Joe posted on August 17, 2009 11:05
Address To PeeWee Parents
There has been much concern raised about this year’s Summercomp eligibility criteria especially regarding PeeWee players who will be Bantams next year.
Concern has been centered around the point that those who will be Bantams next year should be entitled to participate in Summercomp so it can act as a transition to Bantams. At the past two committee meetings, this point has been debated quite heavily and at some point there has been a split in which way this situation should be handled.
In previous years, it should be noted that PeeWee players have been excluded from SummerComp as endorsed by IHNSW. This is seen by many as not a surprising decision given the obligation of general duty of care to all our members and more importantly, our more vulnerable junior members. Due to a majority vote on one particular Summercomp, this was changed and perhaps this has contributed to the confusion and frustration that has led to the concern. Please also note that previously, SummerComp that had excluded PeeWee participation had been covered by IHNSW insurance. Once that PeeWee exclusion was overturned, IHNSW was extremely critical and it was communicated to our club that our insurance was invalid and that we would have to source our own insurance.
While it can be debated responsible risk management would ensure that PeeWee players are prepared for Bantams the following year, SummerComp does not ensure this preparation. SummerComp is not contact which is one of the main points of difference from PeeWee’s to Bantam’s. The concerns about why certain PeeWee players are excluded from SummerComp is mainly due to player size, awareness of goings-on around them, skating ability, agility and recovery. In our club we have many variations of the above-mentioned characteristics of players regularly participating in SummerComp, however the majority of those participating (which has changed over the years) have a strong skating ability, medium to large build and strong recovery.
Initially the intentions and outcomes of SummerComp ‘were’:
- Maintain and improve player skill and fitness in the off-season
- Improve on bonding between players of differing divisions within the club
We feel that SummerComp has contributed to the previous and current pool of players in our club, however over time, things evolve. One of those things is that most of our player’s have evolved greatly and thus the majority of skill level of those participating is of a much higher standard.
So the question is, where does that leave newer and/or current under skilled players?
Throughout the years, the LCCSaints IHC committee have campaigned very hard to get every bit of ice time we have presently. It is not easy when we are up such factors like Figure Skating, for example, which has even bigger member numbers and public skating sessions (which was the sole reason for this rink being developed).
From almost the start, there has always been (and hopefully will always be) various development sessions to cater for all skill levels which like our team training sessions are competitively priced and have more than adequate credentials. Many other ice-rinks also offer development sessions and another great way to develop is through observation. For example, attending an AIHL or ECSL or Senior's Division games and training sessions.
In conclusion, exclusion from SummerComp for certain players should not be seen as a disadvantage yet a responsible decision owed to our members by the committee for player safety and please note that in light of all of the above, those players were given an independent and non-bias opportunity to prove their potential as SummerComp not being a risk to themselves.
Discussions are currently being held now to determine suitable opportunities for those excluded PeeWee players to transition to Bantams so please stay tuned.
Regards,
LCC Saints IHC Committee