I've been thinking a lot lately about that big hockey fight that happened recently at a tournament in Guelph.  You may have heard about it.  Two teams of eight year old boys playing.  A brawl ensues on the ice, followed by a second one in the stands, as parents of the two teams started throwing around both insults and punches.  This is wrong in so many ways it's difficult to list them all.  First and foremost, a situation like this undermines the very nature of why kids play hockey (or for that matter, any other organized sport).

Sports for kids are supposed to be fun.  If you've ever participated in a sport, either team or individual, think back to why you got involved.  One of the main reasons was probably to have fun.  The sense of pride that children experience when they step onto the ice, or the ball diamond or soccer pitch, wearing their uniform and belonging to a team is so joyous to behold.  Nothing destroys that sense of pride quicker than unrealistic expectations from parents or coaches.

Over the holiday season, and as 2007 becomes 2008, you may find yourself at a hockey tournament your son or daughter is playing in.  Let's face it, at some point in time, your child is going to make a bad pass, or let in a goal you figure they could have stopped, or take a penalty at a bad time.  Take a deep breath.  Take a bunch of deep breaths if you have to.  Maybe even think back to when you played sports when you were younger.  You probably did the same thing, right?

For tips on being a better hockey dad, or soccer mom, or 'whatever-sport-your-kids-play' parent, check out these books we have here at London Public Library.

Fair Play	Just Let The Kids Play	Raising a Team Player