WAHA follows USA Hockey’s age-specific skill development in all of its programs. The ADM is a nationwide model for successfully developing American hockey players. It is a tool that will ensure every kid will have the same chance to reach their full potential and succeed. The ADM wants to make coaches aware of what is most important at each stage of a child’s athletic development. We only have so much time with the kids so we need to be efficient and give them what they need most at each stage. This set of guidelines can optimize player development and limit coaches’ frustrations in attempting to teach what kids are least receptive to.
If kids want to truly excel at hockey, they’ll need to learn the right way to play the game; which is to say less emphasis on stats and win/loss records and more focus on learning the technical aspects of the game. Fundamentals and building both physical and mental skills are crucial to success in hockey. These things can’t be learned efficiently during a game — they have to be learned in practice. And practicing the right way is how our kids will be able to unlock their limitless potential.
WAHA has been an early adapter in applying and promoting USA Hockey’s Skill Development and Cross-Ice programs. Sportsmanship, enjoyment, recreation and competition are the major focus of the skill progressions for our youth hockey programs. The skill progressions encourage an environment in which youth players can learn the basic skills, master these skills and have fun while developing a life-long interest in hockey. All WAHA coaches are instructed to follow USA Hockey’s ADM curriculum and are mandated to register with USA Hockey and pass a rigorous background check before being allowed out on the ice with the children.
Coaches and Manager Resources / Links
Coaches Mandatory “to-do” list before going on the ice:
For those who want to advance their coaching knowledge:
1.Finish age based module for age group you are coaching: http://usahcepmodules.flexxcoach.com/ . $10.00
2.Register for your appropriate Level Training: http://www.usahockey.com/page/show/892976-coaching-clinics
No unauthorized person is allowed on the ice without fulfilling above requirements and given specific permission from a WAHA board member. This includes siblings.
(Squirts) 10 and under
(Peewees) 12 and under
(Bantams) 13–14 and under
(Midgets) 16 & under; and 18 & Under