Understanding the National Coaching Direction and what it means to you and the wider coaching community.

The National Coaching Direction sets out a clear and shared aspiration for coaching in Aotearoa. At its heart, it is about coaches having a positive impact on people, so that through hockey they experience enjoyment, development and success. 

This does not require coaches to do more. It requires coaches to be intentional in how they coach, how they relate to others, and how they contribute to the wider coaching community. 

Below are the core actions of impactful coaching, along with simple examples of what they can look like in practice. 

1. Lead with purpose 

Coaches lead themselves and others, and are motivated to create positive outcomes. 

What this can look like: 

• Being clear on why you coach, and letting that purpose guide how you show up at training and on game day. 
• Modelling the behaviours you expect from players, such as effort, respect, curiosity and accountability. 

2. Build strong connections 

Coaches foster trust and communicate effectively to support meaningful relationships. 

What this can look like: 

• Taking time to learn about players as people, not just athletes, and using this to build trust. 
• Communicating clearly and calmly, especially in challenging moments, so players feel supported rather than judged. 

3. Create person centred environments 

Coaches create safe, high quality experiences based on the needs of those they work with. 

What this can look like: 

• Adapting sessions to suit the age, stage and confidence of the group in front of you. 
• Creating an environment where players feel safe to ask questions, make mistakes and express themselves. 

4. Develop people 

Coaches contribute to the growth of themselves and others, on and off the field. 

What this can look like: 

• Helping players build life skills such as communication, leadership and resilience through hockey. 
• Actively seeking feedback on your own coaching and being open to learning and change. 

5. Evolve coaching knowledge 

Coaches seek important coaching knowledge and adapt it to the needs of who is in front of them. 

What this can look like: 

• Engaging with coaching resources, courses or conversations, then applying what is relevant to your context. 
• Trying small changes in your coaching and reflecting on what works for your players. 

Impactful coaching does not happen in isolation. It is strengthened when coaches are connected, supported and learning together. 

1. A welcoming coaching community 

The coaching community fosters belonging, embraces diversity and creates positive environments for all coaches. 

What this can look like: 

• Making an effort to include new or less experienced coaches in conversations and activities. 
• Valuing different coaching backgrounds, experiences and perspectives. 

2. A collaborative coaching community 

Coaches share knowledge, support each other and work together to strengthen hockey. 

What this can look like: 

• Sharing ideas, challenges or resources with other coaches, rather than trying to do everything alone. 
• Attending coach development opportunities or informal catch ups to learn from others. 

Every coach plays a role 

Every coach has a role to play. Bringing the National Coaching Direction to life comes from small, consistent actions, taken by coaches at every level, that reflect shared beliefs about what impactful coaching looks like.

So, how might you bring the National Coaching Direction to life in your own coaching?