Tough Questions for Comparing Travel Clubs - Chicago Area Youth Hockey

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Friday, August 3, 2012

Tough Questions for Comparing Travel Clubs

By CAYH Editor

If you are thinking that this is the year to make the jump to travel hockey, I've compiled a handy list of questions for you to ask the hockey director, coaches, and parents of the clubs you are investigating:


How much are fees?

What is covered, not covered?

What is the fundraising/volunteer requirement?

How often is the team on the ice per week?

Are practices shared ice or full ice?  How many skills sessions?  team practices?

In how many teams is the head coach/hockey director involved?

Do coaches get paid?  How much?

Can I see the organization's financials?



What is the organization's philosophy?

-on equal playing time or double shifting
-on effort versus game results
-on skills development versus win now
-on the power of positive reinforcement versus negative
-on rules and consequences

What are the coaches qualifications and experience?

-do they have a kid on the team?
-have they worked with kids before?
-can I call/meet him or her?

How are teams selected?

What is the expected measure of success for the season?

In which league will the team be competing?

How many tournaments will the team play in?

Is the coach/club willing to drop or move up to be more competitive?

Does the club have a facility for dryland training?

What are the steps you take to make safety a top priority?

What is the procedure to determine if there has been a concussion?
(on plays with a blow to the head)


Whew, that is a good start!  Can you think of some questions that I left off of this list?  Feel free to add them in the comment section.




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