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line change With the rampant success of the American Development Model our game continues to grow. USA Hockey has broken the 100,000-player mark at the 8 & Under level, and with the help of the ADM program those kids will develop a passion for the game that will last a lifetime. This raises a question, if player recruitment and retention con- tinue to grow, how will it impact opportunities for officials? The simple answer is that more play- ers will ultimately lead to more teams, which will lead to more games as those 8-year-old play- ers continue playing the game. Development of young officials is critical to keep pace with the development of players. The USA Hockey Officiating Program hockey associations to implement the Red, White, & Blue Cross- Ice Program at our youngest lev- els to give our beginning players an environment that encourages more "puck touches" and equal chances to be involved in the play. Additionally, encourages all local local hockey associations will see the value in using the USAH Red, White, & Blue Officiating Program to help our youngest officials receive the best opportu- nity to succeed in a positive learn- ing environment. we hope the While the application of play- ing rules is limited during cross- ice hockey games, there is still an opportunity for our officials to learn the most basic fundamen- tal skills of officiating including positioning, awareness, anticipat- ing the play and simply blowing the whistle. The USA Hockey Officiating Program encourages local offici- ating associations to offer every 10 ADVICE FOR PARENTS, REFS AND COACHES Developing Officials Essential To Growth Of The Game By BJ RINGROSE aspiring official the opportunity to develop and build a passion for officiating. Similar to player development, the Red, White, & Blue Officiating Program allows an official to learn basic skills in an environment that offers basic game situations at a modest tempo and a lower compet- itive level. A missed goal or errant puck in the skates at the cross-ice level will allow an official to learn from their mistakes through sup- port and feedback from an on-ice mentor instead of abuse from an over-intense coach. A hockey program that runs two or three cross-ice games dur- ing one ice session will find added value for minimal cost. The pres- ence of the game official will also add to the credibility of playing a genuine game. Furthermore, since better officiating leads to better and safer competition, using young officials in cross-ice hockey is an investment in the future success of the local hockey community. One of the taglines of the American Development Model is, "I am potential." The USA Hockey Officiating Program encour- ages the recognition of potential in every new official by creating opportunities to learn and grow. ROCKIN' ROLES By CHRISTIE CASCIANO BURNS The Key To Volunteering Is Finding The Right Job That Works For You Wanted: Reliable parents to work weekends in cold conditions. Must be a good organizer, willing to answer phone calls during dinner and keep the peace with dozens of well-meaning, opinionated hockey parents. No pay. Long hours. Coaches shouldn't have to take out ads, but it seems every year fewer parents are willing or able to step up and pitch in for the team. Given current economic conditions, many parents are working longer hours, or even two jobs, and many simply have less free time to spare. But as my wise Italian mother would say after our big Sunday dinners, as we sat there with stuffed bellies, and piled up dishes, pots and pans, "Many hands make light work." She would assign each of us a cleanup duty, and before we knew it, all six of us were out again playing before the sun settled for the evening. That same simple theory can help your coach run the team, when parents provide valuable assists. The trick is finding the role that is right for you. If you're level headed, a good organizer and don't mind fielding phone calls from fellow parents, consider the role of team parent. That job consists of everything the coach doesn't have time to do. Sound overwhelming? You don't have to go it alone. Take advantage of the diverse talents and skills of other moms and dads. You might be surprised how willing parents are to help when given a clear and specific role. Parents who travel a lot might be able to wheel and deal team discounts for hotels and restaurants. Store managers might be able to score plates, cups or deserts for a tournament or team parties. I loved the year a parent with a printing company made wallet sized laminated cards with everybody's cell phone number and email address. Skills in the kitchen can come in handy when your team needs to whip up meals for tournaments and fundraisers. I will caution though, sometimes finding the right role can come by trial and error. For example, running the clock for a game takes a very brave soul. You'll find out very quickly if you can handle it the first time you mess up on the penalty minutes and become the object of ridicule and angry shouts from the stands, "Clock! Clock!" If you can turn a deaf ear to it, you will find yourself with the best seat in the house. When kids see parents working hard for the team, parents in turn may see that same spirit and enthusiasm translate on the ice. Plug Into USA Hockey's Parents' Community If you're a new parent to the game and are looking for more information, go to the USA Hockey Parents' Community website. USA Hockey is committed to helping educate parents and children alike throughout their hockey career. This website is designed for parents of 4 to 8-year-olds so that their experience with hockey is an exciting one. The site includes information about the American Development Model, Responsible Sports Parenting, presented by Liberty Mutual, and many additional resources designed to make your experience in hockey an enjoyable one. To learn more go to USAHockeyParents.com. NOVEMBER.2012 USAHOCKEYMAGAZINE.COM PHOTOS FROM USA Hockey Magazine Archives