Coaches Commitee

[CoachGuy]

I was approached last year by a former Roseville Coach who is now an asst. coach with lakeville A's about starting a coaches committee for raising concerns with rules, scheduling, and the overall running of the MHL. Every coach has certain ideas they would like to see put into practice and doesn't seem to have the resources or the courage to approach the MHL and try to make changes. <br><br>So i raise this question to you fellow coaches. Would you like to see a coaches Committee of like minded coaches(forest lake is not included)? Maybe meet twice over the summer (come up with some ideas like the bunk off sides rule) and then have a rep who can attend the MHL board meetings and press the agenda of a group instead of just one coach at the meeting trying to get his point across.<br><br>just a thought, and now that we have this message board and some open communication already why not toss out the idea. <p></p><i></i>

[SLP Coach]

I would have to jump right on this bandwagon. However a suggestion that I may make is that the only fair way to do this would be to send a letter to every coach in the MHL and invite them all to the first meeting and have a chairman or a coaches board who would "run" or administer the committee. Also opening the floor for any suggestions and discussion. By doing this you would be offering equal representation from every team and then if some teams/coaches don't get involved then it is their problem because the offer was on the table. That way the administrator can attend a MHL meeting and say the overall the coaches of the MHL teams would like this and like that etc .... not just the coaches of a commitee of 1/3 of the teams would like this and like that etc...<br><br>The thing with the bunk off-sides rule is that even though these kids are HS age and HS doesn't apply to that rule Jr. Gold is still a USA hockey age level and therefore (according to the rules) must abide by all the USA Hockey rules. The only thing that can be changed to those rules is to tighten or stiffen them further. Not ease up on any of those rules. Basically is what I'm saying is no matter how much we dislike the offsides rule, it can not be changed unless USA hockey changes the rule. Sure it's possibile that USA Hockey could change the rule starting at a certain age level only .... just like they have for checking.<br><br>Just a couple of thought on this ......<br>Great Idea though <!--EZCODE EMOTICON START :D --><img src=http://www.ezboard.com/intl/aenglish/im ... /happy.gif ALT=":D"><!--EZCODE EMOTICON END--> <p></p><i></i>

[Jaz9]

I definitely would be interested in this committee!!! But might i suggest opening it up to all JG level coaches, Not just MHL. <p></p><i></i>

[freighttrain]

I think that some changes needed to be made especially in D8. .I think that D8 should get 3 guaranteed bids into the Regions not just 2. <p></p><i></i>

[RinkRat22]

Very good suggestions boys. I think you raise plenty of questions and they all deserve answers! (I have been apart of this level for 5 years now) Here are a few things to keep in mind: The MHL JGA coaches are in agreement with most rules regarding the play in the MHL. They actually designed most of them as a committee years ago. So they won't jump on board. SLP is right, we play by these rules (and I agree the auto off sides is bunk) because we are USA hockey. Also, as told to me by MNObygn a couple of times, the MHL is a volunteer committee not a governing body. Therefore they don't have to listen to anyone and they would really rather not! Don't get me wrong, I am on the side of the coaches, but I thought I'd throw my knowledge into the mix.<br><br>And by the way freighttrain, I respect your argument about D8 getting more possible bids (none are automatic), but realize that there are nearly triple the teams in the MHL. Further, with exceptions to the top 3 in D8, the MHL does and will always dominate play between the leagues. <p></p><i></i>

[freighttrain]

I am not suggesting to take away a bid from the MHL. They should get 4 automatics like they have right now. With Redwood Falls moving to high school next year they should get rid of the District 4-11 play in game and give that Bid to the 3rd place team in D8. The only teams that will come out of there next year is Carlton (if they have a team) and Albert Lea. Next year these two teams should be put in our leagues playoffs, Carlton in MHL and Albert Lea in D8. Then have our 4th place team play a MHL team for the last bid. <br><br><br>Also the MHL cannot put all 28 teams in one division. If they have that many teams next year they should split them into two divisions. With how it is setup now it is too easy for a coach to load his schedule with bottom feeders and only play a couple top teams.<br> <p></p><i>Edited by: <A HREF=http://pub33.ezboard.com/bmnhs.showUser ... httrain</A> at: 2/21/04 4:35 pm<br></i>

[gferhock1]

Is everyone aware there is a coaches appreciation meeting in March put on by the MHL, besides the pizza and pop its goal is to talk openly with coaches about their season and what can be done to make improvements. <br>How many of the coaches this year have gone to a monthly meeting to see who is there, offer suggestions and ask questions? Rinkrat22, you speak many truths except I'm concerned about your comment that they would rather not listen to anyone. How do you know nobody listens? What have you asked? Have you talked to your district representative on the board? If he is not taking care of his districts concern then they have a problem. You and others may be right about much of this, but talking on this board about it doesnt do much good other than find common problems. Coming up with solutions is what needs to be addressed next. <p></p><i></i>

[RinkRat22]

Let me first start by saying that I think that the MHL has done a tremendous job creating a quality product on the ice. These volunteers have put together a place where players can compete and have fun even though they have been cut or elect not to play HS hockey. <br><br>I am aware, as many other coaches are, that there is an appreciation party for the coaches in this league following each season. It is well deserved and appreciated by any coach that has been involved at this level. I was unaware that the party was an open forum. If that is the case then we should attend just to vent frustrations and to create solutions. <br><br>For years the "Old Guard" at the MHL have seemed to only listen to those around them and it seems that there is not much room for wavering. As a "younger" coach, I believe, you are looked upon with less knowledge as the more experienced coaches. Now, I am not talking about complaining about ref-calls and the 3 penalty rule (which is a good rule). I am referring to how the league is structured, ruled, and updated. Those are concerns that I have and I believe that I have only a small vote. I could go on, but you get my point. <p></p><i></i>

[MNHockeyObserver]

The MHL Board has made it clear in the past that coaches should come to the meeting with <!--EZCODE UNDERLINE START--><span style="text-decoration:underline">solutions</span><!--EZCODE UNDERLINE END-->, not complaints, and their topics should be "matters for the Board", which is to say that discussing the offsides rule is pointless because it is not a changable policy. Playoff formats and game schedules, for example, are Board matters. [<!--EZCODE BOLD START--><strong>As is that damn website!!!</strong><!--EZCODE BOLD END-->]<br><br>Some guys eat and run, some sit through it all, but it is also nice to see these guys you have gone against during the year in a different environment. You may not like the answers you get from the Board, but that's where discussion comes in. For you coaches out there, do you think the pre-season seminar at St. Thomas was helpful? Same idea, only better food and a more relaxed evening. <p></p><i></i>

[CoachGuy]

No No No, i didnt mean this as coup against the MHL, but as you said MNHO a gathering of coaches not unlike the the St. thomas seminar. I really think that there should be a Mandatory seminar for coaches every year at the begining of the season. Just dont make it 8 hours! We need to continue that type of dialouge, because there are some bonehead coaches out there who unfortunately are in my same age range. <br><br>Things i would like to see "solutions" to : <br><br>When the league is a large as it currently is, set up two divisions. Either do an east or west or a north and south, no need to play 25 games in JGB.<br><br>Stress sportsmanship even more. These coaches who allow thier teams to run up more than 10 goals is ridiculous. Classless. Ive been on the other end of that. If the coaches know eachother maybe they wont run it up on a guy who they respect.<br><br>there are others but honestly, i have to go to perkins and get some breakfast. <p></p><i></i>

[rave35]

I agree with most of what CG said, however i would like to point out that D8 wants more bids. So we could go in the direction of the high schools. Tehn we dont have our friends in D8 complaining about how many spots MHL takes. And as far as that goes, MHL had all five state spots last year in LPH. Armstrong, WBL's, Hutch and Edina. One year doesnt give just cause for another bid. If we split into sections then we have D8 mixed with MHL, for instance: Bville, Rave SSP, Lakeville, IGH and BAA in a section. Thus giving 3 mhl teams and 3 D8 teams, and if we run out of D8 teams than thats what happens but you guys have a better chance. Just my two cents....<br>Rave35 <p></p><i></i>

[RinkRat22]

The MHL v D8 bid begs questions that could be for a great discussion at the coaches party. An outstanding place to have that type of conversation with the people involved in the break-down. The North/South, E/W debate is the best one I see, for the MHL that is. You are correct CG from RV, 25 games at the JGB is a lot - not that it's not fun to play that many games - but it makes it difficult to schedule practice time. Or extend the season a few weeks and we might spread some things out. The run-up-the-score-thing does happen, but can be limited if (as suggested) if the coaches know one another. <p></p><i></i>

[troll21]

Its good to see that there are a lot of coaches interested in talking about improving Junior Gold hockey and willing to get together and communicate.<br><br>According to the MHL handbook there are two coaches advisor's. What do they do? Why don't they set up meetings with coaches? If they consider the seminar at St. Thomas a communication gathering, that is poor advising. If they consider the end of year appreciation meeting, which is paid for by the players, in March a discussion. OK. It is good but the real decisions of the league come from the board and the district directors who they represent. Coaches have input for what improvements they would like to see in the league but the final decision is by the voting members and Representatives, who work for the district directors. In reality, coaches and managers have little say of what happens in the league. When was the last time you had a chance to vote on a rule/policy change for the Metro league? You haven't! If you review the MHL website and review the notes, you will see that voting takes place at the meeting. Only after are you informed about something that has changed.<br><br>I do not think the MHL board or its representatives should receive a lot of credit for the improved play: It should be the excellent coaches that have stepped forward and players that want to continue the sport they learned before they could walk.<br><br>Also, the MHL board members are not volunteers. Two of the four board members (not including district representatives) are paid a nice salary for minimal work. <br><br>The MHL board is willing to hear solutions to problems but the "Good ol' Boys club" does not like change. This is there club and new comers and young coaches need to beware that this is the way it is. <br><br>If there are enough individuals who are interested in creating a Junior Gold coaches committee, I am willing to step forward and organize an event. <p></p><i></i>

[RinkRat22]

I agree with the above by troll21 to a point. The MHL officials (paid or not) are responsible for the "clean-up" of a once ugly league. Remember Juvies? Those involved deserve credit as do the coach who abide by the bylaws. Some of the veteran coaches and "older dogs" were invited to change some things and they cam up with things like; handshake before the game, the 3 penalty rule, and holding the coaches responsible (13 pens per game rule). Lots of good things! I am not in total support of the MHL brass, but I think their doing OK (with exception to the website issues). I would be willing to join forces too to have our (all coaches) voices heard - professionally. Great discussion. <p></p><i></i>

[gferhock1]

I have a point I want to make about past experiences. When my kids were small and we had the good old boys running one of the larger associations I made a call that changed my life. I complained to MN hockey about our problems and wanted out. They told me to get involved, make it better or move to someplace better. I chose the make it better route. The good old boys club now had a new member, and all that time spent on the board I never went to one of those good old boys meetings. Reading these posts I agree, there are changes that need to be made. We should start by contacting our district rep on the MHL board. Each district has two of them. They are the ones we should express concerns about our league too. If they wont help then we take it up with the MHL board and our district director. If that doesnt work then we keep going up the ladder. But lets be realistic, it better be a worthy suggestion/problem to take it that far. If our reps dont do their jobs, maybe we should run for a board position in our district and ask to be on the MHL board. How many of us even know who our rep is, do they come to our games and spend time with the coaches? If we get on the board we will have new blood and not the "good old boys club". As I checked with a few friends, its not all old guys. They have at least 3 people new to the board in the last couple of years, I think D8 Hastings?, D5 Buffalo and D10 all have a new reps going to the meetings. Maybe we should talk to them? <br>Paid positions? How many of your local association ice schedulers are paid? How about the secretary who doesnt have a kid in it? Gambling Mgr paid position? Who else do they pay? I'm on the fence on this one but its not unusual. If we dont like paying them then should one of us take the job without pay? Sorry, this sounds like I'm taking it out on past posts. Please dont take it that way, just playing devils advocate on this one. <p></p><i></i>