In-line hockey: no longer rinky dink.

From its grassroots beginnings in parking lots across the nation, in-line hockey has exploded into a well-organized and regulated sport. No matter where you go in America today--to parks, residential streets, or school yards--you'll see people of all ages participating in the newest craze to sweep the country, roller hockey; it's the undisputed sport of the 90s. Over the last few years, the in-line skate industry has drawn a wider audience resulting in the emergence of four key segments: recreational skating, hockey, speed skating, and aggressive skating. In-line hockey is the fastest growing segment.

In-line skating, which began in the 1980s, experienced explosive growth in the 1990s. Since then, it has grown more than 400% according to the National Sporting Goods Association (NSGA). In-line hockey participation increased 47% to 3.2 million in 1996, surpassing ice hockey's 2.5 million participation level for the first time. Data shows that most of the in-line growth comes from new players without previous ice hockey experience. In-line hockey participation is predominately male, although the number of female participants is growing. The biggest area of growth (80%) in the hockey segment has been with kids under the age of 17. It was projected that in-line hockey would be a $250 million industry by the end of 1996.

According to the NSGA, youth team sports have changed in the 1990s, as the teenage segment has turned away from traditional team sports and moved more toward in-line skating, roller hockey and non-athletic pursuits. It is estimated that in the next three to five years, in-line hockey will overtake basketball as the number one team sport among American youth (NSGA). Participation in the sport is expected to increase by 300% over the next four years, resulting in almost 10 million new skaters.

With these impressive growth statistics, it is no surprise that thousands of in-line hockey leagues are emerging. Today, park and recreation departments and YMCAs are looking for more ways to take advantage of this popular sport and to provide controlled, safe environments for participants. Currently, there are limited places for youth to play and the demand for floor time that is available is astonishingly high.

"We started an in-line hockey league in 1993 after a few kids approached me. The first summer, we had 60 kids who played in a schoolyard with no boundaries; we were constantly chasing balls," says Mark Spiller, recreation supervisor for the Pleasanton (CA) Recreation Department. "Last summer, after buying a portable rink system, our program grew to more than 300 players. The key was finding a proper place to play."

With a designated place to run leagues and practices, a park and recreation department can develop a successful in-line hockey program. If you build a program and provide a place to play, kids will come out. "In 1995, we knew we had to start an in-line hockey program--the demand was very strong," says Craig Luetkemeyer, assistant director of Jefferson County (MO) Parks and Recreation. "When we first offered our youth in-line hockey program, we had more than 120 participants. The number increased to 300 in 1996, and we expect that to double in the next two years."

Starting an in-line hockey program is simple. First, it is important that you research existing programs. Find out if and where kids are already playing the game. Surveying the area and conducting a clinic or exhibition is a good way to identify a site for league play. Possible sites include parking lots, park and recreation departments, tennis courts, and existing in-line facilities. Next, determine a boundary system for your site by deciding whether you'll need a portable rink or a permanent indoor or outdoor rink.

"We don't have the space or facility on-site to house a rink; plus our leagues are not yet at the level of needing a permanent facility," says Erin Stuart, superintendent of the South Valley Family YMCA in San Jose (CA). Her department opted to use a portable rink system. Portable rink systems--usually made of lightweight foam boards--are safe, durable, affordable, and easy to use. "A portable rink is a necessity with our program. We purchased a combination rink system with the 22-inch panels behind the goals and the one-foot panels on the sides. It's the perfect size for keeping the ball in play. Also, having a portable rink allows us the option to use it for other sports such as indoor soccer and other gym games."

With large annual growth rates, many park and recreation departments and YMCAs are recognizing the need to build permanent facilities. First, you must examine some of the steps when developing a plan for a facility. Building a quality permanent hockey rink requires proper planning. A number of issues should be considered when exploring the option: How big is your market? Are there other facilities nearby? What distance will people travel? Are the basics (land, drainage, utilities, zoning regulation, parking, security, sewer and water) available and accounted for? Will other sports be played in the facility? How will the facility be managed?

Obviously, this is just a sampling; Figure 1 lists a more comprehensive outline of steps that should be taken as you plan your facility.

FIGURE 1

1. Assess the demand to ensure it is adequate to warrant a facility.

2. Know the demographics of the market.

3. Understand whet type of competition exists.

4. Put together planning committees.

5. Prepare facility objectives--Create an outline to state and explain the purpose of the facility.

6. Develop preliminary design and cost estimates.

7. Approve final plans.

8. Develop working plans and specifications.

9. Tenders, bids and awarding of contracts.

10. Construction and supervision.

11. Perform final inspection.

With a young industry, it is difficult to find experienced people that can assist you. The following reference can be used as a guide. It is suggested that you consider all factors that will effect your facility, and visit as many rinks in operation as possible. A comprehensive study will help you plan and operate your rink more effectively. Figure 2 lists some factors you should consider.

FIGURE 2

New Construction vs Retrofit Existing Building Land Cost vs Lease Rent Site Selection vs Purchase Soil Conditions vs Renovations Site Topography Environmental Conditions

Arena Requirements Building Requirements

Rink size and shielding requirements Public/service entrances, emergency

exits Playing surface Lobby and ticket area Multipurpose activities Offices and storage Spectator seating Restrooms Scoreboard and nets Skate rental Sound and lighting Pro shop and lockers Locker rooms Concession stand and restaurant

Building Codes

Parking and landscapes

Interior finishes

Once a location and type of rink system is determined, proper league registration is an imperative next step. For more information, contact USA Hockey InLine at 800-888-INLN.