COACHES SURVEY

2004 - 2005 Coaches Survey Results

Meadowvale Minor Hockey Association (MMHA) would like to thank all those who participated in this year’s online Coaches survey. Your feedback was very useful and will help us continue to improve the association and its service to players for years to come. Of the 419 surveys submitted, only 4 surveys where excluded due to invalid e-mail addresses. The 415 completed surveys represent a 28.5% return rate, well beyond the expected 10% return rate showing that Meadowvale participants are interested in helping to improve the association.

Below are three graphs showing the results for the main areas in the survey: Teaching, Organization and Leadership. After the graphs are some follow up notes resulting from the comments area of the survey.

The MMHA is continually looking for ways to improve the hockey experience for all players and we look forward to you completing another survey for next years’ season.

Thank-you,

Paul D. Wilson

Assistant House League Director

Meadowvale Minor Hockey Association

Teaching

The first section of the surveyed asked about teaching skills of Meadowvale's coaches. 89% rated the Teaching skills of Meadowvale coaches as above average.

Organization

The second area of the survey asked about organization. This again was very positive with 91.0% of the survey respondents indicating that Meadowvale's coaches were above average in their organization skills.

Leadership

The third area of the survey was Leadership. This is where Meadowvale coaches excelled: 94.0 % of survey respondents thought that the Leadership skills of Meadowvale’s coaches were above average. In the subcategory, "Showed respect towards players" 99% of the participants thought Meadowvale coaches were average or above.

Conclusions

Overall, the participation and feedback from the survey was overwhelmingly positive. It did not matter which division you were in or at which skill level. We received a balanced return rate resulting in a good cross reference. As a whole, survey respondents felt that 97.2 % of Meadowvale coaches were at or above average. This is a fantastic news considering that Meadowvale is the largest association in Mississauga, and all of our Coaches, Assistant Coaches, Trainers, Managers and Board Members are volunteers.

Top Ten Themes/Questions

1) Equitable Ice Time

One of Meadowvale's main philosophies that helps to create a more enjoyable experience and a better learning experience is that of “Equitable ice time for all players”. All Meadowvale coaches and staff understand this philosophy and agree to this policy as part of coaching at Meadowvale.

Equitable ice time does not mean equal time for each player in each game. MHL games do not run on a buzzer system for line changes. Shift times will vary depending on the game play. Lines can get mixed up for a variety of reasons especially after a penalty. Ice time for all players should balance throughout the season, not by game.

2) 50/50 Shot at Winning

Another of Meadowvale's philosophies is that all Meadowvale teams should have a 50/50 chance of winning at the start of the season. Any other ratio would mean an imbalance in either offensive or defensive play: all skills would not be fully challenged in game situations. MMHA tries to ensure that each of its house league teams at the start of the season to have a 50/50 chance of winning or losing every game. In divisions where we have two or more teams, every effort is made to balance the teams before play begins. This is a monumental task considering the number of teams/players required at each division and skill level. Then after the season develops the team aspect of the game takes over along with coaching skills to determine the win/loss ratio.

3) Balanced teams at Meadowvale

This takes place if two or more Meadowvale teams are playing in the same division at the same skill level. The MMHA tries to ensure that such teams are as equal as possible so that at the start of the season one team is not any stronger than the other. These teams are then carefully watched by MHL conveners, MMHA conveners and by the Head Coaches involved during the six week convening period. If a team is deemed out of balance changes will be made.

4) Specialty instructors

Meadowvale would like to be able to offer specialty instructors. Many ideas and efforts have been put forth to accomplish this but we hit a road block every time. In order to provide for specialty instructor more ice time is required. Our ice time is capped by the City of Mississauga. We will not be provided with any more ice time.

5) Safety Concerns

Safety is a number one concern. If you notice any safety issue immediately bring it to the attention of the proper authority. If it is a safety concern that the coach and staff have control over please direct your concern to them. Safety issues related to an Arena should be directed to the local facilities manager. If your concern is not being address then please contact the President at Meadowvale. No safety issue should be left unaddressed.

6) Issues with Coaches

If you have a difference with a coach or staff your first step is the talk to them. If one party is upset provide a 24 hour cooling off period. Raising the subject immediately may just create a larger problem. If you are uncomfortable approaching a coach, you can always try talking to a fellow parent on the team. They can act as a liaison for you. Don’t let problems fester as this usually makes them worse. If your issue is still present after talking with the staff, your actions are not being dealt with or you feel uncomfortable approaching any one on the team then please feel free to contact one of the appropriate MMHA board directors: President, Vice President of Operations, Mohawk Director, House league Director and Assistant House League Director. They will assist you.

7) Arena Admission

Meadowvale and the other seven area associations in the Mississauga Hockey League do not have any control over the Arena Admission rates. This is administered, set by and is the main source of revenue for the Mississauga Hockey League. This is what pays for the rental of the game ice (not practice ice which we pay for), referees, time keepers and the scheduler. Meadowvale Minor Hockey only has two sources of revenue, Player Registration and Team Sponsors.

8) Convening

For the first six weeks of every hockey season all house league teams and players go through the Convening process.  The purpose of this process is to ensure that, as best can be accomplished, like-skilled players are placed at the appropriate level, and that like-skilled teams are placed against each other.  This may result in some player or team movement from one division to another, either upwards or downwards.  The underlying philosophy, which is one that Meadowvale believes in strongly, is that players and team should be placed in divisions where they will be competitive, where they will neither dominate or be dominated on a consistent basis throughout the season.  Every association in the league along with the MHL board is responsible for studying and evaluating every team and every player in the league during the six week convening period. With 7,300 players in the MHL this is an immense task. This is not a perfect but it is the best process available and a model that other Leagues are constantly inquiring about and trying to adopt.

9) Nutrition

This is something as a society we all struggle with. Proper nutrition goes well beyond the hockey arena. Proper pregame and post game meals are a must for on ice performance and skill development. We can all help by making young athletes and guardians more aware of this issue. Ever wonder why performance can vary greatly? Many times players skip meals before an early morning practice or when games or practices conflict with meal time. Even the most basic factor of water is often ignored. How may players bring water bottles to evaluations, practices or games? Remember to do your part, encouraging proper nutrition. When it is your turn for the teams post game drink/snack keep nutrition in mind.

10) Ice Times

In Mississauga and especially at Meadowvale we are limited by sheets of ice that are available. The City of Mississauga does not plan to build any more arenas in the future. This will further increase the pressure for ice time with the growing popularity of hockey and increasing population in the area. We are only allocated so many sheets each season and have fully utilized each sheet. Practice ice is the largest expenditure for your registration and any change to the current allocation of practice ice time would drastically increase registration costs.