Changing Leagues after 3 games

[DoubleT96 0]

I'll set up the facts. I wanted to start playing inline again after about 2years off. When I played in Mich, I played in gold sometimes silver leagues. Manager of the league at the rink said he had an open spot on his silver team and asked me if i wanted to join, and I said for sure. The day after teams payments were due, he called and said the team didn't have anymore spots so I couldn't hop on his team. But he said they were putting an individual team together in the Bronze league for $150. I was hesitant to join the bronze league because I really wanted the competition, but I figured since I haven't played in 2 years, it would give me a chance to practice up on my skating, stickhandling, etc.

Well, I've played in all 4 games (out of the 14) now and no offense to the team, but it's not going well. The team is definitely a low end bronze to tin team (no offense). And the majority of the teams in the bronze league were actually the low end silver teams from last season that the league reorganized to a lower level in order to create the bronze league. There's a total of 7-8 guys on the team, but it's never a full bench. Like I said, all but me and maybe another guy who is high bronze to low silver caliber have basic fundamentals; i'm referring to passing, catching a pass, and just skating. Our last three games were of 9-1, 16-2, 14-2 and 12-0 (there are no mercy rules). I generally play offense, but they've asked me to play defense. I don't mind playing D, but it's pretty much 3-1's the entire game and if I make an outlet pass, it's not even caught. Even more, you can score a good 4-5 goals on us by simply putting the puck on net from anywhere near the top of the circles. Sometimes i just get bored and rush the puck after the team has put 5 or more on us; i've scored a lot of our goals, but I think they're taking offense b/c they've asked me to play defense; and I don't want to piss everyone off.

The league manager called me on Tuesday and said they have openings on an individual team in the Gold division, and that I could play for only $80 rather than $150 i'm paying now. Im looking for your opinions as to whether I should stick with the bronze team I'm on now, or jump to the Gold team. I really don't want to run out on the team, but i'm paying $150 to get demolished by low end teams, while i set back on defense and try to defend 3-1's; i fell like i'm pretty much just giving away $150. I wouldn't even mind losing every game if the scores were close....rather than average loses of 11-2. If I jump, I actually will save $70 and maybe play on team that can at least compete and I can get my moneys worth.

Your comments are really appreciated in advance.

[reyno2ac 0]

If you feel that you are playing in a league to low for your skill level then I would move up to the Gold league. Just explain the situation to your team mates and hopefully they will understand.

[flyerman 0]

If there are no rules against playing in two divisions, and the games don't overlap. why not just play on both teams? It's only another $80 (what a deal!), and you'll get your competitive fix playing in the Gold and plenty of ice time playing in the "Tin."

[djm 0]

Agreed. Play in both if possible. Think about how crappy your team will be without you. If you do leave your team, do you get a full/partial refund of the league fees? If not, then I'd definitely stick it out.

[DoubleT96 0]

I would get refunded the $150 if i make the switch. I would love to play both leagues, but although its only $80, and I completely agree that it's an insane deal, I would be playing 3-4 games a week. I live about 30 mins away and I have to take a toll highway to get to the rink which is annoying. Id rather not have to make the trip that many times a week...I love hockey, but man...that's definitely a lot of puck.

[flyerman 0]

Still, I'd go for it (both teams). But that's just me. If money is the biggest issue, other than the level of play, then switch to Gold and maybe recruit another player or two to take your place on the Tin team.

[Chadd 916]

If you don't want to play in both leagues, just play for the higher level team. You aren't having fun and staying where you are just sounds like a recipe for disaster.

[Clark12 0]

I was in a similar predicament at the start of this season. In Northern Ireland we just have 1 Senior (aged 16+) league and the difference in skill between the top teams and bottom teams is clearly noticeable. For the past 2 seasons I have played for the Northern Cyclones who are one of the top teams and have won the Northern Ireland Playoffs for the past two years.

To help cover rink costs we decided to start up a second team which would bring more money into the club. Unfortunately my coach decided that I should play for our second team who were very much a bottom of the table team. I didn't bitch and complain about this decision however I did feel very disappointed as I felt I had more to offer than what my coach had saw. So after 8 games our second team where still without a win and people started to lose interest, numbers dwindled and we ended up playing as a team of 6 guys and a goalie.

By this point I really had had enough, although I was doubling my points tally from the previous 2 seasons I wasn't enjoying the hockey and started to inquire to see if any other teams in the league would be interested in me joining them. I received an offer from the team that had finished 2nd in the league the season before however having helped form the Cyclones I was reluctant to leave.

Thankfully things for me worked out in the end as a few players from our first team ended their seasons early and we decided to pull our 2nd team out of the league and form as one club again but I think that if you feel that you not enjoying it because the team you are playing with are below your standard then you should definitely transfer to a higher league. I know it will suck for the guys on your current team but sometimes you have to put yourself first. At the end of the day its very unlikely your gonna make your living out of inline hockey and you just play it because it is your hobby so you should be able to enjoy it, if you not then you need to look elsewhere.

[Jarick 5]

Bottom line, if you're not having fun, make the move. It's rec league.

[mrusse01 0]

I'd make the swtich. First of all you aren't having a good time, and secondly you are just on an 'individual' team that they put together, it's not like a group of people you had previously known. They can't expect you to stay on a team of random guys where you aren't having fun if you get a chance to move to a better situation.

Speak to the league manager and explain that the current team you are on is already terrible, and if you leave they are going to be that much worse. There should be some kind of realignment/redistribution of players if one team is getting beat that badly.

[DoubleT96 0]

Bottom line, if you're not having fun, make the move. It's rec league.

Yeah...i hear you on that. Maybe I can recruit two players to replace me, as was suggested above. That way, they'll have a couple more bodies and i won't be completely trying to eff them up.

[mrusse01 0]

If the team is losing 16-2, you leaving isn't going to F them up any worse than it already is. The league needs to step in and do something.

[DoubleT96 0]

If the team is losing 16-2, you leaving isn't going to F them up any worse than it already is. The league needs to step in and do something.

I was going to ask that...should the league step in a do something? There is an obvious skill level discrepancy between the two teams that were created using individual signups and the remaining former silver league teams that were placed a league lower to set up the bronze league. The other individual team is also getting blowout: after 3 games, they've let up 35 goals against and 3 goals for.

However, i can see the league's view that you signed up as an individual so you are placed as such...otherwise bring your own team in. I guess you can't monitor every team to determine whether they belong in the league...

[nexusrage21 1]

I would assume the league would be willing to do something. They are going to want all the players to come back next season.

[RecLeagueHero 0]

If the league manager is worth anything he/she needs to step in and fix the problem with the team. Having one player that's playing below his skill level isn't going to fix anything, nor would the loss of that player make anything significantly worse. Hockey is too much of a team sport for one player to really prop up, or fail, a team to the degree you're talking about here.

[87vert 0]

I would say if the guys on the bronze team were your friends then stay.

If you leave will they have enough players to keep playing? If they dont then I would probably stay until they got a replacement.

[saba 0]

I had a similar problem this year playing in C, some guys on my team belong in D. For me it was a killjoy showing up to play, not only that but I found not having guys around me at my skill level really killed my game. I found myself playing to not only the level of my competition but of my teammates as well. I look forward more to the usual pickup group b/c I know for the most part the skill level is higher but the inspiration to play my best is higher as well

I stuck it out under mantra finish what you started but believe me after the playoffs I will not reup with this team and do whatever it takes on my end to make sure I am ready for B in the fall

[DoubleT96 0]

I had a similar problem this year playing in C, some guys on my team belong in D. For me it was a killjoy showing up to play, not only that but I found not having guys around me at my skill level really killed my game. I found myself playing to not only the level of my competition but of my teammates as well. I look forward more to the usual pickup group b/c I know for the most part the skill level is higher but the inspiration to play my best is higher as well

I stuck it out under mantra finish what you started but believe me after the playoffs I will not reup with this team and do whatever it takes on my end to make sure I am ready for B in the fall

I find the Exact same situation. I've decided to pretty much use it as a conditioning stint; while trying to give the guys tips an advice when they ask (I definitely don't want to look like some know-it all coach out there). Maybe some guys like being "the guy" but I prefer playing on a team where my teammates close to my skill level. Not only physical skill level, but also mentally. I get a little frustrated that my teammates seem to go into a daze rather than be constantly aware when I have the puck. Many times i've been able draw 2-3 guys to me and still get the puck through a passing lane only to see the puck slide past the goal bc my teammate had given up skating thinking that I either a.) was going to shoot it or make a play myself, or b.) I had no way of getting the puck there. I've definitely realized how important the mental skill level of your teammates can be.

[thecat1792 0]

Get out as soon as possible! I'm a goalie and have been in that situation before. There was only one team that needed a goalie, and I found out later it was the team that hadn't won a single game in two years. We squeaked out 4 when I joined, but boy was it unenjoyable. It's a rec league, no need to be miserable.

[RecLeagueHero 0]

I understand, and can sympathize with, guys that play below their skill level because they want to play with their friends, or on a company team. Provided they're willing to tone it down and not be a douche bag out there. I can't stand the guys that think they're the shit because they can rack up 70 point seasons playing at beginner or novice levels. I also don't understand players that want to play way above their skill level. On a certain level I get why you might think it's "cooler" to be on a upper level team. But really, just on a purely selfish level, is it really worth it to play in games in which you're completely not a factor? For my 600 bucks I want to be on a team where my teammates are willing to pass me the puck.

[saba 0]

You assume that your teammates can pass you the puck...which on some teams is in question.

Here is a cycling analogy. I will liken it to riding at 14mph over 40miles stopping every 10 in a casual group ride. Yes you did ride your bike for 40miles yeah woohoo, but did you really get that workout? There is nothing wrong with pushing yourself or being in a group that will push for higher harder workouts, you can only get stronger or will not ride(skate) with those guys/gals again

[DoubleT96 0]

You assume that your teammates can pass you the puck...which on some teams is in question.

....yes, on my current team, passing the puck is a huge issue. Not b/c they don't want to pass, but they fundamentally can't do it...every pass is wrist shot fired down the rink......thank god there's no icing rules in inline....otherwise, it'd be an 4 hour game ;)