Being a hockey parent is no easy task. Hockey parents are often called upon to wear many different volunteer hats, some of which result in conflicting roles. A hockey parent may be a coach, evaluator, director or a referee – any of whom is required to make decisions in everyone’s best interest while still being a mom or dad wanting what’s best for his or her own child. Parents wrestle with reconciling their roles and controlling their passion as fans while being faced with the constant challenge of ‘doing the right thing’. Hockey Canada is committed to helping those parents meet these challenges to ensure they continue to enjoy the game and have as much fun as their kids.
Remember, it’s about fairness and respect!
- It’s about play!
- It’s all about family!
- It’s about us all having fun and being kids!
- What else could really be more important?
My role as a parent / spectator:
- I will be supportive to my child, grandchild and all players.
- I know that players play for their enjoyment not mine
- I will display good sportsmanship, always respecting players, coaches and officials
- I will act appropriately, I will not taunt or disturb other spectators, enjoy the game together
- I will cheer good plays of all participants, and avoid booing opponents
- I will let the coaches coach my child
- I will cheer in a positive manner and encourage fair play, profanity and objectionable conduct, cheers or gestures that are offensive will not be tolerated.
- I will observe the 24 hour rule when dealing with my child’s coaching staff when problems arise
- I will remember we are our child’s role model
- Help provide a safe and fun environment, throwing items on the ice surface can cause injury to players or officials
- Do not lean over or pound on the glass, the glass is surrounding the ice surface and is part of the playing area
- I will support the referees and coaches by trusting their judgment and integrity
- I will respect locker rooms as private areas for players, coaches and officials
- I will use discretion when consuming alcohol around players at team events (tournaments, practices or games) failure to do so could result in a suspension or expulsion from the KMHA
Hockey Canada Minor Hockey Toolbox for Parents: Tool Inventory Library