the puck out of the corner and unselfishly thow the puck in front of the net. They know who will throw a big check and who will avoid being checked.

They know when a kid deserves a pat on the back and when a kid should be in the dog house. They are not afraid to admit that Kenny is the better player and, if you ask them to rank themselves among their peers, most of them will give you a pretty fair ranking. Kids don't have hidden agendas and most of them are afraid of being called out if they try to cheat. Unlike adults who simply complain and are passive aggressive (i.e., they say mean things behind someone's back and then pretend to like them--I think that behavior is defined as "Minnesota Nice"), kids don't have a filter and bluntly state their opinions.

While parents have a monopoly on rose-colored glasses, kids see the world in two colors: black and white.

[hocmom]

10 years is a long time... I am now done. Understand, I did multiple jobs, tournaments, clubs, then we have two year terms each at VP, P and PP.

Maybe it is different in a small assn... we saw the same folks complain about tryouts one year to the next... Squirts, Peewees, Bantams. Same folks were never quite happy year after year.

I had a solid B player, a bubble player B one year A the next, and an A player. Tryouts were not traumatic at my house, you got to play.

I will admit to hoping for B because that year I liked those parents better.

Your kid's level of angst will mirror yours, every time.

[greybeard58]

Hocmom,

From others of us who have spent time volunteering, thank you for your time and effort. It is sad that by reading your earlier posts you made the effort to make changes and unfortunately the changes did not satisfy all.

If associations fail to follow their published procedures or by-laws then the association must be held accountable to include the filing of grievances and following the procedure until settled. The process has to start with the association and for it to work you will need to follow the procedures outlined in Article 6 Mn Hockey by-laws.

For those who choose to ridicule volunteers who donate their time to try and make an association better so the children have a place to participate shame on you, rather than complain here maybe try to help improve each of your associations and maybe some of the problems can be corrected. As some have stated long ago become active and be part of the solution.

[InigoMontoya]

For those who choose to ridicule volunteers who donate their time to try and make an association better so the children have a place to participate shame on you, rather than complain here maybe try to help improve each of your associations and maybe some of the problems can be corrected. As some have stated long ago become active and be part of the solution.

GB, I very respectfully point out that not all who ridicule are ridiculing those who try to make things better. Many of us ridicule folks that plop their hockey ignorant, power arrogant, lazy butts down in the board room for 10 years while their kid is in the organization: while participation numbers go down, while registration fees go up, while ice time goes down, while fundraising dollars go down, while player development declines, etc., only to push back from the table after their own kids are done with bantams not giving two thoughts about the disaster they've left in their wakes.

[observer]

That's a little harsh consideing you probably don't know anything about her particular situation. Even if you're only speaking in general terms it seemed pointed at the poster.

Here's what you'll find in most associations. 200 skaters equals 400 parents yet it's the same 10-15-20 people that step up and do EVERYTHING. 380 sit on their ass and fuss but don't contribute beyond putting in their volunteer hours. If they do that.

[StayAtHomeD]

That's a little harsh consideing you probably don't know anything about her particular situation. Even if you're only speaking in general terms it seemed pointed at the poster.

Here's what you'll find in most associations. 200 skaters equals 400 parents yet it's the same 10-15-20 people that step up and do EVERYTHING. 380 sit on their ass and fuss but don't contribute beyond putting in their volunteer hours. If they do that.

It's pretty hard to argue this statement.

[hockey_is_a_choice]

Observer, let’s take a closer look at the 380 parents who you claim are sitting on their duffs. While you’re attending the association board meetings, let’s see what those 380 lazy parents are doing with their free time:

Five parents are police officers who work swing shifts to keep our community safe; they’re fortunate if they can see half of their kids’ games. Eight are doctors who are on 24-hour call several times a week; they’re at the hospital when your sister-in-law goes into labor and rush to the hospital to perform emergency life-saving surgery when the kid down the street gets into a bad car accident. Twelve parents are nurses who work swing shifts; see the doctors’ description of community service. Three are judges who are home writing opinions and available to sign emergency warrants so the police officers can bust the crack dealers and pedophiles in the community. Five are lawyers who stay late at their offices to help your neighbors keep their houses when they receive foreclosure notices; they’re at the office late because they’re working on the cases for free and during the day they need to perform their regular work. Twenty-five parents serve on other youth sports’ boards; they’re working on baseball, football, soccer, swimming, lacrosse, tennis, etc. so that board members’ kids, among others, can participate in well-run programs when hockey season ends. Twenty parents serve on nonprofit boards for nonprofits that are important to the community; they’re attending finance, development, and management committee meetings so the crisis nursery can continue to operate and seniors continue to have meals delivered to their house. Twenty parents are actively involved in the community’s churches’ leadership councils; they’re attending meetings and leading capital campaigns so you can continue to go to church--when it doesn’t interfere with hockey. Thirty parents are attending to family members who need extra care; they’re helping aging parent stay in their homes so they do not burden society. Six parents are foster care parents and they’re good foster care parents; they’re meeting with social workers and trying to keep their foster kids from running away again. Sixteen parents are active in scouting and serve as scout leaders and cub masters; they’re helping the youth in the community while you’re helping the youth in the community by serving on the hockey board. Twenty are teachers and principals; they’re at home correcting your kids’ papers and preparing for the next day’s classes or at school leading another after-school function for your kids. Ten parents serve on school committees and private school boards; they’re working hard at night to make sure our kids have good schools. Fifty parents work second or third shift; they would be willing to serve on the board and help out with other activities, but they are not available in the evenings when youth hockey boards are most active. Ten parents are suffering from chronic illnesses; they consider it a good day if they can go to the arena and watch their child play hockey for one hour. Ten parents are suffering from chemical addiction; they’re not capable of helping the association board. Twelve parents cannot contribute time, so they contribute treasure; they’re the families who anonymously pay a struggling family’s ice bill, help fund the SKATE program, donate money to the association, or find sponsors for teams or the associations. Ten parents donate professional services or other services to the association; they’re the parents who paint, build, review legal documents, negotiate vendor agreements, or perform professional accounting services.

By my count, there are only 103 parents who ride on everyone else’s coat tails. That’s to be expected in any organization. My point is that people serve our communities in different capacities and we need people to serve in those capacities. Youth hockey is not the only activity in our communities that requires parents to donate extra time or treasure.

For the good, honest, and hard working board members who serve on Minnesota Youth Hockey Associations' boards, thank you! There are not enough of you, which is why we end up with a few bad apples on many associations' boards.

[getoveryourbadself]

hockey is a choice:



THANK YOU!

[Jimbo99]

hockey-is-a-choice

You're still all wrong about what you think kids know and don't know and why, but that last post is spot on!

[Ugottobekiddingme]

Hocmom,

From others of us who have spent time volunteering, thank you for your time and effort. It is sad that by reading your earlier posts you made the effort to make changes and unfortunately the changes did not satisfy all.

If associations fail to follow their published procedures or by-laws then the association must be held accountable to include the filing of grievances and following the procedure until settled. The process has to start with the association and for it to work you will need to follow the procedures outlined in Article 6 Mn Hockey by-laws.

For those who choose to ridicule volunteers who donate their time to try and make an association better so the children have a place to participate shame on you, rather than complain here maybe try to help improve each of your associations and maybe some of the problems can be corrected. As some have stated long ago become active and be part of the solution.

GB..I get the whole volunteer and step up bit and agree but what does that have to do with Article 6 Mn Hockey by-laws? As I drive around all the local hockey rinks I still have not been able to locate a bronze statue and this whole exchange is somewhat confusing.

[Mailman]

Hockey/choice, there is just a little difference sticking up for someone falsely accused of a crime and being cut from a youth hockey team.

[hocmom]

Observer, let’s take a closer look at the 380 parents who you claim are sitting on their duffs. While you’re attending the association board meetings, let’s see what those 380 lazy parents are doing with their free time:

Five parents are police officers who work swing shifts to keep our community safe; they’re fortunate if they can see half of their kids’ games. Eight are doctors who are on 24-hour call several times a week; they’re at the hospital when your sister-in-law goes into labor and rush to the hospital to perform emergency life-saving surgery when the kid down the street gets into a bad car accident. Twelve parents are nurses who work swing shifts; see the doctors’ description of community service. Three are judges who are home writing opinions and available to sign emergency warrants so the police officers can bust the crack dealers and pedophiles in the community. Five are lawyers who stay late at their offices to help your neighbors keep their houses when they receive foreclosure notices; they’re at the office late because they’re working on the cases for free and during the day they need to perform their regular work. Twenty-five parents serve on other youth sports’ boards; they’re working on baseball, football, soccer, swimming, lacrosse, tennis, etc. so that board members’ kids, among others, can participate in well-run programs when hockey season ends. Twenty parents serve on nonprofit boards for nonprofits that are important to the community; they’re attending finance, development, and management committee meetings so the crisis nursery can continue to operate and seniors continue to have meals delivered to their house. Twenty parents are actively involved in the community’s churches’ leadership councils; they’re attending meetings and leading capital campaigns so you can continue to go to church--when it doesn’t interfere with hockey. Thirty parents are attending to family members who need extra care; they’re helping aging parent stay in their homes so they do not burden society. Six parents are foster care parents and they’re good foster care parents; they’re meeting with social workers and trying to keep their foster kids from running away again. Sixteen parents are active in scouting and serve as scout leaders and cub masters; they’re helping the youth in the community while you’re helping the youth in the community by serving on the hockey board. Twenty are teachers and principals; they’re at home correcting your kids’ papers and preparing for the next day’s classes or at school leading another after-school function for your kids. Ten parents serve on school committees and private school boards; they’re working hard at night to make sure our kids have good schools. Fifty parents work second or third shift; they would be willing to serve on the board and help out with other activities, but they are not available in the evenings when youth hockey boards are most active. Ten parents are suffering from chronic illnesses; they consider it a good day if they can go to the arena and watch their child play hockey for one hour. Ten parents are suffering from chemical addiction; they’re not capable of helping the association board. Twelve parents cannot contribute time, so they contribute treasure; they’re the families who anonymously pay a struggling family’s ice bill, help fund the SKATE program, donate money to the association, or find sponsors for teams or the associations. Ten parents donate professional services or other services to the association; they’re the parents who paint, build, review legal documents, negotiate vendor agreements, or perform professional accounting services.

By my count, there are only 103 parents who ride on everyone else’s coat tails. That’s to be expected in any organization. My point is that people serve our communities in different capacities and we need people to serve in those capacities. Youth hockey is not the only activity in our communities that requires parents to donate extra time or treasure.

For the good, honest, and hard working board members who serve on Minnesota Youth Hockey Associations' boards, thank you! There are not enough of you, which is why we end up with a few bad apples on many associations' boards.

You may be right, but the impression that I get in our small town is that the busy folks on our hockey board are the same folks doing the the tasks you reference above. The old adage, "if you want something done, find a busy person" holds true, that's why it's an old adage.

As to the idea of taking grievances to the next level (State Board)...especially tryout complaints... can anyone point to a time when this has worked?

Our rules dictate up to 5 judges, 3 can't be coaches, no parents. The judges get together after the drills and compare notes. For a team of 13 there is generally unanimous agreement on the top 8 or 9. They then vote on the next few... if there is a tie the eldest gets the nod. Not a complex process, seems fair to me.

We have had folks certain that the process was political and slanted toward our board, even after the President's bubble kid made B. There is a board member behind every tree.

I suppose this stuff happens, but I am convinced that it is far more rare than what folks think and that strangely enough it seems to keep happening to the same small group of malcontents.

[Ugottobekiddingme]

Observer, let’s take a closer look at the 380 parents who you claim are sitting on their duffs. While you’re attending the association board meetings, let’s see what those 380 lazy parents are doing with their free time:

Five parents are police officers who work swing shifts to keep our community safe; they’re fortunate if they can see half of their kids’ games. Eight are doctors who are on 24-hour call several times a week; they’re at the hospital when your sister-in-law goes into labor and rush to the hospital to perform emergency life-saving surgery when the kid down the street gets into a bad car accident. Twelve parents are nurses who work swing shifts; see the doctors’ description of community service. Three are judges who are home writing opinions and available to sign emergency warrants so the police officers can bust the crack dealers and pedophiles in the community. Five are lawyers who stay late at their offices to help your neighbors keep their houses when they receive foreclosure notices; they’re at the office late because they’re working on the cases for free and during the day they need to perform their regular work. Twenty-five parents serve on other youth sports’ boards; they’re working on baseball, football, soccer, swimming, lacrosse, tennis, etc. so that board members’ kids, among others, can participate in well-run programs when hockey season ends. Twenty parents serve on nonprofit boards for nonprofits that are important to the community; they’re attending finance, development, and management committee meetings so the crisis nursery can continue to operate and seniors continue to have meals delivered to their house. Twenty parents are actively involved in the community’s churches’ leadership councils; they’re attending meetings and leading capital campaigns so you can continue to go to church--when it doesn’t interfere with hockey. Thirty parents are attending to family members who need extra care; they’re helping aging parent stay in their homes so they do not burden society. Six parents are foster care parents and they’re good foster care parents; they’re meeting with social workers and trying to keep their foster kids from running away again. Sixteen parents are active in scouting and serve as scout leaders and cub masters; they’re helping the youth in the community while you’re helping the youth in the community by serving on the hockey board. Twenty are teachers and principals; they’re at home correcting your kids’ papers and preparing for the next day’s classes or at school leading another after-school function for your kids. Ten parents serve on school committees and private school boards; they’re working hard at night to make sure our kids have good schools. Fifty parents work second or third shift; they would be willing to serve on the board and help out with other activities, but they are not available in the evenings when youth hockey boards are most active. Ten parents are suffering from chronic illnesses; they consider it a good day if they can go to the arena and watch their child play hockey for one hour. Ten parents are suffering from chemical addiction; they’re not capable of helping the association board. Twelve parents cannot contribute time, so they contribute treasure; they’re the families who anonymously pay a struggling family’s ice bill, help fund the SKATE program, donate money to the association, or find sponsors for teams or the associations. Ten parents donate professional services or other services to the association; they’re the parents who paint, build, review legal documents, negotiate vendor agreements, or perform professional accounting services.

By my count, there are only 103 parents who ride on everyone else’s coat tails. That’s to be expected in any organization. My point is that people serve our communities in different capacities and we need people to serve in those capacities. Youth hockey is not the only activity in our communities that requires parents to donate extra time or treasure.

For the good, honest, and hard working board members who serve on Minnesota Youth Hockey Associations' boards, thank you! There are not enough of you, which is why we end up with a few bad apples on many associations' boards.

You may be right, but the impression that I get in our small town is that the busy folks on our hockey board are the same folks doing the the tasks you reference above. The old adage, "if you want something done, find a busy person" holds true, that's why it's an old adage.

As to the idea of taking grievances to the next level (State Board)...especially tryout complaints... can anyone point to a time when this has worked?

Our rules dictate up to 5 judges, 3 can't be coaches, no parents. The judges get together after the drills and compare notes. For a team of 13 there is generally unanimous agreement on the top 8 or 9. They then vote on the next few... if there is a tie the eldest gets the nod. Not a complex process, seems fair to me.

We have had folks certain that the process was political and slanted toward our board, even after the President's bubble kid made B. There is a board member behind every tree.

I suppose this stuff happens, but I am convinced that it is far more rare than what folks think and that strangely enough it seems to keep happening to the same small group of malcontents.

Someone release the air chamber so I can get some air....What?? If someone calls me "folks" one more time or wants to teach me lifes lessons through hockey again I have a suggestion...get a grip and start realizing this is a youth hockey program. Youth means children and all the "malcontents" associated with dealing with one dimensional individuals not offering equal opportunities for all participating need to understand that you are standing in the way of advancement for a sports program. This post would be considered "gibberish" and has no relevance towards development. Good luck Lakeville and all association Hockey when board members can post this type of message...sad state of affairs for Mnhock. Lastly, please explain bubble kid terminology..nothing within the Webster's dictionary describes this position other than whats placed on a hockey skater within most associations across Minnesota. This label could be considered a curse depending on what association you play for...either you abide and sit on the bench 3rd or 4th line and love it or you're a star player on B1...who has the pin?

[sinbin]

I'll throw in my $0.04, $0.02 on each topic. Kids have a decent idea who is smartest or best on sports teams, but they're not close to perfect. Having seen kids on baseball teams vote for all-stars, their voting is WAY off the mark. It's still a popularity contest or they'll vote for the kids who ACT like they're the best. Having seen this first-hand many times, the stats tell a markedly different story than the kids' selections.

I'll go with the 80/20 rule for volunteers. 20% of the people do 80% of the work. Again, I've seen stats to back that up. The traveling hockey season lasts almost 6 months, yet there are always malcontents who complain, "I didn't have time" to complete my volunteer hours. I've only seen a small handful of families (major illness, death, single parents) who can't work 2 hours/month. However the vast majority donate their time and/or money, whether its willingly or grudgingly, running the gamut from weaseling out of as many responsibilities as possible to volunteering like it's a full-time job.

[StayAtHomeD]

Yes 20% of the people do probably closer to 90% of the work. We always did our required volunteer time but really nothing extra so I have always appreciated and respected the people who put so much time in.

I would also like to add that probably 20% of the people do 99% of the complaining with the majority of parents just wanting their kids to have fun and learn life lessons from hockey.

Myself, I never had anxiety about what team my son would make. I remember him crying at 5 years old, scared to go out on the ice for the first time and a great coach seeing that and coming over and talking to him and promising him they would just have fun and he has nothing to worry about. Now hockey is his life-there are TONS of good people in hockey who are there for the kids. Don't let a few bad apples ruin your perception of youth hockey!

My son played Mites and then C squirts his first year, B2 Squirts the 2nd, C Peewees his first year, B1 Peewees his second. We were always happy about the team he made and I don't think we ever felt he belonged on a higher team.

After the Peewee B1 season we had all these people approaching us and telling us how great he was doing and how he belonged on the A team. I'm like "this is January, I think tryouts were like 3 months ago!"

But then the next season was even worse, he ended up on the B2 Bantams because of his age (very young for his grade) and just the sheer number of players. I was shocked at the people who told us how we were screwed and pointed out all the kids who they thought were not as good who made B1 and A. So not only are they not happy with where their kids end up, they complain about where mine ended up?

Then the next year he makes the A team, then NOBODY will talk to us! Not the A parents because of course we don't belong right? And then a lot of our old friends either because who knows why? It can be a friggin nightmare and we never asked for any of it. I had one d*ckhead A Dad tell me that my son must have had a "heck of a tryout". WTH, why would you say something like that? I simply replied "must have, since he was the 3rd kid they chose for the team" I guess he didn't know that so it shut him right up. That's not me at all to talk to people like that but these crazy people can get under your skin.

I can't imagine what hocmom has gone through in 10 years of this kind of thing.

[hocmom]

Someone release the air chamber so I can get some air....What?? If someone calls me "folks" one more time or wants to teach me lifes lessons through hockey again I have a suggestion...get a grip and start realizing this is a youth hockey program. Youth means children and all the "malcontents" associated with dealing with one dimensional individuals not offering equal opportunities for all participating need to understand that you are standing in the way of advancement for a sports program. This post would be considered "gibberish" and has no relevance towards development. Good luck Lakeville and all association Hockey when board members can post this type of message...sad state of affairs for Mnhock. Lastly, please explain bubble kid terminology..nothing within the Webster's dictionary describes this position other than whats placed on a hockey skater within most associations across Minnesota. This label could be considered a curse depending on what association you play for...either you abide and sit on the bench 3rd or 4th line and love it or you're a star player on B1...who has the pin?

I am trying to figure out what I posted that is so upsetting.

You did not comment on our tryout process... is it fair?

A few definitions:

Malcontents... someone that is NEVER satisfied, EVER. We had one fellow that complained about a choice that the board made the year before, he had argued for the opposite. We determined that he had been right and the following year went with his suggestion. He REALLY did not like that. Are you suggesting that these folks don't exist, or even worse that after the 47th phone call I keep listening? Why?

Bubble Kid - A kid who at tryouts could go either way. This is in no way a label placed on a child. I was privy to the results of the tryouts and this kid was "on the bubble". Hence forth I shall use the term "Almost A"

I think I met you once. You told me something like..."well if they can't take the heat, they shouldn't be on the board" Right?

Sorry about the Folks part, I could see where that would be alarming.

[PanthersIn2011]

I'll go with the 80/20 rule for volunteers. 20% of the people do 80% of the work. Again, I've seen stats to back that up. The traveling hockey season lasts almost 6 months, yet there are always malcontents who complain, "I didn't have time" to complete my volunteer hours. I've only seen a small handful of families (major illness, death, single parents) who can't work 2 hours/month. However the vast majority donate their time and/or money, whether its willingly or grudgingly, running the gamut from weaseling out of as many responsibilities as possible to volunteering like it's a full-time job.

My favorite story related to this: Years ago, in the parent/coaches meeting, expectations were being set about various volunteer duties, and one mother declares: "I have three boys playing travelling hockey this year and there's no way I have time to do any of this."

As if having more kids benefit from the efforts of others is a valid reason to do less.

[StayAtHomeD]

I'll go with the 80/20 rule for volunteers. 20% of the people do 80% of the work. Again, I've seen stats to back that up. The traveling hockey season lasts almost 6 months, yet there are always malcontents who complain, "I didn't have time" to complete my volunteer hours. I've only seen a small handful of families (major illness, death, single parents) who can't work 2 hours/month. However the vast majority donate their time and/or money, whether its willingly or grudgingly, running the gamut from weaseling out of as many responsibilities as possible to volunteering like it's a full-time job.

My favorite story related to this: Years ago, in the parent/coaches meeting, expectations were being set about various volunteer duties, and one mother declares: "I have three boys playing travelling hockey this year and there's no way I have time to do any of this."

As if having more kids benefit from the efforts of others is a valid reason to do less.

Well, you could understand her point though? Myself, I cannot imagine having 3 kids in traveling hockey, the time, the expense. I completely understand why she felt overwhelmed.

[observer]

"I have three boys playing travelling hockey this year and there's no way I have time to do any of this."

Fine, dad can.