Who is Responsible for Safety?
Each association, team, parent, volunteer and staff member is expected to take all reasonable steps to safeguard the welfare of participants – especially young participants – and protect them from any form of violence. There is a shared responsibility with parents and guardians to nurture the physical and emotional well-being of our players.
JOINT RESPONSIBILITIES
It is everyone’s responsibility to:
- Manage minor conflicts with respect
- Report to hockey administration (your local association) serious bullying, harassment, hazing, and verbal abuse situations
- Report criminal behavior such as physical and sexual abuse, assault, criminal harassment, neglect, and chronic emotional abuse to appropriate authorities
HOCKEY ALBERTA RESPONSIBILITIES
Any Hockey Alberta personnel (part-time and full-time staff, volunteer, participant, team official, on ice official) or partner (parent, guardian) who has reasonable grounds to suspect that a participant is, or may be suffering, or may have suffered from emotional, physical abuse and neglect and/or sexual abuse, shall immediately report the suspicion and the information on which it is based to appropriate authorities – local police or child protection agency.
If a participant safety concern is brought forward regarding a Hockey Alberta team, program, or event Hockey Alberta will manage it in accordance to Hockey Alberta’s policies and procedures regarding unacceptable conduct.
If a concern about a Member’s management of a situation is brought forward Hockey Alberta will review the process used by the Member to ensure it has been managed in an appropriate manner as outlined by that Member’s bylaws, policies and/or any legislative procedures.
MEMBER RESPONSIBILITIES
It is required by Hockey Alberta that each Local Minor Hockey Association and club team have policies and procedures in place for dealing with unacceptable conduct that is alleged of a member of its organization, or is alleged to have occurred within one its teams or events. It is expected that every member will take action to prevent any type of harassment and/or abuse within the confines of their organization.
If a member of a local minor hockey association or club team feels there is a participant safety concern it must be brought forward to the local association or club team to be managed in accordance with their unacceptable conduct policies and procedures.
PARENT/GUARDIAN RESPONSIBILITIES
As a parent/guardian, your contribution is key throughout this process:
- Ensure your own behaviour models respect and integrity towards coaches, officials, participants, and other parents.
- Understand the issues and become knowledgeable.
- Know and support your Association’s policies and procedures.
- Act when you see a bullying, harassing or abusive situation.
- Speak Out and promote safe environments.
