RAWSTEEL Team Charter

Who is Raw Steel?
Raw Steel is a nonprofit hockey club organized to promote the development of our youth, the hockey team, and the sport of roller hockey. Our volunteer staff invests a lot of resources into building Raw Steel so that families are provided with an alternative choice to expensive hockey programs. Raw Steel Hockey Club is a place where players can develop their personal skills and apply these skills in a team environment free from ridicule and judgment.

The Raw Steel philosophy maintains that fair competition is important in youth sports, but Raw Steel does not subscribe to a “win at all costs” approach to competition. Developing sportsmanship, discipline, character and teamwork are just as important. To implement this philosophy, Raw Steel is governed by CORE VALUES, a CODE of CONDUCT and BY-LAWS that collectively set a standard for player, parent and coaching behaviour. All potential Raw Steel players, parents and coaches are encouraged to review these governing documents before they consider joining Raw Steel.

Mission Statement
Develop a hockey team that enjoys the same level of competition and camaraderie as would be experienced in an established hockey club with the purpose to offer amateur roller hockey programs through a volunteer base for all people; to promote good sportsmanship and good citizenship; to conduct programs that provide for, enhance and strengthen participation and competition for amateur athletes; to work with other sports organizations to benefit amateur athletes.

Value Proposition
Raw Steel is an alternative for "free agent" travel hockey players to compete as a team in tournaments. Being a nonprofit club, playing with Raw Steel reduces the financial commitment associated with playing travel hockey. There are no monthly club dues, coaches and team supporters volunteer their time, and rink time and tournament fees are shared between families. Volunteer coaches are experienced and knowledgeable providing youth players with the opportunity to develop their hockey skills and abilities preparing them to be competitive players when they advance to the next level.

Affiliation, Games and Practice

Affiliation

Raw Steel Hockey Club is organized as a subordinate on the National AAU's Group 501(c)3 tax exemption and is affiliated with the Amateur Atheletic Union of the U.S. Inc.

Weekly Games

Raw Steel teams participate in club programs throughout the SOCAL region to promote the development of the sport, the hockey player and the hockey team. The programs that the team decides to compete is up to the discretion of the team.

Practice

Being on a travel team requires a high degree of commitment. Raw Steel is a strong advocate that practice is important for the development and success of the individual player and the hockey team. Because of this, we expect players to participate in practices. The team will purchase practice sessions as recommended by the coaching staff.
Players NOT prepared to make this commitment should consider playing for another team.

Level of Play
Level of play (A, AA, AAA) will be selected by the coaching staff and will be based on overall team ability.

Tournaments
Raw Steel teams will participate in RHA, USA Hockey, and AAU sponsored events, including:

WIHA and WIHA Finals
AAU and NARCH Finals. This will be a team decision by all families that should be made early in the season to establish team commitment for the event of choice. Since older or younger siblings may be playing at AAU or NARCH Finals, the potential of a split decision may exist. In this case, the team may decide to not participate in AAU or NARCH Finals.

Financial
Although team/s are organized to reduce costs associated with club and travel hockey, families must expect that there will be expenses associated with their team. Expenses include but are not limited to: program fees when playing in a club division at local rinks, tournament fees, rink rental fees for practice sessions, and uniform costs. All team related fees will be evenly distributed to each player. Equipment costs will be at the expense of each player.

Sponsors

Raw Steel is currently sponsored by MISSION BAUER and LABEDA WHEELS.