Page 5 - Sports Energy News, Cornwall, Issue No 7

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By Jan Murray Monique Sauve-Roy and her husband supported this non-profit sports It takes a big effort from a lot of
John Roy. It is a job they absolutely organization. They have been generous people to make a league like this work.
It’s almost that time of year again! love to do. “The part we love about enough to provide new jerseys for the “From the volunteer parents, to the
On average each year, there are presiding is being at the park and peewee and bantam players as well as coaches and assistants, to the players,
approximately 175 Cornwall Optimist talking to the parents and the kids,” new catcher equipment. to the umpires and to the executive
Minor Softball players, ready and explains Sauve-Roy. “We make This year there will be four teams members, we form a team who works

willing to get out there on the fields ourselves available so that if there per division. The minis will be together towards a common goal,”
the moment the time is right. are any issues or concerns, we can players starting as young as four years says Sauve-Roy. “Our goal is to
The final registration will be on deal with them immediately. We have old. As they grow older they can play provide fun for the kids, teach them the

both been involved in education in game (as we are a recreational league,
April 6, from 1:00 p.m. until 3:00 in the majors, peewees and bantams
p.m. inside the club house at the the past; therefore, seeing the kids divisions. Teams usually practice once accepting all levels) and provide a
Optimist Club Park. Parents will smiling faces is what keeps us going. a week and will play 22 games this safe environment for them.
We prefer to see the kids at the park Cost of registration this year is
receive additional information at that season. For the older players, there
time, explaining how to proceed from than having them on the streets.” is a pitching machine, which most $95.00 If you have any questions or
there. This will be the fourth year that players really enjoy. concerns, you may contact Monique
the Optimist Club has financially or John at 613-938-2026.

Presiding over the league is
Player Movement

By Richard Waldroff

The Ottawa District Minor Hockey Association (ODMHA) Handbook and Directory 2012-13, Page 89
Appendix E - Initiation Program Policy, Paragraph 7: States - Players under the age of 7 as of December
31st of the current hockey season are NOT permitted under any circumstances to play Novice hockey.
Wow can you believe this, how can anyone enact, and continue to enforce such a development limiting
piece of legislation. During my time as President of the Ottawa District Hockey Association I quietly
expressed my dissatisfaction on how player movement was managed at the ODMHA with only a little
progress ever being accomplished.
Each playing season several players within the Initiation programs excel, this occurs for many reasons but
mostly because they started skating at ages 4 or 5. This early start on the skill development enables these
players to quickly grasp what is being taught, and turn themselves into leaders of the class. Unfortunately
being a leader with another season to be completed before one can play the game they truly wish to and
came for, can lead to boredom, loss of interest and maybe even a change in the choice of sport.

Now what can be done to improve this situation? The first thing is you the parents must SPEAK UP about
this blatant disrespect for the players and their skill level. You the parents pay the bills, and elect the
representatives to these boards who make these decisions. Those of you sitting there saying that’s ok my
kids are above that level pay attention there are restrictions at all age levels and categories.
SOLUTION - Next I would like to suggest a standing committee be established, to manage the movement of players within the levels and
age categories it must consist of individuals with a good understanding of the game and the skill requirements at each level and category. It
is likely to be a small committee with access to individuals with the abilities I have described.
This Player Movement Committee would need to establish the criteria for the acceptance of applications, the application document itself,
acceptable times for application, and timetables for the review and response to each application. There will also need to be process developed
for evaluating each application; because expenses maybe incurred by the individual performing these evaluations a fee will need to accompany
each application submitted.

I firmly believe that such a process would benefit our game tremendously, better yet would encourage players to work hard for the doors are

no longer closed. The best players must play at the highest level possible, after all being the best you can be creates huge pride for the player
themselves, parents, associations, the team, fellow players and the Branch.
Please contact your local Hockey President, your association and tell them how you feel.
Keep your stick below you waist.