After reading the new rules that USA Hockey has approved I support the concept behind the rule. Teaching good checking skills early is important but it must be consistent. I grew up playing hockey in New England. We were taught to keep our hands down and check with our shoulders or hips. Then I moved to Maryland and started coaching at the Bantam level. One of the first things I noticed about bantams in Maryland is that they like to hit but always have their arms up. When I asked the players why they hit/check this way. The players said "how else should I check" so, I spent time teaching checking. Concussions are always a concern when young players play hockey. Teaching how to check correctly is important.
Next up are instructional players.
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Sunday, June 12, 2011
New Rules for Hockey
At the 2011 Annual Congress held by the USA Hockey Board of Directors some rule changes were made that will effect high school hockey as well as hockey in general.
1. Starting with the 2011-2012 season there will be no checking in games until the Bantam level which is (13-14 years old).
2. Starting with the 2011-2012 season all coaches will be required to take an age specific module.
3. The directors also passed a rule prohibiting checks that make contact with the head or neck.
More discussion to follow.
1. Starting with the 2011-2012 season there will be no checking in games until the Bantam level which is (13-14 years old).
2. Starting with the 2011-2012 season all coaches will be required to take an age specific module.
3. The directors also passed a rule prohibiting checks that make contact with the head or neck.
More discussion to follow.
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Concussions 2
As I mentioned in my previous post "Concussion and Kids" concussions are dangerous and need to be watched for. Another item that can help parents and coaches is a newly developed concussion app for mobile phones. However, nothing takes the place of having a doctor look at your kid/player.
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Missed Opportunity
The NHL missed an opportunity to improve the image of hockey during the Stanley Cup finals. When Canucks Alex Burrow bit the finger of Bruins Patrice Bergeron the NHL could of suspended Burrows for one game. I understand that the NHL didn't want to do something that might effect the outcome of the finals but that is exactly what the NHL. Also, what made this situation worse was that the NHL said there was no conclusive evidence that Burrows bit Bergeron yet anyone who had a computer or television could see otherwise. As a result Games 2 and 3 were affected by the NHL and Game 4 will be affected.
During Game 3 Canuck's player Aaron Rome international hit Bruins player Nathan Horton in the head giving him a concussion and ending Horton's season. Rome did receive a 4 game suspension from the NHL. There was no question Rome left his feet and hit Horton in the head. I believe that the player that caused the injury should not play again until the injured player is healthy enough to play. Maybe this would help end the cheap hits because the present NHL discipline does not seem to be working.
Game 4 should be interesting to watch on Wednesday.
During Game 3 Canuck's player Aaron Rome international hit Bruins player Nathan Horton in the head giving him a concussion and ending Horton's season. Rome did receive a 4 game suspension from the NHL. There was no question Rome left his feet and hit Horton in the head. I believe that the player that caused the injury should not play again until the injured player is healthy enough to play. Maybe this would help end the cheap hits because the present NHL discipline does not seem to be working.
Game 4 should be interesting to watch on Wednesday.
Saturday, May 28, 2011
Concussions and Kids
Concussions in high school sports can be serious even life threatening. As a result coaches as well as parents should take time to learn about concussions. Parents should consider getting baseline testing done before the season starts. There maybe a doctor in your area who is willing to test the whole team. This should reduce the cost of the baseline test. Concussed athletes need cognitive rest, meaning no reading, writing and no Facebook,TV or texting.
Here are some places to look for information. Of course USA Hockey has a concussion information page. The CDC has a Head's Up online training course about concussions. The National Federation of High Schools has a free course on concussions that coaches as well as parents can take. Finally, at the beginning of the season take time to talk to your coaches or parents and explain your concerns about concussions. Coaches tell the parents how you will deal with a player who gets a concussion.
Concussions are a real part of high school sports and are here to stay. Educate yourselves.
Here are some places to look for information. Of course USA Hockey has a concussion information page. The CDC has a Head's Up online training course about concussions. The National Federation of High Schools has a free course on concussions that coaches as well as parents can take. Finally, at the beginning of the season take time to talk to your coaches or parents and explain your concerns about concussions. Coaches tell the parents how you will deal with a player who gets a concussion.
Concussions are a real part of high school sports and are here to stay. Educate yourselves.
Sunday, May 22, 2011
Coaching
The season is over and there are no meetings until the fall. Now is the time for some thinking and first I have come to realize that coaching is always changing. No one can say they know everything about coaching. I learn every year and I expect to learn more this coming year. I will spend some time this summer looking my practice plans and making some changes.
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
I broke down
I have been so interested in the NHL playoffs this year I decided to breakdown and pay for Versus. There have been some good games. I am watching the Bolts/Bruins game now.
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