Tommy x Hockey

Ever have a coach publicly expresses regret about having picked a player on his team to other players or parents on the team before the season is over ?

If this is your team's coach, below are some points to consider:

Is the coach demonstrating good character and accountability or a lack thereof ?

Is the coach willing to take responsibility for his decision to pick the player in the first place?

Is the coach more concerned about his own reputation and image than the well-being and reputation of the player?

Is the coach shifting blame onto the player, instead of taking responsibility for a failure to properly develop the player ?

Did the coach provide the necessary support and guidance for the player to succeed ?

Did the coach provide positive constructive feedback in order to help improve the player?

Does the coach's behavior creates a divide among the team with his comments ?

Do the negative comments about a player support the idea of teamwork and help in the team's overall performance?

Is this the conduct you expect from a leader and a mentor?

Does this behavior creates a toxic and unproductive environment ?

Does this behavior send a message to players, parents, and the organization that the coach is not a reliable and trustworthy leader?

Does this behavior reflect professionalism and integrity ?

Coaching Tip:
You picked the kid to PLAY on the team. It's your Responsibility to make sure he does. If you don't think the kid is good enough to play then YOU failed as a coach.

Parent Tip:
The best thing you can yell from the stands to a player is SKATE! A close second is GO!
Finally, SHOOT!

For emphasis you can say any one of these 3 multiple times in a row. Example: Go, Go, Go ... or Skate, Skate, Skate.

Kids don't know when to do these things nor do the coaches.

Coaching Tip:
Don't Coach to show everyone how important you are... Coach to show the kids how important they are !

Coaching Tip:
Explain and teach how to play in practice and when they come to the bench, don't yell at them while playing during a game

Parent Tip:
Find out as soon as possible who will coach the team you want your child on for next season. Start signing up for every practice, clinic, private lesson that coach has as soon as possible. Make sure afterwards to email/text the coach how rewarding the practice, clinic, private lesson was for your child.