The purpose of this study was to identify and explain youth ice hockey coaches' perceptions of the effectiveness of a team building intervention program. Specifically, eight Peewee hockey coaches followed the same procedures and implemented the same physical team building activities with their teams throughout the regular season. Data was gathered in a variety of ways. Coaches' answered questions on a pre and post-intervention form for each activity and their behaviors were observed by members of the research team. As well, a semi-structured exit interview was conducted with each coach following the completion of the regular season. Cote, Salmela, and Russell's (1995) guidelines were used to inductively analyze and interpret the interview data. Results of the data revealed four higher-order categories concerning coaches' perceptions of the team building program: (a) coach characteristics and outcomes, which included skills coaches gained as a result of their participation in the team building program, as well as their beliefs, philosophies, and background experiences that shaped their coaching development, (b) team circumstances and climate, which involved interpersonal interactions, internal and external environmental factors, and elements influencing team atmosphere, (c) athlete outcomes, which included the feelings, attitudes, and values, as well as the intellectual/thinking-related skills and outcomes that athletes experienced as a result of their involvement in the intervention program, and (d) program involvement and assessment, which focused on coaches' roles and their confidence delivering team building activities, as well as their appraisal of the intervention program. Results of this study provided evidence of the benefits of a season-long team building intervention program for coaches, athletes, and entire teams. Specifically, coaches felt athletes enjoyed this experience and improved and/or acquired a variety of important life skills, such as problem-solving and the ability to focus and persevere when faced with challenging tasks. Likewise, coaches felt their communication and motivational skills improved as a result of their involvement in the team building program. Finally, coaches also felt athletes bonded daring activities and improved their abilities to work together as a group. The results of this study have advanced knowledge in sport psychology by providing a deeper understanding of how team building is perceived by youth sport coaches.

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