We also have a system in place so that our new players don't get scared off too soon. Our new players are called Redcaps, as, obviously, they wear red caps and red gloves. Also making everyone else that's playing that there is Redcap or 2 in the water makes them aware of them. The newbies remain a Redcap until they are deemed to be competant enough to look after themselves when they become a B grade player.

Unfortunaltey you will always get other players, sometimes very experienced, that can't deferentiate between a new player and someone who's been playing for 20 years. They seem to have tunnel vision for the puck only and are oblivous to everything around them. These are the players that tend to scare off the Newbies and it's hard to get these players to ease up.

Having set games where the majority of players are Redcaps, with a few experienced players amongst them to help control the game, can also be a good way to start things off.