Differences in "Olympic" Tournaments

[Maskman]

What is the difference between the following three events:

-USARS Nationals - Scheduled for June 20-29 in Raleigh
-AAU Nationals - July 31 - Aug 10 in Detriot
-USARS Elite Nationals - Not Yet Scheduled

Which are generally the most competitive for an upper (U20) age group. Also how do you qualify for each, I believe that the AAU qualifiers often double as USARS qualifiers, but I'm not sure. I think it is time that USA roller sports puts more effort into their roller hockey website if they want to make it a serious part of their operations.

[MDE3]

Generally th teams found at USARS Nationals are not as strong as other "Nationals" If you had to rate the various "Nationals" it might look something like this"

NARCH
TOHRS
USA Inline / AAU / USARS Elite
USARS

And one other anomally USARS "Club" is stronger than USARS "Junior Olympic"

[AAU_Hockey]

The AAU Junior Olympics is generally the more competitive event between the two. Last year we had 22 teams in the 20u division which was probably the toughest division at the Junior Olympics. USARS Elite Nationals are no more as all fo the USARS teams will now be competing at the USA Roller Hockey Championships in Raleigh, NC in three divisions (Elite, Competitive, and Rec) For more information on AAU Hockey and the Junior Olympics go to www.aauhockey.org

[nala]

That weak USARS JUNIOR OLYMPIC TEAM.Is that the same players
that lindenwood school received most of their players from ?

[MDE3]

dont confuse USARS JO level with the USA Inline Junior National team, or the USARS Junior Olympic team - JO is a level within USARS - not really related to picking the Junior Olympic team. This is a political position to encourage teams who cant compete in "club" or "elite" levels that they are still part of the "big picture" somehow. USARS is still the Olympic governing body for roller sports, but their tryout camps for their National team do not usually draw many players from the "JO" levels :))

[Rebecca]

How can we not confuse them? Unless you're really are 'up' on the roller hockey industry and organizations, it is really confusing to others. It's like saying "I'm going to Nationals" . Ummmm, well who's Nationals?

I consider myself really 'up' on these things, but I have to admit, that all the use of same or similar names is really misleading and confusing.

Furthermore, there are a few outstanding players who play on multiple teams, and unless you know them personally or you play on a team with them (or against them), it is really hard to remember who is playing for who.

Thanks for this info.

Rebecca

[AAU_Hockey]

Hopefully the confusion in levels at USARS will be cleared up now that along with the AAU we will have three levels of competitiion. Elite, Competitive, and Rec. and use these labels. There was confusion in the past as the AAU major event where players for Team USA are selected is the Junior Olympic Games and USARS lowest level was the Junior Olympic. For more information go to www.aauhockey.org