play4fun wrote:Think about the question posed above for a second. "Why is there an 8 year old that can't stop both ways or crossover backwards?"
Are we saying that kids need to be proficient skaters by the age of 8 or they should simply forget the sport of hockey? What if a kid doesn't start skating in organized hockey until the age of 8 or 9?
While it will take some hard work to catch up to the other "veteran" 8 year olds on the ice, it can be done.
Inigo hit part of the issue. Associations need to be flexible enough to move kids along at the mite age in cases where older kids start late and progress rapidly during the course of a season.
That's the simple solution.
Now let's hear from the grownups about why it's impossible for associations to be flexible with mites -- you know, rules and registration deadlines that stand in the way of common sense, and limit opportunities for 8 year olds to fall in love with the sport -- simply because it's too much work for the grownups to juggle kids among different teams during the season. Really, it's just too hard. Sorry little Johnny and Suzy.
A pet peeve of mine is watching associations place kids in their last year of mite eligibility strictly based on abilities at the beginning of a season. If the kids are going to be moving up to squirts the following year, and they don't have the fundamentals down, it's time to push them along as quickly as possible. Holding these kids back with beginning skaters for an entire season doesn't do the kids or the association any good over the long haul. jBlaze3000 also got part of the issue right, in my opinion, when pointing out that 8 year olds progress much faster during a season than 4, 5, or even 6 year olds.
So, combine some of the logic of Inigo, and a little bit from jBlaze3000, and all of the sudden your chocolate is in my peanut butter -- no, your peanut butter is on my chocolate. Point is, both opinions are spot on and are better when taken into account together, rather than separately.
I've used up my slack time for the day -- out for now.
what about minnesota hockey/usa hockey policy of mite teams needing to be registered? Why not just have all mites in a association rostered as one whole team, then associations can move kids throughout the year.
play4fun wrote:Think about the question posed above for a second. "Why is there an 8 year old that can't stop both ways or crossover backwards?"
Are we saying that kids need to be proficient skaters by the age of 8 or they should simply forget the sport of hockey? What if a kid doesn't start skating in organized hockey until the age of 8 or 9?
While it will take some hard work to catch up to the other "veteran" 8 year olds on the ice, it can be done.
Inigo hit part of the issue. Associations need to be flexible enough to move kids along at the mite age in cases where older kids start late and progress rapidly during the course of a season.
That's the simple solution.
Now let's hear from the grownups about why it's impossible for associations to be flexible with mites -- you know, rules and registration deadlines that stand in the way of common sense, and limit opportunities for 8 year olds to fall in love with the sport -- simply because it's too much work for the grownups to juggle kids among different teams during the season. Really, it's just too hard. Sorry little Johnny and Suzy.
A pet peeve of mine is watching associations place kids in their last year of mite eligibility strictly based on abilities at the beginning of a season. If the kids are going to be moving up to squirts the following year, and they don't have the fundamentals down, it's time to push them along as quickly as possible. Holding these kids back with beginning skaters for an entire season doesn't do the kids or the association any good over the long haul. jBlaze3000 also got part of the issue right, in my opinion, when pointing out that 8 year olds progress much faster during a season than 4, 5, or even 6 year olds.
So, combine some of the logic of Inigo, and a little bit from jBlaze3000, and all of the sudden your chocolate is in my peanut butter -- no, your peanut butter is on my chocolate. Point is, both opinions are spot on and are better when taken into account together, rather than separately.
I've used up my slack time for the day -- out for now.
what about minnesota hockey/usa hockey policy of mite teams needing to be registered? Why not just have all mites in a association rostered as one whole team, then associations can move kids throughout the year.
Probably makes too much sense to take hold. I like your idea though.
The likely problem is that a few would abuse the flexibility of an open system. I could see a few overzealous parents/coaches trying to pull in kids who are more advanced to play on lower level teams to boost their competitiveness. I know it's only mites, and parents shouldn't get that worked up over games (for which scores aren't "technically" kept), but they do.
A few of you have posed some interesting suggestions and views on the development of players. I like it, but I also see the challenges of setting up such an association.....
The first hurdle would be to get it approved by USA Hockey since they have a say in everything and carry the insurance on players. They have stipulations that say kids of a "certain" age can only play against kids of a "certain" age. So you may have some issues moving "x" number of players up to the next level or age group.
If you start moving players (because of ability) around in the mite levels you will set the trend that this will also occur in the Squirt and PeeWee levels. Again, this is not a bad thing but, the repercussions of this type of association player structure will be a coordinating nightmare. And coaches will fight to keep a good player at their age appropriate level. I also see the political side of who gets bumped up and who does not and who is decides the bumping of players will rear it's ugly head quickly.
I like the concept but the coordination by association volunteers that change every-other year will not be easy. This would need to be subcontracted out to a company to coordinate and oversee through the first have of the season and make adjustments! (There's another business idea!!!) Of course trying to finalize your rosters for the District would also pose a challenge. All the concepts are good.
Now, you simply need to volunteer to be an association Board Member and get your ideas voted on and implemented.
if mites are too play jamborees in house or outside against anyone, a association does not need to register their mites with usa hockey. They can get their own insurance... see Edina a few years ago.