The Billet Family Billeting hockey players should be an exciting and rewarding experience.

When a family makes the choice to welcome a young athlete into their home, or more importantly, into their family, they have the opportunity to establish a wonderful friendship, while making a difference in the player’s life.

Billet families learn first-hand about the different lifestyle and culture that the player has grown up in. The family and player share the evolving process of bringing the world closer together through sharing and friendship.

Like an exchange student program, junior hockey teams are always in need of families that are willing to open their heart and home to a developing player. Families are interested in taking a supporting role in the player’s overall development while both get memories that will last a lifetime.

In exchange for these gifts, the billet family provides the player with room and board during his stay in the community.

Billet families are the backbone of any team with out of town players. So much of the success is dependent on the environment created for the athletes by these very special families.

A billet family comes in many variations. There are different types of families, including single mothers or fathers with or without children at home, older couples with no children at home, and families with children at home. All meet the minimum standard requirements, and must be able to provide a warm home and meals.

Families should treat the athlete as they would one of their own children. These players become like one of their own and it will be something that the families enjoy doing year after year.

Turn your television to a favorite sports channel. There is a good chance that the athletes seen have, at some point in their development, lived away from home, in order to make it to the point they are now at. Some have gone to school or lived with other host families along the way.

Raw talent will only get an athlete so far. It takes determination, extremely hard work, and the ability to commit to the process of development in order to make it to the pinnacle of any sport. That development is dependent upon a solid foundation and that is where the value of a strong host family really shows.

The first step to becoming a host family is to contact the local team. The team’s housing coordinator should make an appointment to visit each home to get a first-hand feel for the lifestyle and accommodation for the prospective player. This is also the perfect time to go over the ground rules and expectations that both the team and billet family will work with.

The team places players with volunteer billet families who provide the athlete with a caring and safe home environment. Billet families are able to experience firsthand the exciting experience of elite player development.

Each team is different, but each generally follows these minimum standards.

-Some type of orientation sessions

-Thorough screening of billet families, including in-home interviews and background checks.

-Continuous support and assistance from the housing coordinator and coaches. Team staff will be there to help each family select the player who will fit in with the family.

-Thoroughly screened young athletes who speak English and meet the requirements of the team that will ensure the success for the both the family and athlete.

– Does it cost anything to host a athlete?

Families will have the expense of food and housing, just as they would with any of their own teenager or young adult. Families are not responsible for the athlete’s medical, education, or other incidental expenses.

– Do I get paid to host?

Billet families are generally never going to profit from the monthly stipend provided by the athlete. Let’s face it, we are talking about a world class athlete that is in need of a unusual amount of calories in order to fuel his development. Billet families do not get involved for the money, they do it for the experience. Many billet families refuse to accept the monthly stipend as the player becomes a part of the family.

– I don’t have any children at home. Can I still billet?

There is no typical billet family. Players are interested in a wide range of billeting situations. Some who come from large families would like to experience being the only child in a family.

– Can my own children benefit from hosting?

Many players indicate an interest in being placed in families with small children. The influence of an player’s dedication and training will have a positive impact on younger children. Their interest, curiosity and acceptance of people different from themselves is strongest at a young age. They will look up to the player and that bond ultimately forms a lifelong relationship.

– Since my spouse and I both work, we wouldn’t be home to entertain the player. Would this be a problem?

The typical family where the husband works and the wife stays home is becoming a relic of yesterday. In most two-parent families, both parents work. The player’s own day is filled with training, work, or school.

– What does the player expect?

The player expects to be welcomed into a warm home. Flexibility, a sense of humor and the ability to help a young player adapt to a new family and lifestyle are also important qualities that athletes hope their billet family will have.

– Can I host more than one player?

Yes. This is an ideal situation for both families and emptynesters, Again, the experience will establish a lifetime of memories and friendships.

– What happens if my family and athlete just don’t get along?

 The team’s coaches and housing coordinator are always prepared to assist with any problems that might arise. In the event of a serious problem or conflict of personalities, the team removes the athlete for evaluation to determine if the athlete should be replaced or even removed from the team.

– Can I choose the player(s) I would like to stay with us?

Yes! The team should provide a review of the athletes available for the year. You will ultimately make the final selection.

Becoming a billet family is not for everyone and families should not expect the athletes to be comfortable in an unstable situation. Families should look at these athletes as an extension of their own family and not as a guest. The housing situation should be an enjoyable and positive experience for both the family and the athlete.

Like any situation, boundaries and expectations need to be well established by the team and billet family BEFORE the athlete moves in. It is important to remember that these players are going to look to the host parents to act as their own parents. Respect and consideration is the highest priority.