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 Community First Igloo’s goals. The Igloo 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, the Igloo 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 Monitoring
All Igloo events have predictable and limited use of locker rooms and changing areas (e.g., generally 15-30 minutes before and following practices and games), some exceptions may apply.
All locker room keys will be checked out by an appropriate and designated person(s) for each program. No player(s) are allowed to enter the locker room area for any reason unless a screened locker room monitor, coach or manager is present to supervise. There must be 2 or more players in the locker room area while being supervised. No player will be in the locker room without supervision or by themselves. Player(s), personnel or parents not adhering to the locker room policy will be subject to discipline measures. This is a club policy in accordance with USA Hockey Safesport mandates put forth to protect the players from any misconduct and or abuse.
All locker rooms during practices and games will be supervised by the team coach or voluntary locker room monitors (each of which has been screened) will be posted directly inside the locker rooms during periods of use or in the doorway, and leave the 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 room. 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 Mite 8 & Under age group we discourage parents from entering locker rooms unless it is truly necessary. 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. If a player needs help or If a player needs assistance with his or her uniform or gear we ask that the player steps out of the locker room and seeks assistance from his/her parents. The locker room supervisors and coaches will help players with their equipment.
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 the parents to 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. The Head Coach has the power to remove any parents from the locker room if he or she is not listed as a regular locker room supervisor of that team.
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, the Igloo 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. 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 this is the most reasonable way to accommodate and respect all of our players.
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. It may be permissible to have the Head Coach collect phones, if necessary.
Prohibited Conduct and Reporting
The Igloo prohibits all types of physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, bullying, threats, harassment and hazing, all as described in the USA Hockey SafeSport Handbook. 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.
