Hockey, like all youth sports, is meant to provide your child with an opportunity to have fun in a group environment. Learning how to love and enjoy an activity is the key to progress. In order for your child to benefit the most from the experience, you need to be an active supporter of the learning process.
Here are some tips on how to help your child succeed:
Support the Coach.
Think of your coach as your child's teacher in this activity. It is easy to get emotional in a game but remember it is confusing to your child to have many adults yelling different things to them. Let the coach be the coach.
Focus on Encouragement.
Recognize what your child is trying to do, not just the result. Making mistakes is part of learning. It is the coach's responsibility to focus on specifics and the parents' responsibility to praise your child's effort. Don't be a negative influence -- avoid negative comments.
Share the Experience Together.
Encourage your child to work on skills outside of practices and games. Take some time to skate with your child. Come watch the games -- watch being the operative word. You don't need to provide a running commentary and you don't need to be your child's personal coach.
Don't be Critical of Your Child's Teammates.
If your child hears you being critical it will make him or her more critical of teammates.
Support the Referees.
Referees, like players, are constantly learning from their experiences. Some have a longer way to go than others. They will make mistakes and how you respond to it will influence your child. If you accept the referee's decision, your child can focus on the game and not be influenced by parental yelling.
Let Participants Dictate the Level of Competition.
In an emotionally charged atmosphere, parents can tend to heighten the level of competition. This can intimidate the players and prevent their progress.
Recognize the Benefits of Your Child's Participation.
Life is all about working with other people. Being a member of a team is a valuable learning experience. Your child can learn about working in a group, taking on individual tasks, leadership, commitment, goal orientation, preparation, learning, and more. Win or lose, your child benefits.
Too many parents are thinking about what they want their children to become. Playing youth sports is an opportunity to provide your child with a forum to learn. Personal growth and achievement cannot be forced, it can only be encouraged.
> Attend parent meeting.
> Let me know date conflicts as soon as possible for scheduling purposes � by email is the preferred way.
> Please check your email regularly. This will be the primary mode of communication for the team.
> Set an example for appropriate behavior and sportsmanship for our players and parents of the opposing team.
