Parents
Make the Difference
Keep
in mind that, above all, the motivating factor for most children who enter
an organized youth sports program is their desire to have fun. This
is particularly true with young children, many of whom are newcomers to
the youth sports scene.
With a supportive attitude and a fundamental understanding of the
"basics" of ice hockey, everyone will come away from youth
sports with a positive feeling.
IN
THE STANDS
Parents can take the fun out of hockey by continually yelling or screaming
from the stands. Parents should enjoy the game and applaud good
plays. The stands are not the place from which parents should try to
personally coach their kids. Kids often mirror the actions of their
parents; if they see mom or dad losing their cool in the stands, they'll
probably do the same on the ice.
CAR
AND HOME
Some parents not only spoil the fun for their kids at the ice rink, but
also in the car, believing this is the perfect place for instruction.
Parents are responsible for supporting and respecting the coach's
decisions and abilities. It is unfair to put children in a position
of having to decide who to listen to - their parents or the coach.
Avoid the first inclination to talk about the mistake on the ride home.
Instead ask them if they had fun and what was their favorite part of the
game. Find something you can compliment them on. Save the
suggestions for later.
AT
PRACTICE
Parents should remember that if a child wants to improve, he/she has to
practice - not just play. Even if a child is not the
"star" player for a team, practice stresses the importance of
teamwork, establishing goals, discipline and learning to control your
emotions, all of which are important lessons children can use both in and
away from sports.
AT
THE RINK
Hockey parents can help create a fun environment by making certain their
children are wearing properly fitted equipment. Parents also need to
stress fair play and risk management to help eliminate injuries.
INITIATION
PROGRAM
The USA Hockey Initiation Program has been developed to make certain that
a child's first experience with hockey is positive, safe and fun.
Parents should avoid pressuring or placing unreasonable expectations on
their children, particularly at the Initiation Program level. No
matter what happens on the ice, children need your support, so always
strive to be positive.
SUPPORT
YOUR CHILD
There are many benefits that are derived from playing youth hockey.
Boys and girls learn good sportsmanship and self-discipline. They
learn to work together, how to sacrifice for the good of the team, how to
enjoy winning and how to handle defeat. In the process, they also
learn important lessons about physical fitness and personal health.
The degree to which your child benefits from his or her youth hockey
experience is as much your responsibility as it is theirs. In order
for your child to get the most out of a youth hockey program, it is
important for you to show support and offer encouragement while
maintaining a genuine interest in the team. Stay and watch practice
and games so you can talk with them about it afterward.
ALWAYS
BE POSITIVE
Parents serve as role models for their children, who often look to adults
for advice, direction and approval. Never lose sight of the fact
that you are a role model and strive to be positive. As a parent,
one of the most important things you can do is show good sportsmanship at
all times to coaches, referees, opponents and teammates.
Remember that your children are PLAYING hockey. It is important to
allow them to establish their own goals and play the game for themselves.
Be careful not to impose your own standards or objectives.
LET
THE COACH COACH
Avoid placing an exaggerated emphasis on winning. A recent survey
indicated that 72% of children would
rather play for a losing team than ride the bench for a winner. The
most important aspect of your child's youth hockey experience is for them
to have fun while developing physical and emotional skills that will serve
them in life. A healthy, risk-free environment that emphasizes the
importance of fair play, sportsmanship, teamwork and, most importantly,
fun will be invaluable for your child as he or she continues to develop a
positive self image.
POSITIVE
REINFORCEMENT
The best way to help children achieve goals and reduce their natural fear
of failure is through positive reinforcement. After all, no one
feels good about making mistakes.
If your child does make a mistake - and they will (remember they are just
kids) - keep in mind that mistakes are an important part of the overall
learning process. Strive to be supportive and point out the things
they do well. Make sure you child knows that, regardless of the
outcome of a game, he or she is a winner.
Taken
largely from USA Hockey's Parents' introduction to Youth Hockey
