KMHA: Policy # KJR - 16
Title: Playing Rights Versus Privileges
Policy Statement:
It's tryout time and every parent’s fancy turns to thoughts of ....hockey. The national obsession of looking out for one's own kid is once more upon us. Teaming throngs of ill-prepared and woefully misguided parents are pouring through the doors of hockey arenas throughout Canada. They have been programmed, at a moment's notice, to throw themselves towards the throats of another ill-prepared and woefully misguided group - coaches. It is at this time that I feel it my duty to address the age-old question of "equal ice time". Some have interpreted this phrase to mean that everyone gets an equal amount of time. on the ice At least until there is a power play, a penalty to be killed or it is the last minute of play, at which time their child has (like some medieval King), the divine right to play over everyone else on the team.
We quite often forget that in hockey, as in real life, there is a difference between "Rights and Privileges". The sooner this concept is recognized the more enjoyable the hockey season will be.
It is important to remember that every child who signs up to play hockey does have certain rights. They have the right to play the game and not to sit on the bench forever. No coach should sign a child and not play them. Every player has the right to receive the best hockey instruction available and to receive the same amount of attention as that given to the best player on the team. Every player has the right to have fun when practising and playing the game and in those moments of social interaction occurring before and after such activities.
However remember too, that hockey has certain privileges which players must earn. Privileges are granted to players who live up to certain required levels of performance and behaviour. In other words, if you don't work hard or if you can't yet comprehend the team's systems, then you haven't earned the privilege of playing in critical situations. If you don't work properly within the team environment, then you also haven't earned the privilege of play. If you misbehave and break rules, then you also forfeit your chance to play. Talent can't override selfishness or bad manners nor can merely showing up at practices and games be seen as an automatic indication you will play on those special units. The privilege of playing hockey at critical times goes to those who are willing to work within a team; there can be no room for either self-centred or lazy players.
Remember parents, before you ask why your child isn't playing the power play, first ask yourselves if your child has earned that privilege. Has your child worked hard, has your child the talent or comprehension of the team's systems needed to help the club on those particular occasions and has your child the dedication needed to rise above selfish interests?
Has your child not adhered to team rules and conduct expectations? Coaches, you too have to examine your own motives. Are you making the right decisions for the right reasons? Have you merely let talent be the sole criteria for play? Or have you used these opportunities to reward hard work, personal improvement and a healthy team-oriented attitude? Having a talent or a natural ability is not a life management skill. Hard work, learning to operate selflessly within a group towards a common goal and the ability to study, understand and properly execute new systems is all skills that will help a child develop into a healthy adult. Coaches should reward players who develop these positive characteristics. Talent alone should not be the determining factor for play.