July 1, 2008

Important NCRHA News for 2008-2009 Season

Following a series of meetings in conjunction with USA Hockey's 2008 Annual Congress in Colorado Springs , Colorado , the NCRHA is proud to introduce several new programs and initiatives. The NCRHA would like to extend our thanks to USA Hockey InLine, who graciously supplied conference facilities and attended portions of the NCRHA meetings.

This year's meetings featured renewed focus and commitment to enacting a long-term plan to foster growth of college roller hockey and the sport on a whole.

Mission Statement â€“ The Board unanimously approved changes to the mission statement, helping to more concisely convey our goals:

As the national governing body of collegiate roller hockey, we shall promote and advance the sport of hockey while maintaining the spirit of the game through athletic achievement and sportsmanship.

Planning Committee â€“ The Board has created a committee charged with creating and evaluating new proposals as well as establishing long-term goals for the organization.

Divisional Restructuring â€“ Perhaps the most dramatic change made during the meetings, the Board has agreed to redefine the NCRHA's divisional structure as follows, effective immediately unless otherwise noted:

l All previous divisional restrictions based on enrollment have been removed (the â€œ18,000 ruleâ€)

l All teams must complete registration for their selected division each and every season. Teams are free to choose any division in which they can fulfill the requirements listed. Your Member Organization Director will provide this form to you at a later date.

l All teams should contact their Member Organization Director, or expect notification from them, on how the below information will specifically impact your team.

l Member Organizations have the authority to impose additional requirements on top of the National requirements listed below.

l Division I

Â The primary teams of all four-year universities and colleges (previously those eligible for Division I and Division II) shall be eligible to play in Division I, provided they are willing and able to comply with the requirements to participate in the division.

Â It is to be noted that high-caliber talent is not a prerequisite to play Division I; rather, Division I is intended for the most organized and committed member clubs.

Â Requirements

â– Full matching home and away jerseys.

â– Full matching pants. This includes both style and manufacturer.

â– All players (with the exception of the goaltender) must wear matching color helmets.

â– Effective January 1, 2009, all teams must have a registered coach behind the bench for all games.

â– Effective September 1, 2009, all registered coaches must have completed a minimum of Level 1 USA Hockey coaching certification.

â– Effective September 1, 2009, all players must have gloves that match the color scheme of their uniform or black gloves. All gloves need not be the same manufacturer or style.

â– Cross-regional play is not required, but strongly encouraged.

Â Following the start of the season, any team found in violation of the requirements above shall risk forfeiture of postseason play (Regional and National Championships).

Â Benefits

â– Opportunity for more games during the regular season than Division II teams (consult your Member Organization Director for regional specifics)

â– Expanded number of bids to the Collegiate Roller Hockey National Championships. The field has been expanded to 24 teams for 2008-2009.

â– First-priority scheduling for both event weekends and game times during weekend events. All efforts will be made to accommodate scheduling requests from Division I teams as well as schedule games during â€œprime-timeâ€. (consult your Member Organization Director)

â– Ability to organize and play sanctioned â€œhome and homeâ€ NCRHA games at a facility independent of NCRHA weekend events.

â– First priority to invitations to interregional events and other special NCRHA events.

â– Increased exposure to marketing and promotion by the NCRHA

l Division II

Â As a result of the removal of enrollment restrictions, any primary team from a four-year college or university may participate in Division II.

Â Requirements

â– Full matching home and away jerseys.

â– Pants of the same predominant color.

â– A coach is strongly recommended, but not required.

Â Following the start of the season, any team found in violation of the requirements above shall risk forfeiture of postseason play (Regional and National Championships).

Â Benefits

â– Opportunity for more games during the regular season than Division III teams.

â– 16 bids to the Collegiate Roller Hockey National Championships.

l Division III

Â Redefined. Division III will no longer include the primary teams of two-year, community or junior colleges, but will instead be targeted towards new and developing teams.

Â Requirements

â– One set of fully matching jerseys (check colors with your Member Organization Director before jersey design/production)

Â Features

â– Shorter season requiring less financial and time commitment.

â– No national championship tournament will be held in this division.

l Junior College Division

Â Formerly titled Division III, this division has been renamed to eliminate confusion.

Â The Junior College (JC) Division is restricted to primary teams of two-year, community and junior colleges.

Â Requirements

â– Full matching home and away jerseys.

â– Pants of the same predominant color.

â– A coach is strongly recommended, but not required.

Â Following the start of the season, any team found in violation of the requirements above shall risk forfeiture of postseason play (Regional and National Championships).

Â Benefits

â– 8 bids to the Collegiate Roller Hockey National Championships.

l B Division

Â Reserved for secondary teams of schools in all other divisions

Â Requirements

â– Full matching home and away jerseys.

â– Pants of the same predominant color.

â– A coach is strongly recommended, but not required.

Â Following the start of the season, any team found in violation of the requirements above shall risk forfeiture of postseason play (Regional and National Championships).

Â Benefits

â– 12 bids to the Collegiate Roller Hockey National Championships.

Any general questions can be posted on InlineHockeyCentral.comâ€™s (www.inlinehockeycentral.com) Collegiate Inline Hockey Forum, under the new Divisional Realignment topic.

More information will follow, in a series of articles from the Executive Director, over the next several weeks.