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The Lincoln Stars AAA is constructed from players all over the globe. In order to make this endeavor a true success we need local families to house the out-of-town players and give them a home away from home. This opportunity to “expand your family” is truly rewarding and helps develop these young men both on and off the ice.

 

Without our billet families the hockey club could not exist.

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Billet families receive a monthly stipend per hosted player to offset the costs of said player(s) as well as season tickets to all Lincoln Stars (USHL and AAA) games. The # of season tickets is negotiable and dependant on host families needs.

 

Our players are within the ages of 15-18. Being so young and so far from home, the players will need a very stable home environment during their stay in Lincoln. It is our commitment to our players and their parents to provide them with a good home.​

 

The players will arrive staggered from mid-August to early September, depending on whether they attend in-person school or do online school. At Christmas, they are given a break to go home and spend time with their families. Many times their families will come to visit during the season. It is at your discretion as to whether you want to open your home to your player's family, this option exists but is NOT necessary.The season runs through March for online scholars and could run until late May for players attending in-person education.

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We have team guidelines and policies that the players and billet families must abide by while with our organization, and we expect our billet families to enforce these team rules. Upon the start of training camp we give out the Billet Handbook which includes topics such as: curfew, social gatherings, problems that may occur, house rules, emergencies, who to notify, topics of discussion, etc.​

 

As a billet of the Triple AAA program the schedule varies as most of the trips are away from Lincoln. Players will be out of the house traveling with the club from Thursday or Friday through late Sunday on event weekends. Practices are most days and run from 3pm-7pm.​

 

As for transportation, some of these players will be without a vehicle, others will have a vehicle and this detail will be worked out with each player and family on an individual basis.

 

Our goal is for our players to have a home away from home, continue their education and be

good citizens.​

 

We want our billet family program to be second to none. We will work to match each player's personality and backgrounds with quality host homes. Furthermore, each potential housing family is carefully screened and presented with our team's expectations of the housing family. We will check in throughout the season to ensure that both player and host family are meeting each other's expectations and guidelines.​

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT BILLETING A HOCKEY PLAYER 

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What is a billet family?

A billet family home is where a player lives during the season. This is a player’s home-away-from-home. 

 

Are billet families paid? 

A fee of $400 per player per month is paid by the player parents to the billet family. It is important to note, billeting is not meant to be paid employment but rather a service and opportunity for deep connection. The money is provided to help offset expenses, not eliminate them. Families know there will be costs associated with billeting, but 99 percent of them feel the benefit far outweighs the cost. Billet families are asked to provide three meals per day and snacks for their players.  

 

Is there a “typical” billet family?

Billet families may be two-parent families, single-parent families, and occasionally an “empty nester.” The common denominator is a desire by the family to make a difference in a player’s life. 

 

Can a family billet more than one player? 

Yes. Two (or more) players can share transportation expenses, and often provide company for one another. The only requirement is that each player has adequate space/living arrangements. Each player is expected to have his own bed, closet or dresser, and acceptable access to a restroom. 

 

How long does a player stay? 

Players arrive in mid/late August and stay through season’s end (usually March). 

 

Will players join our family for personal events? 

We stress to our players that they are a part of the family and encourage them to take part in as many family activities - it’s part of the experience.  Families are welcome to invite players to join in family celebrations or activities; however, it is not mandatory for you to do so. All players will have time off at the holidays. 

 

Will I have to pass a background check? 

Yes, USA Hockey requires background screenings for all billet families.

 

What makes a great billet family?

--Establish a set of guidelines early on so the player knows what is expected of them.

--Find out what types of foods the player likes to eat and understand the nutritional requirements of an elite athlete. The Stars can provide more detailed information if needed.

--Understand a player’s practice and game schedule to plan mealtime. The player is responsible to communicate with plenty of notice if he will not be making a meal due to team conflict. 

--Respect a player’s privacy and need for independence.

--Create an open line of communication with the player’s parents.

--Make the player feel comfortable, not only in your home but in your community.

--Be a good listener if a player is stressed about school, family, girlfriend, homesickness, etc. However, it is not a good idea to partake in discussions about playing time and team-related issues. The best advice here is to suggest the player arrange a meeting with the coaching staff. 

--Take an interest in the player's season and go to games whenever possible.

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The Lincoln AAA organization expects a high level of excellence from the players, not just at the rink, but with their billet families and also 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, rewarding and build the relationship that lasts for many years after the player has moved on to college. 

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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.

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To apply to be a billet for the Lincoln Stars, submit all the forms below to Curtis Brown. All applications can be sent to him at cbrown@lincolnstars.com! If you have questions regarding the process, please feel free to contact Curtis.