calihockey crazy idea to better roller hockey

[John]

When Richard stated in his response to Cali: "It appears that the powers that be in this sport STILL battle each other for slices of the same small pie, rather than working together to help GROW the sport. Sadly, I don't see many of these groups willing to compromise in the smallest measure to help inline hockey grow. Instead, they badmouth each other, either on or off the record, each holding on to the little piece of the action they control."

He was so right.

I did it myself in this string. I started off with what I thought was a reasonable, but opposing response to Jim's opinion's. Then after the NARCh biased post from Zuphockey I began defending my position by criticizing NARCh, even though I respect and admire them for being the best tournament organizer around, bar none.

What I should have done, what we all should be doing, is proposing new idea's to improve and grow the sport. Richard commented "on the same small pie" and if we keep bickering it won't get any bigger. If we work together it will grow so that no one has to go hungry.

What if the major governing bodies across the continent got together and formed a governing council?

The council could then divide the pie up in such a manner, that each governing body supports growth in the sport in the area's where they have demonstrated expertise and success in the past. Work with their strengths, not their weaknesses.

USAHIL, USARS, WHA CHI, etc. could get out of the business of running numerous, meaningless, national championship tournament series. I'm sure these are an unnecessary drain on resources of both time and money that could be better invested in grassroots programs, to promote growth at the club level.

Instead, they could throw their support behind NARCh in a single, multi-tiered tournament series for the whole continent.

NARCh would benefit by a huge increase in the number of available teams and competitive levels. They could go to a multi-tiered qualifying system with championships from houseleague to platinum. In turn there would have to be some form of support for the organizations that have developed the players from the grass roots level. All teams participating in NARCh from Junior down would have to be a member in good standing of one of the councils governing bodies, including any residency requirements they might have. This would keep some self serving individuals from cannibalizing legitimate club systems to put together their perception of a dream team for NARCh. As well it would encourage more of the elite players to participate and contribute to the major governing bodies at the club level.

As a result, I can visualize a dramatic increase in development programs within each body. The teams participating in NARCh would no longer just be representing themselves, but also their host governing body.

There would have to be some flexibility in regard to free agency. The level of expenditure to participate in NARCh would preclude 100% attendance from every team. However it could be limited to a couple of players per team and again, they would have to be members of the teams governing body in good standing. USAHIL free agents playing for USAHIL or affiliated teams etc.

I know it would be difficult and issues like revenue sharing would be highly contentious, but imagine the possibilities. All of the players on the continent encouraged to contribute to and participate in the programs of a few strong organizations. Augmented by a Continental Championship tournament series that really means something.

To me, that?s a goal worth working for.

John

[mello1388]

that was said so right

[inlinehky]

sounds like a plan!!!!!!!!!

Since Narch knows this sport and is succesful, I suggest that Narch is at the top of the Pyramid.