Volume 2, Number 4
Tape to Tape is an electronic newsletter created as a means of direct communication between USA Hockey and hockey administrators around the country. We encourage you to distribute this newsletter to as many people in your association as possible, and encourage them to sign up for their own copy of Tape to Tape. If you do not receive this newsletter directly from USA Hockey and would like to, please click here to subscribe.
USA Hockey Registration Season Date Change
USA Hockey’s registration season will now begin on May 1 and run through April 30 starting with the 2009-10 season.
This change, which was approved by the USA Hockey Board of Directors at the 2009 Winter Meetings, will conform to current practices of member registration and team formation for the majority of programs around the country. Most programs consider mid-April to be the end of the season and some begin tryouts for the upcoming season during the summer. The change will also streamline the online registration process, eliminating confusion and refunds for wrong season registration. A May 1 start date will provide programs with the opportunity to hold Learn to Play and short-term introductory sessions at a time of the year when ice is less used.
The four ‘extra’ months from a year’s registration will now be at the ‘front end of the season’… allowing people to try hockey during the summer and then be able to join a team with their registration for the season already paid. Online registration for the 2008-09 season will cease on April 30, with online registration for the 2009-10 season available beginning May 1.
Click here for additional information about the registration season date change.
The North American Rink Conference and Expo (NARCE), presented by STAR, will be back in Chicago from May 11-14. Once again, USA Hockey will offer its Hockey Director Program to hockey directors and hockey program administrators.
This program will explain how to use USA Hockey programs to create successful development opportunities for all players, while maximizing the growth and profitability for all hockey programs.
- Learn to play programs
- Growth initiatives
- Initiation and cross-ice programs
- Youth recreational and competitive programs
- House/recreational programs
- Competitive/travel programs
- Age-specific skills progressions
- Parent behavior
- Off-season programs
Click here to register now for this educational event.
Colorado Girls OneGoal = FREE Hockey
The Colorado Select Girls Hockey Association organized an introduction to hockey event geared towards the growth of girl’s hockey in the Colorado region.
“Over the past nine years, girl’s hockey has begun to firmly establish itself in Colorado,” said Rich Smith, a Director for the Colorado Amateur Hockey Association (CAHA). “It’s our responsibility to help continue to grow and retain players.”
With the support of CAHA and sponsor, Aquafina, Colorado Select hosted a six week free hockey program for girls ages 4-11. OneGoal equipment, skates and sticks were provided free of charge for the program. Older female players and registered USA Hockey coaches provided instruction.
“Parents were thrilled with the program and we ended up with lots of very happy little faces,” continued Smith. Here are just a few of the comments from parents:
- “We would never have tried hockey if it wasn’t for this program.”
- “My daughter is enjoying this because she is playing with other girls her age.”
- “My daughter loves it because you have older girls helping her from the time she walked into the door to the time she leaves.”
- “Thanks for an amazing first experience with girls hockey! The girls learned so much and had fun at the same time!”
| Is your program trying something to increase participation? Please let us know so we can share ideas with other programs around the country – patk@usahockey.org. |
Over the six weeks, 60 girls came out for the program and 57 girls hope to join a local youth program. “We were successful because of all the volunteers that gave their valuable time and commitment because they want to see hockey grow,” stated Smith. Click here to see the program flyer and get more details.
The American Development Model
USA Hockey is introducing the American Development Model (ADM), a structure for youth hockey associations that offers equal opportunity for recreational and competitive hockey. The ADM is based on current sports science and Long-Term Athlete Development (LTAD) principles.
Our hockey system has evolved over time, and certain counterproductive elements have crept into our structure. The ADM addresses these issues, and is designed to nurture participation in hockey for kids and families.
For more information on the ADM, please visit the online home for the program usahockey.com/adm.
Hockey Weekend Across America Wrap Up
USA Hockey’s Second Annual Hockey Weekend Across America came to a close on Sunday, February 15 and has been deemed another success! From NHL arenas to local rinks and ponds, Hockey Weekend Across America generated a tremendous amount of positive exposure for the sport of hockey. And while the celebration may have ended with the conclusion of the weekend, it lives on at our website.
Click here for a recap of how various programs and teams celebrated Hockey Weekend Across America 2009!
Links of Interest
Responsible Sports Community Grants
$50,000 :: 20 Grants :: 3 months
Help your youth hockey team join the ranks of winning hockey leagues like:
- Raleigh Youth Hockey Association
- Lancaster County Youth Amateur Hockey League
- Price Ice Youth Hockey
These teams have used the $2,500 grant money to start an endowment to reduce the costs for all of their players, establish a scholarship fund, invest in new equipment and renovate their home rink.
Youth hockey administrators: Register your organization today! It only takes a few minutes and you’ll be ready for the grant period which takes place in March, April and May. To register, click here to learn how you can earn one of the 20 available $2,500 grants. Within a few days, your registration will be processed and you’ll get access to everything you need to start spreading the word. That’s it!
Youth hockey parents, coaches and supporters: See if your favorite youth hockey organization is registered. Click here to search for your organization. Found? You’re ready to go. Missing? Tell your administrator to register. We make it easy!
Registration Update as of February 15, 2009
Registration totals for the 2008-09 season to date are 442,000 players, 54,700 coaches and 26,520 officials. Over 80% of all registrations have been processed online. Player counts for age 7 and under show an increase compared to the same date last season. Congratulations to all programs who are working successfully to increase the number of young players in the game.
CyberSport Registration software version 11.0 is undergoing final testing in preparation for the 2009-10 season. Distribution of the software will begin in mid-April. Online registration for the 2009-10 season will be available beginning May 1.
Make a TAPE to TAPE Pass
We encourage you to distribute this newsletter to as many people in your association as possible. Board members, hockey directors, coaches, parents and players can all benefit from information in TAPE to TAPE. We thank you for your commitment to hockey and your help in sharing best practices with others in your association.
If you don’t already receive this newsletter directly from USA Hockey and would like to, please click here to subscribe.