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2 An American Hockey Parent Handbook Your Child and the American Development Model In January 2009, USA Hockey launched the American Development Model, which for the first time ever, provided associations nationwide with a detailed blueprint for optimal athlete development. The ADM is designed to successfully develop American hockey players by implementing long-term athlete development principles. Research from leading hockey-playing nations, sport scientists, coaches and educators was used to design the ADM, which quickly gained international recognition as a best-practice model for young athletes. As the basis for youth hockey in the U.S., the ADM provides: + An opportunity to learn and refine the basic skills without an over-emphasis on winning in the younger age classifications. + Age-specific, age-appropriate skill development. + An opportunity for those that wish to advance in a more competitive, elite environment to do so. + A philosophy that attempts to reduce hockey burnout and disenchantment. + Structured training programs for coaches and qualified adult leadership. The ADM is rooted in a philosophy of age-specific, age-appropriate development. The ADM is forward-looking, building players well suited for the highly skilled, creative, fast- paced game of today. The ADM is fun. USA Hockey believes in letting kids be kids. We believe that kids and their families should get the most out of hockey, without feeling undue performance or financial pressure. We believe in community-based youth hockey. We believe in keeping kids engaged, moving and smiling. We believe in making optimal use of ice time. We believe in creating great athletes, not just hockey players. The ADM discourages early one-sport specialization. The ADM Way If kids truly want to excel, they need less emphasis on win/loss records and more focus on skill development and refinement, especially in the younger age classifications. They need more skill training and more puck touches. The fundamental physical and mental skills aren't learned effectively or efficiently during a game. They must be learned in practice. And practicing the right way is how kids will unlock their true potential. By combining age- appropriate training and practice techniques with an introduction to skills and athleticism, kids have more fun, more engagement, more exercise and more skill development. That's the ADM way. About USA Hockey Founded in 1937, USA Hockey is the national governing body for ice hockey in the United States, including more than one million registered players, coaches, officials and volunteers. We are the official representative to the U.S. Olympic Committee and the International Ice Hockey Federation. In this role, we organize and train men's and women's teams for international competitions including the IIHF World Championships, the Olympic Games and the Paralympic Games. We also work closely with the National Hockey League and the National Collegiate Athletic Association. Our sole focus is hockey, a singular mission that is exclusive to USA Hockey in this country. To learn more about the ADM, visit ADMkids.com