Lath. 14 By TRY THE BEST IN SKIING af 20 | Coach’s responsibility “732-9253: | nw VR 27 SL/GS, VR 27 ST/CS & MORE to see players develop E STINATION SKI respect for opponents 1550 Marine Dr. 984-4394 THE MOST common cause of serious spinal injuries in hock- ey is when a player is checked, pushed or bumped from behind, and goes head-first into the boards. Such injuries have left some vic- tims paralyzed for fife. As a coach, it is your responsi- bility to ensure that your players develop the proper attitudes and skills to protect themselves and opponents from dangerous hits from behind. Education must begin at the start -of the season. Coaches at all levels, contact: and non-contact, must help players develop respect for opponents and rules. - ‘ . Players must be aware of the consequences of checking, shoving, or bumping an opponent who is in the. danger zone - the three to four metres (10 to 13 feet) of ice in front of the boards. Teach your players to treat opponents as they like to be treated themselves. ; Coachés in categories with con- tact should recognize that checking is an advanced skill which must be tayght using proper teaching pro- gressions, and only after the players have mastered all skating skills. Safety must be the first priority when teaching checking skills. Some other suggestions: e Make sure your players include exercises ‘to strengthen neck inus- cles in off-ice training programs. ‘.» Teach-your players the proper technique for receiving checks and to always, be alert when in the dan- ger zone, , * Encourage referees to enforce all _ rules that penalize checking from behind. a, ‘ Whether you coach at the recre- ational or the competitive level, playing in out-of-town tournaments is an excellent growth opportunity for your players. As a coach, you must plan your tournament schedule carefully to ensure it benefits all involved. Planning your tournament schedule Be reasonable when planning your schedule of games, practices and tournaments, remembering that young athletes have other interests and obligations outside of hockey. They are children first, hockey players second. Utilize periodic coach-parent meetings to get parents’ input before entering tournaments. Parents can provide valuable feedback regarding the number and location of tournaments, fundrais- ing and transportation. Remember, with the rising cost of equipment, registration and ice rental, hockey represents a major expense for most families. Entering too many tournaments, with the added costs of travel, meals and lodging, only increases this financial burden. Here are a few move sugges- tions: . * Book hotel rooms well in advance and insist that rooms for players, coaches and parents be in the same area of the hotel (this is essential for supervising players). * Reccuit responsible, reliable vol- unteers to help you. supervise the players and to drive, if necessary. ° * Ensure that team staff and parents set a good example by aostaining from alcohol and late nights. ¢ Make sure players get adequate rest and eat well; they will need the energy when playing many games over a short period of time. ¢ Give all players an equal opportu- © nity to play; it’s no fun to travel toa tournament and sit on the bench. Tournaments can be a great hockey and life experience for play-~ ers. * INSIDE STORM WINDOWS # SEALED DOUBLE GLAZE INSERTS %* DOUBLE GLAZED CONVERSIONS Save hundreds in heating costs & make your home more comfortable. FREE ESTIMATES & ADVICE WE ARE PROUD TO US REPLACEMENT WINDOWS YOUR COMMUNITY ; GLASS EXPERTS - TUM ELI Y wireors wiNDOWS, WWI! ANSTO AAGS 522-8611 GLASS, SCREENS 1519 CLYDE AVE., W. VAN. (AT 15TH) & MORE SH great selection of . Jackets, Tshirts, _. Sweatshirts, | Jerseys.