Terrace Bay-Schreiber News, Wednesday, January 11, 1984, page 7 sports MAHG: Avery popular method of teaching hockey in Quebec by HENRI ROY For six years, the FQHG (Federation que- becoise de hockey sur glace) has been offer- ing MAHG (Methode d'Apprentissage de Hockey sur Glace) to minor hockey organiza- tions throughout Que- bec. This method is now being used in the 15 regions of Quebec, and the 1983-84 season will see its implementation in more than 150 organ- izations. Why this method of instruction? The growing popu- larity of hockey, the repeated failures on an international scene, lit- tle available ice time, the lack of competent instructors, the com- ments. made by the youth themselves, are among the main rea- sons for the develop- ment of a teaching method. : : What is it? A series of 20 gradu- ated programmes for youngsters 5-16 which aims to maximize the development of the qualities and attributes that will allow each youngster to achieve his potential. Recognizing that not everyone has equal talent, MAHG promotes the instruct- ion of basic techniques of hockey in accordance with the ability level of the youngster, not his age. To this end, each programme has speci- fic objectives which are appropriate for the youngster involved. The Programmes: Level 1: Skating, Be- ginners 1, 2 and 3 aimed at the majority between the ages of 5-10 years. Level 2: Advanced 1, 2 and 3 designed for those who have attain- ed certain skills and who are eager to develop their expertise. Level 3: Expert 1 and 2 Team Sport which are designed to satisfy the more talented players. At each level the pro- gramme consists of 20 one-hour lessons. Dur- ing the 1982-83 season, 21,000 children partici- pated in these pro- grammes and an addi- 'tional 1,900 people worked directly with the children. Advantages of MAHG Thousands of volun- teers do their utmost to provide the best possi- ble instruction and sup- port to young hockey players. However, the imple- mentation of these pro- grammes provides other important advantages to the organizations who use them. These are: ¢ the children are active for at least 30-45 min- utes per hour' rather than the usual' ten Mainstream Canada New Year's Resolutions by W. ROGER WORTH At the start of another year, it is perhaps time for a little wishful think- ing about some New Year's resolutions that would make life a little easier for all of us. Canada Post, for ex- ample, could announce there would be no more postal rate increases for at least three years. In tandem with that good news, the postal unions might agree to accept wage cuts from their $25,000 per year sala- ries, with union leader Jean Claude Parrot preaching that strikes by public sector unions are irresponsible. Then there are the politicians. In addition to following the postie lead on pay cuts, they might also resolve not to fight with each other. Instead, Parliament would become a kind of love-in. Friendly dis- cussion would take the place of heated debate. There would be no per- sonal slurs, no catcalls and the Speaker could use the restful inter- lude to catch up on her reading. Creating positive new policies and updating older legislation would become simple. Unem- ployment Insurance, for instance, could be tight- ened to save taxpayers $2-billion per year. What's more, all governments could re- solve to provide greater support for the small and medium-sized enterprises that are even now creating most of the country's new jobs. Payroll taxes for small companies would be reduced, and the maze of red tape and paperburden would be eliminated. Tax forms would become so sim- ple that even the least mathematically - inclin- ed would be able to com- plete the return. Ottawa, of course, would become honest and forthright with the public, shunning such propaganda endea- vours as the -recent Throne Speech filled with so many promises the 'government simply won't be able to keep them. Consumers, too, could resolve to change their ways. Indeed, the Con- sumers Association of Canada could team up with farm organizations to lobby for higher food ptices, assuming farm- ers received the bene- fits. In some _ cases, farmers might actually earn enough to start paying back their bank loans. Is all of this really wishful thinking? Of course it is. Nevertheless, the re- cent improvement in the economy is no dream, and while 1984 may not be spectacular, it should at least be better than last year, a point that is certainly worth not- ing. minutes in a regular game; e the players receive instruction from several certified instructors, with each instructor res- ponsible for approxi- mately ten players; e ice time is used to maximum effectiveness which results in three times as many players using the same space, so the problems of ice time are obviously reduced; ¢ for children under 7, the weight of the puck is reduced to 4 0z., which is better suited to their ability level without hampering their learn- ing; and © for 8 and 9 year olds, we encourage the use of a 5 oz. puck; e the players in each group are matched in skills which allows each player to enjoy his parti- cipation to the fullest; e volunteers pass on their skills and ensure the survival of the or- ganization. Quality of Instruction: Our Priority Recognizing that the instructor is the corner- stone in the training process of young hockey players, the Federation has developed an in- structor training pro- gramme. In this, the in- structor takes courses of 15-20 hours each, which relates directly to the programmes outlined above. In addition, there is a supervisory sys- tem which ensures the on-going quality of in- struction and aids the instructors themselves to achieve their goals. Services Offered All the organizations within the provincial network have access to the following MAHG services: 1) Training of in- structors. 2) Certification of in- structors and distinctive crest. 3) Uniforms for the in- structors. 4) Information' on the teaching method. 5) A technical manual for the instructors. 6) Supervisory system for local, regional and provincial levels. 7) Training of super- visors and officials. 8) Rating of the players. 9) Appropriate teach- ing material. Conclusion In the past six years, over 100,000 children have participated in the MAHG programmes. It is a complete method which follows the young hockey player from his first steps on ice to the Advanced and Expert programmes. It is also an important element of the overall programme of the Fed- eration, and for two years has been influen- cing the CAHA research - into programmes spe- cifically developed for young hockey players. Ja-- (out of town please call collect) Pick your spot and get away from it all. | can help you plan your holiday anywhere in the world,-at an affordable price. Call Today 345-9727 TRAVEL BY CHRISTINE Make Your Get Away! Keskus Mall Downtown pork butt STEAKS 1.39. sirloin tip, boneless STEAKS 2.68 Ib. Shaw's white 24 oz. assorted Hostess 200 gram POTATO CHIPS. 750 ml. COKE or SPRITE... GROUND BEEF 1.08. boneless RUMP ROAST 2.68 . 99° 59° pork butt semi-boneless ROASTS 1.29. regular plus deposit SCHREIBER FOODMARKET ir. 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