So a lot of venting about CAHA across multiple threads, age levels and tier levels, but not a lot of concrete ideas. I don’t share all the concerns here, but this is my current take.
1. At tier 1, allow the three “NHL†clubs’ automatic entries to continue, but allow up to three more teams per birth year based on a showing of demonstrated competitiveness the prior season against AAA tournament competition and/or disparity with other CAHA AA teams/standard of play. Eliminate artificial limitations so if one of these was an “NHL†team it is not trapped at AA and small clubs aren’t barred by the size of their club. Each tier 1 team would be required to play one home and one road game against each of the other teams.
2. At tier 2, move to major and minor year birth year divisions in place of Flighting. (Major year teams could include minor year players). Provide state playoffs for both. Eliminate artificial limitations on number of Tier 2 teams one club can have.
3. Eligibility for tier 2 status to be determined on basis of demonstrated competitiveness against tier 2 level birth year teams and/or disparity with A level teams the prior season or during pre tryout spring tournaments. Play-up teams would have to demonstrate success against older California teams or disparity against birth year teams on nationwide basis. Consider the possibility of a challenge tournament for Labor Day weekend where A teams could compete for an AA bid.
4. Prohibit recruitment of players outside of California, and establish regional residency requirements.
5. Consider feasibility of standardizing the number of games per CAHA weekend per team or alternatively, allow teams within a certain distance of each other the option of relocating games between themselves to a more convenient rink on the Thursday, Friday or Sunday of that weekend. For example, two Kings teams should have the option of playing each other at TSC instead of in Vacaville.
6. Require tier teams to adhere to USAH program recommendations with regard to roster size, ice sessions and off ice training.
7. Require that all skaters receive a minimum Average TOI of 10 minutes a game or be eligible for release and refund.