Billeting is as crucial to your Child's Hockey Life as a Coach!

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Billet Prep Guide (Parents & Players) Hockey Resource Practical steps for families sending a 16- 20 y/o to live with a billet family

Prepared by The Hockey Resource

Quick Overview Goal of billeting: Provide a safe, stable home so the player can train, study, and mature. Three pillars: Safety & Well-being, Development & School, and Clear Communication. Golden rule: Pick the right fit, not the most prominent logo. Daily environment drives development.

Timeline 6-8 weeks before report - Confirm team placement & league rules (curfew, travel, stipend/fees, vehicle use). Receive billet options and schedule video calls with families. Gather medical, academic, and ID documents. Align on school plan (online vs local; course load; credits)

Timeline: 2-4 weeks before finalizing the host match - exchange house rules and expectations. Discuss food preferences/allergies, plan grocery rhythm. Set communication plan: player host, parent player, and coach contacts. Budget + payment logistics (who pays for what; how; when)

Timeline: 1 week before arrival - Prepare an Arrival Pack (including backup gear/contacts in a carry-on) and confirm the arrival window & first day schedule. Player intros note to hosts. Arrival day: Tour home, review house rules, set sleep/meals plan. Exchange emergency contacts; confirm transport to first practice.

First Month 10-minute weekly check-in - (player host). Parent check in every 1-2 weeks (brief, supportive).

Roles & Responsibilities Player - respect, cleanliness, communicate schedule, protect sleep/nutrition, no substances, curfew. Host: safe room, study space, reliable meals, clear rules, transport plan, health support. Parents: back the rules, keep finances topped up, use conflict ladder before escalation

House Rules Template (edit together) Curfew (weeknights/weekends), guests & quiet hours. Devices: off by? No phones at the table. Chores daily/weekly; kitchen access & ask before items. Laundry schedule & supplies; bathroom/shower timing. Thermostat/AC, pets, safety (locks/alarms). Transport priorities & backup plan.

Communication Plan Player Host - nightly next day plan; weekly overview on Sun. Parent Player - short check-in once/twice weekly; emergencies anytime. Player Coach/GM/Billet Coord.: report illness/injury/travel changes same day.

Health, School & Nutrition Medical - meds/allergies/physician/insurance; consent forms. Injury: trainer vs urgent care; return to play approval. Mental health: normalize check-ins; name a trusted adult. School: syllabi/exam dates, quiet hours, tutoring, and NCAA needs. Nutrition: 3 go to breakfasts/lunches/dinners + recovery snacks; hydration plan.

Conflict Ladder & Red Flags 1) Player Host talks privately. 2) Loop in the billet coordinator. 3) Head coach/GM (rematch if needed). Red flags - missed meals/sleep, unsafe rides, unchecked illness, substances, harassment, privacy issues.

Packing & Paperwork - ID & insurance, emergency card, consent forms, school logins. Phone/laptop/chargers; schedules. Gear + small repair kit (steel, laces, tape, screws). Bedding/towels if requested; toiletries; weather gear; laundry bag; water bottles; snack bin. Money: debit/credit & small cash; transit card; banking app; eSIM/roaming.

Ready to Use Templates A) Player Intro Message (send 3-5 days before). B) Emergency Contacts Card (wallet size). C) Weekly Rhythm Sheet (on fridge). D) Food & Grocery Preference list.

Transport, Curfew & Budget Clarify car use/insurance/parking; map bus/bike/ride share; two teammate backups. Curfew exceptions for late returns in writing. Budget: billet fees, groceries, add-ons, personal care, phone, travel/gas, training extras, school fees, and incidentals.

First 72 Hours - Unpack & set laundry plan; share fridge/shelf space. Walk through alarms/locks/appliances; device rules; confirm rides. Low-key family outing to break the ice.

Social media & Privacy + If You Need a rematch, keep addresses off posts and ask before filming/posting hosts. Use team channels for playing time issues. If a rematch is needed: safety first, follow the ladder, coordinate pickup & inventory belongings.

A great billeting situation may be as important as working out your attitude about playing!!

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