Arizona Hockey Union

Hoody Hockey

USA HOCKEY & NHL PROVIDE MUCH NEEDED LEADERSHIP

Posted: 8/21/2009 12:00:00 AM


I Recently had the opportunity to listen to Ken Martel newly appointed Director of USA Hockey’s American Development Model, make a presentation on USA Hockey’s newly unveiled “American Development Model.” It was not a massage therapy session!

Retention of grass roots youth hockey players has been in decline since 2000! 20% of new hockey players play only one season before they drop out! 43% of players drop out by age 9! 60% of players drop out before Pee Wee. (Source USA Hockey) Wow!! How Could that happen? “Easy,” says Ken Martel Director of USA Hockey’s American Development Model.

“These young athletes under train and over compete!” added Martel. “Our Adult competition is superimposed. Training in the younger years focuses on outcomes (winning) rather than process.” “Chronological age dominates training rather than biological age.” “The critical or sensitive periods of accelerated adaptation to training are not utilized.” Under development between ages 6-16 can never be fully overcome and athletes will never reach their genetic potential,” emphasized Martel. “In addition, our most qualified coaches are encouraged to work at the elite level and those players with the greatest developmental need, work with the least knowledgeable coaches.” “The Long Term Athletic Development is hindered significantly by parent’s education and the lack of integration of sport science and sport specific technical and tactical activities.”

I sat there and was impressed at the acceptance, honesty and realizations presented.

Let’s be honest the 10,000 lb pink elephant has been in the youth sport corner for a while. Kids have been complaining about the lack of fun for 25 years, 75% of kids drop out of sport by age 13, there is too much pressure on young athletes who have not been socialized to deal with these expectations. When kids feel the pressure they underperform, lose confidence and subsequently look to “Drop out.”

This initiative goes beyond science. It really is just a matter of common sense and remembering why kids play hockey. They play to have fun, be with their friends and learn something new. The research is overwhelming in this area. As adults we need to support these principles as well as protect the inherent values of fitness, sportsmanship, teamwork, etc that are associated with sport and hockey participation. For more information on the ADM please visit USA Hockey

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