Coaches required to wear helmets.

elliott70 · Post by **elliott70** » Fri Jan 20, 2006 1:23 pm

There was no one talking about a lawsuit, either real or threatened, at the committee meeting, the regular meeting, or all the talk that goes on int he halls etc... There was no discussion regarding the insurance carrier.

Duluthhockeyfan · Post by **Duluthhockeyfan** » Fri Jan 20, 2006 8:08 pm

It is funny, I've been in contact with most of the DD, and almost all of them seem to say that they did not vote for the rule. Funny.......I thought there were only two nah's?

greybeard58 · Post by **greybeard58** » Fri Jan 20, 2006 8:53 pm

Who have you talked to? If you want send to my inbox. Elliot has stated who voted no. Edited by: <A HREF=http://p100.ezboard.com/bmnhs.showUserP ... beard58</A> at: 1/20/06 8:57 pm

6AA Fan · Post by **6AA Fan** » Fri Jan 20, 2006 11:47 pm

Folks: As Elliott noted, everyone needs to share his/her thoughts with the MN Hockey Board. In order to save everyone the trouble of typing in all of the board members’ Email addresses, I have listed them below. Simply cut and paste the following into the “To” line of your Email: markj@minnesotahockey.org; ccgreen@ties2.net; philg@ntminc.com; dabakke@trane.com; barry.ford6@honeywell.com; bigab6@aol.com; bob.halverson@udlp.com; djmeisner1@juno.com; jerry.demeo@altechiline.com; jebez@hickorytech.net; dswenson@minnesotahockey.org; bob@mnjhl.com; lynnolson01@aol.com; bjohnsonmhca@comcast.net; eric.olson@ecm-inc.com; halt@minnesotahockey.org; tcdir44@hotmail.com; gjnagan@comcast.net; jperry@compassgroupmn.com; jake2@iw.net; hockeyts@aol.com; bhewitt@firstfleet.com; rrakness@comcast.net; d10director@yahoo.com; d11director@aol.com; daphyl@lcp2.net; dstigen@prtel.com; elliottm@paulbunyan.net; gerry.brown@minnkotahockey.com FYI – here are the people whose Emails are listed above (in the same order as their Email addresses are listed): 1.&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp Mark Jorgensen, Executive Director 2.&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp Dennis Green, President 3.&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp Phil Graber, Secretary/Treasurer 4.&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp Dave Bakke, VP Planning 5.&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp Barry Ford, VP Hockey Operations 6.&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp Bill Gable, VP Tournaments 7.&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp Bob Halverson, VP, Maroon Coordinator 8.&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp Dave Meisner, VP Publicity/Promotion 9.&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp Gerald R. DeMeo, VP, Gold Coordinator 10.&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp Jim Bullard, Controller 11.&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp Dave Swenson, Director Adults 12.&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp Bob Breu, Director Juniors 13.&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp Lynn Olson, Director Women 14.&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp Bruce Johnson, Director HS Boys 15.&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp Eric Olson, Referee in chief 16.&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp Hal Tearse, Coach in chief 17.&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp Steve Swanson, Director District TC 18.&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp Greg Nagan, Director District 2 19.&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp John Perry, Director District 3 20.&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp Mark Jacobs, Director District 4 21.&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp Tim Sweezo, Director District 5 22.&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp Brad Hewitt, Director District 6 23.&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp Rich Rakness, Director District 8 24.&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp Tim Timm, Director District 10 25.&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp Pete Hill, Director District 11 26.&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp Dave Hendrickson, Director District IR 27.&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp Dave Stigen, Director District 15 28.&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp Mark Elliott, Director District 16 29.&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp Gerry Brown, Minnkota Registrar If we want any chance of having an impact on what/when/how anything gets implemented, we need everybody to share his/her opinions with these people, as they are the ones making the decisions.

6AA Fan · Post by **6AA Fan** » Fri Jan 20, 2006 11:51 pm

For the record, here is what I sent them on Thursday morning...note that I have received replies from several board members giving some detail around the discussions and thanking me for sharing my thoughts, so they DO want to hear what we have to say. MN Hockey Board: I am writing to express my concern and frustration regarding the recently passed rule that will require coaches to wear helmets beginning next year. I do so not representing any association or group of individuals, and with no intention of slamming any one individual or organization. Rather, my goal is to air concerns that I, as a 26 year-old non-parent coach, am both feeling myself as well as hearing (almost universally) from other coaches. The main concern revolves around the recruitment of new coaches and retention of current coaches. This new rule will without question drive away young, non-parents who previously wished to coach. Being in that “category” myself, and having spoken with countless others who fit the same bill, I can say that many of us are absolutely frustrated with the mounting rules and regulations involved in coaching hockey in Minnesota. Furthermore, current coaches, frustrated with the growing list of rules and obstacles to becoming/continuing to be a coach (CEP, HEP, Helmets, etc…). The end result will be the opposite of what nearly all associations want, and we’ll have nothing except parent coaches. Second, who will pay for these helmets? This is simply another cost to add to the list of growing expenses required just to volunteer your time. If this rule continues forward, MN Hockey needs to find a way to pay for this, as it is entirely inappropriate to ask coaches to foot the bill themselves. Third, I am concerned with the lack of public debate on this subject. While there was a committee convened to review the proposal, where was the representation for the “everyday” coaches? The panel consisted of two medical experts, a hockey mom, the MN Hockey VP of Hockey Operations, and the MN Hockey Coach in Chief. It would have been advisable to include a few rank and file coaches on the committee, or at least solicit feedback in some formal regard (vs. informally or via website polls). If certain individuals wish to wear a helmet, that is their right. However, don’t force all coaches to wear helmets just because a select few feel it is necessary. In the end, the vast majority of coaches are feeling like this was rammed down our throats without any input or representation. My purpose here is not to attack any one individual or organization. However I felt compelled to express my concerns, as I can absolutely guarantee that associations around the state, already stretched to find qualified, non-parent coaches, will lose even more coaches who are simply tired of the rules and regulations being put in place by MN Hockey. Therefore, it is my request that MN Hockey listen to the rank and file coaches in the state, and re-consider the helmet rule at your spring meeting. Thanks for your time

MnHockeyguy06 · Post by **MnHockeyguy06** » Sat Jan 21, 2006 12:13 am

This is one of the stupidest ideas I've ever heard. Let the coaches make the decition on whether or not they need to wear helmets, they are adults! Minnesota Hockey is going to kill the coaching part of the game, what is next full equiptment? A kid accidentally hits a coach in the heart, and causes him to have a heart attack. Does this mean they need to wear special protection? God this is so stupid.

goldy313 · Post by **goldy313** » Sat Jan 21, 2006 1:14 am

Just out of curiosity, well I do have a personal stake in the matter too as previously written on here, what is the deal with insurance and why not sign a waiver like every other sport? I also coach baseball and have never had to deal with this insurance non sense. Does MAHA/USA Hockey really get sued? And more importantly if they do why not require a waiver like every other sport? I know a guy who lost an eye coaching first base at a VFW baseball game a few years ago but had to have his own medical insurance cover it. Why doesn't hockey operate this way? Seriously, I found out today I can be at practice as a coach but not on the bench at a game. They (MAHA/USA hockey) believe I am more likely to be hurt standing on a bench during a game than at practice If that is the case and by what I am being told this by Rochester Youth Hockey this is, why aren't helmets required on coaches during games? Edited by: <A HREF=http://p100.ezboard.com/bmnhs.showUserP ... oldy313</A> at: 1/21/06 2:03 am

23MadDog · Post by **23MadDog** » Sat Jan 21, 2006 8:15 am

Wow is right! As a past Association President and past member of the JG Metro League Board it is not hard for me to picture to mechanics of the committee and board debate and actions. It is highly unfortunate that youth hockey administration has fallen to the lows of a purely emotional driven debate. I am sure that any dissenters were summarily dismissed and possibly even ridiculed by the emotionally driven activists involved in bringing this idea to the table. Am I ever glad that my kid is no longer involved in organised hockey at any level. It is so sad to see that really good people who are willing to VOLUNTEER their time for something that they love will be driven away by a bunch pompus activists who for some god only knows reason believe they can control their little world. Edited by: <A HREF=http://p100.ezboard.com/bmnhs.showUserP ... 3MadDog</A> <IMG HEIGHT=10 WIDTH=10 SRC="http://images.indymedia.org/imc/portlan ... ck_dog.jpg" BORDER=0> at: 1/21/06 8:20 am

Duluthhockeyfan · Post by **Duluthhockeyfan** » Sat Jan 21, 2006 3:25 pm

6AA Fan, I must say this was a very well written letter and a fine approach. I agree with you on just about every level on how we (as coaches) need to attack this problem. I would also like to (if others think it would be beneficial) develope some sort of coaches association or union or whatever you want to call it so that coaches especially non-parent coaches like myself have some sort of support when they are gone after by crazy parents or an over zealous board. I feel we are left to sort of wave in the wind incredibly too much and I think the formation of such a group would help coaches. I have seen Hal T. sign documents "member Minnesota youth hockey coaches association" but in my Ten years of coaching have never seen any literature, or heard of any such group other than that signature. I would like to hear feedback from others from what they think of such an idea, and if such a group was started, we could use it to develope a strategy for approaching MH at its spring meeting. On the other hand, if you think I'm wack, (which many of you do I already know) than forget I brought it up.

6AA Fan · Post by **6AA Fan** » Sat Jan 21, 2006 10:50 pm

An association/union isn't a crazy idea at all. I think it is definitely worth exploring...it might be a good avenue to get us a voice in situations like the helmet rule instead of depending on others to speak for us. It is actually something a few coaches have mentioned to me in passing in the past. In my opinion, it should not be affiliated with MN or USA hockey (at least initially), because then, in the end, MN/USA hockey are controlling it. I'd be interested to hear anyone else's thoughts. duluth - check your inbox for a quick offline message.

gferhock1 · Post by **gferhock1** » Mon Jan 23, 2006 10:04 am

Although a board that represents the coaches for all issues not just this one could be a good support system for coaches, I would like to see associations take the responsibilities since this is really their issue in my oppinion. Associations are responsible for most matters like, problem parents/players, recruiting coaches and getting them educated. I suggest starting at the assoc level and get their support to take it to the DD level to bring it to Mn board. Thats the way the system is supposed to work.

ToTheNines · Post by **ToTheNines** » Wed Jan 25, 2006 3:11 pm

To Minnesota Hockey Board- After 21 years of coaching youth hockey I am stepping away. The helmet is the last straw. I will now concentrate on developing AAA club hockey. The majority is right when they say you will drive away some very good coaches. Good luck and I wish you well!!! Nines

slow feet no hands guy · Wed Jan 25, 2006 4:06 pm

There are some very interesting points being brought up here. I do think that some are a bit intense. I mean, they are only helmets. It is a shame that if some of you are truly "coaches" that you would leave the game we all love simply because they are going to require we wear helmets. I am a long time youth coach that does not agree with MN Hockey regarding helmets. I would also be interested in joining an organization of Coaches to help get our voices heard. I will not however be giving up on coaching just because they are forcing us to wear helmets. I'll probably just get a real short hair cut!!!

puckboy · Post by **puckboy** » Wed Jan 25, 2006 4:09 pm

who is in charge of enforecent- MN hockey or the Assocation?

elliott70 · Post by **elliott70** » Wed Jan 25, 2006 4:27 pm

ENFORCEMENT will be part of the agnda when the helmet rule is finalized in April at the Spring meeting in Detroit Lakes.

elliott70 · Post by **elliott70** » Wed Jan 25, 2006 4:31 pm

I have heard (here, by email, by phone and in person) that coaches do not want to wear helmets. But I would like to get a clearer picture of what is the issue. So far, I think I have these arguments: For helmets: 1. Safety 2. Good role model to players. Against helmets: 1. Cost 2. Loss of freedom of choice If you would, please add to the list. This will get a lot of time at the April meeting, judging by the amount of time it is getting now.

puckboy · Post by **puckboy** » Wed Jan 25, 2006 4:33 pm

will who is paying for them also be on the agenda. Since there are lots of older coachs I would bet that if they do have helmets they do not meet the standard that has been set.

elliott70 · Post by **elliott70** » Wed Jan 25, 2006 4:41 pm

Cost of the purchase will probably be a topic of discussion, but without a lot of emphasis. Highly unlikely that MN Hockey would subsidize any purchases. Possilbe that they would lead a discussion with suppliers on getting discounts. Odds are cost would be up to local assn or the individual.

6AA Fan · Post by **6AA Fan** » Thu Jan 26, 2006 11:25 pm

A few additional reasons to add to the "against" list: 1. Recruiting/retention of coaches. Helmets will drive out coaches, and despite the quote in the Star Tribune article that “we will live without them”, the rule will have an adverse impact on the kids. We already struggle to find qualified coaches – this will only make it more difficult. The even bigger concern here is the recruitment of future coaches. The helmet issue only adds to a long list of rules/obstacles standing in the way of coaching hockey (Helmets, CEP, HEP, etc…). Coaches want to coach, not be told what to do, wear, or what seminars to attend. 2. Enforcement – how will this rule be enforced? How will anyone know if a coach in whatevertown, MN doesn’t wear his helmet to a 6am practice on Saturday? And when there is an offense, who can report it, and what proof is needed? And what due process will be granted? Clear as mud. This rule will be impossible to enforce fairly and equally. 3. “How we got here” – while this probably isn’t truly an argument against helmets, I think it is absolutely relevant to the discussion. There is a LOT of concern from the vast majority of coaches who feel like we were left out of the process. This rule was railroaded through by one individual, and with no involvement of the people the rule will impact most. While there was a committee formed, it contained only people who would provide no resistance to the process. Furthermore, it was purely an emotional sell to the board. While I don’t mean to minimize or downplay the severity of the injuries described in the presentations, they were extreme examples. Rational people make decisions based on facts, not emotions. Show me some firm statistics that say this is a problem that needs to be addressed...in all reality, there are none.

zeph517 · Post by **zeph517** » Thu Jan 26, 2006 11:33 pm

I have been in contact with many coaches over the last few weeks. One is starting a petition against and is also looking into the legality of this. If you would like to sign the petition please email me and I'll get it to you. lee@walleyeguides.com

puckboy · Post by **puckboy** » Fri Jan 27, 2006 7:35 am

Would MN Hockey or the home assosciation be liable if a coach does not wear a helmet and becomes injured. Any attorneys out there?.

goldy313 · Post by **goldy313** » Fri Jan 27, 2006 10:29 am

Reasons against: -outdoor ice, though not many teams use it anymore, some do. -it's not universal; camps, AAA, open hockey, tryouts, much hockey is away from MAHA, it's inconsistant and what message does that send? -non registered coaches, I can be at practice but not games because I am not registered, there are many in this category. -USA Hockey and the MSHSL lost some very good officials when they mandated helmets, something that they still haven't totally recovered from. Reasons for: -I am old enough to remember when seatbelts weren't even in cars let alone required to wear, the drinking age was 19, nobody ever wore a helmet when riding a bike, and I didn't have to wear a face mask until I was a second year bantam. Times change.

6AA Fan · Post by **6AA Fan** » Sat Feb 04, 2006 11:17 pm

Just a reminder to everyone...if you haven't already done so, please let the MN Hockey Board know your thoughts on this. It will be addressed at their spring meetings, so it is important that everyone chime in with their thoughts so the masses can have their voice in this. Their Emails are as follows: markj@minnesotahockey.org; ccgreen@ties2.net; philg@ntminc.com; dabakke@trane.com; barry.ford6@honeywell.com; bigab6@aol.com; bob.halverson@udlp.com; djmeisner1@juno.com; jerry.demeo@altechiline.com; jebez@hickorytech.net; dswenson@minnesotahockey.org; bob@mnjhl.com; lynnolson01@aol.com; bjohnsonmhca@comcast.net; eric.olson@ecm-inc.com; halt@minnesotahockey.org; tcdir44@hotmail.com; gjnagan@comcast.net; jperry@compassgroupmn.com; jake2@iw.net; hockeyts@aol.com; bhewitt@firstfleet.com; rrakness@comcast.net; d10director@yahoo.com; d11director@aol.com; daphyl@lcp2.net; dstigen@prtel.com; elliottm@paulbunyan.net; gerry.brown@minnkotahockey.com FYI – here are the people whose Emails are listed above (in the same order as their Email addresses are listed): 1.&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp Mark Jorgensen, Executive Director 2.&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp Dennis Green, President 3.&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp Phil Graber, Secretary/Treasurer 4.&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp Dave Bakke, VP Planning 5.&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp Barry Ford, VP Hockey Operations 6.&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp Bill Gable, VP Tournaments 7.&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp Bob Halverson, VP, Maroon Coordinator 8.&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp Dave Meisner, VP Publicity/Promotion 9.&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp Gerald R. DeMeo, VP, Gold Coordinator 10.&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp Jim Bullard, Controller 11.&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp Dave Swenson, Director Adults 12.&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp Bob Breu, Director Juniors 13.&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp Lynn Olson, Director Women 14.&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp Bruce Johnson, Director HS Boys 15.&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp Eric Olson, Referee in chief 16.&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp Hal Tearse, Coach in chief 17.&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp Steve Swanson, Director District TC 18.&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp Greg Nagan, Director District 2 19.&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp John Perry, Director District 3 20.&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp Mark Jacobs, Director District 4 21.&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp Tim Sweezo, Director District 5 22.&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp Brad Hewitt, Director District 6 23.&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp Rich Rakness, Director District 8 24.&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp Tim Timm, Director District 10 25.&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp Pete Hill, Director District 11 26.&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp Dave Hendrickson, Director District IR 27.&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp Dave Stigen, Director District 15 28.&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp Mark Elliott, Director District 16 29.&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp Gerry Brown, Minnkota Registrar

upucker · Post by **upucker** » Sun Feb 05, 2006 12:19 am

Cost of helmets. I bet that some local sportings goods stores would give helmets to coaches as long as they were able to put the stores logo on the sides of the helmet.

falkster09 · Post by **falkster09** » Mon Feb 13, 2006 9:10 pm

I saw an article in the USA Hockey magazine under the Minnesota Hockey part that this is official. How idiotic is this?

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