A coach's responsibilities include teaching sportsmanship, hockey skills, the game, leadership, and safe and fair play. More importantly is the responsibility of ensuring that all children are having fun and respected. These guidelines detail the expectations of a coach so that these responsibilites can be met.

Winning is a consideration, but not the only one, nor the most important one. Care more about the child than winning the game. Remember, players are involved in hockey for fun and enjoyment. Be a positive role model to your players, display emotional maturity and be alert to the physical safety of players. Be optimistic, share the joy of life. Be generous with your praise when it is deserved, be consistent, honest, fair and just, do not criticize players publicly, and be a more effective communicator and coach. Don’t yell at players, coaches, or referees. Adjust to personal needs and problems of players; be a good listener; never verbally or physically abuse a player or official; give all players the opportunity to improve their skills, gain confidence and develop self esteem; teach them the basics. Believe in each player, the other coaches, and administrators. Organize practices that are fun and challenging for your players. Familiarize yourself with the rules, techniques and strategies of hockey; encourage all your players to be team players. Be prepared. Do not ask anything of your players, other coaches, administrators and parents that you do not ask and expect of yourself. Maintain an open line of communication with your player’s parents. Explain the goals and objectives of your association. Be concerned with the overall development of your players. Stress good health habits and clean living. Work to be the best coach possible. Be a leader. Be calm yet enthusiastically supportive of your players, coaches, opponents and referees. Be sincere in your interest in the players. Reward those players who are working hard as team players. Never use profanity or be crude in front of your players or parents. Never criticize your players, parents, administrators, referees, coaches or opponents. Be appreciative of the efforts of others. Always be available to listen to the concerns of your players, parents or administrators. Don't get discouraged. To play the game is great, to love the game is greater. Remember, IT IS ONLY A GAME.

Our mission at HockeyShot is the development and marketing of off ice hockey training products as well as providing to young players educational tips on skating and shooting techniques.