OBJECTIVES
• Provide a healthy atmosphere for fun and development
• Increased competition designed to expand existing skills
• Development of communication at the player’s level of learning
• Stress the importance of the educational development of the individual as a whole – socially physically and mentally
• Enjoyable and rewarding experiences in ice hockey that will encourage continued participation

PHILOSOPHY
Enjoyment and recreational benefits are the focal points of the new guidelines for youth hockey issued by the USA Hockey’s Board of Directors. USA Hockey-registered teams play in the classifications of 8-and Under (Mite), 10 & Under (Squirt), 12 & Under (Pee Wee), 14 & Under (Bantam), 16 & Under (Midget), and 18 & Under (Midget), prompting the Youth Council of USA Hockey to emphasize the educational and recreational values of ice hockey.

USA Hockey’s recommended guidelines encourage a non-competitive environment in which children can learn the basic skills without the distractions that are often associated with an overemphasis on winning. Mastery of the fundamental skills and the fun of playing are essential to the development of a lifelong interest in hockey and player development. Programs must be conducted to accommodate all levels of players and to reduce the number who become disenchanted and drop out.

These voluntary guidelines are directed at youth programs, but they must be implemented by adults. Coaches, parents, administrators, and rink operators should all do their part to promote the USA Hockey philosophy and the following guidelines.

PARENTS’ CODE OF CONDUCT
• Be a good example to your player.
• Help make your child’s participation rewarding.
• Be understanding and supportive of the coaches and officials.
• Support and assist the program in a positive manner.
• The parent is the most important example to which a child can relate.
• Be everything you want your child to be.

PROGRAM
A. On-Ice Training
• April - May: Rest
• June - July: Develop speed and agility – off-season
• August - September: Hockey skills – preseason
• October - March: Hockey-active season

B. Off-Ice Training
• Flexibility
• Agility exercises
• Skills off-ice

PHYSICAL PREPARATION
• Daily physical training for the total development of the athlete
• Stress proper posture
• Include games and activities that involve some physical contact in a safe and organized environment
• Both on- and off-ice training should stress and continue to develop strength, quickness, agility and flexibility
• Careful attention should be made to establish a work:rest ratio of 2:1 or 3:1 during practice activities
• Development of game-like drills to complement teaching systems and tactics

PSYCHOLOGICAL PREPARATION
• Positive reinforcement; build confidence
• By seeking alignment with peer groups, team loyalty develops; youngsters need the coach’s approval and encouragement
• Help the players develop self-reliance and independence
• Stress group participation and sharing; be aware of the individual needs of the youngster
• Support and protect the youngster in situations they are not prepared to handle
• Develop an understanding on the player’s part of the role of the coach

TECHNICAL PREPARATION
• Development of those skills specific to each position
• Further development of conceptual skills necessary for the enhancement of the team system
• Advanced development of skills necessary to perform elements of team play

TACTICAL PREPARATION
• Psychology – development of attention, visual memory, relaxed concentration and orientation
• Development of group interaction and team awareness in game situations
• Development of a more complex team system including offensive and defensive tactics and special situations