By Hal Tearse

Minnesota Hockey

A foundational pillar of the new rules and rules interpretation from USA Hockey is based on respect and sportsmanship by all participants in the game. Since players take their cue from the adults around them it is important for all of the adults to model the behaviors and attitudes that are desirable.

This begins with coaches who need to focus on teaching skills and the right way to engage in legal body contact. Coaches play a pivotal role for players helping them to keep a proper perspective on their participation in the game. Remember, “they are not your players, you are their coach” so act like it. Coaches who cannot abide by these requirements should be replaced.

Parents are next. Your kids are a direct reflection of you and your attitudes. Keeping a positive approach and a respectful attitude is essential if the players are to do likewise. This includes supporting the coaches, players, and on ice officials at all times. Yelling at refs, other teams, and other related negative communication is unwarranted and destructive to the game. If it occurred in the school it would be rightly classified as bullying. Kids get plenty of that from other kids and do not need it from adults.  Way too many kids quit hockey at an early age for a variety of reasons but mostly because it is not fun. There are too many unfulfilled expectations placed on kids by their parents and coaches. In today’s world there are many choices that kids can make and they will move towards activities that are fun.

Referees also need to be certain that they are respectful, engage in reasonable conversations with coaches and players as long as respect is present and officiate to the rule book. It is time that personal rule interpretations or ignoring certain rules comes to an end. By insisting that coaches, parents and players behave consistent with good sportsmanship and respect the game will be better for all. You have the tools to make this happen so please use them in a respectful manner.

Administrators also need to take a step back and remember that the game is for the kids. District Directors all the way down to local association volunteers should try to keep the big picture in perspective. There are often times that there is too much individual ego and perceived personal power involved. That makes for bad decisions that harm the game, reputation of Minnesota Hockey and USA Hockey. It also ultimately hurts the kids.

As this season get underway let’s all remember that hockey is just a game that kids play. Some kids will get pretty good at it and will play in high school, college and beyond, but very few will have that chance and there is nothing a parent can do to make that happen.

So sit back and enjoy the game.