Locker Room Policy
Locker rooms should be cleaned and locked after every use. Coaches are responsible to ensure this is done each time the locker rooms are used. Per USA Hockey SafeSport, supervision is required when players are in the locker room. The volunteer must have a background check and SafeSport training before being allowed to supervise.
MONITORING
VH has predictable and limited use of locker rooms and changing areas (i.e. generally, 30-45 minutes before and following practices and games). This allows for direct and regular monitoring of locker room areas. 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.
Your team staff must conduct a sweep of the locker rooms and changing areas before players arrive, and if the coaches are not inside the locker rooms, either a coach or voluntary locker room monitor (each of which has been screened) will be posted directly outside the locker room and changing areas during periods of use, and leave the doors open only when adequate privacy is still possible, so that only participants (coaches and players, approved team personnel) are permitted in the locker room. It is the policy of VH that any individual meetings with a minor participant and a coach or other adult in a locker room, shall require that a second screened adult is present. Team personnel will also secure the locker room appropriately during times when the team is on the ice.
PARENTS IN LOCKER ROOMS:
Except for players at the younger age groups, VH discourages parents from entering the 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 if the player’s disability warrants assistance, the we ask that the parents let the coach know beforehand the 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 independently. In circumstances where parents are permitted in the locker room, coaches are permitted to ask that the parent leave for a short time before and after the game or practice so that coaches can address the players. As players get older, the coach may in his or her discretion prohibit parents from a locker room.
CELL PHONE AND OTHER RECORDING DEVICES:
Cell phone and other mobile devices with recording capabilities, including voice recording, still cameras, and video cameras, are not permitted to be used in the locker rooms. If phones or other mobile devices must be used, they should be taken outside of the locker room. It is permissible to have a team staff member collect phones.
PROHIBITED CONDUCT AND REPORTS:
VH prohibits all type of physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, bullying, threats, harassment and hazing, all as described in the USA Hockey SafeSport Handbook.
Infractions of USA Hockey’s Locker Room Policy should be reported to the Victory Honda AAA Hockey SafeSport Coordinator, Brian Burke at (734) 730-7612 or USA Hockey at SafeSport@usahockey.org or call (800) 888-4656.
Participants, employees or volunteers in VH may be subject to disciplinary action for violation of these locker room policies or for engaging in any misconduct or abuse that violates the USA Hockey SafeSport Policies
