Minnesota Hockey

This past week I received an e-mail that asked me to address the comparison in age classifications for Girls' teams and Youth teams. This subject has been discussed often and Minnesota Hockey has put into writing in their Handbook which age groups should be comparable to each other.
                                                                                                                   

The Minnesota Hockey Handbook states: "For the purposes contemplated in these rules and regulations, the Girls 19 & Under classification is equivalent to the Youth Midget classification, the Girls 15 & Under classification is equivalent to the Youth Bantam classification, the Girls 12 & Under is equivalent to the Youth Peewee classification and the Girls 10 & Under classification is equivalent to the Youth Squirt classification."

This comparison of age groups is important because playing rules which refer to a specific Youth group also refer to the Girls' age classifications as well, unless stated otherwise. As stated in the USA Hockey Rulebook, slap shots are not allowed in the Youth Squirt and Mite classifications and the Girls 10 & Under classification. Ages overlap sometimes in the Girls age groups (i.e., 12 & Under teams may include some 10 year old players). However, this rule is only for those age classifications listed above and Girls 12 & Under teams are allowed to take slap shots.

From calls and e-mails that I have received, the rule on slap shots has been treated differently this season for Girls' teams across the State depending upon which District the games are played in. Coaches, players, administrators and officials must be made aware of which age groups are affected by the rule and allow slap shots at the Girls 12 & Under games.

The comparison of age groups was explained in detail in the Handbook to assist associations in providing equal treatment to all teams, whether female, male or mixed gender. This equal treatment includes (but is not limited to) scheduling number of ice hours and time of day, equipment usage (such as goalie equipment provided by the association), number of tournaments teams are allowed to participate in, use of jerseys, and any other rules or restrictions the association places on teams.

If an association only allows the Peewee age group to participate in 2, 3 or 4 tournaments a season, the rule also applies to the Girls 15 & Under age group.

The Squirt age classification also has limitations placed on them by Minnesota Hockey. The Handbook states: "Minnesota Hockey strongly encourages the skill development of all players especially at the entry levels. Therefore, the following is effective for the squirt level. 1. No league standings shall be kept. 2. Limit games (including league, scrimmage and tournament games) to a maximum of 35 games per season. Each game played in a tournament shall be counted as one game."

Since the Girls 10 & Under is considered equivalent to the Youth Squirt age classification, the above rules also apply to this age group.

If an association or District Director make a rule for the Girls 12 & Under age classification, then that rule should also pertain to the Youth Peewee age classification according to the Minnesota Hockey Handbook.

Unfortunately, rules have had to be written so that treatment is equal. Common sense should prevail, but that has not always happened. There are still situations that occur in the State today that create an unfair treatment of girls who want to play hockey.

As a mother of two daughters who love to play ice hockey as much as I do, they were one of the reasons that I became involved in the administrative level of this sport. Playing a non-traditional sport for females can be difficult enough without the added burden of unequal treatment. Our daughters should not have to feel like second-class citizens. They deserve to be treated equally with their peers, male or female.

Today every opportunity available should be afforded to both boys and girls, whether it is in education or sport. Hockey is a sport that teaches so much more than the game itself. Leadership, working together as a team, the chance to try something new and exciting, learning from role models and mentors, not to mention that it is great fun to play.

If you have a question regarding the age classifications and rules of equal treatment, please contact your local association, District Director or Girls' Coordinator. The Minnesota Hockey Handbook is a great resource for information.