Minnesota Hockey Survey Good or Waste of Time?

[iseepalms]

Was the survey a waste of time?

[wannagototherink]

Was the survey a waste of time?

I sure hope people don't think of that survey as a waste of time. Anyone who does is not looking at it with an open mind. First, Minnesota Hockey has been attacked time and time again for being a bunch of frumps that rule with an iron first and don't care what its membership thinks. I know they have been attacked like that because I've led several charges myself. So before we begin to criticize the survey we should acknowledge that at the very least they at least respect their members enough to ask some questions. Minnesota Hockey runs a model of "community based hockey" the fact that they asked the people of the community what they think is a big step for MH.

Now was the "Do you think your kid is the next S. Crosby?" question was rediculous to most people with common sense, but we're dealing with hockey parents so common sense rarely enters into the equation. (yes, I am a hockey parent so I do fit into the lack common sense at times group) at the same time that question can give MH a sense of who's taking this thing serious and who's either delusional or goofying around. In any event there were many valid questions that have been debated on this board time and time again...ie game limits, standardized rules/times, The HEP program, Tournament sanctioning and the list goes on. So I don't think you can say it was a waste of time.

The beauty of it is, you can take the survey or don't, but don't criticize MH for asking you your opinion. Whether you give it or not is up to you! Last I heard there were like 2000 responses. It's pretty remarkable that many people are willing to take the time to take some ownership in this great game and keeping MH thriving for years to come.




Thank you MH for taking the time to ask me my opinion. I think that is a huge step in making the state of hockey the greatest place it can be. I also think everyone should thank a guy like Mark Elliot for asking questions on this board and taking what he can to MH meetings and truly representing the members, not only his people in D16 but from across the state from people on this board. Finally, everyone who makes this board run. Without this forum, it would be hard for people to get what their feelings are out there.

So bottom line, no that survey was not a waste of time.

[Whatthe]

I am glad MH sent this survey out. But I am concerned about the design of some questions/responses. A little confusing. It would have been clearer to ask series of yes or no questions. It also would have helped to have a box for "no opinion" or "don't know."

Didn't see anywhere to weigh in about any specific redistricting proposals. But I was glad to see MH asked about two A teams, C level state tourneys, etc.

Instead of sending surveys to individual members, anyone know if they sent surveys to the boards of individual associations?

[Can't Never Tried]

How many people do you think said they thought their kid was the next Crosby?
I got a chuckle out of a few of the options.

Here's my view, it's great to collect information and then put it to use, but if you don't use it, don't do it.
Also follow up with those that you requested time from to do the survey, and provide the results, and action plan via e-mail or at least and article in your magazine MHJ.

I also would have appreciated a few places to say "none of the above" or a comment section.

Whether or not it's a waste of time remains to be seen by the actions taken!

[greybeard58]

It is my understanding that the survey was sent to those that have registered with Mn Hockey/USA Hockey and provided an e-mail address. If a board member did not have a child playing or is not registered with USA Hockey they did not get a form. It has also been explained to me that that receiving address for the survey will only accept the answers from the database it has, in short if I filled out a copy of the survey it would not get through.
To all that received the survey please that the time to fill out the survey. Out of the number of participants in Mn Hockey, 2,000 is an embarrassing low number. Here is the chance to speak and be heard with out going through your District Director or the committees of Mn Hockey.
If you want your voice heard fill it out, if not then delete it, if you chose delete and you are unhappy with the outcome please keep your frustrations to yourself.
I also agree that in a few spots no opinion or none of the above could have been an answer.

[nofinish]

I made the mistake of thinking it wouldn't take much time so I started it between the 1st and 2nd OT of the gopher game sunday. I don't know how far through the survey I got before I quit but I also missed a few minutes of the 2nd OT. I am not going to start the survey again. I might miss another important event in my life.

[elliott70]

An organization that does surveys as a business helped put everything together as well as helping in compiling and explaing answers.

The guy that runs the company is a hockey guy so there is not cost.

If you have a comment on some aspect of MN hockey not covered (or seemingly not covered) by the questions, please forward them to Mark Jorgensen, Dave Bakke, or to me.

[elliott70]

How many people do you think said they thought their kid was the next Crosby?
I got a chuckle out of a few of the options.

I believe there were 493 plus me (but that is my grandson so I had to add an asterisk)!