It's common for minor hockey associations to offer subsidies to players whose families could not otherwise afford to have their son or daughter play.
But should those subsidies be offered for kids who want to play on competitive teams, where upcharges and tournament fees can be double the fee charged for house league players?
Minor hockey officials in St. Thomas, Ont., think not, according to the local Times-Journal, where a columnist declares it smacks of discrimination.
While I empathize with kids who want to play and whose families can't afford it, I understand where St. Thomas hockey people are coming from. If families can find the money or sponsorship for the ride that is travel hockey, then why can't they find it for the basic registration fee?
On the other hand, skilled kids should be playing on the appropriate level of team, no matter what their economic circumstances.
Wonder how other hockey families feel.
In a perfect world, a kid-minded, hockey-minded benefactor would emerge to help players who are truly skilled and have the dedication and desire but not the family financial means move forward in hockey. Wouldn't it be nice, for example, if the greatest athlete ever from St. Thomas, San Jose Sharks captain Joe Thornton who makes $8 million a year, could quietly help advance the sport in his hometown.
In the shadows, of course, is the enormous economic hardship being experienced by St. Thomas, which is one of the hardest hit cities in Canada in terms of job loss during the recession.
But should those subsidies be offered for kids who want to play on competitive teams, where upcharges and tournament fees can be double the fee charged for house league players?
Minor hockey officials in St. Thomas, Ont., think not, according to the local Times-Journal, where a columnist declares it smacks of discrimination.
While I empathize with kids who want to play and whose families can't afford it, I understand where St. Thomas hockey people are coming from. If families can find the money or sponsorship for the ride that is travel hockey, then why can't they find it for the basic registration fee?
On the other hand, skilled kids should be playing on the appropriate level of team, no matter what their economic circumstances.
Wonder how other hockey families feel.
In a perfect world, a kid-minded, hockey-minded benefactor would emerge to help players who are truly skilled and have the dedication and desire but not the family financial means move forward in hockey. Wouldn't it be nice, for example, if the greatest athlete ever from St. Thomas, San Jose Sharks captain Joe Thornton who makes $8 million a year, could quietly help advance the sport in his hometown.
In the shadows, of course, is the enormous economic hardship being experienced by St. Thomas, which is one of the hardest hit cities in Canada in terms of job loss during the recession.
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