Locker Room Policy
In addition to the development of our hockey players and enjoyment of the sport of hockey, the safety and protection of our participants is central to SYHA’s goals. SYHA adheres to USA Hockey’s Safe Sport Program as a means to help protect its participants from physical abuse, sexual abuse and other types of misconduct from occurring in our locker rooms, SYHA has adopted the following locker room policy. This policy is designed to maintain personal privacy as well as to reduce risk of misconduct in locker rooms.
At WSA there are 4 locker rooms available for our programs use. Two locker rooms are adjoined on each side of the building and share shower access with bathroom access. A Separate female bathroom/changing area is available.
At Murray’s there are 2 locker rooms available. There are additional bathroom facilities available in the lobby. Some teams in our program may travel to play games at other arenas, and those locker rooms, restrooms and shower facilities will vary from location to location. SYHA team organizers will attempt to provide information on the locker room facilities in advance of games away from our arenas. At arenas for which you are unfamiliar, parents should plan to have extra time and some flexibility in making arrangements for their child to dress, undress and shower if desired.
LOCKER ROOM MONITORING
SYHA has predictable and limited use of locker rooms and changing areas (generally 30-45 minutes before and following practices and games). This allows for direct and regular monitoring of locker room areas. While constant monitoring inside of locker rooms and changing areas might be the most effective way to prevent problems, we understand that this would likely make some players uncomfortable and may even place our staff at risk for unwarranted suspicion.
We conduct a sweep of the locker rooms and changing areas before players arrive, and if the coaches are not inside the locker rooms, either a coach or voluntary locker room monitor (each of which has been screened) will be posted directly outside of the locker rooms and changing areas during periods of use, and leave doors open only when adequate privacy is still possible, so that only participants (coaches and players), approved team personnel and family members are permitted in the locker rooms. Team personnel will also secure the locker room appropriately during times when the team is on the ice.
PARENTS IN LOCKER ROOMS
Except for players at the younger age groups, we discourage parents from entering locker rooms unless it is truly necessary. If a player needs assistance with his or her uniform or gear, if the player is or may be injured, or a player’s disability warrants assistance, then we ask that parents let the coach know beforehand that he or she will be helping the player.
Naturally, without youngest age groups it is necessary for parents to assist the players getting dressed. We encourage parents to teach their players as young as possible how to get dressed so that players will learn as early as possible how to get dressed independently. In circumstances where parents are permitted in the locker room, coaches are permitted to ask that the parents leave for a short time before the game and for a short time after the game so that the coaches may address the players. As players get older, the coach may in his/her discretion prohibit parents from a locker room.
MIXED GENDER TEAMS
Some of our teams consist of both male and female players. It is important that the privacy rights of all of our players are given consideration and appropriate arrangements made. Where possible, SYHA will have the male and female players dress/undress in separate locker rooms and then convene in a single locker room before the game or team meeting. Once the game or practice is finished the players may come to one locker room for a team meeting and then the male and female players proceed to their separate locker rooms to undress and shower if available. If separate locker rooms are not available, then the players will take turns using the locker room to change. We understand that these arrangements may require that players arrive earlier or leave later to dress, but believe that it is the most reasonable way to accommodate and respect all of our players.
Minumum Attire Policy
In order to accommodate both female and male privacy rights in the locker rooms SYHA has adopted a minimum attire policy at all times.
All players are be required to arrive at the rink or change in a separate area so that prior to entering the locker room they are wearing their hockey base layers or shorts and t-shirts (in good condition - no holes or tears in clothing). All members of the team must have this minimum attire before entering a co-ed locker room so that no player has the opportunity to see players of the opposite gender in a state of dress/undress.
CELL PHONES AND OTHER MOBILE RECORDING DEVICES
Cell phones and other mobile devices with recording capabilities, including voice recording, still cameras and video cameras, are not permitted to be used in the locker rooms. If phones or other mobile devices must be used, they should be taken outside of the locker room.
PROHIBITED CONDUCT AND REPORTING
SYHA prohibits all types of physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, bullying, threats, harassment and hazing, all as described in the USA Hockey Safe Sport Handbook. Participants, employees or volunteers in SYHA may be subject to disciplinary action for violation of these locker room policies or for engaging in any misconduct or abuse or that violates the USA Hockey Safe Sport Policies. Reports of any actual or suspected violations, you may email USA Hockey at SafeSport@usahockey.org or may call 1-800-888-4656.