In the past, all scrimmages have been open to players of all skill levels. Going forward, every now and then, I'll designate a scrimmage as being an "A" level scrimmage or a "B" level scrimmage. I've heard from skaters all across the spectrum of skill levels that they'd like to have the occasional opportunity to skate with like-skilled players with the scrimmage having a narrower range of skill levels. I think this solution meets their needs. My expectation is that the top players will sign up for the "A" scrimmages, and not for the "B" scrimmages. Similarly, beginners, players with developing skills, or players with weaker skills shouldn't sign up for the "A" scrimmages.
What's the difference between an "A" or "B" scrimmage and any other scrimmage?
Part of the success of the scrimmages thus far has been that no matter the disparity of skill level of the players out there, everyone plays and everyone is included in the play. This is the result of players adjusting their play appropriately. I expect that the "A" level scrimmages will be more like a Full Stride D1 game... faster, more skilled overall, and more physical (note that body checking is still not permitted!). I expect that "B" level scrimmages will be similar to Full Stride D3 games. I don't expect any of the scrimmages to be similar to a Full Stride D2 game!
Am I an "A" player or a "B" player?
I really don't want to be in the position of making that determination. I would prefer not to police the sign-ups for these scrimmages and leave it to the players to make up their own minds. I think we're all able to assess our skill level and determine whether or not we belong in one or the other, or both, of the scrimmage levels. I recognize there are plenty of people who are borderline and I don't want to discourage players from playing "over their heads". That said, players who are clearly not "A" skaters should not sign up for the "A" scrimmages because not only will the skill level be higher, but the game will also be played at a faster, higher skilled, and more physical level. Similarly, "A" level players should not sign up for "B" level scrimmages. There are a couple of notable exceptions that I will explain below.
[Insert Name Here] is an "A" player but signed up for the "B" skate... what gives?
Generally, this will be discouraged. The "B" scrimmages are meant for like-skilled players to play in an environment where there will not be dominating players. That said, there will be closely monitored exceptions. For example, as the scrimmages were born from my experience of playing pickup hockey with my dad for about 12 years, and then with my son & daughter, I will allow exceptions for players signing up with their parent/child/spouse/SO/bf/gf/etc, even if there is a disparate skill level, so long as they don't dominate the scrimmage.
[Insert Name Here] is a "B" player but signed up for the "A" skate... what gives?
This situation will be strongly discouraged. The "A" scrimmages are meant for like-skilled players to play in an environment where the play will be faster and quite likely more physical. While an "A" level player in the "B" scrimmage can tone down their play and still challenge other players to work harder, a "B" level player who has never played at a level similar to, or higher than, Full Stride D1 level will have more of an impact on the scrimmage and runs a higher risk of getting hurt. The exceptions listed above do not apply for an "A" level skate. It's much safer for an "A" player to play with their parent/child/spouse/SO/bf/gf/etc in a "B" scrimmage than the other way around. As I said above, I'd rather not have to police the lists and really don't want to hurt anybody's feelings, but if you clearly don't belong in an "A" scrimmage and sign up for one, I will tell you.
Can people sign up for both "A" and "B" scrimmages?
There are definitely players who would be considered "strong-ish" B skaters and "weak-ish" A skaters... not dominant at the "B" level, and not blown away at the "A" level. These players are welcome to sign up for both levels of scrimmages.
Are you going to do this often?
At this time, I only plan to hold these types of scrimmages a couple of times a month. If the feedback is positive, then I may re-evaluate that policy. Feedback is crucial though! My inbox is always open to suggestions, criticisms and of course accolades!
