The purpose of the VHLM/VHLE/VHL structure?

[JCarson 727]

There have been several articles and media spots posted over the last season that have asked a variety of questions regarding the league structure (VHLM – VHLE – VHL) and if that structure is being effective in accomplishing what it was intended for. I will admit that I am guilty of bringing this topic up to resolve some frustration, or better put, perceived frustration I have. 

 

I would like to start by first apologizing. After reading several recent articles and considering the conversation that went on, I entered the conversation with my concept of things but never stopped to ask the most fundamental question. Why is the league structured as it is, what is the history and what was the purpose? 

 

VHLM – I have been working under the assumption that the VHLM is a separate league designed to allow new and recreating players an opportunity to come into the league at any time (let us be honest you would never be able to have a league if you only allowed player creation during the offseason and up to draft day) and be able to join the league and get immersed in the process without disturbing the VHL ongoing activities. Secondly, the VHLM is designed to assist first gen players get introduced to more veteran players, to learn the overall process of building TPE and to learn how the system works. The VHLM works as an expansion of the recruiting function and does support this activity by focusing on the first gen player experience. Lastly, the VHLM is meant to be a place where those who join and then drop out can do so without causing downstream problems in the VHL. From a GM perspective it is my assumption that the VHLM is used as a training ground for new GM candidates before they move on to VHL positions. Would really love if one of our more veteran players, especially a board member could address these assumptions, set me straight where needed or confirm those items that are true. 

 

VHLE – From what I have been told the VHLE was initially a reaction to an influx of players during Covid. That it was introduced to allow more players to be involved without disturbing the overall process and integrity of the VHL. I believe it has evolved from that initial position and now the VHLE is that secondary level of player development hoping to ensure that only those who are dedicated to regular play will make it to the VHL. Thus, allowing for a more competitive VHL experience. Overall, it also allows for further GM development. As the only way to get to the VHLE is through draft it does provide an added level of competition between the teams. The VHLM is not meant to be competitive as there is no guarantee of when or how many new or returning players will join. 

 

VHL – is designed to allow a player to experience a hockey career. Draft, contracts, trading, championships, free agency, an overall experience. Part of the design is that you must reach a certain level of commitment to the process, to reach a minimum threshold of involvement (400tpe) before you can join. This ensures that all people and all teams within the league can compete. The purpose is to push both players and GM to do their best to develop their skills and to take pride in what they accomplish. In the VHLM and VHLE participation ribbons matter as it is about learning skills and finding out if you are having fun in the league, in the VHL it is about coming in 1st participation becomes an expectation, striving to win becomes the goal. This is like real hockey, you enter hockey as a child to learn to skate, pass and shoot. Once a player reaches the NHL you do not questions their dedication to the sport and their minimum ability. 

 

As I noted, I am asking this question to confirm my assumptions and to learn what the starting point of a discussion should be.  

[Spartan 4,403]

5 minutes ago, JCarson said:

From a GM perspective it is my assumption that the VHLM is used as a training ground for new GM candidates before they move on to VHL positions. Would really love if one of our more veteran players, especially a board member could address these assumptions, set me straight where needed or confirm those items that are true. 

It is absolutely not. We don't consider VHLM GM positions as "entry level" positions or training positions. VHLM GM is just as difficult as VHL GM'ing, and arguably even more difficult and time consuming due to the nature of the position and the responsibilities of the role. It just happens to be that a lot of people who are VHLM GM's also have a desire to GM at the VHL level, and getting hired to VHLM GM positions gives candidates the ability to display the consistency and responsibility to handle a VHL GM position.

 

The rest of what you've covered seems to be fairly accurate as to the purpose of each league.

[JCarson 727]

I wrote an article previously about how I think the VHLM GM is the most important as they have a significant job related to training and retention of first gen players.  However, my experience in the last 3 seasons would suggest that actual hiring of GM's generally puts those with less GMing experience in the VHLM, they then work their way to either the VHLE or VHL.  Sometimes we have to accept that there is intention of those doing the hiring, and then there is the perception of everyone else.  I am glad that those doing the hiring aren't using the VHLM as a training ground but the perception still exists.

[Enorama 2,038]

1 minute ago, JCarson said:

I wrote an article previously about how I think the VHLM GM is the most important as they have a significant job related to training and retention of first gen players.  However, my experience in the last 3 seasons would suggest that actual hiring of GM's generally puts those with less GMing experience in the VHLM, they then work their way to either the VHLE or VHL.  Sometimes we have to accept that there is intention of those doing the hiring, and then there is the perception of everyone else.  I am glad that those doing the hiring aren't using the VHLM as a training ground but the perception still exists.

 

That's just a function of supply and demand imo. More people want to be a VHL GM than a VHLM GM, so the applications are tougher and competition is stronger for those roles. I wholeheartedly agree with Spartan though that neither should really be treated as "entry-level", and the only true entry-level management roles in the league are the off-season tournaments and AGM positions.

[Spartan 4,403]

9 minutes ago, JCarson said:

I wrote an article previously about how I think the VHLM GM is the most important as they have a significant job related to training and retention of first gen players.  However, my experience in the last 3 seasons would suggest that actual hiring of GM's generally puts those with less GMing experience in the VHLM, they then work their way to either the VHLE or VHL.  Sometimes we have to accept that there is intention of those doing the hiring, and then there is the perception of everyone else.  I am glad that those doing the hiring aren't using the VHLM as a training ground but the perception still exists.

Well the difference is that VHLM and VHLE GM's will be applying for VHL GM positions, while VHLE and VHL GM's won't be applying for VHLM positions. For the majority interested in management, the goal is to get to the highest level of competition. In the M though, people are trying to get their first serious gig, or are in the phase of wanting to help new players. The majority of those applications are going to come from newer folks who have recently experienced the M and enjoyed it, or veterans who are coming back and want to get back into team management. Out of the hires under my tenure, Ferk, Moon and Shawn are veteran members (either second player or not first GM position) while Lemorse and Nurx are first-gens with no prior management experience. Perception is one thing, but there's more information behind it to consider. 

Edited October 16, 2022 by Spartan

[Gustav 6,421]

31 minutes ago, JCarson said:

I have been working under the assumption that the VHLM is a separate league designed to allow new and recreating players an opportunity to come into the league at any time (let us be honest you would never be able to have a league if you only allowed player creation during the offseason and up to draft day) and be able to join the league and get immersed in the process without disturbing the VHL ongoing activities.

 

Yes.

 

32 minutes ago, JCarson said:

Secondly, the VHLM is designed to assist first gen players get introduced to more veteran players, to learn the overall process of building TPE and to learn how the system works.

 

ALSO YES. Thank you for understanding that both of these things can be true at once. 

 

There's this really weird rhetoric I've seen tossed around that anyone who has been in the league for longer than 5 seconds is somehow poison for anyone who hasn't. As much as the VHLM is meant to be a great space for our first-gen players, I LOVE it when someone recreates and puts in their own time and effort into making their team a better place, and that can really make some new kid feel welcome. It's not "stealing fun" from anybody, as long as you're nice.

 

While it isn't true that the VHLM is officially a training place for new GMs, it's easier for a newer member to get a VHLM job than a VHL one, and a lot of people (unfortunately) will take a VHLM job with the goal of moving up. So functionally speaking, you're mostly right, though we don't like it that way.

[JCarson 727]

17 minutes ago, Gustav said:

 

Yes.

 

 

ALSO YES. Thank you for understanding that both of these things can be true at once. 

 

There's this really weird rhetoric I've seen tossed around that anyone who has been in the league for longer than 5 seconds is somehow poison for anyone who hasn't. As much as the VHLM is meant to be a great space for our first-gen players, I LOVE it when someone recreates and puts in their own time and effort into making their team a better place, and that can really make some new kid feel welcome. It's not "stealing fun" from anybody, as long as you're nice.

 

While it isn't true that the VHLM is officially a training place for new GMs, it's easier for a newer member to get a VHLM job than a VHL one, and a lot of people (unfortunately) will take a VHLM job with the goal of moving up. So functionally speaking, you're mostly right, though we don't like it that way.

Thus my comment about intention vs perception.  I'm very glad those in charge are hiring GM for the VHLM knowing they may have the most difficult job of the 3 GM'img positions.  To be the main source of teaching and encouragement, as well as manage potential waivers that could happen at any time is not easy.   But as you said the general conversation when it comes to GM positions is that you enter as part of one of the offseason tournaments, you get a VHLM job and then you move up (are promoted to higher positions).