A new policy introduced by Hockey Canada last month regarding locker room requirements has been met with confusion by local hockey associations, which say they have received limited guidance on how to best implement the requirements.
The policy, which came into effect on September 12, according to Hockey Canada’s website, requires players to wear underwear at all times in locker rooms where more than one person is present.
Hockey Canada describes a base layer as shorts and a T-shirt or compression shorts and a shirt or sports bra. Players are encouraged to wear a similar “minimum attire” when showering in open showers, such as a swimwear.
The policy also stipulates the “rule of two,” which means that two adults must be present in or immediately outside the dressing rooms to monitor players’ behavior and “ensure that it is free from discrimination, harassment, bullying or other forms of abuse.”
It applies to all youth hockey teams approved by Hockey Canada and its members.
Kevin Kobelka, general manager of Hockey Calgary, said he had not received direct communication from Hockey Canada about the policy and only learned about it through the media.
“It kind of took us by surprise,” said Kobelka.
“So we’ve been asking a lot of questions over the last week to figure out what direction we should go in the meantime until we get more answers from our governing bodies.”
Kobelka said Hockey Calgary directed its questions through Hockey Alberta but is still waiting for a response.
Meanwhile, Kobelka said Hockey Calgary has implemented new rules based on its interpretation of the guidelines. Players must wear an undergarment 30 minutes before the start of their on-ice session and 15 minutes afterward. If they are in the locker room outside of that time window, they can change as they please, according to Kobelka.
“(Then) people who don’t feel comfortable in that environment will have time to either enter or leave the facility,” Kobelka said.
Kobelka said the policy was ambiguous in its wording and he was unsure what specific expectations governing bodies had regarding the wearing of underwear.
“We weren’t quite sure how to implement it and execute it and what the ultimate goal was. So the question we’re asking ourselves is why are we setting up this place? We believe it’s for safety, we believe it’s for inclusivity, but we need to be able to execute it and our volunteers need to be able to monitor it.”
Hockey Canada said the goal of the policy is to create a safe, inclusive and equitable locker room environment.
“All participants have the right to use the locker room … based on their gender identity, religious beliefs, body image concerns and/or other reasons related to their individual needs,” the policy paper states.
Dr. Theresa Fowler is an assistant professor at Concordia University of Edmonton whose research focuses on elite, masculine hockey culture.
She believes the biggest misstep of the new policy is the lack of communication with Hockey Canada members about the reasons for its implementation.
“I think some people distance themselves from it … maybe because they don’t understand why,” Fowler said.
Still, Fowler, who has worked at Hockey Canada, said the overall message behind the strategy is positive and shows the organization is making progress.
“I know there is a lot of resistance … but it is being worked on,” Fowler said.
Regarding the new underwear requirements for players, Fowler said they could potentially help children and young people whose cultures promote modesty in public feel more comfortable.
In addition, Fowler believes the policy’s “rule of two” will help make locker rooms safer places and break the culture of isolation that prevails there.
“Hockey is so narrow-minded and isolated in our country. We have to understand that so many kids are not involved in the sport of hockey because nobody is changing anything.”
