Bay Arena Minor Hockey Association
Policy Handbook
Updated: June 2006
Forward to Membership
The Bay Arena Minor Hockey Association (BAMHA) is a registered affiliate with Hockey Newfoundland and Labrador (HNL), who, in turn, is a member of Hockey Canada (HC) and is subject to the playing rules of those organizations.
The Policy Handbook is intended for the use of the Bay Arena Minor Hockey Association and its coaches, players, and parents/guardians. Its objective is to provide a guideline for participation in our Minor Hockey program and to effectively deal with the problems that occur from time to time.
If any coach, player, or parent/guardian has a particular problem with respect to our minor hockey program, please check this manual and direct the problem to the appropriate person or group so that a satisfactory solution can be found that is fair to all parties concerned.
BAMHA Board of Directors
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Forward to Coaches
It is the belief of the BAMHA that our coaches fulfill one of the most complex and delicate roles within our realm. Training our youth in the art of hockey as part of their total development, we believe, should and can be a rewarding experience.
It is with the concept of Total Development and Fair Play in mind that we mandate you to go forward each season to mold the citizens of tomorrow.
Through your knowledge and skill, and the honing of players abilities, we hope to produce the best citizens for our communities, citizens who have taken advantage of the opportunity to fulfill their human potential by your presence, your teaching, and your example.
In fulfilling this task, we offer you these guidelines to help you achieve impartiality, uniformity, and ultimate success both on and off the ice for all teams.
It is understood that any matters which are not covered in this manual will be dealt with by the BAMHA through the appropriate director in a general meeting of the Association.
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Table of Contents
1.0 Registration.................................................................................................5
1.1 Boundaries
1.2 Divisions
1.3 Proof of Age
1.4 Equipment
1.5 Fees
1.6 Deadlines
1.7 Insurance
1.8 Medical Disclosure
1.9 Movement of Players to a Higher Division
2.0 House League Program...............................................................................7
2.1 Coaches’ Responsibilities
2.2 Teams
2.3 Non-contact Play
2.4 Coordinators’ Duties
3.0 All Star Program........................................................................................10
3.1 Coaching Staff
3.2 Coaching Staff Selection
3.3 Coaches’ Responsibilities
3.4 Team Selection
3.5 HNL Roster Sheets
3.6 Team Guidelines
3.7 Team Travel
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4.0 BAMHA Hockey System.........................................................................18
4.1 Jerseys
4.2 Schedules
4.3 Officials
4.4 Games
4.5 Minor Hockey Equipment Room
4.6 Minor Hockey Office
4.7 Dressing Rooms
4.8 Fund Raising
4.9 Grievance Procedure
4.10 Code of Fair Play
• Players
• Coaches
• Parents
• Officials
• League Organizers
5.0 Exhibition Games.....................................................................................25
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1.0 Registration
1.1 Boundaries
Only players whose parents’/guardians’ permanent residence is within the boundaries of the BAMHA, as established in the constitution (i.e. Marysvale to Tilton inclusive), may register to play All Star hockey with the BAMHA. Any child may register to play House League hockey with the BAMHA, or to participate in any special programs of the Association (i.e hockey school, power skating, etc.).
Priority will be given to players that reside within these boundaries.
1.2 Divisions
Players registered with the BAMHA will participate in the program of the appropriate division, as listed below (all ages as of December 31st of the hockey season):
Beginner - Under 5 years
Squirt - 5 - 6 years
Novice - 7 - 8 years
Atom - 9 - 10 years
Pee Wee - 11 - 12 years
Bantam - 13 - 14 years
Midget - 15 - 17 years
1.3 Equipment
Full protective equipment is required in all divisions in accordance with HC and HNL insurance guidelines.
1.4 Fees
Registration fees will be determined by the BAMHA Board of Directors prior to the beginning of each hockey season. Fees for hockey
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school, power skating, All Star tryouts, team ice time, and other BAMHA activities will also be established as necessary by the Board of Directors. All fees will be payable upon registration for each activity. Payment plans are available.
1.5 Proof of Age
Any player registered for the first time with the BAMHA, even if he/she has previously played with another association, must provide a Certificate of Birth (copy) to the BAMHA’s Registrar before being permitted to participate in any of the programs of the BAMHA.
1.6 Deadlines
The BAMHA will strictly adhere to all deadlines established by HNL and/or HC regarding player registration. HNL has established November 10th as a deadline for receipt of the initial list of registered players in Minor Hockey programs, Under no circumstances can a player register with the BAMHA and HNL after February 10th of the hockey season. Other deadlines may be established by the BAMHA Board of Directors as deemed necessary.
1.7 Insurance
No player or team official may participate in any program sponsored by the BAMHA prior to being registered. Unless a player or team official is registered with the BAMHA, he/she is not covered for insurance purposes with the HC - National Comprehensive Insurance Programme. For the protection of all members of the BAMHA, it is essential that this program requirement be met. This insurance program is a “third-line” program behind provincial Medicare and any private Medical/Dental Insurance. Further information regarding the program and the claims procedure may be obtained from the Registrar of the BAMHA.
61.8 Medical Disclosure
When registering with the BAMHA, parents/guardians and players are urged to disclose any medical conditions (e.g. allergies, asthma, seizures, heart conditions, etc.) which may affect a player while he/she is participating in the BAMHA program. Such information will be communicated only to the team officials who may deal with the player and will be treated with confidentiality and discretion.
1.9 Movement of Players to Higher Divisions
The BAMHA does not support the movement of players from their own age group to divisions of higher age groups. In exceptional circumstances, the movement of any player to a higher division will be made at the discretion of the BAMHA upon receipt of written request from the parties concerned.
2.0 House League
2.1 Coaches Responsibilities
1. Coaches are to show by example the ideas of good sportsmanship.
2. All coaches must meet the basic requirements of HNL: provide a Certificate of Conduct, and complete the Speak Out Program.
3. Coaches shall be expected to dress appropriately and wear approved personal protective equipment as required by HNL for all team activities.
4. No more than four (4) coaches or individuals will be permitted on the bench.
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5. Meetings called by the House League Director should be attended by all coaches on a regular basis.
6. Under no circumstances will coaches give or permit players to consume alcohol, drugs, or tobacco.
7. Differences of opinions between coaches and parents/guardians must not be aired in the presence of players.
8. Coaches should be on the ice for practices and attend all games. Coaches who are expected to be absent should contact the coordinator, who will arrange for a replacement.
9. All coaches or designates should be in the dressing room one half hour before the start of each game. Parents/guardians are not permitted in the dressing rooms, except for Beginner and Squirt divisions, and only with the coach’s approval.
10. Coaches must ensure all players wear protective equipment in both games and practices.
11. Coaches must not permit players on ice until after the Zamboni has left the ice and gates are closed.
12. Coaches are required to have their teams ready to start all games on time.
13. Coaches must fill out and sign game sheets, ensuring sweaters contain the proper numbers.
14. No coach should be alone with an individual player at any time.
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15. Coaches should remind players that equipment and/or jerseys supplied by the BAMHA are not to be used for his/her personal use.
16. There should be cooperation between the coaches in each division at all times to ensure uniformity and to lessen potential problems.
17. All player injuries must be reported on the Injury Report Form supplied by HNL, by each respective coach.
18. When required, players may be disciplined. Coaches are encouraged to provide this fairly, consistently, and in degrees appropriate to the offence. The coaching staff has the right to suspend any player for up to two (2) games with notice to the House League Coordinator and Director.
19. Respect must be shown towards others at all times (i.e. players, officials, other coaches, parents/guardians, etc.). The use of profanity is not acceptable and will not be tolerated.
20. Coaches are responsible for the distribution and collection of team uniforms and equipment.
2.2 Teams
Each House League division will be divided into teams depending on the total numbers of players registered in that division, with no more than fifteen (15) skaters and two (2) goalies per House League team.
Only team members should attend scheduled practices and games.
2.3 Playing Rules
While in the higher divisions of hockey, competition includes body contact/checking, the BAMHA does not allow body contact/checking in
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House League. This allows players to participate in the game without the intimidation of body contact.
All House League players must receive equal ice time.
Team rosters will consist of C-B-A lineups where players of similar
ability will compete against each other.
2.4 Coordinators’ Duties
1. Hold coaches meetings (teams, uniforms, goalies, draft rules, etc.)
2. Keep a list of all coaches, teams, and their telephone numbers.
3. Contact referees and coaches with schedule changes.
4. Contact the Scheduler with request for schedule changes.
5. Handle general complaints or problems related to perspective division; discuss unresolved issues with House League Director.
6. Coordinate coaches for on ice practices.
7. Prepare half season evaluation and meetings with coaches.
8. Keep records of jerseys and equipment provided to teams.
9. Keep records of team standings via official game sheets.
10. Coordinate House League play offs and championships with House League Director.
11. Coordinate House League tournaments.
12. Officiate in medal presentation for respective division.
3.0 All Star Teams
3.1 Coaching Personnel
No more than four (4) coaches are permitted on the bench, one of whom must be the trainer.
3.2 Coaches’ Selection
1. Coaches must meet the basic requirements of HNL and HC: (a) provide a Certificate of Conduct and (b) complete the Speak Out
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Program. The head coach should have an Intermediate Level or equivalent program. Coaches should have at least a coach level National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP)certificate.
Trainer must have HC Safety Program completed.
2. Applicants must submit intentions to coach on or before the deadline requested by the BAMHA.
3. Prospective coaches should submit qualifications (i.e. previous coaching duties, levels by NCCP, etc.).
4. The BAMHA Board of Directors will select the Head Coach and will approve a list of eligible coaches/trainers to be selected by the Head Coach in consultation with the All Star Director.
5. Coaches will be selected on the basis of the following:
• Qualifications
• Leadership abilities
• Interpersonal skills
• Attitude
• Previous coaching experience
• Ability to communicate effectively with players and parents/guardians.
6. Except in extenuating circumstances, the Head Coach shall not coach the same team for more than two (2) years.
3.3 Coaches Responsibilities
1. Coaches are to show by example, the idea of good sportsmanship.
2. All Star coaches’ meetings must be attended on at least two (2) occasions during the hockey season.
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3. Under no circumstances will a coach give or permit players ro consume alcohol, drugs, or tobacco products.
4. Differences of opinions between coaches, coaches and parent/guardians must not be aired in the presence of players.
5. Coaches must be on ice for practices and attend all games, or the Head Coach must find a qualified replacement.
6. Only persons approved by the BAMHA may be invited onto the ice by the coaching staff. The coaching staff will be responsible and accountable for the actions of any invited guests.
7. Coaches must ensure all players are aware of schedule changes and notified of the same. In the case of absenteeism, coaches have the right to question the reason for the player to be absent.
8. All coaches or designates should be in the dressing room one half hour before start of game. Parents are not permitted in the dressing rooms.
9. Coaches must ensure that all players wear the approved protective gear in both games and practices.
10. Coaches must not permit players on the ice until after the Zamboni is off the ice and the gates are closed.
11. Coaches are required to have their team ready to start all games on time.
12. Coaches must fill out game sheets, ensuring all jerseys have proper numbers.
13. No coach should be alone with an individual player at any time.
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14. Coaches should remind players that equipment/jerseys supplied by the BAMHA are not to be used for personal use.
15. There should be liaison and cooperation between the coaches within each division at all times to ensure uniformity and to lessen potential problems caused by player movement.
16. Coaches shall be expected to dress appropriately and wear approved personal protective equipment as required by HNL for all team activities.
17. Coaches must ensure that HC registration cards are properly completed and returned to HNL with credentials in order.
18. All player injuries must be reported on the Injury Report Form supplied by HNL, by perspective coaches.
19. The BAMHA does not support the concept of “win at all costs”, particularly at the expense of our players.
20. Only team members should attend practices and games.
21. All coaches, in consultation with the All Star Director, must meet and discuss rules with parents/guardians and players at the commencement of the hockey season.
22. When required, players may be disciplined. Coaches are encouraged to provide this fairly, consistently, and in the degree appropriate to the offence. Coaches have the right to suspend a player for up to two (2) games, with notice given to the All Star Director.
23. The coaching staff will make decisions on matters pertaining to the team with BAMHA approval.
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24. The final decision in all matters pertaining to the team rests with the BAMHA Board of Directors.
25. Respect must be shown toward others at all times(i.e. players, officials, other coaches, parents/guardians, etc.). The use of profanity is not acceptable and will not be tolerated.
26. Coaches are responsible for the distribution and collection of team uniforms and equipment.
27. Coaches must check dressing rooms after all games and practices.
28. Trainers are to escort players in need of medical attention to the first aid room, clinic, hospital, etc. when necessary.
29. Open lines of communication are to be maintained among parents/guardians, coaches, players, and the BAMHA.
3.4 Team Selection
1. At least four (4) open practices will be held for all divisions. No player will be dropped or chosen until four (4) open sessions have been held.
2. Following the fourth session, players who are invited to return for the next practice will be notified. Coaches will be available to meet with parents/guardians.
3. The All Star coaches will evaluate and select fifteen (15) skaters plus two (2) goal tenders. This list will be shared with the All Star Director prior to the team being notified. Immediately following the selection of the All Star “A” team, the Developmental or All Star “B” team will be selected, if numbers permit, fifteen (15) skaters and two (2) goaltenders. If not enough players are available to ice a Developmental team, alternate
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arrangements will be considered for those players (i.e. approaching neighboring associations to avail of players, etc.).
4. Only players who attend All Star try outs will be eligible to be selected for the All Star “A” or “B” teams. Exceptions may be considered by the BAMHA ( i.e. injury, illness, etc.).
5. Parents/guardians of any All Star player who prefer to play All Star “B” instead of All Star “A”, shall apply in writing, outlining reasons which will be considered by the BAMHA Board of Directors.
3.5 HNL Roster Sheets
Coaches of All Star teams which compete in provincial tournaments must complete and present to the tournament coordinator a roster sheet which
lists all members of the team who will be participating in such tournaments. Any player who has not been registered with HNL may not be named on a roster sheet or participate in such a tournament.
In case of doubt regarding a player’s eligibility to participate, it is the coaching staff’s responsibility to verify the player’s registration with the BAMHA’s Registrar.
3.6 All Star Team Guidelines
1. Teams can expect to travel west of Clarenville for no more than three (3) tournaments, including the All Newfoundland and Labrador Tournament, except in extenuating circumstances and with BAMHA approval.
2. Teams must establish a plan for the hockey season, including a budget for team expenses. This budget must be submitted to the Director of Fund Raising, for BAMHA approval.
3. A team Manager may collect money, help organize fund raisers,
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etc. on behalf of the team. A financial statement must be submitted to the Director of Fund Raising at the end of the season with appropriate receipts.
4. Monies collected should be submitted to the Director of Fund Raising to be disbursed by the Treasurer, where possible.
5. Team expenses may include Tournament Registration Fees, a stipend towards coaches expenses, team travel, and other items approved by the BAMHA.
6. The BAMHA will provide a pre-approved stipend amount to help offset coaches expenses during All Newfoundland and Labrador Tournaments.
7. The BAMHA has a 2-2-4 or a 3-3-5 policy with respect to ice time for All Star teams. The coaches have the option of putting
whatever player he/she wishes to use in the final two (2) minutes of each of the 1st and 2nd periods and the final four (4) minutes of the 3rd period, in a ten(10) minute period game and three (3) minutes in each of the 1st and 2nd periods of a fifteen (15) minute period game and five (5) minutes in the 3rd period.
8. Coaches will select Captains and Assistant Captains. These positions could be altered and final selections will be made in due time. Coaches should look for characteristics such as sportsmanship, leadership, and responsibility.
9. If the All Star “A” coaches feel a certain player on the team should be replaced the coaches must inform the All Star Director. This replacement player must be selected from the All Star “B” team in consultation with the All Star ‘B” coaches. Likewise, if the All Star “B” coaches feel a certain player should be replaced the coach must inform the All Star Director and the replacement player must be selected from the House League in consultation
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with the House League Director. Only players who participated in the All Star try outs will be considered if numbers permit.
10. If players are sick, injured , suspended, or cannot play for some reason, the All Star “A” coaches must draw from the All Star “B” team. The All Star “B” coaches must draw from House League, but must not interfere with House League play.
11. If an All Star “B” player is asked to play for the All Star “A” team he/she will be given 24 hours to decide. If he/she refuses to play for the All Star “B” team without a legitimate reason then that player will be considered ineligible to play on the All Star “B” team and will return to House League play for the remainder of the season. Individual cases will be reviewed by the All Star Director and the BAMHA Board of Directors.
12. Players who are picked from House League to play All Star “A” or “B” are expected to pay for ice time used at a rate determined
by the BAMHA.
13. If a player is picked up from All Star “B” to play with All Star “A” for an extended period they will not be permitted to play for both All Star “A” and “B” teams.
14. When a player has been disciplined/suspended for one (1) or more games, the All Star Director must be notified.
15. Coaches must remind players of the BAMHA Fair Play Code.
3.7 Team Travel
1. The coaching staff is responsible for all aspects of the team and has the final say with respect to team travel arrangements subject to BAMHA approval.
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2. At least one member of the coaching staff should travel with the team at all times, if traveling as a group.
3. When billeting is availed of, at least two (2) players must stay together at the same house.
4. Players, billets, and parents/guardians must be given coaches addresses and telephone numbers.
5. Coaches should establish a curfew for players.
6. When hotel/motel accommodations are considered for players by the BAMHA, players and family members ONLY are to occupy rooms, except when direct supervision is needed.
7. Coaches must provide reasonable supervision for players.
8. Players are required to contribute toward the cost of travel and are expected to travel by bus when bussing is arranged by the team.
4.0 BAMHA Hockey System
4.1 Jerseys
Each House League team is supplied with a full set of matching jerseys, fully crested and numbered. Information sheets are supplied to the coaches who will provide a copy with the appropriate names and numbers to the coordinator of the division. Due to player movement, these sheets should not be turned in until play is well under way for the year and the teams are finalized. It is the sole responsibility of the coaches to return all jerseys to the Association and likewise, it is the parents’/guardians’ responsibility to make sure the jersey is returned to the coach. House league jerseys are to be worn
in House League games and practices only.
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All of our All Star teams are supplied with two sets of jerseys, one home and one away. These jerseys are the sole purpose of All Star competition involving the Bay Arena. They are not to be worn in practices or school hockey and especially not outside at street or pond hockey. This is strictly forbidden by the BAMHA.
4.2 Schedules
Weekly schedules are printed and placed outside the Minor Hockey Room. All House League games and practices and All Star home games and practices are clearly stated on these schedules.
4.3 Officials
All officials in the BAMHA are certified by HNL and scheduling of officials is the responsibility of the Referee in Chief.
4.4 Game Rules
• All games should be played only with leagues/teams associated with HNL and within the same division.
• All games must have a game sheet.
• Any major rule infractions should be reported to the House League Director or the All Star Director where applicable by the coaching staff.
• Games played outside of the Bay Arena must not interfere with the BAMHA House League schedule.
4.5 Minor Hockey Equipment Room
This room is essentially for storage of equipment, jerseys, pucks, pylons, beginner stands, etc. Only people who are conducting official Minor
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Hockey business are expected to be in this room at any time.
4.6 Minor Hockey Office
This room is used by the BAMHA to carry out Minor Hockey business. Office equipment is available for the BAMHA program use.
4.7 Dressing Rooms
These rooms are to be treated with respect and are to be kept clean and tidy, within reason, at all times. Damage is unacceptable and must be reported. Coaches are expected to be in these rooms before and after games and practices. During all All Star home games the Bay Arena All Star teams are asked to take one of the dressing rooms located directly behind the home bench.
4.8 Fund Raising
1. The BAMHA wishes to coordinate the number of fund raising activities that are seeking community support at any given time, and to ensure that all teams are treated fairly.
2. Before fund raising begins each team must submit a proposed budget to the Director of Fund Raising for the up coming season for the BAMHA’s Board approval.
3. All requests to proceed with fund raising activities must be submitted, in writing, to the Director of Fund Raising at least two (2) weeks prior to the commencement of fund raising activities.
4. All monies from fund raising events and hosted tournaments, including a complete account of funds, must be submitted to the Director of Fund Raising within seven (7) days following the
closure of the fund raising event.
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5. Expenses related to the fund raising events will be disbursed by the Treasurer when receipt of expenses are received.
6. Fund raising will be considered to cover the following expenses:
a. Tournament registration fees;
b. Coaching staff expenses (accommodations, meals, and fuel);
c. The coaching staff reimbursed up to, and including, seven hundred dollars ($700.00) for the above expenses, upon receipts being received by the Treasurer;
d. A team meal during the season;
e. Any other items will have to be brought to the BAMHA Board of Directors for consideration and approval. Special circumstances shall be considered on a case by case basis.
7. NOTE: All lotteries must be carried out in accordance with the Provincial Lottery Regulations.
4.9 Grievance Procedure
Any person who feels he/she has a grievance must first contact the coaching staff of the team. If the problem is not resolved: for House League teams, contact the Coordinator and House League Director; for All Star teams, contact the All Star Director. If the issue cannot be resolved it may be presented, in writing, to the BAMHA Board of Directors.
Any written grievance will be reviewed by the BAMHA Board of Directors. If necessary. A disciplinary committee consisting of the Vice President and two (2) other appointed Board of Director members will be struck to review the grievance with the parties involved. Following their review, they will present a recommendation to the BAMHA Board of Directors.
The duly elected Board of Directors of the BAMHA will make the final
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decision regarding grievances.
4.10 Code of Fair Play
The Code of Fair Play is a set of principles for all participants that enforce the concept that the game of hockey should be an enjoyable experience for all participants.
“WHAT IS FAIR PLAY?” Fair Play is a program introduced into Minor Hockey to enhance and promote SAFETY and RESPECT with all participants involved. These participants include players, coaches, parents/guardians, officials and League organizers.
The five basic principles of Fair Play are:
1. Respect the rules;
2. Respect the opponents;
3. Respect the Officials and their decisions;
4. Have everyone participate;
5. Maintain your self control at all times.
Fair Play does not change any rules of the game. Fair Play encourages all players to be as competitive as possible but within the rules. All participants in Minor Hockey should be aware that playing Minor Hockey is a privilege, not a right. Fair Play does not mean equal ice time through out the game. For example, there are times during the game when there is the need for a power play or penalty killing.
Some of the key principles for participants are:
1. Players
a. I will play by the rules of hockey and in the spirit of the game.
b. I will play hockey because I want to.
c. I will obey the rules and control my temper and not
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spoil activities for everyone.
d. I will respect my opponents.
e. I will do my best as a team player.
f. I will remember that winning isn’t everything.
g. I will acknowledge all good plays and performances - those of my team and my opponents.
h. I will accept the decisions of coaches and officials and show them respect.
i. I will honor Fair Play as a concept of my personal hockey development so that I will develop to my own potential.
2. Coaches
a. I will be reasonable when scheduling games and practices remembering the players have other interests and obligations.
b. I will teach my players to play fairly and respect the rules, officials, opponents, and teammates.
c. I will not criticize or yell at my players for making mistakes or performing poorly. I will encourage my players to have confidence in themselves.
d. I will be generous with praise and set a good example.
e. I will ensure that all players receive appropriate ice time and that no player shall sit on the bench throughout an entire hockey game.
f. I will Honor Fair Play as a concept of personal hockey development so that players will develop to their own potential.
3. Parents/Guardians
a. I will not force my child to participate in hockey.
b. I will remember that my child plays hockey for
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his/her enjoyment, not mine.
c. I will encourage my child to play by the rules.
d. I will teach my child that winning isn’t everything.
e. I will praise my child for competing fairly and hard, and set a good example.
f. I will not criticize or yell at my child for making mistakes or performing poorly. I will encourage my child to have confidence in him/herself.
g. I will acknowledge all good plays and performances - both those of my child’s team and of his/her opponent’s team.
h. I will accept the decisions of coaches and officials and show them respect. I will not question their judgement or honesty in public.
i. I will show respect and appreciation for the volunteers who freely give of their time to hockey for my child.
j. I will honor Fair Play as a concept of personal hockey development so that my child will develop to his/her own potential.
4. Officials
a. I will not permit the intimidation of any player either by word or by action.
b. I will not tolerate unacceptable conduct towards officials, other players, spectators, or myself.
c. I will be objective and consistent in calling all infractions, regardless of my personal feelings toward a team or individual player.
d. I will honor Fair Play as a concept of personal development so that players will develop to their own personal potential.
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5. League Organizers
a. I will make sure that the age and maturing level of the participants are considered in program development, rule enforcement, and scheduling.
b. I will endeavor to ensure that coaches obtain proper training and continue to upgrade their coaching skills.
c. I will honor Fair Play as a concept of personal development so that players will develop to their own personal development.
5.0 Exhibition Games (to be dealt with)
SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT
He stands in the arena
With his heart pounding fast
The players all waiting
For his important pass.
Mom and Dad cannot help him;
He stands all alone
A score at this moment,
Would send the team home.
The puck nears the net;
He shots and he misses;
There’s a groan from the crowd,
With some boos and some hisses.
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A thoughtless voice cries,
“You stink, you bum”.
Tears fill his eyes;
The game’s no longer fun.
Remember he’s just a little boy
Who stands all alone,
So open your heart and give him a break,
For it’s moments like this
A man you can make.
Keep this in mind
When you hear someone forget,
He’s just a little boy
Not a man yet.
AUTHOR UNKNOWN
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