Ice Hockey · Red Flags
11 Questions to Ask Before You Sign Anything for Travel Hockey
Before committing to a club or program, ask:
The 11 Questions
- 1What USA Hockey Level does my child's actual coach hold, and is it appropriate for this team's tier (Level 4+ for tournament play)?
- 2How many years has this coach worked with this exact age group?
- 3What is the full, itemized annual cost, ice time, club dues, mandatory tournaments, gear, travel, not just the headline fee?
- 4How much ice time does the team actually get per week, and is it sufficient for the fee being charged?
- 5What is the team's concussion protocol, and who is trained to administer it?
- 6Is checking technique actively, safely coached at this age/level?
- 7If my child plays goalie, is there position-specific training or conditioning available?
- 8Is the coaching staff SafeSport-certified and background-checked?
- 9Can you watch a live practice before signing?
- 10Is private skills coaching "recommended," or quietly required to stay competitive on the roster?
- 11How does this program's juniors/elite pathway actually work, if that's relevant to your child's long-term goals?
Red Flags to Walk Away From
- ✕A program that won't let you watch a practice first.
- ✕No clear concussion protocol despite hockey's documented contact risk.
- ✕Vague claims about "ice time included" without a specific weekly hours commitment.
- ✕Coaches below the appropriate USA Hockey Level for the team's competitive tier.
- ✕Pressure to commit immediately due to "limited roster/ice spots" without time to evaluate.
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