Curious

[LetsRoll]

I've been reading some of the general posts on where the sport is growing, and I wonder if there's not too much emphasis on the "elite" and not enough on the young kids and "more average" players in house leagues. Aren't those two areas where most of the sport's future will come from?

[Hit_U_Hard]

There will always be kids, teens , and the so called average player. Basically everybody that plays roller hockey is considered average just because there is no pro league or players to compare each other with. I guess i could be wrong though lets get more input on this from other people

[umroller]

People who know me know that I've always strived to put the focus on the foundation and grassroots part of the sport (I've gotten into big arguments regarding CRHL about just that topic). My reasoning is that since inline hockey is fairly new, we need to build from the bottom up, not from the top down. That means we should focus on creating top programs for youth; and that doesn't mean we should focus on national tournaments, junior olympic tournaments or select teams, it means in-house leagues, high school teams, the college game and clinics. Another important thing is to "spread the word." It's great to see sites like inlinehockeycentral.com doing just that. But everyone needs to do a better job of selling the sport of roller hockey to everyone who is interested.



http://members.aol.com/umroller/images/benecrha.jpg

[JohnHockey1798]

The rink I play at in Las Vegas. Used to have an A and B adult roller hockey league. THe top players played in those leagues untill the rink got rid of them because of a lack of teams. Instead of trying to find a way to keep the divisions going they just let those players paly in the lower leagues. I guess the owner feels since he monopolizes the market he can do what he wants. I was looking forward to making it up to the B league and playing in it. Now the highest we have is C+ and it is impossible to get a team going or get on one. The management does not regulate the teams and the leagues the greatest. Thats why I think if a new facility gets built they will put the current facility to shame. I think we need to focus on making the current average players better and a way to make the childrens leagues better. THey are the future of roller hockey. THe one thing I wish they would teach some of the local kids is to pass and not be so selfish.

John

[Hit_U_Hard]

Most coaches do stress that passing is better but every kid or even adult wants to be the hero for their team. You only learn that from playing with your teammates for 4 or more years it takes time to be a TEAM!!

[NLane]

One main difference between inline and ice is that inline hockey is 4 players playing the game, not 2 forwards and 2 defense. Benching anyone who doesn't pass when a situation calls for it is a great way to teach it. I have seen many unselfish players miss shot opportunities becaue of passing too much so it is something learned, along with teaching and experience, that teach players when to do either. I watch defense players alot (and no my kid usually plays forward) and I expect them to start the play with a pass but I also like them to be in the top 10 of total points. When all 4 players actually play the game all of them can score.

[Hit_U_Hard]

Nlane are you referring to the black line

[columbus_RHstar]

In our 3 leagues the 10u, 14u, 17u, the 10u and 17u were lead in scoring by defenseman

[NLane]

Would I do that on a National board? But hey! What a fine example. B.

[Hit_U_Hard]

It's not hurting anyone. b