Billet

WHAT A BILLET FAMILY SHOULD DO

• Establish a set of guidelines early on so the player knows what is expected of them.
• Find out what types of foods the player likes to eat and understand the nutritional requirements of an elite athlete.
• Understand a player’s practice and game schedule to plan mealtime.
• Respect a player’s privacy and need for independence.
• Create an open line of communication with the player’s parents.
• Provide a safe place to air and dry a player’s equipment.
• Make the player feel comfortable, not only in your home but in your community.
• Be a good listener if a player is stressed about playing time, team issues, homesickness, etc.
• Take an interest in player’s season and go to games whenever possible.

WHAT A PLAYER SHOULD DO

• Know what is expected and acceptable in billet family’s house.
• Be respectful of your new surroundings. After all, you are a guest in someone else’s house.
• Don’t take things for granted. Just because something may be acceptable in your own house doesn’t mean it is acceptable with your billet family.
• Be willing to participate in family activities where appropriate.
• Serve as a positive role model for younger children in billet family.
• Be willing to communicate with billet family.
• Don’t take out your problems on the billet family.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT BILLETING A HOCKEY PLAYER

What is a billet family? Many players leave home to play Midget and Junior hockey. A billet or host family home is where a player lives during the season. This is a player’s home-away-from-home.

Are billet families paid? A pre-established fee of $600 per player per month is paid directly to the billet family. This helps with additional household expenses, especially food and drink. Billet families are asked to provide three meals per day and snacks for their players.

Is there a “typical” host family? Host families may be two-parent families, single-parent families, and, occasionally an “empty nester.” The common denominator is a desire by the family to make a difference in a player’s life.

Can a family host more than one player? Yes. Two (or more) players can share transportation expenses, and often provide company for one another. The only requirement is that each player has adequate space/living arrangements. Each player is expected to have his own bed, closet or dresser, and acceptable access to a restroom.

How long does a player stay? Players arrive in mid-August. The host family commitment is through the end of the hockey season. Sometimes an arrangement is made between the player’s family and the billet family for the player to stay until the end of the school semester; however, this is rare.

Who pays if a player is injured or needs medical attention during his stay? Players must have medical insurance from their own families. Billet parents are never responsible for medical payments.

Will players join our family for personal events? You are welcome to invite players to join you for family celebrations or activities; however, it is not mandatory for you to do so. All players will have time off at the holidays.

Will I have to pass a background check? Yes, the Massachusetts Amateur Hockey Association requires background screenings for billet families