LUBANSKI'S Theme TRANSCENDS Sports And Can Positively Affect Family, Faith And Potentially ALL Of Our World(s)!! AN AMAZING MUST READ For Coaches, Parents & Players!!!
By Paul LubanskiThroughout the years, I have often been asked how I would judge the success or failure of the typical youth hockey coach.
The answer is a simple one--and the subject matter that encapsulates today's column.
And it is thus:
By season's end, has he/she taught his/her player's precisely what it means to be "accountable to the team?"
In other words, can each and every player (when queried), easily rattle-off the correct answer as it relates to exactly what it means to be "accountable to his/her teammates?"
Of course, the ideal response would--in so many words--be that "my responsibility as a good teammate is to insure that all of my actions in and around team functions are designed to help the team "become a better team!"
Having your former (and current) players answer in that fashion is indisputably what attaining an "excellence in coaching" moniker is all about--and is definitively what we all SHOULD BE STRIVING FOR!
So today, I am going to pass along an easily implementable tip that will allow for you--the average volunteer (non-paid) youth ice hockey coach, to become that highly-regarded mentor and leader. One that leaves his players with the psychological infrastructure to succeed anywhere in life. As, the "accountability" message (what is contained there-in) above most certainly will for-tell to those that have embraced it.
Within the initial meeting involving players and their respective parents/guardians, you MUST explain to all in attendance--in a clear and concise fashion--that you going to introduce, teach and furthermore "expect"- each and every player to understand and practice "accountability" with respect to his/her teammates from that moment on.
Essentially, being "accountable" to your fellow players involves the notion that EVERY time you participate in a team function-game, practice, team bonding or meeting, you will have made a conscious effort--in a large or small way-- to make the team "a better team."
Examples may include: being quiet and attentive because it inspires the other players do the same, working your absolute hardest at every drill with the goal of improving your individual skills because doing so will "aid the team in succeeding," concentrating to insure that each shot I take is on target because it helps our team score and out goaltenders improve, focus on making perfect passes because it makes our drills run more efficiently, being a good example to teammates by loudly calling for the puck when you are open, making certain not to body-check a teammate needlessly even though he/she may have had their head down and were vulnerable. Being the most ardent and vocal "positive voice" during all game-play. Simply playing your absolute hardest on each and every shift--while keeping each the appropriate length.
Finally, I would fore-warn the players that before they leave your jurisdiction post any team function described above--that you will be requiring each to give a short statement as to what they may have done to "help the team." Now, that my friends is big-time coaching. Preparing them to tackle the "real-world' by teaching them "accountability to the team" is both a fantastic and reach-able goal. Make it yours. Wins and losses DO NOT comprise what a truly meaningful mentor and leader is all about. What I put forth above does.
Best of luck.
Paul
BONUS TIP
Of course, getting your parents to "buy-in" to the ACCOUNTABILITY concept is extremely important and useful. Having them reinforce your effort by also asking the identical question: "what did you do today to help out team become a BETTER TEAM?" --as soon as they hop into the car to head home would be a terrific aid. During your bi-weekly PCP (Parent-Coach-Player) meetings you can and should be comparing notes/answers.
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Coach- you might want to add "attendance at practices, games and tournaments" to your discussion on accountability. We've had issues even on a high level bantam team with not wanting to travel (on a travel hockey team!), deference to siblings, band, other sports.
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