The document discusses the importance of sports for youth development and finding the right balance. It notes that youth enjoy sports for fun, learning new skills, and socializing, while adults often focus too much on winning, rankings, and scholarships. Kids may drop out if there is too much pressure, lack of fun, or not enough playing time. The document recommends a multi-sport approach for kids that allows for fun, balanced participation beyond just the sport itself. Coaches and parents are encouraged to emphasize effort, teamwork, and character building over winning alone.

2. Encouraging

3. Fairness

4. Fun

5. Opportunity

6. Respect

7. Teamwork

9. Importance of Sport for Youth:When Your Child Enjoys Sport Physical activity – health/wellness Social development – interact with peers Social skills To develop sport and life skills Self-esteem, self-confidence, self-worth Opportunities for academic/character development Fun

10. Two Perspectives Sport Participation and Competition Adults see… $alaries/$cholarship Pro coaches (winning is everything) Box scores Heckling as part of the game Hockey fights as entertainment Achievement by ranking Kids see… Fun – Play Teachers/Mentors Learning new stuff Cheering – social interaction “I get better.” Achievement by effort, learning, and positive feedback Fun - Play

11. What Do Kids Look for In a Sports Program? Fun - Play Skill Development Friends

12. Youth Drop Out of Sport Because Pressure Not enough activity Not learning Over-emphasis on winning No fun Michigan State yearly study

13. Balance

14. Hockey Off-Balance Focus on individual achievement Neglect of player’s thoughts, feelings, and body Over-analysis of hockey Excessive number of games Year round hockey

15. Cost-Benefit Analysis of Sports Specialization Early Specialization Skill rapidly increases Peak performance attained at 15-16 years Inconsistent performance Frequent burnout Increased chance of injury Multi-sport Participation Slower skill increases Best performance at age 18+ Consistent performance Less likely to experience burnout Fewer injuries Bompa, 2000

16. Signs of OvertrainingThe First Steps Towards Burnout Disinterest in sport – no fun Emotional instability – mood swings, anxiety Physical signs – weight loss, increased htrt Injury – nagging injury Lingering muscle soreness Sleep loss Poor performances - sport, school, life

17. Finding Balance Keep hockey performance and participation in perspective, it is only one aspect of his/her life Focus on effort and teamwork Allow the athlete to lead the way, avoid pushing Focus on play and fun, learning happens

18. Finding Balance (cont.) Encourage life beyond the rink – school, arts, social Set a good example Be part of the community and seek professional resources as necessary Balance in thinking, feeling, and action is key to success in life and hockey

19. Cheering 101

20. Preparing to Play:A Family Adventure Encourage support of coaches and teammates Plan to arrive on time. Check equipment before leaving house - with your child. Say, “Have fun - good luck.”

21. Game Time:What Do you Do? Support all players, coaches, officials, and other spectators Have only positive things to say “Nice pass!” “Good try!” “Great save!” “Way to work hard!” Trust coaches and officials They’re human like you! Model good behaviors Respect the rink Enjoy the game! “Relax it’s just a game.”

22. On the Way Home: Questions to Ask? How did you play? (take the focus off of winning or losing) What was the best part of the game? What did you learn? Ask about aches, pains, bumps, and bruises. Did you have fun?

23. Kids Play: A Philosophy for Adults Success is found in striving for victory (effort = success). Put the child’s goals before yours. Let go. Let a child make his or her own decisions. Be supportive. Only have positive things to say at a hockey game. Acknowledge child’s fears and struggles. The NHL and college scholarships are great dreams. Character, self-discipline, and participation are the most valuable consequences of youth hockey.

24. Resources for Hockey Parents Abraham, G. (2000). Kid’s Hockey-The Parents’ Guide Bigelow, B. et al. (2001). Just Let The Kids Play. Leblanc, J. & Dickson, L. (1996). Straight Talk About Children and Sports. Smoll, F. & Smith, R. (1999). Sports for Your Child. Lancaster, S. (2002). Fair Play: Making Organized Sports A Great Experience for Your Kids. Kuchenbecker, S. (2000). Raising Winners: A Parent’s Guide to Helping Kids Succeed On and Off the Playing Field. Engh, F. (2002). Why Johnny Hates Sports. Phillips, L. & Barbara, S. (2001). The Hockey Mom’s Manual. Murphy, S. (2000). The Cheers and the Tears. www.sportingkid.com Parents in Hockey – Hockey Parents Make the Difference. USA Hockey – video. Heads Up Hockey Program – USA Hockey – video.

25. Committee MembersCommittee Co-chairs Dr. Alan Ashare USA Hockey Safety Committee Rachel Baker Mother Steve Burke Northeastern University Center for the Study of Sport in Society Mike Cheever USA Hockey Youth Council Jim Cooney USA Hockey National ACE Administrator Kevin Sullivan Asst USA Hockey Sledge Team Dr. Adam Naylor Boston University Athletic Enhancement Center Dr. David Crandell Physical Medicine Dan Esdale USA Hockey Executive Board Lyle Sukeforth Mass Hockey Director (posthumous) Cheryl Verity Assistant Mass Hockey Treasurer

26. Committee Contact Information Kevin Sullivan Adam Naylor kevins839@aol.com ahnaylor@bu.edu