Dear Editor
Our 12-year-old daughter has been a member of the Battlefords Female Hockey Association (BFHA) for the past three years. She has enjoyed playing but as she moved up, the calibre of hockey became more competitive and she did not seem to be at the same level. Rather than leaving hockey altogether, we looked for an alternative.
Our friends mentioned there was a non-competitive/recreational female team in a smaller community with girls of all ages. After speaking with the manager we felt, as her parents, this might work for us. Our intentions were to keep our child active and happy playing this sport. With respect to BFHA, we wrote a letter asking if it was acceptable for her to play on this recreational team. We received no for an answer.
We then went to a BFHA meeting to ask why. I truly thought they didn't understand why we made this decision and wanted to explain. Once again I was told no. They felt they knew what was best for our daughter and going to a recreational team in another community with older girls was not what they thought was right for her. We left feeling let down.
We then called Saskatchewan Hockey Association (SHA). The man we spoke to seemed positive and helpful. He suggested to just fill out the appropriate form and send in the fee to appeal. Approximately two weeks later I got a receipt in the mail that said SHA got my money. That was the last we heard.
After almost two months we called SHA. This time the man I spoke with was rude and condescending. "Who is this?" "What's this about?" " Who is your daughter?" "What is your name?" "When did this happen?" I explained the appeal was made almost two months ago. "Well!" he says "Why are you calling me now? You should have received a letter! BFHA says no release! That's final!"
Wow, I was shocked and hurt at how I was treated. I do not make appeals to SHA every day and did not appreciate his attitude towards me. To this date we have not received any letter from SHA.
This season BFHA has had to combine teams due to fallen registration. This works well for some players. For our daughter this would mean going up a level with older more competitive players. Earlier we were told that would not be good for her. Our other alternative is to transfer to the boys' division. At her age and level, it is contact hockey. As a result, our daughter has had to quit. We were told if she played on the recreational team without the release from BFHA, the recreational team would be fined and their coach could be suspended.
It's a shame to deny a child physical activity when to us the solution appeared easy. We agree kids need to play sports in their own community if at all possible. Our concern is that each child develops differently and at their own speed. We suggest a little consideration for each individual should be added to the BFHA bylaws.
Gregg and Kerilee Tady
Battleford
