Signing your child up in minor sports, and hockey in particular, at a young age can be exciting, and is often one of the many things parents look forward to once they have kids.
Not only can minor sports be beneficial for personal growth, through new friendships, fun experiences and skill development, but the time spent together can be one of the most satisfying experiences you can share with your child.
With that being said, it’s not always easy knowing where to start, and what to look for. This quick guide should help give you parents, some simple and easy tips to follow, to help you find your place as an official “hockey mom” or “hockey dad”.
Where do I sign my son or daughter up for hockey?
To start things off, there is a misconception that straight away your new little hockey player needs to sign up with a minor hockey association. However often introducing your child to the ice beforehand is a great first step, and can be done on your own, with the following ideas:
- Arena public skating
- Outdoor rinks or ponds
- Can-Skate programs
- Figure skating
These activities can first get your child comfortable standing on skates, and can help the transition to minor hockey programs where the rink is jam packed with other players. Once the basics are established, the Initiation Programs (IP) are a fantastic place to get on the ice regularly with other players their age (5-6) and with trained coaches and volunteers. Minor hockey associations all across Canada are offering IP programs!
What are my responsibilities as a hockey parent?
Understanding your role as the hockey parent is important, not only for your own piece of mind, but also for the proper development of your child.
In the first year, your role starts as the organizer in your home and a key contributor in teaching your child about the intangibles off the ice, such as cooperation, sportsmanship and of course having fun!
Other key focus areas like registration of programs, transportation to and from practice, motivation with your child and proper equipment outfitting are very important in staging your child for success in the sport.
Equipment
Hockey equipment has a huge variance in brand and price and it can be difficult to decide on what to outfit your child in. Often you see older players using composite sticks with different degrees of flex, curves and lengths, or skates priced in the thousands, but within the first few years of joining hockey the price and quality of equipment does not translate to improved skill at this age level. Focus your attention to finding affordable equipment that is safe and fits your child correctly.
Expectations of Hockey at this Level
Hockey can be a competitive sport and you always want the best for your child, but too often parents focus on where their child will play years down the road, rather than focusing on their current development. Your kid is not yet a professional, so keep the attention on having fun and let them enjoy the present moment.
Hockey is an incredible sport, and can be a great method of getting the kids out of the house, keeping active, making friends and having fun of course, so do the best you can to keep them interested and having a blast!
