PARENT EDUCATION PRESENTED BY USA HOCKEY

Educational Materials Include: USA HOCKEY Attempts To Educate Parents When They First Get Involved With Hockey Educational Materials Include: “Relax, It’s Just a Game” PSA’s, posters, etc. “Parents In Hockey” video “Establishing a Good Relationship Between Coach and Parent” brochure “Parent’s Introduction to Youth Hockey” brochure “Sportsmanship – Does it Matter?” brochure Easy to read Official Rules of USA Hockey USA Hockey Annual Guide

“Relax, It’s Just a Game” Campaign and “Parents in Hockey” Video: Show specific examples of unacceptable behavior by parents and spectators. The video provides positive examples for hockey parents’ behavior when dealing with their kids, other players, officials and opponents. Should be shown to every parent at the beginning of every season.

“Establishing a Good Relationship Between Coach and Parent” brochure: Outlines suggestions for developing a good working relationship between parents and coaches. Acknowledges that parents play a very important role in the success of a positive youth sports program. Parent Code of Conduct encourages parents to learn all they can about the game and get involved as a volunteer. Includes codes of conduct for coaches, parents and players.

“Parent’s Introduction to Youth Hockey” brochure: Includes tips on buying equipment Rules of the game The role of parents in youth sports

“Sportsmanship – Does It Matter?” brochure: Encourages sportsmanship and attempts to eliminate the “winning is everything” attitude. Outlines many positive reasons to play the game other than just to win. Also includes codes of conduct for players, coaches, parents, officials, spectators and administrators.

PHILOSOPHY OF YOUTH HOCKEY

The USA Hockey Philosophy is to Focus on: Growth and Development Increase Participation Skill Development Safe Environment Fun/Enjoyment

IN THE STANDS

In The Stands: KEEP HOCKEY FUN ENCOURAGE your son or daughter. ENJOY the game. APPLAUD good plays. AVOID coaching from the stands. REMEMBER Coaches and Referees are human and therefore imperfect.

CAR AND HOME

At HOME and in the CAR Remember: There is more to life than hockey. Do not COACH your child on the way to a game. ENCOURAGE FUN and TEAMWORK. LISTEN to them and BE SUPPORTIVE. NEVER second guess your child. NEVER second guess a coach.

AT PRACTICE

At Practice… SKILL IMPROVEMENT is important. FUN is essential. You and your child must PRACTICE EMOTIONAL CONTROL. ALLOW the coach and player to be creative. Here is where the game is really learned.

AT THE RINK

At the Rink… Have the rink be a POSITIVE place. Be CERTAIN your child’s equipment is in good shape and fits properly. Be AWARE of any potential dangerous areas in the arena. Point them out to the coach or rink manager.

INITIATION PROGRAM “FUN and SKILLS” brochure Focuses on the Basic Hockey Skills. Curriculum is a “One” Step at a Time Concept. Provides a Positive, Non-Competitive Atmosphere. Develops Players’ Self-Respect and Self-Discipline.

CROSS-ICE PROGRAM Provides an intermediary program between the Initiation Program and a full-ice program for 8 & Under players. Stresses participation, fun and skill development. Provides a positive environment for learning the fundamental skills of hockey.

COACHING PROGRAM A Comprehensive Coaching Education Program Coaching Education Levels Initiation Associate Intermediate Advanced Master High Performance Workshops Skill Workshops ACE Coordinators

ACE COORDINATORS The Associate Coaching Education Coordinator establishes and maintains an Association Resource Center for coaches, players and parents. Oversees the recruitment, selection, training, evaluation and disciplining of all coaches. Plans, develops and organizes skating clinics, goaltending clinics, checking clinics and any other clinic which will meet the needs of the association’s players. Develops a teaching and practice curriculum for the association and its coaches. Evaluates and supervises practice sessions and offers constructive criticism to improve the program. Communicate to Association Coaches their certification requirements.

OTHER ISSUES IN YOUTH HOCKEY Parents Expectations of Their Child Values of Youth Hockey Proper Equipment Safety Around the Rink Parents and Referees Parent/Spectator ZERO TOLERANCE Policy Drug Awareness Expense of the Game

If All Parents/Guardians, Coaches And Officials Can IMPROVE Their Outlook On The GAME, The TRUE Winner Of Our Sport Will Be The KIDS!!

EVERYONE WINS Being a winner is quite easy to face, But it takes a big person to accept loss with grace. To stand and shake hands after losing a game, And watch as another gets glory and fame, Takes honor and courage— so stand straight and tall, And know in your heart that you gave it your all. You’ll earn much respect— ‘cause losing’s no sin, Showing good sportsmanship lets everyone win. ANN DOTTE  

PLEASE CONTACT YOUR DISTRICT REGISTRAR FOR A COMPLIMENTARY COPY OF THE 2003-05 OFFICIAL RULES OF ICE HOCKEY AND THE USA HOCKEY ANNUAL GUIDE.

For further information, contact the Youth Ice Hockey or Coaching Education Departments of USA Hockey at 719-576-USAH (8724)