Flyers Players, Coaches, Staff and Families,

As we approach our mid-season break we wanted to take a minute to remind everyone of a couple of policies that were newly adopted at the start of this hockey season. 

In response to member requests over the recent years, Hockey Canada has released new policies and guidelines aimed at ensuring the inclusion and safety of all players. These policies apply to all Hockey Nova Scotia associations including Sackville Minor Hockey.

• A new Dressing Room Policy
• A Gender Expression Policy

The Hockey Canada Gender Expression Policy (Gender Expression Policy) is a foundational document designed to explicitly state Hockey Canada’s commitment to being more inclusive to transgender and non-binary participants. It spells out the practical considerations and needs to address often invisible and unique challenges that transgender and non-binary athletes face. This includes, but is not limited to, treatment, eligibility, registration and dressing rooms.

Hockey Canada’snew Dressing Room Policy  (Dressing Room Policy) represents a shift in philosophy from previous dressing room regulations. The new model is based upon creating safe, inclusive and equitable dressing room environments that are designated team spaces for everyone, while providing proper supervision. Hockey Canada and Hockey Nova Scotia believe in balancing the safety, privacy, modesty and wishes of our participants without compromising the aspects of camaraderie, social integration and bonding inherent in a team sport. This policy attempts to meet these goals while providing a safe and respectful environment for participants.

The Dressing Room Policy and Gender Expression Policy apply to all hockey teams sanctioned by Hockey Canada and its Members. These new policies replace previous policies concerning dressing room supervision (like the Hockey Canada/Hockey Nova Scotia Co-Ed Dressing Room Policy).

The latest versions of these policies can always be found on Hockey Canada’s website: https://www.hockeycanada.ca/en-ca/hockey-programs/safety

On that page, you can also find the following which will support your association with the implementation of these policies:

• Dressing Room Policy FAQ
• Dressing Room Policy Implementation Guide
• Gender Expression Policy FAQ
• Gender Expression Resource Guide

Finally, we have also attached an infographic resource from the Coaching Association of Canada regarding Rule of Two best practices.

Coaches and Team Staff are encouraged to familiarize themselves with these new policies and share with their respective teams and families.

Yours in Hockey,

Jennifer Forster

VP Administration

Ryan Sabean

Safety Coordinator