The Fair Play program was originally implemented during the 2004-05 season, as a component of Minnesota Hockey’s Hockey Education Program (HEP), with the goal of promoting safety and good sportsmanship. Since then, Fair Play has been lauded as one of the top behavior influencing programs in youth hockey.
Fair Play is based on the premise of rewarding teams for maintaining proper behavior during competition. Teams have the opportunity to earn an extra point (Fair Play Point or FPP) in their district or league standings for staying under the established threshold for penalty minutes and displaying good sportsmanship.
While Fair Play does not impact the outcome of individual games, consistently good (or bad) behavior can have a cumulative effect on league standings and playoff seedings, encouraging players, coaches and parents to display positive behavior at all events.
Here are three keys for helping your team earn all of their fair play points this season.
Over the years, the Fair Play program has shown it is possible to play hard and safe. By focusing on these three areas, you can help your team learn to play hockey with respect for themselves, their opponents and the game itself, while also accomplishing their goals.
Minnesota Hockey, an affiliate of USA Hockey, is the governing body of youth and amateur hockey in Minnesota and the premier developer of hockey players in the state.