It is evident LTHD has significant implications for every facet of the Canadian sports system relating to field hockey. Implementing LTHD requires changes to every level of field hockey governance in Canada in a concerted effort to align our systems of delivery, educate stakeholders, and define roles and responsibilities.
Leagues will need to change game formats for some age levels, coaches will need to adjust objectives and philosophies, administrators will need to demonstrate wider accountability in their roles and programs will need to be driven with greater efficiency while maintaining or widening its scope.
We must come to a mutual understanding of “what great looks like” in every detail of our sport’s delivery. From tactical and technical skill emphasis in each unique stage of an athlete’s development, to best practices in coach and umpire education, administrative support, success recognition, and governance structures. Implementation of LTHD is a challenge every member of the field hockey community is invited to join. It must be approached with patience, understanding, resolve, and with a clear sight on the end goal of a strengthened Canadian field hockey system.
In leading our organizational direction for field hockey development, FHC needs to adopt longer term principles to guide national-level sport development decisions. These principles will provide direction to the initiatives undertaken in LTHD implementation. Until this time we can start with the following four priority areas, which may be refined over time by the FHC Board and stakeholders.
- Participation
- High Performance Support
- Competitive Opportunity
- Technical Leadership
LTAD Strategic Initiatives
In developing the LTHD, five key areas were identified that require immediate attention for the development of Canadian Field Hockey – player development, coaching, leadership, competition, and facilities. The identification of challenges may not apply to all regions of our country, but it is in indicative of some regions or stakeholders that require the most development. Given the size of our country a one size fits all approach cannot emerge. However a clear understanding of what our current status is allows us to create a common framework for advancement.
