SHL Policies (Streetsville Hockey League)

Member Code of Conduct & Privacy / Confidentiality

This Code of Conduct summarizes the expectations set out in the SHL Code of Conduct, Harassment, Abuse, Bullying & Misconduct Policy, Players’ Bill of Rights, Zero Tolerance Policy and related SHL discipline and risk management policies.

1. Respectful Hockey Environment

The Streetsville Hockey League (“SHL”) is committed to providing a sport environment in which all individuals are treated with respect and dignity. During all SHL activities, athletes, coaches, team staff, officials, volunteers, parents/guardians and spectators are expected to:

• Conduct themselves in a fair, responsible and sportsmanlike manner and refrain from comments or behaviours that are disrespectful, offensive, abusive, racist, sexist or otherwise discriminatory.
• Never engage in harassment, abuse, bullying, hazing, misconduct or retaliation against anyone who raises a concern.
• Avoid any behaviour that brings SHL, the GTHL, OHF, Hockey Canada or the game of hockey into disrepute, including the abusive use of alcohol and/or non-medical use of drugs.
• Never use unlawful performance-enhancing drugs or methods, and never engage in any activity that endangers the safety of others.
• At all times adhere to the rules, regulations and policies of Hockey Canada, the OHF, the GTHL and the SHL.

2. Expectations for Members & Participants

All SHL participants are expected to:

• Show respect for opponents, teammates, coaches, officials, arena staff and volunteers at all times.
• Follow the directions of team officials and arena staff regarding safety rules, equipment, and behaviour in dressing rooms and on the ice.
• Abide by the SHL Zero Tolerance Policy regarding abuse of officials (referees or timekeepers), including any verbal abuse, gestures or attempts to intimidate or embarrass an official.
• Refrain from bullying in all its forms (physical, verbal, relational, discriminatory, reactive and cyber-bullying) in person, online or through social media.

3. Players’ Bill of Rights (Summary)

All children participating in SHL programs enjoy the following rights (as set out in SHL Policy #10-17 – Players’ Bill of Rights), including but not limited to:

• Sportsmanship: The right to participate in a program based on fair play and integrity.
• Respect: The right to be treated with respect by coaches, teammates, opponents, officials and spectators.
• Participation: The right to participate fully and equitably in team activities.
• Skill Development: The right to develop hockey skills in a safe and supportive environment.
• Freedom from Abuse & Bullying: The right to say no to unwanted physical contact or interaction and to participate free from bullying and harassment.
• Fair Treatment & Free Speech: The right to be treated fairly and to express concerns without fear of reprisal.
• Fun: The right to enjoy the game of hockey.

4. Privacy & Confidentiality

SHL collects and uses personal information in accordance with the SHL Privacy Policy (Policy #12-02). Personal information may include a participant’s name, contact details, date of birth, hockey history, medical/emergency information and parent/guardian contact information. This information is collected for the purposes of:

• Administering registration and eligibility in compliance with SHL, GTHL, OHF and Hockey Canada rules.
• Scheduling and organizing games, practices and events.
• Ensuring player safety, including emergency contact and medical needs.
• Communicating with members about league operations and hockey programming.

SHL will:

• Use personal information only for legitimate league purposes, or as required by law.
• Safeguard records (including complaint files and discipline decisions) and limit access to individuals who require the information for legitimate SHL purposes.
• Not sell personal information and only share it with governing bodies or service providers where necessary for operations, insurance or regulatory compliance.
• Respect confidentiality in handling complaints and discipline matters, except where disclosure is required by law, child protection legislation, or to protect the safety of participants.

By registering with SHL, members acknowledge that they have read and understood this Code of Conduct and the SHL Privacy Policy, and consent to the collection, use and disclosure of personal information as described.

5. Non-Compliance

Failure to comply with this Code of Conduct or related SHL policies may result in disciplinary action, up to and including suspension or removal from participation in SHL activities, in accordance with SHL Discipline, Harassment, Abuse, Bullying & Misconduct and Risk Management policies.

Complaint Resolution & Safe Sport Reporting Policy

This section summarizes the complaint resolution framework contained in the SHL Harassment, Abuse, Bullying & Misconduct Policy, the SHL Harassment, Abuse & Bullying Complaint Procedures, and the Safe Sport Independent Third Party (ITP) reporting mechanism.

1. Purpose

SHL is committed to promptly and fairly addressing concerns and complaints involving harassment, abuse, bullying, hazing, misconduct or other unsafe behaviours in our programs. Complaints are taken seriously and handled in a trauma-informed, confidential and impartial manner, consistent with Hockey Canada, OHF, GTHL and SHL policies and applicable law.

2. Independent Third Party (ITP) – Safe Sport Option

The Independent Third Party (ITP) is fully independent from SHL and Hockey Canada and:

• Receives and reviews complaints involving maltreatment, abuse, harassment, bullying or discrimination in sanctioned hockey activities.
• Determines how complaints will be managed and which jurisdiction or policies apply.
• Refers matters to law enforcement or child protection authorities where required.
• Retains independent investigators and resolution panels where appropriate.
• Operates confidentially and provides anonymized reporting to hockey organizations.

3. SHL Internal Complaint Process (Summary)

SHL also maintains an internal complaint process for issues within its jurisdiction. Complaints may be made by players, parents/guardians, team officials, volunteers or others associated with SHL.

3.1 How to Make a Complaint

• Written complaints: Submitted using the SHL Complaint Intake Form (Harassment, Abuse & Bullying Disclosure Report) and emailed to: [email protected].
• Verbal or non-verbal disclosures: If a coach, trainer, manager, convenor or executive member hears or observes a disclosure, they must document it on the appropriate SHL report form and forward it to the SHL Risk Management Director.
• Anonymous concerns: May be documented and considered in accordance with SHL complaint procedures, with appropriate care given to fairness and confidentiality.

3.2 Initial Handling & File Creation

Upon receipt, the SHL Risk Management Director:

• Opens a confidential file and assigns a file number.
• Reviews the information and categorizes the matter as a major or minor complaint.
• Ensures all disclosures are documented accurately and stored securely.

3.3 Major Complaints

Major complaints include suspected physical, emotional or sexual abuse, serious neglect or other matters that may fall under child protection or criminal law. For these:

• SHL immediately reports to the appropriate child protection agency and/or police.
• SHL does not conduct its own investigation until directed or cleared by authorities.
• Individuals who are the subject of serious allegations may be removed from duties or suspended from participation on a precautionary basis.

3.4 Minor Complaints

Minor complaints (e.g., lower-level bullying, harassment or misconduct that does not trigger child protection or criminal thresholds) are typically referred to the SHL Discipline Committee. The committee:

• May attempt early, informal resolution or mediation where appropriate.
• May appoint a fact-finding team to gather further information.
• Holds discipline hearings when required.
• Determines whether the complaint is with merit, without merit, or unsupported by sufficient information.
• Imposes appropriate sanctions where warranted (education, apology, conditions, suspension, or removal from SHL activities, etc.).

4. Sanctions & Discipline (Summary)

In keeping with SHL discipline and risk management policies, sanctions may include:

• Verbal or written apology, letter of reprimand or mandatory education.
• Conditions on participation, loss of certain privileges or removal from a role.
• Temporary or long-term suspension of membership or team duties.
• Expulsion from SHL activities in serious cases.
• Automatic suspension in cases involving certain criminal convictions or match-type penalties under governing body rules.

SHL also applies specific emphasis policies (e.g., Aggressive Play, Fighting, Zero Tolerance for abuse of officials) which may trigger additional discipline for players or head coaches when thresholds are exceeded.

5. Appeals

Except where otherwise provided, a person who is the subject of discipline may appeal the decision in accordance with SHL appeal procedures:

• Appeals are heard by the SHL Executive (or designated body) based mainly on the written record.
• The Executive may uphold, vary or overturn the original decision or sanction.
• Decisions of the Executive on appeal are final and binding within the SHL structure.

6. Trauma-Informed, Confidential & Fair Process

SHL recognizes that reporting harassment, abuse and bullying can be difficult and is committed to:

• Handling all complaints in a timely, sensitive, respectful and confidential manner.
• Protecting those who report concerns from reprisal or retaliation.
• Ensuring procedures are fair to all parties, with an opportunity to respond to allegations.
• Maintaining accurate records in accordance with the SHL Privacy Policy and applicable law.

7. How to Get Help or Ask Questions

For information about this policy or to ask how to proceed with a concern, members may contact:

• SHL President: [email protected]
• Safe Sport Independent Third Party (ITP): [email protected]