by Mark Goehle

Created on: December 17, 2008

Whether you have decided on your own or someone has "volunteered" your services, you suddenly find yourself coaching a youth hockey team. Regardless of the reason, your age or experience at the sport, coaching hockey can be an overwhelming thought to even the most enthusiastic volunteer. Relax, follow a few basic rules of engagement, use common sense, and you'll be just fine.

For starters, it's best that you put together a resume of your qualifications, including all past accomplishments in any athletic activities. Also, make some notes on your general philosophy of the game. Include the guidelines you will set forth for your players and their parents. In other words, establish some basic team rules. Prepare yourself in advance of your first parents meeting. If you are soft spoken or not used to speaking in front of an audience (or even if you are just a little nervous), practice your presentation at home, while driving, or in front of a mirror. You will no doubt be telling your players that practice makes perfect. You must subscribe to this theory yourself!

The most important advice anyone could give a new coach is to always be honest with your players. At any age, they will see right through you if you attempt to be less than forthright. Clear, concise and repeated two-way communication is also critical, both with your players and their parents. If you're in this for all the right reasons, and you're not a "win at all costs" kind of guy (or girl), you will always be respected and avert many potential issues with a constant, open line of communication.

Never play favorites. It's ok to "have" favorites, but it's never ok to "play" favorites among your players. If one of your players is your son, nephew or little brother, avoid giving that team member special attention or showing favoritism at the rink. On the other hand, be cognizant of not being unduly harsh on that player just because he or she is a relative or friend. Both of these behaviors send a negative message to the rest of your team. Remember, you must consider the good of everyone before the good of any one, including yourself.

Prepare! Whether it's a practice, game, team meeting or a discussion with a parent or official, always do your best to prepare yourself beforehand. You will gain much more respect as a leader if you take the time to do so. There will always be those moments when things go wrong, but you can reduce them measurably with even just a small dose of preparation.

Be positive. It has been said that "praise works wonders for the sense of hearing". As a Coach, you are constantly responsible for correcting your players and showing them the right way. Keep in mind that it's seldom what you say that matters, but rather how you say it that makes the difference. Constantly give your players something to live up to. Near put them down. You'll be far more effective if you do.

Coaching youth hockey can be rewarding, exciting, stressful and challenging all at the same time. But, whatever the reason you find yourself in the position of being a Coach, always consider it a privilege.

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