Issue link: http://read.uberflip.com/i/564866
STARRINKS.COM SEPTEMBER.OCTOBER.2015 / 45 O ver the years USA Hockey has compiled an impressive track record when it comes to making the game safer for all participants. From establishing the Heads Up, Don't Duck program to creating the Hockey Equipment Certification Council to implementing rules that require coaches to wear helmets, USA Hockey has taken great strides to pro- tect its members on the ice. But what about creating a safe envi- ronment off the ice, in locker rooms, on team trips and away from the rink? USA Hockey has always put systems in place to protect its participants from vari- ous forms of abuse and misconduct that can be harmful to youth hockey players. And that philosophy is stronger, with the adoption of the SafeSport program, which is intended to bring all of USA Hockey's policies under one comprehensive umbrella to protect participants. These policies include dealing with various forms of abuse, from sexual, physical and emotional to bullying, threats and hazing, the new policies address areas where misconduct can occur and are intended to reduce the risk of potential abuse, including a lock- er room policy, travel policies, and situ- ations surrounding the ever-expanding growth of social media and electronic communications. , USA Hockey continues to keep players safe on and off the ice with SafeSport Program "IT'S PART OF BRINGING SYNERGY TO TRYING TO GET EVERYBODY TO DO THE SAME THINGS, TRYING TO LOOK AT THE OVERALL GOOD OF WHAT WE CAN DO FOR KIDS TO HELP GROW THE GAME." –Dennis Green, Minnesota Hockey Administrator , Continued on page 47 Responding to Reports of Abuse Reporting of Concerns of Abuse Policies Prohibiting Abuse & Managing Hockey Environments Education and Awareness Training Screening of Staff and Volunteers Monitoring and Supervision of SafeSport Program SafeSport