This is an open letter to Richmond’s hockey parents from Richmond Minor Hockey president Carolyn Hart in what could be a historic week for the sport in the city. After a year of working together, Richmond Minor and Seafair Minor Hockey are co-hosting one final extraordinary meeting tonight. A vote to merge the two associations will follow with members having up until Sunday afternoon to cast their ballot. Hart shares her thoughts on the volunteer work of many and the importance of all hockey parents being involved in the voting process.
It is just about three years since I became president of Richmond Minor Hockey Association. I thought I would take this opportunity to reflect on minor hockey and community sport in general as well as share my personal thoughts regarding this week’s vote alongside Seafair Minor Hockey Association to merge the two sides.
The decision that the Richmond and Seafair members are making will have a lasting impact on minor hockey in our community.
As a long-time volunteer, I am still amazed by the work that is done in our community and beyond in order to deliver programs such as ours.
As of today, we have 548 children, youth and young adults registered with Richmond Minor. That is up from 529 last year (and does not include the 46 players registered in The Fall 2017 First Shift). It really is quite phenomenal that all of these members are playing hockey. It’s only because a huge team of committed adults (and youth) believe in sharing their talents and their love of hockey in our programs.
I want to acknowledge the many other volunteers who contribute at Pacific Coast Amateur Hockey Association, BC Hockey and elsewhere.
By the end of this season, my projection is that Richmond will grow by about three teams compared to last season.
This is quite an accomplishment and builds on our steady growth in the past few years. In an environment where participation in youth sports is declining, Richmond is an exception and I believe that is because we are responsive to our community and are providing programs that families want. (By the way, we are still registering players and are keen for referrals!)
Hockey associations rooted by volunteers
Community sport and, more specifically, minor hockey can’t happen without a solid, large, hard-working volunteer force. Speaking from experience, what you witness at the rink is just the tip of the iceberg. Countless hours are spent every week in order to deliver community sports programs and, if you haven’t done so recently, I would urge you to thank your child’s coaches, your team manager, your safety people, your division director, your tournament committees and your board members. The work they are doing is immeasurable and priceless. It is the only reason that community sport is available for your child.
When I reflect on my experiences as a volunteer over the past few years, I have experienced all the highs and lows that you might expect. There have been disappointments, frustrations, worries and problems to solve but there have also been moments of intense joy, pride, happiness and delight.
Being president of a minor hockey association is a lot like parenting; some days are completely exhausting and you ask yourself why on earth you took on this incredibly difficult job and other days are just amazing and you ask yourself why you would ever stop!
Happiness is catching one of our players with a huge smile on his or her face. It is watching a new player step on the ice because we were able to loan them equipment and make initiation hockey affordable. It is having a player work hard to master a skill and seeing the encouragement that a great coach can provide. Happiness is having a parent willing to help. It is walking into the rink and being greeted with a smile. Happiness is getting to know some of the alumni who created and contributed to this amazing organization. Happiness is reflecting on all of the lessons that my child has learned while participating in a game that he clearly loves and hoping that many more children will have the same opportunity.
It should not surprise you to know that administering an organization with hundreds of members is a huge responsibility. The minor hockey landscape is evolving quickly as hockey academies grow and minor hockey works hard to respond appropriately. Beyond the challenges of attracting and retaining players, recruiting volunteers and meeting regulatory requirements, fiscal responsibility is extremely important.
In order to keep hockey as affordable as possible, we apply for grant funding, work with sponsors and donors, as well as run profitable tournaments. We also do a bit of fundraising along the way and think long and hard before spending money.
No matter what decision is reached in the voting this week, fiscal responsibility will always be critically important. Members are entitled to know how fees are being spent and to be confident that budgets are well-considered and respected.
If we want minor hockey and community sports to continue to grow, registration fees must be kept in check and all spending must be purposeful and player-centred.
Over the past while, many members have spoken and written to me about the important question that is being considered. They have expressed varying perspectives, based on their own experiences as well as those of their child(ren). I want to strongly encourage all members to get involved and vote. Please make time to participate in the discussion and please be sure to cast your vote — the future truly is in your hands.
Carolyn Hart
President
Richmond Minor Hockey Association
