The Model Hockey Program: The Model Hockey Program NARCE May 2004


Identify Program Philosophies and Objectives: Identify Program Philosophies and Objectives There is no ‘perfect’ program Complete on-ice program vs. specialty? Recreational, Competitive or Both Priority on winning Parent Education programs Coaching education – ACE Coordinator Officiating programs


Ideal Structure: Ideal Structure Learn To Skate Learn To Play Initiation Program / Cross-ice House / Rec program Travel / All-Star / Tier 1, 2 Girls hockey Adult league


Learn To Skate: Learn To Skate The Key to your long term success How will you market? Who will run? Assoc.? Skating club? Rink?


Learn To Play: Learn To Play What time of year is best? What format will you follow? Include boys and girls How long will your program run? Will you provide equipment? Who will coach / organize? What will you charge?


IP / Cross-Ice: IP / Cross-Ice What age groups? Who will oversee or manage? Who will coach? How many kids on each team? How many ice sessions per week? What are the benefits to the player…to the Association?


House / Rec Hockey: House / Rec Hockey Emphasize recreation andamp; fun Special rules; ie. no-check Keep the cost reasonable Shared ice practices No travel Who will coach Team selection process Focus on individual skills Practice to game ratios


Travel Hockey: Travel Hockey Start at what age? Team selection process? Coach selection? Organizations philosophy Development Recruiting Winning


Travel Hockey (cont): Travel Hockey (cont) Practice to game ratios? Maximum number of games? Number of tournaments?


8 And Under Program: 8 And Under Program All in-house - no all-star teams – no travel 3 to 1 practice to game ratio Cross-ice games Lots of small area games in practice Play to learn Get them hooked with FUN Loan equipment if possible Individual development is the priority


10 And Under Program: 10 And Under Program 3 to 1 practice to game ratio Emphasize individual skills Skating andamp; puck handling should be the priority Should teach contact confidence Recommend ‘habits’ instead of systems Might implement very basic team concepts… 30 games max (= 90 practices)


12 And Under Program: 12 And Under Program First year for body checking Individual skills still should be the priority Stress agility, quickness, balance, coordination Players desire acceptance from their coach and teammates Habits and concepts vs. team systems Development should be prioritized over winning First year for Youth National Championships 40 games max (= 120 practices)


14 And Under: 14 And Under Desire and abilities dictate level of participation Develop strength, quickness, agility and flexibility Play other sports Continue individual skill development More team tactics More specific positional skills First year for USA Hockey Select Camps 50 games max (= 150 practices)


16 & Under And 18 & Under: 16 andamp; Under And 18 andamp; Under Development of team awareness in game situations More complex team systems Continue to develop strength, quickness, agility Continue to develop individual skills Play games involving physical contact 60 games max (180 practices)


High School Hockey: High School Hockey Level is all over the map Great opportunity for kids to play in front of peers Opportunity to market the game


Materials : Materials Brochures Rule Book Annual Guide 'Relax It’s Just a Game' pieces Zero Tolerance posters Practice plan manuals ½ Ice Drill book Body Contact and Body Checking books


Conclusion: Conclusion There really is no ‘perfect’ program Have a philosophy Take advantage of USA Hockey’s materials Pay attention to what other programs do Do what’s right for the kids Stick to your guns!