PrintSHL Policies

“Home of the Derbys”

Streetsville Hockey League

RISK MANAGEMENT

and

OTHER POLICIES

Reviewed & Revised 2019

S.H.L. POLICY NUMBERS

#10-01 Registration Discounts Needs Update

#10-02 Vision Values & Mission Statement

#10-03 Additional Hockey Programs

#10-04 Refunds

#10-05 Recognition and Prevention of Harassment,

Abuse and Bullying Needs review

#10-06 Zero Tolerance

#10-07 Releasing Player from Supervision

#10-08 Off-Site-Activities and Road Trips

#10-09 Late Caregivers

#10-10 Physical Contact

#10-11 Discipline

#10-12 Hazing

#10-13 Code of Ethics for Players, Coaches, Officials, Volunteers and Parents

#10-14 Brain Injuries and Concussions Needs review

#10-15 Prohibition on Food and Beverages

#10-16 Goaltending

#10-17 Players’ Bill of Rights

#12-01 Registration Fee Schedule

#12-02 Privacy Policy

#15-01 Registration Fee Due Date

#16-01 Discipline Committee Emphasis Policies

#19-01 Goalie and Player Equipment

Policy #10-01 REGISTRATION DISCOUNTS

It is the policy of the Streetsville Hockey League to take into account the high cost of hockey on multiple player families playing in the SHL. The league is also interested in keeping is members from leaving and so offers other discounts and incentives to that end.

In-order for the discount to apply they must first meet the following criteria:

MULTI-PLAYER FAMILIES

Must have children registered in the SHL.

2nd child $50.00

3rd Child $75.00

4th or more Children $100.00

PRE-REGISTRATION

$20.00 discount for signing up during pre-registration

REFER A FRIEND

All current SHL players that refer a friend who is new to the SHL and who registers to play in the league will receive a $50.00 reimbursement.

All previous discount policies or schedules are rescinded as of June 2010.

Executive Committee Revised Motion June 2017.

Policy #10-2 VISION ~ VALUES ~ MISSION

VISION

The Streetsville Hockey League’s

Vision is to enable our players, coaches and members to enjoy lifelong participation and contribution to the game of hockey.

VALUES

v Leadership by example

v Providing a safe and fun environment to play hockey

v Development of hockey skills and knowledge of the game

v Commitment to the Streetsville Community and Volunteerism

v Physical, Mental and Social development through friendship and team play

v Learning Fair Play, Honesty, Integrity ,Good Sportsmanship and Respect for all participants

MISSION

SHL is a volunteer run hockey league, that is, dedicated to providing our members of all ages and skill levels the opportunity to play minor hockey for their enjoyment and improvement, in a safe and fun atmosphere in which our players support and respect each other.

We encourage and expect our members and players to exhibit good sportsmanship, fair play and respect for their opponents, coaches, referees, and all other participants.

Our league is dependent upon the commitment and dedication of our many volunteers, as we interact with one another with courtesy and respect.

Policy # 10-03 ADDITIONAL HOCKEY PROGRAMS

The SHL will operation three additional House League hockey programs for its members. Two Select programs and one Direct entry program.

Program 1 To be known as House League Select Derbys Tournament Team Program

IP (Age 6) to Midget (Age 17 years)

These teams will operate within the house league divisions and will be populated by players from those divisions.

The select tournament teams from this program will be made up primarily of players that wish to enter tournaments or play exhibition games that do not interfere or conflict with their house league teams.

These teams will be over seen by the House League Select Director who will report to the VP of Select and Direct Entry Hockey.

The operation of these teams will be governed by the House League Select Hockey Rules of Operations and the GTHL select hockey policy.

Program 2 To be known as the House League Select Derbys Hockey Program

This program will be offered to the IP (Age 6) to Midget (Age 17) age groups

These teams will be populated by players that have been selected from tryouts.

These players must be on a house league team.

The teams will be over seen by the Derbys Select Teams Director who will report to the VP of Select and Direct Entry Hockey.

The operation of these teams will be governed by the Derbys Select Hockey Rules of Operations.

The Derby teams may compete in the North York Hockey League or another league the S.H.L. considers suitable.

Program 3 To be known as the Streetsville Derbys Hockey Program

Direct Entry Teams

This program will be offered to the Minor Novice (Age 7) and Novice (Age 8) age groups. The program is to prepare these players for competitive rep hockey. Players who participate in this program are NOT eligible to play in the SHL House League program.

These teams will be operated independently of the house league divisions.

These teams will be populated by players that have been selected from tryouts.

The Derbys Teams Director will report to the VP of Select and Direct Entry Hockey will oversee these teams.

The Derbys Rules of Operations will govern the operation of these teams.

The Derby teams will compete in the Mississauga Hockey League, or another league the S.H.L. considers suitable.

Policy #10-4 REFUNDS

1. Registration fees are fully refundable up to May 1st of the upcoming season.

2. From May 2 to July 1^st a $100 surcharge will be deducted from the refund.

3. From July 2^nd to August 2^nd a $150.00 surcharged will be deducted from the refund.

4. No refunds will be given after August 3^rd.

5. No refund request shall be processed unless submitted in writing to the Programs Manager either as a hardcopy letter signed by the person requesting the refund or through e-mail.

6. No refund cheques will be issued until all league equipment has been returned in good repair and it has been inspected by the Programs Manager.

7. All refund requests are subject to a 4 to 6 week processing period.

Policy #10-05 HARASSMENT, ABUSE, BULLYING AND MISCONDUCT POLICY

SHL CODE OF CONDUCT ......................................................................................4 INTRODUCTION ..................................................................................................... 5

1. POLICY STATEMENTS ...............................................................................6

2. EFFECTIVE DATE ........................................................................................6

3. SHL MEMBER ASSOCIATION REQUIREMENTS .............................................. 6

4. DEFINITIONS ............................................................................................... 7

5. RECEIVING A COMPLAINT ........................................................................12

6. COMPLAINT ADMINISTRATION ...............................................................12

7. INVESTIGATION ...........................................................................................13

8. INVESTIGATION DECISIONS .....................................................................14

9. DISCIPLINE ................................................................................................... 14

10. SANCTIONS ............................................................................................... 14

11. APPEALS .................................................................................................... 15

APPENDIX A – SHL COMPLAINT INTAKE FORM …......................................... 16

APPENDIX B – ON-ICE OFFICIALS .......................................................................... 22

APPENDIX C – LINKS TO RESOURCES .................................................................... 24

SHL CODE OF CONDUCT

1. The Streetsville Hockey League (“SHL”) is committed to providing a sport environment in which all individuals are treated with respect.

2. During the course of all SHL activities, athletes, coaches, assistant coaches, trainers, managers, officials, parents, directors, officers, volunteers, employees or chaperones and others within the SHL and each of the SHL Members:

a) shall conduct themselves, at all times, in a fair and responsible manner and refrain from comments or behaviours that are disrespectful, offensive, abusive, racist or sexist. In particular, the SHL will not tolerate behaviour that constitutes harassment or abuse or bullying;

b) shall avoid behaviour which brings the SHL and/or its Members into disrepute, including but not limited to the abusive use of alcohol and/or non-medical use of drugs;

c) shall not use unlawful performance enhancing drugs or methods, nor shall they engage in any activity or behaviour that endangers the safety of others; and

d) shall at all times adhere to the Hockey Canada, Ontario Hockey Federation (“OHF”), SHL and SHL operational policies and procedures, to rules governing Hockey Canada, OHF or SHL events and activities and to rules governing any competition in which they participate on behalf of Hockey Canada, the OHF, GTHL or SHL.

3. Failure to comply with this Code of Conduct may result in disciplinary action, including, but not limited to, the loss or suspension of certain or all privileges connected with the respective SHL Members including the opportunity to participate in Hockey Canada, OHF, GTHL and SHL activities. Such discipline may include the removal or ban from an arena, games, practices and other team activities.

INTRODUCTION

This document includes Policies and Procedures that enhance the Hockey Canada and Ontario Hockey Federation and Greater Toronto Hockey League Harassment, Bullying and Abuse Policies. All SHL Members are obligated to adhere to these Policies and Procedures as stated.

The following policies have been approved by the SHL Committee. It shall be the obligation of all SHL Members to adhere to these policies.

Please refer to the following for more information:

1. Hockey Canada Policy on Harassment and Abuse – www.hockeycanada.ca

2. OHF Harassment, Abuse, Bullying and Misconduct Policy – www.ohf.on.ca

3. OHF Code of Conduct – www.ohf.on.ca

4. Hockey Canada “Safety for All” Booklet – www.hockeycanada.ca

1. POLICY STATEMENTS

1.1	The Streetsville Hockey League (SHL) is committed to provide an environment that is safe and respectful. The SHL supports the right of all its members and staff to participate and work in an environment that prohibits discriminatory practices of all kinds and promotes equitable opportunities.
1.2	It is the policy of the SHL that there be no harassment, abuse, bullying or misconduct of any participant in any of its programs.
1.3	The SHL expects every athlete, coach, assistant coach, trainer, manager, official, parent, director, officer, volunteer, employee and chaperone within the SHL and its Members to take reasonable steps to safeguard the participants against harassment, abuse, bullying or misconduct.
1.4	The SHL will make all reasonable efforts to promote awareness of the problems of harassment, abuse, bullying and misconduct among all its members.
2.	EFFECTIVE DATE
1.1	Originally Issued: June 1998
1.2	Revised: March 2007, September 2011 and November 2015

3. Rescinded

4. DEFINITIONS

4.1 GTHL Member Association

A GTHL Member Association, also an “Association” or “Organization”, is any Club, Division, Affiliated Group or Sports School accepted for membership in the Greater Toronto Hockey League from time to time. This includes the Streetsville Hockey League (SHL)

4.2 Legislation

[1] Child Protection Legislation – Ontario Child and Family Services Act (CFSA)

http://www.canlii.org/en/on/laws/stat/rso-1990-c-c11/latest/rso-1990-c-c11.html

http://www.children.gov.on.ca/htdocs/English/topics/childrensaid/reportingabuse/index.aspx

[2] Human Rights Legislation – the Canadian Human Rights Act or the Ontario Human Rights

Code

http://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/h-6/

http://www.ohrc.on.ca/en/ontario-human-rights-code

4.2 Child

In the Province of Ontario Child means a person between the age of 0 and 18 years.

4.3 Adult

Adult means a person who has reached the age of maturity. In the Province of Ontario this age is 18 years.

4.4 Bullying

Bullying describes behaviours that are similar to harassment; but occur between children that are not addressed under human rights laws. Bullying can be broken down into six categories:

4.4.1 Physical Bullying:

Hitting, shaking, shoving, kicking, spitting on, grabbing, beating others up, damaging or stealing another person’s property; used most often by boys.

4.4.2 Verbal Bullying:

Name calling, hurtful teasing, humiliating or threatening someone, degrading behaviors; may happen over the phone, through text messaging or chat rooms, through social media sites, in notes or in person.

4.4.3 Relational Bullying:

Trying to cut off victims from social connection by convincing peers to exclude or reject a certain person, spreading rumours or giving the “silent treatment; used most often by girls. This may happen in person, over the phone, through the computer.

4.4.4 Discriminatory Bullying:

Discriminatory bullying targets people because of their sexual orientation, ethnicity, gender identity, skin colour, religion, weight, appearance, disability, nationality or other things that are perceived to make them “different”.

4.4.5 Reactive Bullying:

Engaging in bullying as well as provoking bullies to attack by taunting them.

4.4.6 Cyber Bullying:

Involves the use of information and communication technologies such as e-mail, cell phones and text messaging, camera phones, instant messaging, social networking sites such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Tumblr, Flickr, Myspace etc., defamatory personal websites (such as Network 54), or other forms of electronic information transfer to support deliberate, repeated and hostile behaviour by an individual or group that is intended to harm others, threaten, harass, embarrass, socially exclude or damage reputations and friendships.

Bullying is not…

• Conflict between friends

• An argument between people of equal power

• Accidental

• Normal relational development challenges

• A “one-time” event (usually)

• Friendly teasing that all parties are enjoying

• Something people grow out of

Bullying is…

• Hurting behaviours based on oppression and “meanness”

• Based on power differentials • Intentionally harmful

• Intense and long in duration

• Repeated over time (generally)

• Oppressive – isolates victims

• Caused by many factors and behavioural challenges

4.5 Harassment

Harassment is defined as conduct, gestures or comments which are insulting, intimidating, humiliating, hurtful, malicious, degrading or otherwise offensive to an individual or group of individuals which create a hostile or intimidating environment for work or sports activities, or which negatively affect performance or work conditions. Any of the different forms of harassment must be based on a prohibited ground of discrimination in the Ontario Human Rights Legislation, including age, citizenship, colour, disability, ethnicity or place of origin, family status, gender identity or gender expression, marital status, race, record of offences or pardoned conviction, religion or creed, sex (including pregnancy or breastfeeding), sexual orientation.

Types of behaviour which constitute harassment include, but are not limited to:

• Unwelcomed jokes, innuendo or teasing about a person's looks, body, attire, ethnic origin, age, gender identity, race, colour, religion, nationality, sex or sexual orientation.

• Condescending, patronizing, threatening or punishing actions, based on a ground of discrimination, which undermine self-esteem or diminish performance.

• Practical jokes based on a ground of discrimination, which cause awkwardness or embarrassment, endanger a person’s safety or negatively affects performance.

• Unwanted or unnecessary physical contact including touching, patting or pinching (in the case of minors, this is defined as abuse under the Child and Family Services Act).

• Unwelcome flirtation, sexual advances, requests or invitations (if minor involved, covered under Child Protection Legislation).

• Behaviours such as those described above which are not directed towards individuals or groups but which have the effect of creating a negative or hostile environment.

What is criminal harassment?

Criminal harassment—often known as stalking—involves following another person; monitoring them or someone close to them, or their home; contacting them repeatedly against their wishes or threatening them. For a charge of criminal harassment to be laid, the victim must have reason to fear for his/her safety (or the safety of someone else) and the perpetrator must know - or could reasonably be expected to know—that the victim is fearful (Family Violence in Canada, A Statistical Profile, 2001).

Criminal charges may also be laid in harassment cases if a person has been physically or sexually assaulted.

4.6 Abuse

Child abuse is any form of physical, emotional and/or sexual mistreatment or lack of care, which causes physical injury or emotional damage to a child. A common characteristic of all forms of abuse against children and youth is an abuse of power or authority and/or breach of trust.

4.6.1 Emotional Abuse

Emotional abuse is a chronic attack on a child’s self-esteem; it is psychologically destructive behaviour by a person in a position of power, authority or trust. It can take the form of name-calling, threatening, ridiculing, berating, intimidating, isolating, hazing or ignoring the child’s needs but it is not simply benching a player for disciplinary reasons, cutting a player from a team after tryouts, refusing to transfer a player, limiting ice time and yelling instructions from the bench.

4.6.2 Physical Abuse

Physical abuse is when a person in a position of power or trust purposefully injures or threatens to injure a child. This may take the form of slapping, hitting, shaking, kicking, pulling hair or ears, throwing, shoving, grabbing, hazing or excessive exercise as a form of punishment.

4.6.3 Neglect

Some examples of neglect occurring in a sport environment are:

- Inadequate Shelter/Unsafe Environments: Failure to maintain equipment or facility; forcing athletes to participate without proper protective equipment.

- Inadequate Clothing: Preventing athletes from dressing adequately for weather conditions or making them stay in wet clothes as punishment following a game.

- Inadequate Supervision: Leaving young athletes unsupervised in a facility or on a team trip (OHF Policy on Dressing Room Supervision).

- Lack of Medical/Dental Care: Ignoring or minimizing injuries; ignoring medical advice; not seeking medical or dental attention when warranted.

- Inadequate Education: Encouraging athletes to not do homework, to not attend school, or to drop out.

- Inadequate Rest: Overdoing or increasing workouts as punishment; prohibiting adequate sleeping or resting time.

- Inadequate Moral Guidance & Discipline: Not providing adequate supervision during team functions; hiring strippers or prostitutes; offering pornography to young athletes.

4.6.4 Sexual Abuse

Sexual abuse is when a child is used by a child with more power or an adult for his or her own sexual stimulation or gratification. There are two categories of sexual abuse: contact and non-contact.

4.6.4.1 Contact

• Touch and fondled in sexual areas

• Forced to touch another person’s sexual areas

• Kissed or held in a sexual manner

• Forced to perform oral sex

• Vaginal or anal intercourse

• Vaginal or anal penetration with object or finger

• Sexually oriented hazing

4.6.4.2 Non-Contact

• Obscene calls/remarks on a computer, cell phone or in notes

• Voyeurism

• Shown pornography

• Forced to watch sexual acts

• Sexually intrusive questions or comments

• Indecent exposure

• Forced to pose for sexual photographs or videos

• Forced to self-masturbate

• Forced to watch others masturbate

Duty to Report

Abuse and neglect are community problems requiring urgent attention. The Streetsville Hockey League (SHL) is committed to help reduce and prevent the abuse and neglect of participants. The SHL realizes that persons working closely with children and youth have a special awareness of abusive situations. Therefore, these people have a particular reporting responsibility to ensure the safety of Canada's young, by knowing their provincial protection legislation and following through as required.

The Province of Ontario has mandatory reporting laws regarding the abuse and neglect of children and youth, which are contained in Section 72 of the Child and Family Services Act (CFSA). Consequently, it is the policy of the SHL that any SHL personnel (part-time and full-time staff, volunteer, participant, team official, on ice official) or SHL 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 the local child protection agency and/or the local police detachment. In Ontario a person is considered a child up to the age of eighteen.

Those involved with the SHL in providing hockey opportunities for participants understand and agree that abuse or neglect, as defined above, may be the subject of a criminal investigation and/or disciplinary procedures. Failure to report an offence and thereby, failure to provide safety for participants may render the adult who keeps silent legally liable for conviction under the CFSA.

4.7 Hazing

Hazing is an initiation practice that may humiliate, demean, degrade or disgrace a person regardless of location or consent of the participant(s).

4.8 Misconduct

Misconduct refers to the behaviour or a pattern of behaviour that is found, by a formal (for example an independent investigation) or informal process (i.e. for example an internal fact finding), to be contrary to the SHL Code of Conduct and that is not harassment, abuse or bullying.

4.9 Complaint

Any allegation, verbal or written, that involves bullying, harassment, abuse or misconduct within the jurisdiction of the SHL.

4.10 SHL Personnel

SHL personnel include SHL office employees, council and committee chairs and members, Directors and Officers and any other personnel that may be identified by the SHL President.

4.11 Billet

Any community volunteer who applies or is requested by a SHL, to host a traveling player or players on his or her premises during periods when the player(s) will otherwise be unsupervised and outside of the care of parent(s), guardian(s), coach or other designated adult.

5. RECEIVING A COMPLAINT

5.1 Complaints must be submitted in writing and on the SHL Complaint Intake Form (Appendix A).

5.2 SHL Responsibility:

5.2.1 If a Complaint is directed to the attention of the SHL, all relevant information will be forwarded to the SHL Risk Management Director for follow up and/or investigation.

5.2.2 If a Complaint concerns a SHL Officer, Director, representatives while acting in the capacity of their SHL position or SHL Staff, the complaint will be handled either by the SHL or the Ontario Hockey Federation when deemed appropriate.

5.2.3 Upon notification of a Complaint the SHL will report the situation and all relevant information to the Hockey Canada Insurance Department in accordance with Hockey Canada guidelines.

5.2.4 If a Complaint is addressed to the GTHL but relates to an action within a Member Association not warranting further investigation by the GTHL, the GTHL President will request the relevant GTHL Member Association to conduct an investigation within an agreed time frame. The Complaint will be referred to that Member Association to be dealt with in accordance with this policy and the Member Association’s policies.

5.2.5 The SHL will provide an annual report to the OHF pertaining to complaints that meet the merits of this Policy on or before June 1 each year that will include: (a) the number of complaints of harassment, abuse, bullying and misconduct received; (b) the number of complaints of harassment, abuse, bullying and misconduct found to be with merit and those without merit; and (c) the number of Speak Out training sessions held, number of certified participants and the number of Respect In Sport Activity Leader/Coach Program certified participants for the season.

5.3 SHL Member Association Responsibility:

5.3.1 SHL shall designate one person or committee to accept complaints originating from participants within their jurisdiction. This person or committee will be identified to the SHL annually at the same time as the Member Association applies for membership.

The Director of Risk Management will be the SHL designate to be responsibility to accept complaints.

5.3.2 Upon receipt of a Complaint submitted to a Member Association’s designated person, that person shall forward it immediately to the SHL Executive Director (or designate).

5.3.3 It is the policy of the SHL that any and all situations involving harassment, abuse, bullying and misconduct must be reported to the SHL.

6. COMPLAINT ADMINISTRATION

6.1 Complaints of abuse, harassment, bullying or misconduct may be handled informally where possible, or formally, but within a reasonable time frame.

6.2 The GTHL, and any members thereof are not required to deal with all complaints. The GTHL, SHL Member Association or member thereof may decide not to deal with the complaint if it is of the opinion that it:

6.2.1 could be more appropriately dealt with under another policy, rule or regulation;

6.2.2 is frivolous, vexatious or made in bad faith;

6.2.3 is not within the governing body’s jurisdiction; or,

6.2.4 is based on occurrences that are more than six months old.

6.3 The GTHL, SHL Member Associations or any member thereof will not deal with any complaint of abuse as defined in the Child Protection Legislation. Any investigation of a complaint of this nature will be left to the police or appropriate child protective agency.

6.3.1 During an investigation by the police or appropriate child protective agency the individual under investigation would be removed from participation.

6.3.2 If a complaint of abuse of a child participant results in a conviction, the GTHL, SHL Member Association or member thereof will exclude the individual convicted.

6.3.3 If a complaint of abuse of a child participant does not result in a conviction, the GTHL, SHL Member Association or member thereof may nevertheless discipline the individual subject to the complaint having merit.

6.3.4 Consideration of time served during the investigation will be taken into account in any further discipline applied.

6.4 Complaints of abuse, harassment, bullying or misconduct will not qualify a player for an automatic release. This is to ensure the safety of all players on the team, not just the one initiating the complaint. If a complaint is substantiated, the primary option is to address the behaviour of the offending party which may include disciplinary action up to and including suspension or removal.

7. INVESTIGATION

7.1 In order to remain impartial for the purpose of hearing appeals, the SHL will not engage in investigations except: (a) where it is inappropriate for the SHL Member Association to do so, or (b) if the initial investigation was conducted incorrectly as determined by the SHL, or (c) if the complaint relates to a participant of one Member Association launched by a participant of another Member Association.

7.2 All investigations of harassment, bullying or misconduct will be conducted in accordance with the SHL Privacy Policy. Disclosure of any part of the final report will be provided at the discretion of the SHL President and where third party confidentiality is required the report may not be provided. Upon the final determination a summary report may be available to the relevant parties who may include, but are not limited to, the person(s) who initiated the complaint, the person(s) against whom the complaint was made, any person(s) against whom any adverse finding is made.

7.3 When the SHL is conducting an investigation, the report resulting therefrom, will be received by the SHL President or Executive Director for review and determination.

7.4 The SHL will use an Independent Fact Finder to conduct an investigation it initiates.

7.5 Any decision for the SHL to contact the police on the basis of an Investigation Report will be made by the SHL President or Executive Director.

7.6 SHL Member Association Responsibility:

7.6.1 SHL Member Associations are required to oversee all investigations within their

jurisdiction.

7.6.2 Once directed to do so, a SHL Member Association may not cede its responsibility to:

7.6.2.1 complete the investigation and;

7.6.2.2 render a decision within the specified timeframe.

7.6.3 The failure of a SHL Member Association to complete an appropriate fact finding investigation and render a decision, once directed, may result in disciplinary action at the discretion of the President or Board of Directors.

7.6.4 SHL Member Associations are encouraged to employ the services of a professional investigation firm or suitably qualified individual (e.g. a retired police officer).

7.6.5 SHL Member Associations may have access to their portion of SHL Risk Management Funds to pay for fact finding investigations.

8. INVESTIGATION DECISIONS

8.1

The following decisions resulting from any investigation may be made:

8.1.1 the complaint is with merit;

8.1.2 the complaint is without merit;

8.1.3 there is insufficient information to enable a conclusive decision to be made; or

8.1.4 the complaint is outside of the jurisdiction of the investigating body.

DISCIPLINE

9.1

Any athlete, coach, assistant coach, trainer, manager, official, parent, director, officer, volunteer, employee or chaperone within the SHL and/or within any of the SHL Member Associations or member thereof found in violation of the SHL Harassment, Abuse, Bullying and Misconduct Policy or the SHL Code of Conduct may be disciplined up to and including dismissal and/or revocation of membership in accordance with the SHL Constitution, By-laws and Regulations.

9.2

Any athlete, coach, assistant coach, trainer, manager, official, parent, director, officer, volunteer, employee or chaperone within the SHL and/or any of the SHL Member Associations who knowingly brings a false complaint against a SHL participant may be disciplined up to and including dismissal and/or revocation of membership in accordance with the SHL Constitution, Bylaws and Regulations.

9.3

Any athlete, coach, assistant coach, trainer, manager, official, director, officer, volunteer or employee or chaperone who is the subject of a complaint of harassment, abuse, bullying or misconduct may be suspended from his or her position, or made subject to other precautions taken for the duration of an investigation. This action will be reviewed by the SHL President or other designate on a case by case basis in accordance with the SHL Constitution, By-laws and Regulations.

9.4

Any coach, assistant coach, trainer, manager, official, director, officer, volunteer, employee or chaperone who is discovered by means other than a criminal record check to have a conviction that may impact upon their position, may be disciplined up to and including dismissal and/or revocation of membership in accordance with the SHL Constitution, By-laws and Regulations.

10. SANCTIONS

10.1 When directing appropriate disciplinary sanctions, the SHL and/or its Member Associations shall consider factors such as:

a) The nature and security of the harassment and bullying information.

b) Whether the harassment and bullying involved any physical contact.

c) Whether the harassment and bullying was an isolated incident or part of an ongoing pattern.

d) The nature of the relationship between the complainant and the respondent.

e) The age of the complainant.

f) Whether the respondent has been involved in any previous harassment and bullying incidents.

g) Whether the respondent admitted responsibility and expressed a willingness to change.

h) Whether the respondent retaliated against the complainant.

10.2 In directing disciplinary sanctions, the SHL and/or its Member Associations may consider the following options, singly or in combination, depending on the nature and severity of the harassment and bullying: a) Verbal apology

b) Written apology

c) Letter of reprimand from the SHL

d) A fine or levy

e) Referral to counselling

f) Removal of certain privileges of membership or employment

g) Temporary suspension with or without pay

h) Termination of employment or contract

i) Suspension of membership

j) Expulsion from membership

k) Publication of the details of the sanction

l) Any other sanction that the SHL and/or its Member Associations may deem appropriate.

10.3 Failure to comply with a sanction as determined by the SHL and/or its Member Associations shall result in automatic suspension of membership in the SHL and/or its Member Associations affiliated with the SHL, until such time as the sanction is fulfilled.

10.4 Notwithstanding the procedures set out in this policy, any individual participating in SHL business, activities or events who is convicted of a criminal offense involving sexual exploitation, invitation to sexual touching, sexual interference, sexual assault, shall face automatic suspension from participating in any activities of the SHL for a period of time corresponding to the length of the criminal sentence imposed by the Court, and may face further disciplinary action by the SHL in accordance with this policy.

11. APPEALS

11.1 Except where otherwise provided, an appeal of any disciplinary matter will be regulated and heard in accordance with SHL Regulation 15.

APPENDIX A – SHL COMPLAINT INTAKE FORM

GREATER TORONTO HOCKEY LEAGUE

COMPLAINT INTAKE FORM

Please note the following:

• Complaints of harassment, abuse, bullying or misconduct will not qualify a player for an automatic release.

• Definitions are provided.

• Substantiated allegations of harassment, abuse, bullying or misconduct will be considered for sanctions ranging in severity from: no further action to expulsion.

• The SHL cannot guarantee complete confidentiality. The contents of this document may be shared in an effort to resolve this complaint here within. By completing the form, you agree that the SHL may share some or all of this information in the process of resolving the complaint.

• Complaints will be addressed according to severity, resources and safety for participants.

• email completed form to [email protected]

Please complete the following:

1. Person making the complaint: Player Parent Volunteer Official Employee

First Name		Last Name
Address
City/Town	Province		Postal Code
Telephone Number	Fax Number		Email

2. Person on whose behalf the complaint is made: (to be completed if different from above)

First Name	Last Name
Birth Date (day / month / year)

3. Name of person(s) against whom you are complaining:

First Name	Last Name
Title/Role	Name of Association/Club
First Name	Last Name
Title/Role	Name of Association/Club

4. When did the last incident occur? (date):

5. Please check the ground(s) that best describes your complaint:

Bullying (refer to Definitions)

Type of behaviour:

Physical

Verbal

Relational

Discriminatory

Reactive

Cyber

Harassment

(

refer to

Definitions)

Type of behaviour:

Conduct

Gestures

Comments

Based on:

Age	Citizenship	Colour	Disability
Ethnicity/Place of Origin	Family Status	Gender Identity/Gender Expression
Marital Status	Race	Record of Offences Pardoned conviction
Religion/Creed	Sex	Sexual Orientation

Abuse (

refer to

Definitions

)

Type of behaviour:

Emotional

Physical

Neglect

Sexual

Please note: Neither the SHL, nor any Member Association thereof will investigate reports of abuse that meet the definition provided. This information will be provided to the appropriate authorities for follow up.

Hazing (refer to

Definitions

)

Misconduct (

refer to

Definitions

)

Please note: Complaints of misconduct will generally be directed to the Member Association or Local Association or Club for formal or informal resolution according to that organization’s constitution or policies.

6. Particulars: Provide a summary of the incidents you are complaining about. Your summary must answer the following questions. Section 6 is to be no longer than 2 pages. You may attach any additional documents as necessary.

1.	Date incident(s) happened
2.	Where did the incident(s) happen?
3.	Who was involved (Name and title/role)?
4.	What happened?
5.	How were you treated differently from others (if at all)?
6.	How do the incident(s) relate to the ground(s) you selected?
7.	Remedy/Resolutions you are seeking

Day/Month/Year Signature of Complainant

(6. Continued)

Day/Month/Year Signature of Complainant

DEFINITIONS

The following are definitions that will be used to determine the grounds on which the complaint is made and the process to address it. The SHL acknowledges and supports Hockey Canada’s definitions of bullying, harassment and abuse.

Bullying

Bullying describes behaviours that are similar to harassment; but occur between children that are not addressed under human rights laws. Bullying is intentionally hurting someone in order to insult, humiliate, degrade or exclude him or her. Bullying can be broken down into six categories: Physical, Verbal, Relational, Discriminatory, Reactive and Cyber.

Physical Bullying:

Hitting, shaking, shoving, kicking, spitting on, grabbing, beating others up, damaging or stealing another person’s property; used most often by boys.

Verbal Bullying:

Relational Bullying:

Discriminatory Bullying:

Reactive Bullying:

Engaging in bullying as well as provoking bullies to attack by taunting them.

Cyber Bullying:

Harassment

Abuse

Child abuse is any form of physical, emotional and/or sexual mistreatment or lack of care, which causes physical injury or emotional damage to a child. A common characteristic of all forms of abuse against children is an abuse of power or authority and/or breach of trust.

Abuse is an issue of child protection. Protection refers to provincial, territorial or Aboriginal band-appointed child protective services. A child may be need of protection from harm if abuse or neglect is suspected. Information about one’s legal duty to report and circumstances under which reporting must occur according to child protection legislation is available at www.hockeycanada.ca.

Emotional Abuse

Physical Abuse

Neglect

A general definition of neglect is the chronic inattention to the basic necessities of life such as clothing, shelter, nutritious diets, education, good hygiene, supervision, medical and dental care, adequate rest, safe environment, moral guidance and discipline, exercise and fresh air. Neglect may apply in a hockey setting where there is a chronic inattention in the hockey context, for example when a player is made to play with injuries.

Sexual Abuse

Sexual abuse is when a child is used by a child or youth with more power or an adult for his or her own sexual stimulation or gratification. There are two categories of sexual abuse: contact and non-contact.

Hazing

Hazing is an initiation practice that may humiliate, demean, degrade or disgrace a person regardless of location or consent of the participant(s).

Misconduct

Misconduct refers to the behaviour or a pattern of behaviour that is found, by a formal (for example an independent investigation) or informal process (for example an internal fact finding), to be contrary to the SHL Code of Conduct and that is not harassment, abuse or bullying.

SHL CODE OF CONDUCT

1. The Streetsville Hockey League (“SHL”) is committed to providing a sport environment in which all individuals are treated with respect.

b) shall avoid behaviour which brings the SHL and/or its Member Associations, or the sport of hockey into disrepute, including but not limited to the abusive use of alcohol and/or non-medical use of drugs;

c) shall not use unlawful performance enhancing drugs or methods, nor shall they engage in any activity or behaviour that endangers the safety of others; and

d) shall at all times adhere to the Hockey Canada, Ontario Hockey Federation (“OHF”), SHL and its Member Associations’ operational policies and procedures, to rules governing Hockey Canada, OHF, SHL or SHL Member Association events and activities and to rules governing any competition in which they participate on behalf of Hockey Canada, the OHF, SHL or SHL Member Association.

3. Failure to comply with this Code of Conduct may result in disciplinary action, including, but not limited to, the loss or suspension of certain or all privileges connected with the respective Member Association and/or SHL including the opportunity to participate in Hockey Canada, OHF, SHL and its Member Association activities. Such discipline may include the removal or ban from an arena, games, practices and other team activities.

APPENDIX B – ON-ICE OFFICIALS

This appendix sets out the principles and practices of the Streetsville Hockey League (SHL) for on ice officials with regard to abusive behaviour towards participants. Each Official within the SHL is to comply with these principles and practices. For the complete Harassment, Abuse, Bullying and Misconduct Policy, please visit the SHL website at www.streetsvillehockey.com

OFFICIALS:

One of the most prominent areas in hockey where abuse and harassment are evident is in the domain of officiating. For some reason, many people believe that the sport culture allows them to exhibit abusive or harassing behaviours towards officials. Where younger officials are involved, it is quickly learned that it is easier to try and ignore the maltreatment than to penalize it. To assign a penalty means further intimidation to the referee; to ignore the behaviour means the focus is on the game rather than on the official. The result is many young officials leave the officiating ranks. Carrying out their role becomes too painful!

When it comes to abuse and harassment during the competition, all officials need to make use of the playing rules and guidelines within hockey to deal with these occurrences. Support from League and Member Association administrators and supervisors will enhance this course of action. However, abuse and harassment can occur in other relationships within the officiating community.

SUPERVISORS

Supervisors have a profound impact on young officials. Their role is to not only coach the official but to also provide constructive criticism and evaluation of the official’s performance. They have significant authority over future assignments and advancements.

Guidelines:

• Treat young officials with respect.

• Give feedback in a constructive manner, rather than an intimidating manner.

• Support the learner and the learning process.

• All Supervisors must follow the SHL Supervisors manual

ASSIGNORS

Assignors are in the position of deciding which official will referee specific games. As a result, they have considerable power over young men and women who want to work and gain experience.

Guidelines:

• Officials should be assigned according to their skills and calibre of play.

• Assignors need to know the physical and emotional limitations of their officials.

• Assignors must never use their position to intimidate or demoralize an official.

• Officiating is usually a hobby and needs to be valued as such.

PEERS

In many sports, officials work in teams. The concept of “team” must be utilized at all times.

Guidelines:

• The role of officials is to ensure that the sport is played fairly and safely by both sides. Officiating is an apprenticeship that most often occurs during the actual competition.

• When there are concerns between officials, they need to be discussed in an appropriate place, such as the dressing room or office, not during the game.

• Officials need to encourage each other as often as possible throughout the competition.

• Harassment and Abuse should be reported to the Manager, Hockey Operations.

DRESSING ROOMS/OFFICES

Although the dressing rooms or offices for officials are usually quite small, it is important that an area be reserved for officials as they prepare for the upcoming competition.

Guidelines:

• Any inappropriate behaviour in the dressing room must be reported to the Manager, Hockey Operations.

• When male and female officials work together, it is never appropriate to change or dress in the same space at the same time. One gender should dress first while the other waits outside the dressing room, then vice versa.

• Once both genders are fully dressed, they can share the room in preparation for the competition, but leave the door open.

• Only officials and their supervisor are allowed in the official’s room.

• When supervisors are talking with one official the door should be left open.

• Officials are to use the “two-deep” system, i.e. always have a third person present.

DISCIPLINE

There will be times when it is necessary to discipline an official.

Guidelines:

• All disciplinary action must be respectful of the person while addressing the inappropriate behaviour.

It should never be abusive or harassing in nature.

• Ridicule is not an acceptable form of discipline.

• The Manager, Hockey Operations is to follow the Disciplinary policy in the SHL Officiating manual.

DUTY TO REPORT

It is the responsibility of an official to be aware of situations where players are being harassed or abused. If an official believes that a player is being harassed or abused they MUST report it. Please follow these procedures:

Guidelines:

• Write down as much information as possible. (The teams playing, the date, the rink, the period and time it occurred, the number and player's name, the name of the person committing the foul or if you do not know the name, state that you do not know the name but make sure the name of the team is noted and record the incident.)

• DO NOT WRITE THIS ON THE GAME SHEET.

• Send this report to the SHL Office.

• Do not discuss this with anyone except your fellow officials of the game. Ask them for their input if they witnessed this incident. (Although we want this reported, you must be positive of your decision). A person's name and reputation could be on the line.

• If you are not sure whether to write it up or not, contact the SHL Office for their advice.

APPENDIX C – LINKS TO RESOURCES

Cyberbullying Resources

http://www.getcybersafe.gc.ca http://www.needhelpnow.ca

http://www.prevnet.ca

Tip Sheet on Cyberbullying

http://www.opp.ca/ecms/files/250363910.6.pdf

Streetsville Hockey League’s mission

SHL is a volunteer run hockey league, that is dedicated to providing our members of all ages and skill levels the opportunity to play minor hockey for their enjoyment and improvement, in a safe and fun atmosphere in which our players support and respect each other.

We encourage and expect our members and players to exhibit good sportsmanship, fair play and respect for their opponents, coaches, referees, and all other participants.

Our league is dependent upon the commitment and dedication of our many volunteers, as we interact with one another with courtesy and respect.

Statement of Purpose

Streetsville Hockey League is part of the sporting community in our country that is committed to seeking better ways to keep our youth safe. Protecting participants from all forms of abuse and neglect, whether emotional, physical or sexual, is an important element of safety. Streetsville Hockey League considers any form of abuse or neglect to be unacceptable and will do all it can to prevent this intolerable social problem. To this end, Streetsville Hockey League will promote awareness of all forms of abuse and neglect by providing educational materials and programs for participants, parents, volunteers and staff members. Through the use of these strategies, Streetsville Hockey League will send a clear message to all potential abusers and sexual predators that hockey participants are not easy targets. Streetsville Hockey League is committed to the highest possible standards of care for its participants.

Policy

It is the policy of Streetsville Hockey League that there shall be no abuse and neglect, whether physical, emotional or sexual of any participant in any of its programs. Streetsville Hockey League expects every parent, volunteer and staff member to take all reasonable steps to safeguard the welfare of its participants and protect them from any form of maltreatment.

Recognition and Prevention of Abuse Policy

Definitions of abuse

Child abuse is any form of physical, emotional and/or sexual mistreatment or lack of care which causes physical injury or emotional damage to a child. A common characteristic of all forms of abuse against children and youth is an abuse of power or authority and/or breach of trust. Across Canada a person is considered a child up to the age of 16 to 19 years depending on provincial/territorial legislation.

Note: The following are the basic definitions of a child for Canada's various jurisdictions. Those marked with * also use regulations which modify the definition. For complete information, consult "Speak Out! Act Now!

*Ontario

any person under 18 years of age

Emotional Abuse

Emotional abuse is a chronic attack on a child's self-esteem; it is psychologically destructive behaviour by a person in a position of power, authority or trust. It can take the form of name-calling, threatening, ridiculing, berating, intimidating, isolating, hazing or ignoring the child's needs.

Physical Abuse

Physical abuse is when a person in a position of power or trust purposefully injures or threatens to injure a child or youth. This may take the form of slapping, hitting, shaking, kicking, pulling hair or ears, throwing, shoving, grabbing, hazing or excessive exercise as a form of punishment.

Neglect

Neglect is chronic inattention to the basic necessities of life such as clothing, shelter, nutritious diets, education, good hygiene, supervision, medical and dental care, adequate rest, safe environment, moral guidance and discipline, exercise and fresh air. This may occur in hockey when injuries are not adequately treated or players are made to play with injuries, equipment is inadequate or unsafe, no-one intervenes when team members are persistently harassing another player, or road trips are not properly supervised.

Sexual Abuse

Sexual abuse is when a young person is used by an older child, adolescent or adult for his or her own sexual stimulation or gratification. There are two categories:

Contact
• Touched of fondled in sexual areas

• Forced to touch another person’s sexual areas • Kissed or held in a sexual manner
• Forced to perform oral sex
• Vaginal or anal intercourse

• Vaginal or anal penetration with an object or finger • Sexually oriented hazing

Duty to Report

Non-Contact
• Obscene remarks on phone/computer or in notes

• Voyeurism
• Shown pornography
• Forced to watch sexual acts
• Sexually intrusive questions and comments
• Forced to pose for sexual photographs or videos
• Forced to self-masturbate or forced to watch others masturbate

Abuse and neglect are community problems requiring urgent attention. Streetsville Hockey League is committed to help reduce and prevent the abuse and neglect of participants. Streetsville Hockey League realizes that persons working closely with children and youth have a special awareness of abusive situations. Therefore these people have a particular reporting responsibility to ensure the safety of Canada's young, by knowing their provincial protection acts and following through as required.

Every province and territory in Canada, except the Yukon, has mandatory reporting laws regarding the abuse and neglect of children and youth; the Yukon requests that concerns be reported. Consequently, it is the policy of Streetsville Hockey League that any Streetsville Hockey League personnel (part-time and full-time staff, volunteer, participant, team official, on ice official) or Streetsville Hockey League 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 the local child protection agency and/or the local police detachment. Across Canada a person is considered a child up to the age of 16 to 19 years depending on provincial legislation.

Those involved with Streetsville Hockey League in providing hockey opportunities for participants understand and agree that abuse or neglect, as defined above, may be the subject of a criminal investigation and/or disciplinary procedures. Failure to report an offence and thereby, failure to provide safety for participants may render the adult who keeps silent legally liable for conviction under the provincial child protection acts.

By educating our National body, Branch Representatives and local hockey association personnel, Streetsville Hockey League is weaving a tighter safety web around our most precious resources... the players!

Revision date: May, 2008.

Streetsville Hockey League Bullying and Harassment Policy

This Policy sets out the principles and practices of Streetsville Hockey League regarding bullying and harassment. Each Branch is responsible for adopting a similar policy, adapting it to provincial, regional and local requirements as appropriate.

Relationship to Recognition and Prevention of Abuse Policy

Some behaviours which are defined as harassment or bullying, when the behaviour breaches human rights or appropriate relationship/conduct boundaries, can also constitute abuse, when a child or youth’s protection is at risk. Streetsville Hockey League’s Recognition and Prevention of Abuse Policy covers such behaviours. Together, the two policies address the entire spectrum of abusive, bullying and harassing behaviours.

Statement of Purpose

Streetsville Hockey League is committed to providing a sport and work environment which promotes equal opportunities and prohibits discriminatory practices and bullying.

Harassment is a form of discrimination which is prohibited by human rights legislation in Canada. Bullying involves a person expressing their power through the humiliation of another person. Bullying may be a form of harassment but also has some of its own defining characteristics. The sport setting is one setting in which bullying occurs. In some cases coaches and players use bullying tactics deliberately to motivate performance and to weaken opponents.

Streetsville Hockey League supports the right of all its members, whether athletes, volunteers or employees, to participate in all Streetsville Hockey League activities free from any form of harassment and bullying. Further, Streetsville Hockey League emphasizes the importance of eliminating harassment and bullying in hockey as a key element in ensuring the safety of young participants. A sports environment which actively discourages harassment and bullying and builds relationships based on trust and mutual respect, is an environment which discourages the abuse of children and youth, and encourages the overall development of the individual.

In order to further these objectives, Streetsville Hockey League will make every reasonable effort to promote awareness of the problem of harassment and bullying among all its members, and to respond quickly and effectively to complaints or disclosures of harassment or bullying.

Policy

It is the policy of Streetsville Hockey League that harassment and bullying in all its forms will not be tolerated during the course of any Streetsville Hockey League activity or program. Accordingly, all Streetsville Hockey League personnel (staff, volunteers, team or on-ice officials) and partners (parents, guardians) are responsible for making every reasonable effort to uphold this commitment. Specifically, this includes refraining from harassing or bullying behaviour, responding promptly and informally to minor incidents of harassment or bullying and following local or national policy guidelines for reporting or responding to more serious complaints of harassment or bullying. Players and other participants are expected to refrain from harassing or bullying behaviour and are encouraged to report incidents of harassment or bullying.

Definition of Harassment

Harassment is defined as conduct, gestures or comments which are insulting, intimidating, humiliating, hurtful, malicious, degrading or otherwise offensive to an individual or group of individuals, and which create a hostile or intimidating environment for work or sports activities, or which negatively affect performance or work conditions. Any of the different forms of harassment must be based on the grounds prohibited in human rights legislation, such as race, ethnicity, colour, religion, age, sex, marital status, family status, disability, pardoned conviction and sexual orientation.

Harassment may occur among anyone between peers (e.g.: player to player of the same age group, parent to official, coach to coach) or between someone in a position of power or authority and an adult in a subordinate position (e.g.: coach to player, sports administrator to employee).
The following is a non-exhaustive list of examples of harassment:

Unwelcome jokes, innuendo or teasing about a person's body, looks, race, sexual orientation etc.
Condescending, patronizing, threatening or punishing actions which undermine self-esteem
Practical jokes which cause awkwardness or embarrassment, or may endanger a person's safety
Degrading or inappropriate hazing rituals
Unwanted or unnecessary physical contact including touching, patting, pinching
Unwanted conduct, comments, gestures or invitations of a sexual nature which are likely to cause offence or humiliation, or which might on reasonable grounds be perceived as placing a condition of a sexual nature on employment or on any opportunity for training or advancement
Sexual assault or physical assault

It is important to note that the behaviours described in items 5 to 7, when directed towards a child or youth, constitute abuse under child protection legislation. This may also be true of other behaviours, for example, certain hazing practices. In such cases, the duty to report provisions of the Recognition and Prevention of Abuse Policy are applicable.

Definition of Bullying

Bullying involves a person expressing their power through the humiliation of another person. Bullying occurs between people at any age and is not addressed under human rights legislation. It is inappropriate behaviours that are typically cruel, demeaning and hostile toward the bullying targets (most commonly occurs between children under the age of twelve but may also constitute behaviours between youth or between adults. Bullying is similar to harassment but the behaviours are not addressed under human rights laws. Bullies are typically cruel, demeaning and hostile towards the targets of their bullying.).

The actual issue of bullying is not addressed by the law, except when the behaviour does become a criminal issue – e.g. extortion, physical assault etc... Bullying can be broken down into four types:

Physical (hit or kick victims; take/damage personal property)
Verbal (name calling; insults; constant teasing)
Relational (try to cut off victims from social connection by convincing peers to exclude or reject a certain person)
Cyber bullying

The following is a non exhaustive list of tactics used by bullies to control their targets:

Unwarranted yelling and screaming directed at the target
Continually criticizing the target’s abilities
Blaming the target of the bullying for mistakes
Making unreasonable demands related to performance
Repeated insults or put downs of the target
Repeated threats to remove or restrict opportunities or privileges
Denying or discounting the targets accomplishment
Threats of and actual physical violence

Responses and Remedies

It is the position of Streetsville Hockey League that harassment and bullying cannot and should not be tolerated in any environment, including hockey. Both harassment and bullying are unacceptable and harmful. Streetsville Hockey League recognizes the serious negative impact of all types of harassment and bullying on personal dignity, individual and group development and performance, enjoyment of the game and in some cases, personal safety.

At the same time, Streetsville Hockey League recognizes that not all incidents of harassment and bullying are equally serious in their consequences. Both harassment and bullying cover a wide spectrum of behaviours, and the response to both must be equally broad in range, appropriate to the behaviour in question and capable of providing a constructive remedy. There must be no summary justice or hasty punishment. The process of investigation and settlement of any complaint of harassment or bullying must be fair to all parties, allowing adequate opportunity for the presentation of a response to the allegations.

Minor incidents of harassment or bullying should be corrected promptly and informally, taking a constructive approach and with the goal of bringing about a change in negative attitudes and behaviour.

More serious incidents should be dealt with according to the relevant association, Branch or national policy guidelines. Complaints should be handled in a timely, sensitive, responsible and confidential manner. There should be no tolerance of reprisals taken against any party to a complaint. The names of parties and the circumstances of the complaint should be kept confidential except where disclosure is necessary for the purposes of investigation or taking disciplinary measures.

Anyone making a complaint which is found to be clearly unfounded, false, malicious or frivolous may be subject to discipline.

Procedures for handling complaints brought against employees or volunteers of Streetsville Hockey League are detailed in the document entitled "Streetsville Hockey League Harassment and Bullying Complaint Procedures."

Revision date: May 2008

STREETSVILLE HOCKEY LEAGUE

"Streetsville Hockey League Harassment and Bullying Complaint Procedures."

RESPONSE AND REMEDIES

It is the position of the SHL that harassment and bullying cannot and should not be tolerated in any environment, including hockey. Both harassment and bullying are unacceptable and harmful. The Streetsville Hockey League recognizes the serious negative impact of all types of harassment and bullying on personal dignity, individual and group development and performance, enjoyment of the game and in some cases, personal safety.

At the same time, the SHL recognizes that not all incidents of harassment and bullying are equally serious in their consequences. Both harassment and bullying cover a wide spectrum of behaviours, and the response to both must be equally broad in range, appropriate to the behaviour in question and capable of providing a constructive remedy. There must be no summary justice or hasty punishment. The process of investigation and settlement of any complaint of harassment or bullying must be fair to all parties, allowing

adequate opportunity for the presentation of a response to the allegations.

Minor incidents of harassment or bullying should be corrected promptly and informally, taking a constructive approach and with the goal of bringing about a change in negative attitudes and behaviour.

More serious incidents should be dealt with according to the Streetsville Hockey League policy guidelines. Complaints should be handled in a timely, sensitive, responsible and confidential manner. There should be no tolerance of reprisals taken against any party to a complaint. The names of parties and the circumstances of the complaint should be kept confidential except where disclosure is necessary for the purposes of investigation or taking disciplinary measures.

Anyone making a complaint which is found to be clearly unfounded, false, malicious or frivolous will be subject to discipline.

Procedures for handling complaints are detailed below in the next section of this document.

REPORTING PROCEDURE

STREETSVILLE HOCKEY LEAGUE

PROCEDURES FOR RECEIVING A COMPLAINT

144. RECEIVING A COMPLAINT

Types of Disclosures

There are three types of disclosures: Written, Verbal Disclosures and Non-verbal Disclosures. Regardless of how kids tell, either with their words or behaviour, disclosures are usually mixed with several strong emotions – relief, guilt, fear, and chaos, because now someone else knows the secret. Both types of disclosure need to be handled sensitively while following specific procedures

144.1 WRITTEN DISCLOSURE

Disclosure of this type are usually in the form of a letter and in many cases by either a parent, team official, player or lawyer. It is important that the letter contain enough detail to provide the League with a clear understanding of the event or circumstances surrounding the abuse and/or harassment which in turn will facilitate a decision as to the severity of the incident (major or minor) with the appropriate action. A report titled “Harassment and Abuse Disclosure Report” should be filled out and the correspondence attached to the form creating a file.

The file is handed to the Risk Management Director for documentation into the system. (In the absence of the Director the file is forwarded to the President)

144.2 VERBAL DISCLOSURE

Verbal disclosure occurs when a child/youth decides to tell someone about his/her mistreatment. The youth discloses for many reasons: to stop the bullying, harassment, abuse or neglect, to gain more freedom, to strike back at the perpetrator and to protect other children or youth from becoming victimized. Children and youth usually want the situation to change without confrontation, without outside interference and frequently, without separation from family or other loved ones.

Disclosures’ of this type usually comes to the League through a coach, trainer, manager, convenor or executive member. All disclosures of harassment and abuse need to be documented and reported accurately.

The person who hears the disclosure or suspects the abuse

MUST MAKE THE REPORT. The responsibility for reporting

CANNOT BE ASSUMED BY ANY OTHER PERSON.

Again the “Harassment and Abuse Disclosure Report” should be filled out by the person hearing the disclosure. The form will act as a guide to the nature of information required. The form then starts the file creation and should be supported with follow-up investigation reports.

This file is handed to the Risk Management Director for documentation into the system. (In the absence of the RM Director the file is forwarded to the President)

NOTE: The Verbal disclosures need to be handled sensitively following specific procedures.

144.3 NON-VERBAL DISCLOSURES

Behaviours can have many meanings, and are the result of numerous factors. This complicates nonverbal disclosures as observers try to make sense of what they are seeing, hearing or sensing. Sometimes the behaviours are indicative of bullying, harassment, abuse or neglect. Observers try to make sense of what they are seeing, hearing or sensing, and the secret may be discovered in a variety of ways:

• Observation by a third party

• Physical injury

• Inappropriate behaviours

• Chronic low self-esteem

• Sexually transmitted diseases or pregnancies

144.4 ANONYMOUS ALLEGATIONS

Anonymous allegations may seem to have less credibility than identifiable reports. No one wants to perpetuate rumours circulating within an organization, especially when that rumour has the potential to destroy an individual’s career or reputation. While it is important to use one’s own common sense in responding to the “rumour mill”, it is equally important to listen to what athletes are saying, ask open-ended questions, and report when necessary. Many children have continued to suffer because no one filed an official report of alleged abuse.

Consider the following guidelines:

• In the event of a rumour of bullying, harassment or abuse, one should:

– document what you have heard; be very specific

– ask athletes involved in the rumour, open-ended questions

– if the rumour persists, decide with the sport organization’s Executive when to seek guidance from the Child Protection Agency or Police

• Remember that it is not the responsibility of the person receiving the allegation or the organization to verify the truth of any such allegations: there is only need for a reasonable belief.

• Follow procedures described under Responding to Disclosures – “Non-Verbal Disclosures” as described below.

• There is no legal penalty for reporting an allegation of abuse or neglect which is made in good faith.

144.5 Handling Disclosures for Bullying, Harassment and Abuse

Studies show that the manner in which disclosure is handled, is a significant factor in determining the psychological impact. Therefore, the person responding to the disclosure needs to follow specific steps while asking three basic questions:

1. What do I need to know?

2. What do I need to do?

3. When do I need to do it?

When children or youth make a Purposeful or Verbal Disclosure, it is important to follow the HEARD procedure:

Hear

Honour the youth and the information

Empathize

Encourage

Affirm the youth

Acknowledge choices

Report/Refer

Respond to organizational policies

Document accurately

Determine care of self

When harassment, Abuse and Bullying is suspected, certain steps need to occur. The procedure for responding to Accidental or Non-Verbal Disclosure is DARE:

Document accurately

Affirm the information

Acknowledge and Affirm the youth

Acknowledge choices

Report/Refer

Respond to organizational policies

Establish accurate records

Execute care of self

144.6 QUESTIONING TECHNIQUES:

Ask general, open-ended questions

• Ask – “Do you want to tell me about that?”

• Do not ask – “When, why, where, how did this happen? Who did this to you?

State observations

• Observe – “I see you have welts on your legs.”

• Do not ask – “Have you been beaten?”

Validate feelings

• Validate – “I see that you are upset.”

• Don’t analyze – “You must hate your father for doing that!”

Express concern

• Say – “I need to know that you are safe; let’s try to get you some help.”

• Don’t make promises – “Everything will be alright if you report this.”

144.6 DETERMINING BULLYING, HARASSMENT OR ABUSE

In order to determine whether a behaviour falls under organizational policy regarding bullying, harassment or abuse, ask yourself some of the following questions:

a. Is the child in need of protection from caregiver(s), another adult or other players or hockey personnel?

b. Could the behaviour that was described or witnessed negatively impact a child or youth’s self-esteem or diminish his/her ability to participate?

c. Is the behaviour that was described or witnessed humiliating, offensive or degrading?

d. Is the behaviour that was described or witnessed psychologically or physically harmful or potentially psychologically or physically harmful?

e. Is the behaviour that was described or witnessed of a criminal nature (physical or sexual assault, threats, criminal harassment)?

f. Does the behaviour that was described, witnessed or suspected contradict the organization’s codes of conduct or sense of fair play?

g. Does the behaviour that was described, witnessed or suspected fall under the organization’s Bullying, Harassment and Abuse policies and procedures?

If you can answer “yes” to any of these questions, the complaint must be addressed under your sport governing body’s Harassment, Abuse and Bullying policies and procedures.

144.7 Low-level Mediation of Minor Complaints for bullying and harassment:

• The person in authority observing the behaviour makes it immediately clear that the behaviour is unacceptable and deals with it promptly and informally.

• The “culture” of the organization does not tolerate harassment, Abuse and Bullying of any kind.

• Minor instances of bullying or harassment between peers may be addressed informally through a verbal or written apology or revoking of certain privileges.

REMINDERS

How do I know when children/youth are being bullied, harassed or abused?

• by listening to them

• by believing them

• by observing them

• by watching their interactions with others

• by being aware of sudden changes in their behaviour and/or anger in them

• by questioning unexplained bruises, marks on their faces, back, thighs, upper arms, heads, buttocks, genital areas

Summary

When harassment, Abuse and Bullying has been reported or suspected, it is imperative that sport organizations act in a manner which:

• protects the victimized child/youth

• protects other children/youth within the organization

• respects the rights of the alleged abuser or aggressor, by maintaining the appropriate confidentiality

• works in cooperation with the organization, parents, Child Protection Agencies or Police

• informs itself so that immediate action is taken.

144.8 FALSE ALLEGATIONS OF ABUSE AND NEGLECT

Reluctance to report due to a concern about making a false allegation of abuse or neglect is certainly warranted. Individuals’ careers and reputations can be irreversibly affected by false accusations of abuse. At the same time, many young people have continued to suffer for years because their disclosures have not been believed or have not produced enough evidence to substantiate their experiences. In responding to abuse and neglect of children and youth, it is important to remember:

• Often reports of alleged abuse are one of many pieces of an ongoing collection of information by Child Protection Agencies.

• The safety of both the affected youth and other youth which the organization serve must be the primary concern.

• Provinces and territories which have child abuse reporting legislation also provide immunity to those who report suspected child abuse in good faith; contrarily, many provinces and territories have laws which penalize those who fail to report allegations of abuse or neglect.

• Sport organizations should collaborate with the Child Protection Agency and Police under their direction.

144.9 GENERAL FACTS ABOUT ALLEGATIONS OF ABUSE AND NEGLECT

Allegations can be sorted into three types, which are given a variety of names:

a). Substantiated/Founded/True/Confirmed/Proved Allegations

• Sufficient evidence is produced to confirm the allegations.

b. Unsubstantiated/Unfounded/Unproven/Insufficient Information Allegations

• May be due to the inability to produce sufficient information to permit a determination of fact; a credibility issue between the parties.

• May occur when the child or youth either lacks verbal and communication skills or has communication disabilities.

• May occur if poor investigative techniques are used.

• As a result, at least 50% of cases are labeled “unfounded” or unsubstantiated” and therefore never go to court.

(Yuille et al, 1995, p.22)

c. False/Fictitious/Erroneous Allegations

• Are often confused with “unfounded” or “unsubstantiated” cases.

• Are allegations that are judged not to have occurred. Such a complaint may be one of the following:

• an allegation that is wholly untrue; one in which none of the alleged events occurred

• an allegation which is valid except an innocent person has been accused; known as “perpetrator substitution”

• an allegation that has a mixture of true and false features (Yuille, Tymofievich & Marxsen, 1995, p.23). 51

In order to determine the truth of an allegation, the following are considered:

• physical indicators on the child’s or youth’s body

• behaviours

• a systematic interview by a trained professional

• an analysis of the young person’s statement

• response to complaint by alleged perpetrator

145 FILE CREATION

Each disclosure will create a file. The file number will be applied by the Harassment and Abuse Co-ordinator. The file will be identified with 6 digits.

The first two digits will be the year. e.g. 00

The next two digits will be the month. e.g. 01 to 12

The last two digits will be the file number. e.g. 01 to 99

E.g. SHL receives its first complaint on September 28, 2000, the file

number becomes: 000901.

The identification sequence readily identifies the year, month and complaint number. This will allow for quick reference as to when the complaint was received and how many complaints have been received to date.

146 PRIORITIZING DISCLOSURES

After the disclosure is assigned a file number, the Risk management Director should prioritize the file into either a Major or Minor category.

146.1 MAJOR CATEGORY

The following incidents should be classed as Major Harassment and Abuse.
Physical mistreatment (kicking, slapping, punching, hair pulling, shaking, tying up, restraining, hitting with an object, throwing equipment at an athlete such as pucks, sticks, clipboard, having or allowing team members to physically assault another athlete) resulting in injury.

Sexual mistreatment (kissing or holding a young athlete in a sexual manner, touching the athletes sexual body parts, forcing a young athlete to touch another person’s sexual parts, penetrating a young athlete anally or vaginally with objects or fingers, having vaginal or anal or oral intercourse, flashing or exposing your sexual body parts, watching intrusively a young athlete change or shower, speaking or communicating sexually, showing pornographic films, magazines or photographs, objectifying or ridiculing a young athlete’s sexual body parts ).

Inadequate Moral Guidance & Discipline ( Not providing adequate supervision during team functions; hiring strippers or prostitutes; offering pornographic movies to young athletes, hazing).

Emotional mistreatment (attack on child’s self esteem, harassment on the basis of age, race, colour, religion, marital status, disability).

In all cases of the above there is an order which must be followed.
Due to the potential of corruption of evidence, investigations of the above harassment and abuse must be guided first by provincial legislation, next if warranted by the Criminal Code, and finally, by the League’s policies.

The S. H.L. must never attempt to conduct their own investigation of abuse or neglect without first consulting the CAS or Police. The report is turned over to them, immediately. We then wait for them to advise if there is a need for the S.H.L. to conduct an investigation.

146.2 MINOR CATEGORY

The following can be categorized as Minor and can follow the S.H.L. procedure.
Inappropriate jokes or single incidences of unwelcome or patronizing comments, remarks or actions. (congratulatory hug, pat on the behind)
Unacceptable behaviour- profanity, substance abuse.
Coaching Strategy – coaching strategy intended to produce peak performance in an athlete or team (pulling from a game, benching, reduced playing time, shorten the bench)
Constitutional or Technical Issues – (correct procedures not followed, eligibility, player release and registration, certification)
Common Sense – questioning one’s own practices and trusting personal intuition when something doesn’t seem right.
The above is only a guideline.

146 HARASSMENT AND ABUSE COMMITTEE

Minor Category files are turned over to the Discipline Committee for disposition.

The committee should be chaired by a SHL President and should have at least three other people who sit on the committee and review the outstanding files on a monthly basis. The Risk Management Director may be part of the committee but not one of the three.

The Discipline Committee should be allowed the opportunity to informally resolve the issue. The chairman can empower the Risk management Director to mediate some sort of resolution between the parties immediately upon being aware of the situation: or alternatively, the Discipline Committee may recommend some action following the fact finding stage. If the formal resolution or mediation is not possible at these stages, then the complaint should proceed to a formal hearing before the DISCIPLINE COMMITTEE.

The DISCIPLINE COMMITTEE would have the power to hold a formal hearing, render a decision and then apply the Sanctions as decided by the SHL Executive.

147 APPEAL PROCESS

As a final note there should be an appeal process in place also which provides the opportunity for fair review of any sanction.

The scope of the appeal should be limited, based on the written record and heard by the SHL Executive at a meeting of the whole Executive.

The policy should include a statement to the effect that the appeal decision is final and binding .

HARASSMENT, ABUSE & BULLYING

COMPLAINT PROCEDURE

149.a Written reports, complaints, correspondence received.

Risk Management Director

· Records and assigns a file number to complaint.

· Prioritize (Minor/Major).

· Follow applicable notification procedure below. (Major / Minor)

· Facilitate progress.

· Prepare Monthly Status Report.

· Resolve minor disputes informally.

· Refer Technical issues to applicable Director.

· Recommend Rule Changes.

149.b Phone call or Verbal report of Harassment, Abuse or Bullying

made to a Committee member, Convener, Minor Official, Coach, Players/Parent, Public/Spectators.

149.c Complete a Harassment, Abuse, Bullying report form for disclosure and handed to the Risk management Director who will then from #2.

MAJOR COMPLAINTS

D. Risk Management to advise the President

- Review priority of complaints.

- Major Complaints, act immediately.

- Spokesperson for the Association.

- Inform the SHL Executive Committee.

- Contact Police first and then wait for direction.

- If Approval to proceed after consultation with the authorities send complaint to Discipline Committee.

MINOR COMPLAINTS

E. Risk Management Director to advise the Chair of the Discipline Committee

- Chairman of the Discipline Committee to advise 3 Committee members.

- Monthly meetings and report to SHL Committee.

- Confirmation of Complaint letter.

- Appoint a Fact-Finding Team of (2 people).

- Report findings back to the Discipline Committee.

- If evidence warrants Discipline Committee holds a hearing.

- Discipline Committee renders a Decision.

- Decision to be mailed out to all parties.

- Follow-up on Decision.

- Decisions and any Sanctions to be sent to GTHL & OHF.

- Any Appeal of the Committees Decision to be forwarded to the Full SHL Committee for an appeal hearing.

- The SHL Executive decision is final.

”Home of the Derbys”

HARASSMENT, ABUSE & BULLYING DISCLOSURE REPORT

DATE: SHL FILE NO: TEAM:

YOUTH’S NAME: BIRTH DATE: SEX:

ADDRESS: CITY: POSTAL CODE:

PARENT/GUARDIAN’S NAME: PHONE #:

ADDRESS: CITY: POSTAL CODE:

1. ALLEGED OFFENDER: PHONE:

ADDRESS: CITY: POSTAL CODE:

2. ALLEGED OFFENDER: PHONE:

ADDRESS: CITY: POSTAL CODE:

DESCRIBE WHAT THE YOUTH OR WITNESS SAID: (record facts and statements, not interpretations) (attach additional pages and or documents, notes, letters, etc. or use reverse side)

DATE OF OCCURRENCE: LOCATION:

INJURED OF AGGRIEVED PARTY REQUEST:

DESCRIBE THE CONTEXT OF THE DICLOSURE (where it occurred, other people who listened)

PERSON(S) RECEIVING DISCLOSURE:

Print Name: Signature:

Address: City: Postal Code:

Phone #: Position: Date:

Observations:

P. O. Box 90, Streetsville, Ontario, L5M 2B7

Tel: 905-826-2030

www.streetsvillehockey.com

Policy #10-06 ZERO TOLERANCE

It is the policy of the Streetsville Hockey League that there should be a method of protection from abuse and harassment of the leagues Referees and Timekeepers. To that end the “Zero Tolerance” concept was adopted.

The display of any sort of disrespect for officials (Referees or Timekeepers) is simply unacceptable and will not be tolerated.

A Zero Tolerance approach will be taken against players, coaches, parents and spectators that display disrespect towards the referees or Timekeepers. Any verbal abuse or gestures that are designed to intimidate or embarrass an official must be penalized according to the existing rules. Officials do not need to be subject to this type of behaviour.

To curb abuse, the referee will penalize the team official(s) and/or player(s) who through verbal communications or physical gestures, make an obvious attempt to:

· Intimidate an official.

· Challenge the authority or competence of an official.

· Incite abuse or disrespect of any officials by others (players and or other team officials).

· Embarrass an official.

· Make comments or gestures intended to be personal in nature directed at an official.

If this type of behaviour is evident from a Parent/Spectator the Referee is authorized to report that person to the league convener, who may then decide to take steps to identify the person and refer the matter to the SHL Discipline Committee for action.

Policy #10-07 RELEASING PLAYER FROM SUPERVISION

It is the policy of the S.H.L. to have a parent/guardian of an underage player fill out a:

S.H.L. RELEASING CHILDREN FORM at the beginning of each season. Your team manager will provide these forms to you. This form will be kept on file with the team.

Policy #10-08 OFF-SITE-ACTIVITIES and ROAD TRIPS

It is the policy of the S.H.L. to have guidelines that govern off site activities and road trips to protect team officials and team players.

All activities which take place in a facility other than the regular “home” facility should be scheduled in advance with players and parents/guardians given advanced notice.

Off-site activities which fall outside of normal practice/game/training routines should fall under one of the following categories:

Team celebration (e.g. End of Season party)

Sports clinic to acquire/improve specific skills

Sport-related activity (e.g. the team attends a leaf game together)

Guidelines for off-site activities

The team should attempt to organize activities where parents/guardians can be included.

Activities for “players only” should take place in a public facility; activities which take place in a private home must involve the parents/guardians.

Activities should take place in a specific location, with a specific starting and ending time.

Players and parents/guardians should be notified of the nature of the activity, any equipment/clothing/supplies required, and an informal agenda of events.

At activities for under-age players, personnel should not consume alcohol or make alcohol available.

The facility should have adequate toilet and changing facilities if required.

The facility or private home must be safe, properly maintained and adequately supervised depending on the age of the players.

ROAD TRIPS

Before leaving on any road trip, players, team personnel and parents/guardians must devise mutually agreeable ground rules for travel. The following guidelines may be considered, based on the age of the players, personnel to player ratio, destination, and physical or developmental capability of players:

Ideally, team personnel and players should not share accommodations, regardless of the potential cost savings or other benefits. If sharing a room is unavoidable, be sure that the “two deep” rule is observed at all times.

Players of different genders should not share accommodations. Clear boundaries regarding conduct should be defined

Policy #10-09 LATE CAREGIVERS

It is the policy of the S.H.L. to set out procedures on what should be done if a parent/guardian or caregiver is late in picking up a player after a team activity.

Late pick-ups of under-age players can create difficult situations for team personnel. To avoid this type of incident all parents/guardians of under-age Stinger players are required to fill out a S.H.L. RELEASING CHILDREN FORM at the beginning of each season.

(These forms will be provided by your team manager and will be kept on file with the team.)

It is not the team officials’ responsibility to transport players in the event a caregiver becomes detained. To that end the team coaching staff are to work with the Parents/Guardians to develop a mutually satisfactory action plan to ensure that the players are not left waiting after a team activity.

Team coaching staff must provide the parents with a schedule for all practices, games, team social activities, and training sessions for the season and update this schedule in writing as often as necessary.

In the event that a player’s ride is late the following procedure is in place and will be followed by members of the S.H.L. coaching staff.

Team officials DO NOT

· Automatically drive the player to their home, to your home, or to any other location.

· Invite the player to wait in your vehicle with you alone; ensure that there is another person with you.

· Remove the player from the facility.

· Send the child home with another person without the parent’s permission.

Team officials SHOULD

· Attempt to phone the parent/guardian.

· Check your message centre or contact number for information from the late parent.

· Attempt to contact the alternate contact provided by the parent.

· Wait at the facility with the child and, ideally, other personnel, team members or parents. (Remember the two deep method of supervision)

· When the parent arrives, address the issue of late pick-ups immediately and directly.

· If lateness becomes a repeated occurrence, advise the Director Stingers.

· If a caregiver arrives to pick-up a player and is impaired the police must be called immediately.

Procedures for late pick-ups

10-15 minutes: Coaching personnel will check a designated message centre for a message/ instructions from the late parent/guardian. Team personnel will remain at the facility with the child until picked up by the parents or authorized designate.

30 minutes: Team Officials will attempt to reach the parents at their home/work and/or will contact the alternate contact person provided by the parent. Team officials will remain at the facility with the child until the child is picked up by the parent/guardian or alternate contact.

45 minutes: Team officials will contact the local police to inquire if there has been an accident. Team officials will continue to call the alternate contact to attempt to arrange care for the child.

Over 1 hour: The team official will contact the local CAS for instructions and/or advice.

Policy #10-10 PHYSICAL CONTACT

It is the policy of the S.H.L. that all physical contact between the coaching, training staff and players be limited to and for the following purposes:

· To develop sport skills/techniques

· To manage an injury

· To prevent an injury

· To meet the requirements of the sport

COMFORTING AND/OR CONGRATULATING PLAYERS

Comforting and/or congratulating players are an important part of the relationship between coaches and players. Guidelines for this type of touch are:

· Limit touching to “safe” areas, such as hand to shoulder.

· Make your intention to congratulate or comfort clear to the player.

· Get permission from the player before embracing them – remember that personnel are in the position of power.

· Respect a player’s discomfort or rejection of physical contact.

· Be sure that touching occurs when others are present.

· Touch should be appropriate to the development age of the player

Sexual activity is never appropriate for a member of the coaching staff to form a sexual relationship with a younger player – under age of majority and is prohibited.

Policy #10-11 DISCIPLINE

It is the policy of the S.H.L. that all discipline as defined below of players by the coaching staff shall be limited to and for the following purposes:

DISCIPLINE

Discipline may be required on occasion due to inappropriate behaviour of players. Discipline by coaches and all team personnel must be administered appropriately in a controlled manner, mindful of the age and developmental level of the player, with a clear goal of teaching appropriate behaviours. Discipline must not be used impulsively or out of anger, to gain power over players, or to embarrass or humiliate players.

DISCIPLINE IS USED:

· To develop a sense of responsibility for actions

· To instill a respect for others and their property

· To establish and reinforce a value system upon which judgments about ‘right’ and ‘wrong’ can be learned

· To learn to act with consideration rather than impulsiveness

· To establish a pattern of behaviour and attitudes that allows a child to interact with others in a positive way.

· To set reasonable limits where the child or youth learns decision-making and problem solving skills

· To make a child or youth conscious of inherent danger

Fairholm, 1997

Policy #10-12 HAZING

It is the policy of the S.H.L. that all forms of hazing are unacceptable. Any player, team official, executive member, having participated in or condoned any incident of hazing, shall be subject to a suspension of not less than one (1) year.

Policy #10-13

CODE OF ETHICS FOR PLAYERS, COACHES, OFFICIALS, VOLUNTEERS AND PARENTS

1. Treat everyone fairly within the context of his or her activity, regardless

of gender, place of origin, colour, sexual orientation, religion, political belief or economic status.

2. Direct comments or criticism at the performance rather than the person.

3. Consistently display high personal standards and project a favourable

image to Hockey.

Policy #10-14 BRAIN INJURIES AND CONCUSSIONS

Background (as defined by the Brain Association of America and the Canadian Academy of Sport Medicine)

A concussion may be sustained through a variety of mechanisms. A direct blow to the head, blow to the jaw, sudden twisting or shearing force and a sudden deceleration of the head (similar to a “whiplash” – type injury) can all produce concussive signs and symptoms.

Both closed and open head injuries can produce a concussion. A concussion is the most common type of traumatic brain injury.

A concussion is caused when the brain receives trauma from an impact or a sudden momentum or movement change. The blood vessels in the brain may stretch and cranial nerves may be damaged.

A person may or may not experience a brief loss of consciousness (not exceeding 20 minutes). A person may remain conscious; but feel “dazed” or “punch drunk”.

A concussion may or may not show up on a diagnostic imaging test, such as x-rays, CAT Scans and MRIs.

Skull fracture, brain bleeding, or swelling may or may not be present. Therefore, concussion is sometimes defined by exclusion and is considered a complex neurobehavioral syndrome.

A concussion can cause diffuse axonal type injury resulting in permanent or temporary damage.

A blood clot in the brain can occur occasionally and be fatal.

It may take a few months to a few years for a concussion to heal.

S.H.L. Philosophy:

The S.H.L. believes that the participants` safety and health is paramount and should be first and foremost in determining the most appropriate time in which a player may return to play once that individual has suffered a suspected or identified head injury.

S.H.L. Policy:

1) Any player who suffers a SUSPECTED Concussion must stop participation in the hockey activity immediately. If there is doubt as to whether a concussion has occurred, it is to be assumed that it has and that the player’s parents/guardian be encouraged to have the injury properly diagnosed at a hospital ASAP. A hockey activity is defined as any on-ice or off-ice team function involving physical activity.

AND

Any player who is diagnosed by a medical Doctor with any grade of concussion must stop participation in all hockey activities immediately. A hockey activity is defined as any on-ice or off-ice team function involving physical activity.

2) Team Officials are responsible to recommend to the individual’s parent or guardian that they seek medical attention immediately, especially if the injury incurred in any form of hockey participation.

3) The participant is not permitted to return to any hockey activity until a medical Doctor gives written permission.

4) Copies of such documentation MUST be submitted to the GTHL Office prior to the participants return to any hockey activity.

POLICY #10-15 Prohibition on Food and Beverages

Team coaches and divisional conveners are to ENSURE that no one is permitted to bring outside food or drinks into the arena dressings rooms as per GTHL Regulations 13.7 and this SHL Policy.

The Streetsville arena has a snack bar, and beverage facilities in operation before, during and after games, Teams are required to respect any requirement by the arena management that Teams not bring food or drink into the arena. Failure to comply with this requirement will result in suspension of the head coach of the team by the SHL.

After one warning the coach will be suspended for 1 game, second infraction the suspension will be 3 games and any subsequent infractions will result in a discipline hearing.

This practice reduces the snack bar revenues and a directly impacts the SHL ice rates.

IF YOU WANT TO INCREASE PLAYER REGISTRATION RATES KEEP BRINGING OUTSIDE FOOD AND DRINKS INTO THE ARENA.

GTHL Reg.

13.7 Prohibition on Food and Beverages. In arenas that have snack bars, restaurants or other food and beverage facilities in operation before, during and after games, Teams are required to respect any requirement by the arena management that Teams not bring food or drink into the arena. Failure to comply with this requirement may result in suspension of the head coach of the Team by the Board or a Special Committee.

Policy #10-16 GOALTENDING

1. At the time of spring registration (Pre-registration which is for the current SHL players), all existing full-time goalies returning will be noted as such and every effort will be made to ensure they continue to play as full-time goalies in the following year.

2. At the time of summer registration, assuming the divisions and number of teams have been set, it will be determined how many goalie positions are available. These available positions will be filled on a first come first serve basis as follows:

a) First from the existing SHL spring registration roster with players who have indicated a wish to play as a full-time goalie

b) Second from new summer registrations

3. At the time of summer registration, if the divisions and number of teams have not been set, then any potential goalies from 2(a) or signed up goalies from 2(b) will not be guaranteed a spot to play as full-time goalie.

4. Goalies at the Minor Atom Division and above who have played as full-time goaltenders on a team in the SHL will have first consideration to continue to play as full-time goalies for as long as they are in the SHL (i.e. will not have to share the position with a ‘new’ goalie). The primary factors (among several) are:

a) The limited playing time (one game and one practice per week for each team)

b) Goalies who have been playing full-time for one or more years do not typically have the skills to play as regular players and would likely sit on the bench if sharing the goalie position. This contravenes the SHL House League rule of equitable play for all players and also consideration that they have paid full registration fees as other players.

5. In Divisions below the Minor Atom Division, it is expected that players who want to be goalies may share the position and furthermore, it may be beneficial to rotate through all the players for the experience and learning it would bring. In order to avoid the potential of starting the Minor Atom division with more goalies than teams, the following process will be followed:

6. The Novice convener will make an assessment towards the end of the year of the players that have shown an interest to play goalie full time.

7. At time of spring registration, the convener will then ask the players in order of the assessed skill level as a goalie if they would like to continue to play full-time goalie for the following year.

8. If there are more than 4 goalies, the convener will stop at 4 goalies. If there are fewer than 4 goalies, there is no mandate to fill the minimum 4 goalie positions.

9. Due to the changing number of teams per division from year to year, if there are more goalies than the number of teams within a specific division, the convener of the division will consult with the Director of Conveners & other conveners to ensure the goalies may continue to play as full-time goalies.

10. If all else fails to be able to place the existing returning goalies as full-time goalies on a team, then a lottery will be held between the existing goalies within a division that are available to play for the number of teams in the division.

Policy #10-17 Players’ Bill of Rights

All children participating in the hockey programs of the Streetsville Hockey League enjoy the following rights and are entitled to the protection of these rights.

SPORTSMANSHIP: You have the right to participate in a program in which sportsmanship, honesty and integrity are the cornerstones.

RESPECT: You have the right to the respect of your coaches, your team-mates, the coaches and players of the opposing team, the referees and spectators and each of them has the right to expect the same of you.

PARTICIPATION: You have the right to participate fully and equitably in the activities of your team.

SKILL DEVELOPMENT: You have the right to learn about your sport and develop your skills to the maximum of your potential.

FREEDOM FROM ABUSE: You have the right to say no to physical contact or interaction with any member of the coaching staff or any other person in a position of authority or influence.

FREEDOM FROM BULLYING: You have the right to participate fully in the activities of your team free from harassment and bullying in all its forms.

FREE SPEECH: You have the right to speak freely without fear of recrimination.

FAIR TREATMENT: You have the right to be treated fairly and with impartiality.

FUN: You have the right to have fun. Hockey is about fun and we all have a right to share in it.

Policy 12-01 REGISTRATION FEE SCHEDULE

The SHL will set the player registration fees for the upcoming season no later than Feb.28 of the current Season, the fees should cover the operating costs of the SHL minus sponsorship and additional VJ funding.

Type of Personal Information	Purpose of Collecting
A participant’s name, gender, place of residence and date of birth.	To determine that the participant’s geographical, division and level of play information are consistent with SHL, GTHL, OHF and Hockey Canada regulations.
Historical information concerning past teams played for.	To determine if any Hockey Canada transfer regulations apply.
A participant’s skill and development level and feedback on programs, honours and awards received.	To measure the success of our programs and maintain governance.
A participant’s parents (if applicable); name, address, telephone number(s), email addresses and fax.	To facilitate emergency contact information and to ensure compliance with Hockey Canada residency regulations.
Educational information	To ensure all GTHL and Hockey Canada residency regulations have been adhered to.
E-mail addresses and fax	To facilitate membership communication.
Skill levels, ability, emergency contacts and health concerns	To ensure our activities are carried out in a safe and secure environment.
Resumes	To identify potential future employment candidates.
Registration information	To conduct research studies including but not necessarily limited to hockey demographic type research. To be made available to related organizations, Branches, associations, leagues and/or third party service providers.
Appeal Information	To administer appeals and any related proceedings, and the Rules, Regulations and By Laws of the SHL, GTHL, OHF and Hockey Canada.

POLICY #12-02 (SHL) PRIVACY POLICY

BACKGROUND

The Streetsville Hockey League (“SHL”), is an independent House League playing in Mississauga affiliated to the Greater Toronto Hockey League.

The SHL Programming involves making all arrangements for amateur hockey, teams and games including selection and training of coaches and referees, deciding which players may participate at which level, and establishing appropriate rules and regulations for SHL. As a result the programming, information is collected by the SHL or its aforementioned partners, for the purposes of determining if transfer regulations may apply, monitoring scouting, gauging the success of certain programs in order to improve upon them, facilitating emergency contact, providing educational opportunities and/or career opportunities, researching and facilitating electronic updates/contacts.

PURPOSE OF THIS POLICY

The SHL has developed this Privacy Policy for implementation beginning January 1, 2012. This Policy describes the way in which the SHL collects, uses, retains, safeguards, discloses and disposes of the personal information of prospective members, members, and others including players, parents, trainers, coaches, referees, managers, volunteers and employees.

This Policy describes the way that the SHL will, subject to applicable legal requirements, adhere to all relevant federal and provincial legislative privacy requirements. The Policy follows the 10 Canadian Standards Association (CSA) principles identified in the federal Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA). The Policy describes each principle and the method of implementing each. The SHL will strive to meet or exceed federal and provincial legislative requirements and will ensure that it remains current with changing technologies and laws. Any changes will immediately be posted to the SHL web site (www.streetsvillehockey.com).

1. Accountability

1.1 The SHL shall designate the President and Programs Manager as the Privacy Officer(s) for the SHL and they are jointly accountable to the Board of Directors for compliance with this Policy. The Privacy Officer(s) will be responsible for the SHL’s compliance with PIPEDA privacy principles and for responding to access requests in accordance with this Policy.

1.2 The name(s) of the individual(s) listed as the SHL Privacy Officer(s) shall be made available upon request or by visiting the SHL website. In the case where neither of these individuals is available upon request, a delegate may act on their behalf.

1.3 The SHL’s Privacy Officer(s) will ensure that the SHL is accountable for all personal information in its possession including that which may be transferred to a third party. Third party organizations who handle information on behalf of the SHL shall be contractually obligated to adhere to the standards of the SHL Privacy Policy.

1.4 The SHL will implement internal policies which will facilitate adherence to the Privacy Policies including but not limited to the following:

Security measures at all levels designed to protect personal information in its possession.

Procedures designed to respond to complaints and/or inquiries

Staff training in all facets of information management, including awareness of the SHL’s Privacy Policy and subsequent policies and procedures developed in accordance with the Policy.

2. Identifying Purposes

2.1 The SHL shall only collect information necessary to conduct hockey programming. Access to our Privacy Policies and procedures will be readily available. Similarly, the process by which challenges may be made to the SHL’s compliance and/or adherence to the legislation in question shall be readily available.

2.2 The SHL collects personal information for the purpose of providing hockey programming, which endeavors to meet the individual needs of each participant.

2.3 The SHL recognizes that hockey by its nature is a contact sport and injuries are to a certain extent, inherent in the game. Medical records, medical history and medical forms of the individual may be of assistance in an emergency situation and as such may be requested. While participants are under no obligation whatsoever to supply this information and may refuse to do so without penalty, the SHL will consider receipt of this information as consent for its subsequent use in an emergency medical situation.

2.4 The SHL will request individual permission for the use of any data collected, which is

extraneous to that which has been identified above, unless said usage is authorized by law.

2.5 The information will be collected via an oral and/or written agreement to allow the individual submitting information an opportunity to opt-out of the use of personal information for third parties.

2.6 All information is kept for the duration of seven years or as long as required to fulfill the purposes identified, unless permission is obtained from the member providing the information to hold it for a different length of time.

2.7 The SHL will endeavour through its Area to advise potential registration candidates of the purpose for the collection of their data at the time of registration. This information will be made available by reference to the SHL website. The SHL will further endeavour to ensure that all collectors of the personal information are familiar with the potential use of the data. Any other purpose of collection will be stated at time of collection.

2.8 All data collected by the SHL shall be maintained in the SHL office, the GTHL office,

OHF office or the office of Hockey Canada. All such offices are listed on the SHL web site.

2.9 The SHL may also use information about user access to secure areas of the SHL website. Information you are asked to provide during your use of the SHL web site may include your name, address, e-mail address, age, sex and will be treated within the same parameters as other personal information collected by Hockey Canada through other means. It will always remain your choice to provide information in certain fields.

3. Consent

3.1 The SHL will use the personal information for the uses specified in section 2.

3.2 All members of the SHL have the ability to consent to the use of their personal information on a yearly basis. A member of the SHL agrees that the act of registering constitutes implied consent to such use of their personal information by the SHL, the GTHL, the OHF and Hockey Canada.

3.3 Beginning with the 2004-2005 season registration, members will have the opportunity to choose whether information other than name, address, birth date, and information concerning registration, discipline, and honours and awards received may be kept for a longer period than otherwise mentioned.

3.4 If at anytime you wish to withdraw your consent to the use of your information for any purposes, you may do so by contacting the SHL Privacy Officer(s) at any time, subject to legal or contractual restrictions and by providing reasonable written notice. Previous consent will be removed from the SHL database upon receipt of a written request and that request will be communicated to the OHF and Hockey Canada within 10 business days.

3.5 The SHL may collect personal information without consent where reasonable to do so and where permitted by law.

4. Limiting Collection

4.1 The SHL shall only collect personal information in a fair and lawful manner as set

forth in this Privacy Policy.

4.2 The SHL shall not indiscriminately collect information. The amount and type of information collected shall be limited to that which is required to fulfill its identified purposes.

4.3 The SHL will not use any form of deception in gaining personal information from its members.

5. Limiting Use, Disclosure and Retention

5.1 The SHL, the GTHL, the OHF and Hockey Canada shall limit the use of personal information collected to purposes that are listed in Section 2.2 (Identifying Purposes) and 3.2 (Consent) and will not disclose the information for other purposes except as requested and permitted by applicable law.

5.2 Prior to enlisting the services of third party organizations, the SHL will contractually commit those parties to treat your personal information in a manner consistent with this Privacy Policy.

5.3 The SHL may disclose your personal information to a government authority that has asserted its lawful authority to obtain the information or where the association has reasonable grounds to believe the information could be useful in the investigation of an unlawful activity, or to comply with a subpoena or warrant or an order made by the court, person, or body with jurisdiction to compel the production of the information or otherwise as permitted by applicable law.

5.4 The SHL may at its discretion release personal information for the purposes of collecting debts which may be owed to the GTHL, or OHF.

5.5 The SHL shall retain documents concerning registration, performance activities, discipline, events and honours and awards received for specific periods of time dependant upon necessity or destroyed accordingly when it is deemed appropriate. More specifically:

a) Registration data will be retained for a three year period after an individual has left the SHL programs in case that individual chooses to return to the SHL programs after leaving; and

b) Parental/Family information will be maintained for a similar three year

period after a member has left our programs.

5.6 Other personal information will be retained by the SHL for regulated timeframes as requested by legislation governing its operation and/or the information provided, after which time (unless consent is given to keep information for a longer period) the information will be destroyed in a secure manner.

5.7 If there is no legislative requirement to retain other information it will be kept for a minimum of 24 months from the time it was provided.

6. Accuracy

6.1 The SHL shall strive to ensure to the extent that it can, that the information entrusted to it is maintained in an accurate manner. Members will have the ability to view and review data provided on their application for membership at any time through the Hockey Canada HMS system or the SHL Registration System. The SHL shall attempt to maintain the privacy interests of the individual and attempt to ensure that decisions are not made for or about an individual based on personal information that may be flawed.

6.2 The SHL shall only update information if a request is made in writing.

7. Safeguards

7.1 Security safeguards will be implemented to ensure your personal information is

protected from theft as well as unauthorized use or access, disclosure, copying, or

modification thereof.

7.2 All information collected by the SHL (as per 2.2) will be considered highly sensitive. As such, a high level of security will be practiced at all times.

7.3 Methods of protection and safeguards to be employed shall include but in no way be

necessarily limited to locked files, offices and storage areas, security clearances and need to know access as well as technological measures such as passwords and encryption.

7.4 These measures will be subject to yearly reviews by the SHL and its Privacy Officer(s) to ensure the best methods possible are being utilized to maximize effectiveness.

8. Openness

8.1 The SHL publicly discloses the methods by which personal information is handled. This information is readily available through its Privacy Policy, on its website or upon request by contacting the SHL Privacy Officer(s).

8.2 The information available includes:

- The name address and phone number of the SHL Privacy Officer;

- The forms (attached) to access your information or change your information; and

- A description of the type of personal information and our general uses thereof (review chart in section 2.2 for more details).

8.3 If any participant shall have a question regarding the personal information collected, the investigation may be initiated to the SHL Privacy Officer(s), then directly to the SHL.

9. Individual Access

9.1 Subject to applicable legislation, upon request by the individual concerned the SHL shall disclose whether or not it actually holds personal information on an individual. The SHL shall disclose the source of this information when requested and provide an account of third parties to whom the information may have been disclosed.

9.2 The SHL may request sufficient information to confirm your identity before releasing your personal information to you.

9.3 Subject to applicable legislation, the SHL shall endeavour to provide this information within 30 days of receipt of the request for information and only charge nominal fees for the purpose of satisfying its expenses incurred in the supply of requested information. This information shall be provided in an understandable format.

9.4 A member may challenge the accuracy and completeness of the information through written request and any inaccurate information which may be so validated, shall be corrected and any third parties shall be notified of the corrections as per 3.4 (Consent).

10. Challenging Compliance

10.1 The SHL has established a set of procedures for the resolution of grievances in the administration of its Privacy Policy.

10.2 Prospective members and staff may challenge the SHL’s compliance with this Policy by contacting the SHL Privacy Officer(s) or/and Privacy Officer(s) responsible for their geographic area. Upon receipt of a complaint the SHL shall make available the complaint procedures which will be simple and easy to access.

10.3 The SHL shall investigate all complaints made to it. If the complaint is deemed justified, the SHL shall take the appropriate steps to ensure that compliance is achieved and will make changes to its policies to allow for compliance in the future.

10.4 All complaints shall be addressed to the SHL Privacy Officer(s). SHL policies and procedures must be adhered to in order to have the challenge dealt with in an appropriate and timely fashion.

Privacy Statement: The information requested on this form is required by the Streetsville Hockey League (SHL) (their executives, employees, coaches and volunteers) for the purpose of rules and regulations administration by the SHL including notification of any events or other activities. In order to do so, the SHL the GTHL, and Hockey Canada may, if required request proof of a player’s identity, address and date of birth.

OPT-OUT PROVISION

I acknowledge and understand that, for the purposes of offering additional products and services that may be of interest to the participant or the participant’s family, the SHL may use or disclose the participant’s name and address collected on this form to third parties. As the above-mentioned participant, or the participant’s legal guardian, if you do not wish that information used or disclosed for the purpose of offering you such additional products and services, please check here: ____

Privacy Statement for Documents other than Registration Cards: The Streetsville Hockey League (SHL) is committed to respecting and protecting the privacy of our individual members, their families and our employees. The information collected on this form will be used for the sole purpose of administering the Rules, Regulations and By Laws of the SHL and/or for the purpose of registering the individual in the program for which they have enrolled and may be used to provide them with the information necessary for participation.

Privacy Statement for Appeal Documents

The Streetsville Hockey League (SHL) is committed to respecting and protecting the privacy of our individual members, their families and our employees. The personal information collected on this form and on any documents collected by the SHL with respect to this Appeal and any related proceeding will be used for the sole purpose of administering this Appeal, any related proceedings, and the Rules, Regulations and By-laws of the SHL, the GTHL, the OHF and Hockey Canada. Any such documents containing personal information will, upon request, be returned to the party submitting them when no longer needed for those purposes.

Policy 15-01 REGISTRATION FEE DUE DATE:

The player registration fee shall be paid in full prior to the start date of the season.

A player who has made special arrangements with the programs manager will be allowed to play as long as the arranged payment schedule is kept up to date.

These special arrangements must be paid in full by November 30^th of the current season

A Player who has not paid the SHL registration fee 14 days after the due date will become ineligible to participate until the payment is made.

If a payment date is missed, the player has until the 14^th, day of the month to make the payment. If the payment has not been received by that day then the player will be ineligible to participate beginning on the 15^thday of the month until such time as payment is made.

If the payment is still outstanding by the end of March the player will be identified to the GTHL and a request to suspend the player indefinitely will be made as per section 7.22 (b) of the GTHL rules.

GTHL Rules

7.22 - Outstanding Equipment and Registration Fees

(a) Players accepting equipment from any Club must return same upon request. Any player failing to return a Club’s equipment shall be indefinitely suspended until such time as said equipment is returned to the Club. Any player failing to return a Club’s equipment within 14 days from the mailing of such request shall, in addition, be further suspended one week of regular league play for every week the equipment has not been returned in good condition after such request is made. Such requests must be made in writing to the player, quoting Rule 7.22 in its entirety, with a copy of such letter being forwarded to the League Office and such requests shall be considered sufficiently completed if mailed to the player’s last known address. Failure on the part of the Club to notify the League Office of the date of return of the equipment shall invalidate any suspension accumulated pursuant to Rule 7.22 and shall result in an automatic fine to the Club of $50.

(b) Any player who owes money (whether in respect of registration fees, Team dues or fund raising obligations) to a Club or any Team of that Club will not be eligible to have the player’s Registration Certificate registered with another Club for the following Season until such money has been paid, provided that the Club to which the money is owing has delivered a notice in writing, together with a statement of the monies owing, to the League Office on or before March 31 of the Season in which the failure to pay money has occurred. The League Office will promptly send a copy of the notice and statement of monies owing to the player at the player’s registered address. The statement of monies owing provided by the Club shall include the amount of money that the Club states has been paid by or on behalf of the player and the amount of money that the Club states remains owing by the player. Any player who wishes to dispute that any money is owing to the Club, or any Team of the Club, or who feels aggrieved by the Club’s claim of money owing shall be entitled to a hearing. If the notice required by this Rule is not delivered to the League on or before the end of a Season, the League Office will not, for that reason alone, refuse to register the Registration Certificate of the player for the following Season.

Policy #16-01 Discipline Committee Emphasis Policies

Aggressive Play Policy

This Policy is intended to support the rules emphasis policy of Hockey Canada with a goal of reducing aggressive play that can lead to the incidence of concussions and other injuries. Hockey Canada has directed its officials to provide emphasis to the enforcement of checking from behind (“CFB”), checking to the head (“CTH”) and high sticking (“HS”) penalties. This SHL Policy is intended to emphasize that the Committee of the SHL believes that intimidation is not a tactic that belongs in minor hockey.

The purpose of this Policy is to draw attention to dangerous or reckless on-ice behaviour and to modify that behaviour through education so that supplementary discipline is not necessary. This Policy is directed at both players and Team Officials.

The Aggressive Play Policy of the SHL applies to the following penalties: GM50, 51, 53, 54, 55, 57, 58, 59, 71, 73, 74, 75, 76 and 77.

Any player who incurs THREE (3) Aggressive Play Penalties shall be indefinitely suspended pending a hearing with the SHL Discipline Committee. The purpose of the appearance before the Committee will be to review with the player the circumstances relating to the penalties and to discuss with the player the concern that these penalties raise in terms of aggressive or reckless play. The Committee will also decide when/if the player can return to play.

The player’s Head Coach will also be required to appear with the player. The Head Coach will be asked to explain what steps he or she has taken, both with the team and with this player, to reduce the incidence of Aggressive Play.

A team receiving SIX (6) total Aggressive Play suspensions will result in a 2 game suspension to the Head Coach of the respective team.

Fighting Policy

Fighting has no place in minor hockey and is to be discouraged at all times by team officials.

The Fighting Policy of the SHL applies to the following penalties: GM30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 36, 37 and 39.

Any player who incurs THREE (3) Fighting penalties during a Season shall be indefinitely suspended pending a hearing before the SHL Discipline Committee.

A team that receives SIX (6) total Fighting suspensions will result in a 2-game suspension to the Head Coach of the respective team.

Match Penalty Policy

Match Penalties are reserved by Hockey Canada for the severest infractions, such as any deliberate attempt to injure, spitting, kicking, threatening any game official or physically assaulting any game official. It is expected that players and team officials will exercise restraint at all times to avoid being assessed such a penalty.

For the purposes of this Policy, “Match Penalty” means any of those listed under OHF Minimum Suspension Guidelines (being MP 24, 25, 29, 38, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 57, 58, 59, 52 and 71).

Any player or team official who receives a Match Penalty will be required to appear before the Discipline Committee. The purpose of the appearance before the Discipline Committee will be for the members of the Discipline Committee to review with the player or team official the circumstances relating to the penalty and to discuss the concern that this type of penalty raises. To the extent that the circumstances relating to the Match Penalty incurred by the player or team official warrant, in the opinion of the Discipline Committee, supplementary discipline by way of suspension, the Discipline Committee shall be entitled to impose an additional suspension of at least three games above and beyond any mandatory suspensions served prior to the date of the hearing as a result of the Match Penalty assessed.

DISPUTING CALL OF OFFICIALS:

GM20, Disputing Call of Official

GM21, Disputing Call of Official: Verbal Abuse of Game Official

Summary:

6 total team “Aggressive Play” suspensions will result in a 2-game suspension to the Head Coach (Includes all GM50, 51, 53, 54, 55, 57, 58, 59, 71, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77)

3 total Aggressive Play suspensions (as defined above) for any participant will result in an indefinite suspension pending an SHL Discipline Hearing.

6 total team Fighting occurrences will result in an automatic 2-game suspension to the Head Coach (Includes all GM30, 31, 32 33, 34, 36, 37 or 39)

6 total team GM20/GM21 suspensions will result in a 2-game suspension to the Head Coach

The Aggressive Play Policy of the SHL applies to the following penalties:

GM48, Elbowing/Kneeing (Major + Game Misconduct)

GM50, Checking from Behind (Minor + Game Misconduct)

GM51, Checking from Behind (Major + Game Misconduct)

GM53, High Sticking (Major + Game Misconduct)

GM54, Cross Checking (Major + Game Misconduct)

GM55, Slashing (Major + Game Misconduct)

GM57, Boarding (Major + Game Misconduct)

GM58, Body Checking (Major + Game Misconduct)

GM59, Charging (Major + Game Misconduct)

GM71, Head Contact (Major + Game Misconduct)

GM73, Slew footing/Tripping) (Major + Game Misconduct)

GM74, Interference (Major + Game Misconduct)

GM75, Holding (Major + Game Misconduct)

GM76, Hooking (Major + Game Misconduct)

GM77. Roughing (Major + Game Misconduct)

The Fighting Policy of the SHL applies to the following penalties:

GM30, Fighting

GM31, Second Fight Same Stoppage of Play

GM32, Player(s) 2^nd, 3^rd, 4^th, Man into Fight

GM33, Leaving the Players’ or Penalty Bench During a Fight

GM34, Leaving the Penalty Box to Start a Fight

GM36, Instigator (Minor + Game Misconduct)

GM37, Aggressor (Minor + Game Misconduct)

GM39. Hair pulling, Grab Face Mask/Helmet/Chin Strap (Major + Game Misconduct)

For the purposes of this Policy, “Match Penalty” means any of those listed under GTHL Minimum Suspension Guidelines:

MP24, Threatening an Official MP45, Kicking

MP25, Physical Abuse of an Official MP46, Spearing

MP29, Spitting MP47, Head Butting

MP38, Fighting with Ring or Tape on Hands MP48, Kneeing

MP40, Attempt to Injure MP58, Body Checking

MP41, Deliberate Injury MP59, Charging

MP42, Butt Ending MP52, Checking from Behind

MP43, Grabbing Face Mask / Helmet/ Chin Strap MP71, Head Contact

MP44, Hair Pulling MP57, Boarding

SHL POLICY #19-01 GOALIE & PLAYER EQUIPMENT

Obtaining goalie equipment should not be a barrier for someone who wishes to try being a goalie. Instead of renting or buying goalie equipment, SHL loans goalie equipment (see attached list) to any Streetsville House League goalie at no cost (IP to Midget).

Once you are convinced that goaltending is for you then you can purchase your own equipment.

Equipment

a) All players are required to provide and wear full hockey equipment in accordance with HC, OHF and GTHL regulations.

b) Team Officials must advise players and/or parents of players of any improper fitting or illegal equipment. Any player not suitably outfitted will not be allowed on the ice.

c) All on-ice team officials are required to wear appropriate equipment in accordance with HC, OHF and GTHL Regulations.

Goalie Equipment (in Season Oct.-Apr)

a) SHL shall make available goaltending equipment for loan to all House-League divisions up to and including Midget.

b) Equipment must be requested and signed out through the SHL office and must be returned upon completion of the current season.

c) Goalie Equipment loan form must be filled out and will require Credit Card number to ensure the equipment is returned in good repair.

d) The amount will not exceed $500.00 for damaged, lost or unreturned goalie equipment.

e) The SHL goalie equipment is intended for on-ice use only. Any evidence to suggest use of equipment outside the intended purpose shall result in forfeit of deposit.

f) Unreturned equipment will result in the forfeit of deposit.

SHL GOALIE EQUIPMENT LIST

SUPPLIED BY THE SHL

1. B.N.Q. Neck Guard or Dangler

2. Shoulder/Arm/Chest Protector

3. Catching Glove

4. Blocker

5. Goalie Leg Pads

6. Goalie Stick

7. Equipment Bag

RECOMMENDED BUT NOT SUPPLIED BY THE SHL

1. C.A.S. Helmet with Cage - (Mandatory)

2. Goalie Skates - (Recommended)

3. Goalie Pants - (Recommended)

4. Goalie Jock strap/Jill strap - (Recommended)

5. Knee pads - (Recommended)

SHL Policies (Streetsville Hockey League)

S.H.L. POLICY NUMBERS

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SHL CODE OF CONDUCT

INTRODUCTION

1. POLICY STATEMENTS

4. DEFINITIONS

4.1 GTHL Member Association

4.2 Legislation

4.3 Adult

4.4 Bullying

4.5 Harassment

4.6 Abuse

4.6.1 Emotional Abuse

4.6.2 Physical Abuse

4.6.3 Neglect

4.6.4 Sexual Abuse

4.6.4.1 Contact

4.6.4.2 Non-Contact

Duty to Report

4.7 Hazing

4.8 Misconduct

4.9 Complaint

4.10 SHL Personnel

4.11 Billet

5. RECEIVING A COMPLAINT

6. COMPLAINT ADMINISTRATION

7. INVESTIGATION

8. INVESTIGATION DECISIONS

11. APPEALS

APPENDIX A – SHL COMPLAINT INTAKE FORM

DEFINITIONS

Bullying

Harassment

Abuse

Emotional Abuse

Physical Abuse

Neglect

Sexual Abuse

Hazing

Misconduct

SHL CODE OF CONDUCT

APPENDIX B – ON-ICE OFFICIALS

SUPERVISORS

ASSIGNORS

PEERS

DRESSING ROOMS/OFFICES

DISCIPLINE

DUTY TO REPORT

APPENDIX C – LINKS TO RESOURCES

144. RECEIVING A COMPLAINT

MAJOR COMPLAINTS

MINOR COMPLAINTS

Tel: 905-826-2030

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