If I were Commisioner of a Youth Hockey League

Hockey, in my opinion, is one of the hardest sports to play. The hitting and the roughness of hockey keeps people away from the sport. There are not really many non-checking youth leagues out there, especially for midget hockey. However, if I were to be a commissioner of a league, I would do four things. One, I would make it no checking so that players won't, contact with other players is allowed, but the player must have the puck and the player is only allowed to make contact to get take the puck away from the opposing player. Two, the league will accept anybody. The skill set of the player will not matter. This would make the league more attractive to beginners and would not be afraid to try because he is just starting out. I would make sure that the teams have at least 2-3 beginner level players per season to balance out the rosters so that there is not just one good team destroying everybody. Three, the coaches must be experienced at coaching. In my opinion, the coach is one of the most important part of a team. A coach must know how to develop and deal with young players. A coach must know how keep his players in order and must know how and when to use them. Four, the league will not be expensive. Hockey is probably is the most expensive sport to play, especially travel hockey. Just to try out for a travel team, you at least have to pay anywhere between $500-$1000 (depending on what level of play). Once you make the team, you probably have to pay another fee between the price range listed above. If you don't make the team, you will not get your money back. My league will guarantee a roster spot for all players that sign up. In case of a player needing help financially, the league will offer financial support or work out smaller payments.      

Youth Hockey

Youth sports in America is very big. People have dedicated their lives into creating the next superstar. However, hockey is a little bit different. Ice Hockey and Roller Hockey is currently on the decline. The main reason for this is concussions. Kids are getting hurt and then become to afraid to step on the ice or court. USA Hockey a few years ago changed a rule that kids could not start checking until Bantam Hockey (14 and under). Unfortunately, kids were still getting hurt and many were quitting. Kids these days are being undisciplined and reckless by trying to take someone's heads off because they did something that bothered them. Another reason why hockey is on the decline is because of the equipment. The equipment itself is not the issue, it is the price of the equipment. Hockey by far is the most expensive sport to play because of all the equipment that is needed. For example, the normal price for player skates is about $300-$400. For low income families, that is a hassle. Equipment for goalies is also ridiculous. The price for pads have skyrocketed over the past few years. The top end pads can go anywhere between $1500 and $2000. If hockey equipment was a lot less expensive, more people would play. Even though hockey has concussion problems, it does not happen as often as it does in football. You would have to be hit a certain velocity and angle to get a concussion in hockey. Even though the equipment is expensive, it is very protective. If ran right and coached right, hockey could become a child's life and dream to play in the NHL.

Job of a Fan

In any sport, there are fans, and they are probably very passionate about their favorite sport. However, that passion might take you a little bit overboard. The right of a fan is this, root for your favorite team(s), and that is it. There is nothing else a fan needs. If your favorite player is gone from your team, would you switch teams? In my opinion, no I wouldn't. I will say this though, fans sometimes do help management make decisions because that is what they want. If your team loses a game should you be mad, yes you should, but throwing stuff and yelling at other people won't help anything. If a fan goes to road games, he has the right to root for his team, but should watch what he/she says because you might start a fight or almost start one. A perfect example of this was when I went to the 2012 NHL Winter Classic in Philadelphia. The Rangers won the game and the Flyers fans were upset, but for a certain Rangers fan, the win wasn't enough. As I made my way down the ramp at Citizens Bank Park, a Rangers fan was yelling profanity and saying mean things about the Flyers and their fans. Then, someone snapped and the fan got sucker punched and a brawl started. The two were broken up and was taken into custody. That wasn't the only incident that day. Another example of a fan going overboard actually happened that same day. A group of Rangers fans went to grab a bite to eat after the game at one of Philadelphia's most famous restaurants, Tony Lukes. The fans were supporting the Ranger's win, but wasn't doing anything crazy. An argument then started with a Flyers fan and fight broke out. The Flyers fan beat the living hell out of the Rangers fan and was later charged with assault. The rangers fan then sued the Flyers fan and got millions of dollars. Like I said, you have the right to cheer for your team on an opposing team's arena, but if you are going to be an ass, then you are asking for it. I'm not saying that these fans are bad, I'm just saying what fans can and can't do.