Roller Hockey Alliance

[Doug Jones]

Well, Charley has it up and the site looks fantastic!

http://www.thepiha.com/

check out the front page story on PIHA

I think it's great that all of these people involved are trying to work together to better the sport and help "ALL" of us grow it!!!

Our rink is signing up for RHA immediately!!

[Superstar9]

I think this news is huge....with the people that are involved, I'd say it's a step in the right direction for the sport. You can't really hate on anything positive that's being done, the sport needs this. Give them a chance.

[calihockey]

I like the idea of having all coaches certified and having more uniformity like USA Hockey for ice, but I also see the issue with the money. Enough issues in the past gives people some justification for being so pessimistic. It is probably best to see how it all pans out before passing judgment. Doug, Daryn and Tim have all invested way too much of their lives into roller hockey just to lumped in with some of the fly by night groups and groups with less focus on the growth of the sport. I will be signing up for it that's for sure.

[Doug Jones]

Let's be perfectly honest about this (and I have zero vested interest in this, so take this as an objective opinion): this is just another money-making scheme to pry more dollars out of people's pockets. Want to become a member? That'll be $30. Want to be certified? That'll be more money. Tell me: what exactly do these people get out of this? Is this organization meant to replace the relationships with USA Hockey Inline and AAU?

Pretty soon it'll be RHA insurance for $x, I'm sure.

An organization like this is needed, but not as a cost to people; it needs to be truly nonprofit and serve as a relationship builder between organizations. Look at the founding members. It's as if roller hockey's family free is incestuous. The idea is good, but I don't see this working out as planned, particularly because it's obvious to me that the purpose of this organization is to line pockets even more so than before. Just more unqualified people starting another organization that requires payment. Go figure.

I'm not even remotely impressed.

Let's give this an opportunity to present itself first and to show it's plan and growth before we start stating it's a "moneymaking scheme" to take more from people.

Not to be a jerk, but I think you meant family "tree" not "free" as you posted.

I think RHA will bring alot to ALL those who wish to join and benefit from it's product.

[billybob]

Doug, your the best! I just love the way you spin things bro! Keep up the good work.

Convinced me, I'm signing my rink up right now!

Billy Bob

[billybob]

I forgot I don't have a rink, what da heck was I thinking?

I would like to know why they left USAHIL? weren't they non profit?

[GoJoin]

Seems like a good idea, and it is a great start. I have been developing what I believe will be something to handle similar goals (for free, or as close to it as possible) for the past year+. I have been working on fine tuning this tirelessly for the past few months, and I can give any interested parties information upon request.

[Mtour71]

The right people are involved! These people care about our sport! Thats all that I am going to say right now...

[InlineMBA]

Sure is nice to see NARCh, TORHS, State Wars and PIHA all "on the same page". It can only be a good thing for the sport.

Now, if only AAU and AIHL would come on board. However, IMO - that's highly unlikely.

Steve Inge - ROXBURY 8

[Daryn G - NARCh]

Oldtimer,

Let me enlighten you on a few things, at least from the standpoint of NARCh. First off, before I took over NARCh we had our own insurance, NARCh Sanction. When I took over I stopped doing NARCh Sanction, which was very profitable, and joined USAHIL in an effort to unite the sport. I actually met with AAU too before making a decision on the direction, but what the two offered did not compare. I could read right through the fluff and instead joined the organization that seemed to have true structure.

Fast forward 6 years. Even though NARCh is growing, the sport is shrinking, USAHIL has cut employees, and the other organization has operated unethically along the way in terms of their dealings with me. (That’s my opinion based on my experience, let’s not get into another off topic debate.)

It’s probably common knowledge that part of any membership goes to insurance, and the other part goes towards things that the organization sees fit. I’m a believer that money can be used more efficiently to help new players get involved in the sport as well as help unite the sport.

I could charge $30 and put that money in my pocket. To be honest, nobody that plays NARCh would grumble too much. It’s the standard that they’re used to, they get a great magazine in the summer that cost me a whole lot of money to produce, and we go above and beyond to offer a great experience. If I were in this for the purpose of solely making money, this would be a no-brainer. I staff people to collect the money and assure membership anyway, but then hand it over.

Instead I’ve decided to join the RHA, a non-profit organization. The money that is collected from my members will not go into people’s pockets. It will go towards efforts to try to grow the sport and make the sport better for those that currently play. If you don’t believe that, so be it. You don’t have to join. Just as you may not join, there are many others that don’t even know this board exist and certainly don’t know you, and since they don’t know who you are, I doubt they’ll value your opinion over those they’ve grown to trust.

I make a living at this sport and have since 1991. Have you had the same job since 1991? If you have, then I’d guess you understand the bond and dedication you have to it.

Hate if you want, but this is not a money maker as you like to assume. I will make money if NARCh grows by new players getting into the sport. That’s what I’m optimistic about with this group.

You’ve never seen any false claims with anything I’ve been part of . I’ve never said, “NARCh will have 600 teams” and then you show up and there’s 300. I’m a believer in under selling and over delivering, and I think others involved in RHA are the same.

One thing I haven’t seen too much of out of either existing sanctioning body is follow through. To be critical of USAHIL, there’s less inline coverage in their magazine then before when it was promised that there would be more. Referee certification programs are anemic. For coaching they now want you to get certified with the ice side. To their defense, they do have well prepared printed material like coaching manuals and rulebooks. AAU does not.

What each organization does, and trying to attach a value to that can be argued until the cows come home. What irritates me is the lack of true action and instead lip service. I feel confident that RHA will be more “action” and also think it will serve as a challenge to USAHIL and AAU to do a better job. If a lot of different people are putting more energy then ever before into getting new players into the sport, then it’s obviously a good thing.

Call me directly if you want to have a more productive chat rather than writing an anonymous pessimistic email with nothing to back it up outside of bad memories of undelivered promises from the past by people that aren’t involved in RHA. Or, feel free to debate with me. Let’s start with a name and credentials please?

[rhhof]

Its right there from the source folks - It doesnt get any better!!

I, for one, am glad to hear that the RIGHT people are not only behind it, but are going to follow through - I agree 100% with Daryn...I don't side with one or the other and both have a lot of good things involved I see nothing going on as far as officiating or coaching...Neither program is any further along from where it was what 6-7 years ago - is there anywhere to go, incentives, anything?

There is no coaching certification - Dad is behind the bench or someone donating there time...and though its not their fault, for most - they dont really know all about the game and Im sure they wouldnt mind being educated, but there are other things they can be held responsible for and thats what they need to know -- The incentives here are qualify and get to Finals or Nationals...maybe we can come together and create national programs that give coaches an incentive to attend

There really isnt any referee certification either - Apply...do an open book test...Congrats, your a ref!!! We need to offer classes or programs to train and then evaluate our officials and as they move from the local leagues to the tourneys, to NARCh Finals, State Wars or TORHS nationals or any major event....

I have petitioned the people to be and offered my time to these organizations as well -- I was a part of USAIL's player development program as a coach and I have been a long standing official with most tourney organizations for up to 7-8 years now and have had the priviledge to work every major event in North America.

I will still give back and work with this new alliance to further our sport and provide the knowledge and guidence all I can -- I am all about what this organization brings to the table

My best to RHA as it embarks in its quest to fulfill our sport with everything it needs and help it grow all around!!!!!!!!!!!

[Doug Jones]

Doug, your the best! I just love the way you spin things bro! Keep up the good work.

Convinced me, I'm signing my rink up right now!

Billy Bob

Look forward to seeing you join the RHA team. Welcome, Billy Bob

[Doug Jones]

Its right there from the source folks - It doesnt get any better!!

I, for one, am glad to hear that the RIGHT people are not only behind it, but are going to follow through - I agree 100% with Daryn...I don't side with one or the other and both have a lot of good things involved I see nothing going on as far as officiating or coaching...Neither program is any further along from where it was what 6-7 years ago - is there anywhere to go, incentives, anything?

There is no coaching certification - Dad is behind the bench or someone donating there time...and though its not their fault, for most - they dont really know all about the game and Im sure they wouldnt mind being educated, but there are other things they can be held responsible for and thats what they need to know -- The incentives here are qualify and get to Finals or Nationals...maybe we can come together and create national programs that give coaches an incentive to attend

There really isnt any referee certification either - Apply...do an open book test...Congrats, your a ref!!! We need to offer classes or programs to train and then evaluate our officials and as they move from the local leagues to the tourneys, to NARCh Finals, State Wars or TORHS nationals or any major event....

I have petitioned the people to be and offered my time to these organizations as well -- I was a part of USAIL's player development program as a coach and I have been a long standing official with most tourney organizations for up to 7-8 years now and have had the priviledge to work every major event in North America.

I will still give back and work with this new alliance to further our sport and provide the knowledge and guidence all I can -- I am all about what this organization brings to the table

My best to RHA as it embarks in its quest to fulfill our sport with everything it needs and help it grow all around!!!!!!!!!!!

Well put, Adam....I think it's tremendous that Peter Dale is a part of the RHA... his clinics are excellent and his teaching skills superb. He definitely can help the grassroots levels and help those working with the new players to excel!

[Daryn G - NARCh]

Thomas,

I did not dig hard to find your identity and made the assumption that you were anonymous, like so many people on this message board are. I guess sorry for that. At the same time you’re very quick to make assumptions about a group of people uniting for the first time ever who have been successful in this sport in their own businesses, despite it’s fragmented landscape.

Let’s not get off topic and as you suggest, “Let’s be perfectly honest.” I take a little offense to your assumptions about putting money in our pockets, as this is the exact opposite of what we’re doing. Not a huge deal, I’m over it.

In an effort to keep a productive post (which is rare on here) let me ask you to tell me 3 things that you think are important to the sport? Since you’ve been involved heavily with the NCRHA then you should have a good understanding of the issues, especially in your local market.

Doug and Billybob, get a room! Stay off this thread and have a petty argument somewhere else unless you have something truly productive to add.

Superstar and Gojoin, I suggest emailing [email protected] or feel free to add some of the positive things you have in mind to help the sport.

The only thing I ask is to not lump the failures of the past by others into what we’re trying to accomplish. It’s like assuming your next girlfriend will have the same baggage as your last girlfriend….and this one is a lot hotter, smarter, and wants to be with you.

[Doug Jones]

Thomas,

I did not dig hard to find your identity and made the assumption that you were anonymous, like so many people on this message board are. I guess sorry for that. At the same time you’re very quick to make assumptions about a group of people uniting for the first time ever who have been successful in this sport in their own businesses, despite it’s fragmented landscape.

Let’s not get off topic and as you suggest, “Let’s be perfectly honest.” I take a little offense to your assumptions about putting money in our pockets, as this is the exact opposite of what we’re doing. Not a huge deal, I’m over it.

In an effort to keep a productive post (which is rare on here) let me ask you to tell me 3 things that you think are important to the sport? Since you’ve been involved heavily with the NCRHA then you should have a good understanding of the issues, especially in your local market.

Doug and Billybob, get a room! Stay off this thread and have a petty argument somewhere else unless you have something truly productive to add.

Superstar and Gojoin, I suggest emailing [email protected] or feel free to add some of the positive things you have in mind to help the sport.

The only thing I ask is to not lump the failures of the past by others into what we’re trying to accomplish. It’s like assuming your next girlfriend will have the same baggage as your last girlfriend….and this one is a lot hotter, smarter, and wants to be with you.

I was sincere, when I posted I would work with him. I will work with anyone to help build the sport and grow the numbers. We all need to work together.