Structural Review Report April 2014 Background The Structural Review Committee is comprised of: Don Matheson, Past President HNS and Past Chair of HNS Minor Council Arnie Farrell, Chair HNS Minor Council Scott Kennedy, South Conference Coordinator HNS Minor Council Brad MacKinley, rth Conference Coordinator HNS Minor Council Stephen Murray, Chair HNS Female Council Heather Murphy, rth Conference Coordinator HNS Female Council Garth Isenor, VP Operations HNS and Past Chair of HNSMC Staff: Darren Cossar, Executive Director HNS Mike Field, Manager Member Services HNS Darren Sutherland, Director of Development HNS The committee was struck by the President of Hockey va Scotia in August of 2012 and asked to review the levels of play of the Minor and Female hockey structure with a focus on safety, travel, cost, player development, recruitment and retention, as well as review Female hockey in terms of registration, player placement and overall administration. These tasks were to be reviewed with a focus on the Hockey Canada-Long Term Player Development Model (LTPDM) which can be found at the following link: http://www.hockeynovascotia.ca/hns_12465.html or by visiting the HNS website under the Development link at the top of the page. Some of the key factors discussed were: How do we reduce travel for rural areas and allow players to play locally? Can we reduce the cost to parents, MHA s through restructured programs? How can we make the game safer and more attractive to new players and families? How can we provide all players an opportunity to play at their skill set? Are we meeting the minimum of the HC LTPDM? Can we simplify the player registration and placement of female players in the regional team format? Phase One of the review started at the HNS AGM in May of 2013 when body checking was removed from Pee Wee hockey and the lower levels of Bantam and Midget. This first initiative will be completed with the introduction of improved coaching resources and training with regard to body checking for the start of the 2014-15 season. Phase Two of the review will include the models below, which are designed to address the next group of concerns. Furthermore, it will put some of the decision making into the hands of the MHA s who are best positioned to assess their player pool to determine what levels they should be participating in. On the Female side, little can be done to address travel at the AA level with the limited number of players and thus the focus was on levels of play.
Several issues remain to be addressed such as: vice and IP, overall Female registration and administration, and the minor hockey midget structure (in particular, the 15 and 16 year old Elite Midget player who does not make a Major Midget team). These concerns will be addressed in Phase Three of the committee s work. The IP and vice programs are currently under review by the HNS Development Council. The HNS Female Council is aggressively working on a plan for Female registration and player placement; this will be the main focus of the Structural Review Committee over the next six months. Female Council and Committee members will be meeting with MHA s and Female Coordinators to review the plan with a goal of full implementation of a new system for the 2015-16 season. As well, HNS will be striking a committee this spring consisting of representatives from the HNS Development Council, Elite Hockey - Major Bantam and Midget, Minor Council Executive, the HNS Board and Staff to tackle the concerns regarding 15 and 16 year old midget players. This Midget review committee will start work in late spring of 2014 and work to have a recommendation with regard to Midget hockey ready for the 2015 HNS AGM and implementation for the 2015-16 season. Recommendations from the Committee for 2014-15 Expanded B level at all divisions Renaming of all House/Rec hockey as C Removal of Atom AAA Options for MHA s to have multiple teams at AA and A Levels More options and freedom at C (House/Rec level) Restructure of Provincials at AA and A levels to a event to declare Provincial Champions (Minor) Restructure of Provincials at the A level to a event to declare Provincial Champions (Female) Conference Championship format for B level Addition of C level Rec hockey on the female side Streamlined Playdown/playoff format Strike a committee to review and make recommendations specific to Midget Hockey Review IP/vice structure during 2014-15 season Continue with review of Female administration and registration Structural Change The proposed Minor structure is designed to align with the Hockey Canada LTPDM and have more players in a development pool at Atom and in particular the B level of Atom where they will have the opportunity to move up the system as their skill, size, maturity and ability develops. As was expressed very clearly at the 2013 HNS AGM by the Minor Hockey Association Presidents, Atom AAA hockey with all the travel, competitiveness to win and the overall cost factor, were major concerns. With the elimination of the AAA designation at the Atom level, the intent is again to focus on the skill development of the player and not on Elite competition and provincial championships. With one less level at Atom overall, it will also allow smaller and rural MHAs the ability to ice teams at levels they can compete in and have more local competition, less travel and reduced costs. In larger MHAs, they may have two teams at the various levels which will allow opportunities for players to play where their skills place them.
MHAs, with the assistance of HNS, will have to focus on the development of all levels of Atom, especially the B level through coach resourcing, support and possibly extra developmental sessions. The B level will have the largest pool of players and should enable rural areas to have local leagues. Larger MHAs will also have increased numbers at the B level and they may have two (2) teams at the AA and A levels of all divisions that will continue to allow players to play at their skill set. The B level is competitive yet development-based and is not meant to be a House but a stream to breach between the House s and the top Rep levels. The B level at Atom is meant to further develop players whose skills may be lacking for any number of reasons (late start, size, maturity, etc.) but have the desire to work to improve and progress to the next skill level. The B level is not focused on winning a provincial championship, but on improving skills in a competitive environment, which is what most players at this age need. When this group moves to Pee Wee, there will be another level of competitive hockey added, AAA, and there should be a larger group ready to compete for all levels going forward. The B level will remain the largest competitive level moving up the system. The hope of keeping more players in the mix as their skill set improves while allowing for more local competitive play and helping more players advance into higher competitive levels. The C level for both Minor and Female will consist of the current House s and community/recreation based hockey as implemented by the local MHA. The C level is for both players whose skill is not at a competitive level and players (and their families) who just want to experience and participate in hockey at a local level with reduced commitments and costs. Players may enter at this level and want to move into the other streams as their skill improves. However, the opposite may also occur where players may wish to enter this level from the other levels for the same reasons. MHAs may have several streams of C level hockey depending on their local situation and demand. The restructure in provincial championships is the result of several challenges: one is the difficulty in finding hosts for all tournaments annually as costs continue to grow, the cost to families and teams to attend the actual tournaments, and finding ways to keep all teams playing competitively longer. Further, having one stream where league winners advance to play-off vs other league winners, rather than league play and playdowns as separate events. The addition of the will still enable teams to compete for a Provincial Championship and reduce the costs to teams and families. It will also reduce the task of finding MHA s to host tournaments and local organizers struggling to find sponsors. It will also enable HNS to host a season ending celebration of the game, which will be the last event of the season. This will allow leagues to play longer with league winners advancing to play other league winners for a Conference Champion advancing to the. As a result all teams and players will remain in competition longer. Play-off/Playdown format timelines document attached (HNS Playoff Format Struct 2014-15).
Proposed Minor Structure 2014-15 Level Age Competition Level Provincials/Conf./ Day of Champions/ Initiation Prog. 4-6 yrs n-competitive, Skill Dev. vice 7-8 yrs n-competitive, Skill Dev. Atom AA 9-10 yrs Competitive (MHA s could have 2 balanced teams with approval) Atom A 9-10 yrs Competitive (MHA s could have 2 balanced teams with approval) Atom B 9-10 yrs Competitive (MHA would have several teams at this level) Conference Atom C 9-10 yrs Recreation Based (Community) Pee Wee AAA 11-12 yrs Competitive Provincials Pee Wee AA 11-12 yrs Competitive (MHA s could have 2 balanced teams with approval) Pee Wee A 11-12 yrs Competitive (MHA s could have 2 balanced teams with approval) Pee Wee B 11-12 yrs Competitive (MHA would have several teams at this level) Conference Pee Wee C 11-12 yrs Recreation Based (Community) Bantam Major 13-14 yrs Competitive, Elite Provincials Yes Bantam AA 13-14 yrs Competitive (MHA s could have 2 balanced teams with approval) Provincials Yes Bantam A 13-14 yrs Competitive (MHA s could have 2 balanced teams with approval) Yes Bantam B 13-14 yrs Competitive (MHA would have several teams at this level) Conference Bantam C 13-14 yrs Recreation Based (Community) Midget Major 15-17 yrs Competitive Elite Provincials Yes Midget AA 15-17 yrs Competitive (MHA s could have 2 balanced teams with approval) Provincials Yes Midget A 15-17 yrs Competitive (MHA s could have 2 balanced teams with approval) Yes Midget B 15-17 yrs Competitive (MHA would have several teams at this level) Conference Midget C 15-17 yrs Recreation Based Minor Junior 18-19 yrs Recreation Based stats & scores Conference Body Check
Proposed Female Hockey Structure 2014-15 Level Age Competition Level Provincials/DoC Atom A 9-10 yrs Competitive (Conference leagues) Atom C 9-10 yrs Recreation (Options, but not limited to: once a week, short seasons, multiple seasons, 4 on 4, 3 on 3, lower fees, female teams could be combined with minor teams/programs, MHA determined) Pee Wee AA 11-12 yrs Competitive (Regional Teams, provincial league) Provincials Pee Wee A 11-12 yrs Competitive (Conference leagues) Pee Wee C 11-12 yrs Recreation (Options, but not limited to: current house leagues, once a week, short seasons, multiple seasons, 4 on 4, 3 on 3, lower fees, female teams could be permitted to play vs minor teams, MHA determined) Bantam AA 13-14 yrs Competitive (Regional Teams, provincial league) Provincials Bantam A 13-14 yrs Competitive (Conference leagues) Bantam C 13-14 yrs Recreation (Options, but not limited to: current house leagues, once a week, short seasons, multiple seasons, 4 on 4, 3 on 3, lower fees, female teams could be permitted to play vs minor teams, MHA determined) Midget AAA 15-17 yrs Competitive Elite (Regional Teams, provincial league) Provincials Midget AA 15-17 yrs Competitive (Conference leagues) Midget A 15-17 yrs Competitive (Conference leagues) Midget C 15-17 yrs Recreation (Options, but not limited to: current house leagues, once a week, short seasons, multiple seasons, 4 on 4, 3 on 3, lower fees, female teams could be permitted to play vs minor teams, MHA determined) Definitions Long Term Player Development Model (LTPDM) - is the Hockey Specific response to Sport Canada s Long-term Athlete Development model. Please go to www.canadiansportforlife.ca for more information. What is the Hockey Canada LTPDM? Is a philosophy and a vehicle for change. Is athlete-centred from a child s first involvement in sport to the transition to lifelong physical activity or other sport related activities. Integrates the needs of athletes with a disability into the design and delivery of sport programs. Provides a framework for reviewing current practices, developing new initiatives, and standardizing programs. Establishes a clear development pathway from playground to podium and on to being active for life. Identifies the shortcomings in Canada s sport system and provides guidelines for problem solving. Provides guidelines for planning for optimal performance for all stages of athlete development. Provides key partners with a coordinated structure and plan for change. Identifies and engages key stakeholders in delivering change. Provides an aligned and integrated model for delivering systems including Long-term athlete development technical, physical, tactical, and behavioral. Long-term coaching development. Sport and physical activity programs and services in NSO s, PSO s, recreational organizations, clubs, and schools. Recreation Based (Community) This is the grass roots of hockey, current house leagues and more, the local MHA will determine how to set up the structure; an MHA may have several streams at this level. It may consist of current organized house leagues and/or it may be very low organized
access to hockey. Some examples are: shorter, multiply seasons, once a week - 1 ½ hour session with some practice and then a game, one game a week and no practice, a mix of levels, 3 on 3, 4 on 4 with and without goalies. Scores, standings and play-offs may be incorporated at all levels above IP/vice. The options are endless and left to the MHA to determine what will work to grow the game and provide more opportunities for kids to enjoy hockey. These levels may be used as a recruiting tool to attract new participants to the game or to retain players at other levels by allowing them to play with friends or play with less structure. Competitive Teams will compete in structured leagues, with scores, standings and playdowns for Regional, Conference, or Provincial Championship. s will be determined by number of teams, locations with input from HNSMC, HNSFC and MHA s. Conference Teams will play in local leagues and will playdown against other league champions within their Conference to declare a Conference Champion, but will not play for a Provincial Championship. s will be determined by number of teams, locations with input from HNSMC, HNSFC and MHA s. Provincials 5 or 7 team tournament or a Playdown series (at the Elite Hockey levels) to determine a Provincial Champion. Teams will play in Regional or Provincial s and qualify through a structured process for the Championship. s will be determined by number of teams, locations with input from HNSMC, HNSFC and MHA s. A weekend event hosted by HNS where the champion of the South Conference will play a one game championship vs the champion of the rth Conference to declare a Provincial Champion. This will be a weekend celebration of hockey hosted by HNS and a local MHA with Minor and Female games at the Atom through Midget levels. The event will be moved annually around the province, with MHA s eligible to submit bids to co-host with HNS. There would be no cost to the teams to participate in this event and they would just travel in (at their expense) and play their one game and return home. The will be the final HNS sanctioned event of the year and will take place: (the second weekend of April annually or the first weekend after SEDMHA). Minor Levels of Play Major Level Regional Teams as per Elite Hockey Guidelines, the top players of the Division, Bantam and Midget. (Competitive/Provincials) AAA Level Top Minor Hockey level for Pee Wee, One team per MHA, the top Players of that Division (Competitive/Provincials) AA Level This is the Top tier of Minor Hockey (except Pee Wee), MHA s could have 2 balanced teams with HNSMC approval (Competitive/Provincials at Bantam and Midget, Competitive/ at Pee Wee and Atom) A Level MHA could have two teams at this level in all division with permission of HNSMC (Competitive/)
B Level MHA s could have multiple teams at this level in all divisions, 1 up to 5 or 6 or more depending on players and members desire and skill. (Competitive/Conference) C Level MHA s could have many teams and streams at this level. MHA s may run leagues in house or partner with neighboring MHA s to form leagues. Could have streams for those families and players who just want to experience/participate in hockey at a reduced commitment, cost, competitive level and who desire to play locally. (Community/Recreation based Hockey) Female Levels of Play AAA Level Regional Teams at the Midget Level as per the NSFMHL guidelines, the top level of Female Midget hockey. AA Level Regional Teams as per HNS Female Council, the top tier of Female hockey at the Pee Wee and Bantam levels and second tier of competitive Female hockey at Midget. (Competitive/Provincials at Pee Wee and Bantam/ at Midget Level) A Level Regional or MHA teams, top tier of Female hockey at Atom level and second tier of competitive Female Hockey at Pee Wee and Bantam and third tier at Midget. (Competitive/) C Level MHA s could have many teams and streams at this level. MHA s may run leagues in house or partner with neighboring MHA s to form leagues. Could have streams for those families and players who just want to experience/participate in hockey at a reduced commitment, cost, competitive level and who desire to play locally. Female teams may be mixed with minor for purposes of playing games. (Community/Recreation based Hockey)