Ice Hockey is a sport many children would love to play. Unfortunately for children with disabilities, the same opportunities other children have to play aren't always there. A growing organization is working to give children with developmental disabilities that same opportunity. The American Special Hockey Association, an affiliate of USA Hockey, now has over 50 programs established in 30 different cities across the country. The organization takes the sport of ice hockey and adapts the environment in which it is played to allow those with developmental disabilities to participate at their own level. The organization has a presence in 5 different regions; The Northeast, Southeast, Mid-America, Central, and Western. Each program has two different divisions that are based on ability. The junior division is for beginners and then the senior division is for more advanced players. The rules are very similar to those of any other traditional hockey league with a few exceptions. Each game has 3 15 minute periods. In the Junior Division the game is stopped every 3 minutes to give the coaches and opportunity to change lines. In the Senior Division line changes are done on the fly. The way penalties are handled is a little different from the traditional hockey rules. On all penalties a penalty shot is awarded to a player of the coach's choice. If the penalty is considered to be an aggressive one the offending player automatically serves a 2 minute penalty off the ice. On non-aggressive penalties the coach of the non-offending team has the option to include a 2 minute penalty with the penalty shot. When taking the penalty shot, the player shooting isn't limited to just one shot. At the referee's discretion the shooting player will have an unlimited number of shots, and will only be stopped when the referee decides to stop the penalty shot. In situations where the children participating are limited physically, a mentor helps them get around on the ice. This program does much more than just teach children how to play hockey. Many times these children and their disabilities are the focus of their household, being on a team makes them part of something bigger, outside of themselves. It also develops confidence in their own abilities, helping them become successful in other aspects of their lives. If you're interested in looking for a program or would like to start one in your area, you can go to the American Special Hockey Association's website.
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