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Apr 11 2023

SMHA Emphasis on Section 11: Maltreatment

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Recent developments at Hockey Canada are a positive step forward after the mismanagement by the organization.  On October 11, 2022, the HC Board of Directors resigned effective December 17th when a completely new Board will be put in place.  As well, CEO Scott Smith resigned effective immediately.

To grassroots hockey at the Minor Hockey Association level, the arrogance shown by Hockey Canada in recent months has been disappointing.  The attitude expressed was one of "hockey in Canada will not survive if the Hockey Canada Board and upper management were to resign" or "will the lights stay on in the rinks if we do?"  This was disrespectful and insulting to all of the volunteers that make minor hockey happen in Canada.

Besides improving the culture around hockey and the expectations of the people involved in the game, hopefully there will be a newfound humility at Hockey Canada that will see a better appreciation of grassroots hockey from the national governing body.

As part of the improvement of the culture around hockey, Hockey Canada's Section 11 of the Hockey Canada rulebook was created in 2021 and is an excellent tool to emphasize respectful behaviour by all involved - both on and off the ice. SMHA has been and will continue to be strict on all participants that are not respectful to others in the game and go against the Secton 11: Maltreatment rules.

SMHA also would like to see consistent messaging to our players from the adults involved in minor hockey - parents, coaches, managers and volunteers - that playing minor hockey and minor sports is a privilege, and with that privilege, comes expectations.  The main expectation that needs to be emphasized to youth and young adults is respect of others in all situations on the ice and off the ice in all of their personal interactions with others.

Section 11: Maltreatment is described in summary below. 

For the entire Section 11 Maltreatment please click here.

What is maltreatment?

Maltreatment consists of acts that result in actual or
the potential of physical or psychological harm. This
includes, but is not limited to physical,
psychological, or sexual actions, as detailed below.


Physical
Assault or unwanted
physical contact

Non-contact behaviour,
such as denying
hydration or nutrition;
providing alcohol to a
participant under legal
age, etc.

Psychological
Verbal assaults or
attacks - including those based on a person's gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, the colour of their skin, etc.

Unwanted physical
contact

Denying attention or
support

Sexual
Unwanted contact of a
sexual nature on any
part of a person’s body

Showing sexual videos
or images

Unwanted conversation
or teasing of a sexual
nature

The minimum suspension guideline for players or team officials is five (5) games under the Maltreatment rule.  For off-ice situations involving parents, SMHA will utilize its Parents Code of Conduct for discipline.

Verbal abuse or written online abuse of players on-ice officials, off-ice officials, volunteers or staff will not be tolerated on or off the ice.  Please be respectful at all times and use the proper channels of communication.

 

Click here for the SMHA Communication Flowchart.

 

How much of my registration fees go to Hockey Canada? Please click here for the SMHA Pie Chart with respect to where your registration fees go.

 

Thank you to all involved in minor hockey for making it a fun activity for our children.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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