Youth hockey is about more than wins and goals—it’s about experiences, growth, and community. As a parent, your role is more influential than you may realize. You set the tone for your child’s relationship with the game. Whether you’re cheering in the stands or packing post-game snacks, here are 10 simple do’s and don’ts that make you the kind of hockey parent every team needs.

Do:

  • Cheer with enthusiasm, not criticism. Support your child and the team with positive energy. Cheer loudly, but avoid coaching from the stands.
  • Respect referees, even when calls don’t go your way. Officiating isn’t easy. Trust the process and set a good example by showing respect for their role.
  • Be on time, supportive, and organized. Arriving on time shows commitment and respect for the team’s time.
  • Let the coaches coach. Avoid sideline coaching. Trust the professionals leading the team.
  • Celebrate effort over outcome. Praise your child’s hard work and improvement, regardless of the score.

Don’t:

  • Yell instructions from the stands. This confuses players and undermines the coach’s authority.
  • Critique your child right after the game. Give them space. Wait until they’re ready to talk.
  • Compare your child to others on the team. Focus on their individual journey, not comparisons.
  • Engage in sideline drama. Avoid negative conversations about players, coaches, or refs.
  • Undermine the team dynamic. Encourage cooperation and support, not individualism.

Want to help your child bounce back from a tough game? Read: What to Do When Your Team Doesn’t Win the Hockey Tournament

🏒Yours in Hockey, Brian & Whitney

 Want to take your role as a hockey parent one step further? Discover how your encouragement shapes your child’s long-term passion for the sport in our related blog:
Parents Influence Your Love of the Game of Hockey

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