rwshockey55 0 Report post Posted May 3, 2007 I help coach a local high school team in GA, the team is part of the GHRA that consists of teams in the ATL area. USA Hockey dropped their affiliation with the league for the upcoming 2007-2008 season, AAU took over. I heard the reason for this is USA Hockey inline is declining, I know they have a big part in sponsered tournaments and recreation rinks. I find this hard to be true, does anyone have any insight? Thanks Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
hockeydoc 0 Report post Posted May 3, 2007 USA Hockey doesn't usually drop Leagues, unless the league really did something wrong, like not having participants join USA Inline. If the league is now an AAU league it sounds more likely that it is something the league chose to do, not USA Hockeys choice.USA Hockey Inline is on the decline, which is one reason that they wouldn't turn away membership money. USA Hockey Inline does require 100% membership in order for a league to be USA sanctioned, however so does AAU if I'm not mistaken, as the biggest reason to be sanctioned by either one is the insurance benifits, and the under writers require 100% coverage before they will accept liability. But as I stated before it's usually a leagues choice as to which one they will be sanctioned by. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
opus22 0 Report post Posted May 3, 2007 i know that AAU's high school league here in CO is growing. i ref both the main aau league and im the head ref at my rinks own usa league that runs in the fall(opposed to the spring AAU). some rinks dont like dealing with usa - ive been involved with both a bit and im not sure why people feel aau is better. it isnt better organized from what ive seen (the opposite at times). i know that if rinks want full service coaching and clinics from usa - it costs a ton of money. some rinks want to pick and choose which activities they need from usa, but usa insists that you pay for the whole enchilada.i know as a player, ref , and coach for usa ice and roller you can really rack up the money you owe them quick, which in turn can easily lead to negative feelings that its too much money just to be around the rink. its like they're nickel and diming you - profiting off the fact that youre a rink rat.i go both ways, competitive governing bodies may keep them both honest, but at the same time i just feel roller needs one large body and everyone at least close to being on the same page. i always felt that usa hockey treated its inline dept like its the red headed stepkid. this would be the only reason why i would consider leaning towards AAU, if usa doesnt take its own dept seriously why should anyone else. the inline cup in vegas has turned into a joke. that rink has been appalling for two years. i heard a rumour things have changed, im still hesitant to even consider going down there. to see how much usa has dropped you just have to go to that tournament. its used to be four rinks running all day at the sands convention center. now its a crap one sheet in a dilapidated shopping plaza. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ATLstealth09 0 Report post Posted May 3, 2007 I am a player for Pope High School, and I believe the reason for the change to AAU might be the fact that some high schools are accepting both roller and ice hockey as varsity letter sports. This year, six seniors lettered in roller hockey, and three seniors, two juniors, and three sophomores lettered in ice hockey. The requirements vary a bit from other high school sports, as the lettering requires three years of commitment for roller hockey, and two years for ice, instead of the automatic letter for playing at the varsity level.AAU is more respected by the high school athletic department, as it covers a broad range of sports, whereas USA Hockey is just ice and inline. The transitioning of hockey from an independently supported recreation to a competitive high school sport may more than likely be the cause for transition.Of course, USA Hockey adopting the Rocket Puck in its partnership with NARCh may also be the reason... Rocket Pucks are generally disliked in this area. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jim A 4 Report post Posted May 3, 2007 Leagues change to AAU because they usually get some sort of incentive...rink owners will look no further than their own hands first, second and third...the insurance is pretty similar on each..and no one would not take USA Hockey because they use a Rocket Puck... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
opus22 0 Report post Posted May 3, 2007 to be fair, it is a crappy puck. youre, right - it shouldnt be a deal breaker, but it is a crappy puck. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ratfinklives 0 Report post Posted May 3, 2007 Roller hockey as a letter sport? Wow didn't realie that happened anywhere. I'm assuming it's in GA judging by your screen name? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ExitTwoEighty 7 Report post Posted May 4, 2007 rocket puck.... i remember i was sent a demo of one of those pucks a long time ago. That thing was awful Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jim A 4 Report post Posted May 4, 2007 i prefer the Rocket puck, I can get it off edge quicker and for me at least it tracks straighter on short saucers etc....but IDS has a good part of the market...but if you do nothing but skate and play with an IDS and then go to use a Rocket Puck, you will be unhappy.. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ATLstealth09 0 Report post Posted May 4, 2007 I was kidding of course about dropping a league because of the rocket puck. However, even still, nobody likes them. The league board wouldn't know much about pucks, anyways, and we as players have no say, so it doesn't matter much to them.And yes, this is in GA. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
