New rule bans players from getting dressed in locker rooms for minor hockey players
Hockey season has just kicked off across the country, and many parents and players are having to deal with a strange new rule. Hockey Canada has implemented a new policy that encourages minor hockey players to wear at least the base layer they would wear under their equipment to the rink. The rule also follows by stating, If they have to change, it won't be done in the dressing room.
Hockey Canada now requires any minor hockey player who needs to change their base outfit to do so in a closed washroom stall inside the rink.
"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." - Hockey Canada spokesperson Esther Madziya
Coaches and team staff members are tasked with informing players and parents of this new rules, and to ensure players follow the directive.
Craig Robinson, coach of the Halifax Hawks minor hockey team, is in favour of the new rules.
"This isn't just about gender, it's about everyone being comfortable. Coaches can't always visually identify and automatically know what gender someone identifies with, so this just allows everybody to fit into that dressing room."
Robinson said some parents have complained about kids having to wear sweaty and sometimes smelly under gear to and from arenas. However, he believes it's a small price to pay for inclusion.
Previously on HockeyUnplugged
POLL |
OCTOBRE 5 | 658 ANSWERS New rule bans players from getting dressed in locker rooms for minor hockey players How do you feel about these new rules from Hockey Canada? |
It makes sense | 85 | 12.9 % |
Ridiculous | 526 | 79.9 % |
I'm not sure | 47 | 7.1 % |
List of polls |
|
1 hour ago | By Tom Banks Penguins Make Roster Even Clearer as Regular Season Approaches |
|
8 hours ago | By Daniel Lucente Marc-André Fleury Brings Back Classic Penguins Rituals During Memorable Return |
|
9 hours ago | By Daniel Lucente 7 Players Hit NHL Waivers from Penguins' Division Rivals |
|
10 hours ago | By Daniel Lucente Change on the Blue Line? Dan Muse Hints at Penguins' Defensive Shift |
|
12 hours ago | By Daniel Lucente NHL Insider Josh Yohe Reveals Update on Pittsburgh Penguins Moving Key Veterans This Season |
|
13 hours ago | By Daniel Lucente Kirill Kaprizov Signs Record Deal Worth Nearly Twice Sidney Crosby's Salary |
|
14 hours ago | By Daniel Lucente Penguins Young Prospect Scores, Fueling Speculation About His Future |
|
Sep 29 | By Tom Banks Emerging Penguins Prospect Avery Hayes Comments on Playing With Legend Sidney Crosby |