TOP SHELF Recreation.

From an inner city Florida neighborhood to an affluent California community, from the good ol' USA to exotic locales like Brazil, South Africa, and Australia --the popularity of inline hockey knows no bounds. The National Sporting Goods Association's 1999 Sports Participation Report indicated that approximately 2.5 million people participated in some form of roller hockey more than once--479,000 of them being women. But the puck doesn't stop there. More and more, kids and adults alike are taking the sport from its traditional venue of neighborhood streets and empty parking lots to structured inline hockey leagues.

In just over five years, umbrella organizations like USA Hockey InLine are helping communities form these leagues, and in the process, they have watched the number of participants soar. In an interview with USA Hockey InLine's director, Brian Williams, and chairman, Mike Lebarre, American Hockey Magazine (March 2000) reported that since December 1994, the organization's membership has grown from 9,000 members in the first 150 days of operation to nearly 71,000 at present. In some of the country's sun-belt states, such as Florida, Nevada, and Hawaii, inline hockey leagues far outnumber or closely rival its sister sport of ice hockey.

Parks and recreation departments across the country are taking the lead in developing dedicated inline hockey facilities and organizing leagues. Proving that it cannot only be done, but be done well, two of USA Hockey InLine's most successful leagues exist on opposite coasts. The cities of Hialeah, Florida, and Chino Hills, California, are two shining examples of how parks and rec can bring this exciting and accessible sport to a community.

Both Robert Walker, representing Hialeah, and Efron Cordura, representing Chino Hills, boasted facilities consisting of two 184' x 85' professional rinks sporting dasher boards, penalty boxes, electronic scoreboards, lighting, and spectator seating.

According to both Walker and Cordura, building these elaborate facilities was a relatively easy process. The

City of Hialeah's inline rink project began in 1996. The park and rec department received funding from two primary sources, a Florida Recreation Development Assistance Program grant and the Safe Neighborhood Parks bond program for a total of $7 million dollars. As a result, no additional fundraising was necessary to complete the project. Chino Hills' story is similar. A carefully designed facility, the process took four years before final plans were approved and financing came from allocated tax dollars. Cordura stated, "In order to keep [the rink] successful, leagues have to be coordinated and planned effectively. Administrators should do plenty of research regarding league preparation." Currently, their facility is self-supported by league dues.

Once the facility is constructed, maintenance and upkeep are crucial to a successful program. Typically, fees associated with league participation offset the cost of operating the facility, obtaining officials, and supplying team jerseys and equipment (participants must provide their own skates, sticks, and safety equipment). Although neither community receives any additional revenue as a result of the leagues themselves, Cordura stated that dasher board advertising does bring in some extra cash. To further offset the cost of rink operation, both the Chino Hills and Hialeah recreation departments rent their rinks for private skate parties when hockey games are not scheduled.

No strangers to protecting their constituents, both departments take every security precaution possible. In addition to having ample lighting, the rinks are fenced in and remain locked unless staffed by appropriate personnel. Rules governing play and use of the rinks are clearly posted for each individual's protection. To further educate users, Chino Hills league participants' parents receive fliers listing all the mandatory equipment needed to protect their children, according to Cordura.

Creating a successful inline hockey league is not without its hurdles. Often, other sports have dominated in a particular area for so long, it's difficult for an up-and-coming sport like inline hockey to break through. For instance, baseball has historically been the sport of choice among Hialeah's primarily Hispanic youth. In addition to having tradition on its side, baseball equipment is much less expensive than hockey equipment, and thereby more affordable for lower-income families. But Walker and his department have taken some innovative steps to make inline hockey more accessible, such as partnering with the National Hockey League's Florida Panthers hockey club and its street hockey program, the Streetcars, which provide much needed equipment and support to five of Hialeah's community youth centers. According to Walker, "this grassroots program serves as a feeder program to inline hockey." He says they've noticed a gradual increase in participation as a result. It's Walker's hope that future sponsorships and partnerships will generate enough revenue to enable the community center to loan equipment to those who cannot afford to purchase their own.

Cordura claims that Chino Hills' inline hockey rink is one of its park and rec center's primary attractions for municipal youth sports. Currently in its inaugural season, the leagues drew approximately 200 participants, primarily as a result of word-of-mouth promotion. He says that they anticipate a 50 percent increase for their sophomore season.

The sense of teamwork a physically demanding sport such as inline hockey generates is inspirational. Line changes, the constant rotation of players on the rink, provides an opportunity for everyone on the team to get ample playing time, instilling a sense of usefulness and self-worth to each member of the club. Everyone has the chance to contribute. This feeling is most vital among "at-risk" youth. Providing an alternative to gangs, drugs, and juvenile delinquency, Walker's inline hockey program in Hialeah has worked with the city's Early Prevention & Intervention Program since its inception. It provides at-risk kids a positive outlet and a constructive way to spend their leisure time. The sense of belonging they receive from being on a team teaches them lessons that last the rest of their lives.

Like any sport, inline hockey experiences peaks sand valleys of popularity. But as opportunities for play continue to grow (e.g., municipal, scholastic, and maybe even professional leagues), so will its number of participants.

"The sport of inline hockey is rapidly growing across the nation," Walker said. "The game is exciting, it is fast-paced, and keeps all the players on and off the rink involved. Hockey rinks are a must for any successful parks and recreation center."

Can You Canoe?

Whether a white-water veteran or a water-navigation novice, the American Canoe Association advises persons interested in pursuing the popular summer sport to practice simple safety precautions:

* Always canoe with a minimum of three people or two crafts.

* Take basic instruction classes on boat handling, gear usage, and common dangers.

* Use common sense when faced with challenging water.

* Never tackle rivers or rapids beyond your abilities.

* And always wear your life jacket.

For more information about USA Hockey InLine and the wide variety of events and programs offered for players, coaches, referees, parents, and volunteers, please contact:

USA Hockey InLine
[800] 888-INLN
www.usahockeyinline.com
usahockeyinline@
usahockey.org