Youth hockey coaches need strict guidelines

Having attended about every one of my two grandchildren’s (ages 9-11) hockey games, I continue to wonder why the coaches are so bent on hollering, nonstop, at the kids on the ice. It is a continuous bellowing, while the kids are playing their little hearts out, and yet over on the bench are the loud, boisterous voices of sometimes four coaches, all hollering at the same time. It appears to me that these coaches seem to be playing these kids games through themselves, or attempting to.

There has been some “discussion” about the disruptive noises from the benches, but it is a laughing joke I guess, as nothing seems to change. In fact after the games this weekend, they appear out of control.

Then to top things off, last evening we observed (heard) a loud and mouthy coach stand on the sidelines, hollering and bellowing at the kids on every move – that is very annoying and unnecessary. What is it about these coaches who can’t seem to control themselves at these wonderful little kids’ games. Not to overlook some of the parents in the stands, also, as some of them, very few, seem to keep blatting away, as if the kids knew what they were hollering about.

How do these coaches really expect the kids to know what they are hollering about? They don’t, and I think most of the time, they just tune them out, as they should. Obviously, at times there needs to be some giving (instructions), but otherwise, let it be.

Perhaps there need to be some new guidelines for the coaches: Sit in your chairs and shut up, and that applies to the parents who are trying to coach from the stands. Let the kids play out their fun sport, while you coaches sulk if you want. But leave the kids alone out there on the ice or court.

Larry T. Doughty

Brewer

All UMaine coaches are doing a good job

In a recent article in the BDN (Jan. 2), Ron Brown stated that “all U of M coaches not involved in the men’s hockey program should spend time watching the hockey coaches work. … “these guys are obviously doing something right.”

Intended or not, note the inference.

My insight into the quality (all inclusive) of Maine athletic teams and programs is from afar, but I am close enough to some teams and programs that I am comfortable they are well-coached. The U of M is, indeed, fortunate to have as many quality, caring coaches as they have. One needs to be mindful that success can and should be relative to expectations and expectations should be relative to the opportunity for success.

One thing I am sure of is that any successful coach will “reach out” anytime, anyplace, to improve himself/herself as a coach, or to improve his/her program. Thievery, as to steal with one’s eyes and/or one’s ears is commonplace in the coaching fraternity. Perhaps one could say, “synonymous with success.” Originators are few.

M.D. Wilson

Bangor

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