Locker Room Policy
USA Hockey requires that all local programs publish their locker room policies to the parents of all minor participants.
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 the goals of the Northern CT Hockey organization. Northern CT Hockey adheres to USA Hockey’s SafeSport Program as a means to help protect its participants from physical abuse, sexual abuse and other types of misconduct, including emotional abuse, bullying, threats, harassment and hazing. To help prevent abuse or misconduct from occurring in our locker rooms, Northern CT Hockey has adopted the following locker room policy. This policy is designed to maintain personal privacy as well as to reduce the risk of misconduct in locker rooms.
Locker room assignments are posted in the lobby for each event. Locker room restrooms and shower facilities vary from location to location. When playing away games at unfamiliar rinks, parents should leave extra time for their child to dress, undress and shower, if desired.
Locker Room Monitoring
Northern CT Hockey has limited use of locker rooms and changing areas (e.g., generally 30-45 minutes before and following practices and games). This allows for direct and reasonable 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. Therefore, it is the policy of the Northern CT Hockey that there is to be a volunteer registered with USA Hockey, background screened by USA Hockey/CHC and SafeSport certified serving as locker room monitor at the practices and games of each team. The duties of the locker room monitor will include: 1 - conducting a sweep of the locker rooms and changing areas assigned to the team no later than 45 minutes before players arrive; 2 - remaining directly outside of the locker rooms/changing areas during periods of use, with the doors open when adequate privacy is possible, and allowing entry to those non-coaches/players permitted to do so according to this policy; 3 - reminding players to power off cell phones and other mobile devices; 4 - letting coaching staff know when they can enter the locker room without compromising players’ personal privacy; 5- securing the locker room appropriately during times when the team is on the ice; 6- conducting a visual inspection of the locker room area once the last player has left to ensure the facility is left in good order. NOTE: For Northern Lights girls teams, the locker room monitor volunteer must be female.
Parents in Locker Rooms
Except for players at the younger age groups (U10 and younger), we discourage parents from entering locker rooms unless it is truly necessary. If a player needs assistance with her uniform or gear, if the player is 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, with our 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 or her discretion prohibit parents from a locker room.
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 for capturing visual images or audio in the locker rooms and players must power off any such devices upon entering the locker room. If phones or other mobile devices must be used, they should be taken outside of the locker room. The coaching staff and locker room monitors may find it necessary to collect and temporarily hold phones of players who do not comply with this policy. Any player who violates this policy may be subject to discipline.
Prohibited Conduct and Reporting
Northern CT Hockey prohibits all types of physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, bullying, threats, harassment and hazing, all as described in the USA Hockey SafeSport Handbook. Northern CT Hockey participants, employees or volunteers 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 SafeSport Policies. Reports of any actual or suspected violations, you may email USA Hockey at SafeSport@usahockey.org or may call 1-800-888-4656.