Importance of USA Hockey's SafeSport Program
USA Hockey's SafeSport Program prioritizes safety in hockey by addressing various forms of abuse and misconduct, promoting sportsmanship, respect, and teamwork. It focuses on creating a secure environment both on and off the ice, with policies against abuse, bullying, and unsportsmanlike behavior. The program emphasizes the significance of ethical conduct, eliminating dangerous plays, and maintaining proper communication guidelines, ensuring a positive experience for all participants.
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USA Hockeys SafeSport Program Its important for you to know that any type of abuse is not a normal or acceptable part of hockey: You don t have to go through it or accept it to become a better athlete or part of being a champion.. Jennifer Boulden D6 SafeSport Representative Jennifer.boulden@yahoo.com 952-212-2725
Purpose The USA Hockey SafeSport program was developed to give all players (and their parents) confidence that you are playing hockey in the safest possible environment, both on and off the ice. USA Hockey has created policies addressing certain types of abuse and misconduct.
Some examples of what SafeSport handles: Sexual Abuse Physical Abuse Emotional Abuse Bullying, Threats and Harassment: This includes racial slurs Damaging or stealing another persons property. Hazing Locker room, social media, and travel guidelines USA Hockey, MN Hockey and District 6 promotes sportsmanship, respect, and teamwork for all participants to the game. A ZERO tolerance policy is in effect for abusive behavior from parents, players and coaches towards any individual associated with the hockey program.
NEW Information this season One-on-One Interactions. This policy prohibits one-on-one interactions between adult members of USA Hockey or those authorized by a USA Hockey program to have regular contact with or authority over minors, unless they occur at an observable and interruptible distance by another adult. There are exceptions for emergency circumstances. Social Media and Electronic Communications. This policy has been updated. All electronic communication from an adult member of USA Hockey to a minor participant must be professional in nature. Absent emergency circumstances, if an adult member needs to communicate directly with a minor via electronic communications (including social media), the minor s parent must be copied. Unsportsmanlike Conduct: A bench minor penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct shall be assessed to any team whose players or team officials commit the following actions while on the player s bench: Banging the boards with a stick or other object, including skates or arms, at any time, including after a body check regardless as to whether the check is being penalized. Commit yourself to playing hockey the right way and safely. Eliminate checking from behind. If you see a STOP patch pull up and avoid hitting the other player. Keep your arms down and avoid direct head contact when applying checks. Be aware of your location on the ice and proximity to danger zones.
SafeSport Program does NOT address: Coaching Style Structure/Plan of Game Play Distribution of Playing Time Player Position Assignments Disputes between parent/player expectations and coaches' expectations
Key Points: SafeSport guidelines apply to everyone: parents, players, coaches and community members. Players should not enter a locker room until a coach/locker room monitor is present. NO electronic devices are allowed in locker rooms (i.e. iPods, cell phones, iPads, cameras, etc.). A report made in bad faith may result in disciplinary action for the participant filing the allegation.
If you are being targeted: Remember it is not your fault, and there is nothing wrong with you-no one deserves to be bullied or harassed. SPEAK UP! KEEP YOUR COOL and walk away. Using insults or fighting back will make the problem worse. USE HUMOR. Say something funny and make them think you don t care. BE ASSERTIVE, look confident and let the person know that they need to stop what they are doing. Hang out with friends that you know will support you and work together to speak out against bullying and harassment.
What to Do if an Incident Happens: Tell your Mom/Dad about what happened Mom/Dad will notify your associations SafeSport Coordinator or Jennifer, D6 SafeSport Representative. The Coordinator will fill out a report for MN Hockey/USA Hockey The Coordinator will investigate the claim (will be kept VERY confidential) The results are shared with the person(s) involved, your associations hockey Board, MN Hockey, and USA Hockey. Your hockey Board reviews the information and along with D6 and Mn hockey will determine the discipline/consequence. And remember; A report made in bad faith may result in disciplinary action for the participant filing the allegation.
Potential Consequences: Temporary Suspension Permanent Suspension Removal from all Associations sponsored events Referral to law enforcement authorities People who are witnesses play a role in the bullying world: Their reaction or lack of reaction often influences the outcome. A supportive response gives the person who bullies positive attention and power. A negative response supports the person being bullied and may stop the bullying. If you are a witness please say something or tell an adult. By doing so you may stop someone else from becoming another victim.
Contacts SYHA SafeSport Coordinator Jon Pherson: jpshakohockey@gmail.com D6 SafeSport Representative, Jennifer Boulden: (952) 212-2725 Jennifer.boulden@yahoo.com Local police department. Your counties Human Services department. Please know that you can talk to your SafeSport Coordinator ANYTIME without being afraid. You can call, text, email or talk to him/her whenever you would like. Note: A mandated reporter who knows or has reason to believe that a child is or has been neglected or physically/sexually abused and fails to report is guilty of a misdemeanor.
