Special Hockey USA Hockey Coaching Education Program for

Special Hockey USA Hockey Coaching Education Program for Disabled Hockey

Disabled Hockey USA Hockey’s Disabled Section sanctions 4 distinct disciplines: • • Sled Hockey Amputee Hockey Deaf/Hard of Hearing Hockey Special Hockey

Developmental Disabilities • Affects 4. 5 million Americans (1. 65% of U. S. population) • Severe, life-long ailments attributable to mental and/or physical impairments, manifested before age 22 • Substantial limitations in 3 or more these areas of major life core competencies: • Capacity for independent living • Economic self-sufficiency • Learning • Mobility • Receptive & expressive language • Self-care/direction

What Are DD’s? The most common: • Autism Spectrum Disorders • Down Syndrome • Neurological Disorders • (i. e. Tourette’s Syndrome) • Mental Retardation • Cerebral Palsy • ADD/ADHD

Coaching Autistic Players Northlight Photography

Definition • Autism is a complex developmental disorder that appears in the first 3 years of life, although it is sometimes diagnosed much later. It affects the brain's normal development of social and communication skills. Common features of autism include impaired social interactions, impaired verbal and nonverbal communication, problems processing information from the senses, and restricted and repetitive patterns of behavior. The symptoms may vary from moderate to severe. Two related, milder conditions are Asperger syndrome and "pervasive development disorder not otherwise specified" (PDD-NOS).

Facts • • • 1 in 150 U. S. children are Autistic* 1 in 94 in New Jersey!!!!* Affects boys 3 -4 times more often* More than 80% are under 21^ The number of those aged 6 -21 receiving services for Autism increased from 22, 664 to 193, 637 (1994 -2005)* • Autism is the fastest growing developmental disability~ *Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Study; Feb. 2007 ^Autism Speaks ~Autism Society of America

American Special Hockey Association (ASHA) More than 70 ASHA teams and counting… Mission: To give those with physical and developmental disabilities the chance to play hockey in an environment that is completely adapted to the level of ability which the athletes are able to participate.

What We Do ASHA emphasizes the development of desirable individual characteristics such as: • • • Dependability Self-reliance Ability to concentrate Willingness to share Personal accountability

What’s So Special? Neuro-Typical vs. Special Hockey **3 Major Differences** • Age (5 -Adult) • Degree of disability • Skill level/physical limitations

What it Looks Like

Six Words • Earnest Hemingway once bet a man in a bar that he could write a story in six words: • “For Sale, baby Shoes. Never Used. ”

Six Words • “Born knowing nothing. Know less now. ” • "We're restrained by our own perception. " • "Keep on asking lots of questions. “ • “Failed SAT. Lost scholarship. Invented rocket. ” --William Shatner • Wake up. Do good stuff. Sleep.

How Do We Do It? We make it work. Our own way… Northlight Photography

Games • No off-sides or icing • Penalties enforced (penalty shot TBD) • 1 -2 “floaters” allowed on ice/team • 2 -minute shifts • Opposing coaches work together Northlight Photography

Adaptive Skill Practices • What coaches are doing around ASHA Commonalities: ÷ ice ▼ player/coach ratio Skill stations Game situations Free time Fun Northlight Photography

Communication & Instruction • Use clear, simple language & speak slowly • Ask parent if there are key phrases • Demonstrate whenever possible (coaches) • Repetition is key (routine is soothing) • Visual aids can make huge impact (spray paint) • Be aware of each child’s learning preference • Tone of voice or noise in the environment • Physical proximity *NJ COSAC

Comprehension THEY MAY: YOU COULD: q Appear not to listen ü Touch on shoulder, make eye contact; understand? q Confuse direction ü “Go to top of circle” vs. “Come & stand right here” q Fail to follow instructions ü Have them repeat *Laurie Kennedy “Special Hockey Coaching Guide”

Humor, Sarcasm & Figurative Speech • Literal interpretation • “Lend me a hand. ” • “Let’s hit the ice. ” • “What’s up? ” • “Stick down. ” • “Eyes Up. ” • “That blue line’s high today” Northlight Photography

Rules & Expectations • Expect what you expect from children WITHOUT disabilities • If players break the rules, issue a penalty like everybody else • Game rules & sportsmanship can be learned if coaches provide consistent messages • Recognize good performance • When do you need to have modified expectations? Northlight Photography

Safety • Hidden dangers of the locker room, practice/game environment (helmet rule) • Starts with listening to parents • Time of day can be a factor (medication) • Physical environment can present unexpected hazards Northlight Photography

Measuring Success What does success look like? Neuro-Typical Hockey vs. Special Hockey ?

Are You Successful? Have you changed behavior in a positive way? NON-VERBAL: • Pursuing the puck • Grasp of game concept HIGH FUNCTIONING: • Mastering puck handling • Grasp of team concept LIFE: • Mainstream school/team • Social maturity • Employment Northlight Photography

Being A Youth Hockey Mentor Why bother? Youth Hockey Player: Challenging/rewarding; college prep; career choice planning Youth Hockey Organization: Builds character; community relations; sets an example (i. e. parents, other hockey orgs, Atlantic District)

“ 50 Hockey Things to Do Before You Die” • USA Hockey Magazine published a list in Sept. 2007 No. 33: No. 33 ü“Coach a special hockey team. ”

Growth Area Teams: Hackensack, NJ West Orange, NJ Woodbridge, NJ Aston, PA Bucks County, PA Long Island, NY Westchester, NY Albany, NY Bridgeport, CT Goal: Reach 100 ASHA programs by 2010

Baltimore/ Washington Growth Area Teams: Laurel, MD Washington Ice Dogs Baltimore Saints Reistertown, MD Montgomery Cheetahs Rockville, MD NOVA Cool Cats Arlington, VA ASHA has Reach 80 programs

Awareness

Questions?

To Learn More www. novacoolcats. org www. usahockey. com www. americanspecialhockey. org NOVA Cool Cats Special Hockey, Inc. Contacts Randy Brawley / madref@verizon. net