Well all know that hockey is an extremely competitive sport, but that competitiveness occasionally leaves the rink and heads up the stands and will roost itself into, you guessed it, a parent! 

As parents, we have a responsibility to teach our children good sportsmanship and courtesy. While we do our best to teach our children right from wrong, there are times that, while watching our children play the intense game of hockey, we let “our evil twin” get the better of us.

The more competitive we as parents become, the likelihood of our children developing the same tactics on and off the ice becomes greater. At a moment when we want to criticize a coach, referee, or another player we need to pause a moment and ask ourselves how we would react if our child did the exact same thing. The answer would probably mean grounding, taking away his Xbox 360 or some form of punishment! Well, you are grounded! Go to your room!

Wait come back we are not finished! The actions we as parents take greatly affect negatively on the actions and feelings of our child. So consider some guidelines that may provide an excellent hockey experience for everyone involved.

Firstly, remember you are in the stands as a spectator, NOT on the ice. Let the coaches do their jobs. Whether they are paid or unpaid coaches; they have a job to do. It is up to them to guide their team, any advice you give on plays could confuse your child.

Allow your child to play the game. Yelling at them from the stands, to do this or that, will be a major distraction. Allow your child to learn from mistakes made on the ice.

As hard as it may be, do not complain about the teams coach to other parents. If you have issues with the coach talk with him in private about the issues.

Do not make negative comments about another player. This only brings out the worst in everyone. Not only is it hurtful to the player and their parents (after all this youth sport is supposed to be about fun and learning the game of hockey), it will only make you look like an egotistical jerk.

If you overhear someone speaking negatively about a player or coach, respond positively with specific qualities the person possesses that strengthens the team.

ENCOURAGE! ENCOURAGE! ENCOURAGE! The team and players. Positive encouragement leads to extra hustle and effort on the ice. If there is a mistake, you should not ever comment on it, that is what the coach is for after all.

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