PlayYourGame.com - Player Question Archive

Question Archive
Parents Ask the Vet

Tell Us Your Story
Women's Game

Q: My question deals with when to try to play your child at the AAA level? Many people I have spoken to say there's no rush to play at this level and that children may develop burnout from this level at a young age. However, must you start young to establish your spot on a team due to the amount of kids involved?

A: The expert opinions on this matter generally say that a child shouldn't play on a traveling/competitive/AAA team before age 10, and not before the child is ready. In our opinion, age is not as important as how prepared your child is to play. Being prepared to play AAA hockey at this age goes beyond having the skills and ability to play. Ask your child if he/she wants to play at this level? Do they want to tryout? It is important to remember that there is added pressure with playing at this level (even at age 10). There are the pressures of tryouts and possibly a more serious or abrasive style to coaching.
      When it comes to burnout in young players or athletes, it is generally a combination of factors that leads to it. Generally, kids will handle the competitiveness of playing at this level, but some have trouble dealing with the schedule and commitment involved. Less time for other sports, friends, and most importantly school can lead to burnout in your young athlete. Make sure that your child knows the time commitment involved. As well, it is important that you help them prioritize their tasks and commitments. School can often play second fiddle to the rink in the mind of a budding young player.
      Another aspect that is often overlooked when it comes to playing competitive sports is the commitment needed by parents. The support of a parent is important for the child making the move up. This commitment goes beyond encouragement. The AAA experience is great, but it is also an experience that the parent will have to take an active involvement with. It requires a lot of time and energy keeping up with a busy traveling schedule. As well, there is the inevitable expense that comes with playing at this level. More ice time and travel will raise the cost of playing for your child.
      With everything said and done, the desire to play has to left up to your child. They'll make it obvious if they want to try and play at this level. As for worrying about getting a spot for your child, that isn't that important at age 9. We won't pretend that there isn't any level of politics involved even at this level, but the truth is that skill level will mean the most down the road. Once your child begins to enter his/her teenage years, the importance of playing with the best players of his/her age group will be there. Truthfully, the opportunity to play with better players (at any age) will help a young player improve. So ultimately, your child will need this opportunity to grow as a player, but for the time being, it is most important to develop better skills and have fun.

(As an aside, both of us began playing competitive hockey at age 5.)