Dressing Room Policy

Flamborough Girls Hockey Association (FGHA) Dressing Room Policy

Effective Date: September 2024

1. Purpose

The Flamborough Girls Hockey Association (FGHA) Dressing Room Policy is designed to ensure that all players have access to safe, inclusive, and equitable dressing room environments. This policy recognizes the diverse needs and identities of our players and emphasizes our commitment to safety, inclusivity, and respect. By incorporating best practices from both the Ontario Women’s Hockey Association (OWHA) and FGHA, this policy aims to create a space where every individual feels respected, valued, and supported.

2. Inclusivity and Respect

• 2.1 Right to Access: Every player has the right to access a dressing room or an equivalent environment that aligns with their gender identity, religious beliefs, body image concerns, or any other personal needs.
• 2.2 Anti-Discrimination: Discrimination, harassment, or any form of disrespect based on gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, or other protected grounds under the Ontario Human Rights Code is strictly prohibited.
• 2.3 Confidentiality: Players’ choices regarding dressing room usage must be respected and kept confidential. Team officials must handle any related concerns with sensitivity.

3. Supervision (Two-Deep Policy)

• 3.1 General Rule: In accordance with the OWHA Dressing Room Supervision Policy, when players under the age of 19 are in the team dressing room before, during, or after a game, tryout, or practice, there must be at least two screened adults present. Ideally, one of these adults should be female to ensure the players’ privacy and comfort.
• 3.2 Privacy Respect: Supervision should respect the privacy of the players, with supervisors positioned immediately outside the dressing room with the door ajar if necessary.

4. Coaches in Dressing Rooms

• 4.1 Male Coaches: During the regular season and playoffs, male coaches are allowed in the dressing room only after the players are fully dressed. Male coaches must be accompanied by at least one female staff member at all times when entering the dressing room.

5. Dressing Room Assistance

• 5.1 Assistance for Younger Players: For younger players (U7, U9, U11, U13) who may need assistance, female staff or associated adult females should be available inside the dressing room. For older players (U15, U18, U22, Senior), staff should be available outside the dressing room to provide assistance as needed.
• 5.2 Equipment Help: Players requiring help with equipment should receive assistance outside the dressing room or have it provided by female staff within the room (e.g., tying skates).

6. Dressing Room Requirements

• 6.1 Minimum Attire Requirements: All participants are required to wear an under layer that adequately covers the buttocks, genitals, and breasts at all times in the dressing room. Acceptable undergarments include sports bras, underwear, or swimsuits.
• 6.1.1 Shower Use: Players are to wear a swimsuit in the shower and change from base layers in a closed stall.
• 6.1.2 Implementation: Coaches and team staff are responsible for instructing players regarding the Minimum Attire and ensuring that players arrive at the rink prepared or utilize private spaces to change.
• 6.2 Team Talks: Coaches and team staff will only engage in pre and post-game talks when all athletes that are at the facility and eligible to be in the dressing room are present.
• 6.3 Officials Dressing Rooms: Given the shared nature of officials' dressing rooms, the minimum attire rule and shower recommendations should be applied to ensure safety and privacy.

7. Privacy and Confidentiality

• 7.1 Confidentiality of Personal Information: All players have the right to privacy. The FGHA is responsible for ensuring that a player’s private information, including their sex/assigned sex and/or gender identity, remains confidential. Disclosure of private information can only take place upon the player’s request and/or with the player’s consent.

8. Cell Phone and Electronic Device Policy

• 8.1 Prohibition of Devices: The use of video and photographic devices, including cell phones, is strictly prohibited in the dressing room. The only exception is one device used for music, which must be managed by a designated individual.
• 8.2 Enforcement: Team staff are responsible for enforcing this requirement. Players must leave these devices and any other personal valuables with their parents. Violations may result in disciplinary actions.

9. Music in the Dressing Room

• 9.1 Inclusivity: Music should be inclusive and free of profanity or derogatory content. Players are encouraged to contribute to a playlist that promotes a positive atmosphere.

10. Cleanliness and Etiquette

• 10.1 Cleanliness: Players are responsible for maintaining a clean and organized dressing room, including disposing of trash and taking personal belongings.
• 10.2 Etiquette: All players are expected to behave with inclusivity, warmth, and respect toward teammates, coaches, and staff. Any form of harassment or discrimination will not be tolerated.

11. Seeking Dressing Room Accommodation

• 11.1 Request Process: If a player requires additional support to meet their individual needs, the player has the right to seek accommodations from FGHA. The FGHA is required to meet and work collaboratively with the player to find an appropriate and equivalent option, which may include utilizing a pre-existing Dressing Room or an equivalent changing area.
• 11.2 Individual Assessment: The FGHA must assess and manage all accommodation requests on an individual basis and provide safe and confidential opportunities for players to discuss their needs.

12. Discipline and Complaints

• 12.1 Discipline: Violations of this policy will be subject to disciplinary review, up to and including suspension. The coaching staff is responsible for enforcing this policy.
• 12.2 Complaints Process: Complaints should be directed to the parent liaison, who will relay them to the team staff. If the issue is not adequately addressed, complaints should be escalated to the FGHA Board of Directors for further investigation and resolution, following a 24-hour cooling-off rule.
• 12.3 Bias and Safety Concerns: Unfounded concerns about safety based on gender identity or expression will not be used to justify discriminatory treatment. Complaints based on bias must be addressed, and the player’s right to access appropriate facilities will be upheld.

13. Implementation

This policy is effective immediately and applies to all players, staff, and volunteers associated with the FGHA. Compliance is mandatory, ensuring a positive and respectful environment for all participants.