Locker Room Policy

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 SLPHA goals. SLPHA 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, SLPHA 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.

Except for players at the younger age groups (Mites/Mini Mites), we discourage parents from entering locker rooms unless it is truly necessary. If a player needs assistance with his or her uniform or gear, 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.

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. In situations like this players needing assistance can meet their parent outside the locker room for support (e.g., skate tying).

Locker room assignments are posted on the electronic boards as players enter the ice arena. All players, coaches, and parents are expected to find their locker room assignment on the board and enter only that locker room while at the rink. It is not acceptable to access other locker rooms as this may lead to issues where other players are changing.

In accordance with USA Hockey’s Guidelines, which require that whenever there are players present in the locker room, there must be at least one screened and SafeSport-trained adult present to monitor the locker room. 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.