Elite Hockey Canada - Accountability: Why it Matters.

Accountability in Hockey: Why It Matters and How to Implement It

by Jeff Lynt

Feb 9th

Accountability is a crucial aspect of a successful hockey team, and it's crucial that coaches take early action to establish clear rules, criteria, and moral standards, so that players know what's expected of them both on and off the ice. Failure to establish proper accountability early on can lead to problems as the season progresses. In this article, we'll delve into the importance of accountability in hockey, including why it's vital to address any issues early, and the disastrous consequences that can result if the coaching staff fails to take ownership.

Hockey is a team sport and success depends on everyone working together towards a common goal. It is a sport that requires a strong commitment to teamwork, respect, and sportsmanship.

The coaching staff must set the tone and enforce accountability early in the season in order to maintain a positive and productive team environment. Without proper accountability, the team may lack focus, direction and the necessary discipline to achieve their goals.

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Accountability & Teamwork Go Hand & Hand:

Accountability and teamwork are closely related and can greatly impact each other. Accountability helps create a culture of responsibility and dependability, where each member is accountable for their actions and contributions towards the team goal. This can lead to increased trust and cohesiveness among team members, which in turn strengthens teamwork. On the other hand, a lack of accountability can lead to a breakdown in trust and collaboration, resulting in a negative impact on the team dynamic and ultimately, team performance.

Setting Proper Standards:

As mentioned above, the key is to establish clear rules and criteria early on in the season. This helps ensure a safe, respectful, and positive environment for all players, free of any biases, favoritism and discrimination. It is imperative for the coaches to take ownership of the actions of their players, both on the ice and in the dressing room, and to provide clear guidance on what is expected of them in terms of behavior and performance.

Coaches and team leaders, (captains and assistants) must help to foster a positive culture of accountability within their team. This can involve setting expectations for player behavior, providing feedback and coaching to help players improve, and holding players responsible for their actions. The messaging should be clear and consistent, and there should be consequences for not conforming.

Establishing moral standards is an important aspect of accountability in hockey. The coach must set the tone for what is acceptable in terms of behavior and attitudes. This helps to create a positive atmosphere in the dressing room and helps to build team spirit. In addition, when coaches establish clear moral standards, it becomes easier to identify and address any problems that may arise in the dressing room.

It’s important for coaches to set on ice principles and emphasize playing the game the right way, not just being individualistic. This includes avoiding bad habits such as shooting from poor angles, not passing the puck up the ice to a player in a better position, and other similar actions that can be detrimental to the team’s performance. The coach must take the lead in reinforcing positive habits and correcting negative ones to ensure that the team plays effectively and consistently. If these habits are not addressed early on, they can become ingrained and have a negative impact on team morale and overall success. The coach must be proactive in addressing these issues to ensure that all players are contributing to the best of their abilities.

Monitoring:

The coach's role in accountability goes beyond setting expectations. The coach must also take a proactive approach in monitoring the team's behavior and quickly recognizing and addressing any problems that arise. This includes addressing individual players who may be struggling with poor habits, or ensuring that the team is not engaging in any harmful or discriminatory practices. The coach must also be vigilant in recognizing and addressing any negative dynamics that may be developing within the dressing room.

The coach's responsibility to be accountable extends to all players, regardless of their position or skill level. Failure to take this responsibility seriously can lead to a decline in team results, as well as players quitting hockey altogether. Coaches must monitor their players' actions and behavior and must be quick to recognize any problems that arise. By leading by example, being clear about expectations, and taking ownership of their players' actions, coaches can help create a safe, respectful, and positive environment for everyone involved in the sport of hockey.

Coach's Encouragement and Accountability:

Coaches play a crucial role in shaping the culture, atmosphere and accountability of the team. By being mindful of their words and actions, coaches can set a positive tone that encourages growth, development, and success for all players. A coach should strive to be a positive role model, promoting a supportive, inclusive, and respectful environment for their players. This includes avoiding insensitive comments and avoiding any biases or favoritism. By avoiding negative comments and belittling behavior, coaches can build players' confidence and self-esteem, rather than damaging it. Encouraging and supporting all players is key to fostering their growth and development. This can be achieved by recognizing and valuing each player's strengths and individuality, and providing guidance and encouragement. A coach should encourage all players to pursue their dreams by encouraging and support all players, no matter their skill level or aspirations. By fostering a positive and productive team dynamic, coaches can help their players reach their full potential. By leading by example and holding themselves and their players accountable, coaches can create a winning culture that is based on positivity, respect, and support. By embracing this approach, coaches can help their players feel valued and respected, leading to a more positive and productive team dynamic. In turn, players will be more likely to push their limits, work together as a team, and reach their goals, both on and off the ice. Ultimately, a coach's role is to empower and inspire their players, not to discourage or limit their potential.

Player Accountability:

Player Accountability refers to the responsibility a player has for their own actions and performance on the ice. This includes following the team’s game plan, working hard in practice, making the most of opportunities on game day and most of all acting with strong moral character. A player who is accountable knows that their own actions and performance directly impacts the success of the team, and they take ownership of their role in that success.

Being accountable towards acting appropriately and playing the right way in hockey involves embracing teamwork and good habits. It means encouraging others and not being individualistic, but rather playing within the team's system and making the right decisions for the benefit of the group. This can include making the extra pass, supporting your teammates, and putting in the effort to backcheck and play solid defense. By being accountable towards playing the right way, players become better teammates, increase team success, and ultimately elevate their own game to a higher level. This type of accountability fosters a positive environment and builds a winning culture.

Consequences

Numerous articles, reports, and personal accounts have highlighted the negative impact of the lack of accountability in sports teams. These issues can lead to bullying, hazing, discrimination, and other forms of toxic behavior among team members. The negative effects can not only impact team dynamics and performance but also the mental and physical well-being of individual players. To prevent these issues, it is important for coaches and team leaders to establish a culture of accountability and ensure that everyone adheres to the same standards and values.

In conclusion,

Ultimately, the coach's role in ensuring accountability cannot be understated. By establishing and maintaining a culture of accountability, coaches can create a productive team dynamic, improve player's performance and reach their common goal. Coaches and team leaders play a key role in fostering accountability by setting expectations, providing feedback, and holding players responsible for their actions. By setting clear rules, criteria and moral standards, communicating expectations consistently, encouraging players to take responsibility, and providing opportunities for players to make decisions, coaches can develop the next generation of leaders in the sport.

Finally, by players being responsible for their own actions, working hard in practice, and taking ownership of their role on the team, players can help to drive success and create a winning culture.

For information in Setting up good Accountability practices and the positive outcomes by doing so, see the link to our page here at < Team Accountability >.

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Jeff Lynt

Is a Head Scout with Elite Hockey Canada. He is a certified hockey scout with SMWW - Sports Management Worldwide. jeff.lynt@elitehockeycanada.com or jlynt@smww.com