New Rules Prohibit Dressing Room Changes for Minor Hockey Athletes

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Dawson Mckenzie
October 4, 2023 (8:58 PM)

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Hockey Canada Announced today new rules that are quickly becoming the point of debate online.

Hockey Canada Announces New Rules Prohibiting Changing of Base Layer in Change Room

Hockey Canada has changed its policy around changing room etiquette, prohibiting minor-aged players from changing from their base layer (clothes worn under equipment) within the change room.

"All participants have the right to utilize the dressing room or appropriate and equivalent dressing environment based on their gender identity, religious beliefs, body image concerns, and/or other reasons related to their individual needs." - Hockey Canada spokesperson Esther Madziya

Hockey Canada encourages players to wear their base layer to and from the arena. If players wish to change out of or into their base layer at the arena, then they will have to do so in an individual stall.

The new Hockey Canada policy takes aim at "minimum requirements of attire" in dressing rooms. If players don't wear the base layer, they will have to change into it inside a closed washroom stall at the rink.

Changes Aimed at Inclusivity and Coaches Are in Favour

These changes are aimed at fostering a more inclusive environment for hockey players of all genders, religions, and even players who struggle with body image issues. Although some parents have complained that their children are smelly after practice, Craig Robinson, coach of the Halifax Hawks minor hockey team, thinks it is a small price to pay for inclusivity.

"This isn't just about gender, it's about everyone being comfortable. Coaches can't always visually identify and automatically know what gender someone identifies with, so this just allows everybody to fit into that dressing room."

As seen on Blade of Steel - "New Rules Mean No More Changing in Dressing Rooms for Minor Hockey Players"