The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
Dear Editor: I would like to say "BRAVO" to the Concerned Parent who wrote in Friday's paper regarding the politics in Flin Flon Minor Hockey, especially the Rep teams. You are not alone in your opinion. It has been my experience as well with the number of years that my child has been in hockey that it isn't the skill and ability of the children competing, but who their parents know and will "fit in" with the other parents and coaches. And, in my experience, heaven forbid if you should question the coach regarding their opinion or decision made. It seems as if you aren't allowed to find out the specific reason that your child didn't qualify for the team, because it doesn't matter anyway. They've already decided that you don't fit, so there isn't anything that can improve your child's performance for the next time. Therefore, instead of being told that "Johnny" needs to improve his backwards skating, or isn't fast enough, etc., you're told "I had my reasons." End of discussion. That being said, I would also like to say that my child has had a wonderful experience playing on other Rep teams. My child's skill level improved over the seasons, as did every other child on these teams. Not only skill development, but their off-ice behaviour over the season improved as well. It was heart-warming to see the bonding of these teams as the season progressed, and these kids travelled with their parents, and did not bus it to every tournament and share hotel rooms. On these teams, so far, we made decisions as a group of parents for the best interests of our children, at the same time considering our various financial situations, in a meeting with the coaches. We decided together how many tournaments seemed reasonable to enter through the season, and what the best way to get there would be, and how much fundraising would be needed. And we decided exactly what kind of fundraising would fit to both parents and children. To me, this is what all minor hockey Rep teams should be about. In conclusion, I would like to say to all coaches, whether it be a Rep or House League team, don't always assume that when a parent is approaching you it is with criticism. Remember that all parents don't have hockey backgrounds or experience or knowledge about hockey. Sometimes we are asking so that we can learn the ropes, too, in order to be a better support to both child and coach. And with all the bad publicity that Minor Hockey has received over the country regarding the rage of parents at the rink and the controversy of body checking, wouldn't you want all parents to be informed? And if a parent appears to be critical, listen to what they are saying as you too might learn something and be informed. When information is shared and there aren't any 'hidden agendas', then everyone benefits, from children who just want to play hockey, to parents who just want to watch our kids learn and grow and have fun playing the sport, to the coaches who are volunteering their time so that the kids can play. Congratulations to all those who made the AA Rep teams, and good luck for the season ahead. Also, best wishes to those who are now trying out for the A teams, and remember if you gave it your best then you are still a winner whether you make the team or not. May all of Flin Flon Minor Hockey have a great, successful season. Sincerely, Another Hockey Parent
