HOCKEY PARENTS

WHAT TO EXPECT AS A HOCKEY PARENT

Your child's hockey experience will be influenced by many factors, but nothing will influence that experience more than you. As a parent, you are the most influential figure in your child's development, both as a hockey player and a person. Embrace that opportunity.

Remember:

• Be supportive of the child. Of your child's teammates. Of the coach. And of the hockey program.
• Be disciplined. Manage your emotions and set a good example that teaches your child to do the same.
• Be positive, and when adversity comes, be constructive not destructive.
• Be proactive. Getting involved as a volunteer in your association can help you have an even greater influence on your child's hockey experience. And as a parent, being a proactive communicator with coaches and hockey administrators can help avoid frustration and conflict.
• Your child's coach is likely a volunteer, and often also a parent, donating their time to help your child. While criticism might be appropriate, it should be done constructively and through appropriate channels.
• Be respectful, especially in situations of disagreement or conflict. Remember, your child is watching!
• Focus on the process, and not the outcome, and teach your child to do the same.
• Kids learn best by doing.
• Praise your child's effort and less about their performance. Studies show that this helps them better develop the confidence to meet new challenges and overcome obstacles.
• Keep hockey in perspective. Maintain a healthy balance of hockey and non-hockey activities. Encourage your child to be well-rounded.
• Enjoy the youth hockey experience with your child. Life moves fast and time passes quickly. Soon your child will be grown and you'll wish you could return to these days, if just for a moment. So savor these seasons, don't rush them. Make the experience one that you'll remember fondly together years from now.

Information gathered from An American Hockey Parent Handbook

PARENT INVOLVEMENT

Parents can play many roles in sport: current or former athlete, coach, fan, motivator, role model or critic. A few studies have shown that family members may influence an athlete’s involvement and achievement in sport more than coaches. Parents also are the first and most critical agents at socializing sports.

HE FOUR BASIC SKILLS OF HOCKEY

Skating is the skill that makes hockey unique and it is something that players of all levels of the sport continually strive to improve. Without adequate skating ability, players are less able to perform the other essential skills of the sport.

Stick handling is perhaps the most difficult of the basic skills to master. It allows a skilled player to maneuver around opponents and create better offensive opportunities.

Passing is what makes hockey a true team sport and helps make the game fun. Passing gets everyone on the ice involved in the action and turns scoring into a team effort. Helping teammates experience success is what the game is all about and passing allows the thrill of scoring to be shared.

Shooting is the end result of an offensive team play and is the action that produces a goal. Many players spend most of their time practicing on shooting because they believe scoring is the most fun. Players should, however, place an equal emphasis on the other basic skills of hockey, given the fact most players generally take fewer than six shots in an entire game.

THE TEAM

A team is comprised of a maximum of six players on the ice at any one time (see “penalties).

The goaltender is responsible for guarding the team’s goal and preventing the opposing team from scoring.

The primary responsibility of the defensemen (two) is to prevent the opposing team from having a good shot at the goal. The defensemen also attempt to gain possession of the puck and pass to teammates to initiate an offensive scoring opportunity.

The primary responsibility of the forwards (three: right wing, center and left wing) is to score. However, forwards also assist the defensemen by back-checking after their team has yielded control of the puck to the opposition.

THE PLAYING ZONES

The ice surface is divided by blue lines into three zones: defensive, offensive and neutral.

The defensive zone is the area in which a team protects its own goal and attempts to keep the opposing team’s offensive zone, or the area in which they are attempting to score.

The neutral zone is the area between the two blue lines.

THE OFFICIALS

At higher levels of ice hockey competition, three officials – one referee (identified by an orange arm band) and two linesmen – are utilized. At the youth level, two officials – both of whom are referees – are common. The referee is the ultimate authority during the game and is primarily responsible for calling penalties and determining if goals have been legally scored.

The primary responsibilities of the linesmen include conducting face-offs and determining violations of offside and icing while assisting the referee in enforcing the rules of the game.

THE RULES

The playing rules of hockey are divided into three basic categories:

Violations that result in a face-off

Violations that result in a player being awarded a penalty shot.

Violations that result in a player being sent to the penalty box for a specified period of time.

The following is a brief explanation of each type of violation. Naturally, there are technical aspects of each rule that will, at various times, determine whether or not the violation is being called.

Face-Offs

Offside – An offensive player may not precede the puck across the blue line into the offensive zone.

Icing – A team, when both teams have an equal number of players have an equal number of players on the ice, may not shoot the puck from behind the center red line over their opponent’s goal line (except if the puck goes into the goal) in Junior B and above, the puck must first be touched by a player from the defensive team before icing is called.

Penalty Shot

A penalty shot is most commonly awarded if:

1. A player, while in a scoring position, is fouled from behind and deprived of scoring opportunity, or

2. A defensive player grabs or falls on the puck when it is in the goal crease.

To take a penalty shot, an offensive player takes control of the puck at center ice and tries to score against the opposing goaltender. All other players are removed from the action.

Hockey helps boys and girls make big strides on and off the ice. Here are just a few of the positive characteristics youth hockey helps bring out of kids:

Pride

Focus

Exhilaration

Strength

Responsibility

Thrills

Adventure

Confidence

Leadership

Friends

Teamwork

Laughter

More than a Game

Hockey develops skills on the ice that build a foundation for a lifetime. In addition to athletic prowess, hockey promotes confidence, pride, focus and responsibility. With an emphasis on fun, hockey is a game to be played and enjoyed for life.

Life-long Friendships

Starting with the bonds created in the locker room to the relationships formed on ice, hockey creates life-long friendships. This camaraderie shared on and off the ice encourages teamwork and the natural development of leadership skills.

Set Up for Success

From learning to balance school, responsibilities at home, time at the rink and playing with friends, hockey encourages kids to learn time management skills that will later serve them in all facets of life. Hockey’s unique source of physical fitness promotes healthy living.

Hockey is Fun

The thrill of carrying the puck up the ice on a breakaway, the exhilaration of scoring your first goal or making that amazing save is possible due to the encouraging environment hockey provides to try new things and grow as a hockey player and person.

Ice hockey is played on a rink, a sheet of ice, which is approximately two-thirds the size of a football field, usually 185-200 feet long and 85-100 feet wide. The game is played in three periods of equal length; 20 minutes for each period at most levels, but often 12 or 15 minutes in youth classifications. The sport involves four basic skills: skating, stick handling, passing and shooting. These skills can be learned at any age, and the good hockey player continually works to improve and refine his or her skills.

Physical size is not an important factor in becoming a skilled and successful hockey player. Every player has an opportunity to be a part of the action given the speed of the game, the number of players on a team and the size of the surface upon which the game is played.

Parents Make a 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, may 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 their youth sports experience 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 a 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 should try to keep things in perspective. There’s more to life than hockey, and the car and home are not places to coach. 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 their coach.

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 the sport. 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.

SKILL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM

The USA Hockey Skill Development Program has been developed to make certain that the child’s first experience with hockey is positive, safe and fun. Parents should avoid pressure or placing unreasonable expectations on their children, particularly at the Skill Development Program level. No matter what happens on the ice, children need the positive support of their parents.

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 youth hockey program, it is important for you to show support and offer encouragement while maximizing a genuine interest in the team.

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. 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’re 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 your child knows that regardless of outcome of a game, he or she is a winner.

Hockey Glossary, A TO Z

Assist: An assist is credited in the scoring record to the offensive player or players involved in the play immediately preceding a goal. Maximum of two assists per goal.

Back Check: The action of the forwards skating back into their defensive zone to break up the opposing team’s offensive play.

Body Check: Using the body to impede an opponent who has possession of the puck to break up or disrupt an offensive play.

Breakaway: A scoring opportunity that occurs when there are no defending players between the puck carrier and the opposing goaltender.

Breakout: Movement of a team in possession of the puck out of its defensive zone. Changing on the Fly: Substitution of players without a stoppage in play.

Clearing the Puck: Shooting the puck out of the defensive zone or away from the front of the goal.

Delayed Penalty: A team shall not be shorthanded on the ice more than two players at any one time because of the imposed penalties. Therefore, should a team receive a third penalty, that penalty shall be delayed in its start until one of the preceding penalties has terminated.

Delayed Whistle: When a violation occurs, the official will not blow the whistle to stop play as long as the non-offending team is in possession of the puck. The moment the offending team touches the puck, play will be stopped.

Face-Off: Dropping the puck between one player from each team to initiate play.

Fore checking: Pressuring the opponent when they control the puck in the neutral or defensive zone.

Goal Crease: The area marked off in front of the goal. An offensive player may not enter the goal crease unless the puck is already inside this area.

Goal Judge: An off-ice official who sits behind the goal, outside the boards, and determines if the puck enters the goal. Should there be a different of opinion, the referee will have the final decision.

Hat Trick: Term referring to a player scoring three goals in a single game

Icing: A team, when both teams have an equal number of players on the ice, may not shoot the puck from behind the center red line over their opponent’s goal line (except if the puck goes into the goal).

Minor Officials: More commonly known as “off-ice officials” includes the goal judges, game timer, penalty timer and official scorer. Not all positions are utilized in youth games.

Offside: When an offensive player precedes the puck across the blue line and into the offensive zone. For an offside violation, a face-off will be conducted in the neutral zone.

Poke Check: Using the blade of the stick to know the puck away from an opponent.

Power Play: An attempt to score by a team which has a numerical advantage in players due to a penalty or penalties.

Referee’s Crease: A restricted area, marked by a red semi-circle, in front of the timer’s table which a player is prohibited from entering while the referee is reporting a penalty.

Screen: Offensive players positioning themselves to block or shield the opposing goaltender’s view of the puck.

Shorthanded: When a team is playing with one or two fewer players than their opponent due to penalties.

Slap Shot: A sweeping motion with an accentuated back swing to shoot the puck.

Slot: An unmarked area in front of the goal approximately 10 to 15 feet in diameter. Wrist Shot: The motion of shooting the puck with the puck directly against the blade of the stick.

Zamboni: A machine used to resurface the ice between periods.

Penalties

For the following penalties, the penalized team must play minus the number of players serving such penalties, with one exception: the penalized team can have no fewer than four players, including the goaltender, on the ice (delayed penalty):

Minor Penalty – Two minutes. If a team is scored upon while it is shorthanded because of a minor penalty, the penalty shall terminate immediately.

Major Penalty –  Five minutes. Does not terminate early for any reason.

Match Penalty – Five minutes, depending upon the violation, and is served by a teammate. If assessed a match penalty, the offending player is ejected for the balance of the game and may not play in future games until the case has been reviewed by league administrators.

For the following penalties, the team will replace the penalized player on the ice immediately:

Misconduct – Ten minutes. Served in the penalty box.

Game Misconduct – Ejection for the balance of the game and the player of coach will serve an additional one-game suspension.

The following is a list of common penalties and their definitions:

Charging – Body checking an opponent at an excessive speed, checking or pushing from behind.

Checking from Behind – An extremely dangerous action characterized by a player checking an opponent directly from behind.  Parents, players, coaches and referees must all work to eliminate this infraction from our sport.

Checking to the Head – The action of a player intentionally or recklessly contacting a player in the head, including with the stick or by an illegal body check.

Cross-Checking – Checking an opponent with the stick across the body.

Elbowing – Checking an opponent with the elbow extended.

High-Sticking – Carrying the stick above normal shoulder-height. If the violation results in an injury to an opponent, a major penalty should be assessed.

Holding – Impeding the progress of an opponent by using the hand, stick or any other means.

Hooking – Using the stick to impede the progress of an opponent.

Interference – Impeding the progress of an opponent who is not in possession of the puck. Slashing – Hitting or swinging at an opponent with the stick.

Tripping – An action against an opponent’s leg which causes the opponent to fall.