Billet FAQ’s
Q. What makes a great billet family?
A. A sensitive and patient family. It can be overwhelming for a player to be so far away from home. A thoughtful billet family appreciates that each player is unique, and that communication and mutual understanding takes effort. Our billet families are interested in sharing their lifestyle in a positive and mutually rewarding way. We do not accept billets who are interested in money alone. Such motive is obvious to players and the Lake Tahoe Blue Hockey Program, and interferes with the intended billeting experience; a safe, secure, welcoming environment to learn and grow in.
Q. Is everyone in your household ready to accept someone with a different background?
A. If you have children, are they comfortable with bringing another person into the family?
Q. Can a family host more than one player?
A. Yes. Two (or more) players can share living quarters, transportation expenses and often times provide camaraderie for one another.
Q. What does the billet family provide?
A. A separate room for the player (or a shared room for 2 players) furnished much as a college dorm would provide for a student: bed, desk & chair and clothing storage.
Nutritious food for three meals per day (breakfast, lunch, dinner) or the ability for the player to make his own meals.
A patient, caring and friendly home atmosphere.
The same guidance and attention you would want for your own children.
Q. What are the player’s responsibilities?
A. As a member of the household, players are expected to show respect and consideration for all host family members. They are required to follow all household rules as well as share in the daily chores, maintain their own room and do their own laundry. There are also employment and volunteer requirements that the player must maintain per the Blue program.
Q. How long does the billet last?
A. The players stay with a family throughout the hockey season, which generally runs from September until March/April.
Q. Is there compensation to the host family?
A. Yes, families receive a monthly billeting payment of $350 for each player. Besides offsetting the expenses a family incurs when hosting a player, the compensation acknowledges the invaluable service families provide to the individual players and the Lake Tahoe Blue Hockey Program.
Q. Are there potential language barriers regarding a foreign player?
A. Occasionally players from Canada (French) or Europe are part of the billet program. In most instances the player speaks English as a second language. The language differences are often an interesting dynamic in the player’s stay with a family.
Q. What are the benefits of being a billet family?
A. A new perspective on hockey, as seen through the eyes of your elite player. A first hand understanding of being a hockey fan. But most importantly, the opportunity to make a difference in a young man’s life.
