PARENT EDUCATION PRESENTED BY The High School Hockey League of Nassau County

LEAGUE DIRECTORS PRESIDENT – STEVE RUPP VICE PRESIDENT VARSITY – TONY DEMAYO VICE PRESIDENT JV – PAT BRAGLIA VICE PRESIDENT MIDDLE SCHOOL – SAL CRESCIONE TREASURER – BOB GAUDIOSI SECRETARY – JIM O’GARA

OUR MISSION CREATE AN INCLUSIVE YOUTH HOCKEY EXPERIENCE FOR ALL HOCKEY PLAYERS IN OUR COMMUNITIES

The HSHLNC Philosophy is to Focus on: Development of Every Player Increase Community Participation in the Sport Skill Development Safe Environment Fun/Enjoyment

“Zero Tolerance” Policy

HSHL OF NASSAU COUNTY RESPECT

Issue #1 The “Hot Head” Parent Screams at Referees, Coaches, Opposing Players, other Parents, etc. Words Can Lead to Violence

Responsibility of Coaches/Team Officials to Control Parents and Fans League Assigns “League Officials” to Maintain Spectator Order Violators will be Asked to Leave the Rink and Suspended Games can be stopped If necessary, the Police will be Called Games can be Forfeited

Issue # 2 The “Alter Ego” Parent or The “Sports Scholarship” Parent

BELIEVES CHILD IS SECOND COMING OF John Tavares. ( Fewer than 2% of all High School Athletes ever receive Athletic college scholarships) SETS UNREALISTIC EXPECTATIONS FOR CHILD TAKES ALL OF THE FUN OUT OF THE SPORT FOR THE CHILD MAKES THE ACTIVITY STRESSFUL INSTEAD

In The Stands: KEEP HOCKEY FUN “Relax, It’s Only a Game!” ENCOURAGE your son or daughter. ENJOY the game. APPLAUD good plays (even those made by your opponents). DON’T coach from the stands. REMEMBER coaches and referees are human and therefore imperfect. We’re doing our best.

At HOME and in the CAR Remember: “Relax, It’s Only a Game!” There is more to life than hockey! Don’t COACH your child on the way to a game. ENCOURAGE FUN and TEAMWORK. LISTEN to them and BE SUPPORTIVE.

At Practice… SKILL IMPROVEMENT is important. FUN is essential. Practice is where the game is really learned.

At the Rink… Have the rink be a POSITIVE place. Be CERTAIN your child’s equipment is in good shape and fits properly. You and your child must PRACTICE EMOTIONAL CONTROL.

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

Don’ts and Do’s Don’ts Don't yell out instructions. Don't put down officials. Don't yell at your kids in public. Don't yell at the coaches. Don't put down teammates. Don't put down the other team. Don't lose your cool. Don't lecture kids about mistakes after the game. Do’s Laugh and have fun! Remember, “It's just a game!” Applaud good plays even if opposing players make them! Support your organization by volunteering to help out! Remember your kids learn more from your actions than your words!

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 is no sin, Showing good sportsmanship lets everyone win. ANN DOTTE