National Championships - Are you kidding?

[oldschool22]

I just saw that there's now a fee for the prvelige of watching the tournament. Is this the first year of this? Does NARCH charge now too? I think this is a poor move, given all of the other things going on right now. I guess I'll just stay at home and watch in on ESPN. What is the reason the decision makers use to justify this? I'm sure the decision was made by the same yahoos that decided to scale back D2 to a mere 16 teams when it is currently the most competitive division, evidenced by the fact that there has never been a repeat champ among other things.

[GSJaguars11]

this is ridiculous. who's parents or friends are gonna pay 20 to go watch? not to mentiont he fact that now i'll have to spend $20 for my girlfriend to get in who doesnt even understand what the hell she's watching. I can see this being only the players and no one watching any games

[CUDangled]

I can't see many "random" people stopping by to watch the games if it is $20 to get in. So essentially anyone who brings their family/friends will be paying. Why not just charge the teams more and allow the "public" to get in free or for just a few dollars?

[wednthavddr]

Pure Retardation. I would love to hear the reasoning behind this. I wasn't planning on going and it probably wouldn't have affected my plans on going. Then why am I complaining? Many fans are college students, and they would much rather spend $20 on a dinner then watch their drinking buddies play hockey. I don't want to say it but, economic recession. How is it effecting the NCRHA. They still get their $4,000 fees each team pays every year, and I think there are more teams then ever that are playing now. Oh in case the NCRHA hasn't realized, it's Roller Hockey. The $20 isn't going to make the sport more legit or more recognized. Is NARCh charging to watch NARCh Pro, the best competition you can see? NO! It is not PIHA or AIHL hockey, and their teams make money those fees you pay to watch those games. The families around the Sportsflex area, who play roller hockey, that are bored Saturday are going to rule out a trip to the rink to check out the most competitive college roller hockey tournament of the year because of the unnecessary $20 they would need to spend. I do not get it. It would be nice to get some reasoning behind this, besides pure profit off of people.

[CSteamer]

I completely agree. $20 is ridiculous. I could see maybe a $5 charge but even then I think its a little off. I wouldnt pay $20 to watch collegiate roller hockey and I dont think I know a single college student who would pay that. I dont even know if my parents would pay that and they pretty much come to every event ever. I predict the only fans will be players/coaches from other teams, and few rich parents. not a very smart move in my opinion.

[bauernike98]

I wonder if they will be charging for personal seat licenses as well..........

[Patn Lawton]

I hope this extra money made goes towards hiring extra staff to clean the sportsplex bathrooms.

[obtrice45]

$20?!?!! I pay less to see the Florida Panthers play.

So is it $20 for the whole week? per day? per entry? Whatever it is, this is stupid. What made last year fun to play in nationals was the amount of people that showed up and were interested in the game making noise. Now all we are going to hear during the game is crikets and our wheels skating.

[ISFN]

It costs to watch last year too bud

[GoRangrHky]

Since clearly noone even looked at the ticketing...

It's $15 for students for the entire event. Tell them to have two less cocktails over the course of the week, and they'll be alright.

Next, if your parents are coming from who knows where to see you play, an extra $20 for the weekend probably won't make or break the trip. I didn't realize that having $20 made you rich. And if that's the case, I'm half way to being Donald Trump...

And you're right- it is a recession. Which means it's a heck of a lot harder to convince people that are needed to work the event to take vacation time, or even not get paid for working a weekend, to come work at the event. Cost of travel is up, so if you want refs from all over the country and NOT just the ECRHA, it costs money. Also, realize that hotels in Philadelphia are a bit more expensive than in Colorado Springs.

And finally, do the math. You say charge the teams a bit more, but even if every team has 15 parents/friends/siblings TOTAL that come to watch (and that's averaged out- I'm sure some local schools will have a whole bunch, and others not so much), that's $300 per team. So they could jack the price up to $1,100 per team, and let everyone in for free. And I'm sure you'd be just fine with that.

NARCh charges a little bit less to play games that are 2/3 as long as college games. They also pack games in starting as early as possible and ending as late as possible, which if were done for the college games would lead to an outcry about how terrible it is, how real college sports don't play games at 7am, and all the same crap everyone says every year. But you don't want the tournament going any longer because then it costs more for hotels and car rentals. But that's how NARCh makes it's money and doesn't need a few extra bucks from admission to those games. The team sponsors also pay the exorbitant entry fee for that division. It's a totally different business model, and really can't be compared.

Once again, for the 7th straight year, if you have a better way of doing it, PLEASE enlighten the rest of us. I'll forward it on to the NCRHA staff, onc they're done pulling a Scrooge McDuck and towel off after swimming in their vault of gold coins.

PS- I paid $29 to watch the women's NCAA finals yesterday. That was for one game. Of women's hockey. I'd gladly drop $20 to watch a full week of men's college roller.

[PGHhockey]

Since clearly noone even looked at the ticketing...

It's $15 for students for the entire event. Tell them to have two less cocktails over the course of the week, and they'll be alright.

Next, if your parents are coming from who knows where to see you play, an extra $20 for the weekend probably won't make or break the trip. I didn't realize that having $20 made you rich. And if that's the case, I'm half way to being Donald Trump...

And you're right- it is a recession. Which means it's a heck of a lot harder to convince people that are needed to work the event to take vacation time, or even not get paid for working a weekend, to come work at the event. Cost of travel is up, so if you want refs from all over the country and NOT just the ECRHA, it costs money. Also, realize that hotels in Philadelphia are a bit more expensive than in Colorado Springs.

And finally, do the math. You say charge the teams a bit more, but even if every team has 15 parents/friends/siblings TOTAL that come to watch (and that's averaged out- I'm sure some local schools will have a whole bunch, and others not so much), that's $300 per team. So they could jack the price up to $1,100 per team, and let everyone in for free. And I'm sure you'd be just fine with that.

NARCh charges a little bit less to play games that are 2/3 as long as college games. They also pack games in starting as early as possible and ending as late as possible, which if were done for the college games would lead to an outcry about how terrible it is, how real college sports don't play games at 7am, and all the same crap everyone says every year. But you don't want the tournament going any longer because then it costs more for hotels and car rentals. But that's how NARCh makes it's money and doesn't need a few extra bucks from admission to those games. The team sponsors also pay the exorbitant entry fee for that division. It's a totally different business model, and really can't be compared.

Once again, for the 7th straight year, if you have a better way of doing it, PLEASE enlighten the rest of us. I'll forward it on to the NCRHA staff, onc they're done pulling a Scrooge McDuck and towel off after swimming in their vault of gold coins.

PS- I paid $29 to watch the women's NCAA finals yesterday. That was for one game. Of women's hockey. I'd gladly drop $20 to watch a full week of men's college roller.


Post of the year thus far.

[GSJaguars11]

It's $15 for students for the entire event. Tell them to have two less cocktails over the course of the week, and they'll be alright.


most of the students that are coming to watch are really just going to watch their friends, for their friends, and would never go out of their way to go.




And you're right- it is a recession. Which means it's a heck of a lot harder to convince people that are needed to work the event to take vacation time, or even not get paid for working a weekend, to come work at the event. Cost of travel is up, so if you want refs from all over the country and NOT just the ECRHA, it costs money. Also, realize that hotels in Philadelphia are a bit more expensive than in Colorado Springs.


this is an honest question, isn't the entry fee supposed to cover that?

[Calig]

I understand all the logic behind the post above from GoRangrHky, but here is an idea for the league. The NCAA gives its student athletes what is called a pass list. This allows each competing player 2 guest passes so their parents can come. Now I understand the funding issues that differentiate the NCAA from the NCRHA, but I still think giving 1 pass per player would be okay or even giving a discount for parents if they are on a certain list which could be sent in along with the team roster to avoid confusion or shadiness at the gate. The parents fund almost all of my team, and to tack on the extra money is basically asking them for cover to see the culmination of what their thousands of dollars have paid for all year.

Another thing is, if this is to bring money into the league, what happens if less people show up because of the money, regardless of if it is right or not? I do think there should be a charge for friends and public, for the record. But simple economics will tell you that if only 100 people pay $20, that equals $2000 for the league. But if 250 show up at $10, thats $2500. You may not think that this will be the issue, but its maximizing profits while still making people happy and gaining popularity....

[GoRangrHky]

I understand how profit maximization works (4 QM classes will do that), and knowing the people who were involved in this decision, I'm fairly certain that that was taken into consideration when they set the prices. Do you really think that there will be a 250% increase in attendance because the ticket price was $10 instead of $20. Besides, the $20 price is only for a ticket to the entire weekend. It's $10 for one day ($8 for students, $5 for kids).

I also am very aware how the gate list works, but to me, the majority of people that are coming are going to be parents. Letting all of them through significantly reduces the amount of revenue brought in through this. Also, having been on the traveling party of NCAA team for three years, I also know that players that do not have parents there will add friends and whoever else for the people that already do have their slots filled. So what it's reduced to now is people off the street paying, and in all honesty (unfortunately), that number has not traditionally been that high.

The entry fee has to cover quite a bit, and yes, it is designed so that these costs will be covered. The money that is generated from gate revenues can go to a variety of places that would not traditionally be covered by tournament entry fees. This includes development stuff for the future, facility improvements for the event, and possibly paying staff members. I know in the past that there have been MANY staff members who did not get paid simply because there wasn't enough money left at the end. And as much as you think they should just be doing all of this work for whatever reason, these people do this work for YOU, the players, with little to no thanks (all I've read is posts complaining about an event that hasn't even happened yet, and not one from a player saying how much they're looking forward to it) and on their own time. How would you like to spend a week's worth of vacation at a hockey rink in Feasterville, PA working ridiculously long days for next to no money (if anything at all), only to have people complain about everything you do. I'm amazed we still have anyone left, honestly.

I throw it out there again- if you don't like it, volunteer to work, and make changes that way.

To be honest, has anyone called their parents, told them that they should buy their tickets online beforehand to save the hassle of getting them at the rink (as well as saving them a couple of bucks in the process), and heard them scream through the phone about how this is "Pure Retardation" developed by the same "yahoos" who picked your team to go to the tournament in the first place? If so, please record the phone calls as wav files and send them to your local morning radio station.

[MBurke]

Any league member who is concerned is more than welcome to ask the NCRHA for a budget outlining how nationals money is broken down.

[Calig]

yeah I see your point and I know that there are a lot of good people who probably doing a lot for this league with little to no recognition. Just to clarify, I don't think there is going to be a 250% increase in attendance, but I do think it could play into overall attendance. Reality is, I don't disagree with the price to the extent others do, I would like to see some options for players' parents. The pass list could be tweaked so that it can only be 1 or 2 family members at say half price of what public is with no exceptions. People in the stands is not only great for the teams playing, but great for the sport. I guess the main thing to take from what you said is to give back in some way (which I fully agree with), even if it is just showing appreciation as opposed to only communicating when there are negatives.

[wednthavddr]

I peronally would rather hear that due to budgeting circumstances there will be a fee to watch the games at the 2009 Collegiate Roller Hockey Nationals. What it sounds like is that the college nationals are so great that there is a charge to watch it.

[Seven]

As a person who has attended several Nationals events, I've yet to see any reason to charge for it. Was last year's event beter than it would have been if not for the money? Likewise, to any NCRHA brass watching, will this year's event be any better because of the charges?

The best event, in my opinion, was Anaheim, followed by St. Louis. Neither event had a charge.

I would welcome a budget and explanation on how these monies are used.

[William Bourque]

I would welcome a budget and explanation on how these monies are used.

Any member club can ask the league for a copy. I wouldn't expect that information to be made public here.

[InlineMBA]

Twenty bucks ? ? ?

Jeeeezzzz.........

A small price to pay to watch some great hockey.

Steve Inge - ROXBURY 8

ps - I hardly ever watch my son play, and I'm more than happy pay $20 to watch: Barnette, Sullivan, Nelson, Tasch, Herbert, Yokubison, Keane, Ganz, Gouge, Fenkell, David (the fastest guy I've ever seen on wheels) Hollingshead, Fulton, Brodsky, Tallo, etc., etc., etc.

[Mtour71]

Faster than speed skater Travis Fudge? Who will be attending this event as well.

[rocksforhands]

Aren't we trying to expand the sport of college roller hockey. How does making walkins from the surrounding areas pay $20 to watch. That is insane. I told my parents and my dad starting laughing like I was joking. Give me a break NCRHA...stop trying to make an extra quick dollar off broke college students and players' families.

[JLambertUMSL]

Faster than speed skater Travis Fudge? Who will be attending this event as well.

Funny that this particular comparison would come up...

Interestingly enough, at a Tornados-Flying Monkeys (PIHA) game two seasons ago I heard Perry Turnbull say that Hollingshead might be faster than Fudge. (For what it's worth.)

[GoRangrHky]

a response like that is almost offensive. You make it seem like the NCRHA either has a ridiculous amount of money laying around as it is, or is making huge profits off of this tournament. Man, I can not wait until some of you guys have real jobs, and all of a sudden are doing whatever you have to do to make a buck. Again, why don't you come up with a budget that doesn't involve doing that? Last I checked, you're doing absolutely nothing to benefit this league.

[McLovin]

I peronally would rather hear that due to budgeting circumstances there will be a fee to watch the games at the 2009 Collegiate Roller Hockey Nationals. What it sounds like is that the college nationals are so great that there is a charge to watch it.

So let me get this straight, because I want to be completely sure that I understand what you and everyone else who is complaining about an admission charge are saying. Are college nationals NOT so great that there should be a charge to watch it? Or, more to the point, is college roller hockey NOT WORTH paying to watch?

The ACHA (club ice hockey) for example, charges admission to its DI and DII national championships (held in separate locations). Event passes to watch all 27 games played by all 16 teams at each event cost $45 - $50. Single day passes were $15 for adults, $10 for students, and everyone pays to get in (yes, family, friends, even the head coach's daughter).

Is club ice hockey so great that you should have to pay $50 to see the event, but club roller hockey so bad that it should be free? Is club ice hockey somehow better, more interesting, more entertaining, more professionally presented, than club roller hockey? ABSOLUTELY NOT!

Are those of you who feel the event should be free really arguing that the hard work and dedication that you put into a season's worth of practices, games, blood, sweat and tears, not worth someone paying to watch the cluminating event? That it should just be given away for free?

There is a value to what we do. People completely unrelated to the event last year in Colorado packed the rinks and paid their admission. The event was properly promoted and people came to watch. Those that saw the UCI/Stony Brook game, for example, are probably still talking about it, not worried at all about the few dollars they had to pay to get in.

College roller hockey games should not be given away for free during the national championships, they are too valuable. By not charging you are devaluing what we do and the product that we put on the floor. Just because no one else in roller hockey charges admission does not mean that the NCRHA should not. People expect admission charges to sporting events, even junior high wrestling meets charge admission fees!

We need to get rid of the attitude that our sport is somehow not worth as much as the rest of them, that roller hockey isn't as good as everything else. It is that good. Quit devaluing yourselves. Our game is exctiting, our players are ridiculously skilled and talented, and our sport is great. It is worth paying to watch. We are worth paying to watch.

McLovin

[cdolan]

I also heard the Perry line. And I also heard that Fudge ended up toying with him to prove a point. But this is off topic. And funny also.

[MBurke]

Regardless of value, I'm fairly certain the ACHA charges for the same reason that the NCRHA does. As alluded to before, any member team is welcome to request a budget. NCRHA is a not for profit entity.

For those of you not inclined or able to go that route, here's an idea of the things the budget has to cover - off the top of my head:

- Rink/facility fees for 150+ hours of floor time
- Travel expenses (hotel, rental car, gas, flights, meal stipend, etc.) for approximately 30 officials and staff over a four-day period
- Staffing costs (officials, timekeepers and staff for 150 games)
- Pucks and other game supplies
- Various office supplies, printing expenses for brackets/etc
- Two-way packing and shipping for trophies and plaques (if you've seen them, you have an idea that this isn't cheap)

At $800/team for 56 teams that's just under $45,000 to play with. Break out your calculators. :o

[BLowe7]

56 teams could be 60 real easy, just sayin, d-II gettin jobbed

[oldschool22]

I don't think anyone has called the league greedy rich ****s. That's a great point - expand the fields (DII, DIII and B) by 4 more teams. After the round robin, some teams don't advance. That would be another 64-9600 in the kitty to offset some expenses. I'm sure the bubble teams in some regions that should be there would all agree that the best way to settle it would be some more games. Shipp and a few from the east could play against other regions and the best would prove themselves and go on. The weakest ones would watch the elimination round.

And the best thing of all - the experience of going. Isn't that what it's all about? The fun and the memories. The comraderie....etc. The more participants in the event, the better.

The issue at hand is the league's ignorance to what the players want.
I think every league member wanted a bigger national for DII. This fell on completely deaf and standofish ears.

The same with admission fees. Under this arrangement, I'd guess that tournament participants would have to pay in order to watch other games at the tourney? What about on sunday - if your team is out, do you have to pay to watch the games?

Does the league actively seek feedback from its participants?

[teamcarramrod]

Post of the year thus far.

not even close. the ps killed it.

[William Bourque]

The same with admission fees. Under this arrangement, I'd guess that tournament participants would have to pay in order to watch other games at the tourney? What about on sunday - if your team is out, do you have to pay to watch the games?

Players were given player passes when they were registered at the start of the tournament. Additionally, there was a players only entrance at Tour Arena.

Also, the league isn't going to listen to people who complain on the message board. There are channels to go through in order to get the information your looking for or to have your voice heard. If in turn, you use these boards as your communication with the league, you have other issues.

[Sinister Soup]

I don't know if she was a minority but my girlfriend went to Colorado last year and watched all of our games and never paid a dime. It seemed that the doors were only watched closely when there was a lindinwood game.

[GoRangrHky]

If they allow in more teams, expect more early morning/late night games, and inevitably, more teams complaining about that.

And don't knock the women's NCAA championship. Granted I was there as a spectator watching from am administrative perspective (for those who don't know, I am the event and game operations manager for Harvard men's and women's hockey), but the level of hockey that these girls play is incredible. From a distance, especially on TV, it doesn't look overly impressive, but have you watched the video of roller games? Aside from some of the highlight reel goals, it bores me to tears sometimes. But we all know that, as players, it is tough out there.

In looking around, club baseball charges, club lacrosse (which I think puts on one of the best national club championships) absolutely does (their last two championships have been at Pizza Hut Park and Texas Stadium [yes, THAT Texas Stadium]), club rugby does, and equestrian has ringside tables available for $500 a pop. So it's not like the NCRHA is doing something that no one else does. And, they're giving you plenty of advance notice and the opportunity to purchase tickets online at a discounted rate. I was on campus this weekend as the YMCA charged $5 a person for each session (of which there were three over the course of a 12 hour span) to watch 9 and 10 year olds swim a lap in a pool. $20 for 4 full days of hockey is nothing.

[FAUplayer]

If they allow in more teams, expect more early morning/late night games, and inevitably, more teams complaining about that.

And don't knock the women's NCAA championship. Granted I was there as a spectator watching from am administrative perspective (for those who don't know, I am the event and game operations manager for Harvard men's and women's hockey), but the level of hockey that these girls play is incredible. From a distance, especially on TV, it doesn't look overly impressive, but have you watched the video of roller games? Aside from some of the highlight reel goals, it bores me to tears sometimes. But we all know that, as players, it is tough out there.

In looking around, club baseball charges, club lacrosse (which I think puts on one of the best national club championships) absolutely does (their last two championships have been at Pizza Hut Park and Texas Stadium [yes, THAT Texas Stadium]), club rugby does, and equestrian has ringside tables available for $500 a pop. So it's not like the NCRHA is doing something that no one else does. And, they're giving you plenty of advance notice and the opportunity to purchase tickets online at a discounted rate. I was on campus this weekend as the YMCA charged $5 a person for each session (of which there were three over the course of a 12 hour span) to watch 9 and 10 year olds swim a lap in a pool. $20 for 4 full days of hockey is nothing.

As you, and other have made a good factual argument, I think the problem that lies within the people is knowing that NARCh and TORHS do not charge you for entree into the venue as spectators. Aside from our players and few coaches, we will have maybe 2 or 3 parents there, so it is not an issue for my team.

[wednthavddr]

McLovin
As I said in my post, I would have no problem paying the fee. I totally forgot the league had fees last year which gives it more credibility this year.
Previously said by somebody, expanding the teams would bring in more money. Yes it would go towards rink time but only so much of it. People bring up ice hockey and from what I hear rink time for ice hockey is a lot more expensive then roller. The comparison to ice hockey is stupid because it is not ice hockey that we are playing. More money goes into ice hockey then roller in many leagues whether it is men's or women's. By this time people may start thinking that I am stubborn but I understand the reasoning to charge people for the fees to get into the games. Like I said earlier, I'd rather hear the reason for charging to be for budgeting rather then having the priveledge of seeing some of the best roller hockey players around.
As an outsider to the sport that is a great pitch though, to say you can see this guy and that guy for $20. For people who play against them or have grown up with them I think they would just want to hear the truth. Thats my only thing.
I love the game of roller hockey and if it wasn't for the NCRHA I wouldn't be in the school I am in today.

[GripperWheels]

"The comparison to ice hockey is stupid because it is not ice hockey that we are playing."

Yes..What sport are we playing because there is a NO ice player PRO rule in the NCRHA. But you can be listed as a PRO in roller hockey league or Play in TORHS for money as a PRO in roller hockey but you are not a PRO. Stupid is as stupid does.

[GongMaster]

Who wants to pay 20 bucks to watch me break some ankles and fire off the Midwest clapper.

[Drexel63]

Yes..What sport are we playing because there is a NO ice player PRO rule in the NCRHA. But you can be listed as a PRO in roller hockey league or Play in TORHS for money as a PRO in roller hockey but you are not a PRO. Stupid is as stupid does
wait, what?
oh.... now I understand the price of tea in China....

Just offering a counter point here, as I have no opinion either way.. If the parents are paying (for the majority) of the college kids to play hockey (which I'm not convinced of... if they were it wouldn't have taken a full year of hounding to get club dues out of my players), and then are being charged $20 at the gate to be allowed to watch what they've paid for, why not just charge it up front and avoid even the remote possibility of being misjudged as dollaring them to death?

If 80% of the parents understand and are fine with it, that's great, but if they are paying for it anyway, and are willing anyway, why not do it up front to avoid the 20% of disparaging remarks and complaints... Isn't that worth it? Call it PR spin without sacrificing budget...



Finally, just a thought...
Nationals is a flat cost for everyone... of the 24 teams in D1, 2 teams will play 7 gms, 2 will play 6, 12 will play 5, and 8 will play 4, which averages out to about 5 gms per team. So, 8 teams (at least) are paying for a game which they'll never play... That's the nature of sport... If you lose, you forfeit whatever you paid upfront to participate, and don't get your full dollars' worth... Everyone who has ever played in a tournament accepts this graciously (maybe not losing, but no one has ever asked for 15% of their tournmanet fee back after exiting in the first round...
Why no treat nationals the same way, on a national scale... There were 173 NCT Eligible teams this year in the NCRHA. Only 56 of those teams are playing in April. Each of those 56 teams pays $800 for an entry fee, and, for round numbers, say each of those teams averages 10 fans to pay for a $20 ticket, giving the NCRHA a $56,000 budget to work with...
As someone said, this is the culmination of the hard work put in through an entire season, and although 117 of the member teams are not there, they had their chance, through the nature of sport, to be there... You could cover the $56K budget for NCT across every team in the nation by charging $300 per team at the beginning of the year. On top of that is the great feeling of not having to wait for deposits and payments in March, etc... Things could get done earlier since you arent waiting on the money to do so, and any little money made off the interest from that 7 months in the bank can go to help the event be that much more special...
Yea, the NCT is a tournament, but its also our playoffs, and I think, at least financially, it should be treated as such...

[GongMaster]

What is a ZJ?

[Drexel63]

if you don't know.. you can't afford it..

[BLowe7]

Does the league actively seek feedback from its participants?

In all my experience in ECRHA and NCHRA, I never once had an administrator ask me how I felt about the league as a club president or player, etc.

The Region was a bit better than national, although I have had limited contact with the National people, but I do have experiences in which I was spoken down to and completely ignored by people at the national level, which likely would not have happened in ECRHA.

[MBurke]

In all my experience in ECRHA and NCHRA, I never once had an administrator ask me how I felt about the league as a club president or player, etc.

The ECRHA has an ACC (club rep) meeting at least two times per year. I have been to almost twenty of these in my life, and every time there's been an open floor for questions and concerns in addition to all the usual agenda items (voting on what playoff format you want and how bids will be determined for the region, how the regular season will be structured, approving a budget, how to handle disciplinary issues with delinquent clubs...). In addition, the teams are responsible for appointing our Board of Directors.

I'm not sure how we made you feel so slighted, but apologies if this isn't considered to be involving the teams/feedback enough.

[William Bourque]

In all my experience in ECRHA and NCHRA, I never once had an administrator ask me how I felt about the league as a club president or player, etc.

That would be because you never went to an ACC meeting.

[BLowe7]

Bill I went to two of them, so shut it. I said ECRHA was alright, but they never contacted me or to my knowledge any other clubs to try and make the league better, try to be progressive.

[GoRangrHky]

Zing.

I mean it's not like they hide how to get in touch with people. http://www.ncrha.org/staff.php That seems pretty clear to me. The thing is that you can't say something to them at the tournament and expect it to change immediately. And just saying you don't like it doesn't do anything either. A well constructed letter, with ways that you think things can be improved upon, sent after the conclusion of the event, I think would be much more received. The staff that is working the event is under a lot of pressure, since obviously they are perpetually understaffed (due to people complaining about money and them not being able to hire more staff) and have a constant line of people just telling them how terrible everything is, and not nearly enough either volunteering a little bit of time at the event, or even giving them the simple 'thank you' that they deserve.

But seriously, when you get home, put a pen to paper and write down your thoughts about the event. And don't just make it list of bad stuff. Include stuff that you liked, stuff that was ok but with a little tweak could be made that much better (even little stuff- like you prefer black t-shirts over blue ones), and yes, the stuff that you didn't like. Make rational, feasible, somewhat fact based conclusions. And ultimately include what you have seen done in other tournament series or collegiate events that you think would improve what the NCRHA has to offer.

Because really, which do you think they are going to take more seriously? A nice, cohesive letter written to them describing in detail these points, posts on a message board saying that it's "freggin retarded", or even worse, people complaining to them in the middle of a tournament. I know that we're all college educated individuals here, so letter composition shouldn't be beyond our realm. But judging by some of the posts that I read, I may be grossly mistaken.

[hockey1]

In all my experience in ECRHA and NCHRA, I never once had an administrator ask me how I felt about the league as a club president or player, etc.

The Region was a bit better than national, although I have had limited contact with the National people, but I do have experiences in which I was spoken down to and completely ignored by people at the national level, which likely would not have happened in ECRHA.

I disagree. The ECRHA is very responsive to its player's opinions. And much of that is done at the ACC meetings. If you expect random ECRHA employees to walk around at events or call you to ask you what you think, your going to be dissappointed. At almost every event I am at I talk to someone from the league(Don Frank, Murphy, Bourque, etc.) about the league and my thoughts. They certainly do not hide from the players. They are there and they will listen.

As far as the $20 entry fee, I will be paying it because it is definitely worth it.

[InlineMBA]

How about charging $100 a piece for reserved parking? I'd gladly pay $100 for a guaranteed parking spot for the weekend! I'm sure my good friend Mark would tip handsomely for Valet Parking, if it were offered.

But really, parking is going to be tough - especially on Thursday and Friday, when all the businesses adjacent to the Sportsplex utilize the "overflow" parking spots for their employees. Everyone needs to have a little patience and factor in some extra time for parking.

Steve Inge - ROXBURY 8

[GoRangrHky]

I highly recommend to everyone to carpool as much as possible. In all honesty, it might have made more sense to charge for parking than for admission. I could definitely see guys cramming 12 in a minivan to save 10 bucks. Parking is better than it used to be, but yeah, it's gonna be crowded.

[CUDangled]

What do you guys think?

Is attendance down this year?

[William Bourque]

I don't seem to think so.

The rink has been packed at times and empty at others. It depends on the time of day you hit it.

That being said, the amount of seating makes it seem like the crowds are smaller than they are at times.

It will be interesting to see what the gate numbers tell us when they are all said and done.

[Leaferguy]

How much you paying the guy watching the door at the far end of rink 2? That's the best way in for players, so unless padlocked (which it can be), it will be opened at some point...

Now that I have a job, I'd drop $20 on the weekend if my old school is in it. If they aren't, I'm not likely to, whereas I'd go if in the area and it was free.

[William Bourque]

How much you paying the guy watching the door at the far end of rink 2? That's the best way in for players, so unless padlocked (which it can be), it will be opened at some point...

It is being manned by volunteers that offered their time to the NCRHA, as well as staff members when we were short on volunteers. It is being used as a players only entrance and is the only way for players to enter and exit rinks 2 & 3.

[Leaferguy]

It is being manned by volunteers that offered their time to the NCRHA, as well as staff members when we were short on volunteers. It is being used as a players only entrance and is the only way for players to enter and exit rinks 2 & 3.
You guys think of ervrything.