Hockey Made Easy - Tips for first time th Hockey Parents & Players
Parents: Prior to the Game or Practice

Get your child to the rink about 30 minutes prior to the start of each game

or practice in order to get them dressed (if necessary) and to tie up their skates.

Some coaches might want them there even earlier.

If they get dressed at home, arrive at least 15 minutes prior to the game
or practice as this leaves a few minutes for the coach to talk to the kids
explaining who is playing with whom and at what position.

During the Game:

Sit in the stands with other parents and applaud the good plays and skills
executed by players on both teams.

Do not yell or shout at the Referee or Linesmen as they are volunteers
trying to be fair and unbiased in their off side or penalty calls.
They are also human and will make honest mistakes.

Remember you could volunteer to be an on ice official if you are not

happy with their performance but it requires training and an exam.

Do not yell at the Coaching staff of your child’s team as they are also

volunteers trying to teach your child the basic skills of this great game.

And last but not least, do not yell instructions or criticize your child, as
they should only be listening to their coaches and your suggestions may
differ from what the coach has taught them.

Shouting encouraging comments such as "good play Billy" or

“great pass Susie" are welcomed, but negative comments are not.

Finally, don't get into a negative verbal exchange with fellow or opposition parents,

as this will only bring you down to their level and cause you tension and stress.

Take the high road and act professional.

Remember, this is only a game intended for your child to have fun.

Winning is not life and death at this young age.

Try to keep everything in proper perspective.

What to expect on the ice:

Parents of house league players should expect their son or daughter to get

as close to equal ice time as everyone else. But no stop watches please!

Representative or Travel team players may have to earn their ice time but

this is usually discussed before signing up with that team.
Most Coaches try to be fair to every player.

The exception to equal ice time occurs during penalty killing and on some
power plays, or in the last 2 minutes of a close game or tournament where
the coach is allowed to use his best players to try to win or tie the game.
This is a rule most Minor/Youth Hockey programs use around the world.

Following the Game:

Parents, if your child is between 5 and 9 years of age, they will want you
in the dressing room prior to and after the game to help them put on or
take off their skates and equipment etc.

But players around 10 and older may not want you in the dressing room as
this may embarrass them, giving fellow teammates the idea they still need
their parents help to get dressed or undressed. Talk to your child about
this tricky situation to see what he or she would like you to do.

However, after the game, make sure you praise your child with kind words
whether they won or lost the game, or whether they personally played a

good game or not.

During the trip home:

If you are going to offer some hockey advice, the rule of thumb is
to offer 2 positive comments for every constructive suggestion.

1.You really skated well tonight,
2.Your passes were right on the tape.

1.If you had moved a little closer to the net before you shot you
might have been in a better position to score or create a rebound.

Finally:

If at all possible, one or both parents should try to be at most games or
practices. This may be impossible in some situations but it does build
family unity and your child would most likely want you there for moral support.

If you would like to help yourself and your child understand the basic skills

and systems necessary to become a very good and competent two way

hockey player, I suggest you read our “Hockey Made Easy” Instructional Manual.

Tips for young first time players, boys and girls 5 to 12 years of age:

Hockey is a game about having fun, making new friends and developing the

skills and knowledge necessary to make you a better player.

Your role is to be on time for all games and practices and to listen to your
coach. Try to do what he or she tells you about playing the game so you
can improve your skating, puckhandling, passing, receiving, shooting, scoring
and checking skills.

Try to do your best at both games and practices and enjoy this new hockey
experience. But remember, “It is just a game.”

John Shorey

Author - “Hockey Made Easy”
www.hockeymadeeasy.com