• Encourage your child to participate in hockey based on their own interests and enjoyment.

• Let sports be a source of personal growth and fun not pressure or obligation.

Positive encouragement from the stands builds confidence and reinforces the team spirit that is core to hockey culture. Applaud effort, teamwork, and respectful play—regardless of the score or outcome. Emotional outbursts, excessive criticism, or negative comments directed at players, officials, or opponents do not belong at youth sporting events and detract from the experience for everyone involved.

By demonstrating composure and positivity, you help create a game-day environment that is uplifting, inclusive, and aligned with the values of McKinney Ice Hockey Club.

• Teach and reinforce playing by the rules.

• Model good behavior by applauding strong effort and good sportsmanship from both teams.

Help your child understand that rules exist to ensure safety, fairness, and enjoyment for everyone involved. Take the opportunity to talk through both the technical and sportsmanship-related aspects of the game, emphasizing that respecting the rules is a key part of being a successful athlete and teammate. Consistent messages at home and in the rink help reinforce a culture of integrity and accountability.

• Do not yell at, confront, or publicly criticize players, coaches, officials, or other spectators.

• Your actions reflect on your child and impact the overall atmosphere of the game.

Verbal abuse, confrontational behavior, or attempts to engage in disputes during or after games are strictly prohibited, regardless of the situation or perceived justification. Such actions will not be tolerated and are subject to disciplinary consequences, including removal from the venue and further sanctions as outlined in our Zero Tolerance Policy.

We ask all parents and spectators to remember: you are part of a team environment. Respectful, composed behavior supports the development of not only your player, but the entire McKinney hockey community.

• Place greater value on effort, practice, and skill development, especially in the younger age groups, rather than just wins and losses.

• Support your child through both successes and setbacks.

• Take time to learn and understand the rules of the game.

• Respect on-ice officials and game rulings. Criticizing referees or their calls only diminishes the experience for players and spectators alike.

• Celebrate effort, improvement, and character—not just scores.

• Discourage negative reactions to losses and model resilience and composure.

• Recognize the time, energy, and dedication coaches invest in your child’s experience.

• Maintain respectful, constructive communication with all coaching staff.