Respect in Sport – What Parents Need to Know

Respect in Sport is a mandatory online certification program designed to promote a safe, respectful, and positive environment in youth sports. It helps parents understand their role in supporting not only their own child, but every participant involved in the game.

Why it matters
Hockey is competitive and emotional, but it should always remain safe and enjoyable for players, coaches, officials, and families. Respect in Sport provides parents with the tools to:

• Support their child in a healthy, positive way
• Communicate effectively with coaches and team staff
• Model respectful behavior in the stands and around the rink
• Understand the impact of their actions on young athletes

What parents will learn
The program focuses on key areas that directly impact the hockey experience:

• Creating a positive sport environment
• Managing emotions during games and practices
• Encouraging effort, teamwork, and sportsmanship
• Recognizing and preventing bullying, abuse, and harassment
• Understanding the importance of respect for officials, coaches, and other players

Our expectation as an organization
We expect all parents to complete the Respect in Sport program and carry those principles into every rink, practice, and team event. Our goal is simple: create an environment where kids feel supported, safe, and excited to play the game.

At the rink, this looks like:

• Cheering for all players, not just your own
• Letting coaches coach and officials officiate
• Keeping feedback constructive and appropriate
• Showing respect, even in heated moments

When parents lead by example, it sets the tone for the entire team and helps build a culture that players will carry with them far beyond hockey.