USA Hockey

U S A H O C K E Y PA R E N T H A N D B O O K 3 T he safety of its players is USA Hockey's top priority. This includes not only on-ice safety, but also off-ice safety. USA Hockey works with leading organizations, including the USOC, to develop policies and programs that protect our participants and create an environment safe from misconduct. O N T H E I C E USA Hockey has a strict standard of rules enforcement, allowing for improved skill development and a positive environment for all participants. This standard results in an emphasis on skating, puck possession and the proper use of body contact. This standard is diligently reviewed and also includes equipment policies. USA Hockey has long been a leader in the effort to enhance player safety, spearheading numerous initiatives aimed at providing the safest possible environment. Those initiatives include the Heads-Up, Don't Duck campaign, which educates participants on techniques for reducing neck and spinal injuries, and an extensive concussion education program developed in partnership with leading doctors and medical experts. O F F T H E I C E USA Hockey has zero tolerance for misconduct and abuse. Our off-ice safety efforts are included within the SafeSport Program, which includes strict policies aimed at protecting participants from all types of misconduct. The SafeSport Program also includes a streamlined and neutral process for reporting alleged inappropriate behavior. S T A Y I N G S A F E About SafeSport: SafeSport includes policies prohibiting sexual, physical and emotional abuse, hazing, bullying and threats. These policies also specifically address areas such as locker rooms, online and social media, team travel and host families. SafeSport also encompasses education and awareness training, a screening and background check program, reporting- of-concerns protocol, responses to abuse and other misconduct, and continued monitoring of the SafeSport Program. All coaches, officials (age 18 and over) and other employees and volunteers who have regular, routine or frequent access to or supervision over minor participants are required to complete SafeSport training and a background screen before their participation. A USA Hockey member or parent of any member who violates any of the SafeSport policies may be denied eligibility within any USA Hockey program and is subject to appropriate disciplinary action including but not limited to suspension, permanent suspension, and/or referral to law enforcement authorities. CREATING A SAFE ENVIRONMENT 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

• Cover