Its been a while since I addressed proper etiquette for players and parents when attending tryout camps in the spring and summer. I was reminded of why these etiquette reminders are helpful when talking with some parents and players over the past weekend.
First and most important is to remember you are at a camp. Everyone is watching everything on and off the ice. Every detail of performance, communication and behavior matters.
Coaches and scouts are not always wearing team branded clothing. Why? Because they do not want to be stopped and questioned by every player and parent when they are trying to do their jobs.
Do not be late. Coming late shows everyone you dont care enough to be on time.
Do not be dressed like a homeless person. Your appearance matters.
Watch your body language on and off the ice. Body language is watched very closely.
If you have a complaint, address it quietly. Making a scene, or looking bad in public will not only get noticed, but news of this will travel more quickly than the next flight out of town.
If you are approached by a scout or coach, always be respectful. Even if you are not interested, be respectful of the person and their position. You never know where that person will be next year.
If you are not approached, that does not mean no one is interested. Not being approached can be frustrating, but you cannot let that frustration show. Everyone is watching.
While many players and parents think that all points count toward something, points are a very small part of the camp evaluation process. Just as much as goals scored against are a small part in the goalie evaluation process.
It is important to remember that coaches and scouts are not accountants or mathmeticians. They are talent evaluators and talent projectionists. Thier positions rquire them to not only grade the player where he is in the current development cycle but to be able to project where the player will be in one, two, three or more years.
It is also important to remember that all camps are not equal. Open or pre draft camps can have any level of player in them. It is a crap shoot. Main camps are usually limited in number and higher in quality.
If attending a non team camp the same measurement can also be applied. Huge camps usually mean huge money and less talent. Small camps mean less money and more quality.
Be smart. Do not let your emotions get the better of you. Always smile, be respectful and make the best of the environment. You can only control what you do, and that is the key to a successful camp.
Joseph Kolodziej – Adviser
