Articles & Help

In the 19th century, society fought to move children out of factories and into schools, recognizing they were not "little adults." Paradoxically, in hockey, we see something different. Policies that increasingly recognize developmental needs are juxtaposed by a culture and economy that increasingly treats children like mini professionals.

One of the biggest mistakes in youth sport conditioning is treating kids like scaled-down adults. They’re not.

Over the past 12 days, we’ve shared what hockey really gives kids, families, and communities — beyond wins and losses.

CRC and VSC are essential for volunteers but do you also have a document review policy to address concerns and complaints before they start

As parents, coaches, and leaders, we all play a role in making sure the rink is a place of growth rather than harm. Here are some evidence-based ways to create the best possible hockey experience for kids:

Pros and cons of growth mindset - research shows it works - but kids and parents may also need something deeper to mitigate the lasting impact of bullying and maltreatment.

Whether it is in youth sports or schools, bullying and maltreatment is often portrayed as something that can be solved with a workshop, a motivational talk, or a limited time promotion. Though increased awareness is always a good thing, they stop short of real solutions that need continuity and repetition.

It's about protecting the membership you are providing a service to. It isn't politics or personal, it is policy and preventative.

Don't let bullying and maltreatment thrive. Hold your board and association members to protecting the minors under your care. Protect the hearts behind the helmuts - adopt strong policy and governance, youth voice, leadership, and education for all your members.

Let’s rebuild the rink — with strong boards, clear boundaries, and voices that matter. 📬 Contact us:🌐 www.puckofftobullying.com📧 puckofftobullying@gmail.com📞 587-874-0080 📌 Follow us for more resources

We've all had that thought in those high profile cases in youth sports - how can abuse go on for so long without anyone knowing? There are a number of reasons: The Halo Effect (it couldn't be a person I know or my kids plays for). Kids being fearful of reporting incidents or getting an adult in trouble. Not talking to the youth membership (they know what's going on before anyone else). And non-compliant, sloppy and non-objective complaint processes...

Recognizing faulty logic isn’t about winning arguments. It’s creating a culture of fairness, clarity, and humility that is solution centered

Psychological safety isn't just a buzzword — it's the foundation for team culture, player development, and long-term athlete retention

Dropping the Gloves: How Rules and Leadership Make a Difference in Hockey Culture

Parents are the bridge between players and policy. Use this checklist to start conversations and ask for transparency and youth voice.

This post is in honor of all parents. Parents who hurt when their kids hurts. But it is even more dedicated to parents whose kids don't fit

n today’s hockey culture, Elbows Up is the perfect way to tell bullying and maltreatment to "Get the Puck Outta Here." It’s about protecting yourself and your teammates by standing up for fairness, safety, and respect on and off the ice.

The reality? Research consistently shows that bullying and maltreatment are systemic issues, closely linked to leadership, policy, and governance—especially within the unique culture of sport. Interventions must be driven by psychological and sociological insights, using data-informed approaches. A static policy or annual event cannot dismantle harmful norms or build safer environments for kids. Sustainable change requires integrated strategies, with youth voice solutions at

When your child has a negative experience in hockey their age profoundly shapes how they interpret what happens to them — and more importantly, how they process, internalize and cope with situations that happen.

But it's important to recognize: not every hard moment is maltreatment. Not every hard moment needs a confrontation. How do you know?