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Billeting is one of the time-honored traditions of junior hockey. The game has evolved to a point where this practice is beginning to see some cracks.
Many are arguing that independent living is the way for players to learn responsibility under the watchful eyes of the coaching staff. Players enjoy the independence and teams are learning that independent living eliminates one of hockey"™s growing security concerns.
Others claim that the billet tradition strengthens relationships, and helps players stay in line. Teenage boys are teenage boys. They are going to test boundaries, want to hang out with their teammates, and generally be an alien inside somebody else"™s home. Billet families of established teams are trying to hold on to the tradition, but many new teams are going into a different direction.
Our position is that underage players be placed into safe and approved billet homes. These homes need to be inspected, the billet families need to be interviewed, and background checks need to be completed BEFORE the player enters the home. Players 18 and older are in fact adults, and should be treated as such so independent living should always be an option for them.
What do you think?
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