getyourfreegift.gif

The following chart gives you a checklist by role for practice situations. It is structured as follows:

Before the practice:	is about the preparation needed a day or two before the practice and
	up to the final minute before the players step on the ice.

During the practice:	is about what needs to be done from the moment players step on the
	ice to the point when the buzzer sounds, indicating that the practice
	is over.

After the practice:	is about the wrapping-up of a practice from the moment the players
	skate off the ice until the preparation for the next event.

Are you a(n)	then BEFORE the practice, you need to:	then DURING the practice, you need to:	then AFTER the practice, you need to:
Agent	Get there!	Mine for gold	Make acquaintance
Coach	Plan your work	Work your plan	Assess your plan
Manager /Administrator	Verify the needs	Welcome the needs	Meet the needs
Official	Practice?	Practice?	Practice?
Parent	Refuel, refill, reload	Wait, watch or wonder	Meet, move and maintain
Player	Set the stage	Rehearse	Give thanks
Scout	Be aware of where you are	Be aware of what is out there	Be aware of who is around
Trainer	Get the team ready	Stay close to the ice	Wrap it up

Agent

Before the practice:
“Get there!”

Verify practices’ schedule times with contacts, parents and coaches
Arrange travel requirements to practices
Meet with parents, players and other contacts

During the practice:
“Mine for gold”

Verify practices’ schedule times with contacts, parents and coaches
Arrange travel requirements to practices
Meet with parents, players and other contacts
Observe the players and make notes with PowerPen
Get acquainted with potential clients’ parents
Schedule future meetings with client and client’s parents

After the practice:
“Make acquaintance”

Make a list of potential clients
Acknowledge current clients and contacts and build relationship with contacts and future clients
Meet with coaches for insight - ask questions and make observations
Travel to next destination

Back to chart Learn more about Agents

Coach

Before the practice:
“Plan your work”

verify schedule for ice time
Call players to confirm attendance
Read through season plan
Identify where you are in the plan
Make note of skills and tactics to be worked on
Speak to staff and identify who will be available to help and write objectives for practice
Identify drills to use and write them down with PowerPen on a drill sheet
If you are the assistant coach, speak to the head coach and provide input
Write down and rehearse your delivery for key teaching points
Schedule your time:
- from departure to arrival at rink
  - preparation time
  - ice time
  - meeting time if applicable with players or parents
Eat 2 hours before practice
Pack tools - marker or chalk for board, PowerPen, paper, video camera, pucks, cones, tennis balls, tool box, first aid kit, video camera, etc.
Pack personal equipment - tracksuit, skates, gloves, whistle, towel, etc.
Arrive on time or early
Meet with staff to review practice purpose and assign roles
Turn yourself on - take a deep breath
Assign someone to videotape the practice if applicable
Get yourself dressed
Take attendance of players -note tardiness and absenteeism
Reinforce importance of drinking water
Make sure that everyone has their own water - fill The Water SOURCE
Make sure that there is support or help in the room for young players while they dress
Make sure that players stretch
Explain practice to players using visual aids (chalkboard or whiteboard)
Test equipment - video, whistle, marker
Assign someone to take appropriate statistics
Say “Let’s have fun!” somewhere in your prep speech
Advise players not to go on the ice until a coach is present
Be ready to go on the ice when the team is ready or a bit earlier

During the practice:
“Work your plan”

Be on the ice on time
Shut all the doors
Check ice for imperfections and boards for any deformations or protrusions
Skate with players for a couple of laps to warm-up
Explain drills and exercises with simple words - use demonstration where you can
Watch everyone including coaches - position yourself for proper observation of a skill and tactic
Talk 1 on 1 with players where applicable
Give positive feedback throughout practice
Always show what you want the players to do, not what they are not suppose to do
Correct mistakes through body positioning or a drawing rather than yelling across the ice surface
Use tools effectively - simple drawings on a board to explain a drill
Whistle with authority
Speak to players clearly and concisely (avoid talking to chalkboard - talk to players’ faces)
Assign a timekeeper to stay on track with plan
Provide breaks for water
Be flexible - if a drill is not working, adopt another or change it around
Be effective - use all of the ice for your drills
Assign players to pick up pucks
Make sure someone is taking statistics - during drills, verify progress
Get off the ice on time

After the practice:
“Assess your plan”

Have players collect pucks and cones and bring them to the room
Meet with team to share the positive aspects and address the areas to improve
Meet with coaching staff and go over practice effectiveness:
- use of time
- drills usefulness
- fun
- accomplishments
Conduct individual player meetings based on season plan
Meet with team manager to discuss:
- budget progress
- outstanding items
- schedule of upcoming events
- feedback
Meet parents (if necessary) to answer questions or address issues
Go over video to see outcomes, look for opportunities to improve, identify good things
Go over stats taken to log them, verify highs and lows, check for progress
If there is no trainer, reinforce water and nutrition
Remind players about respecting the property and taking care of their equipment
Give thanks to those that helped (stat takers, coaches, managers)
Collect all personal equipment and tools
Leave with a smile
Write or journal coaching thoughts with PowerPen
Make notes in season plan checking off progress, skills & tactics taught

Back to chart Learn more about Coaching

Manager / Administrator

Before the practice:
“Verify the needs”

Speak to coach about any outstanding issues
Call or e-mail players to remind them of game schedule changes (if applicable)
Verify schedule and confirm arena ice a day ahead or so
Take money out of team bank account for petty cash for unforeseen needs
Arrive on time to rink
Make sure that the dressing room is available and open
Make sure that the ice is available as scheduled when you get there
Meet with rink staff to assure that first aid is available on the premises
Pay for ice rental if applicable
Assist coaching staff in any way possible to prepare for the practice
Be available for families to talk about matters at hand (budget, fund raising, registration, etc.)
Make sure that first aid is available on the team – a trainer and first aid equipment
Be available to assist with any player or equipment issues that might arise
Have room keys ready to lock rooms after players leave
Meet parents for questions or fact finding issues you or they have

During the practice:
“Welcome the needs”

Be available for families to talk about matters at hand
Be visible for coaches, players and trainer to respond to spontaneous needs
Lock the room(s) being used to protect coaches and players belongings
Hand out any relevant material to families
Periodically meet with families to plan or discuss various matters to gain their input

After the practice:
“Meet the needs”

Make sure all equipment is out of the room
Return keys to arena staff
Meet parents and discuss outstanding issues, financial, forms, etc.
Notify team of next event
Meet with family, coaches and trainer in the case of a player injury
Meet with coaches to see if the practice presented some matters that required attention
Ensure that any issues are resolved before players and families go home
Provide scouts information if required
Leave with a smile
Make notes and file all appropriate forms if applicable
Deposit any monies into bank account if applicable

Back to chart Learn more about Managers / Administrators

Official

Before, during and after the practice:
“Practice?”

Practices per se do not exist for an official. However, a simulation for an official can be during certification training and supplemental courses. Unlike a player, a game is not only about executing everything you’ve learned, it is also a place to practice for an official.

Back to chart Learn more about Officiating

Parent

Before the practice:
“Refuel, refill, reload”

Verify schedule
Make sure that there is gas in the car or arrange for a lift
Make sure that there is cash for sharpenings, tape, drinks, etc.
Have son/daughter follow nutrition regimen
If your son/daughter is young, double check for skates, jock, helmet, etc.
If your son/daughter is older, ask if they need skates sharpened (adds time)
Bring warm jacket, sweater, hat, mitts (rinks are not a warm place)
Be ready for your son/ daughter – don’t make your child wait and be late
Drive other players if necessary and leave on time
Let your son/daughter carry their own bag, offer to carry the stick
Meet with manager to discuss outstanding issues
Socialize with others
Offer to help out with stats for coach

During the practice:
“Wait, watch or wonder”

Offer to help coaches or simply watch
Meet with the manager during a practice
Keep any comments positive
Acknowledge other parents
Take stats to help coach if you are asked

After the practice:
“Meet, move and maintain”

Wait for player to change
Ask questions to the coach after practice
Provide a supportive ear when your child comes out
Ask for clarity - probe to understand not to resolve
Make no judgements on your child’s feelings
Ensure that your child carries his own equipment
Provide proper nutrition and water consumption
Explain the importance of hygiene. Remind them to shower and wash their undergarments

Back to chart Learn more about Parents’ Role

Player

Before the practice:
“Set the stage”

Ages 5 to 8

Understand practice objectives
Set own goals of what to accomplish
Pack equipment with parent(s)
Be ready to go with bag at front door for whoever is driving
Socialize with other players and friends
Eat at least 2 hours before
Drink water
Have water for the practice - fill The Water SOURCE
Remove jewelry
Dress in the room with teammates
Listen to coaches talk about practice
Go on the ice together with teammates

Ages 9 to 12

Check equipment at home for sharpenings, tape, repair - at least the day before
Advise parent(s) of equipment needs a day before
Pack equipment using checklist
Be ready to go with bag at front door for whoever is driving
Socialize with other players and friends
Drink water
Have your own water for the practice - fill The Water SOURCE
Dress for stretch
Do team stretch
Remove jewelry
Dress with equipment
Listen to coaches talk about practice
Go on the ice together with teammates

Ages 13 and older

Check equipment at home for sharpenings, tape, repair - at least the day before
Advise parent(s) of equipment needs a day before
Verify schedule and arrange for a lift
Pack equipment using checklist
Eat 3 to 4 hours before practice time
Arrive on time
Socialize with other players and friends
Meet with coaches if necessary
Drink water
Have your own water for the practice - fill The Water SOURCE
Check equipment, tape stick, get skates sharpened
Set objectives and targets for practice
Dress for stretch
Do team stretch
Get dressed
Remove jewelry
Do mental preparation
Listen to coaches talk about the practice
Go on the ice together with teammates

During the practice:
“Rehearse”

Ages 5 to 8

Smile and have fun
Participate in all drills
Drink water at breaks
Listen to coaches on what should happen – listen for feedback and critique
Ask questions
Avoid injury type actions

Ages 9 to 12

Smile and have fun
Participate in all drills
Drink water at breaks
Listen to coaches on what should happen – listen for feedback and critique
Ask questions
Avoid injury type actions

Ages 13 and older

Smile and have fun
Hit targets and objectives
Participate in all drills
Drink water at designated times
Listen to coaches on what should happen – listen for feedback and critique
Ask questions for understanding
Avoid injury type actions
Watch your teammates play and learn

After the practice:
“Give thanks”

Ages 5 to 8

Leave the ice surface and go straight to the room with official’s guidance
Listen to the coaches
Drink water
Undress, wipe skates and pack equipment in bag
Acknowledge coaches and teammates
Meet coaches if necessary
Socialize and leave
Carry your own bag to the car
At home, wash your undergarments, hang equipment to dry and open up skates

Ages 9 to 12

Leave the ice surface and go straight to the room with official’s guidance
Get undressed, wipe skates and pack equipment in bag
Drink water
Eat proper nourishment
Take a shower if the facility has the set-up for it
Get dressed and verify change area for forgotten equipment
Acknowledge coaches and teammates
Meet coaches if necessary
Be aware of the next team event
Socialize and leave
Carry your own bag to the car
At home, wash your undergarments, hang equipment to dry and open up skates
Check equipment for damage
Eat according to nutrition guideline

Ages 13 and older

Leave the ice surface and go straight to the room with official’s guidance
Get undressed, cool down, stretch
Review objectives, achievements and mistakes
Drink water
Eat proper nourishment
Take a shower if the facility has the set-up for it
Acknowledge coaches and teammates
Meet coaches if necessary
Be aware of next team event
Be receptive to scouts and agents
Socialize and leave
Carry your own bag to the car
At home, wash your undergarments, hang equipment to dry and open up skates
Go over goals to see achievement levels
Check equipment for damage
Eat according to nutrition guideline

Back to chart Learn more about Players and Goalies

Scout

Before the practice:
“Be aware of where you are”

Meet with coaches and managers
Identify exceptions like height, weight, stats.
Meet parents if available
Choose a quiet area and sit alone

During the practice:
“Be aware of what is out there”

Look for attention of players
Look for intensity
Watch for specific skill
Watch for improvement

After the practice:
“Be aware of who is around”

Meet team coaches and probe for insights about players
Meet prospect players, get their interests, desires and intentions
Provide feedback if asked by players
Meet parents and others watching a specific player
Leave and take time to write overall practice notes with PowerPen
Communicate with own team management on prospects and share observations

Back to chart Learn more about Scouting and Recruiting

Trainer

Before the practice:
“Get the team ready”

Meet team coaches and probe for insights about players
Meet prospect players, get their interests, desires and intentions
Provide feedback if asked by players
Verify trainer’s kit for equipment
Arrive on time or early
Deal with any injury treatments or equipment issues
Check out dressing room, ice surface, boards, benches and gates to ensure that all are within acceptable safety parameters
Meet with players and parents for injury status
Meet with coaches on injury status of players
Monitor and encourage proper consumption of water by players
Monitor and direct proper warm-up and stretches by players
Prepare The Water SOURCE for players
Designate an “off-ice” assistant who will be responsible for calling Emergency Services upon your pre-arranged signal
Bring all necessary first-aid equipment to team bench
Make sure pucks are available for practice

During the practice:
“Stay close to the ice”

Ensure ample supply of water for players
Be available with full trainer’s kit
Verify surroundings for safety
Supervise closely any player who has returned from injury to commence practices
Assist in any way requested by the Head Coach
Attend to any injuries experienced by players
Be prepared to make decisions on the ability of players to continue playing if injured
Ensure proper consumption of water by the players during play

After the practice:
“Wrap it up”

Ensure proper fluid and nutrition intake by players
Ensure proper stretching and cool down processes by players
Discuss any injuries or other matters of concern with the coaching staff and manager
Attend to any injuries
Ensure the Player Injury Report is completed related to any injury and given to the family for physician follow up and documentation.
Discuss any “next steps” related to any player injuries
Be aware of the next event for team

Back to chart Learn more about Trainers

Shop the SOURCE to find solutions to your hockey needs!

Untitled Document

Support minor hockey while you learn all about it! Get Kevin V. Huhn’s highly acclaimed book, “Hockey-ology - The Ultimate Guide to Fun & Success for Minor Hockey." For every book sold, part of the proceeds will be donated to minor hockey teams and associations.

	Are you stepping on a cold, dirty floor where spilled drinks, spit, sweat or ice build-up from skates accumulate? Protect your feet when you come off the ice. Get your FloorPAL and stay clean and comfortable.

<< Game

Off-Ice >>