MID AM GIRLS/WOMENS NEWSLETTER

I would like to take this opportunity to share with you our new monthly Mid Am Girls/Womens Newsletter.. I hope that you will find the information of value and will also take the opportuity to send me updates on girls/womens USA Hockey Sanctioned tournemants, exciting happenings in your girls/womens program and updates on players who have accomplished great things in their school, community or sports. Please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns you may have regarding Female Hockey in our District or at the National Level.

At the Annual Congress of USA Hockey held in Colorado Springs, Colorado in June, THe Executive Board and District Directors voted on the following legislation that impacts girls/womens Hockey in USA Hockey:

Starting in the 09-10 playing season, there will be a USA Hockey Tier II National Tournament for 12U, 14U, 16U and 19U. Criteria for eligibility TBA by the National Tournament Director and the Youth Council.

Although there will be no National Tournament advancement for teams for the 08-09 playing season, the Mid American District will hold a Tier II Girls District Tournament and award District Tier II Championship status in the 12U, 14U, 16U and 19U divisions. The location of the tournament to be held March 15-17, 2008 will be announced by in early fall. The following criteria will determine eligibility for Tier II Girls team declaration.

All teams competing in the Major Division of a recognized AAA and/or Tier I League must play at the Tier I level regardless of team record or standing. A Tier II team that competes in a Tier I playdown tournament will then be ineligible for Tier II playdown competition.

Teams competing in the Minor Division of a recognized AAA and/or Tier I League will be evaluated by the Board at the Mid American District midyear meeting. Placement of these teams will be based on records and performance.

Teams playing an independent schedule will be evaluated by the competition level of its opponents in addition to records and performance. This evaluation will be conducted by the Mid American Board.

All teams playing in a recognized AA and/or Tier II League will be allowed to participate at the Tier II level.

State and District tournaments are conducted by the Mid American District to determine advancing teams.

Players cannot register on a National Tiournament bound Girls Team (Tier I) and a Tier II District Tournament bound team in the same playing season.

Tier II teams wishing to participate in the District Tournament (Tier II) should indicate their intent by OCtober 15 to help determine the number of teams interested in this inauguaral year. Rules for player movement, etc. apply in regards to final declaration the same as Tier I.

We are seeking a host for the Tier II Girls Districts. IF your organization is interested in hosting, plese go to www.midamhockey.com and download the State/District Tournament Host Application.

This has been an exciting year for the Mid AMerican District Girls Select Development Camps. With over 200 participants trying out for the National and In-District Camps in April at Kent State, we are proud to say that the level of competition has reached a new playing zone. The 14-17 Mid AM Girls Select Camp took place at at Kent State UNiversity, June 29-July 3. 36 participants stepped up to the demands of this rigorous camp both off and on the ice. In spite of sore feet and aching muscles, the girls left with advanced skills and knowledge of how to improve theri game and self as an athlete.

The 11-13 Girls Select Development Camp will take place July 27-July 31 and will host 44 particpants from Mid-Am, Michigan and Rockey Mountain Districts.

Send us your stories and comments about the 14-17 Mid Am Select Development Camp. Share what you learned and experienced with others in the District.

Help name our newsletter. The referees had "STRIPES". The Coaches use "ON THE TAPE". Send me your suggestions. eriehockey@earthlink.net

The Girls'/Women's Section recently met to discuss inquiries regarding the participation of non-US citizens on national championship-bound teams. The Section confirmed that limitation of non-US citizens on girls' national championship-bound teams is as follows.

No more than two players who are non-US citizens holding one of the INS Visa types listed below will be allowed to participate on a girl's national championship-bound team:

F. Academic Students
J. Exchange Alien
M. Non-Academic Student
Q. International Cultural Exchange Program