After The Whistle: Game Appreciation Seminars

GAME APPRECIATION SEMINARS

Hockey Consultants from Infocom Canada will provide the following seminars to hockey organizations and teams in Ontario

GAME APPRECIATION SEMINAR FOR PARENTS

For parents who wish to develop a better understanding and appreciation of how the rules of hockey are called and administered.

This will include an examination of some of the most misunderstood rules; how the situation of a game determines the calls being made; how intent, force of impact, and location determine calls; and generally provide an awareness level which will enable parents to enjoy the game without the stress of unnecessary negative emotional trauma.

The seminar will last approximately three hours, including a refreshment break, and will incorporate a variety of instructional methods, including small group discussion; a question and answer period; and group participation strategies.

All participants will receive a "Game Appreciation Manual" which will contain most of the information presented during the seminar.

GAME APPRECIATION SEMINAR FOR COACHES

For coaches who wish to develop an on-ice instructional program which can be used to help players reduce the chance of penalties without losing their playing effectiveness.

This will include an examination of specific locations on the body which are more likely to produce penalties; types of situations to avoid; how to handle disagreements with officials; and an understanding of some of the more confusing rules of the game.

The seminar will include a series of "practice plans" which will allow coaches to spend ten minutes per practice helping players themselves gain a better understanding of how to avoid penalties and develop a better attitude and appreciation for the rules of the game.

For organizations which are able to make arrangements for ice time, the seminar will include an on-ice session.

All participants will receive a "Game Appreciation Manual" which will contain information on the topics presented in the seminar.

GAME APPRECIATION SEMINAR FOR PLAYERS

For players A three-session program has been developed for players. This program includes both off-ice and on-ice presentations designed for individual teams or small groups.

The players will be taken through a pre-practice session which will demonstrate how to avoid penalties and which will help them develop an understanding for how officials manage the game.

The on-ice presentation will be done in small groups where part of the team is receiving the instruction from the presenter while the other group is applying what they have learned on the other part of the ice under the direction of the coach.

A training manual will be left with the team coach which will provide follow-up instructional sessions for future practices during the season.

GAME APPRECIATION INSTRUCTOR'S GUIDE

Hockey Organizations outside of Ontario may take advantage of the "Game Appreciation Seminar Series" by receiving a special "Instructor’s Guide" and copies of the manual for use by a local facilitator.

This guide book will be available in the fall of 2004 and will be distributed to Association Reps who will attend an in-depth training workshop where they will be given explicit instructions on how to conduct the "Game Appreciation Seminar" back in their own home jurisdiction.