Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Who is Prescott Youth Hockey Association?

A: PYHA is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization made up entirely of volunteers dedicated to promoting the sport of inline hockey for the youth and adults of Northern Arizona.  This is a fun league for children to learn and play organized hockey. The Prescott Youth Hockey Association (PYHA) is a affiliated member club of the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU).
League officials stress having fun and learning the game of hockey. Winning is not the only thing at PYHA! PYHA provides league play in six (6) divisions for ages 6 to Adult. Players have a safe place to play and compete on a well regulated rink. With the aid of experienced the PYHA has developed fair game play in all age groups.

Q: What is the Amateur Athletic Union?

A: The AAU is one of the largest, non-profit, volunteer, youth sport organizations in the United States. A multi-sport, event-driven organization, the AAU is dedicated exclusively to the promotion and development of amateur sports programs.


Q: What do players get for membership with AAU?

A: As a member club of the AAU, all PYHA players, coaches, refs and directors are required to be also individual AAU members in order to participate in AAU sanctioned events, which includes both travel and rec hockey.  Participants in sanctioned events (practices, games, fundraisers, etc) are then covered under the AAU’s general liability policy. 
Players may join AAU online at http://www.aausports.org

Q: How many seasons are there and how long do they last?

A: PYHA is a relatively new and growing organization:  Currently there are two levels of play:
Travel Teams are for the more competitive players and players generally need to tryout for a place on the Travel Teams.  Travel hockey season begins in October and runs through the end of May.  Players usually can expect 1-2 practices per week and travelling to at least 1 tournament per month in various locations throughout the state culminating in the State Championships at the end of May.  Players can expect to play 4-6 games per tournament.
Recreation League (rec league) is growing and is intended for new players as well as those who just want to play hockey and have fun.  The emphasis is on learning hockey, teamwork, and fair play. PYHA is looking forward to organizing a summer league beginning June, 2007.  The summer league will be a 10-week season.  Players can expect 1 practice and 1 game per week, culminating in league championships at the end of the season.Q: When and where are the practices and games played?
A: All rec league practices and games are played at the Pioneer Park Inline Hockey Complex.  They are generally held in the afternoons but times will vary to accommodate the number of teams and age groups.  Schedules will be posted at the rink and coaches will keep their players informed.
All travel team practices are held at Pioneer Park, and tournament locations vary.  Locations are typically other rinks in Phoenix, Yuma, Tucson and, beginning in 2008, Lake Havasu.  PYHA is also very excited that a league is beginning in Cottonwood and we hope to be traveling to their tournament soon as well.  And, of course,  PYHA, hosted it’s first annual tournament in April, 2007 and looks forward to many years hosting our own tournaments.


Q: How long are the games played?

A: Youth hockey games will be two 20 minute periods, running time. If the score is within two goals, or tied, stop time will be played during the last two minutes of the second period. Regular season games that end in a tie will be declared a tie. Playoff games, where it is necessary to determine a winner, will have a five minute overtime period followed by a shoot-out in accordance with AIHA rules.


 Q: What are the age groups?

A: Rec League Divisions:
Summer 2007
 Pee Wee (6* - 8)
Squirt (9 -12)
Bantam (13 -15)
High School (16 -18)
Open Adult
35+ Adult


Q:  Do I have to try out for a team?

A: For the Rec League a short evaluation is held where all players perform simple time and skill drills. Teams are drafted based upon the evaluations. League officials try to maintain evenly skilled teams.


Q: What if I can't make the evaluation?

A: You will be randomly placed on a team, or if you have played with us before the coaches will use you previous evaluation stats.


Q: How much does it cost?

A: Rec League Registration fees are $50 per player. Goalies supplying their own gear receive a $25 discount.  AAU membership (required) annually is $15 and is NOT included in this fee.
Players may join AAU online at http://www.aausports.org  

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