Maltreatment, Bullying & Harassment

Hockey Alberta is committed to contributing to the physical, psychological, social and spiritual health of individuals of varying abilities, backgrounds and interests. Hockey Alberta firmly believes that only when sport environments are safe and inclusive can these values be realized. Participants in Hockey Alberta sanctioned programming should have the reasonable expectation that it will be in an environment that is accessible, inclusive and free from all forms of Maltreatment, Bullying and Harassment.

All forms of Maltreatment have been brought under Section 11 of the Hockey Canada Playing Rules.

The purpose of Section 11 is to:

• Establish principles and guidelines, as well as appropriate responses to instances of Maltreatment, Bullying and Harassment.
• Promote a commitment to eliminating Maltreatment, Bullying and Harassment for all participants through education, awareness and prevention.
• Provide direction on establishing principles and guidelines as well as appropriate responses to instances of Maltreatment, Bullying and Harassment.
• Provide a safe environment for participants in any sanctioned program.

A new national reporting system has been implemented to eradicate discrimination of all forms from the game. The Playing Rules and system includes, but is not limited to, discrimination based on race, ethnic origin, skin colour, religion, age, sexual orientation, gender identity and disability.

Incidents of Maltreatment that occur on or off-ice may be reported. Certain infractions also include an indefinite suspension pending a hearing, as well as mandatory hearings for repeat offenders. Incidents may be reported by the official or through the Independent Safe Sport Complaint Process.

Hockey Alberta is committed to ensuring an investigation of all reports of Maltreatment, Bullying or Harassment involving participants takes place.