Take Time to Rest

If you’ve ever watched kids playing hockey…or any sport or game for that matter, you know that it seems like they never tire out. And, while it might seem like kids have boundless energy, the truth is that even they need breaks from time to time.   

In fact, USA Hockey has actually mandated that there is a break and rest period between games played at the USA Hockey National Championships. The organization also recommends that all coaches and organizations follow the same rule. Kids play better, stay safer, and are more likely to actually develop valuable skills and perform at their best when they get adequate breaks during play.

USA Hockey’s rules actually give players a lot of rest and downtime. Some of the organization’s mandates include:

l  No team is required to play more than two games in a single day

l  Teams playing their second game do not have to play teams playing their first game so that energy/performance levels are more evenly matched

l  At least a four hour rest must be given between each game played during a single day

l  At least a twelve hour rest must be given between games played on consecutive days

While you’re only required to follow these specific rules at USA Hockey national championships, they’re pretty good rules to follow all the time to ensure that kids stay safe and rested. In addition to having rules about rest time in place, it’s important to make sure that all players get the proper hydration and adequate food as well. As energetic as they may seem, kids and their bodies do have needs, so whenever they’re playing hard, make sure they’re also being taken care of well. Otherwise, this could lead to injuries, exhaustion, and just plain bad playing!

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The Right Way to be a Hockey Parent

If your kids play hockey and you are super involved in their “sports life,” then you are what is known as a “hockey parent.” And, while there is certainly nothing wrong with that, there is definitely a right way and a wrong way to be a hockey parent. If you want to be on the right side of things, keep a few tips in mind.

First of all, remember that your job is to be a parent NOT a coach. You should never correct or question the coach, especially not in front of your child, unless he or she is doing something that is dangerous to your child’s well being. You also don’t really need to yell out advice from the sidelines during games or practices; let the coach do his job, and don’t try to be the one in control at all times or always think that you know best.   

One “job” that you can take on, however, is to be an encourager. Encourage your child every step of the way. When he plays poorly, tell him he’ll do better next time. When he plays well, congratulate him and let him know how proud you are. Don’t just support your child either; support the entire team and all the players. You can make hockey a much more positive experience for everyone involved if you follow this simple tip.

Finally, make sure that you don’t ever force your child into something he doesn’t want to do. If your child wants to take a break from hockey, allow it, even if it’s hard. If your child was truly cut out for the sport, he’ll come back to it in time, and if it’s not his passion, you’ll just have to learn to be okay with that.

If you can follow these simple tips and remember to be positive at all times, you can be the GOOD kind of hockey parent, not the kind that gives the sport a bad reputation.