End-of-Year Surveys: A Key Tool for Improving Your Hockey Organization's Performance

March 25th

by Jeff Lynt

As the hockey season draws to a close, it's important for coaches and organizations to evaluate their performance and identify areas where positive changes can be made. One of the most valuable tools for doing so is the end-of-year player and parent satisfaction survey. It is important to take stock of the past months and reflect on what went well and what could be improved for the future. The results of the year are the culmination of many steps and initiatives that led up to where things ended up. It is critical to learn from experiences and gather feedback to help identify areas of strength and areas that need improvement. That's why it's so important to conduct an end-of-year satisfaction survey to hear from players and their families about their experiences with the organization. Best practice organizations conduct these surveys that provide an opportunity for stakeholders to share their honest opinions and experiences, helping coaches and organizations to improve team performance on the ice.

The organization's responsibility to the players and parents is multifaceted. It's essential to provide a safe and inclusive environment for all players. The organization should have clear policies and guidelines on issues such as harassment, bullying, and discrimination, and should take swift action to address any violations. Additionally, the organization should ensure that players have access to appropriate training, equipment, and resources to support their development.

The organization should have a clear vision and direction for the team. This includes setting goals for player development, team performance, and community engagement. The organization should communicate these goals clearly to players and parents and provide regular updates on progress towards achieving them. Furthermore, the organization should have guidelines in place for coaches to follow, outlining expectations for coaching style, communication, and behavior towards players and parents.

At the heart of it all, these surveys are about accountability. The accountability of the organization and of the coaching staff are what should be considered. The coach is responsible for following the organization's guidelines and promoting inclusiveness, team chemistry, appropriate handling of cliques, biases and favoritism, personal and team performance, and developing player development plans.

A good coach can inspire players, build team morale, and lead the team to victories. However, not all coaches are created equal, and it's important to evaluate the coaching staff. Coaches should follow clear principles and guidelines, such as clear communication with both players and parents, a focus on skill development, a positive and supportive coaching style, and a commitment to building team morale. They should also be open to feedback and willing to make changes to improve their coaching style.

By regularly soliciting feedback and acting on it, organizations and coaches can create a positive, inclusive environment that fosters player development and success. It's important to communicate the purpose of the survey and how the results will be used to make positive changes. By doing so, organizations and coaches can foster a greater sense of trust and loyalty among stakeholders, which can lead to a stronger and more cohesive organization overall.

The questionnaire should be carefully crafted to align with the organization's goals and objectives. It's a good idea to make the questionnaire anonymous or allow for an optional anonymous response option to encourage honest feedback. Coaches should also have a plan in place to review and act on the feedback received. By doing so, coaches can demonstrate to their players and parents that their input is not only valued but also taken seriously.

It's important to understand that these surveys are not meant to be a personal attack on the organization or its staff, but rather a way to improve the organization as a whole. Feedback is a vital component of any successful organization, and without it, there is no way to know where improvements need to be made. By using the survey results to fuel new initiatives and actions, coaches and organizations can create a culture of openness and transparency, where they are committed to constantly improving their skills and providing the best possible experience for their players.

In conclusion, the end-of-year player and parent satisfaction survey is a valuable tool for coaches and organizations looking to improve their team's performance. By regularly soliciting feedback and acting on it, coaches and organizations can create a positive, inclusive environment that fosters player development and success. It's important to communicate the purpose of the survey and how the results will be used to make positive changes. By doing so, coaches and organizations can foster a greater sense of trust and loyalty among stakeholders, which can lead to a stronger and more cohesive organization.

If your organization doesn't do satisfaction surveys, send them this article and ask them to consider taking feedback from players and parents like all best practice organizations do.