Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Do I have to be involved with hockey to be a billet family?
A: Although we would love to have you as a fan, you do not have to be involved in hockey to be a billet family. What you need is the desire to support someone else’s goals and dreams.
Q: Do I have to live in Elmira to be a billet family?
A: No! The Elmira Sugar Kings team is part of the Township of Woolwich community and have had billet families in outlying areas around Elmira in the past.
Q: What do billet families need to provide?
A: Room – Billet families provide a private bedroom with a closet and storage space for the player. Players should not be housed in a room with anyone of the household family. The billet home should be clean and organized.
Meals – Billet families are asked to provide at least one (1) prepared meal per day, with availability of groceries for players to make snacks and other meals on their own.
Internet Access – Billet families are responsible to provide internet access to players. Not only is this a necessity to players personally but is required to stay connected to team apps and communication and to their families.
Monitoring of Behaviour – Billet families assist the Elmira Sugar Kings’ management by ensuring that each player complies with the GOJHL rules and regulations. In addition, billet families may impose reasonable additional rules to fit their lifestyle.
Transportation – Players are responsible to provide or find their own transportation. However, if a billet family chooses to assist and provide transportation, it is highly recommended that the player is not allowed to drive a billet family vehicle. If a player is allowed to drive a billet family vehicle, the family assumes responsibility and must ensure the player has a proper vehicle and their insurance policy is valid.
Q: What does the billet family not provide?
A: Unlimited Food – Billet families are not responsible for supplying an unlimited amount of food or snacks, nor are they expected to provide meals on an erratic schedule. Players are asked to eat what is a reasonable menu and should conform to the meal schedule of the billet family.
Non-Essential Items – The purchase of non essential or personal items by the player is not the financial responsibility of the billet families. Sports drinks, protein powders, protein bars, supplements, personal hygiene products, medications etc.
Long Distance Telephone – Players should have their own phones with their own data and long-distance plans. Players should not be using billet home families home phone lines for their personal use.
Electronics – Billet host families are not required to place televisions, telephones, stereos, computers, or any other electronics in the player’s room. If the billet family has extra electronics, they would like to lend to the player for use during their stay is appropriate but not required.
Out of town guests – You do not have to provide accommodations for family members when they visit – the player’s parents and family members will book their places to stay when they come to visit. You aren’t expected to be a hotel.
Q: Will I have to pass a background check?
A: Yes, each billet family member eighteen (18) years of age and older will be required to complete a Vulnerable Sector Check.
Q: When do the players arrive?
A: Each year players will generally arrive in mid-August at a date dependent upon the
preseason practice required to prepare for the season.
Q: How long do players stay?
A: The Elmira Sugar Kings billet family commitment is through the end of the regular hockey season or playoffs, whichever occurs last. Depending on the team’s performance, playoffs can run into late spring. Players in school will continue their studies in the home city once the season is over. Players who are not in school will leave usually within a few days after the season ends.
Q: How will the billet player fit into our family?
A: The Elmira Sugar Kings put a great amount of effort into placing players in the homes of families for compatibility. As a result, no problems are anticipated once the players and families have had time to adjust to one another. However, there may be times when the player and billet family are simply not compatible by no fault of anyone. In addition, there are situations where the billet family lifestyle may have an unexpected change. At those times, the billet family simply contacts the Billet Coordinator to plan to remove the player from their home and arrange a player change.
Q: How many players can a billet family host?
A: A family can billet two (2) or more players. By billeting more than one (1) player it provides company and support to the player. It also assists with transportation and car pooling when matched with a player with a vehicle. The only requirement is that each player has adequate space/living arrangements. Players must have their own room with a bed, access to a closet or dresser and acceptable access to a restroom.
Q: Do players join our family for personal events?
A: You are welcome to invite players to join you for family celebrations or activities: however, it is not mandatory for you to do so. Normally, players are around for Thanksgiving but will have time off during the Christmas holidays.
Q: Will my player attend school or have a job?
A: The expectation is for the player to attend school or have a job. However, in some cases this is not possible.
Q: Will the same player stay with us?
A: Players are meant to stay with the same billet family throughout the duration of the hockey season. There sometimes becomes a need for a player to leave the team or be moved to another billet home and the need for the billet family to take in a new player.
Q: What happens if our player is traded or leaves?
A: Trades happen, as is the nature of the sport. When you make a good connection with your player, it can be hard to say goodbye, but the incoming player will need a place to call home, and we hope you will welcome them. When a strong connection is made with your player, it’s never goodbye, but see you later.
Q: When do I receive my stipend?
A: Billet families’ fees are paid by way of e-transfer on the 1st of each month. Billet family fees may be adjusted if players are arriving or leaving throughout the season.
Q: Who is responsible for players medical expenses?
A: Players must have their own medical insurance and are responsible for their own medical expenses. Players are covered through Hockey Canada for any hockey related injuries. Billet families are never responsible for medical payments.
Q: Do we have to have a place for them to store their gear?
A: We have dressing rooms at the arena where they hang up and store the majority of their gear.
Q: Will I be responsible for my players laundry?
A: Team uniforms are laundered at the arena and therefore are not to be leaving the facility. It is not the club’s expectation that you do their personal laundry. The players are more than capable of doing it themselves, providing that you take the time to demonstrate the proper use of your washer and dryer. Dry cleaning costs are the responsibility of the player.
Q: What about our house rules?
A: This is YOUR home. If you have special house rules, let us and your player know from the start to ensure everyone understands what is expected. Remember that players have a Team Code of Conduct that they are expected to follow. At the very least, we expect the players to be courteous and respectful of their room, your home, and your family. Our Elmira Sugar Kings players will be great role models for younger children in many billet homes as they learn and pass on the determination to achieve their dreams and goals.
Q: What do we do if a player is not obeying the rules?
A: This does not happen very often, however, if it does, we ask that you contact the Billet Coordinator immediately. Do not be afraid to mention the rules to your player and give them gentle reminders about curfews and such. They are like a son in your home and the Elmira Sugar Kings expect them to follow the rules. As with any teenager, sometimes a player may forget how important the rules are. We are more than happy to meet with a player and relay this information to them.
Q: What happens if we leave for the weekend or go on a holiday?
A: The Elmira Sugar Kings do not expect your life to stop because you have a billet. If you are leaving for a week, weekend or even a night, please contact the Billet Coordinator. If deemed necessary, we will arrange to have your billet move to a temporary house while you are away.
Q: What do I do if it doesn’t work out as planned, or my family situation changes?
A: We ask that if you are ever unable to fulfill all the obligations and full commitment to the player, please let the Billet Coordinator know immediately so we can make other housing arrangements.
Q: What kind of support will I be provided?
A: The Billet Coordinator will serve as your point person for all your basic questions or concerns. They will also provide ongoing support to you and your family throughout each player’s stay. Additionally, they will provide regular check ins via phone and in person.
