New rule bans players from getting dressed in locker rooms for minor hockey players

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Josh Tupper
October 5, 2023 (11:07)

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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.

Source: Source: CBC.ca