At the beginning of each season a Parent Meeting is held to go over the basic rules of the Association in addition to any team rules or expectations that the coach may have. The meeting will be attended by the immediate player parents or guardians, the coaching staff and at least one member of the Board of Directors. This is an open forum so please ask questions.
DO'S AND DON'TS FOR PARENTS
DO
Teach your child to be responsible for their own hockey equipment, clothing and personal belongings.
Encourage your child to practice at home but do not demand it.
Instill in your child the importance of remembering the games, practices and instructions
Come to the games whenever possible and encourage the entire team.
Show your child by example that, as far as you are concerned, their coach/manager has their best interest at heart.
Remember that in most cases, your child's coach/manager are giving of their free time and are unpaid. You are fortunate to have their services, and owe it to them not to second guess and criticize them publicly. In some cases they may not know as much about hockey as you do, but keep in mind that they are doing their best.
Encourage your child to respect the referee and other officials, and that abusive language or gestures directed toward them are not to be tolerated.
Applaud a good effort by the players and let the coach point out the mistakes.
Remember that a youth hockey game is one of many forms of recreation and not a life or death situation.
Attempt to instill in your child a strong desire to win without losing sight of the important value of fair play.
Keep foremost in your mind that your child is participating for their own enjoyment and not primarily for your pleasure. Hockey should be fun and not just something to please Mom and dad.
DON'TS
Expect your child's coach/manager to be a nursemaid for sticks, gloves and personal belongings.
Force your child to practice. The game will become sheer drudgery to them.
Expect your child's coach to round everybody up for practices and games.
Coach the team from the seats reserved for spectators. Among other consequences, your child will be more concerned about getting your approval than that of his coach and teammates. They will watch you rather than pay attention to the game.
Complain about the game officials or abuse them publicly. If there is a legitimate complaint, see the team coach/manager in private.
Bother your child's coach during their personal time. If you need to speak to your child's coach schedule a time with them.
Expect the coach to make your child a superstar.
Tolerate or laugh at an intentional dirty play made by your child or their teammate.
Don't criticize and point out mistakes made by your child or their teammates.
PARENT SAFETY EDUCATION
USAHockey.com hosts a variety of safety resources for coaches, players and parents. For more information please visit:
USA HOCKEY BODY CHECKING
http://www.usahockey.com/page/show/908033-body-checking-rule
AMERICAN DEVELOPMENT MODEL (ADM)
The American Development Model is a nationwide model for successfully developing American hockey players. It is by no means a mandate from USA Hockey, but a tool that will ensure every kid will have the same chance to succeed.
Cross-Ice games is just one of the of the components of the ADM that you will be seeing at local organizations over the next year. We at Back Bay Hockey expect to host several cross-ice jamborees at the Mite and Instructional levels this year to introduce players, parents and fans to this new type of play. We encourage all parents, coaches and hockey fans to read more about the ADM at:
and check out the videos at
USA HOCKEY CONCUSSION INFORMATION
http://www.usahockey.com/page/show/908034-concussion-information
