Essex Vermont Youth Hockey

As coaches prepare to work with kids around the experiential learning process (playing hockey), they must consider the age group involved and tailor the steps of the experiential learning process accordingly.

They must utilize teaching and learning strategies consistent with the developmental characteristics of their learners.

Since our levels (mites, squirts, etc) are by age group characteristics of the age groups involved should dictate appropriate and effective coaching and teaching strategies to use.

Developmental research (from the University of California) suggests that certain types of learning activities are best suited for certain children's capabilities.

At the coaches meeting each coach was given developmental infomation about the players on their team.  The work is  educational and intended for teachers -- but is it echoed by USA Hockey's ACE Program.  Introducing players to concepts and skills when they are ready for them is important.  There are links below to helpful resources and suggestions for each age group.  [Source: Univ. of California] 

Linked file below:  EYHA Parent to Coach Feedback form

Executive Summary

What: EYHA asked every parent to complete a coaching feedback form regarding their impressions of their child’s coach.  The organization received 80 responses.

Results:  The total of the organization’s coaches data show that the coaches did well to meet the USA Hockey’s, the EYHA parents, and the EYH organization’s expectations.  Rated coaches received positive results over 85% of the time in all areas rated and over 90% of the time in all areas except the ones mentioned below.

Coaches rating in organization skills:

Commendations:

• No parents disagreed that our coaches “had the ability to treat minor injuries and (all coaches) exhibited reasonable conduct in handling accidents.”
• Only one parent disagreed with the statement that “the coach shows concern about the health and safety of the athletes…”

Areas for consideration of coaching development:

• 12.3 % of parents (a total of 10 parents) felt that coaches could have done better to challenge all athletes
• 7.6% of the parents (a total of 6) felt that coaches need to improve their use of assistant coaches.

Coaches ratings in instructional skills:

Commendations

• A significant number of parents felt that coaches had the ability to “demonstrate skills properly” and “ensure the activities were suitable for the age, experience, ability, and fitness of the athletes”

Areas for consideration of coaching development:

• 11.6% of the parents (a total of 9 parents) felt that coaches needed help in developing “short and long term goals for the individual athletes on the team.”

Coaches’ ratings in communication and interpersonal skills:

Commendations

• 100% of the parents believed that the coaches were dedicated to the sport and team they coached.
• 92.5% of parents reported that their coach was patient and tolerant.

Areas for consideration of coaching development:

• 15% of parents (a total of 12 parents) thought that coaches could better find ways to make all athletes feel good about themselves.
• 11.4% of the parents (a total of 9 parents) felt that coaches didn’t know when to use discipline and when not to.

Limitations:  Some of the parents’ specific comments (which are not part of this report, but were part of the individual coach’s reports) were helpful to coaches in seeking to understand their strengths and possible areas for improvement.  Some comments reflected situations that may have been better been addressed directly and at the time of occurrence.

 Use:  The forms will not be used AS THE SOLE PIECE OF EVALUATION of coaches.  The head coach observed practices and games of all coaches and the data collected, while shared directly with coaches, is placed in the proper context.  The “total data” will help the organization seek ways to improve our coaching education efforts.