Elmira Jackals Youth Hockey Association See's the Benefits of the ADM Program

In my classes on February 11 and 16, 2016 we talked about the current state and structure of Youth Sport in the United States.  We looked at how organizations have become increasingly privatized, that there is an over emphasis on winning, and how many youths burnout from specializing in one sport too early on.  Although Youth Sport in America has many problems facing the participants, there are still some governing bodies and private associations that understand the correct way to develop young athletes in this country. The Elmira Jackals Youth Hockey Association, for example, has seen an improvement in their player’s abilities and popularity of their teams since switching to USA Hockey’s American Development Model (ADM) a few years ago. Below is the link explaining the Jackal’s approach to using the ADM model in their organization. 

http://www.usahockey.com/news_article/show/620617?referrer_id=752796

The first connection I drew from the article that related to my classes discussion was the trend in youth sport puts a strong emphasis on performance.  The Jackals are doing the opposite with the ADM model because in their mini-mite program the article states that, "Basic skills are taught in a non-competitive environment with fun and physical development stressed within a more social atmosphere".  The second connection that I made was in regards to Youth Sport programs becoming increasingly privatized.  Once again the Jackals are making an effort to combat this with their try-hockey-for-free days, where participants with minimal skating experience get a chance to learn to skate and some basics of the game.  This is so valuable in a sport like hockey where situation often dictates the ability to play.  The third connection that I made was recognition young kids should not be worrying about specialization because it can cause them to burnout and it can hurt their overall athletic development.  

Here is a video that explains what the ADM model is all about:

Do you think that organizations that are transitioning to the ADM model are a good thing for youth hockey in America?