Sense Arena Implementation Plan for Hat Trick Training Academy

The following is the implementation plan for Sense Arena virtual reality hockey training system into Hat Trick Training Academy, Inc.

Use for the Lamar University M.Ed Digital Learning and Leadership Program

Hat Trick Training Academy (HTT) is a grassroots training organization specializing the fitness and performance of youth and adult athletes, specifically those involved in ice hockey and roller hockey. Being a grassroots organization, HTT lacks access to a traditional ice-skating rink within 3.5 hours which has made HTT look for alternatives for training their players. Sense Arena (SA), a virtual reality training program, would give our athletes a new way to train and experience practice in a virtual environment. The HTT Board will need to approve the purchase and use of Sense Arena. Funding will need to be allocated and staff will need to be trained properly use and coach athletes on how to use SA

Sense Arena uses a head mounted display (HMD) as well as a computer assisted virtual reality (CAVE) program to give the athletes the full effect of being on the ice. The HMD does include headphones and a specific stick that gives the athlete the feel of the puck and ability to shoot and pass in the program. These items allow the user to have a full-immersion experience, which is the highest level of VR experience a person can have. The full-immersion “enhances the users’ individual experience and the subjective feeling of presence.” This will allow the athletes to get the full benefit of practice without being on the ice. With that being said, SA is NOT A GAME but a tool used for training hockey players.

To make sure that Sense Arena will be acquired and utilized correctly here are the steps HTT will take to implement Sense Arena Virtual Reality trainer into Hat Trick Training Academy.

1. HTT Hockey Director will converse with Sense Arena and solidify the information for implementation of SA in HTT. This will include everything from cost, installation and steps needed for maintenance of Sense Arena. The hockey director will also ask Sense Arena for and about marketing brochures and different ways of marketing their product to an area that is not considered a hockey rich area. Time Frame 1-2 months.
2. Hockey Director will approach the board of directors and explain to them why Sense Arena will be beneficial not only for HTT. The hockey director will explain to the board all the information, cost and marketing for local and regional hockey players to learn more about their game and improve their skills. Time Frame 1-2 months.
3. When SA is approved by the board, fund raising and grant writing will commence to ensure HTT will acquire SA. Funding will come from current and future training programs and clinics (minus cost to coaches), grant writing and investors. Time Frame 3-6 months.
4. When funds have been raised, HTT will contact and schedule with Sense Arena to have them locally train HTT coaches and several student coaches on how to use and how to correctly instruct the use of Sense Arena. Time Frame 1-2 months.
5. When coaches and student coaches are correctly trained on SA, HTT will open to the public and start showing the public the benefits of Sense Arena and training with Virtual Reality.

Total time for implementation: 6-12 months.

After some time and familiarity with Sense Arena, HTT will market outside the region to show other hockey players that there is a virtual training system near them. When the implantation is successful there will be a possibility of HTT acquiring more than one Sense Arena.

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Nicholas Skelton

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