Update on Racers Mite Program for 2010-2011 Season

In recent weeks, IRTHA board members have received several questions regarding the Racer Mite program for the 2010-2011 season, and this announcement is intended to address many of those questions and clarify any confusion regarding the program for next year.  Over the past few months, IRTHA board members have carefully studied USA Hockey’s recommendations made in connection with its American Developmental Model (“ADM”).  (IRTHA strongly recommends that parents of Mite-aged players visit www.admkids.com and review the information regarding ADM.).  Last week, IRTHA board members met with representatives from USA Hockey, the Indianapolis Youth Hockey Association, the Fishers Youth Hockey Association, and the Pepsi Coliseum Youth Hockey Association regarding the implementation of ADM at the Mite level for next year.  During the meeting, it became clear that both IRTHA and the Indianapolis area house programs share USA Hockey’s view that at such a young age, it is critical that all youth hockey associations create Mite programs that are first and foremost fun for the kids and that facilitate the development of a passion for our sport.

For the 2010-2011 season, IRTHA will have a Mite program and will be incorporating some of the principals found at http://www.admkids.com/pdf/FUNdamentals%20Stage%201.26.09.pdf .   This program will focus more on skills development in the context of fun practices as suggested by USA Hockey.  Furthermore, IRTHA will likely limit the number of games the Mite team plays, and the games may include both cross-ice games and full ice games.  IRTHA’s goal is to focus more of skills development and less on the outcome of games.  We want to stress that although IRTHA will be incorporating some of the ADM principles in our Mite program, our program will likely include more ice touches/practices and games than the house Mite programs.  We strongly encourage you to consider both the Mite programs offered by the house programs and our program in order to find the best situation for your young player.  If you have any questions about our Mite program, do not hesitate to contact any of the board members or send us a message at ADMquestions@racershockey.com.