Senior Recreational Program

Contact

Kathie Gilmour

(905) 690-3383

The Club has offered a recreational program for adult women since 1996.  The program follows the OWHA age guideline of 20 years plus.

Last season, we surveyed the players to determine what changes they would like to see in the program.  There were a number of changes recommended and the Board has adopted many of them including separate divisions for advanced and novice players or tiers.

The following open letter to the membership from President Chris Hanlon and Senior Recreation Director Kathy Gilmour outlines the changes and benefits for the coming season.

AN OPEN  LETTER TO BGHC SENIOR REC PLAYERS

We are hearing many comments regarding the alignment of the Senior Rec division with the Burlington Girls Hockey Club.  Some comments are positive, some are not and some are  . . well . .  just questions.  So, lets first make sure people understand what is happening and why.

 Over the past number of years the Senior Rec (previously Ladies Rec) Division and BGHC have enjoyed a generally positive relationship.  However a number of concerns have surfaced in the last 2-3 years.  Those concerns have included level of play, how to attract new members - growth, discipline, skill development and governance – how Senior Rec is managed and where players go to resolve issues.  At the same time many positives existed within Senior Rec.  Those positives included good camaraderie and social gatherings.

 Members indicated a desire to create a stronger alignment with BGHC and have the league manage the Senior Rec division directly.  In response to this demand from the members BGHC has appointed a new Director of Senior Rec – Kathie Gilmour.  BGHC will oversee the operation of Senior Rec – game scheduling, team alignment, player registration, discipline, assignment of captains, etc.  While many of these items are similar to the way the division was managed in the past we will take a very active role in its operations.  You will see both of us – Kathie and Chris plus other Board members more often.

 We recognize not all members are happy with these changes or may not yet understand them.   Change is not easy!  However, lets first look at the positive changes that are being made:

•  Tiering – two tiers will be in place at the start of the 07-08 season – a Novice and an Advanced tier.  Existing players have been rated on a scale of 1 to 6 and this rating scale will be used to help players determine which level they should be playing at. The Novice tier will be suited to new players, less experienced players, or even those players who choose a friendly, even paced game. This tier will be geared towards players rated 1 and 2. The Advanced tier will attract more experienced players or those who desire a faster paced, higher skilled game. This tier will be geared towards players rated 4, 5, and 6. The players rated 3 are in the middle ground and will need to determine where they feel most comfortable playing.

As a note many other adult leagues have similar tier structures.  The reason is to allow players of like skill to play together to support continued development or recognize the choices players wish to make about where they play.

•  Playing Rules – the rules for playing at each tier will be similar but will account for the differences that exist between tiers.  For example we are considering allowing slap shots at the advanced tier.

•  Scheduling – the intent is to provide consistent, non-biased schedules so players can plan other activities.  Scheduling will be fair and equitable to all teams.

•  Team Selection – selection of teams will be handled fairly.   Friends who wish to play together can by noting that desire on their registration form – friends should make reciprocal requests.  

• Discipline – all players will be subject to the same standards and disciplinary issues will be handled by an impartial “Discipline Committee” that reports to the BGHC Board.

• Tournament – It is no longer a mandatory requirement for Senior Rec teams to enter the tournament but there will be spots for those teams who chose to enter. Also, the BGHC Board approved that Senior Rec players whose teams are not playing in the Spring Tournament are not required to volunteer. Of course help is always appreciated and volunteer support makes for a more successful tournament.

• Tournament – the Board is looking at a “Masters” division for the tournament.  This over 35 division would allow for either team or individual registration.  This division would be in addition to Senior Rec for the tournament.

• Skill development – the Board intends to offer skill development sessions to all our members. The sessions for Senior Rec will be for Senior Rec players only.  The sessions will focus on common hockey skills – skating, shooting, passing, play making.

• Code of Conduct – each player will be required to sign and adhere to the BGHC code of conduct. BGHC in cooperation with the referees is committed to monitoring and controlling any aggressive or inappropriate behavior.

• Reserve List – BGHC would like to start a reserve list of players for Senior Rec who can be called upon when teams are short players. Teams finding themselves short on players can contact the League Convener and request replacement players of equal caliber.

 The question that comes next is what about   . . .?  Lets look at what is not changing and how you can stay involved:

• Social activities – social activities are an important part of the Senior Rec experience.  These activities will continue and we are looking for your input on other activities you would like to see.   Our contact info is below so please let us know what activities you want.

• Schedule – games will still be twice per week. BGHC continues to commit to regular days and times each week for the games.

• Team Selection – balance is key!  Team selection will be similar to previous years with current players being rated 1 – 6 and teams being selected with an even amount of players at each level.   New players will be assessed prior to the beginning of the season and before being assigned to a team. Member / player input – captains will be in place for next season and will be an integral part of how the Senior Rec division is run.  The captain will be responsible for on ice standards and setting the tone for the team.  Each team will also be asked to put in place a player rep who will work with the captain, report to the Director but be responsible for off ice standards and social activities.  The players on the team will elect the captain and Player Rep.

• Member input – monthly meetings of the Division will be held.  Meetings will be open to all members so you can ask questions and make suggestions to improve the Division.

• Type of Play – both the Novice and Advance Tier will continue to be considered recreational in nature

 What next?  The next step is yours.  We are asking you to register and join us in helping to continue building the Senior Rec Division.  We are excited about next season and the possibilities.  Many members tell us these changes at the Senior Rec Division are great!  We realize some members are still uncertain.    If you are, call either of us and ask the questions you need to become comfortable.  We commit to maintain an open line and continue to communicate with all members.

 We look forward to working with you to build the best Senior Rec Division – built on the solid history of Ladies Rec past and building to the future.