Parent Resources

Attendance & Parent Expectations

Being a hockey parent comes with many roles — and at times, competing priorities.

Parents may be involved as coaches, evaluators, volunteers, or officials, all while supporting their own child. Balancing these responsibilities can be challenging, especially when emotions and passion for the game are involved.

Our Shared Responsibility

At Hockey Canada and within Leitrim Minor Hockey Association, we encourage all families to:

• Support fair and respectful play
• Lead by example through positive behaviour
• Respect coaches, officials, and other players
• Help create a safe, inclusive, and enjoyable environment

Keep It in Perspective

Hockey should always be about:

• Fun
• Development
• Teamwork
• Community

At the end of the day:

• It’s about the players enjoying the game
• It’s about families being part of something positive
• It’s about creating lasting memories

A Simple Reminder

Let’s keep the focus where it belongs:

• It’s about playing
• It’s about family
• It’s about kids having fun

Because at the end of the day — that’s what matters most.

My role as a parent / spectator:

• I will be supportive to my child, grandchild, and all players.
• I know that players play for their enjoyment, not mine
• I will display good sportsmanship, always respecting players, coaches, and officials
• I will act appropriately, I will not taunt or disturb other spectators, enjoy the game together
• I will cheer good plays of all participants, and avoid booing opponents
• I will let the coaches coach my child
• I will cheer in a positive manner and encourage fair play, profanity, and objectionable conduct, cheers, or gestures that are offensive will not be tolerated.
• I will observe the 24-hour rule when dealing with my child’s coaching staff when problems arise
• I will remember we are our child’s role model
• Help provide a safe and fun environment, throwing items on the ice surface can cause injury to players or officials
• Do not lean over or pound on the glass, the glass is surrounding the ice surface and is part of the playing area
• I will support the referees and coaches by trusting their judgment and integrity
• I will respect locker rooms as private areas for players, coaches and officials
• I will use discretion when consuming alcohol around players at team events (tournaments, practices or games) failure to do so could result in a suspension or expulsion from the LMHA

Hockey Canada Minor Hockey Toolbox for Parents: Tool Inventory Library

http://cdn.agilitycms.com/hockey-canada/Hockey-Programs/Safety/Parents/Downloads/toolbox_presentation_e.pdf

For parents, LMHA follows HEO's protocols outlining HEO's policy and guidelines on players returning to play after concussion and/or significant injury. 

It's important, as parents, to understand, follow, and respect this shared responsibility to ensure the safety of the player.   

More information on specific injury-related or concussion-related protocols can be found under the Safety Forms & Information section of the Team Officials page as well.  

Proper skate care and fit are essential for comfort, safety, and player development.

Skate Care

• Always dry skate blades thoroughly after each use
  • Wet blades will rust quickly
  • Rust can make skating feel rough (like “skating on gravel”)
• If rust develops:
  • A standard sharpening will usually resolve it

Sharpening Guidelines

• Keep skates regularly sharpened
• General guideline (House League):
  • Every 6–8 hours of ice time

Sharpen more frequently if:

• Skates are used on:
  • Outdoor rinks
  • The canal
  • Treadmills or synthetic surfaces

Proper Fit & Tightness

Fit Matters

• Skates should fit properly — not too big
• Avoid buying skates to “grow into”:
  • Too much movement affects balance
  • Increases risk of injury

How Tight Should Skates Be?

• Focus on comfort first, especially for younger players
• Skates should feel:
  • Snug across the foot
  • Supportive through the ankle
• Slightly tighter through the upper ankle can help with stability
• Players should still be able to bend their knees and flex their ankles

For Younger Players

• Ankle strength is still developing
• Proper support helps build:
  • Confidence
  • Balance
  • Edge control

Most importantly — comfortable skates help kids enjoy the game

Quick Tips for Parents

• • Check skate tightness before each ice time
  • Re-tie after warm-up if needed
  • Store skates with soakers (blade covers) after drying
  • Avoid leaving skates in bags while wet

The Shift Forward – New Education Program

Hockey Canada has introduced The Shift Forward, a modernized education program designed to replace Respect in Sport.

Developed through national consultation and a Training Needs Analysis, this program provides a more flexible, engaging, and hockey-specific learning experience for all participants.

Program Overview

The Shift Forward is designed to:

• Deliver age-appropriate, modern learning experiences
• Provide role-specific, engaging content
• Support progressive learning throughout a participant’s hockey journey
• Promote positive culture change, including reducing unhealthy behaviours

Who It Applies To

Courses will be available for:

• Coaches
• Rostered Team Staff
• Officials
• Parents and Guardians

Implementation & Transition

To ensure a smooth transition:

• Existing certifications will be recognized during a multi-year phase-in
• Participants will gradually transition into the new program
• Full implementation will occur across all Hockey Canada branches

Key Dates

• Respect in Sport and Speak Out certifications remain valid until the end of the 2027–2028 season
• After this time, The Shift Forward will be required for all participants

Registration

Registration for The Shift Forward: PARENT PROGRAM is available here:

👉Clinic Registration | HOCKEY EASTERN ONTARIO
(Select Hockey Eastern Ontario when registering)

Ongoing Development

Hockey Canada continues to work with all Member Branches, including Hockey Eastern Ontario, to:

• Gather participant feedback
• Improve course content
• Ensure long-term effectiveness of the program

Additional Information

Frequently Asked Questions are available in both official languages.