When it comes to youth sports, every family may have a little different perspective on what they hope their kid(s) gain from participating, but most value the same main goals. Topics like having fun, making friends, being active, staying healthy and learning life lessons are common themes and for good reason.

The question is what can we, as parents, coaches and volunteers, do to create an environment that provides that experience to as many kids as possible.

The United States Olympic Committee as a part of their commitment to the American Development Model has created 32 short lists of simple strategies to do just that. Here are five of their lists of five that will help you and your team provide kids with more of the best parts of youth sports this coming hockey season.  

Talking To Your Athlete

1. Allow your child to initiate the conversation with you.
2. Be a parent to your athlete first, not a coach/critic.
3. Start every conversation with "I love to watch you play..."
4. Focus on discussing the process and development over the outcome or results.
5. Listen and respect your child's opinion and emotions.

View Resource

Building Character Through Sport

1. Teach your child to be on time for all games and practices.
2. Be a role model for your child by showing respect towards officials, coaches and opponents.
3. Assist your child with goal setting both in and out of sport.
4. Have your child pack and carry their own equipment.
5. Celebrate effort in every activity and emphasize learning something from every game, practice and event.

View Resource 

Make Game Day Great

1. Cheer for all the players (on both teams).
2. Let the officials do their job without interfering and thank them afterward.
3. Learn the rules of the game or match.
4. Enjoy watching your child play - enjoy the moment and recognize their effort.
5. Offer to organize the "nice to haves" like snacks, etc.

View Resource

Rock Star Parents

1. Offer to help your child's team or program (even small things matter).
2. Get to know other players on your child's team and their family.
3. Allow your athlete to take ownership (it's their sport, game and experience). 
4. Treat the coach as an ally, not an adversary. You have the same goal: a successful, positive sports experience for your child. 
5. Be present.

View Resource

Raising Concerns Constructively with Coaches

1. Use the 24-hour rule to give yourself time to reflect and set up a time to meet with the coach.
2. Remember to always thank the coach.
3. Empower your kid to talk with the coach in a respectful manner.
4. Always speak up when safety is a concern. 
5. Ask for clarification to understand the coach's viewpoint, philosophy or team rules.

View Resource