The English Ice Hockey Association
Under 10’s Handbook
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EIHA Under 10’s Handbook (2nd issue) Revised Edition February 2013 supersedes all other editions. The EIHA Coaching Programme reserves the right to amend and update these procedures as and when necessary
This Handbook has been produced by the EIHA Coach Education Programme to help Clubs to plan, organise and run their U10 Game Days. The EIHA would like to thank the IIHF Sport Development Programme and the USA Hockey Development Programme for their continued support.
Please ensure that all League officials, Club officials, U10 Coaches, and U10 Managers have read and understood the rules and guidelines detailed in this Handbook.
U10 Handbook distribution checklist
EIHA League Administrators / YMC EIHA Fixtures secretaries EIHA Referees Club Fixtures secretaries Club Head Coaches U10 Coaches U10 Managers U10 parents/guardians
If you have any questions, please ask us.
Coaching www.eiha.co.uk/CoachingCentre/CoachingContacts
Fixtures North/Midlands: Dave Hayward
dshayward@btopenworld.com
South:
tony.lack@gmail.com
Tony Lack
______________________________________________________________________________
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Contents 1.
INTRODUCTION..........................................................................................p3
1.1
WHAT UNDER 10 ICE HOCKEY IS ALL ABOUT
2.
IMPLEMENTATION......................................................................................p6
2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4
ADMINISTRATION PLAYER REGISTRATION U10 GAME DAY FIXTURES ICE TIME REQUIREMENT
3.
EIHA PLAYING RULES FOR UNDER 10’s......................................................p8
3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 3.6 3.7 3.8 3.9 3.10 3.11 3.12
4.
GAME ORGANISATION CREATING THE GAME DAY EXPERIENCE TEAM OFFICIALS GAME OFFICIALS NUMBER OF PLAYERS LINE CHANGES TIMING PLAYING TIME / instructions for using the CD/MP3 PENALTIES FACE OFFS CREATING A COMPETITIVE ENVIRONMENT SCORING
HOW THE GAME DAYS WORK....................................................................p14
4.1 4.2
5.
CENTRE ICE SKILLS ZONE CROSS ICE PLAYING SURFACE
EQUIPMENT..............................................................................................p17
5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4
6.
CROSS ICE RINK DIVIDERS GOAL NETS GOAL INSERTS LIGHTWEIGHT BLUE PUCKS
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.....................................................................p20
UNDER 10 GAME DAY CHECKLIST...................................................................p23
SKILLS ZONE PLANNER...............................................................................p24
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1. INTRODUCTION 1.1 WHAT UNDER 10 ICE HOCKEY IS ALL ABOUT Hockey at the U10 level is all about the kids being engaged and active. Keep in mind that it is critical at this age for kids to have fun. Players that have fun will want to return, and by getting them to return we can further their development.
WE NEED EVERYBODY ON THE SAME TEAM Clubs, teams, coaches and parents are asked to put development first when it comes to running their Under 10 programmes. If this is to work for the players, parents, coaches and administrators; communication and education is a top priority. Clubs need to have an ongoing communication plan in place to educate their parents and staff.
DEVELOPMENT AS A PRIORITY It is important that coaches and Clubs take the time to inform and educate both themselves and the parents of the players about the U10 programme and the role it plays in the lifelong enjoyment of the game of hockey. It is important for all our coaches and parents to create a positive environment for all players.
Why does the EIHA want Under 10’s to use a smaller surface for games? The cross-ice practicing and playing model has been used in many of the leading hockey nations in the world for a number of years and has stood the test of time. The worldwide governing body for ice hockey, the International Ice Hockey Federation, recommends that Under 10’s should play hockey across the width of the ice surface. While many leading countries may have far more kids playing, more rinks and more ice time for games and training, they have still chosen to use and continue to use the cross ice model. Like many other sports, we have modified the playing environment to fit the physical size of our kids. By doing this, kids get to play a version of the real hockey game that is actually more comparable in key areas than a full-ice game is for kids of this size. Cross Ice refers to playing across the width of the rink, rather than the length. This term can also refer to a scaled down, reduced area (child sized) playing surface. Because children could be made to play on an adult size ice rink, it does not mean that they should. A child playing on a full ice surface is the same as an adult playing ice hockey on an ice rink the size of a football field!
Benefits of cross-ice hockey:
Creates a stronger challenge for our more skilled players by having them face more opposition in a smaller space and therefore requiring a greater degree of skill improvement. Builds the confidence of our new and lesser-skilled players. FUN in a competitive learning environment. Even NHL teams use smaller-area games to increase competitiveness, teach the game at a high tempo and keep the game fun! The cross-ice playing surface provides the same stride distance for a child as a full size rink does for an adult. Scoring. Scoring. Scoring. Almost the entire playing area becomes a scoring zone. This both encourages and increases the opportunity for players to shoot and score. Goaltenders experience more game-like action. Increases the use of the core skating skills like agility, balance, coordination and quickness. Number of puck battles is significantly increased.
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Benefits of cross-ice hockey:
Teaches players at a young age to control the middle of the rink both offensively and defensively. Repetition of the most important skating and puck control skills is increased and the environment is better suited to the cognitive development of the players. Being able to make plays and protect the puck in traffic is a huge difference maker on kids succeeding at higher levels. Fundamental skills are reinforced at a greater rate through game play. The geometry of the game is enhanced. When playing on the smaller surface, kids are put in similar situations as when professional players are playing on full ice. This promotes more effective passing, receiving and support. There is less time and space, which increases the frequency of making hockey decisions, provides a better environment for teaching ice awareness and boosts hockey sense. Incidental physical contact is increased in small-area play. This forces kids to play with their head up in a safer environment than full-ice hockey, and better prepares them for the introduction of body contact and checking skills at older age groups. Higher intensity level of competition
A USA Hockey study of the 60 minute full-ice running-time game found that the actual playing time was less than 21 minutes! • In a 60-minute hockey game between 6- to 8-year-old children, the average player had possession of the puck for only 20.7 seconds. • Top NHL and international players were also timed and no player exceeded 85 seconds of puck possession time. • Youth players took an average of less than 0.5 shots per game and only 1.5 shots per game for junior and professional players.
The study concluded that: For young players in the “full-ice game model” of development, the youngest players would require 180 games (In England, with an 18 game season, that would take 10 years!) Many Under 10 players never touched the puck in the full ice game! The older youth players would require 80 games to enjoy 60 minutes of actual puck possession time to execute their stick handling, passing, pass receiving and shooting skills. Professional and international players would require 60 games to ensure 60 minutes of puck-control skill development.
“If a British child spends most of their time sitting on the player’s bench when they are young, you are not teaching them to play ice hockey, you are teaching them how to sit on the bench. Then when they are adults, that is where they will be, sitting on the bench not playing”. Juhani Wahlsten Finnish National Team / Hall of Fame
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Is there enough room? Isn’t it too crowded playing cross ice? In a full ice adult hockey game the majority of the time is spent in either one end of the rink or the other, with one team trying to score and the other trying to stop them. Teams spend as little time as possible crossing the middle of the ice. There are 12 adults in an end zone during an adult hockey match, using the same amount of space as the kids playing cross ice. If there is enough room for adult NHL players, there is plenty of room for children to play the game.
10 adult NHL players, an adult NHL netminder and a referee during an ice hockey match
The situations where the game is won and lost occur repeatedly in the reduced area games.
Puck touches to ice time ratio on full ice
Puck touches to ice time ratio on cross ice
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2. IMPLEMENTATION
Flexibility is a key component of Under 10 hockey. Each Club is unique to itself in terms of its registered players, age demographics, ice time availability etc. Clubs need to follow the rules and guidelines and tailor their programmes to their individual situation in their quest to provide the best experience possible. Adjusting the game play or small area competitive games to accommodate the number of players on any given day is an important part of implementation. It is detrimental to the development of the players to sacrifice the skills practice in the centre zone just to increase the playing surface. Coaches need to be flexible to keep kids engaged and increase activity.
2.1 ADMINISTRATION Overview: Under 10 teams are placed in groups, with four teams per group
Clubs are grouped geographically to reduce travel time and costs as much as possible. Each group should have a mix of Clubs that are predominantly Division 1 and Division 2 to expose D2 players/parents/coaches to D1 environment and to share best practice between clubs.
Clubs with less players (previously no U10 or shared U10) grouped with clubs that have more, so all get more ice time by sharing. All rinks are then providing game ice to U10’s. Clubs with second teams in 2011/2012 season have had 2 places allocated, this may change dependant on numbers registered. New rinks/new teams may be added as required
2.2
Rinks with a small ice surface are placed in groups with rinks with larger ice surfaces to ensure all players benefit from the additional centre ice practice. No group should include more than one club with a small ice surface.
PLAYER REGISTRATION
To help clubs that have not had their own Under 10 team and to ensure all Clubs are contributing ice time and are able to participate, no minimum numbers are required to enter a team
New to the sport under 10 players are allowed to register at any time, including after the transfer deadline, on an unrestricted licence so they can play in U10 game days as soon as possible.
The transfer deadline remains for existing U10’s so as to not affect U12 league teams
2.3
U10 GAME DAY FIXTURES
The U10 Game Day fixtures are not challenge games.
They are as important as any older age group EIHA league fixtures. Clubs must allocate ice time and commit to fulfil all fixtures as with all other age groups league fixture requirements.
Any Club that refuses to travel should be reported to the EIHA and may be subject to disciplinary action.
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2.4
Ice Time Requirement
To help clubs that have not had their own Under 10 team and to ensure all Clubs are able to participate, there is a minimum ice time requirement.
Each club must provide a minimum of 3 home U10 game day ice slots during the season. Each game slot should be a minimum of 1 hour 30 minutes and maximum of 3 hours duration.
Fixtures Secretaries will schedule the Group Game Days using the ice time provided
Clubs then use their remaining slots to schedule additional EIHA sanctioned cross ice game days against teams from other groups to provide variety.
Group game days should be spread out across the season so that there are regular playing opportunities. Any extended gaps between Group games should have additional EIHA sanctioned cross ice games added where possible.
Consideration must be given to the face off times and travel times for U10 games to ensure that suitable slots are allocated.
Example: 4 teams x minimum 3 home fixtures (approx 1hr 30 mins ice) Each team plays 3 games each at every game day event. 4 clubs x 3 home slots = 12 game day fixtures each Minimum 12 game days x 3 games per team = 36 cross ice games Plus a minimum of 12 additional 1 hour 30 minutes centre zone practice sessions per team = 18 hours extra practice ice
Clubs can then multiply this by adding as many additional game days as possible on their remaining dates, providing variety for the players KEY POINTS:
U10 Game Days are not the same as U10 Jamborees. EIHA U10 game day fixtures are not challenge games Clubs that have previously allocated 6 or 8 home ice slots to Under 10’s are expected to continue do this. Clubs must not use this minimum requirement as justification to only allocate 3 slots. Only EIHA registered U10 players can take part in EIHA U10 fixtures. A team list must be produced from Fixtures Live for every fixture, as with all other EIHA leagues. The home club must notify the EIHA that the fixture has taken place, and inform the EIHA of any disciplinary issues. Game Sheets are not required.
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3.
EIHA PLAYING RULES FOR UNDER 10’s
These are the official EIHA rules and guidelines for Under 10’s The Playing Rules for Under 10’s have been tested and developed over time in many leading countries around the world. They have been included in this manual to support you in organising games for the children. These rules enable the children to develop hockey skills in an environment that fosters fun, learning, participation by all, and mental and physical development.
Only EIHA registered U10 players can take part in EIHA U10 fixtures.
A team list must be produced from Fixtures Live for every fixture, as with all other EIHA leagues.
The home club must notify the EIHA that the fixture has taken place, and inform the EIHA of any disciplinary issues. Game Sheets are not required.
All Under 10 games must be played on a reduced area ice surface
This is either cross ice or half ice.
In the majority of rinks this means U10 games are played across the ice in the end zones. It is detrimental to the development of the players to sacrifice the skills practice in the centre zone just to increase the playing surface.
3.1 GAME ORGANISATION
U10 Game Days are not the same as U10 Jamborees
Each team plays 3 games at each game day event
4 teams, playing 3 lines on an equal 3 shift rotation Game play shift / Skills shift / Rest shift
Each team takes their home and away (light and dark) kit to all the games.
3.2 CREATING THE GAME DAY EXPERIENCE Consideration should be given to creating a great game experience for the players and parents. Additions to the game experience could include:
the teams being announced onto the ice fanfare music player names announced referees the use of benches in the neutral zone for each team
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3.3 TEAM OFFICIALS The host team must designate a coach & manager to be in charge of the event to ensure guidelines and protocols are adhered to. In line with EIHA protocols and Child Protection policies, and as with all other EIHA league games, only correctly trained, registered and CRB checked persons are to be in contact with the players, or allowed on the ice.
A Level 2 coach must be in charge of each team at all times Each U10 team should provide at least 2 on ice coaches at all U10 games.
3.4 GAME OFFICIALS All on ice coaches are required to wear an approved ice hockey helmet.
The Level 2 Team Coaches will act as the “referees” for the games.
There should be a minimum of four Level 2 coaches on the ice (1 from each team) This allows for one Level 2 coach to be in each end officiating the games and one Level 2 coach organizing the practice in the neutral zone.
Referee/linesman shirts can be worn if available to introduce the players to formal game officiating.
If local EIHA referees and linesman are available, they can be invited to officiate.
Additional Coaches and Student Coaches should be used to help maximize the ice time and the teaching ie: Level 2 and Level 1 or Level 2 and Student Coach in each zone.
3.5 NUMBER OF PLAYERS
U10 Game Days are not the same as U10 Jamborees (where every available player should attend). Clubs and Coaches work together to get as many kids playing as possible.
If a Club has a large U10 squad they will have a rota for players to be included in the playing team.
All teams must play 3 lines.
The number of players on each line is agreed before each game by the coaches.
All the players participating should be played evenly in every game.
Coaches should keep lines at even strength.
Coaches must stream players by ability, age and size.
Line 1: This is the strongest line consisting of most able players – generally older players approaching the U12 age group.
Line 2: This is an intermediate line of those players who have been playing for a while and are generally more physically capable in their skating ability.
Line 3: This is predominately the less experienced and younger players.
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Options
If you are on an Olympic size pad, then 5 on 5 may be best while if on a smaller surface 4 on 4 may be best.
If playing 4 on 4, then 12 players plus a netminder is the minimum recommended number for each team
Coaches can be flexible, agreeing to use whatever combination works best for all the players — that could be one shift at 4-on-4 and another shift at 5-on-5. To increase the number of players that can attend each Game Day, coaches can put 5 players on a line but still play them as 4 on 4 by equally rotating players though the game play shifts. When it is their turn to miss a shift the players can join in with the centre ice skill zone activities. If playing 5 on 5, then 18 players and 2 NM, if 4 on 4 then 15 players and 2 NM 2 NM sharing the net. Netminders can change on the buzzer when the lines change, or rotate between game/rest/skills shifts or L1 4 on 4
L2 4 on 4
L3 5 on 5
By working together, Clubs can get more kids playing: Players:
If you have less than 12 = borrow
Net Minders: 1 = play
12 = play
2 = share the net or lend
more than 12 = lend 3 = lend if possible
It is not acceptable for a Club to refuse to borrow players if they do not take a full team to a game.
Any Club or coach that refuses to borrow players in order to overplay their own children should be reported to the EIHA and may be subject to disciplinary action.
3.6 Line Changes
Players are not permitted to fly change This is to ensure equal ice time and to keep players on the appropriate ability line
Changes are made on the buzzer At the signal from the timekeeper the lines will change. The maximum length of the shift is 90 seconds running time. The lines will play at even strength (ie: 4 - 4 etc)
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3.7 TIMING Playing Time To help you run the games, a CD/MP3 can be played on your sound system to help time the games. A downloadable Timings MP3 File (5Mb) is available on the EIHA website. This can be put onto a CD, MP3 Player, iPhone etc.
The length of the game is to be determined by the amount of time available. U10 timings/shifts buzzer 15 x 90 second shifts / 1 game The home team is responsible for ensuring the games are properly timed and must arrange for a timekeeper
3.8 TIMING Please see listed below the instructions for using the CD/MP3 Please ensure these instructions along with the CD/MP3 are passed to your U10’s game day off-ice officials.
One CD/MP3 for 3 games (4 teams playing) of 15 shifts by 90 seconds. End of game time shows as 22:30 Each CD/MP3 contains only one game.
To start a game press play (ensure the coaches are ready to go) as soon as you press play you will hear a buzzer to start the game at which time the coach should drop the puck. Thereafter at 90 second intervals a buzzer will sound to signal the line change. To signal the conclusion of the game at the end of the last shift the buzzer will sound three times. To start the next game the CD/MP3 should be started again, remember that the L2 Coach refereeing needs to be in position and ready to drop the puck.
Timing Example: 1 hour 45 minutes ice slot / 4 teams Players spend five minutes warming up in each zone. They then play a 22.5 minute game. Five minute break in between matches before rotating through and playing two other opponents. The game works like any regular hockey game, with face-offs used after goals and coaches changing lines every 90 seconds (on a buzzer). Ice Resurface Equipment setup Warm-up Game 1 A v B, C v D
00.07 00.10
Game 3 A v D, B v C
00.25 00.02 00.25 00.02 00.25
Cleanup Total
00.04 01.40
Game 2 A v C, B v D
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3.9 PENALTIES The penalties in U10 cross ice games are the same as with other EIHA junior leagues. It is important for the players safety and the flow of the game that the rules are taught and enforced.
The person refereeing the game is responsible for this.
Referees do not call penalties but rather help instruct players as to the rules.
When a player violates the rules of the game (ie: tripping) the nearest referee will stop the offending player and explain what they have done wrong, while the second referee continues to oversee the game. Although no penalties are given, if necessary the game official can remove a player from the game for the remainder of the shift (the player is returned to the bench area, where the bench coach explains the reason for the penalty) If a player continuously violates the rules, the L2 coach from the player's team should remove him or her for the remainder of the game and substitute a new player in his or her place. In all situations it is important that the player understands what they have done wrong.
Bodychecking Bodychecking is NOT allowed in U10 matches.
3.10 FACE OFFS Face-offs will take place in the centre of the playing surface at the beginning of the game as well as after a goal, when changing the players or after a break in the play.
Face Off procedure Coaches may wish to mark a face off dot on the ice. The Level 2 “referee” oversees the face off. When possible, 2 coaches referee each game.
Games start (and restart) with a faceoff in the middle of the playing surface. Coach/Referee’s to drop a puck as soon as a player from each team is at the faceoff point and ready, do not wait for teams to be setup in a faceoff formation as this can take up valuable playing time. Call the nearest player from each team to the faceoff. Coach/Referee’s should carry more than one puck, especially when working a one man system. This allows them to restart the game straight away on a stoppage or goal rather than having to collect the puck and then skate back to the faceoff point. When there is a line change, a goal is scored, the puck is frozen by the Netminder or the puck goes out of play; the Referee blows the whistle and tells the players “FACEOFF”. With a one man system the referee quickly restarts the game with a quick face off at the centre of the playing surface. With a two man system the nearest Referee quickly restarts the play with a face off at the centre of the playing surface. The first puck can then be collected as the game continues.
This ensures the maximum amount of playing time.
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3.11 CREATING A COMPETITIVE ENVIRONMENT One of the objectives of any ice hockey programme is to prepare its players to play in the future, by developing both their physical and mental skills. Children that play in a fun learning environment will strive to get better and continue to play the game. Having fun doesn’t mean undisciplined or unstructured play or practices. Fun is challenging. Fun is engaging. Fun is the key that unlocks learning. The EIHA Under 10 programme follows the Long Term Athlete Development (LTAD) principles that are based on sports science, physical education and child development research that shows the emphasis should be on the development of general, fundamental motor and technical skills for children. While playing in a competitive environment is an essential part of a child’s development, this does not mean that the formation of league teams, winning, losing and competing for championships are the most important aspects at U10. Rather, this competitiveness must be fostered and enhanced at an individual level. Players should be encouraged to be the very best they can be, to battle for the puck and to compete hard in every cross-ice game. As the players improve and get older then they can be taught tactics and an emphasis can be placed on winning.
3.12 SCORING The nature of sports is that the Coaches are often judged purely on the results and scores. At many levels this may be correct. Unfortunately some misguided coaches use the score, and “playing for the win” to justify playing less kids or to put players on the wrong ability line to gain an unfair advantage. If a Coach is more interested in the scores, the leagues and the medals than they are in the development of the players and the growth of the sport, then they may be better suited to coaching at an older age level. The real emphasis is about developing skills, time on the puck and playing the game.
No statistics or league standings are to be recorded. Scores are not shown on the game time clock. However, if scores in cross-ice games are kept this must only be as a tool to enhance the progression of the players and enhance the game environment.
Option 1: No scores are kept. Option 2: Score is kept for each game but no score is recorded or displayed.
KEY POINTS:
Game scores, wins and losses are never recorded or displayed. Participation medals or trophies are encouraged for each player who participates. (some clubs give their guest players a medal to say thank you for playing for them) There are no medals or trophies based on wins
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4.
HOW THE GAME DAYS WORK
It takes a lot of planning and organisation to run a good Under 10 Game Day Coaches and Managers may find it hard to start with. They have to cope with many complicated situations where they need to be thinking on their feet. There should be a lot going on all over the ice surface and all at the same time. Coaches may have to plan and run 2 or 3 hours of skill drills and activities. They are working with other coaches and players that they don’t know. They need to be a coach, a referee, a bench coach and a cheerleader.
Coaches need to be coaching How can a coach not be busy when there are 50+ kids on the ice? Coaching in the Skills Zone
Coaching as the Referee
Coaching on the bench
The Skills Zone is not an optional extra. It is a fundamental part of the U10 players development. It is not easy to run the Skills Zone well. It is hard work. It must be planned. It must be well organised
Coaches often say they do not have enough ice time for practice, yet some choose to allow the ice time they do have to be wasted. 12 game days also provides 12 additional x 1 hour 30 minutes centre zone practice sessions per team = 18 hours extra practice ice
It is detrimental to the development of the players to sacrifice the skills practice in the centre zone just to increase the playing surface.
It is detrimental to the development of the players to sacrifice the skills practice in the centre zone because it is hard to organise.
Every time a coach does not bother to plan and run the Skills Zone they have wasted valuable ice time, but what’s worse is that they have wasted the opportunity to develop their players.
Coaches at the younger age groups are often new to the sport and inexperienced as coaches. If coaches do not feel confident to plan and run the Skills Zone they should seek support from their Club Head Coach. Coaches from all the Clubs must work together. Coaches should not feel they can only coach the kids from their own club. There is a shared responsibility to ensure all the players are being taught and having fun. Coaches should also teach the players proper fair play and respect.
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4.1 Centre ice Skills Zone For maximum ice use and player development, players that are not playing should participate in skill drills for skating, stick-handling, passing and shooting in the centre zone. As with any practice session the Skills Zone drills must be pre-planned.
Skill drills, easy to understand, quick to teach, lots of repetitions
This zone should also be used as the player’s bench. Coaches adjust the tempo and difficulty of the drills to suit the level of the players as they rotate through. Some players get fatigued towards the end, so centre activities are then paced increasing the rest/work ratio. Game shift > Skills shift > Rest shift
Team
Team
A
B
Skills Zone
Skills Zone
Game
Game
A v’s C
B v’s D Team
Team
C
D
Skills Zone
Skills Zone
On each full rotation, coaches can change the drill theme. Example Skating/Puck Control/Passing Line 1 Game shift Line 2 Game shift Line 3 Game shift
Line 2 Skills shift Line 3 Skills shift Line 1 Skills shift
Line 3 Rest shift Line 1 Rest shift Line 2 Rest shift
It can take the kids 2 or 3 turns to understand and actually do the skill drills properly. It may help the players to keep the same drill for a couple of changes or by keeping a similar drill and building on it at each change. Coaches may find it easier to focus on one key skill i.e: skating for the whole of the first match, puck handling for the 2nd and passing for the 3rd etc.
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4.2 Cross-Ice Playing Surface (age appropriate reduced surface area) 
All Under 10 games must be played on a reduced area ice surface.

This is either cross ice or half ice
In the majority of rinks this means U10 games are played across the ice in the end zones.
Clubs with smaller size rinks may not be able to have the mid ice skills sessions, they may have games only on the ice. All clubs are recommended to put on additional off ice skills activities to help the players develop. This is especially important where the size of the ice surfaces limits skills sessions. Where specific problems exist with a venue i.e.: no safety netting at the side of the rink, it may be necessary to place the goals facing down the ice. In this situation it is recommended that purpose made rink dividers are used. If these are not available then coaches must ensure slap shots are prohibited. Standard rink set up:
Smaller rink set up options:
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5. EQUIPMENT Remember that the children being taught are small and in order for them to achieve maximum enjoyment and optimise their understanding of the skills, junior sized equipment should be used.
5.1 Cross-Ice Rink Dividers The IIHF recommends that every arena has a light board barrier which:
is easy and quick to move on and off the ice surface forms a continuous barrier from the boards one side of the rink to the opposite side uses some form of mechanism to easily hook the boards together is constructed of, for example, wood, aluminum, fibreglass is approximately 10 cm high and 5 cm wide has no support legs to hinder the puck from sliding along the boards
Be creative, find a way to safely divide the ice surface. Sections of gutter turned upside down can be used, laid along the blue lines, overlapping the joins between each section. (These can be stacked for easy storage. Holes drilled in each end allows cable ties to be used when storing and moving the sections around)
Some examples of commercially available rink dividers
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5.2 Goal Nets Child Sized Goal Nets should be used. This gives the goalkeeper a greater chance of success, which will in turn build confidence. This also challenges the players to be better shooters in order to score.
Regulation/adult size nets can only be used with inserts fitted
4 goals are required
The goals should be located one meter from the sideboards of the rink and half way between the end boards of the rink and the cross-ice rink boards set up on the blue line.
Suitable weights can be placed on the back of the lightweight goals to keep them in place
130 cm 90 c m
90 c m
70 cm
Side
Front View)
View)
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5.3 Goal Inserts These lightweight goal inserts could be constructed using wood or plastic. The inserts should be made to fit inside the posts of a normal goal net. The insert should have an opening 90 cm high and 130 cm wide. The insert can be fastened to the goal posts and cross bar using straps or hooks.
5.4 Lightweight Blue Pucks (lots of these are needed, 30 is good, 50 is better) This is a normal size puck which is made of a lightweight material. Blue in colour and weighing 4 oz. An NHL player plays with a 6 oz. black puck. Under 10’s are not mini adults. ďƒ˜
Like with black pucks, the Blue pucks should be frozen/iced before games to reduce bounce.
The 4 oz. Lightweight Blue Puck has been introduced because it gives young players the opportunity to learn the game and develop their skills with a puck that is more in proportion to their size and strength. The lighter puck is easier to shoot, pass and stickhandle for players in the earlier stages of physical development. Young players can experience more success with the lighter puck. Success leads to more confidence and fun!
Blue Pucks can be ordered online at the EIHA website: EIHA/coaching centre/book courses and purchase equipment
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6.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
6.1 What is being done to help coaches to better understand and deliver this programme?
Under 10 Handbook sent to every coach Under 10 Handbook available on the EIHA website Coaching Programme Instructors in each region Conference Mentor Coaches in each region Coaching Programme Learn To Play Instructors in each region IIHF Learn to Play (LTP) courses run across the country, training 3 LTP coaches in every club. Introduction To Coaching courses (Student Coach) have been introduced Coaching Programme staff attending U10 Game days Club Head Coach Seminars in the North and South of England Lightweight Blue Pucks subsidised by the EIHA Small area goals subsidised by the EIHA
6.2 Are the age groups the same in every country? No. The age classifications used in the USA for example are different to the UK. Where the EIHA has UNDER 10 (U10), USA Hockey has 8 AND under (8U) which is actually Under 9, not Under 8. USA Hockey has mandated that all Under 9’s will play Cross Ice hockey. The age groups used in each country are a reflection of the profile of the sport, the number of children playing at each age level, the number of rinks and the amount of ice time available for games and training. The worldwide governing body for ice hockey, the International Ice Hockey Federation, recommends that Under 10’s should play hockey across the width of the ice surface. 6.3 Do the players need to be registered with the EIHA to take part? Yes. All the players must be properly registered. In addition to the U10 cross ice games, players attend training sessions and many players will be training up with the Under 12’s and may also be playing Under 12’s. There may be Conference trials, training and games so they all require a full licence. 6.4 How many players do we need to enter a team? 15 players and 2 net minders is the minimum number recommended. This gives your team depth when players are away. 6.5 We don’t have that many players, can we still have an Under 10 team? Yes. The EIHA wants every club and every ice rink to take part. You need the ice time for your home fixtures and some kids that are eager to play. Contact other clubs and loan players to fill your team up. When your players go to school and tell their friends how much fun they had playing, you will soon have more kids wanting to join. Clubs must work together to get as many kids playing as possible. 6.6 How many players can we take to each U10 Game Day? U10 Game Days are not the same as U10 Jamborees where every available player should attend. Team selection is always a challenge as the kids all want to play every game. The maximum number of players you should take depends on the agreed format for the day. If a Club has a large U10 squad it is expected that they will have a rota for players to be included in the playing team – selection by taking turns rather than just ability.
Contact the other Clubs in your group in advance to confirm how many players and netminders each team is bringing. Agree how many kids will play on each line Arrange to borrow or loan as many players as possible (see the How It Works section for more details)
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6.7 We have too many players for one team what can we do? Clubs that have enough ice time and enough players and coaches for 2 full teams can still run 2 teams (examples: Bracknell and Binfield / Nottingham and Sherwood)
These cannot be 1st and 2nd teams
They must be balanced in numbers, age range and ability so that the 3 line rotation works when playing other clubs. 6.8 Can we host extra cross ice game days? Yes. Clubs should hold as many game days as possible. Contact the EIHA fixtures secretary and sanction the cross ice fixture just as with all other league games. Contact other clubs and invite them to play.
You can play teams that are not in your group to provide variety, but should also take into account travel times and costs
If you have a large squad, hold an additional game day and enter 2 of your own teams and invite 2 other teams
Hold In House Game Day events
6.9 We have a smaller ice rink, can we still run cross ice? You can. It may mean running 2 cross ice/half ice games without the centre practice zone. A smaller area in the middle could be used for the players benches, and extra skills sessions can be run off of the ice. 6.10 We have a longer ice slot available, can we use this? Yes. This can be easily done by adding extra 90 second shifts to each of the games played, so the kids still get equal ice time, just more of it. Or add extra matches on at the end. Longer breaks between games can also be included. We have a shorter ice slot available, can we use this? You can. This can be easily done by playing less 90 second shifts in each of the games played. Similarly, shorter length shifts could be played i.e.: 80 seconds, so the kids still get equal ice time. It is important that clubs and fixtures secretaries work together to provide appropriate length slots. 6.11 What if a player is unsure about playing for another team? Where ever possible, when players are loaned to other teams, this should be on a rotation and with 2 kids from the same club being loaned so they have a buddy that they know. The players should be introduced to the coaches and players. Parents should be informed in advance. Players do not have to play for another club, but it gives them more opportunities to get to play (some clubs give their guest players a medal to say thank you for playing for them). 6.12 Do we need new team shirts? No, your existing shirts are fine. Each team takes their home and away (light and dark) kit to all the games. Managers can decide who wears what so colour clashes are avoided. Loan players can borrow shirts. Players do not need to have numbers matched to lines, but do need to be on the correct ability line (coaches work this out between them) 6.13 What about water breaks? Teams can put labelled water bottles in a box at the on ice bench area, and players can drink during their rest shift.
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6.14 What if one of the kids wants a break, needs the toilet etc? You can play without them for a shift, or let one of the others of similar ability have an extra shift. 6.15 Can Junior players be used as “puck droppers” at U10 events? It is recommended that trained and registered Coaches, Referees and Linesmen should be used in this role. The practice of allowing junior players that are not wearing full player kit to act as linesmen and drop the puck at U10 games is not permitted. It is a breach of EIHA protocols and means these players are not insured. Junior players can be used to drop the puck during U10 games and jamborees, but must be registered and wearing full player kit to be allowed on the ice. 6.16 Why is the EIHA limiting U10 travel? The geography of the rinks in the UK can make travel time and costs a barrier to children playing the sport and staying in the sport. While the EIHA cannot eliminate travel between Clubs, we can reduce it for U10’s. The reason is because there was too much emphasis put on the formation of league teams, winning, losing and time spent in the car at the U10 level. As a result there was not enough emphasis on building the foundation for developing skilled hockey players in the future. 6.17 How are the kids going to learn the full ice rules? The Club coaches must plan for the U10 players transition to U12 and ensure the rules and organization of the full ice game are introduced. The Club coaches should teach these during the Under 10 and Under 12 training sessions, moving from smaller to larger playing areas, introducing the rules and tactics progressively.
Cross Ice > Half Ice (width) > 2/3 Ice (length) > Half Ice (length
>
Full Ice
6.18 How will we know who has won? Scores are not recorded at U10 games. By having more children playing the sport, all getting more ice time, more puck touches and learning to love the game, they all win. 6.19 How will players know their stats? When the children play football in the park with their friends, they don’t record the stats and publish league table, they play for the fun of playing. As they get older and they have the core skills that will make them successful, then the results and stats are introduced. 6.20 Is the EIHA trying to change the way I coach? Yes. The EIHA wants to make coaches aware of what is most important at each stage of a child’s athletic development. We have only so much time with the kids, so we need to be efficient and give them what they need most at each stage Understanding these "Windows of Trainability" will optimise player development.
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Under 10 Cross Ice Game Day Checklist (a detailed checklist is available on the EIHA website)
All Teams: Submit Fixture dates to EIHA Teams contact each other and confirm player numbers and levels. Home and Away kit: allocated colours/loan shirts as required Team list printed from fixtures live Team list must have all registered officials added Team Managers confirm all players and officials are registered Level 2 coach (with on ice kit including helmet) Level 1 coach (with on ice kit including helmet)
Home Team:
Learn to Play coaches (with on ice kit including helmet) ITC Student coaches (with full player kit) Changing facilities allocated Game rota planned and sent to each team Timekeeper/90 second shift CD/MP3 4/6 goal nets goal inserts fitted to goals 2 sets of rink dividers 30 - 50 blue pucks Pylons/coaching aids
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Skills Zone Planner ALL on ice Coaches and assistants MUST wear an approved ice hockey helmet at all times
Date:_____________________ Venue:______________________ Number of Coaches:________ Number of Players:______________
Skill:__________________ ______________________ ______________________ ______________________ ______________________ ______________________ ______________________ ______________________ ______________________ ______________________
Game Zone
Skills Zone
Game Zone
Level 2 Coach
Level 2 Coach
Level 2 Coach
Skill:__________________ ______________________ ______________________ ______________________ ______________________ ______________________ ______________________ ______________________ ______________________ ______________________ Skill:__________________ ______________________ ______________________ ______________________ ______________________ ______________________ ______________________ ______________________ ______________________ ______________________ 24