Hockey Canada introduces new dressing room policies for safety, equity and inclusivity
Global News
The national governing body for grassroots hockey in Canada introduced new policies for this season that took effect on Sept. 12
As young minor hockey players across the country prepare to drop the puck on a new season, they are also being told to prepare to get used to policies Hockey Canada is bringing in, including new expectations in team dressing rooms.
The national governing body for grassroots hockey in Canada introduced new policies for this season that took effect on Sept. 12 in order to create “safe, inclusive and equitable dressing room environments that are designated team spaces for everyone.”
“The dressing room policy applies to all minor hockey teams sanctioned by Hockey Canada and its members,” a document created by the organization reads in part. “All participants have the right to utilize the dressing room or appropriate and equivalent dressing environment based on their gender identity, religious beliefs, body image concerns and/or other reasons related to their individual needs.”
The two significant new dressing room requirements that players need to be aware of are the new “minimum attire” rule and the recommended best practices for players when showering.
“To best promote inclusion and to respect the privacy of all participants on a team, Hockey Canada requires all participants to wear minimum attire at all times in a dressing room or in dressing environments wheremore than one participant is present,” Hockey Canada’s policy document reads. “This means that participants should arrive at the rink wearing a base layer.”
The organization noted that a base layer could be shorts and a T-shirt, compression shorts and a shirt or a sports bra.
Hockey Canada said anyone not arriving at a rink wearing a base layer can use a private space like a washroom stall or an unused dressing room to change before joining their teammates.
The organization also said it encourages local hockey associations to work with managers at hockey facilities to find ways to accommodate players who would prefer not to get changed in a team dressing room.