Coaches Corner
DISCIPLINE - WHAT IS IT?

The dictionary's definition states that discipline is "training which corrects, molds, or perfects the mental faculties or moral character; behavior which results from such training; obedience to authority or rules; punishment to correct poor behavior". But for hockey this definition isn't enough.

When we're talking discipline at home we are usually talking about behavior and rules and an overall code of conduct. Some of it is communicated verbally. Some of it is put in written form and posted on the refrigerator as a daily reminder or affirmation. Some of it is a series of unwritten guidelines that experience dictates to us. Mostly all of it is common sense, even though it may be carried out in very different ways from one home to the next. At any rate, the common ground is simple. All kids need discipline.

Discipline in schools also has it's own set of rules. In a much more structured environment, there are many do's and don'ts. Do raise your hand to ask or answer a question. Don't interrupt the teacher or fellow classmates. Do be prompt and courteous. Don't push or yell. Again, different schools and different teachers may have more or less discipline than others. But, the common ground is simple. All kids need discipline.

When we're talking discipline in hockey we are including the code of conduct and the do's and don'ts, but hockey discipline is much more complex for two reasons. First, it applies not only to the kids, but also to everyone associated with the game. The parents, fans, officials, coaches, etc. all need to display this code of conduct and be aware of the do's and don'ts as evidenced by our zero tolerance program. Often times it is the kids that show the discipline, while the parents are lacking. The zero tolerance topic, however, is a completely different article. Second, there exists a whole other realm of discipline well beyond the code of conduct and the do's and don'ts. It's this hockey discipline that needs further explanation.

One might say that a disciplined team is a team that doesn't take many penalties, but it goes a lot further than that. A disciplined team understands the system that has been implemented and practiced and is able to execute it effectively and efficiently. A disciplined team understands the benefits of good line changes and staying fresh while catching the other team on a long shift. A disciplined team understands the importance of the two bluelines and why it is critical to not turn the puck over in those areas. A disciplined team is very attune to these and other team related areas and is never selfish with their decision making.

A disciplined team is a joy to watch, but a disciplined individual hockey player is a thing of beauty and a rare sight! A disciplined hockey player responds well to instruction and feedback from coaches, keeps his/her cool when things get physical or when things aren't going well and performs at a high level of intensity in games and an even higher level in practices. A disciplined hockey player understands their role on the team and always puts the team first. This type of player is able to adjust to playing different positions and with different players, and is a positive team person in the locker room and on the bench. Furthermore, a disciplined player constantly works on improving skills, demonstrates the ability to overcome adversity, withstands the rigorous traveling schedule (along with school), remains focused both coming and going and is able to work through slumps and injuries.

Having said that, a truly disciplined hockey player is a rare occurrence indeed and it's these types of players that excel at the youth level and go on to play hockey into their late teens and beyond. At that stage the skill level evens out and it becomes more of a mental game, reading and reacting to situations, and the disciplined teams and individuals enjoy much of the success.

Parents and teachers can instill discipline at home and at school, but hockey discipline is much more complex. It often goes well beyond the coach and the onus is on the individual to combine all disciplines into a strong sense of self-discipline. At any rate, the discipline demonstrated by our youth hockey players is a direct reflection of the discipline that is being instilled by their parents, their teachers and their coaches. It's the code of conduct, the do's and don'ts and the hockey discipline all in one. Whether your kid plays one more year or five more years, they still need discipline as all kids do. It's important now because they will develop self-discipline and that's what will be important ten years from now.