HOST STARS PLAYERS AS THEY BUILD THEIR HOCKEY CAREERS
For those who have never heard the term "billet," it has been around for decades and describes the family that houses a junior hockey player locally and basically steps in as his parental influence while the player is in town. The billet family provides a home for the player, meals, a place to do laundry, study and relax, etc. It is a place to build deep connections with a player who in many cases is living away from home for the first time. Players aged 16-20 need homes from September to mid-April with the potential to extend into late May due to the Clark Cup Playoffs. Families who host Stars players will be provided a $400 monthly stipend.
The players are in need of more than just a roof over their head and a refrigerator to pillage, junior hockey players, are at a critical juncture as they transition into young adults and professionals. Safe, loving and supportive homes are essential in enabling our players to achieve their goals in hockey, but also as members of the Lincoln community. Families who host players will house an individual who will help serve as a role model to the family's children and be an active member in the home. These families form a family bond that lasts long after their players have moved on from Lincoln. For 25 years, Lincoln has opened its doors to our players and our organization, showcasing the community's generosity and kindness. We thank all our billets, past, present, and future, without whom the Stars would not be able to exist.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT BILLETING A HOCKEY PLAYER
Becoming a billet family is an opportunity to make a lasting impact on a young athlete's life. Billet families provide Lincoln Stars players with a safe, welcoming, and supportive home during the hockey season and often build relationships that continue long after the player moves on.
WHAT IS A BILLET FAMILY?
A billet family opens its home to a Lincoln Stars player during the hockey season. For players living away from their families, their billet home becomes their home away from home.
Billet families provide more than a place to stay. They offer stability, encouragement, and a family environment while players pursue their hockey and educational goals.
ARE BILLET FAMILIES COMPENSATED?
Billet families receive $400 per player, per month from the Lincoln Stars to help offset household expenses.
Billeting is not intended to be paid employment. It is a service-based opportunity centered on supporting a young athlete and building a meaningful connection. Billet families are responsible for providing three meals per day, snacks, and a comfortable living environment.
IS THERE A "TYPICAL" BILLET FAMILY?
No. Billet families come in many forms, including:
The most important qualification is a genuine desire to welcome, support, and make a positive difference in a player's life.
CAN WE BILLET MORE THAN ONE PLAYER?
Yes. Many families choose to host two or more players. Having another player in the home can provide companionship and may make transportation and scheduling easier.
Each player must have:
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His own bed
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Adequate storage space, such as a closet or dresser
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Reasonable access to a bathroom
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A safe, clean, and comfortable living environment
HOW LONG DOES A PLAYER STAY?
Players typically arrive in mid-to-late August and remain with their billet families through the end of the season, which is generally in May.
Exact arrival and departure dates may vary depending on the player's team status and the length of the season.
WHAT HAPPENS IF A PLAYER IS INJURED OR NEEDS MEDICAL CARE?
The Lincoln Stars athletic training staff coordinates medical care for players. Players are also required to have health insurance provided by their families.
Billet families are not financially responsible for a player's medical care. If an injury or medical concern arises, the Stars will provide the billet family with instructions and support.
WILL THE PLAYER PARTICIPATE IN OUR FAMILY ACTIVITIES?
Players are encouraged to become part of the household and participate in family activities when schedules allow. Billet families are welcome to invite their player to dinners, celebrations, outings, and other family events, but they are not required to do so.
Players will also receive scheduled time off during the holidays.
WILL OUR FAMILY NEED TO COMPLETE A BACKGROUND SCREENING?
Yes. USA Hockey requires applicable adult members of billet households to complete background screening and any additional required safety or compliance steps.
The Lincoln Stars will provide instructions and help billet families complete the required process.
WHAT MAKES A GREAT BILLET FAMILY?
Successful billet relationships are built on communication, mutual respect and clear expectations.
Set expectations early.
Establish household rules, curfews, chores, and other expectations upon the player's arrival.
Provide nutritious meals and snacks.
Learn about the player's food preferences and the nutritional needs of an elite athlete. The Lincoln Stars can provide additional guidance when needed.
Understand the player's schedule.
Practice, school, travel, and game schedules can affect mealtimes. Players are expected to communicate in advance when team obligations prevent them from attending a meal.
Respect the player's privacy and independence.
Players benefit from being included in the family while also having appropriate personal space and time to recharge.
Maintain open communication.
Communicate directly and respectfully with the player. Building an appropriate line of communication with the player's parents can also help create a successful experience.
Help the player feel at home.
Introduce the player to your family, neighborhood, and community while creating an environment where he feels welcome and supported.
Be a supportive listener.
Players may experience homesickness or stress related to school, hockey or personal relationships. Billet families can provide encouragement but should avoid becoming involved in discussions about playing time, coaching decisions or other team matters. Players should be directed to the coaching staff for those conversations.
Take an interest in the player's season.
Attend games when possible and celebrate the player's effort, development and accomplishments.
OUR COMMITMENT TO BILLET FAMILIES
The Lincoln Stars expect players to demonstrate respect, responsibility and consideration both at the rink and in their billet homes. Players are expected to follow household rules, communicate openly and treat all members of the billet family with respect.
Billet families are an essential part of the Lincoln Stars organization. When players and families approach the experience with communication and mutual respect, billeting can create lifelong relationships and memories.
The Stars carefully review billet applications and player information to help create the best possible match. Questionnaires completed by both families and players help us consider household preferences, personalities, schedules, allergies, and other important factors.
The Stars strive to be at the forefront of the sports industry in all aspects, promising to provide fun and affordable family entertainment unmatched in the Lincoln area. The Stars organization expects a high level of excellence from the players, not just at the rink, but with their billet families and also in the community. The players are aware that respect for the household and host family members is mandatory. General responsibility and consideration from both parties make the housing experience successful and build a relationship that lasts for many years after the player has moved on to college.
Careful selection of billets helps to ensure the best match for the player and host family. Extensive questionnaires for the families and players assure an ideal fit for everyone involved. The forms included below must be read, filled out and submitted in order to be accepted as a billet.
To apply to be a billet for the Lincoln Stars USHL or AAA programs, submit all the forms below to Artt Brey. All applications can be sent to him at abrey@lincolnstars.com! If you have questions regarding the process, please feel free to contact Artt!
