If you’ve spent any time at all coaching minor hockey then chances are you’ve had some less than positive experiences created because of tryouts. Ever been accused of being paid to take a player? Ever been threatened to keep a player by a member of the parent-operated executive board? Ever been hired to evaluate an organization’s tryouts only to have your opinion discarded because “this player is my kid’s best friend so we’re going to keep him around.”?
It’s a brutal reality of youth sports. It’s not confined to hockey.
So what do we do about it? Bow down to the pressure and make decisions based on elements that have nothing to do with on-ice performance? Well, when you put it that way, it sure sounds silly.
But it happens every fall. The pressure to choose the right mix of players for a minor hockey team is both hilarious and tragic. It’s your team, right? You should be able to choose it as you see fit, right?
If you’ve spent any time at all coaching minor hockey then chances are you’ve had some less than positive experiences created because of tryouts. Ever been accused of being paid to take a player? Ever been threatened to keep a player by a member of the parent-operated executive board? Ever been hired to evaluate an organization’s tryouts only to have your opinion discarded because “this player is my kid’s best friend so we’re going to keep him around.”? It’s a brutal reality of youth sports. It’s not confined to hockey. So what . . . SEE MORE OF THE COACHES SITE Join The Coaches Site to access the latest drills, tactics & leadership lessons from hockey's top coaches. Already a member? Login
See Also
- 5 Ways to Support Your Child in Tryouts
- Competition During Tryouts: Why You Need to Bring the Best Out of Every Player
- Ken Hitchcock – Coaching Today’s Athlete
Kelvin Cech
Steady contributor in multiple roles over the years at The Coaches Site, current General Manager and Head Coach of the MJHL Niverville Nighthawks, former Assistant Coach with the UBC Thunderbirds Men's Hockey team.
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