What Is Billeting?
Due to the nature of our sport, many of the world’s top student athletes leave home at a certain age to play for prestigious junior programs. A billet family home is the act of a local family graciously opening their home to these out of province youths to create a “home away from home” environment. A longstanding tradition in hockey, billet families allow student-athletes the opportunities to pursue their dreams in a fashion unavailable to these individuals at 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 such as food and utilities. Billet families are asked to provide healthy snacks and at least two meals a day. Besides offsetting the expenses, the compensation acknowledges the invaluable service billet families provide to individual players, as well as to the Pioneers program.
Can A Family Host More Than One Player?
Yes. Two players can be housed together and share transportation expenses. However, each player must have their own bed, dresser or closet, and access to a restroom. Through this process the players will also often find a sense of camaraderie in one another, making the transition easier for some.
What Makes a Great Billet Family?
An open, sensitive, patient family. An environment that is safe, secure, and welcoming. It can be overwhelming for a player to be so far from home and away from their family. A thoughtful billet appreciates that each player is unique, and that communication and understanding takes mutual effort. We do not accept billets who are interested in the money alone. Such motive is obvious to players and can interfere with intended billet experience.
Will I Have to Pass a Background Check?
Yes. The Pioneers ask that all affiliates, over the age of 18, provide a current police record check. This includes billet families, coaches, staff, and volunteers.
How Long Does a Player Stay?
Players start arriving mid-August and stay until the end of March. In some cases, arrangements are made for the player to stay with the billet family until the end of the school year.
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 to do so. All players will have time off for the holidays.
Do I Have to Drive Players to School, Practice, or Games?
No. Players will either have their own transportation or transportation will be arranged by the team. Billet families are never expected to drive their players.
What If I Have Travel Plans During the Season?
If you or your family need to be away from home at any time and are uncomfortable leaving your billeted player behind, the Pioneers will plan for your player(s) to stay with a teammate while you are away.
What are the benefits of Billeting?
Billeting can be a very exciting and rewarding experience for billets and players alike. Many families who have billeted in the past usually look back at their experience with fond memories. Lifelong friendships have been formed and the relationship between players and families tends to evolve throughout the players personal and professional life.
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