HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE & OVERVIEW 

In June 0f 2022, newly elected NYSAHA President Eric Guzdek, formed a committee to review and evaluate the effectiveness of all current NYSAHA programming related to development. Upon completing the review, the committee was asked to create and implement enhancements to the development opportunities we offer to all our members including players of all ages and abilities, coaches, officials, administrators, and parents. 

The committee has met regularly since that time, and has involved experts from within USAH and other Districts and Affiliates, in the formation of a development model and implementation strategy that we feel is unique and special to New York. 

The plan is designed to be a long-term project that serves as guideline to local associations for providing their members the best possible hockey programming and experience possible. The model is a living document that will evolve and change as all stakeholders from USAH on down continue to discover ways to make our game even better. 

MODEL HIGHLIGHTS 

1. Focuses primarily on how associations can best develop all players and coaches. 
2. Outlines specific programming recommendations for each age classification, regardless of skill level. 
3. Outlines specific program staffing suggestions at the local association level. 
4. Details NYSAHA and USAH program resources available to support implementation at the local level. 
5. Details NYSAHA and USAH staff resources available to support local staff within the association. 
6. Details Player Development opportunities for both recreational and travel players at each age classification. 
7. Outlines competition opportunities for teams at the appropriate age classifications. 
8. Establishes an interactive support network between local organizations and the NYSAHA/USAH related to implementing programming, assisting in coaching compliance, and enhancing coaching education and skill. 
9. Places all information in one document, and modernizes job descriptions to better reflect ADM/LTAD philosophies and the core values deemed essential. 

ASSOCIATION REQUIREMENT 

We will be asking each local association to identify one point of contact to oversee the implementation and delivery of the ADM/LTAD programming at all levels, administrative aspects of coaching compliance, and enhancing coaching skills. The Core Value Coordinator(CVC) would primarily oversee the efforts of the local ADM, ACE, and Coaching coordinators that may currently be in place. Specific job descriptions, along with a detailed plan for supporting the local CVC, will be provided some time in October via a webinar/zoom meeting for CVC’s across the state. Our goal is to have all local organizations identify a CVC by OCTOBER 7th.