This isn't about any goalie in particular, but it's time to discuss.

Everyone appreciates goalies so much--the game just isn't the same without them. But at JMS (and other pick-ups), goalies don't pay. So there's no incentive for them to NOT bail from a game.

The problem is when this is very close to icetime--they have such an important role that their absence means we MUST find a replacement. And short notice is really tough.

I also know that goalie spots at JMS are at a premium, and sometimes people will grab one early, just to get it, and then bail later (argh, close to icetime! so I have to scramble!).

When a goalie bails, it can affect skater signups, too. I know people have told me they won't sign up for a session with just one goalie (and I've also had goalies tell me they won't sign up for a session with low skater numbers... thus creating a head-exploding paradox where no one signs up).

I don't want to charge goalies, not ever. But I also want to cut down on the number of goalies who drop out close to the session start time.

Suggestions from both goalies and skaters?

Do you have a feeling for why the goalies are bailing at the last moment? (Another obligation came up? Too tired? Don't feel like playing? Flat tire? Sudden-onset fear of pucks?) I'd be curious to learn what the most common excuse is.

Some top-of-the-head ideas for solving the problem:
- Make it free for goalies UNLESS they back out at the last minute, in which case there's a nominal fee
- Add a display of the signup history to each session, so others can see who backed out. (Public visibility could discourage the practice)
- Reward reliable goalies from the past year with a "most reliable goalie" award of some sort
- Give reliable goalies early opportunities to sign up to sessions

Jeff

may be a logistical nightmare....
have each goalie create an account with a balance-can't play without a balance, charge them when they sign up and refunding the fee when they show up.. If they don't, JMS retains the fee. That way it there is some "skin" in the game...after x number of no-shows, ban the non-showing goalie from playing--since it is a premium spot to begin with!

The only other penalty that I can think of imposing aside from some sort of deposit fee is a time penalty. E.g., you last-minute-bail from a session and you can't sign up for a week.

But the more I think about that the more I think that goes against the program. Overall, we WANT goalies to sign up, not be prevented from doing so.



I'm not sure some of these would be enough of a deterrent, but these are really creative ideas. I like them. I can imagine something like this being added to a goalie's session history:

(Goalie icon) Andy Baird cancelled from Plymouth L4 with less than 24 hours to go!

Of course, the two immediate problems that stand out from this are:
1) There would need to be some sort of exoneration system as there are legitimate reasons why otherwise well-intending goalies would need to cancel at the last minute.
2) It might actually prevent skaters from signing up -- if I saw the goalie's were flakey, I may not sign up as a skater for the session.

A common solution that we've been discussing is to have some sort of deposit requirement before a goalie signs up so if they do cancel last minute, they get charged their deposit fee. The main problem with a deposit requirement is it puts another barrier for a completely new goalie to JMS to actually get in to a session. As we all know, goalies are often brought in last minute - example: somebody's friend or neighbor or whatever signs up at the site last minute so they can hop into a session for that night.

One possible solution to this is to charge them a cancellation fee, but not necessarily require the funds to be available at time of signing up for session. So if my account balance was $0, and I get charged a $5 late cancellation fee, my account balance is now -$5. The system can be tailored so that goalies cannot sign up if their account balance is less than zero. This way, last-minute-canceling goalies are literally paying for it after the fact if they want to play again.

I like abaird's suggestion:

"One possible solution to this is to charge them a cancellation fee, but not necessarily require the funds to be available at time of signing up for session. So if my account balance was $0, and I get charged a $5 late cancellation fee, my account balance is now -$5. The system can be tailored so that goalies cannot sign up if their account balance is less than zero. This way, last-minute-canceling goalies are literally paying for it after the fact if they want to play again."

The only change I would make is to have the reinstatement fee be much more, say $20-$30. Why? Because it is an important position, and negatively impacts everybody else (other skaters and goalie) when there is a no show. Granted, there can be legitimate reasons for a late bailout. However, those should be the extreme exception, rather than the rule (i.e. you shouldn't see it due to weather).

Another suggestion - I am a goalie who has been skating out. I could bring both sets of gear (a backup plan). However, it is a pain to do this. What would make it worthwhile? First, a reduced signup fee to skate out (say $10, with it going to zero should I be in net). Second, a time rule that states if a goalie is not present 15 minutes prior to the start time, the sub goalie gets the nod. If the original goalie shows up 5 minutes prior to the start, he/she is too late (I don't want to be all geared up and ready to go, only to have to change back to skating gear). Under this scenario, each skate could designate a "goalie sub" who would bring both sets of gear. I don't know if there would be an issue finding enough people to fill this role. Another issue would be proper playing level (skating out vs. goalie), but I expect the tradeoff of having two goalies in net would prevail.

I'm not opposed to charging a cancellation fee if the goalie is a no show. I prefer the option of the fee making the account balance a negative number vs. having to have a deposit in my account. Money is tight for a lot of people and I'm no exception. Even though the $15 (or whatever amount) is still 'my' money, it's not accessible. It's like having a gift card - it's 'money' but can only be spent at a certain place or on a certain thing.

Of course there are always exceptions to every situation. Emergencies, illness, accidents, weather/traffic delays... The monetary issue in those situations can be resolved between Barb and the goalie. Any rule or policy regarding late goalie cancellation would apply to those who just don't want to play, or get a better offer somewhere else, or have some other lame reason for not showing up.

I think a "no call, no show" should be treated much the same as at a job. You should be penalized. We all have the ability to use the telephone and get in touch with either the captain or Barb if we have a legitimate emergency. Otherwise, it's on us goalies to find a replacement to play for us, or show up if you can't. I am completely against being charged a fee to sign up. If someone bails without getting a replacement or talking to Barb, I could see charging a fee of sorts (afterwards). But this fee will NOT combat the frustration skaters will face if only one goalie comes. In Washington state where ice time is limited, everyone forks out an extra 1$. That 20$ total is split and 10$ is given to each goalie. This is basically an additional incentive program that tends to motivate them further. The reality is that we all need to honor our commitments. When we don't, it affects everyone. One other thought that occurs.....We should have all goalies list their contact info and the levels they are comfortable playing on a page on this site. This way, every goalie has the means to find a replacement if a real emergency occurs. If one is found, call Barb, and let her know. If you don't find one, still let her know!

The idea of skaters who play goalie too bringing both sets of equipment could be nice. However, it might be difficult to bog down the system with people who are constantly in limbo as to their position for the night. Personally, I'm indifferent as to whether I skate or play goalie. However, bringing both sets of equipment and having to find out when I arrive if I have to switch could be frustrating. If there are to be any "insurance policy" skaters, they should be anonymous and Barb should roster them but keep the info confidential. Otherwise, if goalies know there's an "insurance policy" on the bench, they may no show anyway. The "insurance policy" players should be like plainclothes air martials. Nobody should need to know if they are there to do anything specific, but they can spring into action if needed. There absolutely must be an incentive for anyone who lugs both sets of equipment to a skate. It's tedious and annoying. It's the main reason I quit skating with another organization on friday and saturday nights. I was always in limbo as to whether I'd be goalie or skater for the evening. Sometimes I'd have all the pads on and another goalie would show! This wasted my time and frustrated me. So if an "insurance policy" skater/goalie is rostered, keep it anonymous....or at least only tell the captain.

I like Haakan's solution, but I think a more sizeable sum... say $1000 a session? That's only 45 dollars per person, and it would make me feel like George Baily from "It's a Wonderful Life" every time I come to the rink!!!!

Andy - I think you've got a pretty good grasp on what needs to be done. The idea of highlighting flaky behavior on the face of the page will work. It may not completely alleviate the problem, but in my experience, keeping everyone abreast of those problems ensures that everyone is involved in the disciplinary system. If it helps players rib a flaky goalie in the locker room, the goalie will have to face the people he/she is letting down, and it's not top-down finger wagging. When you combine that with a fee, which is imposed AFTERWARDS (not upfront), you really have an all-encompassing disciplinary approach. The only thing missing is some positive reinforcement! MY $1000!!! No, but, it might be fun to come up with some rewards for people (not just goalies) that are really helping to advance JMS through their attendance. That is more fun to discuss! I'd like to hear what people have to say about that!!!

In summary:

1. Highly visible alert for flakiness (the more visible, the better)
2. Fee (I would suggest $15, since that's what others are paying)
3. Positive reinforcement (non-monetary/for everyone)

This is insight from someone who has organized a lot of groups, and has some experience with what works.

Sincerely,

-Dan Ginter