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'The Ultimate Newsletter for Minor Hockey'
2009 ISSUE 16
Click here for our archive of past "Well Said" Newsletters
WELCOME to WELL SAID! - 'The Ultimate Newsletter for Minor Hockey'. This Newsletter, along with The Hockey Source comprehensive website, television show, product lines and new training program is part of our vision to provide you with valuable information about minor hockey so you can make sound decisions and have more fun. Whether you are a Player, Coach, Manager, Official, Trainer, Scout, Agent, Parent or Fan, you are sure to find valuable information on hockey topics.
Where's the Plan?
The end of one season signals the beginning of another one...not that far away. Now is the time for reflection on the past months, figuring out true feelings about how things progressed (or didn't), and assessing what you would like to see done better in the upcoming season, regardless of whether you are a Coach, Manager, Player or Parent, and regardless of whether you are remaining with the current team or changing.
All successful organizations go through such a process, both at year-end as well as at key points along the way. And what allows them to honestly evaluate performance is the ability to look back at the original plan and assess the outcomes against the objectives. So Coach and Manager...is your Team in this process right now? Players and Family...are you looking for this process in your next year's team?
But amazingly, a rarity in Minor/Youth Hockey is the existence of a Seasonal Plan. In fact, a bigger rarity is the comprehension amongst Coaches, Managers, Players and Parents as to what such a plan should look like, and how should be managed so as to serve as a valuable tool in the management and evolution of a Team and each of its individuals.
A plan for the season will not immediately ensure total success both on and off the ice. But a Team with a clear plan will be more prepared to act in a timely and productive manner because of its ability to assess the original and desired intent against the current direction, or set of circumstances.
The challenges of operating a minor hockey team are immense. Players and families want to play for a team that is well organized, and that has a clear vision for the season. It is not a small matter that the Coaching Staff (mainly the Coach and Manager) shows the organizational ability and dedication to create a written plan for the season. But, it will be a significant matter if they do not.
Note for Coaches: Most coaches are taught during the certification process that they need to put together a plan that identifies what they will do in all aspects of a hockey season. In the higher performance training, it is expected that the Coach will actually lay out, in its entirety, all phases of the season that relate to players, such as mental preparation, physical conditioning and skill development. Unfortunately, but true, there are coaches, even in professional ranks of hockey, who go through a season without any clear, established plan - even at a high level. In their minds, they see, at some point, what they would like to achieve, but how they are going to get there is not clear, to either them or their coaching staff or the players. This means there is a high probability that they will "wing it" as the season progresses and thus, consistency of vision and implementation is lost.
So coaches don't ask "how detailed do I need to make the plan?" The better question is "what do I want my players to experience this year?" As the coach, you must detail all the things you would like to see the players learn, see, and feel. Simply put, these are the real goals... not the wins and losses! The product should be tangible experiences that the players and parents can measure, and that you, the coach can use to hold yourself accountable for ensuring the success you had envisioned.
Note for Parents/Players: One of the things parents can do to ensure that their player receives effective coaching is to actually put some ownership on the coach by asking for clear information that presents the "plan" that will be in place for the season.
As an analogy, imagine your child going to take music lessons. He/She has never taken any sort of music before and you have no idea of music yourself. In your introductory meeting with the teacher and program manager and the teacher, they immediately describe how your child will be able to perform Beethoven's 5th symphony by the time they leave this program... probably in about 6 months. They understand your look of amazement and wonderment about how such can be possible, and they further advise that they have a good teacher and very good techniques. They further explain that the program is dedicated to your child's development, and they produce a list of their past successes, along with the credentials of the teacher. How likely are you to enroll your child? How much trust to you put in this? (If you have any experience in minor hockey, even this scenario sounds good.)
Now think of the same scenario but instead of talking about the goal at the end... they show you a step-by-step plan of what the next 30 weeks will look like, and what you can expect your child to achieve. They provide a written summary for you to review as they discuss the benefits of the program. How more apt are you to trust and be convinced that your child will learn something?
Like music classes, playing hockey must have a step-by-step process to ensure improvement of skills and tactics. Development of the mental aspect of a player is as important, if not more, than the skill development. Knowledge of what the coach is going to work on with your child and the other players is what will instill confidence, and the willingness to try new things. Depending on the age group and level of play, the depth of the plan will provide you and your player with a sense of trust and reality.
Note for Managers: Whether you volunteered for the position, or you were nominated, you are probably no stranger to planning. What is it that you would like to do this season? Have you talked to the coach about what he/she wants to see happen. You may find that they have no plan and that is why they have asked you to help.
Your first duty as manager is to acquire an idea of what the team will be doing this year, both on an off the ice. You need to determine what sort of activities they want; when; and what sort of budget is required to ensure they take place. You need to formulate the season into significant time blocks - beginning of the season (try-outs and pre-season); half of season; second half of season; playoffs; and end of season. As you look at each of the items your team wants to accomplish, consider the time required for each item, and identify resources (people help and finances) that will be needed. People in minor hockey have busy schedules, and so they need lots of advanced notice in order to organize their time and efforts. Obviously, this all needs to be done in conjunction with the expectations of your hockey association. Ensure you have communication lines open with parents in fashions that ensure they have all the information and know what they need to do.
How does one know they have arrived at the desired place, if there was no destination in mind? How does one know if they are on the right path, if not expected path was laid out in the beginning? How does one know if they are succeeding, unless they assessed where they were in the beginning and compared performance at various points against the original assessment and assumptions? And these questions relate to both the Team and each of the individuals that are part of its makeup. How can one speak to success of any player or a team, if there is no assessment of the beginning situation; a periodical assessment of current development and an evaluation of the latter against the former?
If one does not know where one wants to go and where one wants to end up, how will one know whether one has got there or not? And if that is the situation, how does one know whether to mourn or celebrate?
Dick Hoyt Story - Part 1
This true story began over 45 years ago in Massachusetts. Rick Hoyt, a son born to Dick and Judy Hoyt was strangled at birth by the umbilical cord, leaving him brain-damaged and unable to control his limbs. At 9 months of age, Doctors told his parents that he would be a "vegetable" for the rest of his life. They recommended he be placed in an institution.
But the Hoyts did not buy this and they noticed the way Rick's eyes followed them around the room from an early age. When he was 11 years old, Rick's parents took him to the Engineering Department at Tufts University and asked if there was anything to help the boy communicate. The immediate answer was "no way...there is nothing going on in his brain". Dick countered, "tell him a joke". When that was done, Rick laughed...seems that perhaps there is activity in that brain after all.
Rigged with a computer that allowed him to control the cursor by touching a switch with the side of his head, Rick was finally able to communicate. First words were "Go Bruins!" Later in time, after a classmate of Rick's was paralyzed in an accident and the school organized a charity run for him, Rick pecked out on his computer..."Dad...I want to do that"!
Dick thought..."Yeah, right. How could can I...out of shape and overweight, never having had run more than a mile at any one time, push my son five miles?" But he did it, solely for Rick. Dick reflected following the race, that it was now he who was handicapped since he was sore and slow to mobilize in the two weeks following the race.
But it seems that the day that disabled Dick was the day that changed Rick's life. Rick typed to his dad..."when we were running, it felt like I was not disabled anymore!" And that typed sentence changed Dick's life. He became obsessed with giving his son that "feeling" as often as he could. He got into such "rock abs" shape, that he and his son considered themselves ready to try the Boston Marathon.
But Race Officials opposed. The Hoyts did not fit a category of competitor, since they were neither a "single runner" nor completely a "wheelchair competitor", nor did not have a qualifying time. So while officials struggled for years with the definitions, Dick and Rick joined the massive field in the race and just ran. But about 4 years later, the completed (Dick running and pushing and Rick riding) a marathon so fast that they made the qualifying time for Boston.
Please see and read the next Issue of "Well Said" for the Final Segment of this Inspiration!
(This excerpt is adapted and structurally altered from an article by Rick Reilly of Sports Illustrated.)
In Memoriam - Dr. M.E. Houston (SME)
Respecting fully the position of family and friends, The Hockey Source now offers its sole remorse and respect for the passing of a truly great human being, educator, researcher, coach, friend, and father-figure for so many "youth" in North America. His focus was always his wife and children, and his students, but he affected so many others through his written work and the positive experiences he created for those, who felt the need to pass it on. He could take on any person several years junior and "whoop them good" at almost any physical endeavor. And pity those that foolishly chose "Mountain Biking" as the event.
Dr. Mike's resume can be found here: Dr. Mike Houston
He has been the key ingredient and source of information found within the multiple media fronts of The Hockey Source pertaining to Nutrition. His eagerness to work with The Hockey Source to produce the most accurate and positive material in such important topic areas was always appreciated, and is now, sorely missed. Dr. Mike was also appointed as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) in the Spring of 2005. The support for accuracy and honesty that was Dr. Mike's mantra will be continued and supported through the objectives and principles of The Hockey Source. There was a truly a reason why THS and Dr. Mike joined forces.
We, at The Hockey Source are saddened by the loss of such an outstanding partner. Our thoughts and best wishes are with his family and friends as they experience this loss. But we also know, that akin with Dr. Mike's spirit, they continue to celebrate the unending number of successes of this man.
What Level of Hockey for Me?
It is a myth that all the best players compete at the AAA level of minor/youth hockey!
When deciding on playing for a team what factors go into the decision about the level of hockey at which a player should participate (i.e. House League, A, AA, AAA, Travel, etc.)?
Should the key factor be age? If so, does this mean that all players start at the same level, and then, after a certain age, "rise" to another level? What would be the age of changing level? And what are the factors that then decide what level that player goes to? Does this lead to poor decisions against unskilled players, skilled players, small players, or larger players?
Is it based solely on the skill of the player? And if so, who sets the standard and who makes the decision?
Has it got anything to do with what the player wants or the parents want? Who decides when these two positions are not equal? Who evaluates the criteria of the player vs. the criteria of the parents?
Should it all come down to the actual on-ice skill set of the player? And who assesses that skill level in some standard, equitable fashion? What happens if a very young player just happens to have the skill set to compete against older players? Should he/she be held back due to age or let go based on skill?
Has it anything to do with the size of the player? Should players who are significantly "bigger" than those in their age group be forced to "play up with the bigger kids"? Conversely, should "small stature players" with high skill sets be forced to "play down" in respect of their safety?
Should these decisions be affected by whether the player is male or female? How does this answer balance with the answers related to skill, age, size, etc.?
Should the decision have anything to do with affordability? Should parents and families be forced to pay for a higher level when they cannot afford it?
What affect does the average conception of the various levels of play have on this decision? Is it really true that House League and A level are for the worst players? Is it possible that some of the greatest players only played High School? Is it possible that some very good players just want to play with friends at a lower level? Are there tests and assessments that make such decisions a science...and if not, then so what about the entire discussion?
Does any of this have anything to do with having fun and enjoyment and getting something positive from the effort? For many years the argument has gone back and forth about the best level for children to play the sport. You will hear some say "always be at the highest level possible in order to continuously improve by playing against the best talent", while others may say, "it is better to be a big fish in a small pond; master your skills first before you play at the elitus levels"
Hockey is a game. First and foremost it is meant to be fun. If you are bored with the level you play, raise the challenge for yourself - aim high. If where you play is too competitive, and you are not having fun, play at a level that brings you enjoyment.
Hockey levels are in transition. There are many levels that have quality players at each one. Your decision rests on what you can, and will do with your skills, attitude and budget.
What do you think?
Please...not Dad!
Again, The Hockey Source is pleased to present a poem from Louise Waronek, a person who loves the sport and continues to be able to put her experiences into poetry form.
Crazy Fan
Somebody should kick that crazy fan out,
For screaming and yelling like that.
He should be banished from this hockey rink,
For acting like a spoiled brat.
The referees do the best they can;
So their calls aren't always right.
But there's no need for fans to throw temper tantrums
And get into embarrassing fights.
We hockey players don't appreciate
Fans who act that bad.
So toss that guy out! Make an example of him!
(I just pray that it's not my Dad...)
Louise Waronek is a freelance writer from Regina, Saskatchewan, currently working on a collection of humorous poetry. She has also written a number of articles including a short story published in Homemakers Magazine. She is parent of a minor hockey player and can be reached at l.waronek@sasktel.net.
Quotes from the Pros
"Sweat plus sacrifice equals success"...Charlie Finley
"The will to win is important, but the will to prepare is vital"...Joe Paterno
"To succeed, you need to find something to hold onto, something to motivate you, something to inspire you"...Tony Dorsett
"I learned that if you want to make it bad enough, no matter how bad it is, you can make it"...Gale Sayers
"The difference between the impossible and the possible likes in the person's determination"...Tommy Lasorda
"Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity"...Coach Darrel Royal
DEAR VALUED READER, WE WOULD LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU!
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