General question. Not aimed at any specific association.
I continually hear parents complain that their Mite coaches not being at practice and/or games. It seems that some of these coaches are coaching up to three teams. I feel the kids that require the most attention are the Mite aged kids.
Why do coaches sign up to coach younger kids if they already coach older kids?
I'd understand if the association is lacking enough coaches. If this is the case shouldn't they train new coaches to coach the mini-mite and Mite aged kids? Isn't this the goal for every association? Train good people to coach?
I realize that some coaches have multiple kids playing in the association. Fair is fair! Signing up to be head coach and missing practices and games is not fair to the kids, parents or assistant coaches. Not to mention is doesn't strengthen the association in the long run.
New coaches = new ideas = better ideas = stronger association = unity = success = happy kids = happy community
mite coaches are such an unknown quantity. You find very few who have coached youth sports before. If you are the mite director, do you go with a guy who has coached for you before, who might miss 4 of forty ice times or do you take a guy with a five year old who has never coached before and may quit before January??? Hopefully, the person coaching three teams has an assistant or two who is quite willing and able to step up and cover a practice while the head coach is at an away tournament. And the head coach provides a practice plan.
a mite coach who spends an hour of outside ice working two on ones for 5 and 6 year olds is worth less to me than one who makes it to four practices a month, teaches them the basics of skating and tells the dads to drop the puck and let them play when they have outside ice he can't make it to. I have a mite currently, and let me tell you there are some horrible "new" volunteers. There are also some really good ones. You can spot them a mile away.
Be a volunteer. Be an assistant. Step up and offer to help the experienced coach. That person has learned how to use the ice effectively and not leave mites standing around while they try to explain a drill to three kids. They know if it takes that long to explain....move on to something else. My opinion is, take the experience and a couple of new assistants, the kids will be further ahead every time. Very easy to complain about a mite coach not being there, but I gaurantee that the alternative is not always the answer.
Sorry. I have listened to a lot of good coaches being trashed over this issue. Look at the bigger picture people. One sunday afternoon is not going to destroy johnny or jane's chance of making it to the nhl. AND those of us who know better need to educate the whiners.
Mites need several coaches on the ice anyway!!! Fundamentals, fundamentals, fundamentals!!!! If the "Head" coach is not present, I really don't think it makes that much difference as long as those coaches remaining know what to do!
Hockeyguy_27 wrote:The problem is more people don't step up and leave the coaching to those who already have too much on their plates. I know!!!!!!
Exactly! The associations usually turn to the known coaches with younger Mite age kids to help coach. Sometimes work and the other team's schedule prohibit them from devoting as much time as possible to the mite level. But you're right the ones who do the most are the ones that usually the ones that the association turns to first.
This is the most fun age level to coach.
Often times it is also difficult for associations to identify the new parent coaches at the Mite age to help coach and bring the level of expertise up to a level where they want it to be. Sometimes unqualified coaches or parent skaters who can not teach the basic fundamentals of skating or the game get on the ice. For what reason? Who knows?
woodley wrote:Mites need several coaches on the ice anyway!!! Fundamentals, fundamentals, fundamentals!!!! If the "Head" coach is not present, I really don't think it makes that much difference as long as those coaches remaining know what to do!
Couldn't agree more. Nothing is worse that being the only coach at a practice for beginning mites. Makes my head spin just thinking about it.
If a potential coach is well qualified, but has commitment problems (work, coaching other teams, etc) then they should play a supportive (assistant) coaching role. Head coaches should be there the majority, if not all, of the time. And practice plans should be consistent no matter who is leading the practice.
Simple, I coach two teams as an assistant since I have two kids in hockey. This works to be an assistant since I know there will be conflicts and we have plenty of coaches to cover. I want to give my kids the same amount of attention so it does not interfere with other things in life. I do not want one to think I favor the other etc.
People who complain should volunteer themselves. Sometimes you need someone who can just herd the cats at that age.
Hockeyguy_27 wrote:The problem is more people don't step up and leave the coaching to those who already have too much on their plates. I know!!!!!!
Exactly! The associations usually turn to the known coaches with younger Mite age kids to help coach. Sometimes work and the other team's schedule prohibit them from devoting as much time as possible to the mite level. But you're right the ones who do the most are the ones that usually the ones that the association turns to first.
This is the most fun age level to coach.
Often times it is also difficult for associations to identify the new parent coaches at the Mite age to help coach and bring the level of expertise up to a level where they want it to be. Sometimes unqualified coaches or parent skaters who can not teach the basic fundamentals of skating or the game get on the ice. For what reason? Who knows?
For what reason? The pay, of course!
It is easy to be USA qualified to coach. Just sit for a few hours in a room. In reality there is more to being able to coach. I don't think that anyone that wants to volunteer should be turned away. It seems that all associations share a common cry for more volunteers. However, placement is important. If a guy wants to coach, but can't skate, then have him be team manager and encourage him to take skating lessons this year so next year he can be an assistant coach on the ice. Include him in coaches meetings so he can learn the applications of what he learned in USA coaching clinics. Maybe you and he can learn to like each other!
It is easy to be USA qualified to coach. Just sit for a few hours in a room. In reality there is more to being able to coach. I don't think that anyone that wants to volunteer should be turned away. It seems that all associations share a common cry for more volunteers. However, placement is important. If a guy wants to coach, but can't skate, then have him be team manager and encourage him to take skating lessons this year so next year he can be an assistant coach on the ice. Include him in coaches meetings so he can learn the applications of what he learned in USA coaching clinics. Maybe you and he can learn to like each other!
I agree with all your points, just remember the criticism that he bestowed upon the level of coaching not teaching the proper fundamentals at the Mite level. There is inconsistencies in the rational on his part.
[quote="BoogeyMan"]
I'd understand if the association is lacking enough coaches. If this is the case shouldn't they train new coaches to coach the mini-mite and Mite aged kids? Isn't this the goal for every association? Train good people to coach?
I missed the mysterious "THEY" the first time around. Never met THEY but hear a lot about him, not a very organized guy as he never seems to accomplish what he should be.
I coach all of them , just stand by me behind the glass and ill tell you everything thier doing wrong, and when they play on the TV im at my best from my recliner,
Also a USA Hockey Certified coach does not mean they can actually run a practice properly or teach. All you need to do is buck up and sit back for a few hours.....Certified!
Coaches never recieve on ice training unless you are a master.....even then it is rare.
Parents coaching from the stands probably deserves its own thread. Plenty of stories to share there...