Next to you and
the other parent in your child’s life, no one is more influential than your
child’s hockey coach. This is someone whom your child spends a lot of time with
and whose personal mission it is to help mold and grow your child into a
successful athlete. Because the coach plays such an influential role in your
child’s life, it only makes sense that you would want to get to know him or
her.
It’s important
to make sure that the coach’s values, beliefs, and philosophies as they relate
to sports and athletic training are in line with the values, beliefs, and
philosophies you want your child to take to heart and put to practice. If
there’s a serious disconnect between the person you hope your child becomes and
the person your coach hopes your child becomes, your child probably needs a
different hockey environment.
A good coach
will take the time to introduce himself to parents at the start of the season.
He will also be direct when questioned about his coaching approaches, beliefs,
and philosophies. You and a coach don’t have to agree 100% on everything, but
you should agree when it comes to how losses are handled, the goal of the team,
what the coach wants children to get out of being on his team, and other
important matters such as these.
Ideally, a coach
will be focused on building skills and sportsmanship rather than on winning and
will treat players with respect and kindness at all times, win or lose.
Remember, though, that just because a coach says he believes in something
doesn't necessarily mean he practices what he preaches. Attend a few practices
and games to see if your child’s coach is really all that he says. Also, make
sure your child knows he can speak up if he ever feels mistreated or threatened
by his coach. Listening to your little one, staying in contact with the coach,
and “checking in” at practices and events from time to time can ensure you’re
happy with the instruction your child is receiving.
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