The Hockey Word

Yes we all know what THAT word is. We hear it all the time in the ice rink - ANYWHERE in the ice rink. It is a rather unique word in the English language. It is a noun, verb, object, adverb, adjective, gerund, and probably a few other forms that I have forgotten. And, it is VERY common at the ice rink.

But - do we ever hear a teacher use it in a classroom?

I hope the answer to the above is a resounding "NO!". At the same time, I hope that the students never use it to a teacher or any administrator in school either. It's been a while since I was in high school (1973) and a few years since my children were last in that environment (2006). So, consider me part of the Ozzie and Harriet world where we may have used the S word every now and then - and got hit with a quick "T" when we did.

OK, now that that is out of the way, what, you may ask, is the point of this blog entry?? Simple -- if interscholastic sports are an extension of the classroom, the decorum and respect that occurs in the classroom MUST extend to the playing field - or, in our case, the ice rink.

There have been instances of coaches being fired for swearing - not at the game officials, but at the student-athletes. While the MSHL does not have the power to fire or discipline coaches for profanity at their student-athletes (or vice versa) each school club does have the power. While I hope it never becomes necessary, the coaches are responsible to their school. The league cannot and will not intervene. You said it, you meant it. Now accept the consequences.

Just as the players are responsible. In no way, shape, or form, should a student-athlete drop the Hockey Word at a coach. Oh, it is an easy word to use. And it does seem to fit most every hockey situation there is. But, since we're supposed to be educated and have a wide vocabulary to get high scores on the verbal portion of the SAT, ACT, and PSAT, let's use that wonderful vocabulary that's been learned in the classroom and use it instead of the hockey word.

If you do drop the HW at the coach in a vipurative manner, expect to be disciplined. Don't ask Mommy or Daddy to help you out. You said it, you meant it. Accept the consequences.