Systematic Observation of Youth Ice Hockey Coaches During Games

The behaviors of youth ice hockey coaches during games are examined using the Coaches Observation System for Games. This tool identifies 16 types of coach behaviors and eight targets of such behaviors. Findings reveal that coaches spend 51.2% of their time simply observing the game. Other common coach behaviors are organizing (15%), directing the game (8.1%) and giving information (6.1%). Targets of these behaviors include players in action (40.9%), on the bench (30.4%) and in transition (22.3%).

Systematic Observation of Ice Hockey Referees During Games

A study analyzed the behaviors of eight youth ice hockey referees during 15 different games. The results support the potential educational role that referees can have during games.