Can We Live Without the NCAA?

[RichardGraham]

Hi Folks,

Does inline hockey even need the NCAA?

Thought I'd play Devil's Advocate.

Sincerely,

Richard Graham
Editor
Inline Hockey Central

[DannyG]

Two thoughts, if, and only if, varsity collegiate roller hockey is necessary, and I'm not sure that has been demonstrated even...

1. There are other organizing bodies than the NCAA, including CRHL, and its member associations...it might be totally appropriate to use the standard set by the best of these member organizations, and have them be a legitimate governing body organ. for everybody...

2. There are a number of professional sports that build college education stipends into their player contracts...I for one would not be too disheartened if my son or daughter were to play pro and get a college education out of it in the off season...

Hey, I kept it to two this time...

[MDE3]

Hey - are your fingers twitching (it takes one to know one)

[CoachChrisG]

Inline hockey desperately needs NCAA in order to grow. No matter how much work the ECRHA does even they can't get the programs in their league more money to build their programs. Most schools see their club sports as a burden and refuse them money. Unless they have the NCAA clout that Ice hockey gets they will be worrying about survival year in and year out for their entire existance.

NCAA status is the ticket to scholarships, (don't go there with Lindenwood as they wouldn't get included in the NCAA because of the size of school and various school regulations that they don't qualify for which is why they seem to be against it,) more money and a chance for real facilities close to campus or on campus being built. Until that happens you will get scores of woefully underfunded programs like we have now. I saw untold quality teams in ECRHA that were quality funding away from being on par with NARCh and NCAA ice teams. NCAA status will give this to the committed schools and there are a lot of them.

C.C.